William F. Gross

Michael J. Banos,

Of Penn Hills, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 22nd, 2020.  He was born January 31st, 1956 to the late Leslie and Georgine Banos.  He is survived by his daughter, Kira; ex-wife, Suzie; four siblings, Rob, Ed, Krissy, and Karen; and his beloved cat, Sally.

Michael spent most of his career working in videography at his shop, Cine-Photo.  He also freelanced as a photographer for several area bands and worked at his second home, Excuses Bar and Grill, for many years.

Mikey, to his friends, was a skeptic and a cynic that always made you think; opinionated, but never forced it on others.  He had a sublimely dry humor that was often unappreciated.  Though not bestowed with riches, he was generous to those close to him with time, attention, and a wide shoulder.  Proud and stubborn to a fault, he seldom asked for or accepted help.

He was a curious mind always looking to expand his trivia base.  He was a lover of animals, almost never without a furry companion in his home.  His love of eclectic music, old movies, animation from modern and past times, history of the world, and all things art carried into his equally informative and intellectual conversations.  In his spare time, he loved gardening and watching any Pittsburgh sports team play.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations be made to PBS or Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh.  Please check the Excuses website http://excusesbarandgrill.com or their Facebook page for a celebration of life announcement forthcoming.

Mary Kerestory

Born June 24, 1949, to the late Lawrence and Lucy Kerestory, passed away November 17, 2020. Mother of Eric (Jennifer) Irwin, and Daren (Brandon) Busch; sister of Lucy Taszarek; grandmother of Addison Busch, Owen Busch, and Emmett Irwin; also survived by many friends and cousins. A special thank you to Mary’s caregiver, Carolyn Karelis. A blessing service will be held at Penn Forest Natural Burial Park located at 121 Colorado Street, Verona, PA 15147 on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 1 pm. We will be adhering to COVID -19 Guidelines.

Joseph A. LaMarca

Age 85, of Plum, formerly of Homewood-Brushton passed away Thursday, November 19, 2020. Joe was born in Pittsburgh Hospital. He is a graduate of Westinghouse High School and a proud Army Veteran Serving with the 1^st division, 13^th Tank Battalion. During his life he was the owner of J.A. LaMarca Corporation for 20 years, worked for Lexus of North Hills for 23 years and after retirement worked for Sam’s club for 5 years. He was a long-time member of Churchill Valley Country Club. Beloved husband of 40 years to Bernie; father of Gina (Vince) Pascoe, Jeannine (DJ) Cavanaugh, Michelle (Tom) Whitesel, Joseph (Linda) LaMarca and Steve Gallippi; grandfather of nine, great-grandfather of three; brother of the late Lou LaMarca.

Friends received at William F. Gross Funeral Home 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Monday, November 23, 2020 from 10 a.m. until funeral prayers at 12:15 p.m. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. at Holy Family Parish Saint Irenaeus Church. We will be following COVID-19 State guidelines.

Albert George Vogel Jr.

Age 85, long time resident of Bloomfield, passed away Monday, November 16, 2020 at the VA Hospital in Oakland after battling a long illness. Son of the late Albert G. Vogel and Frances E. Vogel (Hoffmann); brother of Lavern (the late Joseph) Hauck, Lawrence P. (the late Carolyn) Vogel, and the late Frances Shine, and John J. Vogel (surviving Dolly); also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. No services due to COVID-19.