Margaret (Peggy) Merhaut
Age 94, of Penn Hills, died peacefully December 15, 2020 after a lengthy and progressive decline due to Alzheimer’s Disease. She received excellent care at The Elms at Amber Woods in Harmarville and by Heartland Hospice. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, John (Jack) Merhaut; her parents, Margaret and Florian Lutz; and her brother, Charles Lutz.
After graduating from Mt. Alvernia High School in Millvale, Peggy married and raised a family. She did not immediately attend college but profoundly valued education and vowed that all five of her daughters would have the opportunity to pursue an advanced degree.
When her daughters were grown and educated, Peggy obtained a degree in social work and graduated with great distinction from the University of Pittsburgh.
Peggy had a caring heart, a curious mind and a rapier wit. She will be missed. She is survived by daughters Karen (Richard) Ciesielczyk, Susan (Albert Abdool) Merhaut, Wendy (Tom) Kastelic, Meghan (Bill) Young, and Jackie (Bruce Goldhagen) Merhaut; grandchildren Matthew (Tyra) Ciesielczyk, Aisha and Zita Collins, Caitlin (Justin) Wetherstein, Sarah (Nick Costa) and Samuel Kastelic, Seth (Kellee Kovach) and Adam (Amelia Spangler) Young, and Ryan Dustevich (Morgan Ritchie); great-grandchildren Jackson Ciesielczyk; Isabella Cline, and Anya, Jada and Aura Collins; and brother- and sister-in-law Larry and Patsy Merhaut, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A private interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Penn Hills will be scheduled at a later date.
Memorials or donations may be made to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Peg’s Pride team.
https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2020/PA-GreaterPennsylvania?team_id=659877&pg=team&fr_id=13810.
Candace “Candy” M. West
Age 64, passed away Monday, December 14, 2020. Beloved wife of Darrell A. West; loving mother of Talaya West and Darrell A. West Jr.; grandmother of Alaysia West, Avrianna West, and Kevin Cottrill Jr; sister of Joseph, Darrell, Dale, Chad, Gary, and Nichelle Lee; sister in-law of Margaret, Darlene, Melanie, Harold and Eileen. She was a very religious woman and had a deep love for her family. She will be dearly missed.
No service will be held. Arrangements by William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd.
James D. Mayer
Born September 19, 1922, of Penn Hills, and formerly of Park Place, passed away on Sunday, December 13, 2020. Husband of the late Evelyn (Mancen) Mayer and the late Marie (Learzaf) Mayer; son of the late Edward and Helen Mayer; brother of the late Edwin, William, Charles, Edward, and Robert Mayer; survived by stepdaughters Carolyn (George) Laufer and Barbara (Tom) Clarey; stepfather of the late Robert Learzaf, Jr.; also survived by three grandchildren and loving friends Helen Miller, Linda Pasculle, Dr. Roger Stock, Joe and Judy Hackel, and many Masonic friends. Jim served his country in World War II in Europe, in Pattons 3rd army. Jim was a past master of McKinley-Sturkrath Masonic Lodge 318, past president of the Masonic Veterans of Western Pennsylvania, Islam Grotto, and a 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason. In lieu of flowers, Jim suggested a gift to Animal Friends at 562 Camp Horne Road Pittsburgh, PA 15237 or to Zion Lutheran Church at 11609 Frankstown Road Penn Hills, PA 15235.
Friends received at William F. Gross Funeral Home 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills Thursday, December 17, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. A Masonic service will be held at 7:30 pm, all are welcome. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 18 at 11 a.m. followed by an entombment in the mausoleum at Allegheny Cemetery. We will be following COVID-19 State guidelines.
Helen Rita (Evan) Zitelli Pomerantz
Of Penn Hills, passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2020. A kind, loving and giving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister will be missed by all. Preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Joe Evan; her husband, Saul Pomerantz; her son, Kraig Zitelli; and her sister, Patty (Englert).
Beloved mother of Kurt (Kari) Zitelli; grandmother of Kameron (Jennifer) Zitelli and Kollin (Phil) Trumbetta; recent great grandmother of Zayn; sister of Joe (Diane) Evan and Dolli Rosenthal. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. Helen was a rythemette in high school and was also named Miss Penn Township for Penn Hills. She was an accomplished salesperson in the wholesale window business.
Service and interment private. Arrangements by William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd.
Joseph John DeCesare
Of Penn Hills, passed away Monday, December 14, 2020, just weeks before his 101st birthday. Beloved husband of the late Mary (Ivanco) for over 73 years; brother of Catherine Reid; father of Marion (Ernie) Dozzi and Marie (John “Jim”) Novotny; grandfather of Michael (Nora) Dozzi, Theresa (Stace) Robeson, Marianne (Kelly) Lamont, Jim Novotny, Laura (Ronald) Jones; great-grandfather of Cara and Lindsey Robeson, Aaron and Katie Dozzi, Casey and Madison Lamont, Sofia Novotny, Alexandria and Jacob Jones; great-great-grandfather of Giavanna. Joseph Served in WWII, was a POW for two years and a recipient of the Purple Heart. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to a charity of your choice.
Friends received in the William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Road (at Rodi Road) Penn Hills on Thursday, December 17, 2020 from 10 a.m. until funeral prayers at 11:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish, St. Susanna Church at 12 p.m. We will be following COVID-19 State guidelines.