William F. Gross

Nellie Ireland Phillips

April 10, 1923 – October 27, 2023

Nellie Ireland Phillips was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. She went to be with the Lord Friday, October 27, 2023 at age 100, in Oakmont, PA.

Nellie was born to Emerson and Rachel Ireland on April 10, 1923 In Penn Hills, PA; the oldest of six children, she grew up on the banks of the Allegheny River. After high school, she entered Pennsylvania College for Women, and graduated with a nursing degree. During those years, she met Vic Phillips, and they married in 1944, in the middle of a war that almost immediately separated them. Once reunited, they built a life together that spanned 60 years.

Nellie loved the Lord, her family, gardening, and her dogs. Her life revolved around her relationship with Christ, and doing His will. But she also took great pleasure in nurturing and serving others. And she energetically and beautifully maintained plants and shrubs, particularly on their property on Nadine Road in Penn Hills, where she and Vic built a home after the war and raised four children.

In addition to her nursing career, Nellie became a key partner with Vic in the family business. For a time, she also held a leadership position at their denomination’s college, which was emblematic of her lifelong concern for foreign missions. It was a privilege and joy for her and Vic to travel to numerous foreign countries – often visiting mission fields and ministries that they supported. In her later years, she shared life with her daughter Nancy and 3 wonderful dogs, Jake II, Daisy and Goldie; the family is grateful for the sacrificial care that Nancy provided in so many ways.

Nellie is survived by: children Nancy, David (Nancy), Janice (Daniel), and Richard (Maureen); and brothers Robert and Roger (Annette). She loved and treasured her eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Please no flowers. Consider a memorial donation to the charity of your choice.

Friends received at William F. Gross Funeral Home 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Services will take place at 6 p.m. A private burial will take place a Mt. Hope Cemetery.

David Alexander Smith

1929-2023

Passed away peacefully Sunday, October 22, 2023, in Pittsburgh, PA at the age of 94. Barbara, his beloved wife of 59 years, was by his side. He will be dearly missed by his daughter Sharon; granddaughter Calyn (Matthew); great-granddaughters Jamie and Cameron; sister-in-law Doris and brother-in-law William; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. He was the son of the late George W. Smith and Elizabeth (Keenist) Smith and was predeceased by one brother, five sisters, and their spouses.

David–also known as Buddy, Smitty, Dave, and Pap–lived a life full of hard work, passion, boisterous conversation, and hearty laughter.  A true son of the Mon Valley, he formed an exterior of toughness, grit, and determination, which surrounded his big and kind heart.

He was the epitome of what it means to be a good neighbor in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Never one to shy away from a project or puzzle, his generosity knew no bounds. He would mow a neighbor’s lawn on a hot summer day without a second thought, hand-build wooden creations to make his daughter's and granddaughter’s lives easier and more fun, donate his time and money to charity when he had little of both himself…the list goes on.

He loved the hills and mountains of West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania, and whenever he traveled, he couldn’t wait to get home. Happy being outside in nature, David would work in his garden and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was so deeply proud of his house and the life he built for himself and his family.

And boy, did he love to eat. Food was his love language, the dinner table was his domain, and those closest to him were always treated to seconds, thirds, and dessert.

A decorated veteran, David took the life lessons from his time in the army to heart. Whether serving his country, managing a dining room, or supporting his family, this soldier never left his post.

David will be laid to rest in a private service on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Homewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, as he never wanted anyone to go hungry, Kane Community Living Centers–Glen Hazel, in gratitude to the staff and nurses for their compassion and care, or the charity of your choice.

Laura Ann “Gaga” “Biggie” (Vidak) Small

Age 72, of Penn Hills, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer, Thursday, October 26, 2023. Beloved wife of William “Bill” Small; mother of Addie Rae (Shawn) Conner; grandmother of River, Chase, Rain, and Chevy Conner; sister of Jon (Becky) Vidak and Julian (Terri) Vidak. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Laura was an educator for the Penn Hills School District beginning in the early 80’s until her retirement in 2010.  She served many roles during her career including Special Education Teacher, Elementary Teacher, Vice Principal, Principal, and Director. She enjoyed quilt making and baking. She was also a longtime member of Trinity Tower. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Light of Life, 913 Western Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15233 or Make-A-Wish, 1702 East Highland Ave., Suite 400 Phoenix, AZ 85016.

Friends received at William F. Gross Funeral Home 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Friday, November 3, 2023 from 2 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 7 p.m.

Lois “Vera” Sebastian

Age 97, of Penn Hills, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, Monday, October 23, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Louis J. Sebastian; mother of Louis V. (Virginia) Sebastian, Lois (Kenneth) Shirk, and Kenneth (fiancée Bernadette) Sebastian; grandmother of Louis, Michael, Alex, Sean, Kevin, Kenneth, Jr., and Katelyn; great-grandmother of seven; sister of the late Albert, Gerard, and Lorraine. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Gateway Hospice for their compassionate care. Lois was a loving and kind wife, mother, and grandmother who was devoted to her family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090.

Friends received at William F. Gross Funeral Home 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 3-8 p.m. Funeral Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish St. Susanna Church at 10 a.m.