Obituaries News Stories
Crossing guard protected kids, nurtured animals
By Renatta SignoriniWhen Cecelia Ross’ two sons were young and wanted to see some animals, they would visit a familiar place. “My kids grew up going to …
Restaurant president driven by love of children
By Craig SmithAlice Honda’s career path in the restaurant business began at 17 when she went to work for The Carlton House, Downtown, but family and friends …
Warsaw partisan fought in 2 uprisings
By The Associated PressWARSAW — Boruch Spiegel, one of the last remaining survivors of the 1943 Warsaw ghetto uprising by poorly armed Jewish insurgents against the powerful Nazi …
Giant Eagle executive unwound with golf
By Craig SmithIn his younger days, Sam Amodeo played the hot corner for Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School’s first baseball team. In his later years, he traded …
Keyboardist who founded The Doors dies of cancer at 74
By The Associated PressRay Manzarek, the keyboardist and founding member of The Doors who had a dramatic impact on rock ’n’ roll, has died. He was 74. Manzarek, …
Dedicated, people-loving pharmacist ideal for job
By Renatta SignoriniStanley Kavel would often head to his pharmacy during off-hours, just to fill a prescription for a patient in need. The Herminie man’s customers counted on him, and his commitment earned him respect in the community. “He’d go and fill …
Munhall officer brought compassion, calm to job
By Bill VidonicRetired Munhall police Officer Thomas Hilla always told his comrades that once they made an arrest and did their job, they had to let the …
Craftsman’s skill, nature ensured loyal following
By Rossilynne SkenaJohn Manchini, owner of Albert’s Shoe Service, started his on-the-job training when he was just a boy. “His uncle owned the business — that was …
Dedicated police officer unwound with nature
By Amanda DolasinskiMost people remember the burly “Wilkie” Wilkinson in a neatly pressed Air Force or Greensburg city police uniform. His closest friends, however, remember him kicking back with a fishing pole in one hand and a cold brew in the other. Richard …
Argentine dictator Videla dies in prison at age 87
By The Associated PressBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Former dictator Jorge Rafael Videla, who took power over Argentina in a 1976 coup and led a military junta that killed …
James L. Tolbert: Activist lawyer pushed Hollywood to integrate
By The Los Angeles TimesLOS ANGELES — In a Hollywood auditorium in 1963, James L. Tolbert pointed out the obvious to a room packed with broadcasting and advertising executives. “We Negroes watch ‘Bonanza’ and buy Chevrolets. We watch ‘Disney’ on RCA sets,” proclaimed Tolbert, …
Nurse generous with her time, skills
By Bill ZlatosSick with pneumonia herself, Betty Alfieri roomed with her dying husband nine years ago in Forbes Regional Hospital in Monroeville. “She nursed him until his …
Texas swindler Billie Sol Estes dead at 88
By The Associated PressLUBBOCK, Texas — Billie Sol Estes, a flamboyant Texas huckster who became one of the most notorious men in America in 1962 when he was accused of looting a federal crop subsidy program, has died. He was 88. Estes, whose …
Mom used skills to benefit church, civic groups
By Tory N. ParrishLinda Lisle-Kelly was heartbroken when, at age 5, an illness prevented her from attending her aunt’s wedding in East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Aunt Jean knew …
Popular psychologist Joyce Brothers dead at 85
By The Associated PressLOS ANGELES — Joyce Brothers, the pop psychologist who pioneered the television advice show in the 1950s and enjoyed a long and prolific career as …
Veteran found contentment in life’s simple joys
By Brian BowlingHarry Melani liked hunting and fishing, going to a restaurant, traveling, dancing with his wife and helping other people. “He was basically a simple guy,” …
Mayor poured energy into improving community
By Bill VidonicLong after John W. Smith Sr. left the top spot in Mt. Oliver government, people still called him “Mayor,” finding it impossible to let go …
Musician shared gift with daughter, community
By Amanda DolasinskiLinda Kunkiewicz remembers watching intently as her father pushed the keys on his tenor saxophone, releasing deep notes for show tunes or Big Band jazz. …
Veteran’s poise a boon for military, business
By Joe NapshaDuring the 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union in October 1962, Herbert D. Gordon was an Air Force Atlas missile launch …
Former Pa. Gov. George Leader dies at 95
By The Associated PressHARRISBURG — Former Pennsylvania Gov. George M. Leader, the son of a chicken farmer who was elected to the state’s highest office before he turned …
