Joseph R. Wagner
Age 91, of Monroeville, PA, passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024. Joseph (Joe) is the son of the late Regis and Sophie Wagner. He was preceded in death by his first wife, and mother of his children, Peggy (DeLong) Wagner, his second wife, Pat (Paradine) Wagner, his brother Regis Wagner, and his son-in-law Greg Somerville. Joe is survived by his children Linda Bonacci, Mark (Debra) Wagner, David Wagner, and Carol (John) Woodhall, his step-children Kathleen Fahey Molinaro and Patricia Fahey (Brad) Rankin, his grandchildren Kelly (Brian) Moore, Gregory Somerville, Jr., Christopher Wagner, Alex (Bri) Wagner, Casey (Hillary) Rankin, and Erin Rankin (Dave) McClendon, his great-grandchildren Kaitlyn Moore, Cameron Moore, Madalyn Wagner, Teddy Rankin, Lindsey Hollis, and his great-grand-dog Dexter. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Sister Mary Wagner C.D.P. Joseph was a U.S. Army Korean War Veteran. He was employed by the Gulf/Chevron Oil Corporations retiring as a supervisor in the Engineering Service Department, Chevron Science and Technology Center, Richmond, CA with 42 years combined Gulf/Chevron Service.
Joe was a devoted, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. His family meant everything to him and he to them. His faith, steadfast character, quiet powerful presence, and his loving, kind, patient, accepting nature were the guiding forces of his life. Joe was also a life-long wood craftsman. His love of creating “built to scale” models of all types of vehicles kept him busy into his 80’s. His attention to detail, meticulous nature, and his talent in operating wood working machinery resulted in true works of original art. When the wood working machinery had to be retired, he moved on to complex matchstick and U-Gear 3D models. Joe also stayed fit and active into his 90’s. For the past 30 years, Joe went to Monroeville Mall daily walking miles each day and making many friends among both store owners and mall patrons.
Joseph was a guiding presence to his family and was deeply loved by all. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
The family would like to extend thanks and gratitude to “Bridges Hospice”. Their caring presence was a comfort to Joe and his family in the last days of his life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Bridges Hospice, 4130 Monroeville Blvd., Monroeville, PA 15146 or https://www.bridgeshospice.org/donate
Friends and Family received in the William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Road (at Rodi Road) Penn Hills on Monday, November 4, 2024 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 9:20 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish St. Bernadette Church, 245 Azalea Drive, Monroeville, PA 15146 at 10 a.m.
Barbara M. Brake (Eicher)
Age 88, of Penn Hills, passed away peacefully, Monday, October 28, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Everett Brake; mother of Michael (Janet), Diane (Dominic) Citriniti, and the late David Brake; Nana/Graham Cracker/Nannerz of Justin, Heather, and Shawn Brake, Cory (Holly), Stephanie (Chris) Zehr, and Anthony (Paula) Citriniti; great-nana of Ariana, Kayden, Brecklyn, Brinley, Brycen, Livia, Colton, and Scarlett; sister of Karen Wichrowski and the late Glenda Stansek. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, Attn: Team LRF Wall Street Plaza, 88 Pine Street, Ste. 2400, New York, NY 10005.
Friends and Family received in the William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Road (at Rodi Road) Penn Hills on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.
Christina M. “Chrissy” Yancy
Age 59, of Penn Hills, lost her battle with ovarian cancer, and passed away peacefully, Saturday, October 26, 2024. Born in Pittsburgh, September 10, 1965. She was the daughter of Frances Caputo Yancy, and the late Agustus Yancy, Sr.
Miss Yancy graduated from Sacred Heart High School, then continued her education at Carlow College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. Her first job was working at a woman’s homeless and abuse shelter. She was very passionate about helping others, so she decided to attend the University of Pittsburgh, where she obtained her master’s degree in social work. After she graduated, she accepted a position with the Pittsburgh Public School system, where she was a very dedicated social worker for almost 30 years. She truly cherished, loved, and enjoyed all her students and co-workers. Our family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, and touching stories her friends and staff have shared with us. We are all so proud that Christina made such a difference in the lives of countless students, and parents. She will be missed by all.
Christina loved music, sports, gardening, and classic television shows. She loved the holidays, and always went all out in decorating her home. Our family always had the best laughs with her every Halloween. She would decorate her house, and buy lots of candy, even though she hasn’t had a trick or treater in over 30 years! She also loved Christmas and made sure that everyone around her felt the joy of the season.
Miss Yancy is survived by her brother Agustus, sisters Theresa and Carla, her brother-in law Mark, sister-in-law Diane, and her nephews Nick, Dan, Chris, and Mike.
Friends and Family received in the William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Road (at Rodi Road) Penn Hills on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 4 p.m. until the time of the Blessing Service at 8 p.m.
Annette V. “Nettie” Williams
Age 82, of Murrysville, passed away peacefully, Monday, October 28, 2024. Beloved mother of Kerry Ann Williams and Kimberly Williams; sister of Richard Vazzana. Also survived by Rita Mae Carolis and family. Nettie had a deep love for heavy metal music. The harder the better. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Humane Animal Rescue League, 6926 Hamilton Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208 and listen to a heavy metal song in her honor.
Service and interment private.
Mr. Earl Wendall Jordan, Jr.
It is with great love and sadness that we pay tribute to the life of Mr. Earl Wendall Jordan Jr., who passed away peacefully, Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 1:18 a.m., at the age of 81.
Earl was a great man who lived by the principles he instilled in those around him: "Walk with your shoulders squared, look ‘em straight in the eye, and don’t split a verb." He believed in commanding respect through both action and presence. His wisdom also extended to communication, often reminding us that "Good communication brings forth clear understanding and mutual confidence." One of his favorite poems captured his philosophy on life, reminding us of the brevity of our journey and the importance of kindness:
"Life is like a journey on a train, with two fellow passengers sitting at each window pane. Now, I may sit here the whole journey through; or I could sit elsewhere, never really knowing you. But should Fate choose me to side by your side… let’s be pleasant travelers. It’s such a short, short ride." —Unknown Author
Earl's gregarious spirit impacted every community he called home, from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, and eventually back to his hometown of Pittsburgh. In Pittsburgh, he became a beloved bus driver for children with special needs and volunteered five years to work with cancer patients, a role for which he received many accolades for his service. His kindness, humor, and generosity of spirit made him a treasured figure in these communities, always brightening the lives of those he encountered.
His career as a salesman was just as distinguished, and his charisma and tenacity earned him numerous awards as a top salesman. Earl’s gift for connecting with people was undeniable—his warm smile, friendly compliments, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel seen and valued. Even in his final days at Shadyside Hospital, he continued to touch the lives of those around him. The hospital staff, from various departments, would frequently visit him, offering care and comfort, drawn by the same magnetic warmth that had made him a beloved figure throughout his life.
Earl is survived by his many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His children include Jodi Jordan-Tariq, (Hakim Tariq), Kareem Jordan Sr., Michael Totaro (Amy), Wendy Lynn Totaro, Antoine Germany, Radell Germany, and Derrick Germany. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Jawhara Tariq (Elliot O’dea), Tajah Tariq, Christina Cullen, Mojave Sole Jordan, Kareem Jordan Jr., Skye Jordan, Michelle Edwards, Maina Germany, and Angelina; along with great-grandchildren, Zarek Edwards, Zuriel Edwards, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Special mention goes to Wookie, the beloved family pup.
Rest in peace, Dad. We know you are reunited with Grandma Tucker, Grandma Corrine, and the many loved ones who came before. We also hope you made your way to Ida Jean (Collins) Totaro, his loving wife of 31 years, who passed two weeks prior. We will always admire you and Ida’s “two peas in a pod” approach to love and companionship, and hope you are dancing in and watching the Price is Right on a reclining chair, with Sammy your dog next to you both.
Service and Interment private.