Ann Marie Pella
Age 80, of Penn Hills, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family Wednesday, January 4, 2023. Daughter of the late Amico and Mary Ranallo; beloved wife of 54 years to Joseph A. Pella; mother of Christine (Bob) Hoffmann and Linda Pella; grandmother of Gianna and Robbie Hoffmann; sister-in-law of Philomena Stamerra, Elaine (Edward) Ribar, and the late Marie (Rich) Branzel. Also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Ann Marie worked in the catering department at the University of Pittsburgh for 35 years before retirement. She was a devout Catholic that enjoyed Sunday pasta dinners with her family, but her greatest joy was watching her grandchildren grow up.
Friends received at William F. Gross Funeral Home 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills Sunday, January 8, 2023 from 3-7 p.m. Funeral Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish St. Susanna Church, 200 Stotler Rd., Penn Hills, PA 15235 at 10 a.m.
Marjorie “Margie” A. Ripple
Of Penn Hills, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2022. Beloved mother of Robert (Cindy) Ripple and Wayne (Amy) Chambers. She is preceded in death by six siblings. She is loved by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Margie was a passionate Steelers fan and was very strong in her faith. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Animal Friends, 562 Camp Horne Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
Friends will be received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, LTD., 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.) Penn Hills, on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 from 10 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 12 p.m.
Clara (Russo) Conner
Age 88, of Penn Hills, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022. Born on July 19, 1934 in Hopedale, OH, she was the daughter of the late Geanor and Giovanna “Jeanette” (Laratta) Russo. Clara grew up on a family farm in the coal mining region of Harrison County, OH. Clara moved to Pittsburgh in 1952 after graduating from Hopedale High School and worked for American Casualty Insurance. She met her husband Gilbert Daniel Conner and they married on July 26, 1958. She raised two sons and a daughter. After the kids were grown, she worked for Reed Smith Law Firm, retiring in 1997.
Clara was a kind, compassionate, and loving woman and was always willing to love and care for her friends and relatives. She had a great group of friends, especially her faithful friends Honey and Don Handyside and family. She enjoyed reminiscing about our family vacations to visit her family in California and loved the company of her Russo and Conner relatives.
Clara was preceded in death by her parents and husband, daughter Lisa Ann (John) Cox and siblings, Louis (Belle) Russo, Virginia (Walter) Sagrilla, Mary (Robert) Bowman, and Benny (Linda) Russo. She is survived by her sister Tresa of Benicia, CA, her sons Kenneth (Victoria) Conner and Daniel (Holly) Conner, grandchildren Rena (Steve) Peddicord, Kasie (Brian) Baverso, Amanda Cox, Lauren Conner, Fiona Conner, and Ava Conner, great-grandchildren Cody (Sara), Molly (Mike), William, and Connor, great-great-grandchildren Colbie, Cassie, Emersyn, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.
Friends will be received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, LTD., 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.) Penn Hills, on Monday, January 2, 2023 from 3 until the time of closing prayers at 7 p.m. A private burial will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.
Mary Johns McElroy
Passed away Tuesday, December 27, 2022. Beloved mother of the late Carl McElroy and surviving Susan McElroy Smith. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to ASPCA, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090.
Service and Interment private.
Paul Spiri
Age 71, of Plum Borough, passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2022. Beloved husband of Barbara; father of Doug (Katie) Spiri and Julia Spiri; grandfather of Hannah, Olivia, and Bennett; brother of Nancy Taylor and Mark (Noralynn) Spiri. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Paul is a member of Living Word of Plum Congregation.
Paul was an avid Pittsburgh fan. Regardless of their records, he loved his Steelers, Penguins and Pirates. He enjoyed photography and had a great eye for composition. Traveling was also a love and he has the pictures to prove it! When able, he spent his time swimming, golfing or biking and earlier in life, he loved to play tennis. We called him MacGyver because he had a knack for fixing whatever went awry.
Paul had a wonderful sense of humor and was able to make others smile. His greatest loves were his children and grandchildren. He was the central part of his daughter's special needs care. It was a blessing that he was able to meet the newest grandchild,
Bennett Paul, born on September 8th. He will be sorely missed by all.
Friends will be received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, LTD., 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.) Penn Hills, on Monday, December 26, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A final viewing will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at 10 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service at Living Word of Plum, 200 Elicker Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15239 at 11 a.m. Paul will be interred at Plum Creek Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Make A Wish, 1702 East Highland Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85016 or Living Word of Plum, 200 Elicker Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15239.