William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd.

William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. Proudly serving the Penn Hills community and surrounding areas for more than 60 years.

Gregory James AmbroseAge 78, of Murrysville, originally from Penn Hills, passed away Friday, April 3, 2026. Greg was pre...
04/04/2026

Gregory James Ambrose

Age 78, of Murrysville, originally from Penn Hills, passed away Friday, April 3, 2026. Greg was preceded in death by his parents Daniel Ambrose and Alice (McGrath) Ambrose; his brothers Daniel, Theodore, and Roy; and his son Gregory Daniel.

Greg started his career as a draftsman at D’Appolonia Engineering. In the late 70’s, he worked for a local flooring company and realized he had a passion for wood floors. In 1979, at the age of 31, he started Wood Floor Specialists, Inc. Greg was a hard worker and built a successful company. After 46 wonderful years, Greg turned his company over to his son Josh.

Greg enjoyed collecting 1950’s memorabilia and a few classic cars over the years. Greg really enjoyed cutting his grass and working in his garden. To him, this was enjoyable and relaxing.

Greg is survived by his daughter Michelle Kontos of Plum, his sons Daniel of Miami, and Joshua of Murrysville; his grandchildren Marissa Bosh and Konstantinos Kontos; and his half-brother Daniel Ambrose of Amherst, OH.

Friends and family received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Blessing Service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Richard D. “Dick” FreemanAge 87, of Johnstown, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Beloved husband of the l...
03/25/2026

Richard D. “Dick” Freeman

Age 87, of Johnstown, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Beloved husband of the late Bonnie; father of Susan (John) Burkett and Doug (Miriam) Freeman; step-father of three; Pappy of three; great-grandfather of Anna Niznik. Also survived by step-grandchildren. Dick was a proud army veteran and US Steel Worker. He enjoyed woodworking, bike riding, and volunteering with his Masonic lodge.

Service and interment private.

Angelo PampenaAge 91, of Washington Twp, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, March 24, 2026.Angelo, the beloved pa...
03/24/2026

Angelo Pampena

Age 91, of Washington Twp, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, March 24, 2026.

Angelo, the beloved patriarch of his family, made the courageous journey from Ausonia, Italy to America in September of 1968, driven by a deep commitment to provide a better life and greater opportunities for those he loved. Through his strength and sacrifice he built a lasting legacy that will continue to grow for generations.

He cherished above all else his family, took great pride in tending to his garden, and was known for crafting his own homemade wine—simple joys that brought him immense happiness and were a reflection of his heritage and love of life.

In the final two years of his life, a time when he needed help the most, Angelo resided with his son, Alex; where he was surrounded by the comfort and care. He thoroughly enjoyed living in a home where he could see his grandchildren and great-grandchildren daily.

Proceeded in death by his wife, Filomena Cardillo, his grandson Alessandro -Michael Pampena and his great grandson Mason Kuhlman.

He is survived by his son, Alessandro Pampena (Lisa) of Washington Twp. His grandchildren Gabriella Kuhlman (Brian), Angelo Pampena (Jenna), Antoinette Drew (Dakota) and Alessia Peppler. Great grandchildren- Johnny, Nico, Alivia, Alessandro, Lorenzo, Ava, Leia, Luke, and Dean.

His daughter Josephine Scatena (Frank) of Washington Twp. Grandchildren- Frank Scatena (Angela), Angela Krebs (Adam) and Andrew Scatena. Great grandchildren- Franky, Adelyn, Maria and Giovanni.

And his daughter Maria Pampena of Leechburg.

Friends and family received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 2-7 p.m. A Blessing Service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

Charles G. “Chuck” JacksonAge 95, of Penn Hills, formerly of Bloomsburg, PA, entered into the presence of his Lord and S...
03/11/2026

Charles G. “Chuck” Jackson

Age 95, of Penn Hills, formerly of Bloomsburg, PA, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Wednesday, March 11, 2026 after a long and full life.

Chuck spent the last seven years in Penn Hills and the 58 years before that in Bloomsburg, PA. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Louisa “Kit” Gow Jackson, and by his brother, William N. Jackson.

Chuck was the father of Jeffrey C. Jackson and James K. (“Keith”) Jackson, and the proud grandfather of four grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

A lifelong learner and teacher with an uncanny memory, Chuck served for 30 years as a Professor of Political Science at what is now the Bloomsburg campus of Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania.

Above all, Chuck was a committed Christian whose faith shaped every aspect of his life. He had a passion for spreading the Word of God to as many people as possible. He worshiped and served in many congregations over the years, most recently at Reconciliation Anglican Church in Penn Hills.

In addition to his prayerfulness, he will be remembered for his sense of humor, his quick wit, and his friendliness. His legacy lives on in the generations he taught — both in the classroom and at home — and in the many lives touched by his steady presence.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Christine Rose “Chrissy” (Thielman) O’DonnellAge 60, of Forest Hills, passed away peacefully, Friday, March 6, 2026. Bel...
03/09/2026

Christine Rose “Chrissy” (Thielman) O’Donnell

Age 60, of Forest Hills, passed away peacefully, Friday, March 6, 2026. Beloved mother of Melina Rose O’Donnell and Bryson John O’Donnell; sister of Angela (Bob) Grecko, Donna (Rick) Aten, and Lisa (the late Bob) Stewart; niece of Edith (the late Charles) Stellabotte. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and Timothy O’Donnell – dear friend and father of Melina and Bryson. Chrissy is preceded in death by her parents Donald Thielman and Virginia Schorsch and many aunts and uncles. She enjoyed her occupation as a master tailor, and was a loving, caring woman of God and she showed it by feeding people. She wouldn’t let you leave her house without eating something, even if it was just a snack. Chrissy had an impact on many people’s lives and was the life of the party. She was always fun to be around and loved to laugh. She was the best mom anyone could have asked for. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Allegheny Center Alliance Church Northside, 250 E. Ohio Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 at 10 a.m.

Shawn RanalloAge 57, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026.He was the beloved son of Sam and Clara Jean Ranallo; a lovi...
02/25/2026

Shawn Ranallo

Age 57, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

He was the beloved son of Sam and Clara Jean Ranallo; a loving brother to Samuel and Lisa; a proud and devoted father to Jared (Tyler) and Piper; a cherished grandfather to Emerson, who brought immense joy to his life; a caring uncle to Stephanie (Ivan), Sam, Shane, Brenda, and Wanda (Micah); and a friend to Rob, Ken, Mitch, Tom, Larry, and Kevin. He always treasured the time he spent with his family.

Shawn was a passionate Pittsburgh sports fan who never missed a chance to cheer on the Steelers and the Penguins. Whether watching a game with family or talking stats with friends, his love for his teams was unmistakable.

Above all, Shawn will be remembered for his love of family, his loyalty, and the pride he took in being a father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at a later date.

John Francis ZieglerAge 69, of Penn Hills, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026. John was born September 30, 1956, in P...
02/16/2026

John Francis Ziegler

Age 69, of Penn Hills, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026. John was born September 30, 1956, in Pittsburgh, PA to George and Mary Ziegler. He was a devoted father and grandfather and cherished the time he spent with them.

John enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and spending time with his family. He will be remembered for his quick wit, love of people, and the practical jokes and playful pranks that brought laughter to everyone around him.

John is survived by his children Erin (Ted) Morton and Jamie Ziegler; grandchild Kaylee Ziegler; siblings Dennis (Debra) Ziegler, Kevin (Jan) Ziegler, and Joseph (Ivy) Ziegler; nephews and niece Kevin (Ashley) Ziegler Jr., Kara Depew, and Brad Ziegler; great-nephews and great-nieces Ryan, Haley, Andrew, Mason, Zoey.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother Mary Lang, parents George and Mary Ziegler, and brother George “Georgie” Ziegler.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Near and Far Animal Foundation, https://nearandfaraf.com/in-loving-memory-of-john-f-ziegler/

Friends and family received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Funeral prayers will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 9:45 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Parish St. Irenaeus Church, 387 Maryland Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139 at 10:30 a.m.

Anthony J. SimeoneAge 67, of Wilkins Township, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2026. Beloved son of Nina (Santilli) a...
02/14/2026

Anthony J. Simeone

Age 67, of Wilkins Township, passed away Thursday, February 12, 2026. Beloved son of Nina (Santilli) and the late Joseph Simeone; brother of John Simeone and David (Janice) Simeone; uncle of Renee and Nicole; nephew of Tony (Gina) Santilli. Also survived by numerous cousins. Anthony was a proud US Navy veteran.

Friends and family received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12 p.m.

John H. MorrisAge 74, of Oakmont, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Beloved husband of Shirley (Greek); father o...
02/12/2026

John H. Morris

Age 74, of Oakmont, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Beloved husband of Shirley (Greek); father of Jennifer (Dave) Levy and John A. (Melissa) Morris; grandfather of Eddie and Charlotte Levy, Chris, Nathan, Madison (Zack), and Emily (Chad); great-grandfather of Isabella and Easton; brother of twinsister Jackie (Denny) Soonick and the late Charlotte. Also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. John retired from Toys-R-Us. He loved to go hunting, fishing, and camping. He also enjoyed vacationing on cruise liners.

Friends and family received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 2-6 p.m. Funeral prayers will be held at the funeral home on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 9:15 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.

Thomas L. “Tom” ByerlyIt is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Thomas L. “Tom” Byerly, Wednesday, Februar...
02/06/2026

Thomas L. “Tom” Byerly

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Thomas L. “Tom” Byerly, Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the age of 92. Beloved husband of 69 years to Mary Ann (Chasko). Thomas loved his children Christine Byerly and Thomas (Sonya) Byerly, Jr.; loving grandfather “Pay Pop” of Melanie (Laurie Hall) Bottles, Michelle Bottles Tomer (Clark), Dalton Byerly, and Trinity Byerly; great-grandfather of Anakin Bottles. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Irene and his siblings Richard Byerly and Patricia Wylie. Thomas was an US Army veteran and served in the Korean War. He was employed by Bell Atlantic before and after his military service. He retired in 1995. He was past commander of the American Legion Post 715 and a member of Post 980. He was an avid golfer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the VA Hospital, 1010 Delafield Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15215.

Friends received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Monday, February 9, 2026 from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m.

Angela “Angie” (Plutis) TheofilisIt is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Angela “Angie” (Plutis) Theofil...
02/02/2026

Angela “Angie” (Plutis) Theofilis

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Angela “Angie” (Plutis) Theofilis of Penn Hills, Sunday, February 1, 2026 at the age of 88. Beloved mother of Peter (Lori), Dr. Gary (Barb), and Chris (the late Laura) and cherished grandmother of Max, Abby, Isabel, Aristotle, and Alexander. Angie was preceded in death by her husband Anthony “Tony”, grandson Paramedic Nicholas Theofilis and sister Georgia Tsambis. She is survived by her sisters Popie Lardas, Joanne Niffenegger and close cousin Cathy Champagne.

Angela was born March 6, 1937, in Verona, PA to parents Argyrios “Harry” and Mary (Katinos) both from Ikaria, Greece. She graduated from Verona High School in 1955 where she played violin and was a flag bearer in the marching band. Angela met her future husband, Tony, at a St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church dance in Oakland. They were married in July 1959, and together they raised a family filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

Over the years, Angie worked many jobs including administrative work for Tony’s CPA practice.

She belonged to the Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church in Oakmont. The church was a big part of Angie and Tony’s life, where she sang in the choir, and was a member of Ladies Philoptochos. Angie was a visible fixture at the annual Food Festival from its first year until just a few years ago. Angie was also well known for making Greek yogurt. Most of all, Angie loved being a mother and Yia Yia and talking with her sisters.

She will be deeply missed.

The family would like to thank and acknowledge the wonderful, compassionate care given by the staff in the Harmar Village Health and Rehab Cheswick, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Nick Theofilis EMS Scholarship, donations can be made out to the PA EMS Provider Foundation and mailed to 146 Crescent Hills Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­.

Friends and family received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., with Trisagion at 7 p.m.

Additional visitation will be held Friday, February 13, 2026, at Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 12 Washington Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139 from 10 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 11a.m.

Interment to follow at Homewood Cemetery.

Frank A. DeGasperiAge 91, formerly of Penn Hills, PA and Beverly Hills, FL, passed away peacefully Monday, January 26, 2...
02/01/2026

Frank A. DeGasperi

Age 91, formerly of Penn Hills, PA and Beverly Hills, FL, passed away peacefully Monday, January 26, 2026. Beloved husband of the late Mary DeGasperi; father of the late Louise Kapfer, Marie (Norm) Schwartzmeier, and Elda (Rich) Bertan; grandfather of Jim (Emily) Schwartzmeier, Dominic (Nicole) Bertan, and Benjamin Bertan; great-grandfather of Lexie and Thomas Schwartzmeier; brother of the late Donna (surviving Bob) Reichert; uncle of Renee (Garrett) Bagley, Treva, and Rob Reichert; great uncle of Paige Bagley. Beloved father, brother-in-law, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather for over 50 years to Mary’s family of Nick (Anne) Lombardo and Carol Ackley, the late Dolly and Bill Hagmaier and their family, Ann (Joe) Ackley-Fifer and Julia (Chad) Dearborn, Serenity Asbury, Alex Hafner, Paige and Ryann O’Connor, Bella and Chaz Dearborn and “adopted daughter” Elizabeth Jane Detweiler.

Frank was the son of the late Helen (Ensslin) and Adam DeGasperi. He was a proud Navy veteran and served the Pittsburgh area for 38 years as a letter carrier in the US Postal Service. He was a devoted father, an avid hunter and sport fisherman, and a talented DIY craftsman. He will be lovingly remembered by his two immediate families, caregiver Holly Clark, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 or to your local VFW.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Address

11735 Frankstown Road
Pittsburgh, PA
15235

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