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Passed away on April 29, 2021

Ronald Laurence Diggs was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on November 16, 1941 to the late Arthur Diggs and Laura (Hurt) Diggs,  He was the youngest of two children, his older brother Arthur Jr. preceded him in death. Ronald graduated from Schenley High School and joined the United States Air Force shortly after. While in the Air Force he worked on  various high security airplane missions and had a Secret Security Clearance. While stationed in Duluth Minnesota, he attended the University of Minnesota. Ronald received an honorable discharge after serving his country for four years,  when he returned home he attended the University of Pittsburgh where he studied Math. In 1973, Ronald accepted a Software Engineering position with Rockwell International in Anaheim  California, he and his family moved to Southern California.  Ronald became a Systems Engineer with Rockwell/Boeing and worked on a project in Italy for ten years, he was one of the lead engineers on this project.  Ronald retired from the Boeing Company after 27 years. After retirement and nearly thirty years living and working in Southern California, Ron and his wife moved back to McDonald, Pennsylvania in 2011.  Ronald enjoyed living in the country, watching the deer and other critters.  He loved gardening and eating the food he grew in his vegetable garden.  He also loved his labor- doodle Sophie, she was a faithful companion.  Ronald would spend lots of time on his computer, and his Smart phone. He loved all of the new and great upgrades and enjoyed using as many applications as possible.  He would often say “ the smart phones of today have much more capabilities than the computers that filled a room at Rockwell/Boeing.” Ronald leaves behind his wife La Verne Parker Diggs of 47 years, one son, Richard Parker, ( his daughter Robynn Parker preceded him in death), bother-in-laws Daniel Brown and his wife Barbara, Anthony Brown and Ericka, and sister-in-law Faye Brown.  He also leaves a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, uncles, and friends.  Ron will be sorely missed by anyone who knew him.

Marie Arvetta Smith passed suddenly on April 12, 2021, age 85 of Penn Hills, PA.  Marie attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in the 1950s, earned a well-deserved Associate Degree.  She loved fashion art and free hand sketching.   In the mid 1950’s – 1990’s she worked at Nabisco Cookies, Food and Beverage Company in the packaging department where the famous chocolate chip cookies and other baked treats.   In the 1970’s she worked as a teacher’s aide in the Penn Hills Schools (High School and Linton Middle School).   Surviving spouse Langston V. Smith, mother of 5 children, Steven preceded her in death, Mark, Carlos, Michele, and Eric also preceded her in death.   Siblings (predeceased), Charles Allen, Jr, Mary Jane Allen, Kathleen Paige.  Also survived by a host of great grandchildren, 6 grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.   Marie enjoyed outside activities and shopping especially in her senior years.   Marie’s family wishes to give thanks to the support and prayers from loving family and friends. She was a dear friend to many and will dearly be missed.  Friends received Monday 2-4pm and 6-8pm for viewing at Rose Funeral Home & Cremation Services 10940 Frankstown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235. Due to the Pandemic no more than 25 people in the funeral home at one time social distancing and masks are required.  Services private; In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to New Bith Baptist Church, 406 West Grant street, Duquesne, PA 15110.

Robert passed away on Sunday, April 11, 2021.