Age 85, of Cheswick, died August 10, 2020, at home with loved ones. She was born on July 9, 1935, in Pittsburgh to parents, James Schmitt and Emma (Lutz). She married Herbert J. Brankley on May 1, 1954, and together they started a close-knit family that now spans four generations. Raised in Troy Hill and Garfield, Shirley moved with Herb to Penn Hills, where they raised their family. She hosted lively parties and had a lifelong flair for music, performing and entertaining. At family gatherings she was always at the heart of conversation, holding court with guests and grandkids. Shirley welcomed visitors with an elegantly appointed home and her delicious cooking. A loving homemaker, she kept a pristine house and earned her nickname: “Old Dutch Cleanser.” Along with Herb, she was a patron of the arts and culture in Pittsburgh. She could often be found cheering on the Pirates and Pens, or golfing with Herb – especially on family vacations to Hilton Head Island. In her final days, she was visited by all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, got to meet her newest great-granddaughter and enjoyed her beloved sister Eileen’s soup. She was eager to vote for a change in administration in November, and she hoped others would do the same. Shirley is survived by her husband; sister, Eileen Sebring; and brother, James Schmitt; son, Dave (Cheryl) of Oakmont; daughters, Jan (Bob Serafini) of Monroeville, Karen (Joe Sabo) of Monroeville, Laura (Dustin Hagg) of Cranberry and Mary Ellen (Ed Meindl) of Monroeville. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no visitation or service at this time. A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at a later date. Her family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers: Development, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B, 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.
Francis Peter Rifugiato
Passed away August 7, 2020
John Chambers
Passed away Saturday, July 25, 2020
Debra Kay Walker
Debra Kay Walker of Pittsburgh, PA was born June 27, 1952 to Lillian Johnson Walker Reed and Ellis Walker.
She was predeceased by three siblings, Ellis Robert, Ella Louise and Glenn Gregory and a host of step sisters and brothers.
She graduated from Pittsburgh Public Schools and retired at the age of 62 after working in the banking industry for the majority of her professional career.
Debra is survived by her sister Patricia Neal and bonded sisters in marriage Dolores Jones, Evelyn Schofield, Donna Reed-Williams, Charlene Joseph and by bonded brothers in marriage Raymond Reed, Lawrence Reed and Toni Reed.
She leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who will miss her dearly.
Service is available to watch on Facebook at Spirit Man9 Facebook Page (spirit man and the #9)
Carol A. Giron
Age 84, of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2020. Daughter of the late Blanche and George Howard, devoted mother of George, Dawn, Richard and the late Bill. Beloved grandmother to 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Carol was loved unconditionally and she was loved by everyone unconditionally.
Gary G. Roberts
Age 73 of Homestead, PA passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2020. Son of the late George and Helen Roberts. Loving husband of Audrey Mohr Roberts, father of Gary G. Roberts. Brother of Cynthia Hirsky, Roxanne Camp and the late Patty Roberts, Gary is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews other family and friends. Services will be private.