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.

Thomas K. “Thom” SheplerAge 72, of Penn Hills, passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Beloved husband of 48 years to M...
11/06/2025

Thomas K. “Thom” Shepler

Age 72, of Penn Hills, passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Beloved husband of 48 years to Michele Shepler; father of Cori (Andrew) Tray; grandfather of McKenna Grace Tray; son of the late William and Dorothy Shepler. Thomas worked in healthcare for 56 years; 33 years at St. Francis Hospital and 23 years at Tri Rivers Musculoskeletal Centers. He was an avid toy train collector, a member of the Train Collectors Association, and was instrumental in starting the local area Hi-Railers train group. He was the president of the Corvette Club of Western Pennsylvania and loved to drive his 2001, Z06 Corvette on sunny days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to a cancer charity of your choice.

Friends and family will be received in William F Gross Funeral Home, LTD., 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Sunday, November 9, 2025 from 1 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 3:45 p.m.

Jeans and a sweatshirt are appropriate attire, per Thom.

11/03/2025

Ruby B. Giles

Age 90, of Murrysville, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, Saturday, November 1, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Wardell Giles; mother of Marlon Giles, Leimond Giles, and Deirdre Giles; sister of Ruth Outler and several other late siblings. Also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was a very special woman that was deeply loved by her family and friends.

Service and interment private

Dorothy L. KressAge 88, of Oakmont, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Dorothy was born into a large close family in...
10/29/2025

Dorothy L. Kress

Age 88, of Oakmont, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Dorothy was born into a large close family in Squirrel Hill and lived there until she was kidnapped and taken into the wilds of New Kensington by her husband, Aaron, who preceded her in death three years ago.

Dorothy was a graduate of Allderdice High School and Oberlin College, where she studied art and met Pete Seeger a few times. Dorothy worked in book design in NYC for a short time, but she came back to Pittsburgh and we are all thankful for that because that’s when she met Aaron after he finished law school and they were married soon thereafter.

Dorothy and Aaron settled into New Kensington in 1962 and raised a family there. Dorothy taught in New Kensington and then Freeport while Aaron built his law practice. She was an active member of Beth Jacob Synagogue and taught Sunday school. She also volunteered at People’s Library, Project SEED, Easter Seals, and led a Brownie Troop. She was ahead of her time in being an advocate for inclusiveness and literacy with her work with children with disabilities and bringing Catholic and Jewish students together to learn about each other’s religions.

Dorothy was an artist and she instilled that creativity into her children and her grandchildren. Any random neighborhood kid who wandered into their home often had a paintbrush or ball of clay thrust into their hands.

With Aaron, Dorothy traveled the world. They biked, skied, and played tennis. Ever the artist, Dorothy took watercolor classes and photography classes. But mostly, Dorothy loved her children and grandchildren in extraordinary measure. She was never afraid to get on the floor or in the snow and reveled in playing make-believe with them for hours on end.

Mom was preceded in death by Aaron and her parents, Liv and Bernard Langer. She is survived by her brother, James Langer (Elinor), daughters, Becky (Phil) Fenoglietto and Margaret (Brian) Carlson; four grandchildren, Lew (Ally) Fenoglietto, Chris Fenoglietto, Emily Carlson, and Ben Carlson; three bonus grandchildren, Jessica, Kaylin, and Abby Kostic, and two great-granddaughters, Macy and Madeline Fenoglietto. She is also survived by a ton of cousins, most notably, Ellie Siegal.

She was loved and cherished by her tennis and book club friends who kept her going even when they stopped playing tennis and just met for lunch.

A Celebration of Life to honor both Dorothy and Aaron will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to People’s Library, 880 Barnes St., New Kensington, PA 15068, KNEAD Café, 1011 Barnes St., New Kensington, PA 15068, or Project SEED, c/o Alle-Kiski Valley Senior Citizens Center, 1039 3rd Ave., New Kensington, PA 15068. The family would like to thank Linda Venanzio and all of the caretakers at Longwood at Oakmont who gave her such loving care. Arrangements by William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd.

Shawn Patrick HoganAge 56, of Penn Hills, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2025. Beloved son of Judy and the late Pat Hog...
10/28/2025

Shawn Patrick Hogan

Age 56, of Penn Hills, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2025. Beloved son of Judy and the late Pat Hogan; husband of Jennifer Hogan; father of Olive Wano; brother of Grant (Jennifer) Hogan, Christopher Hogan, and Jonathan (Sarah) Hogan; uncle of Devin, Leah, Finn, and Everett. Also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116.

Friends and family will be received in William F Gross Funeral Home, LTD., 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 6-8 p.m.

10/21/2025

Nancy Hughes

Age 69, of Munhall formerly of Pittsburgh, passed away Sunday, October 19, 2025. She is survived by her partner Russ Stranko; siblings Thomas Hughes, Mae Wotjkowski, and Kimberly Sweeney; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her siblings Louise “Betty” Grover, Michael Hughes, and Virginia Turbert and her parents Howard and Elizabeth Hughes. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Animal Friends, 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.

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

Michael J. “Mal Mal” MalatinskiAge 68, of Penn Hills, formerly of South Wheeling, WV, passed away peacefully, with his f...
10/11/2025

Michael J. “Mal Mal” Malatinski

Age 68, of Penn Hills, formerly of South Wheeling, WV, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side Friday, October 10, 2025. Beloved husband of Marsha I. (Scott); brother of Mary (the late John) Simpkovich, Robert Malatinski, and the late Stephan (Linda) Malatinski, Jr.; son of the late Stephan and Imogene Malatinski. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Michael was an Auto Mechanic for many years. His happy place was anywhere he could have a fishing pole in his hand. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to help with the funeral costs.

Friends and Family will be received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 3 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 6 p.m.

Joseph M. “Jo Jo” SundyAge 85, of Verona, Formerly of Larimer Ave., passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Beloved son of...
10/08/2025

Joseph M. “Jo Jo” Sundy

Age 85, of Verona, Formerly of Larimer Ave., passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Beloved son of the late Joseph and Virginia (Genovese) Sundy; father of Lisa Sundy and the late Joseph Sundy; husband of the late Colleen Sundy. Also survived by nieces, nephews, and friends. Joseph worked as a truck driver at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for 32 years.

A committal service will be held at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery, 7601 Mount Carmel Road, Verona, PA 15147 on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 1 p.m.

Edward F. FitzroyAge 99, of Penn Hills, passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Mary Theresa; ...
10/08/2025

Edward F. Fitzroy

Age 99, of Penn Hills, passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Mary Theresa; father of Maribeth (the late Brad) May, Edward (Jenny) Fitzroy, Daniel (Susan) Fitzroy, Barbara (Larry) Kumar, and the late Terry (surviving Holly) Fitzroy. Also survived by eleven grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, sister Lillian Wallen, and eight late siblings.

Friends and Family will be received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Monday, October 13, 2025 from 2-8 p.m. Funeral Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish St. Susanna Church, 200 Stotler Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 at 10 a.m.

Robert W. “Bob” GardnerAge 74, of Penn Hills, passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Beloved husband of Bev Gardner; fa...
09/03/2025

Robert W. “Bob” Gardner

Age 74, of Penn Hills, passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Beloved husband of Bev Gardner; father of Jimmy Gardner, Sissy (Christopher Parada) Gardner, and Jeffrey (Amy) Gardner; grandfather of Eddie, Ethan, Sydney, and Claire; brother of Sandra (David) Allen. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Bob loved gardening, especially making sure his hedges were perfectly straight. He will also be missed by his cats Tori-Yorgey and Tiger. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, 6926 Hamilton Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15208.

Service and interment private.

Joseph “Joe” Mario MavrodisAge 32, of Plum, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Beloved son of Mark Mav...
08/30/2025

Joseph “Joe” Mario Mavrodis

Age 32, of Plum, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Beloved son of Mark Mavrodis and Evelyn Mavrodis; brother of Megan (Tim Konopka) Mavrodis. Also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, friends especially Mike Peterson, and his beloved dog Coal. Joe had a special talent for art and bringing a smile to everyone’s face with a good joke.

Friends and Family will be received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Saturday, September 6, 2025 for visitation from 1 p.m. until the time of the blessing service at 2 p.m.

Janice D. Ciorra (Libroth)It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Janice Ciorra, a devoted wife, che...
08/05/2025

Janice D. Ciorra (Libroth)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Janice Ciorra, a devoted wife, cherished mother, and beloved friend, who left this world tragically Saturday, August 2, 2025 at the age of 67.

Born on August 20, 1957 in New Kensington, PA, Janice lived a life marked by grace, kindness, and unwavering love for her family. She was the heart of her home, a steady presence whose warmth and laughter filled every room she entered.

As a wife, she was a true partner. Her marriage to Neal was a beautiful testament to love, built on mutual respect and shared dreams. Together, they created a home that radiated joy and comfort.

As a mother and grandmother, Janice was fiercely loving. She poured her heart into raising her children, instilling in them the values of empathy, resilience, and integrity. Her love was unconditional, her guidance gentle yet firm, and her pride in her children immeasurable.

She will be remembered for her generous spirit and her infectious laugh. Whether through a kind word, a home-cooked meal, or a day out shopping, Janice touched countless lives.

Janice is survived by her mother Dorothy Mae Libroth (Mrakich), loving husband of 48 years, Neal Ciorra; her children, Mark Anthony (Kelly) Ciorra and Jeffrey Neal Ciorra; her grandchildren, Reagan Miksch and Geno Ciorra, and many other family members and friends who will carry her memory in their hearts forever. She was preceded in death by her daughter Jennie Samantha Ciorra, her father Samuel Charles Libroth, her father-in-law Niel Ciorra and her mother-in-law Josephine Ciorra (Bruno).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place. Memphis, TN 38105 or to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380.

Friends and Family will be received at William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Parish Our Lady of Joy Church, 2000 O’Block Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15239 on Friday, August 8, 2025 at 11 a.m. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH.

Her legacy of love and kindness will live on in all who knew her.

Paul J. FeathersAge 93, of Penn Hills, PA, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 26, 2025. Paul was born in Homewood, PA...
06/27/2025

Paul J. Feathers

Age 93, of Penn Hills, PA, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 26, 2025. Paul was born in Homewood, PA, the youngest of four sons, to Edgar and Helen Feathers.

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Mary Lou, his daughters, Jennifer (Bill) Fabrizi, Caryn (Dan) Price, grandsons Bill Fabrizi, Jr. (Katie), and Matthew Fabrizi, great-grandson Wyatt Fabrizi, and brother Bill (Marian) Feathers.

Paul was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church of Penn Hills, PA. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, proudly serving as an Electrician’s Mate from 1950 -1954. Paul retired from the Bell Telephone System in 1991, having worked as a lineman and installer for 34 years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Zion Lutheran Church, 11609 Frankstown Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15235.

In accordance with Paul’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future.

Address

11735 Frankstown Road
Pittsburgh, PA
15235

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram