Obituaries
September 10, 2019

Ronald Michael Skira – Belle Vernon

By obits

 

Ronald Michael Skira, 67 of Arnold City, Belle Vernon, passed away Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 22, 1952, in Charleroi, son of Michael Skira and Bertha Barch Skira Bilski. He was a member of Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, Monessen and a former member of Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church, Fayette City. Ronnie was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed going to his camp in Clearcreek, Emporium, Pa., with his hunting buddies: Paul, Floyd, Colby and Seb. He also enjoyed traveling to Gettysburg and the many trips with the foreign language club at Frazier High School. He was a 50-year member of Star Junction Fish and Game Club and Bobby’s Run Hunting and Fishing Club in Emporium, Pa. He was retired from Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, Allenport Plant as an Overhead Crane Operator. Ronnie was a 1970 graduate of Belle Vernon Area High School. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Beverly Chornak Skira; daughter, Michelle Ann Skira; two sisters, Dolores and Donna Bilski; sister-in-law, Michelle Crawford and husband Gary of Greensburg; brother-in-law, Michael Chornak and wife Nancy of South Park; brother-in-law, Richard Dando of Newell; mother-in-law, Cecilia Chornak and his faithful poodle “Abby”. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Joseph Bilski; and two sisters, Marie Bilski Schallenberger and Eleanor “Cookie” Dando. Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, at ELEY-MCCRORY FUNERAL HOME INC., 334 Main St., Fayette City, www.eleymccroryfuneralhome.com. Prayers of transfer will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at Epiphany of Our Lord Church with the Rev. Father Michael Crookston as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Belle Vernon Cemetery, Belle Vernon.

Charleroi glassmaking memories buried in time capsule
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 2, 2025
Former Corelle workers were joined by public officials for an emotional ceremony in Charleroi. Charleroi stood in the cold Monday in Meadow Avenue Park to say goodbye to the plant that shaped its peop...
Kennel contract renewed despite public objections
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 2, 2025
The new agreement with Hoffman Kennels will run for one year. Elizabeth Township commissioners renewed a contract with Hoffman Kennels for one year for deer removal and dog control services despite so...
Season’s first big snowfall hits Mon Valley, western Pa.
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
December 2, 2025
The worst part of the storm is forecast for today’s morning commute. The first big snowfall of the season hit Western Pennsylvania on Tuesday morning, coating the ground and roadways. Speed limits hav...
Elizabeth Twp. hydrant replaced after failing during fire
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 2, 2025
Pennsylvania American Water installed the new hydrant Monday and submitted the broken one to the manufacturer. Pennsylvania American Water has replaced a fire hydrant on Dillon Road in Elizabeth Towns...
Annual McKeesport Festival of Trees opens Thursday
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 2, 2025
The long-running holiday celebration will feature dozens of decorated trees. By the MVI Renziehausen Park’s Jacob Woll Pavilion will be converted into a village of Christmas trees this week, which is ...
Two-vehicle crash in Charleroi
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 2, 2025
Charleroi Fire Department responded Monday night to a collision involving two cars at Fifth and Washington Avenue in Charleroi. Charleroi FIre Department