Obituaries
March 22, 2020

LaVerne Catherine Cole – Charleroi

By obits

LaVerne Catherine Cole
Charleroi
LaVerne Catherine Cole, 88, of Charleroi, died Saturday, March 21, 2020, at her home. She was born Aug. 5, 1931, in Charleroi, the daughter of John “Babe” and Stephanie Seykoski Zelenski. LaVerne was a graduate of Charleroi High School, Class of 1949. She was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Charleroi, where she was faithfully devoted to attending Mass daily until her health declined and she was not able to do so. She was employed at Montgomery Ward in Charleroi, where she worked until it closed, and retired with over 20 years service. After retirement, she enjoyed spending her time watching her grandchildren and taking care of her family. She is survived by three daughters and a son, Suzan Marcischak and husband Jeffrey of Chartiers Township, Jack Cole and his wife Dana of Fallowfield Township, Deborah Haywood of Speers, and Tracey Marucci and husband Keith of Fallowfield Township; six grandchildren, Shannon Gagliardi and husband John, Monica Wagenhofer and husband Brian, Rachel Cole, Brittany Haywood, Nicholas and Cole Marucci; and two great-granddaughters, Briella Gagliardi and Amelia Wagenhofer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John “Bill” Cole, who died Oct. 22, 2016; and her sister, Lorraine Brown. Mrs. Cole deserves a beautiful tribute, but due to the health and safety concerns associated with the coronavirus outbreak, visitations and funeral services will be for the immediate family only. A public memorial service will be announced and held at a later date. The family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, 624 Washington Ave., Charleroi, PA 15022 or to SPHS Aging Services, Meals on Wheels, 300 Chamber Plaza, Charleroi, PA 15022. FRYE FUNERAL HOME INC., Monongahela, is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fryefuneralhome.com.

Puppy love for Santa in Charleroi
Latest News, Main
December 6, 2025
Bailee Jo Tiernan, 12, of Washington Township and her puppy Buddy visited Santa at Charleroi’s Light-Up Night on Friday. See more photos on A2 and in our online photo gallery at www.monvalleyindepende...
PUC decision puts request for water rate hike on hold
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 6, 2025
A formal investigation of Pennsylvania American’s request will be conducted, with a final ruling not expected until August. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Thursday put the brakes on a s...
U.S. Steel fined for leaking oil into Monongahela River
Latest News, Main
December 6, 2025
The $135,000 fine is part of an agreement with the Pennsylvania DEP. By JACK TROY TribLive U.S. Steel must pay $135,000 and establish stronger pollution controls after environmental regulators found t...
McKeesport Area school board changes leaders
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
December 6, 2025
David Seropian was chosen as president for 2026, with Jason Pavlecic as vice president. The McKeesport Area school board changed its leadership and welcomed new members during Thursday’s meeting. The ...
Holly Day celebration in California
Latest News, Main
December 6, 2025
Stephen Shamay, 10, Olivia Rice, 8, Clayton Rice, 4, and Brielle Rice, 6, all of California Borough, pose for a photo with Santa during Friday’s Holly Day Celebration at Hollywood Pavilion in Californ...
Area just misses breaking coldest temperature record
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 6, 2025
The low was 13, which is one degree warmer than the mark set in 1976. By MEGAN SWIFT TribLive Western Pennsylvania was just one degree short Friday morning of breaking the record for the coldest tempe...