Obituaries
January 26, 2021

Roger A. McClurg

By obits

Roger A. McClurg passed away on Jan. 25, 2021, of natural causes, six months and four days after the passing of his wife Helen. He was born to William G. and Clara McClurg on June 21, 1926, in Charleroi. In his early years, Roger treasured his time in Europe as a communications specialist in the U.S. Army Air Forces, where he learned to appreciate European culture and art. He graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan (under the GI Bill) with a degree in psychology. Roger was an architect with the Office of Physical Plant Design Department at Pennsylvania State University until his retirement. A true Renaissance man and lifelong learner, Roger’s varied interests included his love for fast cars, sailing, music and photography. He was a self-taught classical guitarist and painter. Never one to proclaim his incredible achievements, “humble” could have been Roger’s middle name. He did his art and lived his life for pure joy. Roger toured the world and U.S. by plane, train and automobile. But his favorite mode of travel was walking the streets of State College hand in hand with his beloved Helen. Roger will be deeply missed by his family, daughters, Nancy Batko (Bob) of Pittsburgh and Janey Potts of Santa Fe, N.M.; granddaughter, Katharine Batko (Cody Affolder) of Pittsburgh; niece, Carol Simon (Mack) of Virginia Beach; and many dear friends in State College. A celebration of life for both Roger and Helen will be held in State College, when it is safe to gather again. Donations may be made in Roger’s name to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Bakerstown, Pa., www.schellhaasfh.com.

West Mifflin Area celebrates opening of performing arts center
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
March 12, 2026
A grand opening celebration was held Wednesday for the high school’s new auditorium. After more than a year of being closed, West Mifflin Area High School’s auditorium is finally open. A grand opening...
BVA to bring the magic of ‘Wizard of Oz’ to life
Features, Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
March 12, 2026
The curtain goes up at 7 tonight at Belle Vernon Area High School for the annual spring musical. The Yellow Brick Road is leading straight to Belle Vernon Area High School as more than 100 students wi...
Will independents ever get to vote in Pa. primaries?
Latest News, Main
Advocates hope a lawsuit moves the needle
March 12, 2026
The suit argues Pennsylvania’s closed primaries violate the state constitution by giving Democrats and Republicans more voting power than independents. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and...
Potential buyer emerges for City Mission building
Latest News, Main
CITY OF MONONGAHELA
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
March 12, 2026
Monongahela Heritage Church is eyeing the downtown location for a thrift store for the community. The City Mission Thrift Store plans to close its Monongahela location on Saturday, but a potential buy...
2nd man charged in 2022 fatal shooting
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
March 12, 2026
The alleged murder took place in a Rostraver Township shopping plaza parking lot on Nov. 5, 2022. By RENATTA SIGNORINI TribLive A second person has been charged in connection with a Nov. 5, 2022, fata...