Maria Lisa DeRienzo Brun – West Newton
Maria Lisa DeRienzo Brun, 60, of West Newton, passed away on Feb. 8, 2021, sur-rounded by her family. She was born Aug. 25, 1960, in Pittsburgh, daughter of the late Dr. Umberto DeRienzo Sr. and Angela DeRienzo, who survives. Maria Lisa, who was known and loved by her family as “Merlise” and “Aunt Mo,” graduated from the former Mon Valley Catholic High School in 1978 and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Duquesne University. The vast majority of her professional career was spent with State Farm Insurance, first in Upper St. Clair and most recently at Max Chywski State Farm agency in Carroll Township, where she had been a cherished and valuable member of the staff for the past 21 years. For those who knew Maria Lisa, family was the most important aspect of her life. Following her marriage to her best friend, Joseph Brun, in 1988, they were soon blessed with two miracles when they welcomed their son, Joseph in 1990 and their daughter, Christine in 1991. Her greatest joy was being a part of her childrens’ lives and watching them grow into successful, accomplished young adults. Maria truly loved children and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first grandchild this summer. She had a great sense of humor, a beautifully contagious laugh and a smile that lit up any room. Though she faced significant physical challenges throughout her life, she would never be defined by them. She possessed a generous and kind spirit, steadfastly considering the needs of others first. She revelled in life’s simple joys, including treasured getaways to the beach with her loved ones. In addition to her husband, Joseph, she is survived by her children, Joseph (Joyce) of Greensburg and Christine (Ben) of Burke, Va.; siblings, Diane McCree (Frank) of Charlotte, N.C.; Regina Stefan (John) of Charleroi; Dr. Damian DeRienzo (Sharon) of San Diego, Calif.; Dr. Umberto DeRienzo Jr. (Phyllis) of Venetia; Dante DeRienzo (Mary Pat) of McMurray; David DeRienzo (Martina) of Venetia; Angela Serrao (Rocco) of Rostraver; Christine Corbett (Doug) of Waxhaw, N.C.; and Phillip DeRienzo of Spring Grove, Pa.; sister-in-law, Cheryl Stevens (Timothy), of Raleigh, N.C.; numerous nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to her father, preceding her in death were in-laws, William and Elizabeth McNeil of New Kensington. Private visitation for immediate family and close friends will be held at SCHROCK-HOGAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES INC., 226 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 12, at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Seventh Street and Washington Avenue, Charleroi. Friends and family are asked to go directly to the church. Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing are required inside the church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.schrock-hogan.com.
