Obituaries
March 23, 2021

Antoinette Suppa

By obits

Antoinette Suppa, a young 91, passed directly into heaven on Saturday, March 20, 2021. She was known as “Grandma Toni,” “Aunt Toni” and “Mom” and she was a strong active woman who was taken down by COVID-19. She was born on Aug. 19, 1929, in Monessen, one of four daughters to the late Santo and Marie Barbetta DiBiase. Antoinette was a 1947 graduate of Monessen High School, a member of Epiphany of Our Lord Church and the Italian-American Heritage Society. Not one to shy away from politics, she worked for various candidates and was president of the North Italian Political Association. Toni was an incredibly hard-working person and expected nothing less from others. Her jobs included being a sales person at the Jenny Shop, clerk at Dominic’s Fruit Market and car wash attendant. She was a friendly home visitor for Westmoreland County Area Agency on Aging, where she was named Volunteer of the Year for her hard work. She taught us many lessons, strength, toughness and tolerance. She helped many children of all colors to read at her kitchen table. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Suppa in 1992; a granddaughter, who was gone to soon at the age of 33, Robyn A. George; and two sisters, Esther Pabis and Nelli Phillippi. Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Janet (Robert W.) George and Mary Jo (Ronald) Panepinto; the lights of her life, her grandchildren, Ryan (Krista) George and Lucia Panepinto; great-grandsons, Ruxin James George, Kazden Lane George and Neiko Panepinto; a sister, Rose Marie Gironda; a special niece, Debbie (Rick) Kozar and their children Amanda and Josh; nephew and godson, Tom Suppa; and by nieces and nephews. She always told us, “There are good and bad in all kinds of people.” Remember her life, be kind, be tough, “Be a Toni.” Private viewing was held at DALFONSO-BILLICK FUNERAL HOME INC. AND CREMATION SERVICES, 441 Reed Ave., Monessen, followed by a funeral Mass in Epiphany of Our Lord Church with the Rev. Michael J. Crookston officiating. Entombment followed in Belle Vernon Cemetery Mausoleum. Condolences accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com.

Walking Stations of the Cross
Latest News, Main
April 4, 2026
The Rev. Levi Hartle leads participants, including Guy Flament of Monongahela (carrying the cross), during the Walking Stations of the Cross on Good Friday at Chess Park in Monongahela. The annual pro...
Area gas prices surge above $4.20 per gallon
Latest News, Main
April 4, 2026
The cost of fuel is now 74 cents higher than it was a year ago. By QUINCEY REESE TribLive Western Pennsylvanians felt a pinch at the pumps this week as some local gas stations offered fuel at $4.19 pe...
McKeesport Housing Authority director retires
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
April 4, 2026
Steve Bucklew will be replaced by longtime MHA Deputy Director Diane Raible. Longtime McKeesport Housing Authority Director Steve Bucklew has retired from his position, after more than 30 years, handi...
Mon City’s highest-ranking WWII officer died a hero
Latest News, Main
STORIES BEHIND THE STARS
April 4, 2026
This story is part of Mon Valley Sons of World War II, a series about our sons who lost their lives in service to our country during the war. By JOHN J. TURANIN For the MVI Monongahela High School’s p...
Rock of the Redeemer holds Easter basket drive
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
April 4, 2026
It follows a successful Angel Tree campaign in December. The Rock of the Redeemer in Elizabeth Township provided more than 65 Easter baskets for area children this year. The one-year-old nonprofit org...
Mon Valley Independent Easter Coloring Contest Winners
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
April 4, 2026
The winners of the Mon Valley Independent’s annual Easter Coloring Contest are, from left, Mia Galiffa of Donora, Aubrey Kinney of Rostraver Township and Jackson Trilli of Monessen. MVI