Obituaries
January 28, 2023

Margaret C. Urda – Charleroi

By obits

 

Margaret C. Urda, 96, of Charleroi, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. Born on June 12, 1926, she was the daughter of the late John J. and Anna Kruppa Gaidos. She married Fred Urda on June 12, 1952, at Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church. He passed away on Aug. 4, 1967. Margaret’s two pillars in life were her unwavering faith in God and her love for her family. She was a member of Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church, its Rosary Society, and was a CCD teacher for many years. She retired from the Charleroi Area School District, where she worked in the business office as a secretary. She loved flowers, particularly roses, and she could grow tomatoes in even the worst soil. Her cooking was one way she showed her love for her family, and it could never be matched. Even following her recipes to the letter, nothing ever tasted as good as Grandma Margaret’s cookies. Margaret is survived by her children, Susan (Dan) McKenzie of Swansea, Ill., Fred (Valerie) Urda Jr. of Simpsonville, S.C., and Thomas Urda of Charleroi, with whom she made her home; grandchildren, Nathaniel (girlfriend Sarah DeLong) McKenzie, Kathleen (Tristan) Pisarczyk, Sarah (Charles) Howe and Marisa Urda; great-grandchildren, Jude, Hope and Stella Pisarczyk and Chase Howe; sister-in-law, Lillian Gaidos, formerly of Charleroi; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Doris and Ed Rodebaugh of Weedville, Pa. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by a grandson, Joseph Urda; and brother, John R. Gaidos. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at CARL J. SPALLINO FUNERAL HOME, 819 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi, Joseph A. Lopez, funeral director. Divine Liturgy will be at noon Monday at Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church, Charleroi, with Father Stephen J. Wahal officiating and interment following in Monongahela Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.spallinofuneralhome.com.

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