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Dr. Karen Lee Cercone

November 22, 1946 - May 18, 2025

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Obituary For Dr. Karen Lee Cercone

Unfailingly kind and exceedingly generous, Karen passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025 at age 78 with family by her side. Daughter of the late Alfred R. and Hilda K. Cercone. Survived by loving godchildren and cousins, loving Cercone and Celedonia Families. A lifelong resident of Carrick and proud Carrick High School Graduate (class of 1964).

An incredible educator, Karen earned her undergraduate and masters degrees from the California University of Pennsylvania and her doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. She taught for decades at North Hills High School and later became a vice principal. She was also a professor at Community College of Allegheny County and the University of Pittsburgh. She supported local high school speech and debate tournaments throughout Western Pennsylvania.

An active member of the Bella Vista Lodge of I.S.D.A., Viletta Barrea Women's Society, the former Italian Heritage Society of America, Umberto DiNardo Council of Sons of Columbus, the Bloomfield Preservation and Heritage Society, former President of the Ateleta Women’s Society, and active member of her local Hallmark Club, Karen enjoyed life and social gatherings. Her welcoming, pleasant presence was a source of joy for many in this life and is expected to continue on in the next.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227, on Wednesday, June 4 and Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral Prayer on Friday morning at 9:45. Mass of Christian Burial in Blessed Trinity Parish, St. Sylvester Church at 10:30 a.m.

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Condolences

  • January 22, 2026

    Bill Young

    I don't know what made me think of Dr. Cercone, but I'm sorry to learn of her passing. She was just a fun, fun person. Her energy was palpable and her positively knew no bounds. I first met her as an advisor for the NHHS speech and debate team in my freshman year (96/97) and had her as an instructor my senior year (99/00) Please know that she is remembered and held in very high regard, no doubt, by many of her past students.

  • December 29, 2025

    Dominick DeFilippis

    Karen was a wonderful human being --the best. I met her in grad school at Pitt where we were both working on doctorates. We stayed in touch over the years. Kind, compassionate and caring are three adjectives that describe her fairly well. She is fondly remembered. May she rest in peace. God bless.

  • August 24, 2025

    Helen Sutter Turkalj

    I did not know Karen had passed. She was my speech teacher and coach "back in the day." Fairly close in age, we became good friends. Lost touch when I moved to CA. She was very special!!

  • June 30, 2025

    Leslee Ann Heinrich

    I have known Karen Lee since I was three years old. We grew up on Spokane Ave, in Carrick. Both of our parents were very good friends. Al and Hilda, Audrey and Bill. Karen Lee always took me under her wing and guided me with homework. She loved teaching and was one of the very best. The Cercone's were like family to me growing up. I had not seen her in years, as I now live in Texas. My family and I send our sympathies and prayers to Pittsburgh. Leslee Ann Heinrich and Family

  • June 01, 2025

    Margaret Krivjanik

    Karen was a vibrant member of our Bella Vista Lodge. She attracted people to her with her warm and generous spirit, and her illness never diminished that spirit. She will be remembered and missed by all. Vai con Dio, Karen. From Margaret Krivjanik

  • May 28, 2025

    June Koury

    😇I have so many good memories of Karen & she was always so kind to my family. Her gentle guidance when working on a project to the Hallmark meetings! You are missed my friend😇 June Koury & family 🙏🏻

  • May 28, 2025

    Ed Fillipih

    No truer words could be said about our dear friend Karen. Her smile and kindness towards everyone is rare in this world. The entire Fillipih family wishes to express our deepest sympathies and pray for all of her family and numerous friends that they may find peace during this extremely difficult time. Sincerely, Ed, Becky, Katie, Andrew and Rose Marie Fillipih

  • May 27, 2025

    Mary Margaret Isabella

    Karen and I met in Junior Achievement in our high school days and then reconnected at an ISDA National Convention in Buffulo. During her last few months we would talk every ight around 11 to share how our days went. I will miss her dearly, Mary Margaret Isabella

  • May 25, 2025

    Gail Fucci

    Dr. Cercone will be remembered by many of us due to her tenure at the North Hills School District. She was a kind and enthusiastic individual who truly understood what was necessary in order to impart education to the students she was responsible for. There are many teachers and students who were very blessed to have reaped the benefit of her outstanding work and efforts in the educational field. Deepest Sympathy, The North Hills School District Retirees

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