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Please refer to obituaries for information on visitations, funeral services and requests by the family or deceased for honoring their memory.

Recent Obituaries

Please note that our obituary application is currently under repair so the most recent obituaries will not have the same interactivity as the ones you see in the section below the search bar below. Please contact the funeral home at 412-881-4100 with any questions.

Mountjoy, Sally

Mountjoy, Sally

Mountjoy, Sally R. (Hammack), age 88, passed peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2026, of Baldwin Borough, formerly of Mt. Washington. Beloved wife of the late David E. Mountjoy; cherished mother of Bruce Mountjoy, Marsha (Dave) Ondo, Beth (Dicky) Nassar and Todd (Leah)...

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Appetta, Jake Kenneth

Appetta, Jake Kenneth

Age 86, on May 7, 2026, of Baldwin Borough Beloved husband of Marian (Palazzo), having celebrated 64 years of marriage on May 5; loving father of Kenneth V. Appetta and Natalie (Karl) Heller; devoted Pap Pap of William "Tiger" Heller; son of the late Frank and Dorothy...

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Draga Bartos

July 08, 1938 - October 24, 2021

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Obituary For Draga Bartos

Draga Bartos, age 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 24,2021 with her family and parish priest at her side. Draga, the youngest of five, was born in the village of Brajcino, Macedonia and came to the United States at the age of 14 to not only start a new life, but to also meet her father for the first time. Not being able to speak a word of English, she went on to gain an Associates Degree from Robert Morris College and work in an Accounting Office downtown, dressed to the nines, for her first decade out of school. She was determined, a hard worker, and had strong business acumen. She then took the entrepreneur path, owning and operating the Baldwin Dairy with her brother in law Jim, the Southern Star with her husband, Joe and finally the Royal Touch Bridal Salon with her niece Elida. The bridal salon was her favorite, even with all of the “bridezilla drama” so much so, that even when they closed shop she wanted to stay in the “wedding industry” and worked for Lisa and Pete Valotta’s Tuxedo for many years. The common thread in all of mom’s work experience was how much she treated all of her employees and customers alike with kindness and warmth. Everyone loved her, asked for her, and almost always left with a big hug and a kiss. Draga loved her homes……..All of them! Brajcino Macedonia was of course in her soul, and you would know within ten minutes of meeting her that she was Macedonian. She was so proud of her heritage. She was equally as proud of the United States of America and the city of Pittsburgh. Always crying at the national anthem, she thanked God for the opportunities this country gave her. And there was no bigger Pittsburgh sports fan or heckler when the Steelers were down! Draga had a sense of humor and a great laugh and smile. She loved Macedonian and Serbian music of all kinds, and spent a lot of time dancing, singing and crying in the kitchen with her daughter, especially in the last 2 years. She also had great love for her church, priests, choir, and would do anything to support her parish community. But Draga’s greatest passion and love was for her family. She was married to her husband Joe, for over 45 years, and although we often teased about their “Edith and Archie Bunker” relationship, they truly loved and supported each other. The last two years have been hard without him and she missed him immensely. Draga had one and only daughter, Patti, who she supported, loved and protected fiercely. The bond between them was extraordinary, and always filled with unconditional love and nurturing. Draga extended this love to her “son” Rade, when he joined the family and they had a wonderful relationship, typically involving Rade “pranking” what he would call “his favorite mother in law”. And then her grandchildren, were her greatest love of all and biggest source of pride. Mirce, her Prince, and Melina, her beautiful Mims were everything to her. A mere mention of their names made her radiate and sometimes cry because she loved them so much. Draga’s love didn’t end there……..she taught us all how important it was to be together as a family thru the good and the bad. In her younger years, she hosted Macedonian Dance Class on Sunday’s with all of the cousins! A few years ago she hosted a “zelnik” making session for us to learn how to make the delicious Macedonian treat. She was always there as a surrogate mother to many nieces and nephews, serving as the “go to” person for support and an ear. Getting us together to keep our traditions and heritage alive, was important to her. Her legacy is alive today, because we are together and the traditions remain. Although our hearts ache, and the pain is great, she will forever be loved and a part of us. Draga is survived by so many, who miss her already. Daughter, Patti Opacic (Rade), grandchildren Mirce and Melina, and numerous nieces and nephews who helped care for her to the end (Elida, Vlade, Marika, Christina, Carrie). Please join us in celebrating her beautiful life…Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 from 3-8 p.m. (Pomen at 6:30). Visitation will continue onThursday, October 28, 2021 in Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral from 10:30-11:00 a.m. at which time a Funeral Service will be held. Burial in St Sava Cemetery. Arrangements by the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral.

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  • December 30, 2025

    Lisa Sobieralski

    I do hope that family, "My Patti" (as your Mom always referred to you) will see this these years later. Did not know of the passing of Dorothy (as we all called her at The Southern Star) until today. My name is Lisa Matthews. My first job was with Dorothy and Joe! I was 17 (62 now). Told Dorothy that I did not have any restaurant experience. Dorothy's response, 'good, you'll learn my way!!" My first work experience was a family experience!!! Even though I wasn't a great waitress, She never let me go. As a kid, at grade school across the street, always went to "The Dairy Store for lunch"! Then, many years later I was engaged. Dorothys shop was where I got my gown with all her eye for detail! On my wedding day, walking down the aisle, looking around, there were Joe and Draga!!! All these years later, just want you to know the importance and impact that they Both made on Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • October 28, 2021

    kristin klein

    Patti, I am so sorry for your loss. Draga was such an interesting person, and I am thankful I had the opportunity to get to know her. I loved listening to her stories about being a young girl and working for her father. She was so proud of her family and her life and enjoyed sharing stories with all of us. I loved saying her name with enthusiasim every morning she came into the center and making her chuckle. She cared about every one she met and even those she didn't know very well. Draga was also a tough cookie, never shying away from speaking her mind. She made us laugh daily. She was always a good sport when I wanted to take goofy pictures. I appreciated Draga, every day I saw her. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort knowing, that while Draga is probably a bit sad to be away from you, she is So Happy to be reunited with her Husband and her parents again. She is still with us, watching us, and probably shaking her head with a slight roll of her eyes and a sharp little inhale of breath.... She loves us all. Kristin (from LP)

  • October 26, 2021

    Helen (Lenche) and Bill Byrnes

    The Tasevich family met the Triko family just weeks after Strena Miraça, Luba, Boris, and Draga arrived in the United States. They were at Kaufman's Department Store where they shopped for clothes. A salesgirl, my sister Angie, overheard them speaking Macedonian and addressed them in her fluent Macedonian. A bond was forged that lasted for decades with the families. I could write a book! Evie Jean, Steven, Bill, I, and our families cherish the wonderful memories of Teta Draga. Our sincere sympathies to all of you. Cherish your yesterdays, dream your tomorrows, and live your todays. Rest in peace, dear friend. HELEN (LENCHE) AND BILL BYRNES

  • October 26, 2021

    Roz Lewis

    Patti, My deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. I know this is a deep loss and I pray that all those loving memories will provide some level of comfort. Sending you lots of love and prayers. From: Roz Lewis

  • October 26, 2021

    XY Li

    Patti, in the loss of your mom, words are powerless to describe the emotions of losing someone, and the only one, who birthed, nurtured, and lived with you. From the obituary, your mom as if came to life again. She lived a full life. I only met her once when your dad passed away. Now they got united in the heavenly place. May your mom's spirit rest in God's embrace! XY Li

  • October 26, 2021

    Matthew Cheran

    Patti and family: I was so saddened to read about Draga's passing. I have so many fond memories of her--from living at La Maisonette to the bridal shop and, of course, her friendly greetings every week in church. The void in your heart that you feel now will eventually be filled with lovely memories and the knowledge that, through unconditional love, Draga demonstrated what a truly remarkable person should be. Memory eternal! Matt Cheran

  • October 26, 2021

    Aleta Richards

    Patti, You and your family are in my heart and prayers. It's the wonderful memories that keeps our loved ones with us. And from what you've shared, you and your family have a wealth of those. All my love, Aleta

  • October 25, 2021

    Winovich Barbara

    Patti Rade and family deepest sympathies to all of you Draga was very special to me and always had something nice to say to me. Her smile was as bright as her laughter. Haven't seen her in awhile but she will really be missed. May her Memory be Eternal 🙏 Fondly Barbara Winovich

  • October 25, 2021

    The Sarkov Family

    Patti, Rade, Mirce and Melina, Sending you our heartfelt condolences as you grieve the loss of your beloved mom and Baba. We will always remember her warmth, her loving spirit, and her love of football! We hope you find comfort and healing in all the beautiful memories you've shared. Bog da ja prosti. Steve, Menka, Victor and Roman Sarkov

  • October 25, 2021

    Renee Patterson

    Bubba was an amazing woman with whom I had many great hugs and beautiful conversations with over the years. I will miss you very much but I know where you are and who you are with. ❤️ RP

  • October 25, 2021

    Natalee Smith

    Patti, All my love to you and your family through this period. Natalee Smith.

  • October 25, 2021

    Joanne Vash

    Patty and family your mom was a one of a kind person. All the beautiful things that she taught all of us will surely be remembered. I know there is an empty void within your heart but know she is always with you in mind and spirit. So many of us will remember her in a special way because of all she did for us & HTC. Our heartfelt sympathy. Vash Family

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