Losing a neighbor in the Alle-Kiski Valley isn't just a notice in the paper. It's a shift in the local fabric. When you look through the Valley News Dispatch obituaries this week, you aren't just reading names; you’re seeing the closing chapters of people who built New Kensington, Tarentum, and Lower Burrell. This week has been heavy. Honestly, the sheer number of long-time residents we've lost lately is startling.
From the tragic loss of a local mechanic in a roadside accident to the passing of a 100-year-old woman who saw the valley change from a smoky industrial hub to what it is today, the stories are deeply personal. You probably know some of these names. Maybe you went to Highlands High with them, or you saw them every Sunday at Faith Tabernacle.
The Names We’re Remembering Right Now
It's been a tough few days for the Plum and New Kensington communities. One of the most heartbreaking stories involves Harry Julius Thomas, a 62-year-old from Plum Borough. Harry wasn't just a name; he was the guy behind Thomas’s Auto and Truck Service. He died on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, after a tragic pedestrian accident. People in the area knew him as a man who loved a good walk and could fix just about anything with an engine.
Then there’s Andrew C. "Andy" Perriello. He was 73 and lived in Lower Burrell. Andy passed away at Forbes Regional on January 15. If you ever spent time in local halls or community spots, you might have seen him playing pool or heard him talking about a game he’d bet on. He was a fixture.
Recent Passings in the Alle-Kiski Region
- Grace Migliorisi: She hit the incredible milestone of 100 years. Born in New Kensington in 1925, she passed away in Lower Burrell on January 14.
- Arthur W. Gildner: An 88-year-old veteran of the Army from Natrona Heights. He died at Allegheny Valley Hospital on January 13.
- Keith Drummond: Just 62 years old, Keith lived in Lower Burrell and passed on January 12.
- Janet H. Grinder: A Springdale resident who was 94. She was a mother and grandmother who left us on January 13.
- June E. Claypool: From South Buffalo Township, June passed peacefully at home at 85.
It’s a lot to take in. You’ve probably noticed that many of these services are happening right now at places like Rusiewicz Funeral Home or Churchfield-Peters.
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Why Checking the Dispatch Matters More Than Ever
Most people think obituaries are just for the family. Kinda wrong, actually. In towns like Tarentum and Arnold, these notices are the primary way the community stays connected. When a guy like Larry R. Delaney passes at 93—he was a veteran who lived in Cabot but was a Harmar staple for years—it impacts the VFW, the local diners, and the neighbors who remember him from decades ago.
The Valley News Dispatch obituaries this week serve as a record of our local history. If you miss the notice, you miss the chance to stand in line at the viewing and tell the family how much their loved one meant to the neighborhood. It’s about that physical presence in a digital world.
How to Find the Full Records
Looking for a specific service time? It’s basically all online now through the TribLive portal or Legacy, but the physical paper still lands on porches across the valley.
- TribLive's Valley News Dispatch Section: This is the most direct way to see local-only listings.
- Legacy.com: They partner with the Dispatch, so you can find the guestbooks there.
- Funeral Home Sites: Often, places like RJ Slater IV or Ajak Funeral Home post the full details before they even hit the paper.
The Tragedy in Plum: A Community in Mourning
The accident involving Harry Thomas really shook people. It happened in the middle of the week, and by the time the obituary was published on January 17, the local Facebook groups were already flooded with memories. It’s a reminder of how quickly things change. Harry was a self-employed mechanic. In a town like New Kensington, that means he helped dozens, maybe hundreds of people keep their cars on the road so they could get to work.
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Visitation for Harry is set for Monday, Jan. 19, at Rusiewicz in Lower Burrell. If you knew him from his time at Key Lincoln or just from the neighborhood, that’s where the community is gathering.
A Century of Life: Grace Migliorisi
We don’t see many 100th birthdays. Grace Migliorisi was born back in 1925. Think about that for a second. She lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the rise and fall of the local steel mills, and the entire digital revolution. She was a lifelong resident. When someone like Grace passes, a library of local knowledge goes with them. Her service through Rusiewicz Funeral Home is a final salute to a century well-lived in the Alle-Kiski Valley.
Common Misconceptions About Local Obits
People often think that if they don't see a name in the Sunday edition, it’s not there. Not true. The Dispatch updates daily. Sometimes a family waits a few days to get the wording right or to coordinate with out-of-town relatives. If you’re looking for someone and don’t see them, check back forty-eight hours later.
Also, the "Online Only" section of TribLive has become huge. Some families choose not to run a print ad because of the cost—it’s getting expensive—so they opt for the digital-only notice. You’ve gotta check both if you want the full picture.
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Handling the Logistics of Loss
If you're the one tasked with writing one of these, it's daunting. You want to capture a life in 300 words. Most local funeral homes in the Tarentum and Natrona Heights area will help you with the submission to the Valley News Dispatch, but you can also do it yourself via the Trib Total Media website.
Actionable Steps for the Week:
- Check the Rusiewicz and Peters family sites if you are looking for specific New Kensington or Lower Burrell service times; they often update faster than the newspaper's main feed.
- Sign the online guestbooks. For families who can't have a huge public service, those digital messages actually mean a lot.
- Visit the Stroller column. The Dispatch often includes community-related death notices or memorial fundraisers in "The Stroller" section, which is a local favorite.
- Note the Monday holiday. Since Monday, Jan. 19, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, some government offices and local centers are closed, which might affect when you can get certain records or documents related to recent passings.
Loss is a constant in a tight-knit place like the Alle-Kiski Valley, but the way we show up for each other is what keeps the community alive. Keep an eye on those listings; you never know who might need a kind word or a shared memory right now.