LANDMARK GONE
Emergency demolition after massive fire spells the end for the remnants of old Poli’s restaurant in Squirrel Hill
Few people remember what the corner of Murray and Forward avenues in Squirrel Hill looked like before Poli’s restaurant opened its doors there in 1921.
The iconic seafood restaurant that closed in 2005 was a Squirrel Hill landmark recognized by its golden lobster door handles.
“Poli’s was a go-to restaurant,” said Ray Baum, president of the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition. “It was a very popular restaurant for years.”
Now, it’s going away for good. While it withstood the fire that gutted and forced the emergency demolition of an adjacent building Thursday night, the old restaurant was to be torn down in the next few days after city building inspectors condemned it earlier in the day.
Plans were already in the works for the building to be demolished this fall and another structure to be built in its place as part of the Squirrel Hill master plan, according to city Councilman Corey O’Connor, who represents the neighborhood.
ACTION-Housing and Jewish Residential Services are working together to redevelop the Poli’s property with a combination of affordable housing, the new Howard Levin Clubhouse and office space.
“Our plan has always been to demolish the Poli building,” said Andrew Shull, ACTION-Housing communications officer. “The only thing that’s changed is the timeline [for demolition].”
Deborah Friedman, executive director of Jewish Residential Services, agreed.
“I don’t think that this really
Age 86, of Pittsburgh, changes our plan one way passed away on Wednesday, Mayor another,”6, 2015. BornMs. Friedman December 30, said. 1928, the daughter of the late David Edgar Glickman,Luton Singer director and Sophieof retail Runge services Singer; for wife commercial of the late Edward S. Chiz; beloved mother of three daughters, Diane (Paul) Diroll of York, PA, Debbie ( Steve) Novakowski of North East, PA and Denise (Jim) Kelvington of Slippery Rock, PA; dear grandmother of Stephanie and Geoffrey Novakowski; sister of the late Harry and Mary Ethel Singer. Dorothy is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Dorothy was a great cook and an extremely talented seamstress. Prior to raising her three children, Dorothy worked at Bell Telephone and was a sales person for Stanley Home Products. Family and friends will be received at the
3501 Main St., Munhall, Monday 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Therese Church, Munhall, interment to follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Dorothy’s family asks that memorial contributions in her name be made to the Wounded Warrior Project to help our veterans.
www.swgfuneralhome.com real estate broker Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, which provides realty hours. services Onefor the of property these destroyed opportunities by was Thursday’sa series of fire, lecturessaid he by was the not famousat liberty Catholic philosopher, Jacques to disclose what developer Maritain. Following the first of these he lectures,was in talkshe introducedwith for the himselfsale of to the Agnes buildings. Reiter, a studentHe said, waiting though,in line to that meet whateverthe noted moves philosopher.into that They attended the remaining space will “most likely” lectures together. In 1953, a consist former of graduateretail, apartmentsstudent peer from Purdue, Benedictine Father Xavier Mihm, notified Bill of a faculty position in Chemistry at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. He applied, visited, was offered the position, and joined the Saint Vincent faculty. Bill and Agnes were married in Saint Vincent Basilica in November 1953 with Father Xavier presiding. Teaching at a Catholic liberal arts college, especially near his family in McKeesport, was a perfect fit for him. A renaissance man, he reveled in the integrated, open scholarly environment at Saint Vincent. In addition to various courses in chemistry, especially his infamous physical chemistry course, Bill helped introduce and lead the Saint Vincent Great Books program in the 1960s, and he taught semester-long seminar courses on "The Ascent of Man" by Jacob Bronowski, "How to Read a Book" by Mortimer Adler, and other focused studies. A rigorous scholar and teacher, Bill and his courses were remembered with a combination of appreciation, terror, perplexity, and respect by many Saint Vincent alums. He retired from teaching at Saint Vincent in 1986 after 33 years of service, and subsequently was honored by the College as a Distinguished Professor Emeritus. He then began a second career as a volunteer for a number of organizations, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Conemaugh River Dam Project, the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy, the Allegheny Group of the Sierra Club, the Saltsburg Historical Society, the Pennsylvania Canal Society, and others. In his retirement, he authored two books: "Salt in the Conemaugh Valley: The Importance of the Conemaugh Salt Works in the Early American Salt Industry (1800-1860)," and "Canal to Pittsburgh: A Documentary History of the Western Division of the Pennsylvania Main Line of Public Works (1826-1864)." The energetic and scholarly way in which he conducted his life was an example for his children, grandchildren, and students. He is survived by his loving wife, Agnes (Jo); daughter, Deborah McMahon and her husband, Stephen, of Pittsburgh; son, David Dzombak and his wife, Carolyn Menard, of Pittsburgh; daughter, Laura Warren and her husband, Douglas, of Richmond, Vermont; son, Ivan Dzombak and his wife, Paula Penrod-Dzombak, of Pinckney, Michigan; daughter, Stefanie Puccetti and her husband, John, of Pittsburgh; sister, Doris Salama and her husband, Magdy, of Kingwood, Texas; and sister, Barbara Poole of Vista, California. He was the proud and loving grandfather of 15 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jenna, Patricia, and Joseph McMahon, Daniel, William, and Rachel Dzombak, Kathleen and Gregory Warren, Christopher, Rebecca, and Jesse Dzombak, and Justin, Adam, and Jacob Puccetti. There will be no public visitation. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at the Saint Vincent College Mary Mother of Wisdom Student Chapel. Friends of the Dzombak family are welcome. A lunch reception will be held at Saint Vincent immediately following the Memorial Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the William C. Dzombak Chemistry Scholarship Fund at Saint Vincent College, or the Conemaugh Va l ley Conservancy. The family thanks the Saint Vincent community for their concern and prayers, and the staff at Excela Latrobe Hospital for their care and kindness during Bill's final days. Arrangements are being handled by the
601 Weldon Street, Latrobe. To sign our online guestbook, send condolences, or to view detailed obituary and funeral home information, please visit:
www.lopatich.com and parking.
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601 Weldon Street, Latrobe. To sign our online guestbook, send condolences, or to view detailed obituary and funeral home information, please visit:
www.lopatich.com
Age 89, of Glade Mills, PA, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at UPMC Passavant. She was born March 28, 1926, in Bentleyville, PA, the daughter of the late Raymond and Edna Mae (Guthrie) Banks. Sevilla had been a member of Holy Sepulcher Church and retired as a custodian for Mars High School. She enjoyed working around the home and watching her sons play sports. Surviving are four sons, Robert Flukas (wife, Denise) of Scott Township, Dan Flukas (wife, Karen) of Phoenix, AZ, Phillip Flukas ( wife, Danette) of Florence, MT, and John Flukas of Glade Mills; grandchildren, Gina Switala and Bobby Flukas; great-grandchildren, Michael, Mason, Nicholas, and Carlos; a brother, William Banks of Cokeburg; and niece, Alyce and her daughter, Alyssa. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Daniel Flukas; and her sister, Vivian Banks. Friends will be received at
127 W. Jefferson St., Butler, on Sunday, May 17, 2015, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Blessing Services will be held at the funeral home on Monday, May 18, 2015, at 10 a. m., with Father Robert Cedolia, officiating. Interment will be in Glade Run Cemetery. For more information, go to:
Age 88, of Bluffton, IN, formerly of Largo, FL and Bethel Park, PA, died peacefully on May 11, 2015. Born in Presto, PA on Feb. 2, 1927, to the late Emery John and Anna Kutka Gates, he was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy Bogatay Gates; son, Gerald; and brothers, Victor, Richard and Donald. Emery is survived by his son, Jon ( Jody Boehm) Gates of Bluffton, IN; daughter- in- law, Jennifer Boehm Gates of Bethel Park, PA; grandchildren, Kelli (Zac) Thiele, Joseph and Molly Gates, Anna Christine (David) Dohrmann; and greatgrandsons, Thomas and James; also surviving are sisters-in-law, Rose Gates and Rosella Giehll; nieces and nephews; and dear friends, Chuck and Elaine Watson, Dan Zak, and Jan Boehm. Emery served in the US Navy during WWII as a gun captain, and retired from Universal Cyclops, Bridgeville, PA. He was a member of the American Legion and SNPJ, and a charter member of St. Matthew's Church in Largo, FL. Memorial Mass will be held on May 29, 2015, (11 a.m.) at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bluffton, IN with inurnment at a later date in Jefferson Memorial Cemetery, Pittsburgh, PA. Winchester Rd. Chapel, in charge of arrangements.
On Wednesday, May 13, 2015, Ralph H. Glenn, age 89, of the Masonic Village at Sewickley, formerly of Kennedy Twp. Beloved husband of Dolores Glenn ( Adams), deceased; dear father of Ralph G. (Deborah) Glenn and Kimberly S. (Dale) Lesonick; grandfather of Jason Lesonick, Jessica van de Loo (Bastian) and Brittany Glenn; also nieces and nephews. Ralph was a US Navy, WWII veteran. Friends received at
334 Forest Grove Rd., Kennedy Twp., from 9: 30 to 10: 30 a. m., with a funeral service to follow at 10: 30 a. m. at the funeral home. Burial following in Chartiers Cemetery. If des ired, memor ia l contributions may be made to the Masonic Pastoral Fund, or Mason ic Emp loyee Appreciation Fund, 1000 Masonic Dr., Sewickley, PA 15143.
Age 91, of Clairton, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2015, in Jefferson Hospital. Born August 13, 1923, in Fresno, CA, he was a son of the late Albert S. and Della May ( Shaheen) Green. A retired police officer for the City of Clairton and an administrator for the US Postal Service, Salem was a US Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and a member of both St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Oakland and the Church of the Transfiguration in Clairton and the American Legion Daniel Keffer Post #75. He was a self educated man who taught himself the guitar and piano and designed and built his own home. However, he will be remembered most as a proud and loving father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather. Salem joins his wife, the late Audrey (Verbanes) Green, who passed away February 9, 1999. He is survived by his children, Marsha (William) Cudlipp and Michael R. Green, both of Clairton; his grandchildren, Michelle (Steve) Tart of Atlanta, GA, Amy Huschak of Pittsburgh, Robert (Marnie) Salem of Burlington, IA, Heath (Jennifer) Huschak of Charleroi, Timothy (Paula) Huschak of Baldwin and Michael and Kevin Green; several greatgrandchildren; his sisters, Evelyn ( Kenneth) Brown of Clairton, Della Benbow of Sanger, CA, and Jenny Zender of Freeport, IL; and also nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the
555 5th St., Clairton, PA 15025 ( 412- 233- 5700) on Sunday, May 17, 2015, from Noon to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 18, 2015, at 10 a.m. in the funeral home with Fr. Demetrios Makoul officiating. Procession and burial will follow, with military honors, in Jefferson Memorial Park in Pleasant Hills.
On Thursday, May 14, 2015. Wife of the late Robert W. Hamilton, Sr.; beloved mother of Robert W. (Joanne) Hamilton, Jr. of Washington, Rebecca A. ( the late Gary) Voelker, Richard D. (Debbie) Hamilton and Deborah M. (John) Hunt; sister of Michael Lipinski and Martha Bowman; preceded in death by six siblings; survived also by 11 grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren. Friends may call Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at 3724 California at Cooper Ave., N.S. Funeral Mass in Sacred Heart Church siblings; survived also by 11 grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren. Friends may call Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at 3724 California at Cooper Ave., N.S. Funeral Mass in Sacred Heart Church (Emsworth) Monday, 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial contributions to Little Sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
Age 84, passed away in Ocala, FL on May 9, 2015. She was a homemaker. Mary moved to this area, from Pittsburgh, in 2003. She is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Frank Horner of 35 years; one son, Robert Lamb (Lorraine) of East Bridgewater, MA and a daughter, Sandra Ridge (Mark) of Penn Hills, PA; four grandchildren, Robert, Julie, Tammy and Mark; also eight great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. made the arrangements. To leave condolences:
robertsfuneralhomes.com
On May 13, 2015, James Horton, Jr. of North Braddock. Husband of Leslie L. McGarridy- Horton; son of Lorraine E. King and the late James Horton, Sr.; stepson of Thomas King; brother of Gloria Horton and Calvin Robert Horton; also a host of other family members and friends. Visitation Sunday 4 p.m. to 8 p. m. on May 17, 2015, at
808 Talbot Ave., Braddock, PA 15104, (412) 271-3880. Funeral Service Monday 11:00 a.m. on May 18, 2015, at Living Water Ministry, 736 Washington Avenue, Braddock, PA. Interment Monongahela Cemetery.
Of McCandless Twp., on Thursday, May 14, 2015. Wife of the late Joseph Jakim; loving mother of James J. Jakim ( Candace Niel), Douglas E. Jakim (Margaret) and Claudia A. Jakim ( Jennifer Macey); grandmother of Patrick M. and Brittany M. Jakim. Friends received Sunday 2-8 p.m. at
806 Perry Hwy., North Hills. Services in Bethel Lutheran Church Monday 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Good Samaritan Hospice, 3500 Brooktree Rd., Ste. 320, Wexford, PA 15090.
Age 89, of Murrysville, PA passed away May 13, 2015. He was an accomplished inventor, dedicated family man, and cherished friend. Jimmy was a joke-teller extraordinaire, who made others happy to be in his company, and created wonderful memories for all who loved and knew him. Recruited by Westinghouse Research Center in Churchill, PA, Jimmy immigrated to the United States from London, England. As an electronics research engineer, Jimmy was awarded numerous patents during his exceptional career. His proudest achievement was developing and designing the circuitry for the first color camera used in space and on the moon; as requested by NASA for the Apollo program,
Age 89, of Murrysville, PA passed away May 13, 2015. He was an accomplished inventor, dedicated family man, and cherished friend. Jimmy was a joke-teller extraordinaire, who made others happy to be in his company, and created wonderful memories for all who loved and knew him. Recruited by Westinghouse Research Center in Churchill, PA, Jimmy immigrated to the United States from London, England. As an electronics research engineer, Jimmy was awarded numerous patents during his exceptional career. His proudest achievement was developing and designing the circuitry for the first color camera used in space and on the moon; as requested by NASA for the Apollo program, enabling people throughout the world to see the color transmissions on their local televisions. This camera earned Westinghouse an Emmy from The National Academy of Arts and Sciences for the top broadcast engineering achievement of 1969. He retired in 1987. During World War II, Jimmy served as Navigator in the Royal Air Force (RAF) Bomber Command. He attended St. John’s College in Cambridge, England and Northern Polytechnic in London. In 1994, he was honored as a Life Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE). Jimmy started boxing at the age of seven, eventually becoming a successful featherweight boxer in the RAF. He also enjoyed soccer, golf, singing and dancing. Since retiring from Westinghouse, he joined co-retirees for monthly breakfasts at Dick’s Diner. A documentary interview was recently completed by Pittsburgh’s Collective Legacy Project and posted on www.collectivelegacyproject.c om (scroll down to Our Stories, click on Jimmy’s photo on left in the red sweater; view video by clicking on his second photo down). Jimmy was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of more than 68 years, Pauline (Smith) Justice. He is survived by three daughters, Autumn, Dawn and Wendy; son-in-law, Don; two grandchildren, Jamie (Lynzy) and Angela; two greatgrandchildren, Jesse and Mirabelle; nephew, Patrick; and niece, Maryanne; a brother, Ron (Jean) and family; relatives and friends around the world; and his beloved mentor and best friend of 65 years, Dennis. Services will be private. In Jimmy Justice’s memory, donations may be made to the Collective Legacy Pro ject on l ine at www.collectivelegacyproject.c om or by mail to:Side Project Inc., c/o The Collective Legacy Project, 1400 S. Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.
Age 52, of McKeesport, PA, died Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at his residence. Born June 14, 1962, in McKeesport, PA, a son of the late Ernest and Irene P. Calochak Katchur. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ernest “Skip” Katchur and Ronald Katchur. Chris was an operations manager for Pittsburgh Electrical Insulation with 30 years of service. Surviving are his sons, Christopher S. ( Deanne) Katchur, Jr. and Joseph R. (Jessica) Katchur; and their mother, Bonnie Antonelli; grandchildren, Mika A. and Adriana J. Katchur; brothers and sister, Robert (Sue) Katchur, Diane Haeberlen, and Michael (Cynthia) Katchur; many nieces and nephews, including his closest friend and nephew, Joseph Ernst.. Friends will be received on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at t he
2703 O’Neil Boulevard, McKeesport, PA 15132. Funeral Services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Versailles. Interment will follow in New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles.