Obituaries

Some of the stories that have moved me most were obituaries for ordinary people who made an extraordinary impact on the lives around them. Here are my favorites, about local characters large and small. They were not famous, but their lives mattered.

Leon F. Rongaus: Meticulous owner of fine Donora restaurant

Walter Joseph Zotter: Potter who owned South Side workshop

Michael "Jay" Schlesinger: Social worker, artist, farmer

Paulette Honeygosky: Firebrand nun who worked tirelessly for the poor and needy

Clement Azzari: Popular, cosmopolitan barber in Clairton

Gilbert Anthony Friday: Area pediatrician who went the extra mile for his patients