Stephen Gonta

Stephen John Gonta III, of Greensburg, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Independence Westmoreland Hospital with his loving wife, Linda, and his daughter, Darlene, at his side.

Stephen was born on June 6, 1943 in the Bronx, New York, to Stephen John Gonta II and Mary Florence (Mizenko) Gonta. He graduated from Hurst High School in 1961, and went on to graduate from Penn State University with a degree in Electrical & Electronic Technology and later graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Business Administration. On October 12, 1963, he married his high-school sweetheart, Linda Rodgers, in St. Florian Roman Catholic Church, United, PA. Stephen and Linda celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary this past October.

Stephen retired from Allegheny Power System as the Director of Compensation Studies in 1999 after 33 years of service. Throughout his career, he was a member of Toastmaster's International, the Mount Pleasant Rotary, the United Way of Fayette County, Westmoreland County Manufacturers Association, the Allegheny Power Retirees, the Allegheny Power Retirees Golf Club, volunteer at St. Vincent DePaul Food Bank of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Treasurer of the George Onda District of the First Catholic Slovak Union as well as a member of Branch 181.

Stephen loved golfing, fishing, boating, woodworking, Steelers, Pitt, and Penn State Football. He and Linda loved to travel and visited most of the United States, including Hawaii, and Canada, including Nova Scotia. A parishioner of Our Lady of Grace since 1975, a man of great faith, he and Linda never missed Mass wherever they traveled. He always selflessly helped his large family and his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his parents-in-law, Jonathan and Frances Rodgers, and brother-in-law, Francis Jonathan Rodgers.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Linda Lou (Rodgers) Gonta, his daughters, Marylin Musselman (Brad) of Mentor, Ohio, Darlene Gonta LaPay (Christopher) of Greensburg, PA, and the following grandchildren: Madison Young, Hannah Walker (Sam), Gabrielle Redrick (Dontez), Alex Young, Jack Young (Kate), and his grandson, buddy, and namesake, Stephen LaPay; his great-grandsons, Ivan Young and newborn August Redrick. He is also survived by a brother, Frank Sevcik (Patti), and sisters, Darlene Patty (Bill) and Marie Morgan (Russ), and his Goddaughter, Stephanie Miller (Matt).

Family and friends will be received from 9am until the time of a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am on Wed., Dec. 31, 2025, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 1011 Mount Pleasant Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601. A private family entombment will follow. Stephen's services have been entrusted to HOFFER WILT FUNERAL HOME, Norvelt.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online to the American Lung Association in his memory.

The family would like to thank the staff of St. Anne Home and the Westmoreland Hospital 2nd floor nursing and respiratory services for their compassion and care.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at hofferwilt.com