Bernard A. Klisavage

Bernard Anthony Klisavage, age 93, of Castle Shannon, passed away peacefully, at home, on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Son of the late William and Hildagard Klisavage; beloved husband of the late Eileen Ann Klisavage; father of Bernard J. (Alice), Karen (the late Alex) Vilchis, Michael (Joan), Paul (Sandy), Brian, Valerie (Ernest) Gigliotti and the late Daniel James; brother of the late William and Edward (Gerry) Klisavage; grandfather of Renee Brewer, Gary Rethage, Megan DelSignore, Patrick Klisavage, Christine Ervin, Rachel Bodi, Taylor Gigliotti, Lacey Gigliotti, and Jake Gigliotti. Bernard is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren.

In 1932, Bernie Klisavage was born in Lackawanna, New York and baptised at Our Lady of Victory Basilica. When he was about seven years old the family moved to Pittsburgh and settled in Duquesne Heights. Bernie attended St. Mary of the Mount grade school and high school, graduating in 1950. He was an altar boy, sang in the choir and played the pipe organ for the morning weekday Masses before school each day. As a freshman at St. Mary, he met a young girl by the name of Eileen. Bernie stole her street car token in order to get her to talk to him. It worked; they wed right out of high school, a marriage that lasted 71 years. They raised seven children and greatly loved their nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Bernie graduated from pharmacy school at Duquesne University in 1954. In 1966, he purchased Morris's Pharmacy in Dormont and renamed it Bernie's Pharmacy. There he proudly served his customers under the business motto, "Where You Always Meet a Friend." Kids of all ages from the surrounding neighborhood stopped there to buy treats from the impressive old style display of penny candy. For many summers a team of little league baseball players proudly wore their Bernie's Pharmacy uniforms. He was active in a number of community organizations that included the Knight of Columbus (3rd degree), Allegheny County Pharmacists Association, South Hills Catholic High School Band Parents Association, President of the South Hills Junior Tamburitzans, Dormont Businessman's Association, and the Dormont Lions Club. He was a season ticket holder for Duquesne Basketball. The family moved to Castle Shannon in the 1950s and became faithful members of St. Anne Catholic Church.  Bernie was very proud that his children were educated in Catholic schools. More than anything, his Catholic faith was important to him, and Bernie was a great example of how to pray and worship God in all things. 

Friends received on Sunday, March 1, from 1-5pm at Laughlin Cremation & Funeral Tributes, 1008 Castle Shannon Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15234. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 2, at 10am at Saint Paul of the Cross Parish, Saint Anne Church, 400 Hoodridge Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 15234. Interment to follow in Saint Anne Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions suggested to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul at https://www.svdppitt.org/give-funds or Knights of Columbus South Hills Council #3084, P.O. Box 544, Bethel Park, PA 15102.

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