Rita G. McPoland

Rita G. (Short) McPoland, 95, of White Oak, passed away peacefully with her loving daughter at her side on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. She was born June 20, 1927 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Paul and Catherine (Petronick) Short. She was the beloved wife of 46 years to the late Arthur P. McPoland, who passed away January 29, 1995. Rita worked as a flight attendant in her younger years and then went on to become the owner and operator of the former Bob and Dot’s Tavern in McKeesport for over 25 years. She had a fiery personality and was known for always being stylish and beautiful. She was a fierce advocate for her daughter. She was a member of the former St. Peter’s Catholic Church in McKeesport, and was heavily involved with her daughter in the Evangel Productions with Father Tom Smith and was a proud member of Twinkling Tapping Tootsies. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Rita G. “Reetie” McPoland; sister, Virginia Magosh; and many loving nieces, nephews and devoted friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy Sigmond and brother, Robert Short. There will not be any visitation. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1907 Eden Park Blvd, McKeesport, PA 15132 with the Rev. Gregory Madeya, officiating. (Everyone please meet at the church). Inurnment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles. A celebration of life luncheon will follow. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak, (412) 672-6322 Troy J. Gilbert, Director. Condolences may be made at GilbertFuneralHomeandCrematory.com