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Gerald J. "Kid" Cola, Jr., age 64 of Clairton, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Select Specialty - UPMC McKeesport Hospital. Born August 22, 1961 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Gerald J. Cola, Sr. and Elsie (Germek) Cola. A former security guard at US Steel - Clairton Works, Gerald was a member of the Sons of Columbus - Santa Maria Council #4 and a social member of the American Legion - Daniel Keffer Post #75, both of Clairton. In his spare time, he loved sports, gardening, and most of all his dog Wilson. Gerald is survived by his wife Shari (Chasko) Cola; his children Jessica (Shane) Briggs of Jefferson Hills, Malarie Bartko of Elizabeth, and Richard "R.J." Bartko of Clairton; his grandchildren Isaiah, Ian, Serenity, Alyssa, Colton, Kierra, Devlin, Deion, Haylee, and Haven; and his brother Gregory Cola of Elizabeth. Friends will be received in the A.J. Bekavac Funeral Home, Clairton, on Friday, May 1, 2026 from 3 PM until a 6 PM Blessing.
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