E. Michael Elias

E. Michael “Colonel” Elias, age 79, of McKeesport, died on Thursday, December 14, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on August 11, 1944 and is the son of the late Esper and Josephine Piergrossi Elias. He was a 1974 graduate of the Allegheny County Police Academy, served as a McKeesport Police Officer for 27 years, later became the director of security for McKeesport Housing Authority for 10 years, and was part owner of Di’s Kornerstone Diner & Barbecue where he was the head bus boy. Michael also was the assistant bowling coach for McKeesport High School for 10 years.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Straw Elias; son, Michael Elias of McKeesport; siblings, Sandra Elias of Elizabeth; Ruth Elias of White Oak; Linda Richards of Turtle Creek; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his brother, Mark Elias.

Family and friends will gather at Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, Inc., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177), on Monday, December 18, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., when services will be held by the McKeesport Police Department. Prayers will be held in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at McKeesport and Versailles Cemetery.

To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com