ElRoy L. Face

Obituary of ElRoy L. Face

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of ElRoy L. Face, a beloved father and grandfather, brother, World War II Army veteran, World Series champion, Pirates Hall of Famer,  friend to men and women of all walks of life, and a Pirate fan-favorite.  ElRoy L. Face, a current resident of Point Pleasant in North Versailles, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026. 

Born on February 20, 1928, in Stephentown, NY, son of the late Joseph Face and the late Bessie (Williams) Face.

Beloved husband of the late Roberta “Bo" (Williams) Face and former spouse of  the late Jean (Kuran) Face, the mother of his children.

Loving father of Marlin Michelle Battocchi of East Liberty, ElRoy A. “Gene” (Colleen) Face of Turtle Creek, and Valerie Kristen (Greg) Cortazzo of Penn Hills.

Adored grandfather of Julia (Joseph) Lesney, Michael (Shannon) Battocchi, Celeste (Blair) Hillen, Joeelleen Face, Jacquilynn (Sam Johnson) Face, Jenna (Wendell) Watters, and Dakota Face.

Cherished great grandfather of Joshua Battocchi, Declan Hillen, Colton Hillen, Luca Battocchi, Shay Battocchi, Nico Battocchi, Donovan Harper, Geno Ganogianis, Eleza Bush, Bryson McCarthy, Beckham Watters, Lydia Face, and the late Esme Ganogianis.

Dear brother of Jacklyn Face of Indiana.  He was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph Face and Leonard Face. 

ElRoy is also survived by his niece, Anita Brothers; step grandchildren, Dennis and Douglas Sellman; and his dear special friend, Bobbi.

ElRoy was a trailblazer in Major League Baseball, carving out a distinguished career as one of the first relief pitchers to dominate the game. He began his 15-year stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1953.  Along the way, his mastery of the forkball led him to become a World Series Champion in 1960, where he recorded 3 saves in that series against the New York Yankees.  ElRoy’s good friend, Bill Mazeroski, sealed the deal for their title with his walk off homerun in the bottom of the 9th during Game 7.

ElRoy was elected as an MLB All Star in 1959, 1960, and 1961.  He also received the Dapper Dan Award in 1959, and the N.L. Fireman Award in 1962.

In 1968, he played for Detroit Tigers, and 1969 for the Montreal Expos.  At the time of his death, ElRoy was the oldest living player from the Montreal Expos.  In 1375 innings pitched, ElRoy earned a record of 104-95 and also recorded 191 saves.  ElRoy has held the 2nd longest consecutive win streak for a pitcher in MLB history.  In 1958, he won his last 5 decisions and then, in 1959, he won his first 17 straight decisions, which combined for his 22-game winning streak. He finished 1959 with an astonishing overall record of 18-1.

His legacy was forever enshrined when he was inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame in 2023, an honor that recognized his significant contributions to the Pirates and the sport of baseball. 

Beyond the diamond, ElRoy was a man of many passions. He was a talented country western singer, whose voice resonated with the values he held dear.  ElRoy's love for the outdoors was evident in his enthusiasm for golfing, camping, fishing, and hunting.  He also remained active with the Pirates Alumni and was the celebrity host of the Forkball Open which benefited the Western PA School for the Deaf.

ElRoy's skills extended to carpentry, where his hands crafted not just objects but also memories for those who would cherish his work for years to come. After his baseball career concluded, he worked as a carpenter for the Mayview State Hospital, where he would eventually retire in 1990.

ElRoy continued to sign autographs for fans until the very end, never losing the humble and gracious demeanor that endeared him to so many. His presence at community events and his willingness to share his experiences made him a local hero, not just for his athletic prowess but for his genuine connection with people from all walks of life.

All are welcome on Thursday from 2-8 at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 1111 Monroeville Ave., Turtle Creek / Monroeville Chapel, Turtle Creek, PA 15145, (412) 823-9350.

A Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home at 11 a.m. on Friday, his 98th birthday, followed by a Presentation of Military Honors. 

Memorial contributions may be made in ElRoy’s name to the Western PA School for the Deaf, 300 E Swissvale Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15218 or www.wpsd.org.

To conclude as quoted in ElRoy’s song, “Bells, Bells”, “My roven days are over, its time for me to go, the place where I’m headin’… is where I’d like to go.”  Rest in Peace, ElRoy.