March 30, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

William L. “Bill” Pry, age 75, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at home, surrounded by his loving family. An Army veteran, he was a retired millwright from US Steel Irvin Works in West Mifflin. Bill was a devoted husband, loving father of his “three Pry girls”, cherished grandfather and friend who was a true family man. He had a great deal of love for his grandchildren and was proud to be in their lives and activities. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and lifting weights. Born December 31, 1949, in McKeesport, he was a son of the late William A. and Doris (Mayer) Pry. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Eileen Rose (Lloyd) Pry; three daughters, Nicole Pry of Elizabeth Twp., Angela (Philip) Grand of Whitehall, and Jill (Donny) Higinbotham of Belle Vernon; 6 grandchildren, Tommy, David, Addy, Landon, Donovan, and Brielyn; two sisters, Michelle Pry of Dravosburg and Suzzann (Mark) Patrick of North Huntingdon; also, nieces and nephews. Private services and entombment at Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 N Second Avenue, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
March 29, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Geraldine "Geri" Alderson Cochran, age 100 of Clairton, passed away at home with her loving daughter by her side on Friday, March 28, 2025. Born December 31, 1924 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late David A. and Virgie M. (Haywood) Brown. A member of the former First United Methodist Church and later Pine Run United Methodist Church, both of Clairton, Geraldine worked various jobs around town, including writing the society page at the former Clairton Progress and teaching cake decoration for adult education at CCAC South. She was also an active member of both the Women's Auxiliary in Wilson, as a Democratic Committeewoman, and the Democratic Women's Guild. Besides her parents, Geraldine was preceded in death by both of her husbands, the late William D. Alderson, Sr. and Daniel A. Cochran, Sr.; her son Robert Alderson; a grandson Joseph W. Bartolomeo; and her siblings David C. Brown and Lily Walter. She is survived by her children William (the late Sharon) Alderson, Jr. of Midland, MI, Donna Jean (the late Joseph) Bartolomeo of Cape Coral, FL, David G. (Danette) Alderson of Jefferson Hills, Janine (Gary) Larsen of Rutledge, TN, and Jonette (Paul) Emsurak of Elizabeth Twp.; her grandchildren Tina (Chad), Jason (Wendy), Tammy, Todd, David Jr. (Jacquie), Ryan (Jackie), Nathan, Emily, and Paul Jr.; her seven great-grandchildren; her two great-great-grandchildren; and also nieces and nephews.
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March 23, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Adele P. Turek, age 73, of Clairton, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025. She was a retired nurse at UPMC McKeesport Hospital and enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, trips to the casino and scratchy tickets. She was a free spirit and a loving, wonderful daughter, sister, and aunt. Born June 30, 1951, in McKeesport Hospital, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Delores “Dolly” (Michaels) Turek. Adele is survived by nieces, Paula (Steve) Neubert of Woodstock, GA, Becky (Bob) Fedor of West Mifflin, Kerry (Ross Geracitano) DeFelices of Carroll Twp., and Amy (Jeffrey) Rhodes of North Carolina; nephew , Dennis (Melissa) Turek of Sutersville; brother-in-law Paul L. Williams of Finleyville; cousin Richard Scurfield; and dear friend Geri, and the Scurfield Family aka “The Scurfs”. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Williams; brother, Donald J. Turek, Sr.; and a nephew, Donald J. Turek, Jr. , and a cousin James Scurfield. A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 1-3 PM at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
March 21, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Helen M. (Demchak) Mathews, age 72, of Elizabeth, and formerly of Clairton passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Jefferson Hospital. Born October 8, 1952 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late George and Helen (Kohut) Demchak. She worked for many years with the food service team at Jefferson Hospital in Jefferson Hills. Helen was preceded in death by her husband the late William E. "Bill" Mathews who passed away February 26, 2019. She was survived by her daughter Beth (Douglas) Kimball; son Ryan Mathews; granddaughters Michelle (Kenny) Picard and Amber (Chris Kunak) Kimball; great-grandchildren Cameron Picard, Chloe Phillips, Bryce and Zeke Picard, and Connor Kunak; siblings Ginger Demchak, Margie Donato, Marlene McCorkle, and Edward Demchak; and nieces and nephews. All services for Helen are private at the request of the family.
March 20, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Justine Shuck, age 95, of Greensburg, formerly of Clairton and West Newton, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Westmoreland Manor. She loved polka dancing. Born April 29, 1929 in Marianna, she was a daughter of the late Oscar and Virginia (Beard) Hutchinson and wife of the late James O. Shuck. She is survived by daughters, Brenda (Paul) Bizzozero of West Newton and April Pazo of West Newton; grandchildren, Tracie (Jeff) Martini, Paula (Dave) Bizzozero, Angie (Jim) Bizzozero, Ray Pazo, Justina Conklin, Karol Forbes, Jaime Grimenstein and Kayla Grimenstein; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Andrea L. (Shuck) Grimenstein; brothers, Buck, Frank, John, Tom and Jack Hutchinson; and sisters, Opal Iddings, Mary Pinkney, Gladys Mucko and Ruth Henson. No visitation or services are planned. Private burial will be in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 19, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Ronald “Legs” Lomis, age 74, of Grove City, and formerly of Clairton passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025 at Quality Life Service in Grove City. Born March 20, 1950 in Clairton, PA, he was the son of the late Pauline (Logo) Kendall. He worked for Body Beautiful Car Wash in Pleasant Hills, JC Penny in West Mifflin, the City of Clairton, and Century 3 Dodge in Pleasant Hills. He was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St Clare of Assisi site in Clairton. Ronald was survived by his sister Georgia Graw of Slippery Rock; brother Stefan Hrabosky of Lamy, NM; brother-in-law Frank Monko of Clairton; and nephews Mark P. and Andrew S. Monko. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by sister Pauline Monko and brother John Belcastro. Services for Ronald are private at the request of the family.
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March 17, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
LaVerne Havash, age 70, of Virginia Beach, VA, formerly of Elizabeth, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital in Virginia Beach. A member of Chapel by the Sea in Dam Neck, VA, she fulfilled multiple roles throughout her adventurous life, including daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, coach, religious educator, troop leader, counselor, friend, costume designer, holiday coordinator, cook, and she very much enjoyed doing family research on Ancestry.com. Born May 10, 1954 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Rudolph and Pearl LaVerne (Herb) Sanetta. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, George Havash; daughters, Melissa (Ryan) Garner of Virginia Beach, VA and Laura (Tony) Contino of Midlothian, VA; sons, Matthew Havash and Eric Havash, both of Virginia Beach, VA; granddaughters, Madison Havash of Suffolk, VA and Bella Pearl Garner of Virginia Beach, VA; brother, Rudolph (Terri) Sanetta of Elizabeth; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Patricia Ann Stout. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 5-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, March 21, 2025 at 12 Noon at St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. with concelebrants the Rev. Thomas J. Burke and the Rev. Sam Lamendola. Burial will follow in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 1640, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 13, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
George W. Stewart Jr., age 65, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Jefferson Hospital. He was a former welder and he loved to fish. Born July 19, 1959 in McKeesport, he was a son of Donna (Dolton) Stewart and the late George W. Stewart Sr. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sandra (Kerner) Stewart; daughter, Amanda Stewart of Elizabeth Twp.; son, George Kenneth Lester Stewart of Elizabeth Twp.; two grandchildren; and brother, Scott Allan Stewart of Elizabeth Twp. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 12, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Nancy L. Pavlik, age 86, of Jefferson Hills, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at home. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and loved spending time with her family, and long road trips with her beloved husband, George. She loved gardening, country music, bird watching, shopping, and sunshine. She had a heart of gold and was liked by everyone who met her. Born April 24, 1938 in Homestead, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Catherine (Capicotto) Scott and wife of the late George Pavlik. She is survived by children, Michael Pavlik, Lori Pavlik, John (Stephanie) Pavlik, and Dan (Lori) Pavlik; grandchildren, Bailey Breisinger, Allie Breisinger (Zach), Dylan Breisinger, Blake (Brittany) Pavlik, Cody Pavlik, Taylor Pavlik (Shane), Katie Pavlik, and Anna Pavlik; great-grandchildren, Luna and Beckett Pavlik; sister, Mary Lou Smith; also, many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by siblings, Robert, Dorothy, Jean, and Shirley. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 1-5 PM. A funeral service will be Monday, March 17, 2025 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jeff Riker officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 11, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Nancy L. Sleith, age 81, of Forward Twp., passed away Monday, March 10, 2025 in Jefferson Hospital. For many years, she helped operate the family business. Her family was her whole world and she loved spending time with them and her faithful sidekick, her dog Rebel. She enjoyed her trips to the casino and dancing. Born May 22, 1943 in Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late Earl and Henrietta (Gregg) Gamble and wife of the late Larry E. Sleith. She is survived by her daughters, Janey (Jim) Tyron of Forward Twp., and Lori (Jim Comer) Smith of Forward Twp.; grandchildren, Earl (Melissa), Brandi, Tami (Bill), Robert (Angie), Matthew (Melanie), Jamie (Tim), Derek (Heather), Lisa (Ricky) and Tommy (Kayla); 22 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Dale D. Smith of Forward Twp.; sister-in-law, Debbie Freyer of Forward Twp.; her best friend, Mary Lou Price of Munhall; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Larry Earl Sleith; daughter-in-law, Joanie Opfer; and sisters, Loretta, Edith, Earlene and Harriet. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 4-8 PM. A funeral service will be Friday, March 14, 2025 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 1640, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 08, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Anna (Bentler) Estus, age 85, of Monessen, and formerly of Gouldsboro, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025, at McMurray Hills Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was a retired secretary at Twin Rocks Garage in Lake Arrow and she enjoyed cooking, canning and crocheting. Born August 21, 1939 in Gouldsboro, she was a daughter of the late Alfred and Mary (Jankowski) Bentler and wife of the late Wyland Estus. She is survived by a daughter, Anita (Harry) Nagy of Monessen; son, Roger Capoccia of Dushore; five grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; brother, Alfred Bentler, Jr. of Gouldsboro; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Dante John “DJ” Capoccia, Jr. and a sister, Pauline Beavers. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
March 07, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

James A. Reynolds, age 77 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 in UPMC East. Born March 2, 1948 in Elrama, he was a son of the late Andrew and Margaret (Humer) Reynolds. A retired and proud 30+ year member of the Ironworkers Local #3, James also worked for 20+ years at US Steel Edgar Thompson Works in Braddock. He is survived by his wife Debra (Bodnar) Reynolds; his children Joel Reynolds of Rostraver Twp. and Jamie Reynolds of Greenock; his grandchildren Payton Reynolds, Taylor Cindrich, and Jesse Reynolds; his brother William Reynolds of Elrama; and also nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, James L. Reynolds, his sisters Margaret "Sis" Faulls and Carol Steinweg and his brother Frank Reynolds.
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March 05, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Carol A. Thornton, age 89, of Forward Twp., formerly of Clairton, passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Jefferson Hospital. She was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton. She was a former member of the Christian Mothers Women’s Guild at St. Anthony Church in Monongahela and St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, and was a second mom to many. She proudly never let anyone leave her house hungry. Born February 6, 1936, in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late William and Bella (Gasser) Felicetty. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Edward J. Thornton; children, Mark (Suzanne) Thornton of Gloucester, VA, Paul (Val) Thornton of Forward Twp., Lynda (Larry) Rhodes of Medina, OH, Denise (Jeff) Leach of Finleyville and Matthew (Sheila) Thornton of Homestead, FL; 21 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Helen Truszkowski of Lebanon, TN; also, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Brian Thornton. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Friday, March 7, 2025 from 5:30 to 8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 10 AM at Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton with the Rev. Paul Zywan officiating. Private burial will be in Round Hill Cemetery. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 05, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Shirley Ann Capicotto, age 93, of Elrama, passed away Monday, March 3, 2025, at Mon Valley Care Center. She was a member of St. John the 23rd Parish, St. Isaac Jogues Church in Elrama, where she was a member of the Christian Mothers.
She was also a member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary at Elrama Volunteer Fire Co. Born December 19, 1931 in Monongahela, she was a daughter of the late Patrick Irvin and Mary (Shanonberger) Smith and wife of the late Emil Capicotto.
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March 03, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Maxine Lucille Thayer, age 82, of Forward Twp., passed away Monday, March 3, 2025 at UPMC McKeesport. She retired as a project manager for Penn Equipment in Dravosburg. She enjoyed building puzzles, bingo, and going to lunch with friends. Born January 27, 1943, she was a daughter of the late John F. and Twila (Hicks) Trumpe and wife of the late Charles E. Thayer Sr. She is survived by daughter, Diana Lynn “Tuna” (Jeffrey) Westlund of Elizabeth Twp.; son, Charles E. Thayer Jr. of Forward Twp.; granddaughter, Savannah (Tanner Cupari) Beegle of Dormont; grandsons, Shaun and Michael Westlund, both of Elizabeth Twp.; niece and caregiver, Kimberly Thayer of Forward Twp.; sisters-in-law, Georgeanne Trumpe and Kathy Trumpe; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sons, David L. and Lewis E. Thayer; sister, June Sevcik; and brothers, John R. Trumpe and Charles Trumpe. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Al Finney officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.