July 25, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John A. "Big John" Shavulsky, age 84 of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Born October 31, 1939 in Clairton, he was a son of the late John M. and Elizabeth (Trocheck) Shavulsky. A US Navy Veteran and member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish - St. Clare of Assisi Church, John is survived by his wife of 47 years Carolyn (Ford) Shavulsky, his son John M. (Erika) Shavulsky of Austin, TX, his grandchildren Delaney and Mackenzie; his brother Edward Shavulsky of Clairton; and many close friends.
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July 25, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Janice Page, age 73 of McKeesport, passed away at home on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Born February 9, 1951 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late George and Margaret (Dertich) Hancharik. A graduate of the former California Teachers' College (Cal U), Janice worked at area daycares and volunteered at area hospitals, with special needs education, and as an ASL interpreter. She was also a member of the Croatian and Ukrainian Clubs. Janice's family will remember her as a talented musician with an angelic voice who wrote music and played the guitar, banjo, mandolin and tambura. She even performed once at the Civic Arena. Janice is survived by her children Christina (Jon Bouts) Page of Kent, OH and Robert (Kelly) Page of McKeesport; her grandchildren Zachary, Elsie, Skylar Beth, Robert, Andrew, and Deva-Shay; her siblings Marjory Rost of McKeesport and George (Carol) Hancharik of Elizabeth Twp.; her niece Suzanne (Joseph Iampietro) DiGregory of West Mifflin; and her great-nieces Amanda and Allysa. Besides her parents, Janice was preceded in death by her sister Arlene McAlister and her nephew Paul Rost.
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July 19, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
TSgt. (Ret.) Larry A. Stearns, age 76 of Vanderbilt and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024 at Mt. Macrina Manor, Uniontown. Born October 2, 1947 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late George Brown and Margaret Stearns. A career soldier in the US Air Force serving twenty years. Larry also worked for General Motors and with the security department at Jefferson Hospital. He was a member of the Clairton VFW, the AARP, and enjoyed bingo, travelling, bowling with his league. His family will remember him as a proud Veteran and a patriotic American. Larry is survived by his daughters Angie (Tony) Kennon of Export and Gena (Brian) White of Vanderbilt; his grandchildren (whom he adored and who lovingly referred to him as "Pap Pap") Henry, Maggie, and Vivian Kennon and Nolan, Allen, and Oliver White; his cousins Eugene and George Paxon and Billy and Tommy Payne; and also many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Jennie Miller and Maryjane Smith and his cousin Dot Paxon.
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July 16, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Dr. Christopher R. Greenawalt, age 47, of Rostraver Twp., passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024 at home. He was a chiropractor and a member of Elizabeth United Methodist Church. He was an animal lover and enjoyed fishing and the outdoors. Born May 6, 1977 in New Eagle, he was a son of Brian and Sally (Caulkett) Greenawalt of Elizabeth Twp. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Jonathan (Bobbie) Greenawalt of Forward Twp.; grandmother, Margaret "Peggy" Muron of Elizabeth Twp.; nieces, Cassie (McCade Elliott) Greenawalt and Kyra Greenawalt; great-niece, Dorothy Elliott; also, many aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 2 PM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Ed Pope officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a local animal shelter of one's choice. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
July 15, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Dennis J. Jaskolski, age 71 of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024 in UPMC Shadyside. Born June 6, 1953 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Joseph and Joan (Mieri) Jaskolski. The owner of Jaskolski Demolition Services, Dennis was a member of the Covenant Church of Pittsburgh's Men's Ministries and the Bible Chapel of McMurray and its Connections Team and Men's Ministries. He was a private person and gave to many local organizations and people in need.
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July 12, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Helen M. (Campolongo) Gillard, age 95, of Pleasant Hills, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Arden Courts of Jefferson Hills. She was a retired secretary for DeChicchis Construction Company and was the former secretary at Ed Kelley Chevrolet in Jefferson Hills. She was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton and enjoyed her vegetable garden. Born in Clairton on May 27, 1929, she was a daughter of the late Dominic and Maria (Madormo) Campolongo and wife of the late Charles Gillard. She is survived by a niece and caregiver, Danette (Ray) Sprouse of Forward Twp., also other nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings, James Campolongo, Rose Campolongo, Jean Scapellato, Rica Molinaro, and Dorothy Chiodo. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 N Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 10AM until the time of blessing service at 12Noon in the funeral home. Burial will follow in St. Clare Cemetery, Clairton. Memorial contributions can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 707 Grant Street #3700, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2835 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
July 11, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Gordon E. Kirkman, Jr., age 91, of Forward Twp., passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024. He was a retired lineman for Bell Telephone Company and a Korean War veteran of the US Army. He was member of the Elizabeth Baptist Church, Stephen Bayard Masonic Lodge #526 and Kastan-Uveges VFW Post #7632. He was also a member and former treasurer of the East Monongahela Gun Club. Born August 1, 1932, in Apollo, he was a son of the late Gordon E. Sr., and Pearl (Knepshield) Kirkman and husband of the late Ruth (Moutz) Kirkman. He is survived by two sons, Kevin Kirkman of Daytona, FL and Vaughn (Peg) Kirkman of Lower Burrell; grandchildren, Justin & Jarred Kirkman; great-granddaughter Hazel; brother in-law, Bill (Maureen) Moutz of Murrysville; camping and hunting buddy and nephew, Joe Moutz; another nephew Billy; nieces, Mary and Kimberly; father figure to Pam and Dave Perlick and their children, Nicholas, Jennifer and Jamie; special ladies and caregivers, Becky, Darlene and Lorey; and neighbors who became his family, Jennifer, John, and Brenna. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra L. “Sandy” Kirkman; son, Gordon E. Kirkman, III; and brother, Carl Kirkman. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth, on Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 4-8 PM. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 15, 2024, at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jeff Riker officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions can be made to Amedisys Hospice, 100 Stoops Drive, Monongahela, PA 15063. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
July 10, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Naomi A. Brown, age 89 and formerly of Arlington, VA, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at The Palms at O'Neil, McKeesport. Born November 26, 1934 in Oakton, VA, she was a daughter of the late William and Ruth (Inscoe) Feidler. Naomi loved her job as a telephone operator for Bell Atlantic, later AT&T, and was a proud and active employee and co-worker Her family will remember her as strong-willed, self-reliant, organized, and fastidious, but always with a soft spot for dogs. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, the late Michael Todd Brown, and her siblings Dorothy Potts and William and George Feidler. Naomi is survived by her nieces Jackie (the late David) Kantor of Jefferson Hills, Charlene (Chris Tognarine) Pavlik of Jefferson Hills, and Lisa J. (Patrick) Loera of Port Vue, and also other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
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July 08, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Timothy E. Cotero, age 66 of Blythedale, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at UPMC Magee Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was a retired autobody man and had a love for country music. Born in McKeesport on January 14, 1958, he was a son of the late Ramon Cotero and the surviving Irene Curry Berwick of McKeesport. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, James Berwick and many brothers in-law and sisters in-law. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 29 years, Isabel Gail (Sturms) Cotero; two sons, Ian Miller of Greenock and Joe Bonacci of North Hills; a grandson, Gino Bonacci of West Mifflin; stepsister, Wendy Wampler of Maryland; sisters in-law, Lynda (Michael) Abbott of Henderson, NV and Gert (Roger) Frantish of Buena Vista; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 N Second Avenue, Elizabeth from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Thursday, July 11, 2024. A service will take place on Friday, July 12, 2024 at 12Noon in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Jude Urso officiating.
Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
July 05, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Carolyn Helen Pausic, 90, of Elizabeth Township, PA died on June 23, 2024. She was born in McKeesport on October 22, 1933, the youngest daughter of George and Theresa Siket. She grew up attending St. Mary’s Romanian Byzantine Catholic Church in Christy Park; her mother was one of the founding members. She is predeceased by her devoted husband Matt, sisters Marie Balog, Elvera Irvine, Florence Ballner and Virginia Siket and beloved pets. She is survived by her daughters Tia Pausic and Beth Pausic, cat Andy and numerous nieces and nephews.
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June 28, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Richard M. Coleman, age 57, of Forward Twp., passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at home. He was a stationary engineer for Jones Lang Lasalle in Pittsburgh and a member of IUOE Local 95 Stationary Engineers. He enjoyed hunting and the outdoors, and loved his german shepherds, Vixen, Luger, Schatzi, Freyja and Rommel. Born May 18, 1967 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Marvin and Nancy A. (Pulkownik) Coleman. He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Michele (Martin) Coleman; son, Rick (Alyssa) Coleman of Rostraver; stepdaughters, Meghan Foglia of Ada, OK and Monika Foglia of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Melody, Richard and Azriel; sisters, Rhonda Munson of Grand Rapids, MI and Nancy Coleman of Munhall; brother, David (the late Lisa) Coleman of Elrama; nieces, Jamie Lynn, Jen, Stephanie and Tiffany; also, cousins. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Sunday, June 30, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Monday, July 1, 2024 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor John Manon officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute Development Department, Forbes Tower Suite 8084, 3600 Forbes Avenue at Meyran Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (make check out to STI) or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 1640, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
June 25, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Mark Kunf, age 90 of White Oak, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, June 23, 2024. Born February 25, 1934 in Liberty Borough, he was a son of the late Anton and Anna (Paunovic) Kunf. A Veteran of the US Army during the Korean War, Mark was a self employed bricklayer and a member of the American Legion, CFU Lodge #146 and its men's club. He is survived by his wife Sally (McCloskey) Kunf; his daughters Donna (Perry) Venturini of Woodbridge, VA and Diane (Dennis) Petrow of White Oak; his son Mark A. (Aiko) Kunf of White Oak; his six grandchildren Jenna, Meghan, Dominic, Leilani, Halania, and Eric; his great-grandchildren Giovanni, Kiernan, Luca, Samantha, Gino, Mia, Lena, Willow, Oakley, Evia and Enzy; his younger brother Daniel Kunf of Glassport; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Mark was preceded in death by his grandson Matthew Venturini and his siblings: Joseph, Anthony, Michael, John and Frank Kunf, Rose Paladi, and Mary Kolich. Bubby, as he was affectionally know by all that knew him, enjoyed going to his camp (Booze-n-Snooze) with his son, then sit by the roaring fireplace or play poker while Croatian folk music blasted and he sipped his perpetual cup of tea. Bubby enjoyed being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He treasured visits from his nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends, especially Karen, Joe, DJ, Freida, Cecilia and Neicy. He attended many of his grandchildren's swim meets, soccer games, dance recitals, school plays, football games and crew meets. He took American Sign Language classes so he could chat with his granddaughter. In his younger years Mark first enjoyed all things Croatian - kola dancing, playing the cello and brac and of course the food. There were many legendary lamb roasts up at the camp. Mark was a good hearted soul who would give you the shirt off his back because he knew what it meant to have little having grown up during the Great Depression.
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June 23, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Leah Jane Palmer, age 80 of Clairton, passed away at home on Saturday, June 22, 2024 in the loving care of her husband. Born March 30, 1944, she was a daughter of the late Earl “Red” and Harriet (Martin) Stidard. A member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish – St. Clare of Assisi Church, Leah retired as a food service director for Nutrition, Inc., subcontracted in the South Allegheny and Clairton School Districts. She is survived by her husband Eugene Palmer; her sons Scott (Kathleen) Palmer of Murrells Inlet, Shawn Palmer of St. Petersburg, Fl, and Keith (Kathy) Palmer of Mt. Vernon; her grandchildren Heather Fazio and Ryan, Hayley, and A.J. Palmer; her great-grandchildren Braden, Kaelyn, and Adaline Fazio; and also nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters Sylvia Lou Honke and Harriet “Linny” Stidard and her brothers Gerald Stidard and Earl Stidard, Jr..
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June 21, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Sara A. Behary, age 88 of Clairton, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2024 in Grandview Estates, Elizabeth Twp.. Born February 11, 1936 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Concerina (Julian) Bonafortuna. A member of the Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish - St. Clare of Assisi Church and the Sons of Columbus, Santa Maria Council #4, Sara's working life began at DiCesare's Shoe Store, continued at US Steel Irvin Works, and finished with Nutrition, Inc., a subcontractor at Clairton School District. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the late Paul Behary, who passed away October 20, 1991, and her brother Samuel Bonafortuna. Sara is survived by her sister Josephine (the late Dominic) Ripepi of Jefferson Hills; her nieces Deborah (Tom) Curry of Kingston, TN and Donna (Ken "Moose") Van Kirk of Clairton; her great-nephews Thomas (Becky) and Brian (Carrie) Curry; and her great-great-niece-and-nephews Tony (Ashton), James, Charlie Ann, and Sam.
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June 21, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Irene A. Levdansky (nee Tabory) 97, formerly of Elizabeth, passed from this world into everlasting life at The Residence at Hilltop on June 19, 2024. All whose life she touched knew her to be a sweet, generous, loving soul with a ready smile and a kind word to all she knew. Born August 24, 1926 in Monongahela, PA, the fifth of seven children of Stephen J. and Antonia E. Tabory (Masura), Irene was an avid baseball fan and met her lifelong love, Walter Levdansky, at the Black Diamond baseball field. They married on April 14, 1951. Walter built the family home on Center Avenue in Elizabeth where they raised their five children: JoAnn, David, Jane, Bob, and Jim. Typical of women of her generation, Irene was the nucleus of the family. While Walter worked as a carpenter at US Steel (and other side jobs), Irene was a stay-at-home, 24/7 mom, who raised her children, helped them with their homework, and still managed to make and have dinner on time. She ran an impeccable household. Though family finances were always tight, Irene made sure that her children always wore clean clothes, were polite and mannerly, and were well fed. Her Slovak cooking (halupki, halushki, stuffed peppers, drobie/cunsetta) was augmented by her own culinary creations (lasagna, breaded zucchini, BBQ chicken, meat loaf, and her famous iced tea). The family vegetable garden provided fresh vegetables and tomatoes and berries for canning which were annual endeavors. Her home was surrounded by the flower gardens that she enjoyed cultivating as well as attending ceramic classes. She was a lifelong member of St. Michael’s Church (Elizabeth) and later St. Isaac Joques (Elrama) Catholic churches. She lived her entire life as a devout Catholic rooted in the belief that love is God’s gift for all to share. She was a member of St. Michael’s Christian Mothers, St. Michael’s Choir, and the Elizabeth Area Community Chorus. She raised her children with love and affection and instilled the values of hard work, kindness, generosity, and hospitality to her children and grandchildren. Irene lived her life in service to God and to all she knew and loved. She was selfless in every way and demonstrated this quality every day of her life. She cared more for others’ needs than her own. She found comfort and happiness in life’s simplest pleasures: a cup of tea in the morning, iced tea on a hot day, and hugging her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all whom she loved. With a warm smile and a quick compliment, she brightened the day of everyone in her daily life. Irene has left this world to that of eternal peace and happiness to be with her husband Walter; her son, Bob; sisters, Helen Baron, Viola Sikora and Marge Tabory; brothers, Joe and Walt Tabory; and her mother, Antonia and father, Stephen. She is survived by her sister, Anna Tabory; sisters-in-law, Jean Levdansky and Stella Godlesky; daughters, JoAnn (Phil) Codelka and Jane Levdansky; sons, Jim (Susan) Levdansky and former State Representative, David Levdansky; grandchildren, Shane, Timothy, Joseph, Preston, Savannah and Mei Huan Lafferty-Levdansky; great-grandchildren, Maddax and Mykah, Seth, and Acelynn; and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all the staff of The Residence at Hilltop where the professional support and compassionate care greatly enhanced mom’s quality of life for the time she lived there. We consider the Hilltop staff to be a valued part of mom and our extended family. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Sunday, June 23, 2024, from 2-6 PM and Monday, June 24, 2024 from 9:30-11 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Monday, June 24, 2024 at 12 NOON at St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. with the Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. If you would like to make a memorial contribution, please do so to the charity of your choice or to Breakthrough TD1 (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), 501 Martindale Street, Suite 670, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
