Jason Richard Shamber
November 18, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Stephen C. Pholar
November 16, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Stephen C. Pholar, age 82 of White Oak, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024 in Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital. Born August 17, 1942 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Stephen L. and Helen (Cifra) Pholar. A member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Angela Merici Church, White Oak, Stephen was a graduate of Duquesne University. He retired as the community planner for the City of Clairton, and also served as city manager, and was a former director of the West to West Coalition. Stephen is survived by his wife Margaret "Maggie" (DeCarlo) Pholar; his children Alexis (Dr. Todd) Hrbek of Greensburg and Nicholas (Apryle) Pholar of Nanti Glo; his grandchildren Maxwell, Emma, and Molly Hrbek and Amber Sims; his sister Marlene Pennington of Bethel Park; and his brother Conrad M. Pholar of Castle Shannon. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Robert J. Pholar.
Theresa Costa
November 14, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Theresa (Pastorius) Costa, age 95, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. Theresa was born September 6, 1929 in Glassport. She was the daughter of the late Frank and Stella (Seigworth) Pastorius. Theresa was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, a Clairton High School graduate, and a salesperson for the former G.C. Murphy Co. in Clairton. She enjoyed spending time with and caring for her family. Family meant the world to Theresa. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Costa, who passed away May 30, 1993 and her daughter Carol Zuro, who passed away on February 12, 2022. Theresa is survived by her son Joseph T. (Gloria) Costa of Jefferson Hills; her son-in-law Frank Zuro; grandchildren Nicole (Tom) D'Antonio of Jefferson Hills, Michael (Leah) Zuro of Pleasant Hills, Bryan (Abby) Costa of Lodi, WI, and Jodi (Frank) Stosic of Jefferson Hills; great-grandchildren Mia and Luke D'Antonio, Dominik Zuro, Zayden and Macsen Schrott, Bayne Costa, Haylie Schwab, Destinie Bedard, and Bella and Frankie Stosic; and nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, daughter, and parents, Theresa was proceeded in death by her sisters Clara Ferree, Anne Fenton, Lena Wilson, Alberta Kehoe, Elizabeth Nowakowski, and Margaret Vezzani.
Linda L. Milas
November 12, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Bernard Guzik
November 11, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Rev. Dr. Lowell J. Meek
November 07, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Rev. Dr. Lowell Jackson Meek, 75, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2024 surrounded by his adoring family after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. In addition to his loving and devoted wife Leah (Dattilo) Meek, Lowell’s life is honored and celebrated by his eight children – Emily (Keith) Hasek, Stella (Michael) Isbir, Amanda (Travis) Meek-Herzing, Jared (Anna) Meek, Kathryn (Derek) Martin, Rachel (Michael) Beckstrom, Samuel and Paulina. He is grandpa to 14 grandchildren – Hannah, Noah, Johnathan, Moriah, Isabella, Christopher, Michael, Alayna, Talitha, Emma, Sarah, Boaz, Mabel, and Nicodemus. He is also survived by his brothers, Richard, David and Alan, and sisters, Carol Ann and Barbara, as well many dear extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dorothy Meek and daughter, Erin Marie. Lowell was born on September 6, 1949 in Lorain, Ohio, where he lived until his family moved to Mt. Lebanon before his sophomore year of high school. He entered the University of Pittsburgh, where he pursued a pre-med course of study. During his first year at Pitt, he gave himself to the Lordship of Christ through the ministry of Young Life. Lowell continued to be nurtured through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes while participating on Pitt’s Gymnastics Team and twice won the Eastern Intercollegiate Championship in floor exercise. He even had the opportunity to appear on Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood as a Royal Tumbler. It was at Pitt that he met his wife of 52 years, Leah. After graduating from Pitt in 1971 with a degree in chemistry, Lowell entered Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts, though he kept active in gymnastics by coaching youth teams. He also volunteered with Young Life, co-founding clubs in Westwood and Ipswich, Mass., that grew rapidly under his care. Lowell earned his Master of Divinity degree in 1974. After seminary, Lowell served with the Coalition for Christian Outreach on the campus of Geneva College in Beaver Falls. During this time, Lowell was ordained to the ministry in 1976. In 1980, Lowell moved from the Geneva campus to the campus of Waynesburg College, where he served as the director of the Christian Education Degree Program. In 1983, Lowell served as an interim minister at Windy Gap Presbyterian Church in West Finley. The following year he was called as an associate pastor to the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, where he served for 10 years. During this time, he completed his Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Seminary in California and later served on both the board of directors for Presbyterians Pro-Life and the Evangelical and Congregation Development Unit of Pittsburgh Presbytery. In 1994, he took a new call to be the head pastor of Round Hill Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth, where he served for 18 years. During his years there, he also served on Elizabeth-Forward District Board of School Directors (2001-2005) as the Chair of Finance and Board President. Upon leaving Round Hill, he served as an interim pastor at two churches until he retired. Lowell lived an epic life full of adventure. He was a man of great faith who loved deeply and lived to serve the Lord. He will be missed dearly. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Monday, November 11, 2024 from 2-8 PM. Friends will also be received on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 10:00-10:45 AM at the Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church followed by a funeral service at 11AM with the Rev. Carolyn Poteet officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
Thomas G. Banks
November 06, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Thomas G. Banks, age 71 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024 in St. Clair Hospital in Mt. Lebanon. Born February 22, 1953 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late William Banks and Marjorie Ann (Fairbaugh) Banks Sopko. A retired store manager with the LCB/Fine Wine and Spirits stores, Thomas was also a wine aficionado and specialist holding wine appreciation events at the store. He loved to play golf, attend the summer concert series at Renzie Park, was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, and was a longtime member of the Knights of Equity. He also loved his trips to Virginia Beach and visits to family and always made time for his daughters. They will remember him as a man who found contentment in life's simple moments and took joy in making others laugh and smile. He is survived by his daughters Katie (Seth Scott) Banks of Pittsburgh and Colleen (Jacob Lowden) Banks of Akron OH, their mother and his friend Susan Kuhns, his beloved partner Kathleen Buksar of Elizabeth Twp., his sister Barbara Zapf of Newport News, VA, his brother Lawrence Banks of North Versailles, and also nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother William E. Banks and his sister Geraldine Filson.
Virginia Markley
November 05, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Virginia (McAllister) Markley, age 104, of Clairton, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Celebration Villa of Chippewa. Ginny was born August 18, 1920 in Cherryville, Kansas, the youngest of six children. Following her mothers death, when she was 2 years old, her father moved them to Streater, Illinois. She lived there until she was 16 when her father passed away. She moved to Pittsburgh with family and graduated from Wilkensburg High School.
Ginny got a job in Large, PA, at Renzie Children's Home where she lived and helped take care of sick children. She met her husband, Donald, in Clairton and married him on November 14, 1942. They bought their 1st house on Jefferson Drive in 1950 and she lived there until she was 95 years old.
Ginny worked at J.C. Penney at Southland and Century III Mall. She had many friends and enjoyed activities including golf, bridge clubs, Friends of the Library, water vollyball, and many walks around the circle. She deliver meals on wheels until she was 93 years old. Ginny and Donald traveled with friends and after his death in 1998 she went to Eqypt and China with her best friend, Gloria Wright.
Ginny is survived by her four children; Donald (Molly) Markley and Bill (Terry) Markley, all of Palm Springs, CA, Trish Patten of Beaver, and Bob (Susan) Markley of Morgantown, WV; her grandchildren Brodie (Cassie) Patten of Center Twp., Jamie (Jessica) Patten of Beaver, Jessica (Spencer) Ford of Fairmont, WV, and Ally (Curt) Walker of Morgantown; and 9 great-grandchildren.
Valerie Kohut
November 05, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Valerie Kohut, age 66 of Forward Twp., passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Born July 20, 1958 in Monongahela, she was a daughter of the late Terry and Norma C. (Behanna) Kohut. A waitress and bartender at local restaurants, Valerie will be remembered for her big, outgoing personality. She is survived by her siblings Tammy (Joe) Posa of Forward Twp., Brian (Shelly) Kohut of Forward Twp., and Donald (Rebecca) Kohut of White Oak, and also nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Terry (Carol) Kohut. Friends will be received in the Daniel F. Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory, Versailles, on Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 2 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM. A Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 10:30 AM. Procession and burial will follow to Salem Cemetery, Rostraver Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
Robert A. Bennett
November 05, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Robert A. Bennett, age 76 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024 in the H.J. Heinz VA Center, Aspinwall. Born October 9, 1948 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Charles and Elizabeth (Shannon) Bennett. Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years Linda (Hare) Bennett; his children Deanna (Bob) Schweikert of Cranberry Twp., Chad Alan Bennett of Ft. Myers, FL, and Mark Robert (Kristin) Bennett of North Huntingdon; his grandchildren Emma and Ella Schweikert and Janey and Ruby Bennett and Liam Bennett; and his sister Charlene (Albert) Voss of Mims, FL. 
Shawn D. Dodds
November 04, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Barbara A. Fortino
November 04, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Barbara A. Fortino, age 72, of McKeesport passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024 at home. Born June 23, 1952 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Michael P. Balocik Sr. and Rose M. (Matisz) Balocik. She loved going to flea markets with her husband and spending time with her most cherished friends Bill and Margaret. Barbara was preceded in death by her friend of 30 years and husband of 18 the late Leopoldo Fortino who passed away on January 3, 2019. Barbara is survived by her brother Michael P. (Jane) Balocik, Jr.; best friends Bill and Margaret Regester; step-daughter Sherry (Erich) Hoebler and her cats, who she adored Moochy Bella and Luna. All services for Barbara are private at the request of the family.
Joseph A. Donkin
October 31, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Joseph A. Donkin, age 77, of Elizabeth Twp., and formerly of Clairton passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024, at home. He retired as an insurance salesman for Columbia Insurance Group and previously worked for Monumental Life Insurance. He was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross in West Mifflin. A graduate of Clairton High School and Suomi Junior College, Hancock, Michigan, he was an active and devoted member of the Clairton Lions Club. Joe was involved in the coordination of an annual golf outing to benefit the UPMC McKeesport Hospital Foundation Lion’s Diabetes Fund. He was an avid golfer and follower of local sports teams, and he loved to travel. Born March 27, 1947, in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Robert J. and Margaret L. (Amore) Donkin and husband of the late Patricia M. Donkin. He was preceded in death by brother, Robert J. Donkin. He is survived by many cousins and his godson, Luke Lueckert. Memorial contributions may be made to McKeesport Hospital Foundation Lion's Diabetes Fund, 1500 5th Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132. No viewing or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
Josephine A. Evanick
October 29, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Josephine A. "Joanne" (Cypher) Evanick, age 93, of Elizabeth and formerly of Wilson, passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at Paramount Senior Living - Bethel Park. She loved to travel. Born May 17, 1931 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late James and Josephine (Murphy) Cypher and wife of the late George Evanick Jr. She is survived by brother, Bill (Rose-Marie) Cypher of Palm Springs, FL; also, several nieces and nephews and many cousins. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by daughter, JoJo Evanick, and siblings, Betty Downer and James, Charles and Jerome Cypher. A memorial gathering will take place in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Friday, November 8, 2024 from 10 AM until the time of blessing at 11 AM. Private inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
Janet A. O'Neil
October 28, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Janet A. (Neal) O'Neil, age 81, of Forward Twp., passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at Greentree Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. She loved her grandchildren and had a special bond with Layla and Steven. Born October 3, 1943 in West Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late Ralph and Ada (Trainor) Neal and wife of the late William S. O'Neil. She is survived by children, Sandra (Mike Ferraton) Hawkins of Forward Twp., Janet Richardson of McKeesport and Lindsay O'Neil of Bellevue; grandchildren, Layla, Steven and Liam; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by granddaughter, Caitlyn. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 12 Noon until the time of service at 2 PM in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Tim Green officiating. Private burial will be in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. Memorial contributions may be made to the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, 201 N. Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
