December 06, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Madelyn B. DeBor, age 101 of Clairton, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 in Arden Courts, Jefferson Hills. Born January 20, 1923 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Arcadius and Clara (Weiss) DeBor. An attendee of St. Isaac Jogues Church in Floreffe and the former St. Paulinus Church in Wilson, Madelyn retired as a clerk for the East Ohio Gas Company in Cleveland. Her family will remember her as their consummate optimist and the light of their family and many others. Madelyn is survived by her nieces and nephews Diane (Zwack) Fagot, Cathleen Cherrington, Lucille Conatser, Mary Ann McCaffery, Barbara Stefanik, Sally Musulin, and Daniel, Joseph, Paul, James, Theresa, Patricia, and Rebecca DeBor; and also many great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings John and Jerome DeBor and Mary Zwack, and her nephew Charles DeBor.
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December 05, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Eileen K. (Sumney) Dobrich, age 84, of West Elizabeth, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at The Palms at O'Neil. She was a former member of Olivet Presbyterian Church in West Elizabeth. Born January 7, 1940 in Floreffe, she was a daughter of the late Clarence and Mildred (Bendel) Sumney and wife of the late Joseph Dobrich. She is survived by her son, Daryl Dobrich of West Elizabeth; sister, Peggy Ziegmond of Forward Twp.; special cousin, Christine Rincon of Floreffe; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brother, Clarence R. Sumney. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
December 02, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Clare R. Sturkie, age 85 of Versailles, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024 in Kane Community Living Center - McKeesport. Born September 10, 1939 in Boston, PA, she was a daughter of the late Andrew and Stefania (Hirosky) Kubensky. Clare was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of McKeesport Hospital, the Versailles AARP, Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Patrick's Church in Christy Park, and was a CCD teacher at the former St. Denis and St Patrick's Parishes She was preceded in death by her husband, the late William E. Sturkie, who passed away August 4, 2020, and her siblings Helen Cruz, Steffy Lipa, Ann Filarsky, Mary Bell, and John, Joseph, and Andrew Kubensky. Clare is survived by her children Christine L. Richards of Versailles; Billy Sturkie, Jr. of Versailles, Lorie (David) Broadwater of West Mifflin, and Jessica (Jason) Lorenz of Versailles; her grandchildren Tina Simko, Amy Shank, Lacey John, Amanda Miller, Tadem Lorenz, and Tierney Lorenz; her great-grandchildren Jason and Nicholas Shank, Kadence and Dalton Simko, Abigail and Sophia John, Layla Lofstrom, Nicholas, Aden, and Landon Kozak, and Ella Elms. and also nieces and nephews.
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November 26, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
David W. Weeks, age 66, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Monday, November 25, 2024 at home. He was a former truck driver for George's Supply Center in South Park and a lifetime member of Forward Twp. Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed camping, drag racing and ATV riding. Born February 12, 1958 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late William W. and Helen L. (Cain) Weeks. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jeanette Weeks; children, Beth (Ryan) Weeks of Jefferson Hills and William D. Weeks of Jefferson Hills; siblings, Kristine L. Weeks of Forward Twp. and Elva (Bernard) Metro of Monroeville; also, nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial gathering will take place in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 12 Noon to 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5115 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
November 25, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Loretta Jean Angotti, age 84 of Greensburg where she had been living with her daughter and family since 2016, and formerly of Clairton, Jefferson Hills, Elizabeth, and White Oak, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024 in Twin Lakes Health and Rehabilitation Center, Greensburg. Born June 6, 1940 in Fairchance, she was a daughter of the late Elmer and Dorothy (Cooley) Lancaster. A Veteran of the US Air Force, Loretta was a member of the former First United Methodist Church of Clairton and the Elizabeth Township Seniors. She worked as a nurse for many years at Jefferson Hospital, Health America, Mt. Vernon of Elizabeth, Three Rivers Hospice, and as a home care nurse. Loretta Jean will be remembered as sweet, kind, caring, and compassionate all the time and loved in every person's life she touched. She was a truly amazing mother, wife, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She loved growing up a tomboy in Clairton and was a really good softball player who liked to play all sports with her many brothers. In fact, her brother Ron would always pick her first when deciding teams: "I got Jean." Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the late Saverio Angotti, who passed away February 5, 2004, and her siblings, Ronald, Allen, Marvin, Carol, and William Lancaster. Loretta is survived by her daughter Angela Marie (Chad) Tyler of Greensburgh; her granddaughter Nina Jean Tyler; her siblings Betty Ann (Chuck) McSurdy of Donegal, Dorothy Smoyer of Bethel Park, Janet (Don) O'Dell of Columbia, MD, and Shelby (Bill) Siler of White Oak; her stepsons Timothy Angotti of Forward Twp. and J. Thomas Angotti of Glassport; and also many nieces and nephews.
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November 22, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Elaine M. (Ryan) Helsel, age 87, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024 at St. Anne Home in Greensburg. She retired as a medical secretary for Buck Medical Association in White Oak and was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. She was a Girl Scout and Day Camp leader in Mt. Vernon, a member of the former Mt. Vernon Bowling League, and a volunteer at Divine Redeemer. She belonged to several card clubs and enjoyed traveling with her late husband. Born August 1, 1937 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Vincent "Rip" and Margaret "Peg" (Berquist) Ryan and wife of the late Ronald E. Helsel. She is survived by children, Deborah (Thomas) Ruhe of Forward Twp., Ronald M. (Denise) Helsel of Naples, FL, Maureen (Scott) Young of North Huntingdon and Tamara (Alan) Pontia of North Huntingdon; grandchildren, Ryan (Christy), Jeffrey (Christine), Molly, Cameron (Gayle), Emily (John), Hayley (Ben) and Marshall; great-grandchildren, Bennett, Finnegan, Noah, Nolan, Sophia, Naomi and Hayden; siblings, Thomas (Molly) Ryan of Ligonier, Jack Ryan of Ligonier and Sandy (Mel) Ryan-Roberts of Sacramento, CA; special sister-in-law, Phyllis Ryan of Mt. Vernon; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brother, Richard Ryan; sisters-in-law, Lorraine Ryan and Marge Ryan; and in-laws, Barbara and John Bender. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Sunday, November 24, 2024 from 3–7 PM. A funeral Mass will take place on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 10 AM at St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. with the Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to Carnegie Library of McKeesport, 1507 Library Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132 as Elaine was an avid reader and supporter of the library. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
November 21, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John Raymond King, age 78, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. A Navy veteran having served during the Vietnam War, he retired after 30 years as a computer data supervisor for Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad. He was a member of Romeo's Men's Club and treasurer of the Clairton Anglers Club, where he was a member for many years. He loved movies and spending time with his grandchildren and watching them play sports. Born September 8, 1946 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late John W. and Audrey (Warne) King. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen (Appel) G. King, with whom he celebrated 58 years of marriage November 19, 2024. He was the loving father of Duane (Kelly) King of Charleston, WV, and proud grandfather of Logan Richard and Preston John King. He is also survived by a nephew, Doug; niece, Marsha; and sister, Judy (Larry) Bullington of Chattanooga, TN.
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November 18, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Jason Richard Shamber, age 51, of Lincoln Place, passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at UPMC Presbyterian. He was a grill cook for UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. He graduated from Thomas Dale High School in Chester, VA where he was involved with soccer, cross country, and indoor and outdoor track. He was a former hospitality employee for the Mirage Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, and he enjoyed all Pittsburgh sports teams. Born June 11, 1973 in McKeesport, he was a son of Samuel James and Janice (Black) Shamber of Jefferson Hills. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his daughters, Jenna (Zack Godovchik) Shamber of Lincoln Place and Alaina (C.J.) Pierce of Rockwall, TX; granddaughter, Evangeline Pierce of Rockwell, TX; also, aunts, uncles and cousins. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
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.
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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.
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November 12, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Linda L. (Stokes) Milas, age 79, of Forward Twp., passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024 at home. She was a retired elementary teacher in the Clairton School District and a former member of Pine Run United Methodist Church in Clairton. She enjoyed horses and competed in rodeos, and loved her animals and family. Born March 9, 1945 in West Mifflin, she was a daughter of the late James and Leta (Bowen) Stokes and wife of the late William Milas. She is survived by granddaughter, Harlie L. (John) Democko of Forward Twp. and grandson, Luke (Gia) Temple of Glassport. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by daughter, Amanda Lynn Milas. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
November 11, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Bernard Guzik, age 84 of Mt. Vernon, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024 in LGAR Health and Rehabilitation in Turtle Creek. Affectionately known as "Gramps," Pa Bernie," and self-proclaimed "Cantankerous Dirty Old PIA," he was born December 15, 1939 in McKeesport. He was the son of the late Edward and Anna (Bielawski) Guzik, husband of the late Gertrude M. "Trudi" Guzik, who passed away May 25, 2010, and brother of the late Marcella (the late Joseph) Tomkowitz. Bernard was a member of the McKeesport High School Class of 1957, and a member of the Tigers Marching Band, and earned an associates degree in drafting and drawing from Penn State University, McKeesport. He served as a draftsman, insurance salesman, and eventually settled in his career in pharmaceutical sales, surviving many company mergers and retiring in the early 2000s. He was an active member and former usher of St. Patrick's Church - Mary, Mother of God Parish. In his spare time, he enjoyed bowling, golfing, "rubbie" lottery tickets, "hokie movies," his Rambler convertible,...and chewing snuff. Bernard is survived by his children Carolyn M. Guzik and Mitchell A. (wife Malissa) Guzik, both of Elizabeth Twp; his three grandsons Michael (wife Kristie) Guzik of Springdale, Alexander (girlfriend Stephanie Hurley) Guzik of Elizabeth Twp., and Tyler (girlfriend Lindsey Taylor) Guzik of Elizabeth Twp.; his "great-grand-puppies" Lola, Brutus, and Sadie; and his brother-in-law John "Jake" Pulnar of Fayetteville, PA.
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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.
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.
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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.
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