December 24, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Josephine Isacco, age 91 of Versailles, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024 in UPMC McKeesport. Born November 30, 1933 in Palena, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Paulo and Maria (Di Fiore) Liberatore. A member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Patrick's Church in McKeesport, Josephine was the co-owner of the former Josie's Pizza in Christy Park. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Anthony Isacco, who passed away December 18, 2011, her daughter Filamena Isacco, and her siblings Antoinette, Solomon, and Faustina Liberatore. Josephine is survived by her son Christopher Isacco, with whom she resided; her daughter Christina Tisko of Omaha, NE, her five grandchildren Joseph, James, John, Mary Grace, and Sarah Tisko; her siblings Carmella Galassi and Annetta Bozzi of Australia, Lucia Tocco of France, and Antonio Liberatore of Italy; her former son-in-law Edmund Tisko; and also many nieces and nephews.
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December 24, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Richard R. Razewski, age 84 of White Oak, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024 in UPMC McKeesport. Born May 14, 1940 in Glassport, he was a son of the late Walter and Joan (Tatkus) Razewski. A retired district sales manager, most recently for Do All Tool and Dye, Richard was a member of the Elizabeth Twp. Veterans' Association and the PNA in McKeesport. He will be remembered as selfless, loving, and as "the nicest guy in the whole, wide world." He is survived by his wife of 34 years Donna (Slifko) Razewski; his sons Richard A. (Sandra E. Markusoff) Razewski of Atlanta, GA and Gregory John (Renaye) Razewski of Charlotte, NC; and his grandchildren Zachary, Alyssa, Ashley, and Morgan Razewski. Besides his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his daughter Karen Marie Razewski and his sister Joan Kostyzak.
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December 23, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Raymond J. Marraccini, age 102, of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024 at home. An Army veteran of World War II, he retired as president of the M. Marraccini and Company in Elizabeth. He enjoyed playing golf and cards and was a long-time member of Youghiogheny Country Club. He was an avid bowler and a member of local leagues where he was distinguished as having bowled a 300 game in both 10-pin and duck pin. Born March 1, 1922 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late Marshall and Lucy (LaFrankie) Marraccini and husband of the late Ruth E. (Simpson) Marraccini. He is survived by his daughter, Carol (Marvin) Hicks of Dunn Loring, VA; sons, Paul Marraccini of Forward Twp. and Marshall (Laurie) Marraccini of Elizabeth Twp.; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, December 26, 2024 from 4-7 PM. A funeral service will take place on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Jude Urso officiating. Burial will follow in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
December 21, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Janet M. (Rendulic) Bernardine, age 78, of Port Vue passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024 at home. Born February 27, 1946 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Frank D. and Josephine (Frankovic) Rendulic. Janet worked as a runway and fragrance model for Saks 5th Avenue and Thierry Mugler. She was a former member of Sacred Heart, McKeesport and a member of First Evangelical Free Church in White Oak, the CFU, and the Tamburitzans. An active person, she had a 5th degree black belt in Karate and was an expert snow skier and water skier. She loved the outdoors, "lake life", and was very in touch with nature. Janet will be remembered as a loving and devoted mother who was loved unconditionally by her son. She was full of life, lit up the room when she walked in, and overall, a loving and kind person. Janet is survived by her beloved son Donn Darryl Bernardine of Port Vue; brothers Fred (Jeanne) Rendulic of Port Vue and Frank (Sandra) Rendulic, Jr. of West Palm Beach, FL; sister Joan (Mark A.) Vedas of Palm Beach, FL; nieces and nephews; and loyal dog Bosto.
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December 19, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Betsy Lee (Schrader) Aldridge, age 72, of Rostraver Twp., passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Allegheny General Hospital. She was a retired supervisor for the Department of Labor and Industry. Born May 10, 1952 in Greensburg, she was a daughter of the late William and Dolores (Jones) Schrader. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Richard M. Aldridge. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Karen and Kim. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
December 17, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Margaret B. Burtner, age 102 of McKeesport, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024 in Forbes Hospital - Monroeville. Born December 26, 1921 in Millvale, she was a daughter of the late John and Blanche (Leonard) Lewis. A retired cook with McKeesport School District, Margaret was an active member of First Evangelical Free Church in McKeesport, working with the funeral committee, the White Cross, and the Senior Achievers. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Richard Burtner, her son Richard A. Burtner, three grandchildren, and her brothers Richard, John Wesley, and William Lewis. Margaret is survived by her daughter Phyllis Kelly of Port Vue, her son Lee (Julie) Burtner of Stoystown, her nine grandchildren, her many great-grandchildren, her many great-great-grandchildren, and also many nieces and nephews.
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December 17, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Roberta “Bobbe” Martin Ravasio, 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, at Grandview Estates of Elizabeth.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator and community volunteer, Roberta’s unwavering faith, love for her family, and passion for teaching and helping others defined her remarkable life, inspiring all who knew her. Roberta’s life was deeply rooted in her Catholic faith and her profound love for God. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and St. Theresa of Lisieux, the “Little Flower.”
Her love for music—which she passed onto her children—began at an early age. She began piano lessons as a child, and by high school, she was the church organist for daily Mass and directing the children’s choir at St. Anthony’s Church in Monongahela.
She first met Dino, the love of her life, at an Italian Citizen’s Club dance when she was 16. Married for 43 years until Dino’s untimely passing in 2000, the couple built a loving family that became Roberta’s greatest joy. They raised six children and delighted in the blessing of 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom Roberta lovingly referred to as her “jewels.” She always described her family as the greatest gift.
In 1967, Roberta—by then a mother of four—began to pursue her dream of attending college. Demonstrating extraordinary determination and resilience, she took one night class a semester over the next 11 years at Penn State University in McKeesport and Allegheny County Community College. During this time, she also welcomed her two youngest daughters and, at times, went to class with one of them in tow.
Amid her studies, Roberta remained an active and devoted parent. She often played the organ for weekend Masses and weddings at St. Denis Church in Versailles, Pa., and volunteered extensively at St. Denis School as a teacher’s aide, member of the Parent Teacher Guild, and co-coordinator of numerous school music productions and children’s choir performances.
In 1977, Roberta transitioned to full-time classes at Duquesne University’s School of Education and proudly graduated with honors in 1979, earning a bachelor’s degree in education at 43.
Teaching was more than a career for Roberta—it was a calling. She taught first and second grade at St. Denis School before moving to St. Angela Merici School in White Oak. There, she taught first grade and later English and Social Studies to 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Loved by her students and highly regarded by her colleagues, Roberta’s teaching and classroom achievements were recognized by the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 1992 as a member of the inaugural class of prestigious Golden Apple Award recipients.
Outside of the classroom, Roberta found great fulfillment in serving her community. She was a member of the St. Angela Ladies of Charity, answered phones and volunteered for the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer Mother House in Elizabeth Township. Roberta also spent time volunteering at Intersection-McKeesport, a charitable organization that serves underserved individuals and families in the surrounding area.
Throughout her life, Roberta lived with grace, gratitude, and an unwavering commitment to family, faith, and service. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on through the countless lives she has touched.
She is survived by her children Robert (Patricia) Ravasio, Amy (Matt) Collins, Michael (Sue) Ravasio, Mary (Mike) Ravasio Minard, Rose Ravasio, and Suzy Ravasio; her grandchildren Alyssa (Eoin), Olivia (Chad), Michaela, Jace, Christopher, Jenna (Nathan) Cara, Nicholas, Joe (Sara), Matt (Anna), Robert, Mia (Nathan), Madison, Analisa and Nicholas; and her great-grandchildren Fionnbharr, Amelia and Peter.
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December 16, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John T. "Jack" Cylenica, age 78 of West Mifflin and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024 in Paramount - Baldwin. Born December 8, 1946, he was a son of the late Thomas E. and Mary Ellen (King) Cylenica. A member of the Clairton High School Class of 1964 and also a graduate of CCAC, Jack was a Veteran of the US Navy during the Vietnam War, serving as a flight engineer on the A-3 Sky Warrior, the F-4 Phantom, and the C-141. He also served in the Air Force Reserve. He worked as a master machinist at Kurt Lesker Co. in Jefferson Hills and was a member of the Dravosburg American Legion Post #380. In his spare time, Jack was an avid aircraft modeler of Control Line aircraft and a member of both the Academy of Model Aeronautics and the Society of Antique Modelers. He is survived by his wife Denise (Zdrale) Cylenica; his stepson Sean (Georgia) Biagini of Jefferson Hills and their children Giovanni and Siena Biagini; his sisters Mary Lou (Angelo) Gasparini and Patricia Cylenica, both of Bradenton, FL; his brothers David (Nancy) Cylenica of The Villiages, FL, Thomas (Julie) Cylenica of Sharon, and Paul (Irene) Cylenica of Mt. Kisco, NY; and also nieces and nephews.
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December 11, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
The family of Robert W. Martin is saddened to announce his passing on December 10, 2024 at 86 years. He was residing in Elizabeth, when at the age of 18 he began working for U.S. Steel Clairton Works. Upon retirement, he moved to Tidioute and most recently resided at The Residence at Arrowood in West Mifflin. His quick wit, sense of humor and warmth will be greatly missed by everyone. At the request of the family, there will be no service. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
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, 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.
