December 08, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Lenart J. Pollak, age 88 of Liberty Borough, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2025. Born June 26, 1937, in McKeesport, PA. He was a son of the late Steve Pollak and the late Rose (Lenart) Pollak, the husband of the late Eunice B. (Barchie) Pollak, and the father of the late Sharon Pollak. Lenart was a retired manager for various Thorofare and Foodland stores and a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish. He is survived by his children, Kathleen (Peter) Huntington of Bethel Park, PA, Tim (Nancy) Pollak of Frederick, MD, Bill (Stephanie) Pollak of Lake Ridge, VA, and Terri Mitchell of Liberty Borough, PA, his grandchildren, Katherine Huntington, Bobby (Mackenzie) Huntington, Becky (Trevor Grouse) Pollak, Nick (Hannah) Pollak, Mike (Anna) Pollak, Lacey (Joe) Serbia, Chelsea (David) Akers, Emily (Kyle Oakes) Mitchell, Casey Mitchell; and his great-grandchildren, Amelia Serbia, Zoey Grouse, and Gabe Pollak. In addition to his parents, wife, and daughter, he was preceded in death by his brother, Reverend Claude Pollak, O.S.B..
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December 06, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
George P. Apple Jr., age 97, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away Thursday, November 27, 2025 at Grandview Estates of Elizabeth. A Navy veteran, he retired after more than 40 years as a tool maker at Fisher Body. He was a member of UAW Local 544 and a former active member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. Born December 19, 1927 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late George P. Apple Sr. and Jean (Thompson) Apple and husband of 75 years of the late Cecelia (Kasmerski) Apple. He is survived by a daughter, Karen A. Henrich of South Park; sons, Dennis G. (Ginnie) Apple of Erie and Richard (Carol) Apple of Boalsburg; grandchildren, Lori, Jill, Scott and Jeffrey; great-grandchildren, Alexa, Shyan, Vincent, Jackson and Sabestian; also, nieces and nephews. Blessing and burial were private. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
December 05, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John Michael Arlia, age 79 of Clairton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the H.J. Heinz II VA Center in Aspinwall. Born April 25, 1946 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Domenico and Maria (Osso) Arlia. A U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, John worked for over 25 years with the Internal Revenue Service and before that, was a crane operator for U.S. Steel. He also was a first generation Italian-American Calabrese. John loved being an active alumnus of McKeesport High School as well as gardening, being a fifty-five year Steelers season ticket holder, and most of all being a proud Pap to his four grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Cecelia "CeCe" (Ross) Arlia; his children Michele Scott of St. Louis, MO and Peter (Richelle) Arlia of Ohio Twp., his grandchildren Jordan and Max Scott and Marco and Anthony Arlia, his brother Phillip (Evelyn) Arlia of Irwin, his brother and sister in-law John and Corrine Pfefferkorn of Clairton, and also nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brothers Peter and James Arlia.
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December 05, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Richard Petrick, age 75, of McKeesport, passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Lakeview Personal Care in Darlington. He was a retired operating room attendant at Jefferson Hospital. He was a former avid runner, loved rock and folk music, and was an animal lover. Born August 21, 1950 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Joseph C. and Margaret (Holland) Petrick Sr. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Marda (Smith) Petrick; stepson, Lynn (Marcie) Wooley of Lehigh Acres, FL; grandchildren, Brittany (Gary) Jones of New Castle, Zachary Wooley of Harrisburg and Sarah Wooley of Vero Beach, FL; stepgranddaughter, Megan (Eric) Holzer of Pittsburgh; and close friend and caregiver, Diane Barbera. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Daniel R. Petrick and Joseph C. Jr. and Sarah Petrick. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 10 AM until the time of blessing at 11 AM with Deacon Dale DiSanto officiating. Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
December 03, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Faith Obusek Wilson, age 83 of Charleroi, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Riverside Care Center, McKeesport. Born March 22, 1942 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Stanley and Hilda Slepecki. She is survived by her sons David (Dawn C.) Obusek of Ruffs Dale, Daniel Obusek of Yukon, Michael Obusek of Greenock, Robert W. (Stephanie) Obusek of Elizabeth, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands George J. Obusek and Robert Wilson, brother Ronald Slepecki, and sister Nadine Wallace.
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December 03, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
William P. Brown, age 88 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2025 in Jefferson Hospital. A Navy veteran, he retired as an electrician at U.S. Steel Clairton Works and was a former member of Bethesda United Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth. He was a life member of the American Motorcycle Association, Blaine Hill Volunteer Fire Co. and Elrama Sportsmen’s Club, a social member of the Elizabeth Borough Volunteer Fire Co., and a member of Masonic Omni Lodge 582 in Dravosburg. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and motorcycling. Born November 11, 1937 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Albert E. and Virginia (Campbell) Brown. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dolores G. (Grace) Brown; daughters, Virginia and Beverley Brown, both of Kansas City, MO; sister, Virginia “Deane” Taricco of Rolling Hills, CA; brother, Thomas P. (Bernadette) Brown of Rancho Palace Verdes, CA; sister-in-law, Helen Brown of Whitehall; also, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Albert C. Brown. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 2-5 PM. A funeral service in the funeral home chapel will be Monday, December 8, 2025 at 10 AM with the Rev. Ronald Calabro officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
December 02, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Karen Lynn (Oates) Kaufman, age 79, of Elrama passed away suddenly on Monday, December 1, 2025, in AHN Jefferson Hospital surrounded by family. Karen was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Monongahela where over the course of 60 years she served as elder, deacon, and trustee and was a vacation bible schoolteacher. Since 2020 she attended the Elrama Community Church and loved her church family. She was a former member of the White Shrine, and a Women of the Moose, Finleyville. She was a proud member and class secretary to the Monongahela High School Class of 1964. Karen found a reason to smile every day and wanted to share that smile with everyone she met. The Village of Elrama will never be quite the same. Born February 26, 1946, she was the youngest daughter of the late William B. and Bernice (Powell) Oates. In April of 1965 she married Dale E. “Bucky” Kaufman who passed away in January of 2012. She was embraced and loved by the entire Kaufman family. She is survived by her children, Dianna L. Kaufman, Richard E. (Libby) Kaufman and Colleen K. (Brian) Fulkerson. Four Grandchildren who she loved with all her heart and was so extremely proud of: Anna Kaufman, Morgan Kaufman, Lila Fulkerson and #44 Crosby Fulkerson. Her sister, Marion (Bud) Segursky of Monongahela, and her very best friend Becky (Allen) Girdler of Eubank, KY; sister-in-law, Frances Kaufman of Houston, TX and many nieces and nephews. She also loved, like her own children, Jim (Karen) Chisholm and Nicole (Bill) Reilley Dosey. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, William A. Oates, and companion, Ron Dunbar who we lost in August of 2023. Karen felt very blessed to have so many friends to laugh with and love and we were all so fortunate to have her in our lives. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth, on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 2-8PM. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jude Urso officiating. Burial to follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the Elrama Community Church, 19 Ramage Avenue, Elrama, PA 15038. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
December 01, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Marilee M. Desiderio, age 75, of Clairton, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2025 at Jefferson Hospital. She was a retired hospitality server and a member of the Daniel Keffer American Legion Post 75 Ladies Auxiliary. Born August 15, 1950 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Raymond and Cassie (McCall) Cummins. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Charles R. Desiderio; daughter, Julie Hitchens of Beaver Falls; sons, Lou (Lisa) Pavlack Jr. of Jefferson Hills and Brian (Danielle) Pavlack of Elizabeth; stepsons, Charles J. (Christina) Desiderio of Austin, TX and Ryan (Stephanie) Desiderio of Pleasant Hills; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; aunt, Dolly Nagy of Elizabeth; also, nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Aleck and Ray Cummins. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 1-5 PM. A funeral service will be Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 11 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jude Urso officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
December 01, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Carolyn (Cheskawich) Burke, age 67, of Forward Twp., passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Carolyn was a dedicated employee of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for more than 30 years, taking great pride in helping others through her various roles. A lifelong resident of Forward Twp., Carolyn knew everyone and would help anyone. Her family will remember her wit, tenacity for life, generosity, and remarkable strength. She loved preparing large meals for her family, who will miss her famous lasagna and wedding soup. She loved spending time in Elk County from childhood through her later years, and enjoyed trips to the casino, especially in retirement. Born August 9, 1958 in Monongahela, Carolyn was a daughter of the late Robert and Marian (Konwick) Cheskawich. She is survived by her partner of 28 years, Thomas Bowen of Elizabeth Twp.; son, Jeffrey (Kelsey) Burke and granddaughters, Josephine and Mabel Burke, all of Seven Fields; sister, Cathy (Warren) McLaughlin of Dallas, TX; also, nieces, nephews, many beloved cousins and extended family, and cherished lifelong friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Stephen Cheskawich. At Carolyn’s request, there will not be a viewing. Instead, family will go to some of her favorite places to share a final visit with her. In lieu of gifts, donations may be made in her honor to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at
http://www.bcrf.org. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
November 29, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Loretta M. Obusek, age 87 of Jefferson Hills, passed away at home on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Born January 31, 1938 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Oscar and Mildred (Vadas) Johnson and the wife of the late Edward J. Obusek, who passed away August 11, 2018. A retired secretary who worked at Westinghouse Bettis Plant, the Carnegie Libraries, and Penn State McKeesport, Loretta is survived by her children Karen L. (Mark) Dottle of Economy and Kenneth A. (Ellen Shudlow) Obusek of Elizabeth Twp. and her sister Doris (Raymond) Parkinson of the North Hills.
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November 26, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Marsha Ann Cudlipp, age 77 of West Mifflin and formerly of Clairton, passed away at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Born July 15, 1948 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Salem M. and Audrey (Verbanes) Green. A former nurse with both Jefferson and Shadyside Hospital, Marsha is survived by her husband of 32 years William J. Cudlipp; her children Michelle (Steve) Tart of Sandy Springs, GA, Amy (Lisa) Huschak of Pittsburgh, Robert (Marnie) Huschak of Waco, TX, Heath (Jennifer) Huschak of Charleroi, and Timothy (Paula) Huschak of Baldwin; her grandchildren Preston (Angelica) Stewart, Robert (Julie) Huschak Jr., Sarah (Noah) Thompson, and Madison, Allison, Nicholas, and Juliette Huschak; her great-grandchildren Gianna, Damien, and Chiara Stewart and Isla and Robert Huschak III; and also her nephews and cousins. Besides her parents, Marsha was preceded in death by her brother Michael Green and her father-and-mother-in-law William and Mina Cudlipp. Funeral arrangements for Marsha were held privately by her family and in the charge of the A.J. Bekavac Funeral Home, Clairton. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
November 25, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Heaven gained an Irish twinkler, though Talbots shares may have dipped, on November 23rd with the passing of Lois Maloy, just two days shy of her 99th birthday. Clever, impish, and able to find the funny side of anything, Lois was unforgettable and deeply loved by all who knew her.
Born November 26, 1926, to Big Jim and Lydie (Rank) Maloy on Halcomb Avenue in Clairton, PA, Lois lost her older brother early in life but became the apple of her father’s eye. She lived for 75 years in the same house her dad built the year she was born—a home that also welcomed every Maloy aunt and uncle who needed a “temporary” place to stay but rarely moved out. She loved her family, her street, and the Lepri neighbors who became part of her extended clan.
Lois graduated from Clairton High School in 1944 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Penn State in 1948. In 1950, she joined the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office under Jim Malone, typing indictments for the likes of Pete Flaherty and Judge Silvestri Silvestri—and meeting her lifelong best friend, Joanie Fleckenstein.
Lois loved to work—or more accurately, she loved getting dressed up and going downtown. And did she ever dress: gloves, hats, handbags, scarves. Pure old-school class. She was whip-smart, wickedly funny, and brutally honest. No one ever left a conversation wondering, “What did Lois mean by that?”
In her younger years, if Lois wanted a vacation and didn’t have leave time, she simply quit, knowing she could always “find another job.” After a stint at USS (not USX), she found her true calling when Silvestri Silvestri was elected Judge to the Court of Common Pleas in 1968.The Judge met his match in Lois. She ran a tight ship alongside unforgettable colleagues—tipstaffs John and Ed, and the legendary clerk Dawn O’Brien.
Their caseload often involved “complex” matters, usually meaning the Judge wrote pages of decisions longhand while Lois typed, cut, pasted, and retyped. Their daily lunch-hour walk down Fifth Avenue to Wood Street and back on Fourth became a ritual: greeting every lawyer in town, sampling treats, and laughing without saying a word.
After Judge Silvestri’s passing, Lois briefly considered retirement but instead joined Supreme Court Justice Stephen Zappala, where she became known for her gift of helping every caller—court-related or not.
Although she never married, Lois had plenty of children to care for. She adored Madeline Jackel’s three boys—Guy (Cheri), Bruce and Mark (Jean), and—and served Christmas breakfast to the Jackel family for decades. She was “Aunt Lois” to Joanie’s children—Stacey, Leslie, and Bob—and to their children as well.
Her lifelong car obsession began with Big Jim’s dealership. She needed a new car every two years—always white—and washed it daily.
Her adventures with Joanie spanned more than 60 years: Conneaut Lake in the 50s, Atlantic City beaches, and later, winter trips to Isla Del Sol, Florida. They made treasured friends, joined the American Legion thanks to Lois’ Civil War ancestry, and were greeted by name at their favorite Steelers bar. Their navigation challenges on drives to Florida became legendary—fixed only when they changed the TomTom GPS to a British voice.
When Joanie passed, the transition was difficult, but new friends stepped in. Cheri Jackel escorted every two weeks to Lora Pittman, Lois’ hairdresser for 42 years. Patty Maedinger, brought a fresh kind of fun: candy-store drives, Monday lunches at Tavern on the Hill, and dessert always first—served only on a properly ironed tablecloth. Eggnog was their shared weakness. And Sherri Kearns’ crew brought daily adventures: manicures, church visits, and feeding deer on the patio. Lois was loved fiercely until her final breath.
Lois loved laughter and the people she laughed with—and sometimes at. Her kindness, her sparkle, and the way she made others feel were her greatest gifts. In her honor, make someone laugh today.
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November 20, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Alexander Paul Stirbis Jr., age 84, of North Versailles, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at Forbes Hospital. An Army veteran, he was an avid fisherman, boater, conversationalist, and a dearly loved family man. A retired engineer from Bombardier Transportation, Paul was a devout member of the Anglican Church of the Transfiguration in Elizabeth. Paul was born May 1, 1941 in McKeesport, the beloved son of the late Alexander Paul and Rita (McDonnell) Stirbis. He is survived by his devoted wife, Bernice D. Rowe-Stirbis; stepsons, Aaron C. Rowe of West Elizabeth and John D. (Erin) Rowe of Carroll Twp.; grandchildren, Chris Arko, Rachel Rowe, Caleb Spinnenweber and Presley Rowe; and nieces, Laura Kassick and Linda Howell of North Carolina. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Audrey Kassick. A memorial gathering and funeral service will take place at the Anglican Church of the Transfiguration, 203 South Third Avenue, Elizabeth on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 11 AM with the Rev. Karl Petterson officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army at
https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/ Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
November 18, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
November 15, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Alan E. Scheiber, age 95, of Forward Twp., passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Jefferson Hospital. He retired from the accounting department at U.S. Steel Clairton Works and was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael’s Church, Elizabeth Twp. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a former member of the St. Michael’s Bowling League and the Bentleyville Volunteer Fireman’s Band where he played the clarinet. Born June 4, 1930, in West Elizabeth, he was a son of the late Edward and Annabel (Finfinger) Scheiber. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carol (Halt) Scheiber; son, Mark Scheiber of Forward Twp.; daughter, Leigh (Joshua) Washburn of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Jacob and Kaylee Washburn; brother, Edward (Mary Lou) Scheiber of Forward Twp.; also, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 2-4 & 6-8 PM. A blessing service will take place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 10 AM in the funeral home with Deacon Dale DiSanto officiating. Burial will follow at Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
