June 12, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Joan Levdansky, age 99, formerly of Forward Twp., passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024. She was born June 29, 1924. Friends will be received at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Friday, June 14, 2024 from 10-11 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Monongahela on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 12 Noon. Private burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), 501 Martindale Street, Suite 670, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
June 10, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John H. Greenwald, age 97, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024 at Southwestern Nursing Center. An Army veteran having served during World War II, he retired after 18 years from the Jefferson Borough road crew. He was the longest living member of labor union Local 1058. He loved his dog, cutting grass, shopping, and going to flea markets. Born September 18, 1926 in Jefferson Hills, he was a son of the late Alvin and Edith (Barton) Greenwald and husband of the late Wanda F. (Godlewski) Greenwald. He is survived by children, Dan (Kathy) Greenwald of Elizabeth Twp., Robert Greenwald of Fayette City and David (Dineen) Greenwald of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Mark (Chrissy) Greenwald and Robert Greenwald Jr.; great-granddaughter, Riley Greenwald; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, June 14, 2024 from 2-7 PM. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jeff Riker officiating. Burial will follow in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. Memorial contributions may be made to the Washington Area Humane Society, 1527 PA-136, Eighty Four, PA 15330. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
June 09, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Enrico "Rick" R. Sestito, age 90 of Clairton, passed away peacefully in the morning hours on Friday, June 7, 2024. Born January 15, 1934 in Clairton, he was a son of the late Sam and Anna (Toth) Sestito. He was a US Army Veteran, a multi-instrumental enthusiast, competitive swimmer and loved to sing any chance he could. Rick was extremely crafty and spent much of his time in his wood shop creating and painting many pieces for friends and family. He also loved to travel when he was able. Rick was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish - St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton and the St. Clare Anglers' Club. He retired after 43 years as an operator for Keystone at US Steel - Clairton Works. Besides his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his wife, the late Carol T. (Tuttle) Sestito, who passed away June 5, 2012. He is survived by his sons Enrico "Ricky Joe" Sestito of Kennedy Twp., Leslie S. (Teresa) Sestito of Jefferson Hills, and Vincent A. (Kathy Seneca) Sestito of Robinson Twp.; his grandchildren Krystal Sestito, Anthony (Mackenzie) Sestito, Tyler Sestito, Samantha (Jesse) Bernard, Isabella (Liam Storey), and Marina Sestito; his great-grandchild Aiden Sestito; his sisters Carol (Dave) Kaminski of West Newton and Lillian (the late John) Moore of Gambrel, MD; his loving girlfriend of 10 years Janice Schaming; and also many nieces and nephews.
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June 08, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Eleanor McAvoy, age 99 of White Oak, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024 in Redstone Highlands of North Huntingdon. Born September 6, 1924 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late John D. and Laura (Michael) Watson. A member of Sampson’s Mill Presbyterian Church in White Oak, Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, the late Dr. William B. McAvoy, who passed away July 23, 2013. She is survived by her sons William H. McAvoy of Kingsport, TN and Dr. Brian J. McAvoy, with his wife Amy (Shinn) McAvoy, of Lynchburg, VA, her granddaughter Laura McAvoy, and also many cousins.
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June 04, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Lisa M. (Wigginton) Saternos, age 57, of Finleyville, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024 at home. She was a supervisor for 33 years for BNY Mellon in Pittsburgh. She enjoyed riding on motorcycles, fishing, boating, jet skiing, and camping ‑ and loved doing them with her family. Her family was the center of her life and her grandchildren were the apple of her eye. Born December 30, 1966 in Elyria, Ohio, she was a daughter of Rosalind K. (Baclawski) Wigginton of Baldwin and the late Fred D. Wigginton. In addition to her mother, she is survived by the love of her life and soulmate, Dave Divins; children, Jeremy (Hanna) Saternos of Finleyville, Taylor (Kelly) Divins of South Park and Joshua Divins of Maryland; grandchildren, Cameron and Lucille Saternos and Poppy Divins; siblings, Christine Tierney of Baldwin and Fred (Amy) Wigginton of Lower Burrell; nephews, Kory Tierney and Matthew Wigginton; niece, Emily Tierney; also, cousins. A memorial gathering will take place in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 2 PM until the time of service at 5 PM with Deacon Al Poroda officiating. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
June 03, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Jack J. Lenze, age 77 of Elizabeth, died on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 in New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Hospital in Manhattan. He had recently made the long trip from his condo in Hallandale, FL to New York, with plans to relocate to Westchester County to spend his days with his daughter Heather, his son-in-law Nathan, and his grandchildren, Quinn and Bear. He was looking forward to watching Bear play soccer, treating Quinn to ice cream cones, spending time in the Catskill Mountains, and being a short train ride away from Reston, VA, where he loved to visit his son Mike, daughter-in-law Audrey, and best buddy and grandson Luca.
Born January 20, 1947 in Munhall, PA, Jack was a son of the late Anthony and Rena (Martorelli) Lenze. A retired science teacher for the West Mifflin School District, Jack was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish - St. Michael's Church. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, the late Kathleen A. (Zewe) Lenze, who died on June 29, 2023—whom we know was waiting for Jack with a big hug and a slice of homemade berry pie at the gates of Heaven.
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June 01, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Sandra L. “Sandy” Kirkman, age 63, of Forward Twp., closed her eyes and slipped into eternity on Friday, May 31, 2024, around 5PM after a long, hard-fought illness. In her mother’s arms she now rests while leaving many with fond memories and heavy hearts. Sandy was a longtime resident and vocal citizen of Forward Twp. She was a devout Christian and loyal member of the Elizabeth Baptist Church in Elizabeth. Sandy didn’t have any children of her own, but she had many children in her life which she loved and cherished. She made a career out of caring for people and that’s how she spent her final days, making sure her father would be well tended. Sandy was an avid Steelers fan and went out of her way to never miss a Forward Twp. meeting. She loved going out to eat and would always frequent local, family-owned restaurants. She vacationed in Florida twice a year and loved relaxing in her pool. Sandy was preceded in death by her biological mother, Mary Louise Moutz, and her beloved surrogate mother Ruth (Moutz) Kirkman. She is survived by her father, Gordon E. Kirkman; cousins, Joe (Adry) Moutz and Mary (Duvon) Corbitt; niece, Kelly (Mark) Wesolosky and their children, Julia, Libby, Suzanna and Luke; godson, Keith (Stacey) Abels and their children, Haylee, Braylynn and Gage; her longtime neighbor, friend, caretaker and “sister”, Jennifer (John) McPherson and their daughter Brenna whom Sandy had always adored and never missed an event in which she was a part; also, good friends, Pam, Dave, Becky, Ed and Eddie. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 4-8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jim Crosby officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
May 31, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Robert K. Withers, age 69, of Monongahela, passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at home. He retired after more than 30 years as a shift chemist for Synthomer Chemical Resins Inc. in West Elizabeth. A member of Floreffe Volunteer Fire Department, he loved his car and motorcycle, and was an avid animal lover. Born June 8, 1954 in New Eagle, he was a son of the late John H. and Emma Jane (Williams) Withers and husband of the late Susan J. (Luce) Withers. He is survived by his siblings, Barbara Haywood of Forward Twp., Bill (Gail) Withers of Jefferson Hills and Cheryl (Chuck) Ayre of Munhall; nephew and best friend, CJ (Candice) Ayre; sister-in-law, Kathy (Stan) Rygiel; nieces and nephews, General James Haywood, Jayme Ayre, Nikki Ilgenfritz, Chad Withers, Troy Withers, Jennifer Koliscak and Greg Buretz; also, great-nieces and nephews. No visitation is planned. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to a local animal shelter of one’s choice. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
May 25, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Dorothy A. (Spargal) Calabro, age 92, of Forward Twp., passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Kane Community Living Center in Scott Township. She retired as a stock clerk at JC Penney in Pleasant Hills. She was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. where she was a member of the Christian Mothers. She was also a member of the YMCA in Charleroi. Born February 26, 1932, in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Petro) Spargal and wife of the late Louis P. Calabro, Sr. She is survived by daughters, Marianne (Les) Romantino of Castle Shannon and Christine (John) Zappia of Ashburn, VA; sons, Louis P. (Jama) Calabro, Jr. of Harrisburg and Ronald (Kathleen) Calabro of Elizabeth; grandchildren, Angelina Calabro, Chelsea (Eric) Petty, Eric (Tiffany) Romantino, Andrea (Eric) McCartney and Gia Zappia; great-grandchildren, Lucas McCartney, Camilla Petty, Meyer Romantino, Jozie Puccini, Isiah Petty and Nate Petty; sister, Mary Jane (Boris) Schmondiuk of Wall; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Ross J. Calabro. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 10 AM in St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church with Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. Burial will follow in St. Clare Cemetery, Clairton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Gulf Tower, 707 Grant Street, 37th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
May 25, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Virginia Lee Springer, age 94 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024 in Norbert Personal Care in Brookline. Born May 22, 1930 in Point Marion, she was a daughter of the late Omer and Emma (Lyons) Baker. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Glenn Reed Springer, her sons Gary R. (the late Lynda) Springer and Robert Springer, and her sisters Lois Sanetrik and Eleanor Lanham. Virginia is survived by her grandsons Steven Springer of Elizabeth Twp., Jason (Alejandra) Springer of Ft. Myers, FL, and Justin Springer of Elizabeth Twp., and also many nieces and nephews.
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May 22, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Stanley C. Yarulis, Sr., age 98, of Monongahela, and formerly of Forward Township and Clairton, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024, at The Residence at Hilltop, Monongahela. Born January 31, 1926, in Monongahela, he was a son of the late Anthony and Kazimeria (Bagavich) Yarulis. He was a US Army veteran serving during WWII where he fought in Burma. He was also one of the founding members of the 475th Infantry Merrill's Marauders BAR Gunner. He was a retired machinist for Corning Inc. in Charleroi and US Steel Clairton Works. He was a former member of the Old Timers Golf League at Butlers Golf Course, a former councilman for the City of Clairton, a member of the American Legion Daniel Keffer Post 75, and the VFW.
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May 20, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Janice A. Finnegan, age 65, of Finleyville passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at UPMC McKeesport. Born February 1, 1959, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late James A. and Angeline (Gigli) Finnegan. She was a retired crane operator for US Steel Irvin Works in West Mifflin and a US Steel union representative for many years. Janice was survived by her sisters Kathleen (Thomas) Moloney of Mathis, TX and Sandra (Keith) Stonebraker of Pittsburgh; niece and nephews Kara (Tyson) Rydze, Scott (Erika) Stonebraker, Steven (Josie) Finnegan, and Nicole Finnegan; and great-niece and nephews, Angela and Connor Rydze, and Riley Finnegan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother James D. Finnegan and his wife Nancy.
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May 20, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Ronald G. Lazur, age 75, of Rostraver Twp., passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at home. He was a former machinist at Westinghouse Air Brake Co.in Wilmerding and a lifetime social member of the Blaine Hill Volunteer Fire Company. Born August 1, 1948 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Andrew and Stephanie (Sevcik) Lazur and husband of the late Mary Joyce (Johnston) Lazur. He is survived by his siblings, Lisa (David) Barno of Elrama, James A. (Nancy) Lazur of Elizabeth Twp. and William (Stephen Strein) Lazur of Highland Park; stepdaughters, Jennifer Johnston of Belle Vernon and Laurie Johnston of Washington; granddaughter, Tori Johnston of Belle Vernon; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Lazur. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
May 20, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Joseph P. Frenock, age 82 of Elrama and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024 in Baldwin Health Care Clinic. Born February 11, 1942 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Joseph L. and Pauline (Maguda) Frenock. Joseph worked as manager for Lowes and Home Depot stores in Florida and retired from US Steel Irvin Works. He was a Vietnam War Veteran of the US Army and a member of the Buena Vista Fire Hall. His family though will remember him as a loving husband, father, and grandfather and as the best pap in the world.
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May 19, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Elaine Cray, age 72, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Forbes Hospital. Elaine was a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania and a recently retired teacher from the Elizabeth Forward School District, spending most of her time in the third grade classroom at William Penn Elementary School. In addition to Elizabeth Forward, she created the pre-school program at Port Vue United Methodist Church, where she was a former pre-school teacher. Elaine was a woman of deep faith which she modeled and shared with those who met her. She was currently attending Park Baptist Church in Versailles and was also previously an active member of Central Highlands United Methodist Church in Elizabeth Twp., serving as their Christian Education director for several years. Elaine was a passionate fan of the Beatles, attending their 1964 show at the Civic Arena at the age of 13. She also loved Barry Manilow. She enjoyed Hallmark movies, reading biographies, and completing puzzles in her cozy little “she shack” off the side of the kitchen. Elaine was a great friend and mother. She was the first many called to share news. She loved shopping with her best friend Kathy and her grandkids. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She looked forward to meeting friends for lunch now that she was retired. She and her husband John loved to go out and hear live music or grab the grandkids for dinner. She was active in restarting the Sunday School program at Park Baptist, a volunteer at Meals on Wheels in Elizabeth Forward, and the coordinator of the Bryan Hoover Scholarship Fund. Born November 12, 1951 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Arthur G. and Anna Margaret (Kovaly) Street. She is survived by her husband, John Cray; daughters, Kelly (Edward) Makay of North Huntingdon and Erin (Stephen) Pizzo of Fairview; son, Patrick (Loan) Cray of Fairbanks, AK; grandchildren, Kylie, Michael, Samuel, Ella, Patrick and Callum; brother, Ray (Kathy) Street of North Huntingdon; sister, Sherri (Paul) Harrington of Plymouth, NC; stepbrothers, Kevin Kirkman of Daytona, FL and Vaughn (Peggy) Kirkman of Lower Burrell; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brother, Jeff Street and stepmother, Jan Street. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Monday, May 20, 2024 from 4-8 PM and Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 2-6 PM. A funeral service will be Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 11 AM at Park Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Rudy Mayak officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH. Memorial contributions may be made to Park Baptist Church, 749 Center Street, McKeesport, PA 15132 or Elizabeth Forward Meals on Wheels, 100 Timothy Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com