August 14, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Patricia Ann Karpac, age 82 of West Mifflin, passed away at home on Saturday, August 12, 2023. Born April 5, 1941 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Mark J. and Loretta M. (Dippolitio) Zdrale. A retired nurse's aide, Patricia was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish - St. Agnes Church in West Mifflin. She is survived by her son Mark Karpac of Clairton, her granddaughter Taylor Karpac, her brother George (Francine) Zdrale of Sarasota, FL, her niece Kristin (Jack) Cahill of Sarasota, FL, her nephew Kevin (Megan) Zdrale of Baltimore, MD, and her great nieces Caroline and Celia.
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August 12, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Dollie Whiting, age 99 of Elizabeth Boro., passed away Friday, August 11, 2023 at the Residence at Hilltop, Monongahela. A member of Elizabeth United Methodist Church, Dollie was a former self employed beautician. Born in Glassport on May 17, 1924, she was the wife of the late Raymond A. Whiting who died on March 10, 2012.
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August 11, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
David O. Pershing, age 93, of Blaine Hill, passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at Jefferson Hospital. He retired as a millwright for US Steel National Tube Works in McKeesport. He was a Marine veteran serving during the Korean War and was awarded a Purple Heart in the Battle of Inchon. He was also a catcher for the Parris Island Marine Corps baseball team. He was a past commander of the Blaine Hill VFW, a member of the Elizabeth American Legion, the Stephen Bayard Masonic Lodge, and a life member of the Blaine Hill Volunteer Fire Company where he was a past chief, lieutenant and trustee. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and most sports. He enjoyed teaching young people the love of baseball and was a former president and team manager of the Elizabeth Baseball Association. Born June 7, 1930 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late David S. and Rose (Telesfore) Pershing and husband of the late Katherine (Barton) Pershing. He is survived by sons, David F. Pershing of Blaine Hill, Robert K. (Elizabeth) Pershing of Irwin and Mark A. (Carolyn) Pershing of Springboro; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Mark and Cassidy Pershing; great-granddaughter, Dalia; siblings, Richard and Bill Pershing, both of Blaine Hill; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by sisters, Sandra Davis and Lucy Thompson, and brothers, Edgar and John Pershing. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM and Monday, August 14, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at Mt. Pleasant Church, 104 Mt. Pleasant Road in Breezewood from 11 AM until the time of service at 1 PM. Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
August 10, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Karl A. Randig, age 85, of Lincoln Borough, passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at home. An Army veteran, he retired after 32 years as a stationary engineer at UPMC McKeesport. He was a member of Local 95, a lifetime member of Lincoln Borough Fire Company, a Mason for 40 years and a member of Lodge 45 F&AM in Pittsburgh. A Jack of all trades, he was an avid hunter, loved NASCAR, and collected and restored antique cars, his favorite being a 1957 candy apple red Corvette. Born June 29, 1938 in Lincoln Borough, he was a son of the late Andrew and Henrietta (Bradley) Randig. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Madeline A. (Lucas) Randig; daughters, Dawn (James) Gaydos and Sharyn Randig, both of Lincoln Borough; grandsons, Lukas (Christine) Gaydos and Logan Gaydos, both of Lincoln Borough; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Robert Wylie, Eulia Schriber, Thomas Randig and Laureen Randig. No visitation or services are planned. Private burial at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Elizabeth Twp. will take place at a later date. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
August 10, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Mary M. Brkovich, age 95 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away peacefully on August 9, 2023 at Sunrise of Upper St. Clair. She retired as a clerk in the accounting department of ADTRANZ (a.k.a Bombardier and Westinghouse) in West Mifflin. Mary was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Christy Park, the Christian Mothers and the Italian Sons and Daughters of America.
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August 07, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
August 04, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Theresa K. (Groff) Austin, age 92, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at home. She loved gardening, quilting, Sundays, and family gatherings. Her main focus in life was her family. Born August 7, 1930 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Peter and Matilda (Jasiewicz) Groff and wife of the late Robert W. Austin. She is survived by children, Kathy Heasley of Versailles, Susan (John) Marconyak of Elizabeth, Timothy (Mary Lou) Austin of Ludlow, Roberta (Dan) Ketterman of Elizabeth, Melissa (Dan Ketterman Jr.) Austin of Elizabeth Twp., Mary Beth (Paul) Novak of Whitehall; 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and faithful companion, Lucy. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by son, Robert Austin, two brothers and one sister, and faithful companion, Willy. Private visitation was at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth followed by private entombment in McKeesport & Versailles Cemetery, McKeesport. Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Bridges at cancerbridges.org or 412 Thrive at 412thrive.org. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
July 31, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Richard H. Lapinski, age 73, of Rostraver Twp., formerly of South Plainfield, NJ, and Bethel Park, PA, passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at home. He attended Rehoboth Presbyterian Church in Rostraver Twp. He was a pitcher for Bethel Park High School from 1966-67, played American Legion baseball, and was scouted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a communications technician at Alcatel-Lucent and after he retired, was a consultant for CBM of America. He had various collections including antique radios, cameras, clocks and watches, and he restored several antique cars. He was an avid musician and played the guitar, piano and various other instruments. When he lived in New Jersey, he enjoyed boating in Barnegat Bay. Born August 27, 1949 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Stanley and Dolores (Tamburi) Lapinski Green. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Diane (Helman) Lapinski; son, Richard A. Lapinski of Rostraver Twp.; stepmother, Gaye Lapinski of Huntersville, NC; siblings, Russell (Katie) Lapinski of Danbury, NC, Robert (Lori) Lapinski of Hygiene, CO and Tina (George) Duvall of Denver, NC; aunt, Betty Johnson of Baldwin; also, many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by stepfather, Jack Green, and siblings, Gina, Lisa, Michael and Stanley. A memorial gathering will take place in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 11 AM until the time of memorial service at 1 PM with the Rev. Donald T. Glunt officiating. Private burial will be in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
July 27, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Denise Alene Roberts, age 69, of Belle Vernon, passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at home. She retired after 19 years as a waitress at Cracker Barrel in Franklin, TN. Prior to that, she maintained kitchens for many school districts in Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Born November 21, 1953 in Glassport, she was the daughter of the late Alvin Meyers and the late Kathryn (Gardner) Sterner. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Paul A. Roberts; children, Larry (Melissa) Hutchinson of Bensalem and Angela Marr of Belle Vernon; grandchildren, Cheyenne (Jose), Tyler, Hannah, Robert and Kira; great-grandsons, Luke and Carson; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by siblings, Janine, Kathleen and Keith; stepfather, Donald Sterner; stepmother, Anne Meyers; and her beloved Reese Cup. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 1-3 PM. No service is planned. In lieu of flowers, 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.
July 23, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Norma A. (Caird) Filewich, age 92, of Elrama, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at Peters Township Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was a retired self-employed hairdresser and a member of St. John 23
rd Parish, St. Isaac Jogues Church in Elrama. Born April 9, 1931 in Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late David and Ella (McNeil) Caird and wife of the late Mike Filewich. She is survived by sons, Michael D. (Renee) Filewich of Sebastian, FL and Guy C. (Julie) Filewich of McKeesport; daughter, LuAnne Blyshak of Elrama; grandchildren, Michael D. Filewich Jr., Keith J. Filewich, Leigh Anne Lopez, and Cameron P. Filewich; great-grandchildren; sisters, Janice Hofmeister of Tavares, FL and Gayle McGruder of Mount Dora, FL; brother, David Caird of Elizabeth Twp.; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Caird. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 from 4-7 PM. A mass of Christian burial will take place on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 10 AM in St. Isaac Jogues Church. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
July 23, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Rose Marie Baker, age 93 of North Versailles, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, July 22, 2023. Born November 26, 1929 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine (Odoj) Plunko. Rose Marie earned an associate's degree from Robert Morris business school and worked at a credit union until she became a mom. She then spent the rest of her time taking care of her family and being an active member at St. John's Lutheran Church in North Versailles. She loved going to the cabin, making excellent meals and desserts from scratch, dressing sharp, and spending time with her family - especially her great grandkids. She will be missed dearly by her family and friends as she was very funny and admired for her strong character. Rose Marie was also preceded in death by her husband Wesley Clyde Baker and her brother Theodore Plunko. She is survived by her daughters Patricia L. (Carl) Pastore and Debra Jo (Eric) Pekala, both of Elizabeth Twp.; her grandchildren Kristy, Tara, and Macy; her great-grandchildren Emmett and Makiya; and also nieces and nephews.
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July 18, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Helen (Kuzma) Piggford, age 91 of Elizabeth Twp., died peacefully at Jefferson Hospital on Monday, July 17, 2023. She passed away encompassed by the love of friends and family and cared for by her daughter Teresa Mae Buchina of Elizabeth Township and her sons James Wayne Piggford III of Simpsonville, SC, and George Alan Piggford, C.S.C., of North Easton, MA. Helen was born at home on Blaine Hill in Elizabeth Township on April 2nd, 1932, to John Kuzma and Theresa (Czizak), and as an infant she received Baptism, Chrismation, and Holy Communion at Ascension Byzantine Catholic Church in Clairton.
The youngest of six children, Helen attended Wylie School and Elizabeth High School, where she graduated with academic distinction. On July 3, 1951, she married (James) Wayne Piggford, Jr., her life-long love. She traveled with him to his U.S. Navy postings in Key West, FL, and New London, CT, before they settled back on Blaine Hill in 1960. Helen was a tireless worker and made a career at the River Division of Consol Energy, where she retired as a financial analyst after more than twenty-five years. Higher education was not available to her in her younger days, so she was especially pleased to earn an associate degree from Penn State Greater Allegheny.
Helen’s 91-year life was characterized by hard work, commitment to her family and community, and a powerful Catholic faith. She was a den mother for Cub Scouts and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 7632. She was a CCD teacher and was active for many years in Christian Mothers at St. Michael parish, now Sts. Joachim and Anne. Helen enjoyed crocheting afghans for special occasions, she cooked amazing cabbage rolls, she kept in touch with many people by phone, and she had a particular enthusiasm for keeping her checkbook balanced. Helen was devoted to her husband Wayne. She deeply loved her children Teresa, wife of Steven Buchina; Wayne III, husband of Laura; and George, a Roman Catholic priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross. She adored both of her grandsons, who are U.S. Marines: 2ndLt James Connor, husband of TJ, and LCpl Alexander Ryan. Helen is survived by her brother Peter Kuzma of Republic, Michigan, her brother-in-law James Chomas of Elizabeth Township, and her sister-in-law Helen Louise Wivagg of Forward Township.
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July 18, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
AnnaMary (Fuller) Sacunas, age 93 of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023 at her daughter’s home. Mrs. Sacunas was a member of St. Joachim and Ann Parish, St. Michael’s Church in Elizabeth Twp. and owned and operated Hill Top Dari-Delite for many years with her husband. A member of the Red Hats, she loved to golf, spend time with her friends, and going out to lunch. Born in Garrett on July 12, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Melvin and Helen (Brocht) Fuller and was wife of the late Edward G. Sacunas, who passed away on March 1, 2011. She is survived by her daughter, Lynette (Bruno) DelBianco of Forward Twp.; grandchildren, Blaze (Katie Pergola) LaBrosse of Elizabeth, Drake LaBrosse of Plum, Jared (Kassia) DelBianco of Elizabeth, Brendan (Jillian) DelBianco of Elizabeth, Mariah DelBianco of Forward Twp.; great-grandchildren, Beckham and Brooks LaBrosse, and Magnolia DelBianco; a sister Terrie Boyce of Versailles; and nieces and nephews.
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July 13, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John Aiken, age 67, of Elrama, formerly of Chicago, IL, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at Jefferson Hospital. He was a retired employee at the University of Chicago. He was an avid reader and loved movies and stage plays. Born September 11, 1955 in New Eagle, he was a son of the late Samuel J. Aiken Jr. and the late Elaine (Estaque) Aiken. He is survived by his sister, Debbie (Wayne Sr.) Wilson of Elrama; nephew, Wayne (Kristy) Wilson Jr. of Strabane; great-niece, Elaina Wilson; aunt, Estelle Livingston of Monongahela; also, cousins.
Private services are pending. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Four Gateway Center, 444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
July 13, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
S. Howard Pittard, age 82, of Mooresville, NC, formerly of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, July 10, 2023 at Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center. A Marine veteran, he retired as the founder and CEO for East Texas Coatings in Nash, TX, and was a lifetime Mason through the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Born November 28, 1940 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Howard Wilson and Ida (Breckenridge) Pittard. He is survived by his wife, Virginia "Gin" Blake; sons, Raymond D. (Rhonda) Pittard of Johns Island, SC and Robb E. Pittard of Mooresville, NC; Lori (Todd) Price of Monroe, NC; grandchildren, Lauren (Sean) Murphy of Kansas City, Lindsey Dissinger of Bozeman, MT, Ethan Dissinger of Belgrade, MT, Aiden Price of Monroe, NC, and Grayson Price of Monroe, NC; great-grandchildren, Graham and Madeline Murphy; also, nieces and nephews.
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