Norma Chalfant
January 24, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Richard J. Stash
January 23, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Richard J. Stash, age 74 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Jefferson Hospital. Born December 23, 1950 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late John and Helen (Blaha) Stash. A self employed truck driver and excavator operator, Richard is survived by his wife Cathy (Chemsak) Stash, his sons Micky (Trish) Stash of Elizabeth Twp. and Robby (Stormi) Stash of Versailles, his grandchildren Beau and B.K. Stash, and also nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his sister Carol Lofgren. Funeral arrangements for Richard are private at the convenience of the family and in the care of the Daniel F. Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory, 4504 Walnut Street, Versailles, PA 15132 (412) 678-3454 www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
Jace M. Younge
January 23, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Jace M. Younge, age 65, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Allegheny General Hospital. He retired after 33 years as a correctional officer for Allegheny County and was a former vice president of the Allegheny County Prison Employee Independent Union. He was also a former employee of the Elizabeth Forward School District and a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. He loved God, hunting, football, gardening, cooking, carpentry, going to his cabin, and being outdoors. But most of all he loved his wife, children and grandchildren, and doing things for them to make their life better each day. His unselfish, giving, loving nature will always be missed. Born December 18, 1959 in Homestead, he was a son of the late Robert and Geraldine (Zuger) Younge. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lori (Neyman) Younge; children, Kayla (Michael) Hutchison of Elizabeth Twp., Dane Younge and Dillon Younge, both of Belle Vernon; grandchildren, Lane, Lake, Myka and Montana; siblings, Roberta (Carmen) Costa of Bethel Park, Joe Younge of Greenock and Bernadette (Rob) Todero of Elizabeth Twp.; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be Monday, January 27, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Michael Church with the Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
Elisabeth "Betsy" V. Mitaly
January 23, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Elisabeth V. "Betsy" Mitaly, age 94 of Clairton, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 in Kane Community Living Center - McKeesport. Born June 11, 1930 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late John and Anna (Mitchko) Mitaly. A member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church, Betsy worked as a clerk for GC Murphy & Co. in Clairton. She is survived by her brother John Mitaly of Murrysville and also nieces and nephews and, besides her parents, was preceded in death by her sisters Mary Ann Mitaly and Anne Galiyas. Funeral arrangements for Betsy are private at the request of the family, who would like to thank all of the family, friends, and staffs of the facilities and organizations who helped to care for Betsy over the years. Arrangements by the A.J. Bekavac Funeral Home, 555 Fifth Street, Clairton, PA 15025 (412) 233-5700 www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
Sarah Burinski
January 22, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Sarah “Chubby” Burinski, age 35, of Rostraver Twp., passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Penn Highlands Mon Valley Hospital. She was a creative person who enjoyed crafting and decorating for various holidays and events. Born May 19, 1989 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of Stanley R. and Susan M. (Verlich) Burinski. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her brother, Alex (Jessica Hathaway) Burinski of Rostraver Twp., and aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation and services are private. Memorial contributions may be made to Breakthrough T1D, PO Box 5021, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5021 https://breakthroughT1D.org or RAINN, 1220 L St NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005 https://rainn.org. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
John J. Makel Jr.
January 20, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John J. Makel Jr., age 74, of Forward Twp., passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Jefferson Hospital. He retired after more than 30 years as a senior engineer at Carnegie Mellon University. He had a PhD in anthropology and archeology and studied at several universities and in South America. He was a member of Stephen Bayard Masonic Lodge 526 in Elizabeth and loved motorcycles. Born September 30, 1950 in Waynesburg, he was a son of the late John J. Makel Sr. and Lucille (Buday) Makel. He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Carole Schiffman-Makel; sons, Chad (Amanda Dudash) Schiffman of Forward Twp. and Ross Schiffman of Forward Twp.; niece, Ehrin (Bill) Murry of Forward Twp.; great-niece, Abigail Murry; and sister-in-law, Diane Gunther of Carrick. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 3-7 PM. A Masonic service will be held in the funeral home on Friday at 6:30 PM, followed by a funeral service at 7 PM in the chapel with Rev. Jude Urso officiating. Private burial will take place at Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Tunnels to Towers, Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or ASPCA online at aspca.org. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com 
William A. Snyder Sr.
January 20, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
William A. “Doc” Snyder Sr., age 90, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at home. An Air Force veteran of the Korean War, he retired as an electrician at U.S. Steel Clairton Works. Born September 30, 1934 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late Owen and Ethel (McWhirter) Snyder and husband of the late Barbara (Beattie) Snyder. He is survived by daughter, Sharon L. (Michael Marmo) Ferency of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, DJ (Desiree) Ferency of Monroeville, Luke (Natalie) Megela of Elizabeth, Adam (Jodi) Snyder of West Newton, William (Sarah) Snyder of Pittsburgh, Katie (Guillermo) Mendoza of Arlington, TX and Matthew Snyder of Summerville, SC; great-grandchildren, Kali and Evelyn Megela, Jackson, Grace, William and Emma Snyder, Roxy Reyes and Liam and Lilliana Mendoza; sister, Patsy Opfer of Apollo; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by sons, William A. “Chip” Snyder Jr., Harry R. Snyder and Kurt Christopher; grandson, Michael Snyder; daughters-in-law, Kimmy Haugh and Bobbi Snyder; and sister, Alice Cherepko. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Friday, January 24, 2025 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be in the funeral home chapel Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 10 AM. Burial will follow at Round Hill Cemetery in Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
Isabelle Lynn (Dooley) Steinhart
January 19, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Isabelle Lynn Steinhart, 83, formerly of Coal Township, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in St. Clair Hospital, Mt. Lebanon. Isabelle was born on July 27, 1941, in Kulpmont, to the late Lawrence and Marie (Luchnick) Dooley. She was married to the late Ernest (Punch) Steinhart on June 3, 1961 for 59 years.
Isabelle was a loving mother to her two children as a housewife and later in life worked as a real estate agent and a bartender.
She loved spending time with her family especially the summer months around her pool watching her grandchildren laugh and just have fun. She also had many fond memories in Ocean City Maryland, Knoebels, and time with her sister Kitty. Her other love was all the dogs that she and Punch enjoyed. Many people saw the dog walking her at Knoebels weekly and the joy that they had with them on their long car rides.
Isabelle is survived by her children Dr. Ernest (Paula) Steinhart and Dr. LoriAnn (Dr. John) Cicchini; seven grandchildren: Dr. Deanna, Leah, Grace, Madeline, and Jaheim Steinhart and Sydney and Brady Cicchini; and her sisters Kathryn “Kitty” (Robert “Uncle Bob”) Kelly and Marie (the late William) Hogarty.
Bernice Drnach
January 19, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Bernice Drnach, age 97 of West Mifflin and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025 in Grandview Estates, Elizabeth Twp. Born October 8, 1927 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late Cesidio and Emilia (DeSantis) Macioce. A member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish and the Sons of Columbus, Santa Maria Chapter #4 (both of Clairton), Bernice worked at both J.C. Penney's and Sam's Club. Bernice was known as mom, grandma, aunt, and GiGi to her loved ones. She put her family and faith above all things. She was kind and giving to all that knew her. Besides her parents, Bernice was preceded in death by her husband, the late Frank R. Drnach, who passed away December 10, 1999, and her siblings: Maggie DeBaldo and Carmen, Patsy, and Louie Macioce. She is survived by her son Frank (Karen) Drnach of Moon Twp.; her daughter Jeannie (the late Richard) Miller of Elizabeth Twp.; her nephew Robert L. (Ciara) Macioce of Peters Twp.; her five grandchildren: Allison (Gary) Grimm, Richard L. (Jen) Miller, III, Sara (James) Bertram, Emily (Shane) Patterson, and Vincent Drnach; her eight great-grandchildren: Alivia Jean and Nathan Grimm, Isabelle and Christian Bertram, Finley and Cade Patterson, and Molly and Noah Miller; her great-nieces and great-nephew Giada, Giuliana, and Rocco; and also many other nieces and nephews.
Philip W. Boyette
January 17, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Philip William Boyette, 48, of Clairton, passed away on January 16, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones at Jefferson Regional Medical Center.
Philip was born on August 18, 1976 to William Dunlop and Patricia (Martin) Boyette in Lowell, Massachusetts. When Phil was just under 2 year old, they moved to Hawaii where his mother met and married his step-father, Raymond Domingo, Sr. Phil graduated from Leilehua High School in Wahiawa, Hawaii in 1995. Following that, he went on to study culinary arts at the University of Hawaii.
Phil's work history has led him to live and work all over the country. He started at the Diamond Head Bakery in Honolulu, HI. Upon leaving there, he worked for Popeye's in Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Jacksonville, Arkansas. After relocating to Fredricksburg, Virginia, he was hired by Walmart in November 2011. He eventually transferred to the West Mifflin, Pennsylvania location in 2013 and has been there since.
In 2012, Philip met Tara Papson. Phil and Tara welcomed their first daughter, Reagan BreAnne in January 2014 before marrying in July 2014. They were again blessed in January 2017 with the birth of their twins, Logan Amelia and Noah Patrick. Further enhancing their family unit is their Hanai daughter, Jalaya Papson.
Second only to his family, Philip's greatest passion was cooking. He loved to create and tweak dishes. Nothing brought him greater joy than feeding people. In the last year, he obtained the LLC to open his dream restaurant, Foodiez Paradise.
Philip was predeceased by his parents, William Dunlop and Patricia Domingo. He is survived by his wife and children; his step-father Raymond (Linda) Domingo; his siblings Lessie Mitch, Erin (Paul) Charran, Kristin Pittman, Regina Hubbard, Raymond Domingo, Jr., Jason Boyette and Virginia (David) Roy. Phil is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and his beloved dog, Ryder.
Upon his passing, Philip was fortunate enough to be able to deliver the ultimate gift and become an organ donor. This brings his family great comfort as his legacy will live on through the lives he has saved.
Mary Bocetti
January 17, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Mary (Eli) Bocetti, age 63, of Forward Twp., passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Family Hospice at Canterbury Place in Lawrenceville. She worked for many years as a hospice nurse and ended her career as a nursing supervisor at Kane Community Living Center in McKeesport. She loved animals, listening to music, reading, going to the beach, and taking trips with friends. Born June 2, 1961 in McKees Rocks, she was a daughter of the late Beverly (Owens) Eli and wife of the late Anthony E. “Tony” Bocetti. She is survived by daughters, Emily Bocetti of Dormont and Katie Bocetti of Spokane, WA; brother, Leon Eli of Somerset; her dog, Wilbur; her cat, Miss Kitty; also, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Washington Area Humane Society, 1527 PA-136, Eighty-Four, PA 15330 or Family Hospice, 310 Fisk Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. A memorial gathering and service will take place at a later date. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
Beverly L. Carr
January 15, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Beverly L. (Quinn) Carr, age 79, of Elizabeth, passed away early in the morning on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Jefferson Hospital. A skilled seamstress, she retired after 30 years as a seamstress at Cici Dance Studio in Finleyville. She served as the first female council person in Elizabeth Borough and was one of the founders of the Elizabeth Borough Youth Center. She loved life, family and God. Born March 31, 1945 in Lumberport, WV, she was a daughter of the late Paul W. and Edna (Bowman) Quinn. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, W. Dale Carr; daughters, Lucinda, Gail and Katheryn Carr, all of Elizabeth; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Christa Dawn; sister, Elaine Quinn Skidmore; and brother, Keith Quinn. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from 5 PM until the time of blessing at 7 PM with Deacon John Ragan. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
Harry P. Santoline, Jr.
January 15, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Harry P. Santoline, Jr., age 69 of South Fayette Twp., passed away at home on Monday, January 13, 2025 after a brief illness. Born April 17, 1955 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Harry P. Santoline, Sr. and Betty J. (Covelli) Santoline. A graduate of Clairton High School Class of 1973, Harry also received a bachelor's degree in Administration of Justice from the University of Pittsburgh. He worked as an ATM Tech for Brooks Armored Car and retired from Dick's Sporting Goods in Smithton. Harry had a very strong Christian faith and was an active member of The Table Church in Upper St. Clair. As the eldest cousin of his generation of a large Italian family, Harry enjoyed attending and hosting family gatherings. Harry had a great love and knowledge of music and Pittsburgh sports, amassing large vinyl and sports memorabilia collections. He will always be remembered for his dry sense of humor and the perfect witticism for any moment. But his greatest pride and pleasure was spending time with his cherished grandsons. Harry is survived by his wife Linda (Morris) Santoline; his daughters Kellie (William) Passodelis, Jr. of Upper St. Clair and Kristen (Sean) Polosky of Mt. Lebanon; his grandsons William III "Tripp" and Wyatt Passodelis, and Cooper Polosky; his siblings Sharon (John) Matz of Mt. Lebanon and Jeffrey (Kathy) Santoline of Clairton; and also nieces and nephews.
Betty J. Morrison
January 14, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Betty J. (Chutis) Morrison, age 88, of Elizabeth, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Jefferson Hospital. She was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. She enjoyed knitting and sewing and was a member of several local quilting clubs. Born November 21, 1936 in Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late John and Mamie (O'Dell) Chutis and wife of the late James R. Morrison Sr. She is survived by her sons, James (Mary Ellen) Morrison Jr. of Murrysville, John M. "Mike" (Debbie) Morrison of Elizabeth, Harry (Peggy) Morrison of Elizabeth Twp. and Thomas (Amanda) Morrison of Kissimmee, FL; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Bobbi (Gerry) Reisenaur of Elizabeth; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 4-7 PM. No services are planned. Private burial will be in Elizabeth Cemetery. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
Janice Cray McGinn Byars
January 14, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Janice Cray McGinn Byars, age 86, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones. Born in McKeesport, Janice lived a full and vibrant life, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she met. She was the eldest of five siblings in the Cray family, which includes Nancy, Tommy, Kathleen, and John. Janice married her high school sweetheart, Captain Francis Patrick (Pat) McGinn. Together, they navigated Pat’s career in the US Air Force, NASA, and Eastern Airlines, raising three children: Patrick, who is married to April and has two sons, Patrick married to Patty and Jonny; Kathy, who is married to Brad Gregg and has two children, Stuart and Meghan married to Chase Penland with a son, Graham; and Mike, who is married to Brandi with three children, Brittan, Michael, and Sarah Blaine. After Pat’s passing in 1980, Janice dedicated her life to raising her children and supporting them through college. She was blessed to find love once more when she married Charles “Chuck” Byars. She wholeheartedly embraced her new role as “Mimi” to Chuck’s children, Kelly, Jeff, and Keith, as well as his grandchildren: Tyler, Taylor, and Tate Stanford; Lindsey, Sarah, and Matt Byars. Her nurturing spirit created a joyful and loving extended family, where she cherished every moment spent with each one. Her life was filled with joy and activity. She had a passion for entertaining, cooking, sewing, and playing cards, especially with her grandchildren. Janice was also an avid tennis player and enjoyed sharing laughter and the occasional glass of wine with friends and loved ones. Her lively spirit and welcoming home were the heart of many gatherings, making her presence a constant source of joy and comfort. Janice was a devout member of the Catholic Church, where she played the organ and served as musical director for over 30+ years. Her faith was unwavering, and she served as a dedicated and faithful servant of the Lord. Her commitment to her church and her community was evident in everything she did, embodying the principles of her faith in all aspects of her life. Janice's love, kindness, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion. In lieu of flowers, donations in Janice’s honor can be made to Saint Peter the Rock Catholic Church in Thomaston, GA www.stpetertherock.com/donate. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
