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Joanne M. Ruby

September 20, 2021 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, Joanne Marie Ruby early Saturday morning, September 18th, 2021 at her home with our father, her partner and caregiver of 60 years by her side.  Joanne was born in McKeesport on January 27, 1938 to the late John and Ann (Bock) Dobos.  She started her career in retail while still attending high school, working for G.C. Murphy Co, Toyco, and finally JCPenney’s where she was a loyal employee for 36 years, retiring in 2012.  The most important thing to our mother was family. She was our rock and inspiration. She was there for all of us through the good and bad, for every one of our life’s “firsts” and wasn’t afraid to put us in our place when need be. She is survived by our father, Ronald L. Ruby of McKeesport; her children John  (Theresa) Ruby of Mt. Pleasant, Beth (Christopher) Straka of Latrobe, and Amy (Tony) Cunningham of Lincoln Place; her nine grandchildren who were the light of her life and will miss her deeply: Johnathan Ruby, Kayla Ruby, Ethan Ruby, Erika Rose Kellerman, whom she cherished like a daughter, Nikolas Kellerman (Kaitlyn Swiger), Megan Joanne Kellerman, Ryan Cunningham; and Shannon Cunningham; her special CUJO wiener dog Tucker; and her sister Marian Storch of Monroeville. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.  “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.” 

 
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Matthew L. "Bones" Haramia

September 18, 2021 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Matthew L. "Bones" Haramia, age 85 of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021 in Jefferson Hospital.  Born July 12, 1936 in Clairton, he was a son of the late Matthew "Mike" and Gwen (Williams) Haramia.  A US Army Veteran of the Korean War, Matthew retired as an electrician with US Steel - Clairton Works.  He will be remembered as a true do-it-yourself-er who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

 
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Margaret Tomasello

September 14, 2021 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Margaret (Estock) Gaza Tomasello, age 95 of Clairton, passed away at home on Monday, September 13, 2021.  Born February 21, 1926 in Large, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Pesta) Estock.  A retired secretary for J.C. Penney’s in Southland, Margaret was a member of both Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church and the Sons of Italy Ladies Auxiliary, both of Clairton, and volunteered at Jefferson Hospital.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands Andrew Gaza, who passed away in 1975, and Nicholas Tomasello; her grandson Michael Daum; and her siblings John, Michael, Mary, and Joseph Estock and Anna Charney.  Margaret is survived by her children Charles D. (Linda) Gaza of Conneautville, Catherine (Otto) Daum of Port St. Lucie, FL, David Gaza of Clairton, Claire Denhoo of Clairton, and Carolyn “Tina” Gaza of Clairton; her seven grandchildren; her six great-grandchildren; her three great-great-grandchildren; her sister Helen (Robert) Hampson of Elizabeth; and also nieces and nephews.

 
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Clarence Glen, Sr.

September 13, 2021 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Clarence Glen, Sr., age 78 of Monroeville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 11, 2021.  Beloved husband of the late Gwendella Glen, he leaves to cherish fond memories his companion Deborah Lee Dixon.  Clarence was the son of the late Ollie Mae (Peoples) and George French; father of Clarence Glen, Jr., the late Andre H. Glen, and Glen O. Dixon; grandfather of Taylor Renee Bush and Adia Lee Glen; brother of the late George French, Bobbie French, the late Dorothy French, Linda French, the late Janice French, Peggy Moore, Marchelle French-Fountain, Ivory French, Marlon French, Gregory French, Christopher French, Troy French, and Jeffrey French.  Clarence retired after over 40 years of employment with the Fisher Body Division of General Motors, retiring from the West Mifflin Plant.  He served his country honorably as a Veteran of the US Army.  Clarence was most proud of receiving his bachelor's degree from Carlow College.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing with his friends, and watching old westerns.  Clarence will always be remembered for his kind and generous heart and his thoughtfulness for the needs of others.  And, he was always noted for his fashion style and fine jewelry. 

 
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Ann M. Pollock

September 10, 2021 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Ann M. (Williams) Pollock, age 100, of Elizabeth, formerly of Clairton and West Elizabeth, passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Havencrest Nursing Center. A member of Bethesda United Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth, she was a retired cook for Penn Clair Hotel in Clairton and a former clerk at Spotless Cleaners. She loved talking about her family, shopping in downtown Elizabeth, drinking coffee, and dressing up. Born June 20, 1921 in West Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late John and Violet (Bowen) Williams and wife of the late Robert Charles Pollock. She is survived by son, Danny Pollock of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Dr. Gary F. (Sheri) Pollock of Pittsburgh, Natalie (John) Ross of Cranberry Twp., Wendi Pollock of Elizabeth Twp., Lori (Ron) Birk of Derwood, MD, Lucinda (Jack) Koonlavong of New Orleans, LA, Heidi (Joel) Greenberg of Plantation, FL, Lenny (Shari) Baughman Jr. of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Xander (Maleesa) Pollock of Palo Alto, CA and Emily (Ross) Kaufman of Lakewood, CO; 26 great- and great-great-grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews.

 
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David M. Guffey

September 09, 2021 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

David M. Guffey, age 62 of Pittsburgh, passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 in Butler Hospital, Butler.  Born March 7, 1959 in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Robert John Guffey, Sr. and Veeda (Campbell) Guffey.  A retired machinist for Specialty Rings Products, Inc. in Bensalem, David was a member of Bible Baptist Temple in Jefferson Hills.  David is survived by his siblings Robert John (Jamie) Guffey, Jr. of McKeesport and Karen A. Myers of Clairton, his aunt Barbara Alahouzos, and also his cousins.

 
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Elfrieda A. McFarland

September 09, 2021 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Elfrieda A. McFarland, age 80 of Port Vue passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at Jefferson Hospital.  Born August 4, 1941 in Braddock, she was a daughter of the late Frederick and Vera Jane (Custard) Johannes.  Elfrieda worked as a cook for Smitty's Restaurant in Boston. Elfrieda was survived by her children John (Kim) McFarland of South Park, Arlene Dudgeon of Port Vue, Michelle (companion Mike Wiesenfeld) Jeffer of Daisytown, and Tracy (Fallon) McFarland of Port Vue; fifteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sisters Vera Jane Dixon of New York and Arlene (Paul) Snyder of Irwin; and nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her children Jacqueline and James McFarland; and sister Lyda Hutchinson.

 
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Edward O. Lindberg

September 09, 2021 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Edward O. Lindberg, age 97 of Harrisonburg, VA and formerly of North Huntingdon, passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2021 in Sunnyside Retirement Home in Harrisonburg.  Born May 25, 1924 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Oscar E. and Martha (Laughrey) Lindberg.  A World War II Veteran of the US Navy, Edward retired after 34 years as a connecting railroadman at US Steel – National Tube Works in McKeesport.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Rosemary (Vukevich) Lindberg, who passed away February 20, 2018, and his brother Charles Lindberg.  Edward is survived by his sons Edward (Karen) Lindberg of Harrisonburg, VA, Robert (Barbara) Lindberg of Vancouver, WA, Mark (Maggie) Lindberg of Fairbanks, AK; his seven grandchildren and their families; his sister Thelma Ayers of Phoenixville; and also nieces and nephews.  

 
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Margaret "Peggy" Pacich

September 08, 2021 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Margaret “Peggy” Herman Pacich, age 78, passed away in Wesley Chapel, FL, on August 31, 2021. Peggy was born on July 9, 1943 to David and Mary Hulda Herman in Clairton, PA.  There she graduated from Clairton High School, class of 1961. Soon after, she married her husband George Pacich, also from Clairton. Together, the two moved around, living in Baldwin and Bethel Park, before moving to Florida for the remainder of their lives. During her life, Peggy stayed busy. She worked in commercial property management, and she loved her job. She raised her four children: George D. (Daisy Landes) Pacich, Mark (Natalie) Pacich , Kirstin (Pete) Williams, and Patricia Trout. She became a grandmother to 6 grandchildren: Alexa, Adam, Sam, Nate, Idanya, and Luka.

 
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Ryan E. Kushner

September 06, 2021 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Ryan E. Kushner, age 37 of Liberty Borough, passed away on Saturday, September 4, 2021 in UPMC Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh.  Born September 8, 1983 in Pittsburgh, he was the son of Gerry (Batenich) Kushner of Liberty Borough and the late Gary Kushner.  He was a landscaper and member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton.  Besides his mother, Ryan is survived by his children Cameron Kushner and Alexa Lombardo; his sisters Abby (Mark) Kaminski and Natalie (companion John Megala) Kushner; his nephew Mark Kaminski, III; his nieces Evelyn Megela, Kennedy Kaminski, and Kali Megala; his stepfather Mark Mellott; and his best friend Dennis Doyle.  

 
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Virginia (Perich) Pekala

September 06, 2021 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Virginia (Perich) Pekala, age 100 of Clairton, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the John J. Kane Regional Center, McKeesport.  Born March 24, 1921 in Munhall, she was a daughter of the late Louis and Anna (Tomas) Perich.  Prior to having children, Virginia worked as a secretary for US Steel National Tube Works in Christy Park.  Virginia was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church and a woman of great faith, who dutifully prayed her rosary daily.  She also enjoyed playing the slot machines at the casino.  Besides her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband Elmer J. Pekala, who passed away in November of 1999, and her siblings Mary Matesic, Mildred Dobrick, Olga Kensky, and John and Anthony Perich.  She is survived by her sons David (Linda) Pekala of Parker, CO, and Eric (Debi) Pekala of Elizabeth, her daughter Maureen (Tim) Tackett of Pittsburgh; her grandchildren Matthew (Stephanie) Pekala of Marlton, NJ, Megan (Timothy) Lindsey of Highlands Ranch, CO, Brian (Jenni Simek) Tackett of Kenmore, NY, Lauren (Nate Haynes) Tackett of Lexington, KY, Tara (Salvatore Stojakovich) Pekala of Clairton, and Macy (Shawn Miller) Pekala of Pittsburgh; her great-grandchildren Jude Pekala, Jackson Lindsey, and Makiya Miller; her nieces Sandy Sivak, Paula Kensky, and Marlene Koshar; and her nephew George Dobrick. 

 
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John F. Domer

September 06, 2021 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

John F. Domer, age 83, of Port Vue, passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2021 at home. He was a retired welder at United Mine Workers and a U.S. Air Force veteran. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and a member of the Elizabeth Twp. Sportsman’s Club. Born October 22, 1937 in Floreffe, he was a son of the late John R. and Myrtle (Lawrence) Domer and husband of the late Cheryl (Whoolery) Domer. He is survived by his son, John D. (Sally Lasica) Domer of Port Vue; grandchildren, John C. Domer and Christopher Domer, both of Atlanta, GA; sisters, Martha (Bobby) Drusbasky of Forward Twp. and Rita Petticord; brother, Emil Domer of Penn Hills; sister-in-law, Karen (Steve) Carroll of Port Vue; beloved dogs, Buddy and Bo; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 from 1-3 and 5 until the hour of service at 7PM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Bob Fagan officiating. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

 


Sara Alberta Allen

September 06, 2021 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Sara Alberta (Ferrari) Allen, age 97, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2021 in Grandview Estates. She was a retired self-employed beautician. Born July 6, 1924 in Blythedale, she was a daughter of the late Deano Ferrari and Bessie (Martinelli) Ferrari Brunory and wife of the late Robert E. Allen, Jr. She is survived by sons, Robert H. (Bonnie) Allen of Elizabeth and Dean (Pam) Allen of White Oak; six grandchildren, Melanie (Larry) Dougherty, Brian (Cari) Bernadowski, Terri Jo (George) Kundrat, Stacey (Brad) Winter, Kris (Rob) Crossett and Nicole (Frank) Tibbitt; six great-grandchildren, Megan Dougherty, Max and Liam Bernadowski, Alex and McKenzie Winter and Nicholas Crossett; son-in-law, John Bernadowski of North Huntingdon; and sister-in-law, Arlene Brunory of Georgetown, DE. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Bonnie Bernadowski; sister, Irene Knox and brother, Harry “Buzz” Brunory. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 10AM until the hour of service at 11AM in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Dr. Sang Choi officiating. Private interment at West Newton Cemetery. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

 


Joanie Lynn Opfar

September 05, 2021 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Joanie Lynn (Rodabaugh) Opfar, age 60, of Forward Twp., passed away on Saturday, September 4, 2021 in Jefferson Hospital. She was a retired bus monitor with Pennsylvania Coach Lines in Elizabeth. Joanie enjoyed going to camp in Normalville and loved spending time with her grandchildren. Born July 29, 1961 in Monongahela, she was a daughter of William (Bonnie Swisher) Rodabaugh of Forward Twp. and the late Edna (Zimmerman) Rodabaugh. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Larry “Earl” Sleith. In addition to her father, she is survived by her sons, Matthew (Melanie) Sleith of West Newton and Derek (Heather) Sleith of Elizabeth; five grandchildren, Matthew, Evan, Easton, Levi and Brayden Sleith; significant other, Bernie Ruhl of Forward Twp.; brothers, Bill (Chrissy) Rodabaugh of Forward Twp. and Scott (Amy) Rodabaugh of West Newton; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 from 4-8 PM. No services are planned. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

 


Michael F. Kovacevic

September 05, 2021 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Michael F. Kovacevic, age 69 of Beaver Falls and formerly of Glassport, passed away on Friday, September 3, 2021 in UPMC Passavant.  Born February 4, 1952 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Michael J. and Edna (Pehl) Kovacevic.  A graduate of Geneva College with a bachelor's degree in biology and recipient of an associate's degree in industrial engineering, Michael worked as an industrial engineering manager, plant manager, and consultant with Babcock and Wilcox in Beaver Falls, Keystone Windows in New Castle, and others.  He was a member of St. Stephen's Anglican Church of Sewickley and a former president and vice president of the local chapter of the AIIE.  In his spare time, Michael was an avid reader, especially history and sci-fi, a fisherman, and an outdoor lover.  Most of all though, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  Michael is survived by his wife of 47 years Pamela Kovacevic; his children Col. Michael (Joy) Kovacevic of Ft. Myer, VA and Rachel (Todd) Balog of Honolulu, HI; and his grandchildren Michael and Nathan Kovacevic and Kaitlin, Kierstin, Kenzie, and Paul Balog. 

 
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