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John W. Chomas

November 29, 2022 |

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

John W. "Chombo" Chomas, age 66, of Elizabeth, passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at home after a long battle with cancer. He was a former employee at Hercules in West Elizabeth and was a life member of Blaine Hill Volunteer Fire Co. and a member of the Blaine Hill Hunt Club. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, horse racing, watching sports on television, and was a Draft Kings enthusiast. Born December 15, 1955 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late William J. and Malinda (Roberts) Chomas. He is survived by sisters, Veronica (the late John) Bohlander of Rockville, MD, Mary Ellen (Michael) Yanity of Port Vue, Patti (Steve) Ostergaard of Tigoni, Kenya, and Pamela Meyer of Liberty Borough; also, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Kay Chomas and Judi Faith. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, December 2, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 12 Noon in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Jude Urso officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5115 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Ruth Ann Chomas

November 29, 2022 |

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

Ruth Ann (Piggford) Chomas, age 90, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at home. She was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp., where she was a member and past president of the Christian Mothers. She was a scout leader for cubs and girl scouts, a member of Local 3 Senior Center in Elizabeth, a former member of the Forward Twp. Seniors, and a former volunteer at St. Michael and Yough elementary schools. She was the #1 cheerleader at all her children's and grandchildren's sporting events, a talented seamstress, and loved crafting, bowling, and playing cards and bingo. Born May 13, 1932 in Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late James Wayne and Minnie (Braum) Pigford. She is survived by her husband of 71 years, James L. Chomas; children, J. Louis (Linda) Chomas, Esq. of Greenock, Margaret "Peggy" (William) Bianchi of North Huntingdon, Mary (Edward) Noble of Halifax, NC, Mark (Suzanne) Chomas of Grove City, Joseph (Terry) Chomas of Newport News, VA and Ruth "Tish" (Ralph) Adams of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Louis, Michael, Gretchen, Paul, Jake, Justin, Luke, Maxwell, Mark, D.J. and Scott; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Nora, Cara and Emelia; sister, Helen Wivagg of Forward Twp.; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Charles and James Wayne Piggford. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, December 2, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church at 9:30 AM with the Rev. Thomas A. Wagner officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church, 101 McLay Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Paul J. Slavick

November 24, 2022 |

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

Paul J. “Puddo” Slavick, age 88, of West Elizabeth, passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2022 at home. He was a retired laborer for Joseph E. DeChicchis and Co. in Elizabeth and a former employee of Swift Homes. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael’s Church in Elizabeth Twp. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, the outdoors, and spending time at his former camp in Tionesta. Born February 8, 1934 in Elizabeth Twp., he was a son of the late Paul M. and Stephanna (Anjeski) Slavick. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Virginia “Gin” (Werner) Slavick; sisters, Stella Smith of Elizabeth, Joann Weiss of Jefferson Hills and Patricia Wedel of Pleasant Hills; brothers, George (Judy) Slavick of Elizabeth Twp. and Michael Slavick of Belle Vernon; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Mary Catherine Soukovich, Phyllis Martin, Margaret Roberts, Marion McKernan, John and Joseph Slavick. No visitation is planned. A graveside service and military honors will take place on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 12 Noon in the chapel at Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. with Fr. David Green officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, SW Region, 320 Bilmar Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

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Donna Vavra

November 18, 2022 |

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

With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Donna Vavra on Monday, 14 Nov 2022. One of triplet sisters in Braddock, and days after turning 72 years old, she passed away peacefully in her sleep in the presence of her loving sisters, Denise and Diane. Despite having endured lifelong limitations and challenges, she notably exhibited a kind and caring demeanor with gentle, childlike innocence. She was a passionate dog and cat lover, and enjoyed word searches, jigsaw puzzles, computer games, magazines, and lively bingo events. Friends and family were often subjected to random trivia quizzes from her stunning repertoire of celebrity facts and other topics. Donna was an adventurous, outgoing soul. As a young adult, she lived independently in her childhood home prior to an assisted group home later in life. Although she did not drive, Donna easily navigated public transportation and traveled the country on group bus tours. She enjoyed daily interactions with housemates and cherished holiday gatherings and events with family and friends. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas R. and Anna Marie (Lovretich) Vavra, and brother, David Aaron Vavra. She is survived by her stepmother, Marlyn Lee (Phillips) Serbic Vavra McCormley and family; brother, Terence Vavra; and the families of her two sisters, Denise (John T.) Wizzard and Diane (Richard J.) Blauser. Visit https://donnavavra.blauser.org to share photos and memories of Donna. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Kenneth William Pavlack

November 18, 2022 |

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

Kenneth William Pavlack, age 81, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at home. He was a retired policeman for the VA Hospital in Oakland and was a member of Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Clairton. He was an Army veteran serving as an MP in Germany for two years. A proud retiree of the National Guard, he was a member of the American Legion in Clairton, the Blaine Hill and Elizabeth Borough fire departments, and was a life member of CFU St. George Lodge 248. Born August 25, 1941 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late William F. and Mildred M. (Kovacevic) Pavlack. He is survived by his wife, Audrey A. (Fodella) Pavlack; children, William Randall "Randy" Pavlack of Elizabeth Twp. and Lori Pavlack of West Palm Beach, FL; grandchildren, Blake Papalia of West Palm Beach, FL and Tara (Owen) Murphy of Philadelphia; great-grandchildren, Julian and Teagan Murphy; sister, Audrey Pavlack White of Leesburg, VA; brother, Joseph (Nancy) Pavlack of Elizabeth Twp.; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Jackie Buchina. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 from 1 PM until the time of service at 3 PM with Fr. Ivan Mina officiating. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Vincent L. Thayer

November 17, 2022 |

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

Vincent L Thayer, age 65, of Lincoln Borough, passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at home. He retired as a manager for WalMart in West Mifflin. Born September 25, 1957 in New Eagle, he was a son of the late Norman A. and Margaret (Kemple) Thayer. He is survived by his brothers, Keith (Patricia) Thayer of Monongahela and Norman (Nancy) Thayer of Belle Vernon; also, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Shirley L. Pasternak

November 15, 2022 |

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

Shirley L. (Waltower) Pasternak, age 76, of Forward Twp., passed away on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at Jefferson Hospital. She was a retired butcher for Foodland in Forest Hills. Born October 14, 1946 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late John H. and Shirley (Fisher) Altmiller. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Chuck) Berkley of Elizabeth Twp.; son, Edward F. (Wendy) Pasternak III of Forward Twp.; grandchildren, Anna (James), Gabrielle, Allison and Caitlyn; great-grandchild, Henley; sisters, Connie Coates of Irwin and Florence (Ken) Swauger of White Oak; brother, John (Virginia) Altmiller of Elizabeth Twp.; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Arlene Durkaj. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 1-3 and 5-7 PM. Private burial in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

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Shirley M. Trail

November 14, 2022 |

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

Shirley M. (Lycett) Trail, age 81, of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, November 14, 2022 at home. A retired nurse at Jefferson Hospital, she enjoyed going to bingo and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Born April 12, 1941 in Finleyville, she was a daughter of the late David and Alberta (Robinson) Lycett and wife of the late Howard J. Trail Sr. She is survived by daughters, Linda Trail of Elizabeth and LuAnn (David) Britton of Bethel Park; son, Howard J. (Susan) Trail Jr. of Bunola; grandchildren, David (Jennifer) Thornton, Danielle Thornton, Michelle (Jason) Coley, Christopher (Alli) Trail and Michael Trail; four great-grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by granddaughter, Jessica Rose Trail; sister, Mary Trail; and brother, David Lycett.

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Carmine Anthony John Bossio

November 12, 2022 |

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

Carmine Anthony John Bossio, age 70, of South Park, passed away peacefully following an acute event on Friday, November 11, 2022 at Family Hospice in Lawrenceville. Carmine was born June 21, 1952 in Charleston, WV to the late Filippo and Lidia (Depasquale) Bossio. He subsequently resided in Brookline, Baldwin Township, and then South Park Township for the last 30+ years. Carmine achieved a degree in sciences followed by undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh. He was employed since the age of 16 until 62 primarily in the bakery and pastry business. This included but was not limited to managerial positions at both Giant Eagle and Kuhn’s Market, then co-ownership of a pie and pastry business. He was an avid fan of the Steelers and his true joy in life was spending time with family and those he considered family. He was a fun-loving, overt man who could effortlessly achieve an audience at any time and in any place. Carmine is survived by his wife of 46 years Mary Lou (McCarty) Bossio; son, Phillip (Sarah) Bossio; in-laws, Penny Hillman and Jay (Diane) McCarty; grandchildren, Zarah and Amelia; sister, Rosanna Siegfried; nieces, Karen McCarty and children and Jennifer (Mike) Siegfried; nephews, Brian Siegfried, Nick (Nicole) Niggle, Shaun (Tyeasha) Hillman and Corey (Tiffani) Hillman; great-nephews, Riley and Rowan Siegfried, Ryan and Brayden Hillman and Landon Niggle; aunts, Elma (Bob) Hull and Grace Depasquale; multiple cousins, and lifelong friend, Johnny McDonough; among many others. He was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Myrna (McCarty) Kemple; stepfather-in-law, Michael Kemple; uncles, Tony and John Depasquale; aunts, Theresa Provenzano, Anita (Cappy) Capitosto and Nancy Depasquale; brothers-in-law, Robert Hillman and Donald Siegfried; sister-in-law, Cindy (McCarty) Niggle; and cousins, Phillip Provenzano and Stephen Depasquale.

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Linda D. Lazur

November 03, 2022 |

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

Linda D. Lazur, age 74, of Jefferson Hills, went to be with Our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Linda was born in Clairton on December 12, 1947 and was a daughter of the late Frank and Mollie (Andrew) Lang. She grew up in Elizabeth and graduated from Elizabeth Forward High School. After high school, she worked in a dental office and then married Thomas Lazur with whom she had two children, Tomi Lynn and Nikki. She attended college at California University where she graduated with an Early Elementary Education Degree. While attending California University she was also the Director of the Cal U Childcare Center where both of her children attended. Linda was then hired and worked as a teacher in the West Jefferson Hills School District where she taught 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades. She was a wonderful teacher who was loved and adored by students, parents and staff. She always came to school dressed beautifully every day. She was deeply admired for her zest of teaching and making education a fun and interactive learning experience. Her classroom was always decorated beautifully. Bulletin boards were always three dimensional. Holiday programs were always magnificent and included handmade props and handmade costumes. Her children not only sang but were also taught sign language by her best friend, Helen Kulish who was the hearing-impaired teacher at the school. She always went above and beyond when it came to teaching. She influenced many lives for sure. She retired after 28 years. In Linda’s healthier years she enjoyed doing crafts, painting, gardening, decorating and making costumes and clothing for her children. Linda was also a talented pianist and organ player. There was nothing she couldn’t do. Linda was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She always threw the best parties and picnics and always made everyone feel loved and extra special. She told the funniest stories and was loved and adored by everyone. She will be missed by so many as she has touched so many lives. Linda is survived by her two children, Tomi Lynn (Mike) Porter and Nikki (Aaron) Weiss; her four grandchildren, Maddie and Sadie Porter and Nathan and Makenna Weiss; her brother, Charles Lang; her sister, Sherry Shelton; her nieces and nephews; her kitty, Boo; her grand doggies, Gracie, Rocco, Emmy, Bentley, Clarabelle, Winston and Duke. In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her brothers, Merle, Denny, Richard, Bobby and David; and her sisters, Doris, Barbara and Donna. A special thank you to her caregivers, nurses and aides, Jenna, Hilda, Lisa, Danielle, Karen, Jane, Aunt Jen, Katie and Ginny; and the nurses at Jefferson Hospital, Clayton, Michaela, Ashlyn, Marissa, Linda and Lulu; and the Chaplains Pastor Tom and Pastor Devon. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth, on Friday, November 4, 2022 from 3-7 PM. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 10AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Tom Fodi officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Friends, 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

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Frank A. "Tank" Yacavace

November 02, 2022 |

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

Frank A. "Tank" Yacavace, age 77 of Clairton, passed away at home on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.  Born July 22, 1945 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Alfred and Nancy (Gimiliano) Yacavace.  Tank was a proud US Navy Veteran, serving during the Vietnam Era and the Cuban Missle Crisis, and worked as a payroll clerk for US Steel in Pittsburgh.  He was a member of American Legion Daniel Keffer Post #75 in Clairton where he served on the board as an officer.  Frank is survived by his wife of 39 years Sandra (Smalley) Yacavace; daughters Lisa (Ron Glass) Dilla of Pittsburgh, Denise (Doug) Higgins of Baldwin, and Kari (Randy) Reynolds of Point of Rocks, MD; step-sons Brian Davis of Brookline and Chris Davis of South Park; grandchildren Dominick Antonelli, Michael T. Higgins, Karly, Katie and Doug Higgins, and Randy and Coral Reynolds; great-granddaughter Avery Sutton; step-grandchildren Brianna Sarasnick, and Savanna, Alexis, Christopher, Kylie, and Isabella Davis; brother Alfred "Nut" (Chrissy) Yacavace of Clairton; as well as Nieces and Nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Ronald Yacavace.

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Robert A. McGowan

November 02, 2022 |

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

Robert A. McGowan, age 71 of Gibsonville, North Carolina and formerly of McKeesport, passed away on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 in Authoracare Collective Hospice in Burlington, NC.  Born May 4, 1951 in Cuba, NY, he was a son of the late James T. McGowan and the late Dorothy Jesse Winkler McGowan.   Bob served with the Marines during the Vietnam War and worked as a machinist for Sandvik Inc. in Mebane, NC.  He is survived by his son Rob A. (Krys) Craven;  daughter Lynn A. (Dan) Moyer; grandchildren Kailey and Chloe Craven and Naomi, Miriam, Issac Crosby; step-daughter Beth Ann (Tom) Staton; step granddaughter McKenzie Staton; sisters Donna M. Pope and Karen S. Morgan; sister-in-law Mary Ann McGowan; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Larry McGowan. 

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John J. Cheplic

October 31, 2022 |

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

John J. “Butchie” Cheplic, age 67, of Forward Twp., passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2022 at Jefferson Hospital. He was a retired meat cutter at The Fresh Market in McMurray, a member of the VFW Post #803 in Clairton, and he loved hunting, fishing, bowling and golfing. Born July 29, 1955 in New Eagle, he was a son of the late Thomas and Carol (Hatlapaka) Cheplic. He is survived by his wife, Roberta “Bobbi” Cheplic; brothers, Thomas (Joella) Cheplic of Charleroi, Walter (Patricia) Cheplic of Austin, George (Theresa) Cheplic of Monongahela and Joe Mike (Jody) Cheplic of Charleroi; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts and uncles. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Cindy Cheplic.

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William E. Hines, Sr.

October 29, 2022 |

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

William E. Hines, Sr., age 94, of West Elizabeth, passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at Country Care Manor in Fayette City. He was a retired custodian for the Hayward School District in Hayward, CA, and was the former owner of Bill & Jack’s Tavern in West Elizabeth. He was a member of the former West Elizabeth United Methodist Church, the Stephen Bayard Masonic Lodge #526 in Elizabeth, and was an avid horseshoe player and bowler. Born May 19, 1928 in Industry, he was a son of the late George B. and Catherine (Gephart) Hines. He is survived by daughters, Kathy L. Luci of Monessen, Beth Hines-Williams of Monessen, and Barbara (Clarence) Westfall of Lawrenceville, GA; son, William E. Hines, Jr. of Monessen; grandchildren, Amy Williams, Jarrod (Jodi) Lape, Jason Luci, Matthew Hines, Andrew and Erin Hines, Dillon Williams and Dominique Marcus; great-grandchildren, Alexis Lape, Ashley and Annikah Williams, Ryann and Reese Lape and Violet Foster; also, nieces and nephews.

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Elmer J. Fournier

October 29, 2022 |

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

Elmer J. Fournier, age 85 of North Huntingdon and formerly of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Friday, October 28, 2022 in Redstone Highlands, North Huntingdon.  Born August 8, 1937 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Raymond and Elizabeth "Betty" Fournier.  A US Army Veteran, serving as an MP in Germany, Elmer worked for many years at Schneider's Dairy in Whitehall and was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish - St. Michael's Site in Elizabeth Twp., the Catholic Men's Fellowship, and the Teamsters Union.  Elmer was a devout and patient man who was passionate about the plight of the unborn.  His family will remember, miss, and love him dearly.  He is survived by his wife of 60 years Pauline (Butvin) Fournier; his children Michael (Pam) Fournier of Windber and Mary Beth (Mark) Rothbauer of Ross Twp.; his grandchildren Danielle Fournier, Kelsey (Jared) Havener, Josh (Katie) Fournier, Rachel (Cameron) Unrath, Luke (Andrea) Fournier, Noah Fournier, Leah Fournier, Tyler (Kailey) Rothbauer, and Carly (fiance' Pete) Rothbauer; his great-grandchildren Isla, Eden, Charis, Emma, Eli, Liam, and Micah; and also nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, Elmer was preceded in death by his brother Raymond Fournier.

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