Colleen Trainer

July 29, 2021 |

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

Colleen Trainer, age 67, of West Elizabeth, passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at her daughter’s home in Pittsburgh. A former employee of Dillner Transfer Company in West Elizabeth, she retired as a service representative for Pennsylvania One Call System. She was always overly generous to all, loved playing Scrabble, and celebrating Christmas. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family especially her children and fur grandchildren. Born December 27, 1953 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Berlin and Elizabeth (DiLiberatore) Pearsol. She is survived by her daughters, Amie (Adam) Henry and Abby (Travis ) Johnston, both of Pittsburgh; granddog, Walter; grandcats, George and Penny; also, nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brother, Darryl Pearsol and grandcat, Winston.

Nickolas A. Ionadi

July 27, 2021 |

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

Nickolas A. Ionadi, age 92 of White Oak, passed away on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at Brookdale of Mt. Lebanon.  Born August 21, 1928 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Giuseppe and Rosa (DeLuca) Ionadi.  A cement mason with his union, Local #526, Nickolas was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Patrick's Church in McKeesport and also a volunteer with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.  He joins his wife, the late Dorothy J. (Baglos) Ionadi, who passed away January 3, 2017.  Nickolas is survived by his children Nickolas R. (Cheri) Ionadi of Collier Twp., Dominic (Daryl) Marks of Freedon, and Mary Jo (Alan) Lincoln of Mt. Washington; his grandchildren Nicole (Troy) Williams, Caitlin (Sean) LaVelle, Daniel Marks, Amanda (Mario) Romanelli, Lisa Smith (Vince) Butts, Shanna Howser, Aleigha Johnson, and Addison Lincoln; his great-grandchildren Sean Thomas LaVelle, Jr. and Mila Romanelli; and also nieces and nephews.

Goldie Beluschak Jarvis

July 27, 2021 |

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

Goldie Beluschak Jarvis, age 87 of Forward Twp. and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 in Jefferson Hills Manor.  Born January 12, 1934 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Irene (Ulbrich) Werner.  A 1953 graduate of Clairton High School, Goldie worked as a crane hooker at US Steel - National Tube Works in McKeesport.  In her spare time, she enjoyed making homemade candy and working her farm.  Her family will remember her as a hard worker, doing all she could for her family, and an amazing mother and grandmother.   Goldie joins her husbands, John Beluschak, Sr., who passed away November 30, 1975, and Milton "Red" Jarvis, Jr., who passed away April 15, 2011.  She is survived by her children Deborah L. (the late Arthur) Hohn of Forward Twp., John (Laura) Beluschak of Fredericktown, and Greg (Jodi) Beluschak of Elizabeth Twp.; her granddaughter Deborah Sue Montgomery of Charleroi, and also nieces and nephews.  Besides her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by her siblings Theodore Werner and Irene Andresik. 

Christine (Secasky) Savol

July 25, 2021 |

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

Christine (Secasky) Savol, age 67 of Boston, passed away on Saturday, July 24, 2021 in St. John's Nursing Home in Mars.  Born December 30, 1953 in McKesport, she was a daughter of the late William C. and Elizabeth Y. (Strangis) Secasky.  A member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Patrick's Church in McKeesport and the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge #146 of Versailles, Christine volunteered with John J. Kane Regional Center in McKeesport and International Village.  In her spare time, she enjoyed word search puzzles, visiting and helping at the area animal shelters, listening to music, cooking and watching cooking shows, and going to restaurants and diners with her dear companion, the late Thomas Kennedy.  Christine is survived by her daughter Amanda (Todd) Moreland of Cranberry Twp.; her grandchildren Dreu, Brendan, Erick, and Sophia; her siblings Robert Secasky of Boston, William L. (Carol) Secasky of Duquesne, and Anita Rice of Florida; and her nieces Kristin (Brett) Rice of Quakertown and Desiree Secasky of Irwin; and her great-nieces-and-nephews Karissa, Stasek, Kevin, Hausmann, Kyler Kirk, and Lyric.  Besides her parents, Christine was preceded in death by her son Jason Secasky.

Irene Venturini

July 23, 2021 |

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

Irene Venturini, age 87 of White Oak and beloved wife, mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend passed away at home surrounded by her family on Thursday, July 22, 2021.  Irene was born on December 15, 1933 in McKeesport and was the youngest child of the late Joseph and Anna (Masley) Morosko.  A member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Angela Merici Church in White Oak, Irene, or "Gumby" and she was known by her loving grand and great-grandchildren, will be missed for many things, not least of all her cooking. Her specialties included stuffed cabbages, pierogies, chicken soup and her famous chocolate cake with cream frosting.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson Matthew Venturini  and her siblings: Ann Benjamin, John and Joe Morosko, Mary Douglas, Helen Stovar, Michael and Pete Morosko.  Irene is survived by her husband of 67 years Ciro J. Venturini.  Irene and Ciro met at a polka dance at St. Mary’s in McKeesport and have been together since then. They travelled the world, enjoying trips to Las Vegas, throughout Europe and her homeland Slovakia.  She is also survived by her children Peter J. (Sandi) Venturini, Perry M. (Donna) Venturini, and Denise (Keith) Byers; her grandchildren Jenna (Bill) Bernabe, Dominic and Meghan Venturini, Chelsie (James) Boldry, and Peter C. Venturini; her great-grandchildren Giovanni Ash, Kiernan, Luca, Samantha, Gino, Mia, Lena, Willow and Flora June and also many nieces and nephews.  She will be deeply missed.

Shane R. Lantz

July 22, 2021 |

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

Shane R. Lantz, age 36, of Donora, passed away on Monday, July 19, 2021 at home. He was a chef at Kodiax Barn & Grill in Charleroi. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and photography. Born September 26, 1984 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Lorelei Lantz. He is survived by his uncles, Russell (Michele) Lantz of Boston, Anthony J. Lantz of Homestead and Henry (Valerie) Lantz of Floreffe; also, numerous cousins. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by uncles, Ronald and Wesley Lantz. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

Helen Smith Gray

July 21, 2021 |

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

Helen Smith Gray, age 86 of McKeesport, passed away on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 in UPMC McKeesport Hospital.  Born August 30, 1934 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Jeno and Mary (Hollis) Schmidt. 

A retiree of KMart in Pleasant Hills and a former member of Wesley United Methodist Church in White Oak, Helen worked in her later years as a lunchlady for McKeesport School District and was a member of both the Boston Vets and the CFU Lodge # 146 of Versailles.  In her spare time, she enjoyed playing bingo, going to the casino, playing video poker, playing cards with her family, crafting, sewing, quilting, and going out socializing and dancing with her dear companion of 25 years Albert DiBattista.  But, her proudest accomplishment was her six beautiful children and all of her grandchildren and their families. 

Michael J. Simon

July 19, 2021 |

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

Michael J. Simon, age 65 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Sunday, July 18, 2021 in Jefferson Hospital.  Born February 17, 1956 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Andrew and Diane (Chubra) Simon.  A member of New Hope Assembly of God Church in Elizabeth Twp, Michael retired as a maintenance engineer for Bettis Labs in West Mifflin, was a self-employed cement finisher, and the former owner of Simon Hauling and Construction.  He was also a basketball coach for 22 years, coaching Elizabeth Forward boys and girls, Clairton boys, and McKeesport boys.  In his spare time, Michael loved to play basketball, especially the Duquesne Serbian League, and golf.  But, most importantly, he was a well-liked member of his community and an amazing husband, father, brother, and uncle.  Michael is survived by his wife of 45 years Stacey (Shaffer) Simon; his children Tyranee and Seth Simon, both of Elizabeth Twp.; his sister Lisa (Stan "Stush") Oslowski of Glassport and their son Scott; his sister-in-law Darlene (Butch) Basic of Elizabeth Twp. and their children Courtney and Brett; and his brother-in-law Doug (Becky) Shaffer of Scottsdale, AZ and their son Derek.

Raymond H. Shepherd

July 17, 2021 |

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

Raymond H. Shepherd, age 87 of North Huntingdon, passed away at home on Thursday, July 15, 2021.  Born June 24, 1934 in Coulter, he was a son of the late Plummer and Estelle (McLaughlin) Shepherd.  Raymond was a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Council 955; a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union, #146 and member and past president of its Men's Club; a member of the Elizabeth Twp. Historical Society; and the St. Patrick's Holy Name Men's Club. He worked for thirty-five years as a railroad-man, employed by the B&O, C&O, and CSX Railways and receiving many awards.   Raymond also loved his family dearly, and devoted much of his time to helping them and others, his friends, and his hometown of Coulter.  He helped write the book detailing the history of Coulter and Alpsville and was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in McKeesport.  Besides his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by his children Raymond Shepherd, Jr. and Joseph Shepherd; his brothers John, Plummer, Frank (Mike), and James Shepherd; his brother-in-law George Haines; and his great-grandson Frankie Rivera.  He was a loving husband to his wife of forty-five years, JoAnn (Champ) Shepherd.  Raymond is also survived by his daughters Michelle (Dave) Skarzynski, Estelle (Barry) Minkel, Stephanie Shepherd, and Jean (Todd) Shepherd; his grandchildren Julie, Daniel, Elaina, Sean, Allison, Ryan, Dalane, Todd, Jr., and Grace; his great-grandchildren Ronan, Maeve, Emery, and Tomás; his cherished sister Carol Haines; his sisters-in-law Janet and Theodora Shepherd; and also nieces and nephews.

Louise Gabauer

July 16, 2021 |

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

Louise Gabauer, age 89, formerly of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at Norbert's Personal Care Home. A 1949 graduate of Clairton High School, she was a member of St. John the 23rd Parish, St. Francis of Assisi Church, and was a school crossing guard in Jefferson Hills. Born October 6, 1931 in Floreffe, she was a daughter of the late William and Theresia (Sommers) Rothbauer and wife of the late Charles R. Gabauer. She is survived by daughter, Jessica (John) Naspinski of Eighty Four; son, Gary (Sheila) Gabauer of Punta Gorda, FL; grandchildren, Gabriel (Isa) Naspinski and Marissa Esguerra; great-grandchild, Mateo Naspinski; also, nieces and nephews. Her family would like to thank Anova Hospice, and Oakleaf and Norbert personal care homes for their excellent care.

Timothy W. Stockdill

July 16, 2021 |

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

Timothy W. Stockdill, age 64, of Elizabeth, passed away on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Jefferson Hospital. He was a retired electrician with IBEW Local 5. He was a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church, a social member of the Elizabeth Fire Hall and a former member of the Elizabeth Moose.

Born April 24, 1957 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Robert E. and Dorothy (McKenna) Stockdill. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Karen A. (Olasin) Stockdill; son, Timothy R. (Lisa) Stockdill of Belle Vernon; daughters, Melissa (William) Ruhl of Elizabeth and Jennifer (Matthew) Lewis of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Aubrie, Jacob, Skyler, Ava and Alivia; sisters, Esther (Doug) Coy of Cynthiana, KY, Dorothy (Steve) Whitmer of Elizabeth, Rebecca DeAngelis of Clairton and Rachael (Richard) Emery of Dawson; brother, Robert Stockdill of Meridian, MS; also, nieces and nephews.

Mary Rose Crawford

July 14, 2021 |

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

Mary Rose (Gumina) Crawford, age 94, of Elizabeth Township, passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at Grandview Estates. Born November 11, 1926 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Lawrence and Sara (Giganti) Gumina. She worked for G.C. Murphy Company and Menzie Dairy, both in McKeesport. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the late John T. Crawford; and siblings Cosmo and Stella Jane Gumina. Mary is survived by her daughters Mary Jo (Mark) Cieslewicz of Greenock and Laura (Matthew) Blanc of Gig Harbor, WA; son John Crawford of McKinney, TX; grandchildren Matthew Cieslewicz and Sara (Stephen) Mooney; step-grandchildren Michael and Daniel Blanc; great-grandson Lucas Mooney; siblings Madeline Tedesco of Carrolton, TX, Fred (Lorraine) Gumina of Pittsburgh, and Felix (Glenda) Gumina of Crest Hill, IL; aunt Margaret Anselmo of White Oak; and nieces and nephews. 

Erma Davis

July 10, 2021 |

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

Erma (Zaken) Davis, age 93, of Blaine Hill, passed away on Friday, July 9, 2021 at home. Born April 6, 1928 in Blaine Hill, she was a daughter of the late Alex and Mary (Hydro) Zaken and wife of the late Willard Davis. She is survived by a daughter, Diane (Bill) Ringbloom of Sutersville; granddaughter, Tracy Ringbloom of Sutersville; grandson, Bill (Cori) Ringbloom, Jr. of Baltimore, MD; great-grandson, Hayden; sister, Helen Kelly of Houston, TX; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Willard M. Davis. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

Richard C. Bean Jr.

July 07, 2021 |

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

Richard “Rick” C. Bean Jr., age 66, passed away peacefully at his home in Forward Twp. on Monday, July 5, 2021. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 38 years, Maureen (Pastor) Bean, who cherished him as her soulmate and was his loving caretaker at the time of his illness. He loved the hobbies they enjoyed together, including riding his Harley, traveling to their much-loved Dewey Beach, and attending as many summer music events as possible with a dance or two. He took great pride in the accomplishments and interests of his daughter Brittany and son Matt. He was both his wife’s and children’s quiet strength and champion.

Maureen’s passion for animal rescue quickly rubbed off on Rick and he could never turn down a long drive to add furry friends to the family, sometimes as big as a horse. Some of the greatest joys of his life were dancing to “My Girl” with his daughter at her wedding and helping his son turn his first home into the farm of his dreams.

He was employed by Famous Supply and Plotkin Brothers and was a swimming official for the PIAA and WPIAL for 25 years. Born May 12, 1955 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Richard C. Bean Sr. and Elizabeth (Brannigan) Bean.

Raymond Sydeski

July 03, 2021 |

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

Raymond John Sydeski, aka ‘Mr. Ray,’ ‘Legs,’ Sydeski, age 94, died in Naples, Florida on October 24th, 2019.  He was born in Glassport Pa. on January 4, 1925, to the late Mary Bogush Sydeski and John Paul Sydeski.  He was survived at the time of his death by his loving spouse of 74 years, Virginia (Gina) Malacki Sydeski, whom he met at the roller skating rink in Glassport, Pa.  In addition, he is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Raymond J. Sydeski (Becky) who reside in Minnesota, and his three daughters and their spouses, Marilyn Sydeski Johns (Chris), Joanne Sydeski Gray (Walt), and Adell Sydeski Cotter (Tim), all of whom reside in Florida.  His great loves were his grandchildren who survive him and include: Lora R. Johns, Gregory R. Johns, Matthew R.  Sydeski and his spouse Amber, Jonathan C. Sydeski, Faith G. Cotter, and also the newest great granddaughter, Emma Sydeski. He is also survived by a sister, Gert Ormand and a brother Robert Sydeski, both from Glassport, Pa.  He was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia Rae, his brothers, Steven, Edwin, John and his sister Connie.