Helen Puskar

March 02, 2021 |

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

Helen Puskar, age 102 of Bluffton, SC and formerly of McKeesport, passed away on Saturday, February 27, 2021 in The Bloom at Bluffton.  Born November 5, 1918 in Duquesne, she was a daughter of the late George and Antoinette (Jakovak) Braun.  Helen was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Patrick's Church, the CFU Lodge # 146 of Versailles, and its Ladies' and Pensioneers' Clubs.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Nicholas P. Puskar, who passed away March 24, 2004, and her siblings, Frank, George, and Milan Braun and Amelia Cox.  Helen is survived by her children George P. (Dr. Kathy) Puskar of Upper St. Clair, Nicholas T. (Donna) Puskar of White Oak, and Helen F. (Mike) Blevins of Hilton Head Island, SC; her grandchildren Doug (Kellie) Puskar, Lori (Jerrod) Crosby, Kristen (Casey) Holtzman, Ashley (Greg) James, and Stacey Zanardelli; her great-grandchildren Makenna and Nicholas Puskar, Gianna, Isabella, and Tessa Crosby, and Hallie, Marlee, and Derek Holtzman, and Brooks Zanardelli; and also nieces and nephews.

Yvonne A. Leggett

March 01, 2021 |

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

Yvonne A. (Beadling) Leggett, age 73, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at West Penn Hospital. She worked in the steel industry for the entirety of her working life, first at US Steel’s Irvin Works, and later for the United Steelworkers of America, from which she retired in 2008.

Although she was a hardworking and dedicated employee, she really thrived in retirement. When family members would occasionally complain about difficulties of their jobs, she was quick to remind them that she had already put in her years! Although never a woman of great wealth, she was exceedingly generous with all that she had, including her time. 

After retiring, she spent substantial time volunteering for the New Life Options organization, counseling — and befriending — young, scared, and mostly single new mothers. It brought her true joy to stand in as the mother that most of them never had and that all of them desperately needed.

Throughout her life, she was lightning quick to befriend just about everyone she came into contact with. Her kindness and overt friendliness were legendary. She made it a point to learn as much as possible from everyone regardless of who they were or how direct her connection was with them. 

Rare was the occasion when she would meet a stranger on the bus without learning who they were, where they lived, and who their family members were prior to reaching her stop. Yvonne truly believed in the power of kindness and she lived that belief every day of her life. She had a deep understanding of the struggles of life that each of us face and that understanding guided her behavior. She didn’t need to consciously decide to be that way; it was natural. She truly personified empathy and kindness.

Vincent T. Grace

March 01, 2021 |

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

Vincent T. Grace, age 95 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, February 27, 2021 in the VA HHS, H.J. Heinz Campus in Aspinwall. 

Born November 24, 1925 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Anthony and Mary (Lawrence) Grace.  A retired welder at US Steel's Christy Park Works in McKeesport and a US Army Veteran of the Korean War, Vincent was a member of the First Evangelical Free Church in McKeesport.  He is survived by his wife Luana Mae (Sutton) Grace; his children Gary (Carol) Grace of Versailles, Mark Grace of Cranberry, and Wendy Bird of Martinsburg, WV; his grandchildren: Jeff, Matt, Benjamin, Brady, and Jared Grace, Kristin cBellavance, and Vincent, Justin, and Ryan Bird; his eight great-grandchildren; his sister Rosalind Kivela of Connecticut; and also nieces and nephews.  

Joel Santille

March 01, 2021 |

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

Joel Santille, age 63 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021 in The Grove at Latrobe.  Born February 25, 1958 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Louis A. and Sophia (Bidula) Santille.  A member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Patrick's Church in McKeesport, Joel is survived by his aunt Shirley Zak and cousins.

Ronald M. Sutton

March 01, 2021 |

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

Ronald M. Sutton, age 92, of Floreffe, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at Jefferson Hills Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. He retired as a truck driver for Mon River Supply in West Elizabeth and was a former employee of Firth Sterling in McKeesport.

Born December 3, 1928 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late Clarence and Helen (Frye) Sutton and husband of the late Angela M. (Fazio) Sutton.

He is survived by his daughter, Janet (Joseph) Bonacci of Elizabeth Twp.; son, John (Marty) Sutton of Butler; stepdaughter, Dana Biles of Elrama; grandchildren, Maria Bonacci, John David Sutton and Meagan Knapp; step-grandchildren, Ed Barrickman, Donna Bleil, Paula Rende, Darlene Jeffers and Daniel Biles; great-grandchildren including Brooklyn; brother, Howard Sutton of West Newton; also, nieces and nephews.

Jean Marie Booth

February 28, 2021 |

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

Jean Marie Booth, age 90 of West Mifflin and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Saturday, February 27, 2021 in Jefferson Hospital.  Born December 9, 1930 in Duquesne, she was a daughter of the late William and Jane E. (Wohl) Weber.  A retired clerk for the US Post Office in West Elizabeth and a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare Church, Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Booth, who passed away November 11, 1980, her granddaughter Holly Howard, and her sister Patricia Russell.  She is survived by her sons Robert W. (Saundra Whitehead) Booth of Rostraver Twp., Timothy J. (Maureen McMillin) Booth of Newark, DE, and David M. (Stacey Stallard) Booth of Smithfield; her grandchildren Mary Jeanne Andrews, Kelly (Jaime) Booth, Ashley Booth, Mallory (Matt) Neubauer, Tracy (Tony) Gillingham, Timothy M. Booth, Morgan McMillin Bock, Conor McMillin Bock, Zachary (Chelsea Ritenour) Booth, David M. Booth, Jr., and Samantha Jean Booth; her great-grandchildren Sidney, Kayley, Cecelia, Devin, Pierce, Robbie, Teddy, Sophie, Brooklynn, James, Jack, and Nash; her twin sister Joan Wieszczynski and sister Audrey Salvucci; and many nieces and nephews.

Richard D. Jenkins

February 25, 2021 |

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

Richard D. Jenkins, age 67 of Clairton, passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021 in Jefferson Hospital.  Born July 5, 1953 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late George Walter Jenkins and Mary E. (Neal) Jenkins Chamets.  A former truck driver for many area companies, Richard was a member of the Sons of Columbus, Santa Maria Council #3 of Clairton and Club 46 of Wilson. 

A funny man with a great sense of humor, he loved to make people laugh and smile.  He was a huge Steelers fan and, in his spare time, loved to fish, tend to his vegetable garden, and enjoy a cold beer.  He will be missed by his friends and family.  Besides his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his wife Angela (Angotti) Jenkins, who passed away August 21, 2020, and his siblings Frances Horgos, Margaret Medved, and James and Scott Jenkins.  He is survived by his children Richard Jenkins of Clairton and Gina (Jason) Collins of Whitehall; his grandchildren Dejah, Nikko, and Gisele Jenkins; his sisters Nancy Mazzola of Clairton, Judy Wesolowski of Glassport, and Lisa Jenkins of Sutersville; and also nieces and nephews.

Dante Marraccini

February 24, 2021 |

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

Dante Marraccini, age 93, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at The Palms at O'Neil. He was the former co-proprietor of M. Marraccini and manager of the White Oak store. An Army veteran serving during World War II, he was a member of St. Joachim & Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also an avid golfer. Born September 24, 1927 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late Marshall and Lucy (LaFrankie) Marraccini, and husband of the late Miriam (Dougherty) Marraccini. He is survived by daughters, Colleen (Paul) Hennigan of Sewickley and Michelle (Marcus Weiss) Knuth of Erie; son, Dante (Laurie Picone) Marraccini of McKeesport; seven grandchildren, Sean and Brennan Hennigan, Clifton and Shannon Knuth, Danielle (Nick) Druga, Jesse DeRosa and Max Marraccini; great-grandson, Bryce Carter; brother, Raymond Marraccini of Elizabeth; also, nieces and nephews.

James M. Scurfield

February 23, 2021 |

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

James M. Scurfield, age 63, of Elizabeth, formerly of Clairton, passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at home. He was an instrument repair technician for Heath Consultants in Monongahela. An avid sports fan, he was a former youth baseball, softball and basketball coach. Born June 5, 1957 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late James H. and Lois (Michaels) Scurfield. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Geralyn (Hunt) Scurfield; daughters, Adrienne (Brad) Ring of Jeannette and Abigail Scurfield of Pittsburgh; sons, Matthew (Carrie) Scurfield of Liberty Boro and Dan Scurfield of Pittsburgh; grandchildren, Kinsley Ring, Madelyn Scurfield and another grandson due in April; brother, Rich (Sue Little) Scurfield of Glassport; sister-like cousin, Adele Turek of Clairton; also, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Janet Scurfield.

Frank Zuro

February 22, 2021 |

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

Frank Zuro, age 91 of West Mifflin, passed away on Thursday, February 18, 2021 in Paramount Senior Living, Bethel Park.  Born September 4, 1929 in Braddock, he was a son of the late George and Anna (Turzak) Zuro.  A retired postman for the USPS in Clairton and member of Ascension of our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Clairton, Frank was A US Marine Corps Veteran of the Korean War, attaining the rank of Sergeant.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Antoinette M. (Zumbo) Zuro, who passed away February 10, 2013, and his siblings Al Zuro and Annie Kraly.  Frank is survived by his son Frank M. (Carol) Zuro of Jefferson Hills; his grandchildren Nicole (Tom) D’Antonio of Jefferson Hills and Michael (Leah) Zuro of Pleasant Hills; his great-grandchildren Mia, Luke, Zayden, Macsen, and one on the way; and also nieces and nephews.

Ruthanne Toth

February 13, 2021 |

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

Ruthanne Toth, age 81 of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Friday, February 12, 2021 at Jefferson Hospital.  Born April 18, 1939 in West Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late Grant and Sara (Williams) Leasure.  A member of St. Isaac Jogues Parish in Elrama, Ruthanne attended school for and worked in the field of medical transcription.  She then became a trainer at Off-The-Wall Racquetball and a yoga instructor at CCAC.  She also was Vice President and Secretary for East Bank Machine in Elizabeth for 25 years.  Ruthanne is survived by her husband of 61 years Edward A. Toth, her daughter Valerie (Oscar) Keys of Bel Air, MD, her grandchildren Sierra and Chelsey Keys, her stepsister Brenda Lucas, and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Ruthanne was preceded in death by her son Edward Toth, Jr., who passed away in 1985, and her sister Norine Fisher. 

Kathy J. Yancic

February 12, 2021 |

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

Kathy J. Yancic, age 66 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away at home on Thursday, February 11, 2021.  Born July 6, 1954 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Steve and Bessie (Pekarsky) Lugarich.  A graduate and member of the alumni association of St. Francis Medical Center School of Nursing, Kathy worked as a nurse first for McKeesport Hospital and retired from Forbes Regional in Monroeville.  She was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Patrick's Church and also attended St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael's Church and also volunteered for Family Hospice.  In her spare time, Kathy was a passionate shopper and bargain hunter, but was truly passionate about her great-niece-and-nephew and spending time with her devoted and adoring husband  She is survived by her husband of 35 years Dane N. Yancic; her nieces and nephews Kristin (Kevin) Wasko of Jefferson Hills, Stephen (Kathleen) Lugarich of Alexandria, VA, Michael (Laura) Lugarich of McCandless Twp., PA, and Michelle, William, and Vanessa Spencer; her great-niece-and-nephew Brayden and Madison Wasko; and her sisters-in-law Paula Lugarich of Elizabeth Twp. and Paulette (Bill) Spencer of Orlando, FL.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death earlier this year by her brother Stephen F. Lugarich.  

Stephen "Steve" Pavlecic

February 12, 2021 |

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

Stephen "Steve" Pavlecic, age 88 of North Huntingdon, passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at UPMC McKeesport.  Born August 6, 1932 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Dragutin "Charles" and Jelica "Helen" (Zalac) Pavlecic.  He worked as a laborer for Operating Engineers Local #66, a delivery driver for Vienna Baking - Tastemaster Division, and served in the US Army during the Korean War. Steve was a member of CFU Lodge #146 and its Men’s Club and the White Oak American Legion Post #701.  Stephen was preceded in death by his wife Lauretta (Hlad) Pavlecic who died on October 4, 1987.  He is survived by his sister Frances "Honeygirl" (Tom) Felak of Aiken, SC, brother Tom (Joan) Pavlecic of San Jose, CA, companion Shirley Korenic of North Huntington, and many nieces and nephews including Mikey “Dee” Dorich.  In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers Joseph, George, Nick, Frank and Peter Pavlecic and his sister Donna Dudik.

Barbara L. Lape

February 11, 2021 |

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

Barbara L. (Uhrin) Lape, age 68, of Port Vue passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at Jefferson Hospital. Born November 9, 1952 in Akron, OH, she was a daughter of the late Albert G. and Joan M. (Mima) Uhrin. She was a retired registered nurse who worked for 44 years at Jefferson Hospital.

Deborah J. Campbell

February 09, 2021 |

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

Deborah J. (Werner) Campbell, age 71, of Floreffe, passed away on Monday, February 8, 2021 at Jefferson Hospital. She was a bar tender at the American Legion Daniel Keffer Post 75 in Clairton and a former employee of Kmart in Pleasant Hills. She was a member of the American Legion Post 75 Ladies Auxiliary in Clairton, the Wilson American Citizens Club in Wilson, and the Moraine Camplands Association. Born February 17, 1949 in West Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late Harold C. and Anna Marie (Wray) Werner. She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Louis T.  Campbell; children, Mindy Devlin of Floreffe, Derek (Katie) Martin of Elizabeth Twp. and Curt Martin of Buena Vista; stepchildren, Cindy (Rich) Harrison of Finleyville and Louis T. Campbell of Library; granddaughters, Victoria, Ariella and Talitha; step-grandchildren, Jessica, Angie and Carrie, Louis T. III, and Carolyn; also, great-grandchildren; brothers, Harold Werner Jr. of Grindstone and Robert (Barb) Werner of Elizabeth; also, nieces and nephews.