Irene E. (Bodnar) Madden

February 04, 2021 |

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

Irene E. Madden, age 89 of Jefferson Hills, passed away at home on Thursday, February 4, 2021.  Born February 25, 1931 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Anna (Vrable) Bodnar.  A member of The Church in Sutersville and retired from advertising sales with the Jewish Chronicle in Pittsburgh, Irene will be remembered by her family as the strongest woman ever and a force to be reckoned with. 

In the words of her daughter: "At 11:30 last night, our lives were irrevocably changed when our mother, Irene Madden, passed away. She valiantly fought medical issues and succumbed to Congestive Heart Failure. She was 89 and would have turned 90 later this month. Our mother was the strongest women I ever met. She grew up during the Depression and lost her mother when she was 14. She was a Single Mother long before it became commonplace. We never had the latest fad but we were loved and had everything we needed. She taught us work ethic, integrity, self sacrifice, kindness, charity, strength of conviction, the value of humor, and the love of Jesus Christ. She always said you can do an you want to do if you set your mind to it. Make a plan and work your plan. She is the person I admire most in my life. If I’m half the person she was and have half the strength of her will. I will consider myself a success.  There is so much more to be said but this is enough for now."

She is survived by her children Mark (Marie) Madden of Glassport and Kristen Wells of Jefferson Hills; her grandchildren Michael and Elizabeth Madden; and also nieces and nephews.  Besides her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her brothers Michael, William, and Edward "Dave" Bodnar.

Bertha Mae Brown

February 04, 2021 |

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

Bertha Mae Brown, age 78 of Clairton, passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 in Baldwin Health Center.  Born February 6, 1942 in Montgomery, AL, she was a daughter of the late Thomas V. and Rosie (Ford) Brown.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Rebecca Chapman Brown.  She is survived by her sister Michelle (Henry Watkins) Brown; her brothers Rommy Lee Brown, Robert Lee Brown, Jimmy Lee Brown, Eddie Lee Brown, and John Lee Brown; and also nieces and nephews. 

Paul E. Bekavac

February 04, 2021 |

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

Paul E. Bekavac, age 74, of Gibsonia and Key West, FL, and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at home. He was a retired funeral director and owner of the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home in Elizabeth. He attended the University of Notre Dame until his father’s untimely death in 1965, and furthered his education at Duquesne University and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.

Upon his retirement in 2004, he relocated to Key West to follow his life long love of fishing. Born March 1, 1946 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Anthony J. and Elvira Y. “Patty” (Yavor) Bekavac. He is survived by his partner and best friend, Teri Dulac of Gibsonia; daughter, Heather (Michael) Lutz of Pleasant Hills; sons, Tony (Rachel) Bekavac of Pleasant Hills and Paul E. Bekavac, Jr. of New York, NY; grandchildren, Cole, Preston and Ava Lutz and Anthony & Andre Bekavac; sister, Nancy Y. Bekavac of Washington, DC; brother, Daniel F. (Patti) Bekavac of Elizabeth Twp.; nephew, Daniel F. (Tara Jayant) Bekavac, Jr. of South Park; niece, Chloe (Jason) Fox of Damascus, MD; also, great- nephews and cousins.

Duane A. Perhach

February 04, 2021 |

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

Duane A. Perhach, age 64, of Forward Twp., passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Allegheny General Hospital. He retired from Penn Dot’s tunnel maintenance in Pittsburgh and was a lifetime member of the NRA. Born December 19, 1956 in McKeesport, he was a son of Arlene (Bertie) Slate of Forward Twp. and the late Elmer Perhach. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Diann (Sinal) Perhach; son, Sam (April) Perhach of Webster; daughter, Becky (Patrick) Perhach of Forward Twp.; brothers, Steve (Edna) Perhach of Elizabeth, Ron (Tammy) Perhach of Forward Twp., Mike Slate of Forward Twp. and Edward (Glori) Slate of Monroeville; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by brothers, Charles Slate and David Perhach.

Claudia J. Yedinak

February 04, 2021 |

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

Claudia J. (Wood) Yedinak, age 66, of Elizabeth, passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Jefferson Hospital. She was the founder and owner for Claudia's Green Acres in Forward Twp. A member of Crossroads Community Church in Jefferson Hills, she loved antiquing, cultivating vegetables and flowers, and her customers. She was a master seller on Ebay and a member of the YMCA in Monongahela. Born May 11, 1954 in Monongahela, she was a daughter of the late Kay (Evans) Wood-Sabatini. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, James H. Yedinak, and sister, Debbie (Larry) Jones of Finleyville; also, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Saturday, February 6, 2021, from 12 Noon until the time of service at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Floyd Hughes officiating. In order to comply with Covid-19 restrictions, guests are required to wear masks and follow CDC social distancing guidelines. You may be asked to limit your visiting time so that all guests will have an opportunity to pay their respects. The family would like to express their understanding to those who are unable to attend due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, SW Region, 320 Bilmar Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

David G. Boden, Sr.

January 30, 2021 |

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

David G. Boden, age 80, of Forward Township, passed away on Friday, January 29, 2021. He loved his family, his country, and the United States Navy. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer after serving 21 years in the Navy. After serving his country, he worked for Westinghouse Advanced Energy Systems Division, in Large, then prior to his retirement, he also sold automobiles.

In his spare time, he shot trap at the Shaner Sportsmen's Club, and bowled the Jednota Bowling League (and a few other leagues) at 51 Lanes, in Rostraver Township. He was also extremely proud to be a Mason at the Duquesne-McKeesport Lodge #731. Dave was a lifelong avid hunter who enjoyed his time in the outdoors and when he wasn’t in the woods, he was busy rooting for the Steelers, Pirates, or Penguins.

Paul E. Fedorka

January 28, 2021 |

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

Paul E. Fedorka, age 88, of Elizabeth, passed away on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Crawford County Care Center. A member of St. Joachim & Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp., he retired as a U.S. Postal Service Postmaster in West Elizabeth. The founder of the Huber Hunt Club at Pymatuning Lake, he was an avid hunter and loved all things outdoors. Born May 17, 1932 in Clairton, he was a son of the late Steven and Anna (Bonko) Fedorko. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Wilma (Firczak) Fedorka; daughter, Paula J. (William) Cray of Morrisville, NC; son, Thomas M. Fedorka of Linesville; grandchildren, Billy Cray of Morrisville, NC, Andy (Dana Dettloff) Cray of Chicago, IL, Paul Cray of Morrisville, NC, Jennifer (Justin) Januta of Celina, TX, Thomas M. (Elise) Fedorka Jr. of New Castle, Melissa Fedorka of Linesville, Michael Ferrante of Elizabeth and Julieann Ferrante of Elizabeth; great-grandchildren, Jacob Rivera and Rhona Fedorka; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Donna Firczak of Elizabeth; also, many nieces and nephews.

Clayton R. Cole

January 27, 2021 |

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

Clayton R. Cole, age 90 of McKeesport, passed away on Wednesday, January 27, in UPMC McKeesport.  Born January 27, 1931 in Elizabeth Twp., he was a son of the late Ralph and Nettie (Bush) Cole.  A retired steelworker at US Steel Homestead Works who also worked as mechanic at Cindric Garage, Clayton was a US Air Force Veteran and a member of bowling leagues at Versailles Lanes.  Clayton is survived by his wife Frances "Tootsie" Cole; his daughter Cathy L. (Walter) Kozlowski of McKeesport; his grandsons Zack and Leo Kozlowski; his sister Doris Fornell of Port Vue; his brothers Ted Cole in Arizona and John Cole of State College; and also nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, Clayton was preceded in death by his siblings Nancy Jacobs, Betty Waugh, Donna Civello, and Lyle and Gary Cole.  

Arlene C. Chisick

January 27, 2021 |

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

Arlene C. Chisick, age 89, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Meadowcrest Nursing Center. She retired as a registered nurse at UPMC McKeesport and attended Crossroads Community Church in Jefferson Hills. A Glassport High School class of 1949 graduate and 1952 graduate of the West Penn School of Nursing, she enjoyed traveling, gardening, cooking, and was an avid shopper. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren. Born June 12, 1931 in Glassport, she was a daughter of the late Carl and Irene (Roeper) Davis. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Joseph A.  Chisick; daughters, Rebecca Grady of Whitehall and Christine (Tim) Biery of Upper St. Clair; son, Joseph C. Chisick of Jefferson Hills; grandchildren, Michael, Kristopher and Alexandra Grady and Trisha, Shannon and Jonathon Biery; sisters, Cindy (George) Tauber of Toledo, OH and Sherry (Jeff) Matola of Columbus, OH; brother, Ross Campbell of Ross Twp.; also, nieces and nephews.

William Joseph Wilson

January 27, 2021 |

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

William “Bill” Joseph Wilson, 85, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, surrounded by his family. Born in Clairton on February 11, 1935, Bill was the son of the late William Joseph and Bertha “Patsy” (Balog) Wilson. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Anna Marie (Filowat) Wilson; sons, William Jr. (Susan) of McKees Rocks and Edward (Karen) of York; daughter, Christine, at home; grandsons, Grady and Benjamin; brother, James (Peggy) of Clairton; sister-in-law, Rita (Filowat) Croyle; also, nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert; sister, Sarah “Sally”; and adored grandson, Christopher. Bill served his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a former employee of Copperweld Corp. in Glassport and retired from his position as a Certified Sterile Processing Technician at Shadyside Hospital. He was a member of Saints Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church, in Elizabeth Twp. where he was a coordinator in the parish’s Adult Faith Formation, a member of the Catholic Men’s Fellowship group, and was a former Eucharistic Minister and Pastoral Council member. Bill and his wife were members of the People of God Covenant Community for many years. Bill loved the lord with all of his heart and will be remembered for his gift of sharing that love with everyone he encountered.

Helen E. Yarulis

January 27, 2021 |

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

Helen E. Yarulis, age 90 of Clairton, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 in Mon Valley Care Center, Monongahela.  Born October 9, 1930 in Blaine Hill, she was a daughter of the late Samuel and Pauline (Kivko) Barna.  A graduate of the California University of Pennsylvania and member of Metro Baptist Temple in Rostraver Twp., Helen retired as a custom decorator for J.C. Penney's in West Mifflin.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Metro and John Barna.  Helen is survived by her husband of 72 years Stanley C. Yarulis, Sr.; her daughters Victoria (David) Walz of Land o' Lakes, FL, Judith (Ronald) Karns of Carlisle, Debra (Scott) Benack of Elizabeth Twp., Cynthia (Craig) Raymond of Charleroi, and Wendy (Daniel) Martin of Tega Cay, SC; her son Stanley C. (Rita) Yarulis, Jr. of Monongahela; her ten grandchildren; her five great-grandchildren; and also nieces and nephews.

Anthony "Tony" B. Koontz

January 23, 2021 |

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

Anthony "Tony" B. Koontz, age 55 of Clairton, passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2021.  He was a Marine and Industrial Sales Representative for Sherwin Williams, Eastern Region, a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare Church in Clairton, and a US Army Veteran.  In his spare time, he coached Clairton youth recreation football and baseball for many years, was a motorsport enthusiast, and loved motocross and his Harley-Davidson.  Tony was known as the “Fig Whisperer” after proudly and successfully growing one in his yard.  He loved to garden and looked after any youths that needed his help and will be remembered as a loving husband and father.  Born July 21, 1965 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Randall Koontz Sr. and Judith Piasente (Melvin) Long of Clairton.  Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife Nicole  (Saputo) Koontz;  son, Bryson A. Koontz of Clairton; brothers Randall (Ruth) Koontz, Jr. of Donora, Christopher (Brenda) Koontz of Mount Pleasant and Brian (the late Erin Pittman) Koontz of Clairton; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

June Monica Cirucci

January 21, 2021 |

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

Joyce Arnold

January 19, 2021 |

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

Joyce Arnold, age 78 of White Oak, passed away at home on Monday, January 18, 2021.  Born June 2, 1942 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Rudolph and Mary (Puskaric) Lasch.  A former cashier at Thorofare Market in Olympia Shopping Center and member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in North Huntingdon, Joyce enjoyed playing cards and visiting casinos in her spare time.  She is survived by her husband Kenneth Arnold; her sons Scott Arnold of White Oak and Greg (Denine) Arnold of Jeannette; her daughter Lori (Randy) Anselmino of North Huntingdon; her step-son Jeff (Debi) Mullen of Horsham; her nine grandchildren; her two great-grandchildren; her brothers Thomas (Lynn) Lasch of White Oak and Francis (Lorraine) Lasch of Manassas, VA; and also nieces and nephews.  Besides her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her brother James Lasch.

Carol Sue Santone

January 18, 2021 |

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

Carol Sue Santone, age 77 of Port Vue, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at home.   Born October 14, 1943 in Dravosburg, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Laura Mae (Lutz) Newton.  Carol loved crafts, music, and spending time with family and friends at her family cottage.  Carol was preceded in death by her husband, the late Patrick E. Santone, who passed away July 16, 2008.  She is survived by her children Sherry (Bob) Junecko Tyszkiewicz and Doug (Jess) Junecko; grandchildren Nicole (Justin) Vazquez Whittaker, Nathan (Lindsey) Vazquez, Danielle (Rick) Junecko Opfar, Chloe Junecko, Sarah (Jeremy) Jacobs Steffan and, Ryan Jacobs; great-grandchildren Adalyn and Asher Whittaker, Vance and Vida Vazquez, Mason Junecko, Rhiannon and Jackson Opfar and, Brayden and Brody Steffan; siblings Jim (Donna) Newton and Barb (Walter) Wygonik; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.