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R. Donald Similo

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | April 08, 2023

R. Donald Similo, age 91 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Friday, April 7, 2023 in UPMC East Hospital, Monroeville. Born September 20, 1931 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Ferino "Pete" and Laura (Maloney) Similo. Don joins his wife, the late Arlene L. (Castor) Similo (1939-2005), to whom he was married for 44 years. He received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. Don started his career at Elizabeth Forward High School, where he was a business teacher as well as a football coach and athletic director. He was employed by California University of Pennsylvania as a financial aid director and accounting professor. After his retirement from Cal, he continued his CPA private practice until 2021. Don was also civically minded and active, serving as an Elizabeth Township Commissioner for 40 years. He was a parishioner of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish - St. Michael's Church where he was a member of the ushers' club, finance committee, and Knights of Columbus. Don was also, as of the date of his passing, the oldest member and past president of the Youghiogheny Country Club. In his spare time, he participated in various golf leagues and was a fan of Penn State Football and Pittsburgh sports teams.

Don is survived by his daughters Suzanne (John) Dale of North Wales, PA and Shari (Charles) Kronsberg of Glen Arm, MD; his son Richard D. Similo, Jr. of McKeesport; his grandchildren John (Allison), Steven (Katherine), Lauren and Jaclyn Dale, Sarah Kronsberg, and Richard, III and Charles Similo; his great-grandchildren John "Jack" Dale and Adalynn Similo; and his longtime companion Adeline Jones. He was close with his many Similo cousins, especially Bob and Carol. Friends will be received in the Daniel F. Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory, 4504 Walnut Street, Versailles, PA 15132 (412) 678-3454 on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 4 PM until 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 10 AM in Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael's Church with Fr. Thomas A. Wagner officiating. If attending the Mass, please go directly to the church. Procession and burial will follow to West Newton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to either the St. Michael's Ushers' Club, c/o Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, 101 McLay Dr., Elizabeth, PA 15037 or to the Elizabeth Forward Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, c/o EFAA Treasurer, 801 N. Whitmore Rd., North Huntingdon, PA 15642. Arrangements made by the Daniel F. Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

Originally published April 08, 2023.

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