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Dollie Whiting

August 12, 2023 |

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

Dollie Whiting, age 99 of Elizabeth Boro., passed away Friday, August 11, 2023 at the Residence at Hilltop, Monongahela. A member of Elizabeth United Methodist Church, Dollie was a former self employed beautician. Born in Glassport on May 17, 1924, she was the wife of the late Raymond A. Whiting who died on March 10, 2012.

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Mary P. Lash

August 12, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Mary P. Lash, 94, of North Huntingdon, died Friday, August 11, 2023.  She was born May 14, 1929 in Irwin, daughter of the late Frank and Barbara (Pcolensky) Pavlik.  Prior to her retirement, Mary was a secretary for the Norwin Property Tax Office.  She was a member of St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, Herminie, White Oak American Legion Auxiliary and the 701 Seniors in White Oak.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Levi Lash; sons, David and Gary Lash; daughter, Carol Anderson; brothers, Frank, John, Michael and George; sisters, Elizabeth Pavlik and Ann Hanko.  She is survived by her daughter, Karen Guess; brother, Robert; sisters, Helen Rizzi and Sr. Barbara Pavlik; and granddaughter, Samantha Guess.  Friends will be received from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Monday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home.   Interment to follow in Irwin Union Cemetery.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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David O. Pershing

August 11, 2023 |

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

David O. Pershing, age 93, of Blaine Hill, passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at Jefferson Hospital. He retired as a millwright for US Steel National Tube Works in McKeesport. He was a Marine veteran serving during the Korean War and was awarded a Purple Heart in the Battle of Inchon. He was also a catcher for the Parris Island Marine Corps baseball team. He was a past commander of the Blaine Hill VFW, a member of the Elizabeth American Legion, the Stephen Bayard Masonic Lodge, and a life member of the Blaine Hill Volunteer Fire Company where he was a past chief, lieutenant and trustee. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and most sports. He enjoyed teaching young people the love of baseball and was a former president and team manager of the Elizabeth Baseball Association. Born June 7, 1930 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late David S. and Rose (Telesfore) Pershing and husband of the late Katherine (Barton) Pershing. He is survived by sons, David F. Pershing of Blaine Hill, Robert K. (Elizabeth) Pershing of Irwin and Mark A. (Carolyn) Pershing of Springboro; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Mark and Cassidy Pershing; great-granddaughter, Dalia; siblings, Richard and Bill Pershing, both of Blaine Hill; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by sisters, Sandra Davis and Lucy Thompson, and brothers, Edgar and John Pershing. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM and Monday, August 14, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at Mt. Pleasant Church, 104 Mt. Pleasant Road in Breezewood from 11 AM until the time of service at 1 PM. Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Henry “Ben” Benton South

August 11, 2023 |

By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Henry “Ben” Benton South, age 80, of Elizabeth Twp., died on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on June 12, 1943 and is the son of the late William and Naomi Niehaus South. Ben proudly served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party in support of the U.S. Army 1^st Air Cavalry Division from 1964 to 1968 during the Vietnam War. He was a recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal for his honorable service in the military. He was previously employed by H.B. South Printing and also was the owner of South Software. He retired from McKeesport Area School District as a technology coordinator. He served on the technology board of numerous colleges, universities, and organizations. Ben was a member of St. Patrick's church (Mary, Mother of God Parish). As a member of the Holy Name Society, he held numerous offices and was honored by the Pittsburgh Diocese for his dedicated involvement. Ben showed love to his family and friends by giving his time freely in service as a problem solver and a helping hand. He was a relationship builder; always caring, keeping up with friends, meeting new ones, supporting his family, and giving his grandkids "the best hugs."

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Charles Walter “Chad” Zowacki, II.

August 10, 2023 |

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

Charles Walter “Chad” Zowacki, II., passed on Friday, August 4, 2023 in Indiana, PA where he lived and ran his business with his fiancé, Amber Snyder, daughter, Madelyn Zowacki and intended step-daughter, Riley Davis.  Chad was born on October 8, 1990 at McKeesport Hospital and was raised in the town of Sutersville, which always remained “home” no matter where life took him.  Chad was the owner, operator, salesman and heart of the roofing company he began in 2017, Riley Madelyn Roofing, LLC. Chad worked tirelessly to build and grow his business and the success he achieved in life was hard-earned and well-deserved.  He was proud, honored and enormously grateful for the crew that he had the privilege of working with everyday, for the customers who entrusted him with their homes and for the overwhelmingly positive feedback he continuously received from the community; having won numerous awards, year after year, for the quality of work and customer service he became known for.

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Gerald J. "Jerry" Ference

August 10, 2023 |

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

Gerald J. "Jerry" Ference, 88, of White Oak, passed away Tuesday, August 8, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on November 25, 1934 and was the son to the late John and Mary (Stefon) Ference. He was the beloved husband to the late Geraldine Marie Ference before she passed away in January 2020. Jerry was a graduate of McKeesport High School, and went away to college for a short time before realizing marrying the love of his life, Geraldine, was what he truly wanted in life. He worked for Cassidy Pierce Warehouse Company for over 45 years before retiring. He was a long time member of St. Agnes Church in North Huntingdon. Jerry loved boating, playing cards, enjoying the time spent at their summer home in the mountains, but he was also an avid football fan; he never missed a Steelers game. He was a huge family man & loved to spend time with his grandchildren & great-grandchildren & just watching the family grow over the years.

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Karl A. Randig

August 10, 2023 |

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

Karl A. Randig, age 85, of Lincoln Borough, passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at home. An Army veteran, he retired after 32 years as a stationary engineer at UPMC McKeesport. He was a member of Local 95, a lifetime member of Lincoln Borough Fire Company, a Mason for 40 years and a member of Lodge 45 F&AM in Pittsburgh. A Jack of all trades, he was an avid hunter, loved NASCAR, and collected and restored antique cars, his favorite being a 1957 candy apple red Corvette. Born June 29, 1938 in Lincoln Borough, he was a son of the late Andrew and Henrietta (Bradley) Randig. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Madeline A. (Lucas) Randig; daughters, Dawn (James) Gaydos and Sharyn Randig, both of Lincoln Borough; grandsons, Lukas (Christine) Gaydos and Logan Gaydos, both of Lincoln Borough; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Robert Wylie, Eulia Schriber, Thomas Randig and Laureen Randig. No visitation or services are planned. Private burial at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Elizabeth Twp. will take place at a later date. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Mary Madeline (Albensi) Brkovich

August 10, 2023 |

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

Mary M. Brkovich, age 95 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away peacefully on August 9, 2023 at Sunrise of Upper St. Clair.  She retired as a clerk in the accounting department of ADTRANZ (a.k.a Bombardier and Westinghouse) in West Mifflin.  Mary was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Christy Park, the Christian Mothers and the Italian Sons and Daughters of America.

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Duane E. Walls

August 10, 2023 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

 Duane E. Walls, age 65, of McKeesport, died August 6, 2023, at Select Specialty Hospital with his wife by his side. Born July 17, 1958, in West Mifflin, he was the son of the late Edward and Ursula (Paskert) Walls and the husband of Michele (Welsh) Walls for 37 years.
Duane worked in sales for Cornwell Tools. He graduated from West Mifflin North High School. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, planting flowers, and going on trips.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Pamela Welsh; nephew, Nicholas Nedel; niece, Laura Nedel; and aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
A special thank you to Select Specialty hospital staff in caring for Duane.
Arrangements were entrusted to Willig Funeral Home & Crematory.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
Supervisor, Charles Danforth

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Gregory Claude Berrier

August 09, 2023 |

By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Gregory Claude Berrier, age 74, of Liberty Boro, died on Monday, August 7, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on December 24, 1948 and is the son of the late LeRoy and Emilenne Berrier. Greg graduated from WyoTech in Blairsville, focusing on automotive repair and bodywork. He was the owner of Gregg’s Autobody for over 40 years.

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David H. Schweitzer

August 09, 2023 |

By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home

David H. Schweitzer, age 74, of White Oak, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at home.  Born in Duquesne on September 24, 1948, he was the son of the late Howard and Eleanor Schweitzer. He was a retired electrical engineer and member of the White Oak Gun Club. He is the husband of the late Julie F. (Totin) Schweitzer for 45 years; father of Janna (Casey Zychowicz) Schweitzer of Sewickley; brother-in-law of Patricia (late Michael) Cirucci of Bethel Park and Helene (Drew) Schaming of Port Vue; uncle of Stacey (Grant) Bartko of Elizabeth; and also survived by 2 great nephews. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 14, 2023, from 9:30-11:00 a.m., at the MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 915 KENNEDY AVE., DUQUESNE, 15110, 412-466-3300, WILLIAM B. SCHLEIFER, SUPERVISOR, WILLIAM BRIAN SCHLEIFER, FUNERAL DIRECTOR, where a Blessing Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., following visitation, with Seminarian Xavier Engle officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Mifflin.

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Cecilia "Cil" Zabelsky

August 08, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Cecilia “Cil” Zabelsky, of North Huntingdon, age 82 passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Monday August 7, 2023. She was born in Duquesne on July 28, 1941 and is the daughter of late Michael and Rose (Kubec) Sucevic. Beloved wife of Robert “Izzy” Zabelsky of 64 years. Loving mother of Keith (Lisa) Zabelsky of Harrison City; Gregg (Mary Lynne) Zabelsky of North Huntingdon; and Lisa Lilley of North Huntingdon. Cherished grandmother “Nana” of late Ryan Zabelsky, Jason Zabelsky, Kevin Zabelsky, Rachel Zabelsky; Alex Zabelsky (fiancée Lauren), Nicole Zabelsky (fiancé Mike); Megan Krehbiel (Andy) and Amanda Swanson (Caleb) and great-granddaughter, Penelope Cecilia Swanson. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her siblings, Paul Sucevic and Dorothy Lipchak and grandson, Ryan Zabelsky. Cecilia’s parents owned a bar, “Mike’s Bar”, in Duquesne across from the Steel Mills where Cil lived and worked throughout her youth. She met and married Robert “Izzy” Zabelsky, also of Duquesne, and had all 3 children, Keith, Gregg and Lisa while living in Duquesne. In 1967, their family moved to North Huntingdon where they have remained to date. She was a stay-at-home mom and wife for 15 years and once her children were grown, she opened her own travel business of over 25 years, “Four Seasons Travel”, in White Oak until she retired in 2007. Travel was a big part of Cil’s life both as a professional as well as in her personal life. She and husband Izzy traveled many places with close friends, Dolly & Sonny Jubic throughout the years. Cil's other interests included golf, bowling, gardening and card playing. As well as playing in a monthly “card club”, many nights were spent at her house playing cards with friend, Barb, while laughing and sipping wine. Her love of the beach predicated the purchase of their own condo in North Myrtle Beach where they vacationed with family and friends for over 25 years. One word that comes to mind when thinking of Cil was “compassionate”. Through her life she took care of several elderly friends, Thelma and Gladys, as well as caring and taking into their home her father, father-in-law, mother-in-law and grandchild. She extended her love and sense of family outside her immediate family and welcomed her nephew Joel Nagy, wife Laura and children Jake and Ethan into the folds of her family and traditions. Family and tradition were the foundation of Cil’s beliefs and she instilled these important beliefs into all of her children and grandchildren. This can be demonstrated by the yearly family Myrtle Beach vacations, countless holiday traditions, and she never missed an important event in any of her children or grandchildren’s lives. “Nana” was always present and forever feeding any and all that was around her… If you didn’t want to eat or accept seconds, “you must be ill”. Cil (Nana) will be greatly missed by her family and friends in both Pittsburgh and Myrtle Beach. Cil and her family have chosen to not have any viewing or funeral service at this time but plan to have a Memorial at some time in the future. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to Saint Judes. Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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John M. "Jack" Poziviak

August 07, 2023 |

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

John M. "Jack" Poziviak, age 75 of Clairton, passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at his residence. Born November 18, 1947 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late John and Margaret (Kovka) Poziviak. Jack worked as a control room operator for Duquesne Light Co. in Elrama. He was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross, Clairton. Jack enjoyed traveling to watch his grandkids play sports, and going to the casinos. Jack was a handyman to his neighbors. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathleen Jupin Poziviak; his daughter Jennifer (Thomas) Walkinshaw: his sons John "Jack" (Melonie) Poziviak and Justin (Alana) Poziviak; his grandchildren Tyler, Morgan, Seth, Sydney, Maya, Jaxson, & Milena; his sister Dorothy "Dee" Martin of West Mifflin; and his nieces and nephews. Jack was also dogfather to Fritz and Colby.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Marge Regan.  Friends will be received in the A.J. Bekavac Funeral Home, 555 5th Street, Clairton, PA on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-7:30pm.  A blessing will take place on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 7:30 pm in the chapel at the A.J. Bekavac Funeral Home. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Paul F. Thompson

August 07, 2023 |

By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory

Paul F. Thompson, age 88, of North Huntingdon, died Friday, August 4, 2023, at home.  Born August 20, 1934, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Frederick and Violet (Bailie) Thompson and husband of the late Janet A. Thompson.  Paul worked at the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory for 41 years.  He was one of the pioneering technicians in the field of US Navy nuclear submarine propulsion during the cold war and contributed to the development and implementation of the first successful nuclear power plant in the USS Nautilus.  He was a metallurgical technician for decades and completed his Bettis service in a lead technician role as the plant glassblower.  After his retirement, he continued to work for Bettis as a private contractor, escorting uncleared construction personnel for another 12 years for a total of 53 years of service at Bettis.  He was an avid hunter and sportsman and enjoyed hunting in Marienville, Allegheny National Forest, family property in Portersville, and fishing trips to Canada.  Paul was a lifetime member of the Cavittsville Gun Club.  In his younger years, Paul had an affinity for convertible-topped automobiles.  His firm temper and clever wit gained him the respect and admiration of many.  He will be sorely missed by all whose lives "Big Red" touched.

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Roberta "Bobbi" Lee Peschock

August 06, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Roberta “Bobbi” Peschock, 51, of North Huntingdon died August 5, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born October 19, 1971, in Wilkinsburg, PA, a daughter of Rita Hynes Peschock and the late Richard Peschock. She was a 1989 graduate of Norwin High School. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Seton Hill University. Bobbi was a retired Activities Specialist for S.C.I. Somerset. She was a lifetime member of the Guffey Club, organized various charity bike runs for cancer, enjoyed riding her motorcycle, and playing with her German shepherd, Gunner. She loved to spend time with her family and friends. Especially trips to Lake Erie with Billy and Gunner. Bobbi loved to go to the beach and watch the sunrise. She was a strong, kind, and caring person who will be dearly missed by all that knew her. In addition to her mother she is survived by her daughter, Brandi Valerio, a brother Michael (Pam) Peschock, two sisters, Christine Schnider and Anita Powell and her boyfriend of 10 years, Billy Dixon. As well as many nieces and nephews. There will be no visitation. Services will be private. James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon in charge of arrangements. Memorial Donations, in memory of Bobbi may be made to the American Cancer Society or Michael Pils Foundation - Fighting Childhood Cancer. PO Box 213, West Newton, Pa 15089.