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Helen M. Thomas

August 23, 2022 |

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

Helen M. Thomas, age 92, of McKeesport, died on Monday, August 22, 2022. She was born in Wilson, PA on May 12, 1930 and is the daughter of the late Joseph and Anna Dzurbala Sabo and the wife of the late Leonard M. Thomas, Sr., who died on May 13, 1990. After raising her children, she was employed as a waitress at various country clubs and also was a ticket saleswoman for Kennywood.

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Michael Kemple

August 23, 2022 |

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

Michael Kemple, age 94, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022 at Paramount Senior Living at South Hills. An Army veteran of World War II, he was a member of VFW Kastan Uveges Post 7632 in Blaine Hill, American Legion Alonzo Weigel Post 553 in Elizabeth, Clairton VFW Post 803, White Oak American Legion, Monongahela American Legion Post 502, Mon Valley Chapter of the American Merchant Marines, the Pittsburgh Circle Track Club, and the Herminie Senior Center. Born September 4, 1927 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late Michael Kemple Sr. and Sophie (Sevick) Kemple and husband of the late Myrna L. (McCarty) Kemple. He is survived by daughters, Carol Kemple of Upper St. Clair, Marlene Patterson of Fredericksburg, VA, and Deborah (Donald) Victor of Elizabeth Twp.; stepdaughters, Mary Lou (Carmen) Bossio of South Park and Penny Hillman of Monongahela; stepsons, James (Margaret) Larkin of Elizabeth and Jay (Diane) McCarty of Monongahela; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brother, Frank Kemple of Myrtle Beach, SC; significant friend, Carol Spina; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret (Lewis) Kemple; stepdaughter, Cindy Niggle; stepson, Gene Larkin; and sisters, Anne Bavin, Barbara Hart and Margaret Thayer. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Funeral Service will take place on Friday, August 26, 2022 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Jude Urso officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Marilyn Jean Lukowski

August 23, 2022 |

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

Marilyn Jean Lukowski, 86, of Greenock, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 20, 2022. She was born September 22, 1935 in Greenock and was the daughter of the late Edward Howard and Margaret (Heholt) Mains. She was the wife of the late Leonard Joseph Lukowski who passed away June 7, 2018. "Jean" was a member of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Greenock and was a Lunch Aid at Mount Vernon Elementary School.

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Peter Evanovich

August 23, 2022 |

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

Peter Evanovich, age 92, of Forward Twp., passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022 at home. An Army veteran of the Korean War, he retired from Continental Can in West Mifflin. He was a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in McKeesport, an independent farmer who loved barbecuing lamb, and a member of Glassport American Legion Post 443. Born October 14, 1929 in Glassport, he was a son of the late Miles and Milka Evanovich. He is survived by his companion, Carolyn Kopnitsky; stepson, Joseph (Cynthia) Kopnitsky of Trafford; and sister, Marian Zajdel of McKeesport. A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at 12 Noon in Round Hill Cemetery in Elizabeth Twp. with the Very Rev. Stevan Rocknage officiating. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Betty Jean Marconi

August 23, 2022 |

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

Betty Jean Marconi, age 69, of North Huntingdon, died at home on August 20, 2022.  Born March 2, 1953, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Howard J. and Betty (Hemminger) Somerville and wife of August Marconi for 31 years.  Betty Jean worked as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and retired as a Community Outreach Director with UPMC.  She was an active member of Irwin First Assembly of God Church.  She enjoyed sewing and arts and crafts.  Many of her creations could be found within her home.  Betty Jean cared for her family and friends and was well-loved by everyone who knew her.

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Cynthia A. "Cindy" Salopek

August 22, 2022 |

By William S. Skovranko Memorial Home | Posted in: William S. Skovranko Memorial Home

Cynthia A. "Cindy" (Breznay) Salopek, 62, of West Mifflin died unexpectantly at home on Saturday, August 20, 2022. Cindy was born February 28, 1960 in McKeesport. She was the daughter of Jane Bitkowski Breznay and the late Francis "Braz" Breznay. Cindy was employed as a Safety Manager for First Transit, Inc. She was the beloved wife of the late Duey Salopek. In addition to her mother, she is also survived by her loving children, Neil Salopek and Nicole (Brandon Nathan) Salopek; five grandchildren, Lia Salopek, Adilee Salopek, Jace Nathan, Dash Nathan, and Cam Nathan. In addition to her father and husband, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Stephen Breznay. A loving, caring soul, Cindy had a heart of gold and will be missed by all who loved her.

Family and friends will be received in the William S. Skovranko Memorial Home, Inc., 828 Richford Street, Duquesne, on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 from 1 o'clock until a Blessing service at 6 P.M. A repast to celebrate Cindy's life will follow the services at the American Croation Club, 1111 Grant Avenue, Duquesne.

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Pauline Ann Monko

August 22, 2022 |

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

Pauline Ann Monko, age 75 of Clairton, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022 in Southwestern Nursing Center, West Mifflin.  Born March 15, 1947 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Pauline (Logo) Kendall. She retired as a pharmacy tech for Walmart in West Mifflin and also worked for Thrift Drug in Clairton and Century 3 Dodge.  Pauline was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish – St. Clare of Assisi Church, Clairton.  She is survived by her husband of 53 years Frank T. Monko; her sons Mark P. and Andrew S. Monko, both of Clairton; her sister Georgia Graw of Butler; her brothers Ron Lomis of Mercer and Stefan Hrabosky of Lamy, NM; and also nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother John Belcastro.

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Barbara A. Hoak

August 22, 2022 |

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

Barbara A. Hoak, 80, of White Oak, passed away Sunday, August 21, 2022 at home. She was born February 4, 1942 in Dravosburg and was the daughter of the late Hilary L. Baker, Sr. and Helen (Wisser) Baker. Barbara was a member of The Bryn Mawr Church of Christ and was the top of her class in nursing school. She had previously worked as a secretary for several doctors offices and in advertising for Wonder Sales.  Barbara was the best wife and mother and a doting grandmother. She had a passion for theatre and was  a tremendous cook and baker, she was known for her fudge, applesauce fruit cake, pumpkin pies, orange cookies and potato soup, to name a few of her family's favorites.  She enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and traveling. She had crossed country to San Diego on a train, visited Niagara Falls and loved going on rides to see fall foliage at Ohiopyle, Bedford and Ligonier. A special passion for Barbara was also rescuing elephants through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.  She will be greatly missed.

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Mildred P. Matta

August 22, 2022 |

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

Mildred P. Matta, age 94 and a lifelong resident of Port Vue, passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2022 in John J. Kane Regional Center - McKeesport.  Born September 28, 1927 in McKeesport, she was daughter of the late John and Anna (Pavlecic) Kolic.  A former employee of both G.C. Murphy's and Apter Bros., Mildred was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - Corpus Christi Church in McKeesport and its former Christian Mothers, the CFU Lodge #3, Jednota Lodge #267, and the Mon Yough Friendship Club.  In her spare time, she was an excellent baker but, more importantly, an excellent wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.  Besides her parents, Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Michael V. Matta, Sr., who passed away May 14, 2006, her sisters Caroline Medved and Ann Luketic, and her brothers John and George Kolic.  She is survived by her sons David M. (Pamela) Matta of Little Boston and Michael V. Matta, Jr. of Greenock; her grandchildren Rachel (Sam) Matta Grissom and Benjamin (Justina) and Aaron Matta; her great-grandchildren Norah Grissom and Sophia Matta (with another arriving shortly, "to-be-named"); and also nieces and nephews. 

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Francis A. Geletko

August 22, 2022 |

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

Francis A. Geletko, age 72 of Clairton, passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2022.  Born September 10, 1949 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Frank J. and Alice (Piatek) Geletko.  A member of the former St. joseph's Parish in Clairton, Francis graduated from Clairton High School, Class of 1967, received a football scholarship to the University of Wyoming, and received his bachelor's degree in business administration from the California University of PA.  He began his professional career at US Steel Clairton Works, then worked for many years for the City of Clairton as city clerk, public works director, and finance director.  With the city, Francis proudly instituted Clairton's recycling program.  He retired as director of finance for the Clairton Municipal Authority and also was the founder and owner/proprietor, along with his wife, of Geletko Tax Service, which they operated for 38 years.  He also served on the Clairton School Board.  In his spare time, Francis was a member of the Sons of Columbus, Santa Maria Council #3, an avid golfer, and a big Pittsburgh sports fan.  Francis is survived by his wife of over 49 years Jill (Hoge) Geletko; his son Robert (Colleen) Geletko of Brookline and their children Vivian, Harrison, and Scarlett; his daughter Susannah K. (Mike) Sowko of Rostraver Twp. and their children Rory and Gavin Francis; his sisters Monica LaFrankie and Marie Shelton; and also many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

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John F. "Fangs" Farally, Sr.

August 22, 2022 |

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

John F. "Fangs" Farally, Sr., age 56, of Pitcairn, died August 18, 2022, at AHN Forbes Hospital. Born January 7, 1966, in Braddock, he was the son of the late Henry A. Farally Sr. and Dorothy Jean (Moore) Farally.
Fangs was raised in Rankin, Hawkins Village, and attended Howard St. High School. He worked for the Union Railroad and then Flagger Force. Emergency services were a family tradition and ran deep within Fang's blood. He was a Volunteer Fireman with Citizen's Hose Co. #1 of Glassport - Station 161 and lived for it. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and especially sitting around a campfire, sharing stories with his family. John was a loving and compassionate man who was always willing to help anyone in need.

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Arthur R. Cipriani Sr.

August 22, 2022 |

By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home

Arthur R. Cipriani Sr., 89, of Glassport passed on to eternal life on Saturday August 20, 2022. He is the son of the late Ferdinando and Winifred (Ashton) Cipriani. He is survived by his children Arthur (Ann) Cipriani Jr., Michael (Sandra) Cipriani, Elise (Kevin) Wright, David (Suzanne) Cipriani, and Cherise (Cory) Brawner; grandchildren Jason, Emily (Brian Marchetti), Bianca, Kevin, Catherine, Thomas, Sophia and Scarlett; great-grandchildren Elijah, Emmett and Connor; siblings Fred Cipriani and Dolores "Dottie Jo" Nagle; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by beloved wife Mary (Nolfi) Cipriani; grandson Michael Arthur Cipriani; and siblings Elizabeth Carapella, Frank Cipriani, Joseph Cipriani, Leroy Cipriani, and Thomas Cipriani. Art Sr. was a lifetime member of the American Legion, a Korean War Veteran, past president of the Glassport Athletic Association. He enjoyed all sports, especially golf and was very proud of the decades he played in the South Park Senior Golf League and also the many years he was involved in the Glassport Youth League sports and scouting. Friends received Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 at the Wojciechowski Funeral Home, Glassport. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday 10am at Queen of the Rosary Church, Glassport. Interment following New St. Joseph Cemetery, North Versailles. In lieu of or in addition to flowers, the family asks your consideration to send donations to:

 Meals On Wheels of McKeesport, 1406 Cornell St, McKeesport, PA 15132 (412) 672-1998

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Craig Baird Smith

August 21, 2022 |

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

Craig Baird Smith, 81, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Friday, August 19, 2022. He was born June 30, 1941 in McKeesport, and was the son of the late Homer and Virginia (Derr) Smith. Craig served in the Air Force and was a retired Loan Officer for North Side Deposit Bank, Pittsburgh. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Laraine Marie (Ercole) Smith; son, Timothy L. (Darlene) Smith of White Oak; daughter, Sharon S. (Mark) Johnson of Upper St. Clair; brother, Marshall "Marty" L. (Lois) Smith of McKeesport; grandchildren, Kayla M. Smith of Pittsburgh, Jordan  L. Yuhas of Elizabeth, Isaac C. Smith of Pleasant Hills, Meghan L. Johnson of Oakland, and Hannah J. Smith of White Oak; sister-in-law, Mary Smith of Steubenville, Ohio and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, H. Wayne Smith.

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William F. Caudill

August 21, 2022 |

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

William F. Caudill, age 76 of Liberty Borough, passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2022.  Born October 20, 1945 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late William P. and Belva F. (Kauffman) Caudill.  A retired technician for Bettis National Atomic Lab in West Mifflin, William was a dog and horse lover and farrier; an accomplished square dancer; and a car enthusiast and hobbyist, especially 50s hot rods and 60s muscle cars.  He is survived by his sons Jason Caudill of Liberty Borough and Bryan (Kristen) Caudill of North Huntingdon; his grandson Camden Caudill; his siblings Braxton (Lazann) Caudill of Sioux Falls, SD and Christine (Earl) Peters of Hereford; and also nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, William was preceded in death by his brother Barton H. "Harvey" Caudill. 

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Scott Wayne Bernard

August 21, 2022 |

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

Scott Wayne Bernard, age 55 of McKeesport, passed away at home on Friday, August 19, 2022.  Born December 6, 1966 in McKeesport, he was a son of Karen R. (Lockard) Bernard of McKeesport and the late L. Wayne Bernard, who passed away May 19, 1992.  A brick mason by trade, Scott loved deer hunting, camping, riding quads and motorcycles, but most of all, spending time with his many, many friends.  Besides his mother, he is survived by his sons Matthew (Amanda) and Sean; his grandchildren Blake and Mason; his sisters Brenda (Todd) Zabel of Omaha, NE and Kristin Hall of North Huntingdon; and his nieces and nephews Amelia and Melissa Zabel, Marcello Vellano, and Sydney Hall. 

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