May 21, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
The Rev. John David Else, known affectionately to friends and family as David, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2024, at the age of 91, in Pittsburgh. Born on March 4, 1933, in Mt. Lebanon, David's early years were marked by a spirited zest for life and a deep sense of purpose which would define his many years.
A proud graduate of Penn State, David's quest for knowledge and his desire to serve others led him to attend seminary at Nashotah House for two years, where he cultivated his vocation to help and guide others. His faith-filled life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his spiritual calling. His first church was at St. George in Waynesburg followed by several years at St. Thomas in Canonsburg. David also served in various roles at the Church of the Advent, Jeannette; St. John's, Donora; Trinity Cathedral; and St. Stephen's, McKeesport.
After his time in the ministry, David felt called to a different path, one that would allow him to support those struggling with addiction.
In his most notable professional achievement, David founded the Center for Spirituality in 12 Step Recovery, a beacon of hope for countless individuals seeking guidance and support through a 12-step program. His vision for the Center was rooted in compassion, understanding, and the unwavering belief that every person deserves a chance at redemption and a fulfilling life. He was on the opening staff and a therapist at Gateway Rehabilitation Center, and Mon Yough Rehabilitation in McKeesport, helping both of these programs get started in the early 1970's.
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May 21, 2024 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
Eugene Francis Gorman, 90, of McKeesport, passed away peacefully at Whitetail Springs Assisted Living on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Born August 6, 1933, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Frank and Elizabeth Gorman. Gene grew up in Greenfield. He was the fourth brother of siblings: Jay, Connie, Paul, and Bill (all deceased), survived by Bud, Butch, and Marzie.
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May 21, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Darien M. Clark, age 27, residing in Beaver Falls and formerly of North Huntingdon, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Forbes Hospital. He was born on August 3, 1996 in Monroeville, the beloved son of Lance (Candace) Clark and Jacinta Beltz (Jay). Darien was a graduate of Norwin High School, Class of 2014. He loved motorcycles, weight lifting, sports, and spending time with his friends. He was employed by Burnham Industrial as a Journeyman Insulator for Local 2. In addition to his parents, Darien is survived by his daughter, Ryder, girlfriend Katie Sero, three sisters, Dymphena Clark, Dreena Clark, and Dacee Clark, grandparents Michalene Chara (Dave), Karen Clark, Mark Bungo (Katie), and Mary Ellen Beltz, great-grandma Jeanne Pettus, and his beloved corgi, Beenee. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA. on Friday from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. and Saturday from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. with a service to follow in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Kaitlyn Sero on behalf of Ryder. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
May 20, 2024 |
By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes
James Gerald “Jim” Racan, 81, of Glassport, formerly of Elizabeth and Duquesne passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Jefferson Hospital. He was born in McKeesport on November 1, 1942, to the late Joseph and Pearl Crosser Racan. James was the loving husband of 47 years the late Marsha Hunt Racan. He is survived by his daughter April (Bart Elder) Racan of Glassport, son Jimmy Racan of West Mifflin, brothers Joseph Racan of North Huntingdon and Richard (Barbara) Racan of Philadelphia, sisters Carol (Michael) Straniello of Orlando Florida, Linda (James) Reynolds of Irwin, grandchildren, Cayle Racan, Elijah Racan, and Jimmy, two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, and his beloved “BFF” dog Bella. James was preceded in death by sister Shirley Molnar, daughter-in-law Candy Racan, and sister-in-law Deborah Racan. James served in the U.S. Navy. He was employed for 23 years at U.S. Steel in Homestead, and Matthews Bus Service and Port Authority for 20 years as well as S and S transit. He enjoyed playing guitar for various groups in the area, loved dancing to Doo-Wop, was a Pittsburgh Pirates fan, enjoyed going to Myrtle Beach, and loved dogs. Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, May, 28th, 2024 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, at E.C. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 235 Monongahela Ave, Glassport, PA 15045. A service will take place at the funeral home at 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the funeral home to defray costs. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com
May 20, 2024 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Daniel Salvatore Trovato, 67, of Liberty Borough, formerly of North Huntingdon, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2024. He was born August 6, 1956 in Braddock and was the son of the late Salvatore and Leona Catherine (Kropczynski) Trovato. He was the husband of the late Michele Marie (Chiaverini) Trovato who passed away June 26, 2017. Dan was a Licensed Master Plumber and was retired from US Steel Irvin Works. He had previously worked for Union Switch and Signal, Pozzuto Plumbing, Roto Rooter, General Motors, CAPCO, and Sand Castle. He enjoyed home improvement projects, gardening and lawn care, the Steelers, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, outdoor concerts, watching fireworks on the 4th of July from his driveway and making traditional Italian Pizzelle waffel cookies for everyone to enjoy. He was a 1974 graduate of Norwin High School and was a member of the Palanese League of America in Christy Park.
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May 20, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Janice A. Finnegan, age 65, of Finleyville passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at UPMC McKeesport. Born February 1, 1959, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late James A. and Angeline (Gigli) Finnegan. She was a retired crane operator for US Steel Irvin Works in West Mifflin and a US Steel union representative for many years. Janice was survived by her sisters Kathleen (Thomas) Moloney of Mathis, TX and Sandra (Keith) Stonebraker of Pittsburgh; niece and nephews Kara (Tyson) Rydze, Scott (Erika) Stonebraker, Steven (Josie) Finnegan, and Nicole Finnegan; and great-niece and nephews, Angela and Connor Rydze, and Riley Finnegan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother James D. Finnegan and his wife Nancy.
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May 20, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Ronald G. Lazur, age 75, of Rostraver Twp., passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at home. He was a former machinist at Westinghouse Air Brake Co.in Wilmerding and a lifetime social member of the Blaine Hill Volunteer Fire Company. Born August 1, 1948 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Andrew and Stephanie (Sevcik) Lazur and husband of the late Mary Joyce (Johnston) Lazur. He is survived by his siblings, Lisa (David) Barno of Elrama, James A. (Nancy) Lazur of Elizabeth Twp. and William (Stephen Strein) Lazur of Highland Park; stepdaughters, Jennifer Johnston of Belle Vernon and Laurie Johnston of Washington; granddaughter, Tori Johnston of Belle Vernon; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Lazur. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
May 20, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Joseph P. Frenock, age 82 of Elrama and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024 in Baldwin Health Care Clinic. Born February 11, 1942 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Joseph L. and Pauline (Maguda) Frenock. Joseph worked as manager for Lowes and Home Depot stores in Florida and retired from US Steel Irvin Works. He was a Vietnam War Veteran of the US Army and a member of the Buena Vista Fire Hall. His family though will remember him as a loving husband, father, and grandfather and as the best pap in the world.
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May 19, 2024 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Hall See Lee, age 88, a 70-year resident of McKeesport, PA, died on Monday, May 13, 2024. Born on November 6, 1935 in Canton China, he is the son of the late Henry King and Yee Chin Fay Thor. Hall immigrated to McKeesport, PA as a young boy. He graduated from McKeesport High School and worked at his family’s Chinese restaurant, Yee Wah, while attending the University of Pittsburgh for Civil Engineering. He eventually took over ownership and ran Yee Wah until its closing in 1968. He then applied his strong work ethic and knowledge at Westinghouse Airbrake and Adtranz. Hall often showed his love for family and friends with his love of cooking, greeting all with firm pats on the back enveloped within his bear-like hugs. His extraordinary love and dedication to family was his center for which he will be dearly missed.
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May 19, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Elaine Cray, age 72, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Forbes Hospital. Elaine was a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania and a recently retired teacher from the Elizabeth Forward School District, spending most of her time in the third grade classroom at William Penn Elementary School. In addition to Elizabeth Forward, she created the pre-school program at Port Vue United Methodist Church, where she was a former pre-school teacher. Elaine was a woman of deep faith which she modeled and shared with those who met her. She was currently attending Park Baptist Church in Versailles and was also previously an active member of Central Highlands United Methodist Church in Elizabeth Twp., serving as their Christian Education director for several years. Elaine was a passionate fan of the Beatles, attending their 1964 show at the Civic Arena at the age of 13. She also loved Barry Manilow. She enjoyed Hallmark movies, reading biographies, and completing puzzles in her cozy little “she shack” off the side of the kitchen. Elaine was a great friend and mother. She was the first many called to share news. She loved shopping with her best friend Kathy and her grandkids. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She looked forward to meeting friends for lunch now that she was retired. She and her husband John loved to go out and hear live music or grab the grandkids for dinner. She was active in restarting the Sunday School program at Park Baptist, a volunteer at Meals on Wheels in Elizabeth Forward, and the coordinator of the Bryan Hoover Scholarship Fund. Born November 12, 1951 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Arthur G. and Anna Margaret (Kovaly) Street. She is survived by her husband, John Cray; daughters, Kelly (Edward) Makay of North Huntingdon and Erin (Stephen) Pizzo of Fairview; son, Patrick (Loan) Cray of Fairbanks, AK; grandchildren, Kylie, Michael, Samuel, Ella, Patrick and Callum; brother, Ray (Kathy) Street of North Huntingdon; sister, Sherri (Paul) Harrington of Plymouth, NC; stepbrothers, Kevin Kirkman of Daytona, FL and Vaughn (Peggy) Kirkman of Lower Burrell; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brother, Jeff Street and stepmother, Jan Street. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Monday, May 20, 2024 from 4-8 PM and Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 2-6 PM. A funeral service will be Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 11 AM at Park Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Rudy Mayak officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH. Memorial contributions may be made to Park Baptist Church, 749 Center Street, McKeesport, PA 15132 or Elizabeth Forward Meals on Wheels, 100 Timothy Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
May 18, 2024 |
By Administrator | Posted in: Obituary
Wayne Ludwick, a resident of North Myrtle Beach, SC since 2014 and former longtime resident of Elizabeth Twp., PA, passed away peacefully at McLeod Seacoast Medical Center in Little River on Sunday morning, March 24, 2024. He was 86 years old.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Patricia Ann (Kushner), and his devoted sons, Eric (Nancy) Ludwick of Elizabeth Twp. and Brian Ludwick of Miami, FL. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter through his grandchildren, Steven Springer, Jason (Ale) Springer, Justin Springer, Jenna Ludwick, and Ethan “EJ" Ludwick, nieces, nephews, and many friends who were touched by his kindness and generosity.
Born in Buena Vista, PA on November 11, 1937, Wayne was the son of the late Clyde R. and Evelyn (Brown) Ludwick. In addition to his parents and siblings Russell, Carol and Robert, he was preceded in death by his daughter and son-in-law, the late Lynda (Gary) Springer of Elizabeth Twp. PA.
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May 18, 2024 |
By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes
Joyce A. Hicks Gergley, 78 of Glassport, formerly of West Elizabeth, passed away on Saturday May 18th, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in West Elizabeth on July 10th, 1945 to the late Merle and Virginia Ryan Hicks. She was the loving wife of 61 years to Michael Gergley. In addition to her beloved husband, Joyce is further survived by her children Corinda (Brian) Smith of Liberty Boro, Michael A. (Traci) Gergley of Versailles Boro, Ronald (Lori) Gergley of Glassport, grandchildren Michael A. Gergley, Blaine (Avonlea) Gergley, Samantha Gergley, Sara Gergley, Chase Gergley, Brianna (Michael) Sokolowski, Brandon Smith, and great grandchild Jacob Gergley, as well as nieces and nephews. Joyce was preceded in death by her brothers Harold States, Arthur Hicks, daughter in law Melissa Megela Gergley. Joyce was very artistic, enjoyed gambling and traveling, bowling and decorating her house, but her favorite way to spend time was with her family and loved ones. Family and friends will be received on Tuesday May 21st 2024 from 2 P.M. – 4 P.M. and 6 P.M. – 8 P.M. at E.C. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 235 Monongahela Ave, Glassport, PA 15045. A service will take place 8 P.M. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com.
May 18, 2024 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Rhonda Jean Russell, age 62, of McKeesport, PA, passed away after a lengthy illness on May 2, 2024. She was born January 17, 1962, in Sewickley, PA, and is the daughter of the late John “Jack” Howard and Theresa Frances Barnhart Russell.
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May 17, 2024 |
By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes
Carol Ann Howard Mitchell, 75, of Pittsburgh, passed away on Thursday, May 16th, 2024 at Southwestern Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Pittsburgh. She was born in Pittsburgh on September 28, 1948, to the late George E. and Elizabeth J. Kelly Howard. She is survived by son Michael (Jodi) Mitchell, of Jefferson Hills, and grandson Michael Mitchell, Jr., of Jefferson Hills. Carol was preceded in death by brother George W. “Butchie” Howard and beloved dog Shadow. She enjoyed reading, knitting, and needlepoint, as well as cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. Arrangements have been entrusted to S.M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N. 6th St, Clairton, PA 15025. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com
May 17, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Linda M. (Yeager) Ruhl, age 64, of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. She enjoyed reading. Born March 18, 1960 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Peter and Lois Yeager. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Gary P. Ruhl of Elizabeth; son, David G. (Diana) Ruhl of Castle Rock, CO; and two grandchildren. No visitation or services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to help with funeral costs. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
