Thomas R. Stephenson, Sr.

September 03, 2017 |

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

Thomas R. Stephenson, Sr., age 71 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2017 in Jefferson Hospital.  Born July 26, 1946 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Thomas H. Stephenson, Jr. and Elizabeth J. (Blaha) Stephenson.

Jennifer Nichole Sprowls

September 03, 2017 |

By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes

Jennifer Nichole Benjock Sprowls, known lovingly as “Bunny” to some, 41, of Dravosburg, passed away on Saturday September 2, 2017.  She was born June 7, 1976 in Pittsburgh to Paul J. Benjock and Deeni Chismar Tarre. Along with her parents, Jennifer is survived by step-mother, Sandra Benjock; brothers, Ryan A., Paul V., and Matthew J. Benjock all of West Mifflin; sister Emily E. Benjock also of West Mifflin; step-sisters, Debora (Michael) Gianelli of CA, and Patricia Tarre of Elizabeth City, NC; step brothers, Philip Tarre of Hope Mills, NC and Patrick (Amanda) Tarre of Fayetteville, NC, and her beloved dogs and cats. She was a 1994 graduate of McKeesport Area High School, a 1996 graduate of Pittsburgh Beauty Academy, co-owner of Lou Louz Beauty Salon in Wilmerding, a beauty consultant for nursing homes and elderly shut-ins, a volunteer at Carnegie Library in Homestead, and a lover of animals.  Family and friends will be received on Tuesday September 5, 2017 from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 pm at I. M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 203 4^th Street, Dravosburg,  PA   15034. A service will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at 11:00 am followed by interment at St. John’s Cathedral Byzantine Cemetery in Munhall.  Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com

Earl H. Bernath

September 03, 2017 |

By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Earl H. Bernath, age 71 of Glassport, formerly of West Mifflin, died September 1, 2017 at AHN Jefferson Hospital. Born November 8, 1945 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Earl H. and Zella I. (Paxon) Bernath, and loving husband of Elby (Orbin) Bernath for 50 years. Earl worked for US Steel National Tube Works for many years where he ran the overhead cranes and also worked in the rolling pits. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and especially loved spending time with his family. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Linda Bernath of Glassport, Tina Bernath of Glassport, and Earl (Cary) Bernath of Port Vue; grandchildren, Timmy Tatters of Glassport, Destiny (Zach) Tatters of Elizabeth, and Bailee Bernath of Port Vue; great-grandchildren, Gabbie Bryne and Joseph Delancey; siblings, Linda Savage of McKeesport, Jeannie Garish of Irwin, Beverly Birr of McKeesport, Kathy Luera of White Oak, Clarence Moffitt of Meadville, and Charles Bernath of McKeesport; also many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Donna Ehrhardt, Edna Oatman, and James Moffitt. Family and friends will be received at Willig Funeral Home & Crematory on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the family. Condolences may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com

Thomas W. "Puck" Paquet, Jr.

September 03, 2017 |

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

Thomas W. "Puck" Paquet, Jr., age 65 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Friday, September 1, 2017 in Jefferson Hospital.  Born April 7, 1952 in Elizabeth Twp., he was the son of Dorothy (Caster) Paquet of Elizabeth Twp. and the late Thomas W. Paquet, Sr.. 

Helen Zalewski

September 03, 2017 |

By Wojciechowski Funeral Home | Posted in: Wojciechowski Funeral Home

HELEN ZALEWSKI, 98, a longtime resident of Glassport, passed away on Sept. 3, 2017.  Wife of the late Joseph H. Zalewski and mother of recently deceased son, Joseph W. Zalewski (Joseph died 5/21/17).  Helen is survived by beloved son, Francis E. (Margaret) Zalewski; grandchildren Thomas (Stephanie) Zalewski, Molly Zalewski, Anna (Keith) Etzweiler and Maureen (Edward) Regnier; 6 great grandchildren and daughter-in-law, Paulette Zalewski.  The family thanks the staff at the Woodhaven Care Center in Monroeville for the diligent and personal care given the past 4 years.  Friends received Wojciechowski Funeral Home, 640 Vermont Ave., Glassport Wed. 2-4 and 6-8.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Thurs. at Queen of the Rosary Parish.  Interment following Calvary Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Animal Friends, 562 Camp Horne Rd., Pittsburgh Pa 15237.

Nick "SHOOSH" Pilipovich

September 02, 2017 |

By Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home | Posted in: Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home

NICK “SHOOSH” PILIPOVICH, 85, South Park, formerly of Duquesne, died Sept. 2, 2017.  He is the son of the late Bozo and Anna (Buchko) Pilipovich.  He is survived by his beloved wife Milica “Mitzie” (Baskot); sons Nick Pilipovich of South Park and David (Kelly) Pilipovich of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren Kyle and Kelsey Pilipovich; brother George (the late Sally) Pilipovich and his wife Joanne; brother-in-law Walter “Vlade” and his wife Diane “DeeDee” Baskot; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by brother Michael “Flip” Pilipovich; sister Ann “Anka” Kresovich and her husband Steve; brother-in-law Dushan “Duddy” Baskot and his wife Mary; sister-in-laws Zora Nedzbala and her husband Gabe;  Myra Farrell and niece Lisa Farrell.  Nick graduated from C.B. Weaver Real Estate School and was the owner/operator of Huckster’s Bar and Restaurant.  Nick was a member of St. Sava’s Serbian Orthodox Church, where he served as a tutor (usher); Masonic Lodge 765; Syrian Shriner’s Tall Cedars Caravan 38; SNF Federation Lodge 76; Pres. of the Duquesne-Duquesne Annex Tavern Assoc. for 40 years; Pres. of Duquesne School Authority for the construction of JFK Elementary School; Vice Pres. of Duquesne School Board; Pres. of Hucksters Booster Travel Club; booked all the events for the Duquesne Serbian Club in the 1950’s.  He loved all Pittsburgh sports and playing cards with his friends; traveling and attending Serbian basketball tournaments.   He lived for his sons, including watching Air Force Academy Basketball games.  He often told his sons “Don’t ever forget where you came from”.  Nick was a very generous man and loved to help everyone. He will be sadly missed by all, especially his St. Sava’s family.  Friends received Teichart-Gracan Funeral Home, Duquesne, Mon. 2-8.  A funeral blessing will be held 10:30 am Tues. in the funeral home followed by an 11:00 am funeral serbice at St. Sava’s Serbian Orthodox Church with the Very Rev. Stevan Rocknage.  Entombment following Jefferson Memorial Park. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Sava’s Serbian Orthodox Church or the American Cancer Society.

Caroline Przywarty

September 01, 2017 |

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

Caroline Przywarty, age 94 of North Versailles, formerly of Liberty Borough, died August 31, 2017 at UPMC McKeesport. Born April 23, 1923 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Josephine (Pasko) Piotrowski, and loving wife of the late Edward P. Przywarty. During the war, she worked at J&L Mill, however her greatest achievement was being a homemaker, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandma. Caroline was truly everyone’s grandma! She spent her life enjoying the time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She rode quads with her grandsons into her 90’s. She lived in Liberty Borough for 30 years before moving to Point Pleasant Retirement Community. Caroline found pleasure in the simple things in life, whether it be the sun shining on her face, or the beauty of growing her vegetable garden. She was quiet and unassuming and was an attentive listener.  She was simply the best! She is survived by her children, Pamela (Wayne) Kucich of White Oak, Karen (Don) Coughenour of Orangeburg, SC, and Cindy (Tom) Owoc of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Kristy (John) Scherf, Michael (Carolyn) Kucich, Branden (Heather) Kucich, Jessica (Dan) Holland, Lindsay (Matt) Brown, Donnie Coughenour, Clay Owoc, Zachary Owoc, and Kylie Owoc; great-grandchildren, Hunter, Parker, Emily, Abigail, Anthony, Karsen, Dixie, Mason, Reagan, Reese, Franklin, Ruby, Noah, Emma Grace, Sage, Riley, McKenzie, and Cash; siblings, Sophie (the late Sam) Bondi of Fox Chapel and Thomas (the late Dorothy) Piotrowski of McKeesport; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Edmund Przywarty; and siblings, Stanley Piotrowski, John Piotrowski, Victoria Ploszay, Eleanor Sharik, and Louis Piotrowski. Family and friends will be received at Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory on Monday, September 4, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 10 a.m. at St. Mark Parish, Liberty Borough Site. Father Daniel Straughn will officiate. Burial will follow at New St. Joseph Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at www.jaycox-jaworskifh.com

Ray A. Armstrong

September 01, 2017 |

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

Ray A. "Granny" Armstrong, age 77, of West Elizabeth, passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at home. He was a tire man for PJ Dick and Trumbull. He was a lifetime member of 61 years of the West Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Company, a former member of West Elizabeth Borough Council, and a member of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66. 

Matthew R. Young

September 01, 2017 |

By William Snyder Funeral Home | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

James T. Kerr Jr.

August 30, 2017 |

By William Snyder Funeral Home | Posted in: William Snyder Funeral Home

James T. Kerr Jr., 48, of Claridge, died unexpectedly Monday August 28, 2017. He was born January 12, 1969 in Braddock, a son of James T. Kerr of North Huntingdon and the late Linda (Ryan) Kerr. Jim was a transportation refrigeration mechanic for SuperValu, New Stanton, and Penske Truck Leasing, Mt. Pleasant. Jim was an outdoorsman and enjoyed boating, camping, hunting, and fishing. In addition to his father he is survived by his wife Jennifer L. Kerr; his sons James T. Kerr III and Tyler Kerr; his sister Cindy Kemerer and her husband Norm of Apollo; also nephews and niece Michael and Erica Kemerer, and Luke and Dalton.

Pearl Pavelko

August 30, 2017 |

By willig | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Pearl Pavelko, 90 of Liberty Borough, died August 28, 2017 at St. Clair Hospital.  Born June 2, 1927 in Duquesne, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Barbara Greso and wife of the late Joseph Pavelko.

Ronald Peter Suncine

August 30, 2017 |

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

Ronald Peter Suncine, age 79 of North Huntingdon, formerly of McKeesport, died August 28, 2017 at Southwestern Veterans Center.  Born May 21, 1938 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Peter Suncine and Margaret (Bernard) Serdy.

Sophie (Nikolich) Kovacs

August 30, 2017 |

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

Sophie (Nikolich) Kovacs, 87, of Mt Lebanon, formerly of Duquesne, Passed away Peacefully in Family Hospice and Palliative Care, Mt Lebanon, August 28, 2017. Born in McKeesport, March 30, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Alec and Anna Grantz Nikolich. Mrs. Kovacs was a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, McKeesport. the Holy Trinity Kolo of Duquesne, and the Order of the Eastern Star, Duquesne Chapter. She was also a retired employee of Penn - Taft Pharmacy, West Mifflin. She was the beloved wife of the late Zoltan E. Kovacs. She is survived by two loving daughters, Alexis (Bill) Nestor and Monica (Tom Morgan) Kovacs; four grandchildren, Dan (Tracy) Ford, William Ford, Julian Horta Kovacs and Christian Horta Kovacs; three great grandchildren, Rowan, Ripley and Ryan Ford; and nieces and nephews.

Wanda J. Balawejder

August 29, 2017 |

By William H. Craig Funeral Home | Posted in: William H Craig Funeral Home

Wanda J. Balawejder, age 98, former McKeesport resident, passed away August 28, 2017 in Excela Hospital, Greensburg.

She had been a resident of St. Ann's Home in Greensburg for eight years. Wanda was the wife of the late Joseph Balawejder. She is survived by daughters Dorothy (John) Clougherty, Mary Ann (Thomas) Smith and sons Robert (Shelly) and Martin Balawejder. She is also survived by five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Mary Theresa Santora

August 29, 2017 |

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

Mary Theresa Santora, age 66 of McKeesport, died Wednesday, August 23, 2017.  She was born in New Kensington on September 13, 1950, the daughter of the late Perry and Jayne Devine Holsinger.