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Russell C. Connors

April 10, 2026 |

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

Russell C. “Russ” Connors, age 72, of Elizabeth, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2026 at home surrounded by his family. He was a retired welder for Tube City Corp. in West Mifflin. He was a member of Club 46 in Clairton where he played shuffleboard and Club 139 of Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Co. He enjoyed working on automobiles, hunting, and working his small sawmill, but most of all watching his grandchildren grow. Born July 4, 1953 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Frank B. and Evelyn (Miller) Connors. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Diane (Newman) Connors; children, Patrick (Courtney) Connors of Elizabeth, Joseph (Nikki) Palmer of Marianna and Shelby Connors of Pittsburgh; grandchildren, Finnegan, Presley, Brian, Payton and Cameron; sister, Connie (Tom) Henrich; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Frankie and Ted Connors. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 5 PM until the prayer service at 7 PM with brother-in-law Douglas Newman officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to a local animal shelter in his name. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Anna M. Galzerano

April 09, 2026 |

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

Anna M. Galzerano, age 92 of White Oak, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.  Born June 26, 1933 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Katherine (Klukaszewski) Daczkowski.  A former operator for Bell Telephone, Anna was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish.  She is survived by her sons Mark (Marion) Galzerano of North Huntingdon and Paul (Cindy) Galzerano, and her grandson Jacob Galzerano.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Carl Galzerano and son Eric Galzerano.

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Edward J. Thornton

April 06, 2026 |

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

Edward J. Thornton, age 90, of Forward Twp., passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026 in Jefferson Hospital. An Air Force veteran having served during the Korean War, he retired as a chemical catalyst technician at Hercules Chemical Company in West Elizabeth. He was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton, where he was a member of the choir. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved to golf and play Euchre. He was an excellent trumpet player and loved listening to music, especially brass band music. Born October 31, 1935 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late John R. and Ella Mae (O’Connor) Thornton and husband of the late Carol A. (Felicetty) Thornton. He is survived by his children, Mark (Suzanne) Thornton of Gloucester, VA, Paul (Val) Thornton of Forward Twp., Lynda (Larry) Rhodes of Medina, OH, Denise (Jeff) Leach of South Park and Matthew Thornton of Forward Twp.; 21 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Carol Ann Feruck of Alpharetta, GA; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Brian Thornton, and brothers, J. Bernard, William and Richard Thornton. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 4:30 to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 10 AM in St. Clare of Assisi Church. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Sandra Schmerin

April 06, 2026 |

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

Sandra Maksin Schmerin of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania passed away on April 3 at the age of 72 following an all-too-brief battle with cancer.  Sandy was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, aunt, friend, neighbor, and – most notably – wife and mother. She touched the lives of many with her warmth, sense of humor, creativity, and curiosity. She will be remembered for making everything better – whether it was a dinner party or a walk around North Park.

Growing up in Clairton, Pennsylvania provided Sandy with stories and relationships that lasted a lifetime. She loved both where she was from and the immediate and extended family that raised her there. After graduating from Clairton High School, she attended the University of Pittsburgh, which went on to play a starring role in her life. It’s where she earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees and then had her professional career.  It’s also where she met her husband and many of her lifelong friends.

She was a role model in the art of making and keeping friends. She was the common thread that brought so many together, and oftentimes when people reflect on how they met various friends, the answer was simple: “Sandy introduced us.” She kept greeting card stores in business – never forgetting to acknowledge someone on their birthday or special occasion. In recent years, when her friends had grandkids and her children’s friends had babies, she mailed cards and stickers to all of them. Prior to any holiday, her dining room table looked like an outpost of the USPS.

She was equally passionate about the sports teams she supported as the arts she frequented. It was not uncommon for her to cheer on Pitt or the Steelers and attend the symphony or a play in the same day. She was a passionate, knowledgeable sports fan whose car radio was always tuned to local sports talk, and she loved attending big games – most recently traveling to Ireland to cheer on the Steelers. Over the course of her life, she was in the stands at the Super Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, the Masters, Wimbledon, the World Series, and more, as well as an immeasurable number of T-ball through high school baseball games cheering on her son. When it came to the arts, she went to it all – from her daughter’s musicals to museum exhibits, movies, Broadway, even the Candlelight Processional at Epcot.

Speaking of Disney World, alongside New York City and London, it was perhaps her most frequented and beloved destination. She was there with her own parents the year it opened and  celebrated the resort’s 50th anniversary with her children and grandchildren. It was her happy place, and everyone joked that she didn’t require a park map to navigate – she was the map.  Travel brought her immense joy. Whether it was a road trip to Maine to take in fall foliage, a last-minute deal to Iceland, the annual Hilton Head week, or a long flight to Japan to mark her birthday – she always said yes, enthusiastically, to seeing more of the world.

That’s because she was a lifelong learner. First, in her collegiate studies, earning dual degrees in education. She then worked at Pitt’s School of Health Related Professions. After becoming a  mom, she chose to stay home with her children and build a household and family that celebrated learning, new experiences, and doing the right thing. Perhaps the best example of this was the 1995 spring break vacation she planned that her family teased her about for many years after. They went to Las Vegas and instead of hanging out in the casino or at the pool all day, she found a chocolate factory in the middle of the desert and made “the gang” go on an hour-long tour to understand how cocoa beans turn into candy bars.

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John P. Pelcharsky

March 28, 2026 |

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

John P. Pelcharsky, age 84, of Forward Twp., passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Mt. Vernon of South Park. He was a retired welder at U.S. Steel Irvin Works, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and an avid trap shooter and handgun shooter. Born February 8, 1942, in McKeesport, he was a son of the late John A. and Margaret (Grilli) Pelcharsky and husband of the late Esther Jean (Nuttle) Pelcharsky. He is survived by his daughter, Paula (Robert) Anderson of Marienville; son, Steve (Jamie) Pelcharsky of Elizabeth; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Carla Murphy of Greenock; also, nieces and nephews. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

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James A. Billy, Sr.

March 26, 2026 |

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

James A. Billy, Sr., age 79 and formerly of Clairton and Connellsville, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026  in Excela Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg.  Born April 7, 1946 in Clairton, he was a son of the late John and Margaret (Soltis) Billy.  A US Army Veteran, James attended Northern Michigan University and worked as a salesperson.  He was also a member of the Slovak Club in Connellsville.  James joins his wife, the late Janet (Owens) Billy, who passed away in September 14, 1983.  He is survived by his children Jeanine (Victor) Lukas of Scottdale, James A. (Amber) Billy, Jr. of Coraopolis, and Jackie Sever of Greensburg; his grandchildren Nathan, Henry, and Ryan Lukas and Dylan Sever; his brothers John "Jack" (Peggy) Billy of La Jolla, CA, Edward J. (Janet) Billy of La Jolla, CA, Francis "Frank" A. Billy of Clairton, and Robert "Bob" (Robin) Billy of Annapolis, MD; and also nieces and nephews.  

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Darlene Joyce (Koranda) Romano

March 24, 2026 |

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

Darlene J. (Koranda) Romano, age 83 formerly of Chicago IL and most recently of Bridgeville passed away on March 23, 2026 at Allegheny General Hospital.  Born January 17, 1943 in Chicago Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Josephine (Drotnal) Koranda.  Darlene dedicated 15 years of service to Fannie Mae Candies before her retirement.  She found great joy in playing bingo, card games, and, most of all, spending time with family and friends.  She was the cherished wife of the late George Romano Jr. Darlene is survived by her daughter, Janine (William) Cain of Bridgeville; her sister Mary Lou Crespo; her brothers Terry and Thomas Koronda; her favorite nephews Joey and Scotty Holubek; her favorite niece, Tari Holubek and her brother-in-law Joe Holubek.  Along with Darlenes parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Gino; her daughter, Janice; and many other siblings.  Darlene always loved being around people, she will be dearly missed. 

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Cassandra J. Murin

March 23, 2026 |

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

Cassandra J. Murin, age 24, of Jefferson Hills, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2026 in Jefferson Hospital. She was a former employee of Speedway in Clairton. A 2021 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, she enjoyed taking care of and shopping for her two cats and herself. Born September 2, 2001 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of Jennifer Nagy of Jefferson Hills and Jason Michael Murin of McKeesport. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her siblings, Jason Matthew Murin and Tristan and Addison Lowe, all of Jefferson Hills; also, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her brother, Barry Lowe III; grandmother, Juanita Nagy; and great-grandmother, Mary K. Lewis. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 12 noon until the time of service at 2 PM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jeff Riker officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to In Care of Cats, 1680 Fallen Timber Road, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Stephen Frost

March 23, 2026 |

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

Stephen Frost, age 62, of Elizabeth, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026. A proud Nittany Lion, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University. Stephen worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for over 30 years, most notably as the project manager for the Lower Monongahela River Project. He was a member of St. Joachim & Anne Parish, St. Michael’s Church. He felt most at home in God’s creation, whether kayaking and swimming in the “Mon,” fishing at Whipkey Dam, biking through Forward Township, or backpacking on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. He loved homemade stovetop popcorn, biblical archaeology, snapdragon flowers, the Tour de France, and going to Rob’s cabin for the week. Born July 29, 1963, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of Dolores A. (Kraszewski) Frost of Elizabeth and the late Leonard D. Frost. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 26 years, Linda F. (Lane) Frost, and his only son, Stephen D. Frost; his sisters, Deborah Balliard, Catherine Gray, Susan A. Benzo, Lynn Frost, Nanette Ragan, and Lisa M. Kotewicz; his brother, Leonard Frost Jr.; and many nieces and nephews. An avid lover of poetry, Stephen would want us to meditate on these words while celebrating his life:

At rest in the Father’s hands,

where storms grow calm and silent,

where weary souls find gentle grace,

and every wound is quiet.

Friends will be received at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 9 AM to 10:15 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 AM at St. Michael’s Church, with Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Patricia (Baldridge) Svitko

March 19, 2026 |

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

Patricia (Baldridge) Svitko, age 73 of Versailles, passed away at home on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.  Born July 4, 1952 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Edward and Mary Agnes (Martinik) Baldridge.  A former administrator of housing at Carnegie Mellon University, who also worked at St. Joseph's Church in Port Vue, Patricia is survived by her sons Nathan (Erin) Svitko of Charlotte, NC and Derek (girlfriend Stephanie Wells) Svitko of Brookline; her siblings Ronald Baldridge of Rochester Mills, Ricki Vorkapich of McKeesport, Edward L. Baldridge, Jr., and Chrisann Gaska of New Hampshire; and also nieces and nephews.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Ethel Mary Leone.

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Judith A. Gibala

March 18, 2026 |

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

Judith A. Gibala, age 84 of McKeesport, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026 in UPMC Shadyside. She was a former member of First Methodist Church of McKeesport. Born March 9, 1942 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Alice (Jellison) Dunn. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Thomas P. Gibala; son, Gregory (Debi) of Elizabeth Twp.; two daughters; grandchildren, Nathaniel and Joshua; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, James and Dwight Dunn. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Arrrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Lois Velliky

March 16, 2026 |

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

James A. Billy, Sr., age 79 and formerly of Clairton and Connellsville, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026  in Excela Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg.  Born April 7, 1946 in Clairton, he was a son of the late John and Margaret (Soltis) Billy.  A US Army Veteran, James attended Northern Michigan University and worked as a salesperson.  He was also a member of the Slovak Club in Connellsville.  James joins his wife, the late Janet (Owens) Billy, who passed away in September 14, 1983.  He is survived by his children Jeanine (Victor) Lukas of Scottdale, James A. (Amber) Billy, Jr. of Coraopolis, and Jackie Sever of Greensburg; his grandchildren Nathan, Henry, and Ryan Lukas and Dylan Sever; his brothers John "Jack" (Peggy) Billy of La Jolla, CA, Edward J. (Janet) Billy of La Jolla, CA, Francis "Frank" A. Billy of Clairton, and Robert "Bob" (Robin) Billy of Annapolis, MD; and also nieces and nephews.

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Mary Jane Mundorff

March 16, 2026 |

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

Mary Jane (Ofcharik) Mundorff, age 89, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Jefferson Hospital. She was a former nurse at Children’s Hospital, activities director at Southwestern Nursing Center and director of the Clairton food bank. In 1984, she was named the South Hills “Woman of the Year.” Born February 17, 1937, in North Charleroi, she was the daughter of the late John Ofcharik Sr. and Mary Anne (Sassak) Ofcharik and wife of the late Joseph L. Mundorff. She is survived by her sons, Rich Mundorff of Myrtle Beach, SC and Ron Mundorff of Belle Vernon; grandchildren, Tyler, Jaylene and Ryan Mundorff; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sisters and brothers. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 3-7 PM. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Matt Fricker officiating. Private burial at Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to https://gofund.me/01b761e40. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Margaret June Andrews

March 16, 2026 |

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

Margaret June Andrews, age 96 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away at home peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, March 14, 2026.  Born June 5, 1929 in Dravosburg, she was a daughter of the late John T. and Marie (Striegel) Murtha and wife of the late James M. Andrews, who passed away December 29, 2000. 

June was a stay-at-home mom until all of her children graduated high school.   She then went to work as a talented seamstress for Minnesota Fabrics allowing her to show off her sewing skills.  Her creations hung in the store as examples of what fabric would look when complete.  June retired when the company went out of business.

She was a member first of St. Pius Church in McKeesport and later Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish – St. Michael’s Church in Elizabeth Twp.  She was a lifelong member of the Christian Mothers – first at St. Pius and later at St. Michael’s.  While attending St. Pius, she spent many years on the board, serving in many capacities, including multiple years as president.  June was also a lifelong member of the Catholic Daughters of America, earning her fifty year membership pin. 

She is survived by her children Susan (Michael) Krznaric of Elizabeth Twp., Michael J. (Lisa) Andrews of Walnut Creek, CA, and Kathy (David) Henderson of Greenock; her grandchildren Jamie Blalock of Pelham, AL, James (Jordan) Krznaric of Pleasant Hills, Cole Andrews of San Francisco, CA, Alena Andrews of Vermont, and Cooper Andrews of Los Angeles, CA; her siblings Ronald (Lita) Murtha and James (Jackie) Murtha; her chosen grandchildren Natalie, Kathleen, Ethan, and Allison Glessner; and also many nieces and nephews.  Besides her parents and husband, June was preceded in death by her daughters Pat (George) Blalock of Pelham, AL and Mary Jo (Ken Thornton) Andrews of McKeesport; and her siblings Lou (Lois) Murtha, Kenneth (Esther) Murtha, William (Audrey) Murtha, Robert (Shirley) Murtha, and Joseph Glenn (Darlene) Murtha.

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Wanda J. Noll

March 10, 2026 |

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

Wanda J. (Ward) Noll, age 74, of Harlingen, TX, formerly of Elizabeth, passed away Monday, March 9, 2026 at UPMC Presbyterian. A former member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp., she retired as the former owner of Rostraver Auto Parts since 1976. She enjoyed playing bingo, going to the casino, building puzzles and reading books. She loved watching birds and taking care of her dog, Odie. Born March 13, 1951 in Hinton, WV, she was a daughter of the late Billie and Virginia (Whitten) Ward and wife of the late Francis A. “Frank” Noll. She is survived by her daughters, Sandra (James Smith) Kobielus of West Mifflin and Andrea Nash of Baden; son, Brian (Sonia Myers) Noll of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Matthew (Victory), Julie (Jayvon), Heidi, Morgan, Brianna and Brian (Brittany) Jr.; great-grandchildren, Jayvon Jr, Aviana, Kadyn, Caleb, Brian III and Bryson; brothers, Jessie Ward of Belle Vernon, Dannie Ward of Harlingen, TX and Billie Ward of Naoma, WV; also, nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be Friday, March 13, 2026 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Ed Slate officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.