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Carolyn K. Rockwell

July 16, 2025 |

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

Carolyn K. (Kemp) Rockwell, age 93, of Elizabeth, passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at The Residence at Arrowood. She retired after 15 years as a secretary at McKeesport Presbyterian Church, where she was also a member. She graduated from the Columbia Hospital School of Nursing in 1953 and was a former employee at Monongahela Valley Hospital, Dr. Howard Gadd, Dr. Fred Kline and Dr. Clayton Culbertson where she was commonly known as Rocky. Born May 21, 1932 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Edward and Lena (Duke) Kemp and wife of the late Robert J. Rockwell. She is survived by her sister, Dorothy K. (Robert) Welty of West Elizabeth; nephews, Kenneth Jacobs of Elizabeth, Raymond (Pam) Jacobs of Vanderbilt and Bob (Cathy) Welty of West Elizabeth; and niece, Carolyn Ralph of Irwin. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by nephews, Edward Welty, Jeffrey Jacobs and James Jacobs. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 4-7 PM. A funeral service will be Monday, July 21, 2025 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Gary Filson officiating. Private interment will be in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. Memorial contributions may be made to McKeesport Presbyterian Church, 1510 Versailles Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

 

 


Mary R. (Gornick) Barron

July 16, 2025 |

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

Mary R. Barron, age 93 of Deland, FL and formerly of White Oak and Edgewater, FL, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025 in Woodland Towers Assisted Living in Deland.  Born May 10, 1932 in Versailles, she was a daughter of the late Nicholas and Danica "Daisy" (Jerant) Gornick.  A US Air Force Veteran of the Korean War and member of the former St. Angela's Church in White Oak, Mary was also preceded in death by her husband, the late Joseph Edward Barron, who passed away May 23, 1989, her son Joseph Eugene Barron, who passed away October 27, 2024, and her siblings Rose M. Hurbanek, Stephen "Phil" Gornick, Katie Susan, and Anna Odorcic.  She is survived by her son David A. Barron of Deland, FL; her grandchildren Joseph (Stephanie) Barron, Jr., Heather (Elle) Barron, Kyle (Jennifer) Barron, and Paige (Jacob) Nealis; her great-grandchildren Anthony, Andrew, Briar, Reid, and Mac; her brother Bill (Loretta) Gornick of Manassas, VA; daughter-in-law Eileen Barron; and also nieces and nephews. 

 
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Audrey L. McGinn

July 10, 2025 |

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

Audrey L. McGinn, age 86, of Elizabeth, formerly of Dravosburg, passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Southwestern Nursing Center. A member of Elizabeth United Methodist Church, she was a former dietary aide at Kane Nursing Home in McKeesport and a former housekeeper at U.S. Steel, Irvin Works. Born May 17, 1939 in Glassport, she was a daughter of the late Elmer and Elizabeth (Kostura) Furst and wife of the late Francis R. McGinn. She is survived by sisters, Mary “Dew” (Curt) Briggs of Elizabeth Twp., Cynthia Ann Kukulka of Elizabeth Twp., Karen Goreck of Port Vue, Nancy Lee Furst of Elizabeth and Pamela (Don) Pishney of Elizabeth Twp.; brothers, John (Karen) Furst of Scottdale and Elmer (Katie) Furst Jr. of Dunbar; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sisters, Debra Donnelly and Joyce Jones, and brother, Francis Furst. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Monday, July 14, 2025 from 12 noon until the time of service at 4 PM with the Rev. Adam Stump officiating. Private burial will be in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to Elizabeth United Methodist Church, 317 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

 


Gerald A. Ward

July 09, 2025 |

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

Gerald Anthony Ward, age 86, of Clairton passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Transitions Health Center in Irwin. Born March 24, 1939, in Clairton, he was the son of the late Thomas and Anna (Flynn) Ward. Gerald was a veteran of the US Air Force, who proudly served during the Vietnam War at the Greenland Air Force Base. He retired from Eastman Chemical Mill in West Elizabeth as a Hazmat Safety Manager and was a member of the American Legion #75 in Clairton. Gerald was preceded in death by the love of his life, Linda Muster who passed away on May 1, 2023. He is survived by his stepchildren Richard (Greta) Muster of Clairton, Randy (Sherri) Muster of Bristow, VA, and Tina (Craig) Pracht of Mars; grandchildren Cody, Dolan, and Kyle Ward, Kaylee (Britt) McKibben, Loren Muster, Sara (Matt) Lott, and Ian (Danielle) Trumpie; great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; nieces; sister-in-law Ida Ward; and brother-in-law Ray Mitro. In addition to his parents and partner, Gerald was preceded in death by his son Thomas Ward; grandson Freddy (Amy) Pegher; and siblings Thomas, Donald, Regis, and George Ward, and Joyce Anne Mitro.

 
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Barbara Hough

July 09, 2025 |

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

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Barbara W. Hough, 85, of Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Barbara passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 6, surrounded by her loving family after a brave and determined fight against cancer. Born and raised in Elizabeth, PA, Barbara made Pleasant Hills her home for the past 63 years. She was known for her strength, compassion, and candid spirit. Fiercely loyal and endlessly loving, Barbara found her greatest joy in being close to those she cared about, often going above and beyond for her family. Barbara built a long and respected career supporting local eye care professionals, all while dedicating herself wholeheartedly to her family. She cherished life’s simple joys—shopping trips, cherished family traditions, and especially Sunday dinners filled with laughter and connection. She was preceded in death by her parents, Agnes and Robert Watson. She is survived by her beloved husband, Rex Hough; daughter, Laurie Bowers; son, Rex Hough and his wife, Jill Hough; and her adored grandchildren, Matthew and Rachael Bowers. Her legacy lives on in each of them, carried forward with love and gratitude. A celebration of Barbara’s life was held at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, with services at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), 333 East Carson Street, Suite 441, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, an organization close to her heart, and/or the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at www.upmchillman.com/donate. Barbara’s warmth, resilience, and unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

 

 


Kathleen A. Large

July 08, 2025 |

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

Kathleen A. Large, age 78, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away Monday, July 7, 2025 in Baldwin Health Center. She retired after 13 years as a custodian for the Elizabeth Forward School District. Born October 8, 1946 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Alice (Bennett) Milano and wife of the late Austin D. “Bud” Large. She is survived by her daughter, Valerie (Jim) Piontek of Baldwin; sons, Steven (Sue) Large of Elizabeth Twp. and Michael Large; grandchildren, John McDonough, Megan McDonough, Shannon Troesch, Carly Large and Samantha Large; six great-grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews. There will be a memorial gathering at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, July 11, 2025 from 3-7 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 1640, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

 


Charles Cole Jr.

July 07, 2025 |

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

Charles Cole Jr., age 89, of Menallen Twp., passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025 at home. An Army veteran, he was a self-employed mechanic for more than 60 years and owned and operated Phil’s Auto in Elizabeth for 15 years. He collected antique cars, was a huge John Wayne aficionado, and enjoyed going to the casino with his wife. Born June 24, 1936 in Uniontown, he was a son of the late Charles Cole Sr. and Rosalee (Teets) Cole. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Susan M. (Gibson) Garber Cole; daughters, Cheryl Cole of Smithton and Eva (Wayne) Holland of Georgia; son, Daniel (Chris) Garber of North Huntingdon; grandchildren, Robert Buchina, Cole Buchina, Alora Marie Holland (Mark) Butler, Wayne Dean Holland, Kelan Garber and Ginerva Garber; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchildren; brother, Ray Metts; also, many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Clarence “Budd” Garber; granddaughter, Sarah Holland Nichols; sisters, Pattie (Ronald) Lewis, Mary Jean (William) Thomas and Shirley Coulson; and best friend, Robert Pirc. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Thursday, July 10 from 2 PM until the time of funeral service at 5 PM. Private inurnment will be in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, 850 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 2222, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

 


Francis W. Oates Jr.

July 07, 2025 |

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

Francis W. “Frank” Oates Jr., age 89, of Forward Twp., passed away peacefully at his son’s home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, July 6, 2025. A Marine Corps veteran, he was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth and the Bricklayers Local Union 9 in Pittsburgh. He owned and operated Frank Oates Masonry Inc. in Elizabeth for 50 years and was a hard worker all his life. He enjoyed farming as a hobby and raised beef cows. Frank was a loving guy who was all about his family and friends. Born March 22, 1936 in Finleyville, he was a son of the late Francis Oates Sr. and Clara (Barton) Oates and husband of the late Glenda Ann (Trumpe) Oates. He is survived by his children, Glenn (Tammy) Oates of Elizabeth, Frank (Renee) Oates of Forward Twp. and Debbie Oates of Elizabeth; grandchildren, Timi Lee (James), Glenn David, Frankie IV and Shane; great-grandchildren, Daniel, DeJuanna, Danika, Bo James, Zander, Nyiah and Juliete; siblings, Gary (Kathy) Oates, Bruce (Helen) Oates and Clara DeMaio; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Daniel Lazar, and brother-in-law, Russell DeMaio Sr. Friends will be received at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be in the funeral home chapel Thursday July 10, 2025 at 10 AM with Pastor Benjamin Schneider officiating. Burial will follow at Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

 


Sr. M. James Toth

July 03, 2025 |

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

“O sacrament most holy, O sacrament divine,

all praise and thanksgiving

be every moment Thine.”

Sister James was welcomed home by the Divine Redeemer on July 3, 2025. She had been preparing for this meeting with the Lord for many days.

She died very peacefully surrounded with the prayers of the Sisters.

Sister Mary James (Mildred Toth), the daughter of Michael and Anna Toth, was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 17, 1922 and was a member of St. Margaret Parish.

Sister James entered the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer in 1942 and professed vows 2and ½ years later. She received her B.S. in Education from St. John’s College in Cleveland and began teaching grades 3-4 at St. Elizabeth School in Buffalo, New York. She also taught in Ohio (Cleveland and Fairport) and for many years in various elementary schools in Pennsylvania (St. Bartholomew in Penn Hills, St. Paulinus in Clairton, St. Michael in Elizabeth, and James Lavell in Munhall). Sister particularly enjoyed teaching second graders about the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. From 1964-1969 Sister was Novice Directress for those preparing to become Sisters of the Divine Redeemer. She also served on the Provincial Council from 1979-1982 and as Local Superior from 1983-1988.

When Sister James “retired” from teaching, she helped wherever she was needed including driving and always remained faithful to prayer. She had a special devotion to the Holy Eucharist, the Sacred Heart, and the Blessed Mother. Her soul burned in love for her Lord, the Divine Redeemer.

Sister James remained close to her family and was greatly loved by them all. The phone calls, frequent visits, annual vacations were always within the family setting.

On the lighter side, Sister James enjoyed playing pinochle with her family, working jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and word finds. During her teaching years, Sister enjoyed stamp collecting and looking for “rare” coins. She had a “sweet tooth” and enjoyed chocolates and desserts.

Sister James was preceded in death by her parents, Mr/Mrs Robert (brother) and Alvira Toth, Mr/Mrs Michael (brother) and Arlene Toth. She is survived by Mr/Mrs Edward and Louise (sister) Merker, many nephews and nieces, grand nephews and nieces.

Sister Mary James was the first Sister in our Congregation to have celebrated her 103 birthday. She lived a holy and fruitful life and was an example to all and greatly loved. May she rest in peace.

 
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Faith Ann Ferree

July 03, 2025 |

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

Faith Ann Ferree, age 92, of Glassport, passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Born April 9, 1933 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Hobart McKinley and Clara (Schneider) Ferree. She is survived by a brother, Alvin L. Ferree of Jefferson Hills; also, several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, William James Ferree, William Newton Keene and Gwendolyn Robis. No visitation or services are planned. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

 


Dorothy V. Opfar

June 27, 2025 |

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

Dorothy V. Opfar, age 74, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away suddenly Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Allegheny General Hospital. She was a lifelong member and organist of Prayer Time Cathedral in White Oak. Born July 25, 1950 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Thomas and Dorothy V. (Eschelbacher) Opfar. She is survived by her siblings, Thomas (Wynn) Opfar Jr. of Plantation, FL, Edward (Melisa) Opfar of McKeesport and Robert (Erin) Opfar of Greenock; also, many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Linda (Harry) Fuller and uncle, the Rev. Robert Walney. Friends will be received at the Prayer Time Cathedral, 2943 Jacks Run Road, White Oak, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be at the church Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 10 AM with the Rev. Emerson Williams Jr. officiating. Burial is private in Round Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Prayer Time Cathedral, PO Box 86, Boston, PA 15135. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

 


Anca Maria Maloney

June 24, 2025 |

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

Anca Maria Maloney, age 46 of Boston, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025 in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh.  Born February 7, 1979 in Romania, she is a daughter of Gelu and Maricela Chircor.  An assistant tax consultant for twenty years, Anca Maria graduated at the top of the class in economics at Danubius University in Romania.  Besides her parents, she is survived by her husband Sean Michael Maloney. 

 
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Harriet Leona Shash

June 23, 2025 |

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

Harriet Leona Shash, age 76 of Greenock, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, June 21, 2025.  Born September 27, 1948 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Leona (Bero) Pahlman.  A retired nurse and case manager for Aetna Behavioral Health, Harriet was a parishioner of St. James Roman Catholic Church in the West End where she was very active in the church community.  Harriet enjoyed watching her children in sports, taking part many times as a baseball or softball scorekeeper, or coaching the game itself.  She also enjoyed going to bingo and the casino with her friends, and Lady Luck was always on her side. Harriet enjoyed fishing, camping and making fly fishing lures. She is survived by her husband of 56 years Gary Shash; her children Wendy Ludwick of McKeesport, Kimberly Shash of Pittsburgh, Christopher Shash of Monroeville, and Amy (Greg) McDonnell of Isanti, MN; her grandchildren Brendan, Kaylee, Taylor, Josslyn, Christian, Jameson, Rowan, Finnegan, Tristan, Michael, Quinn, and Aidan; and also her nieces and nephews.

 
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Belinda Faith Bell

June 21, 2025 |

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

Belinda Faith Bell, age 73 of Greenock, passed away at home on Saturday, June 21, 2025.  Born October 6, 1951 in Quantico, VA, she was a daughter of the late Milton C. and Faye (Sporio) Bayles.  A retired critical care nurse for UPMC McKeesport, Belinda is survived by her husband Robert E. Bell, her daughter Angela (Mark) Singer of Versailles, her son John M. (Kelley) Kurta, Jr. of Wexford, her grandson Justin Kurta of Wexford, her brother James T. (Roberta) Bayles of Lake Havasu, AZ, and also her nieces and nephews.

 
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Lillian D. Prosperino

June 21, 2025 |

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

Lillian D. Prosperino, age 34 of Clairton, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025 in Jefferson Hospital.  Born July 24, 1990 in Whitesburg, KY, she was a daughter of Paul A. Prosperino of Clairton and the late Donna (Frazier) Prosperino.  After receiving her master's degree, Lillian worked as a counselor.  Besides her father, she is survived by her sister Paula Nicole Frazier of Lexington, KY; her boyfriend Joseph Williams; and her nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

 
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