November 25, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Loretta Jean Angotti, age 84 of Greensburg where she had been living with her daughter and family since 2016, and formerly of Clairton, Jefferson Hills, Elizabeth, and White Oak, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024 in Twin Lakes Health and Rehabilitation Center, Greensburg. Born June 6, 1940 in Fairchance, she was a daughter of the late Elmer and Dorothy (Cooley) Lancaster. A Veteran of the US Air Force, Loretta was a member of the former First United Methodist Church of Clairton and the Elizabeth Township Seniors. She worked as a nurse for many years at Jefferson Hospital, Health America, Mt. Vernon of Elizabeth, Three Rivers Hospice, and as a home care nurse. Loretta Jean will be remembered as sweet, kind, caring, and compassionate all the time and loved in every person's life she touched. She was a truly amazing mother, wife, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She loved growing up a tomboy in Clairton and was a really good softball player who liked to play all sports with her many brothers. In fact, her brother Ron would always pick her first when deciding teams: "I got Jean." Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the late Saverio Angotti, who passed away February 5, 2004, and her siblings, Ronald, Allen, Marvin, Carol, and William Lancaster. Loretta is survived by her daughter Angela Marie (Chad) Tyler of Greensburgh; her granddaughter Nina Jean Tyler; her siblings Betty Ann (Chuck) McSurdy of Donegal, Dorothy Smoyer of Bethel Park, Janet (Don) O'Dell of Columbia, MD, and Shelby (Bill) Siler of White Oak; her stepsons Timothy Angotti of Forward Twp. and J. Thomas Angotti of Glassport; and also many nieces and nephews.
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November 22, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Elaine M. (Ryan) Helsel, age 87, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024 at St. Anne Home in Greensburg. She retired as a medical secretary for Buck Medical Association in White Oak and was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. She was a Girl Scout and Day Camp leader in Mt. Vernon, a member of the former Mt. Vernon Bowling League, and a volunteer at Divine Redeemer. She belonged to several card clubs and enjoyed traveling with her late husband. Born August 1, 1937 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Vincent "Rip" and Margaret "Peg" (Berquist) Ryan and wife of the late Ronald E. Helsel. She is survived by children, Deborah (Thomas) Ruhe of Forward Twp., Ronald M. (Denise) Helsel of Naples, FL, Maureen (Scott) Young of North Huntingdon and Tamara (Alan) Pontia of North Huntingdon; grandchildren, Ryan (Christy), Jeffrey (Christine), Molly, Cameron (Gayle), Emily (John), Hayley (Ben) and Marshall; great-grandchildren, Bennett, Finnegan, Noah, Nolan, Sophia, Naomi and Hayden; siblings, Thomas (Molly) Ryan of Ligonier, Jack Ryan of Ligonier and Sandy (Mel) Ryan-Roberts of Sacramento, CA; special sister-in-law, Phyllis Ryan of Mt. Vernon; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brother, Richard Ryan; sisters-in-law, Lorraine Ryan and Marge Ryan; and in-laws, Barbara and John Bender. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Sunday, November 24, 2024 from 3–7 PM. A funeral Mass will take place on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 10 AM at St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. with the Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to Carnegie Library of McKeesport, 1507 Library Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132 as Elaine was an avid reader and supporter of the library. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
November 21, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John Raymond King, age 78, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. A Navy veteran having served during the Vietnam War, he retired after 30 years as a computer data supervisor for Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad. He was a member of Romeo's Men's Club and treasurer of the Clairton Anglers Club, where he was a member for many years. He loved movies and spending time with his grandchildren and watching them play sports. Born September 8, 1946 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late John W. and Audrey (Warne) King. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen (Appel) G. King, with whom he celebrated 58 years of marriage November 19, 2024. He was the loving father of Duane (Kelly) King of Charleston, WV, and proud grandfather of Logan Richard and Preston John King. He is also survived by a nephew, Doug; niece, Marsha; and sister, Judy (Larry) Bullington of Chattanooga, TN.
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November 18, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Jason Richard Shamber, age 51, of Lincoln Place, passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at UPMC Presbyterian. He was a grill cook for UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. He graduated from Thomas Dale High School in Chester, VA where he was involved with soccer, cross country, and indoor and outdoor track. He was a former hospitality employee for the Mirage Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, and he enjoyed all Pittsburgh sports teams. Born June 11, 1973 in McKeesport, he was a son of Samuel James and Janice (Black) Shamber of Jefferson Hills. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his daughters, Jenna (Zack Godovchik) Shamber of Lincoln Place and Alaina (C.J.) Pierce of Rockwall, TX; granddaughter, Evangeline Pierce of Rockwell, TX; also, aunts, uncles and cousins. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
November 16, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Stephen C. Pholar, age 82 of White Oak, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024 in Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital. Born August 17, 1942 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Stephen L. and Helen (Cifra) Pholar. A member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Angela Merici Church, White Oak, Stephen was a graduate of Duquesne University. He retired as the community planner for the City of Clairton, and also served as city manager, and was a former director of the West to West Coalition. Stephen is survived by his wife Margaret "Maggie" (DeCarlo) Pholar; his children Alexis (Dr. Todd) Hrbek of Greensburg and Nicholas (Apryle) Pholar of Nanti Glo; his grandchildren Maxwell, Emma, and Molly Hrbek and Amber Sims; his sister Marlene Pennington of Bethel Park; and his brother Conrad M. Pholar of Castle Shannon. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Robert J. Pholar.
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November 14, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Theresa (Pastorius) Costa, age 95, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. Theresa was born September 6, 1929 in Glassport. She was the daughter of the late Frank and Stella (Seigworth) Pastorius. Theresa was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, a Clairton High School graduate, and a salesperson for the former G.C. Murphy Co. in Clairton. She enjoyed spending time with and caring for her family. Family meant the world to Theresa. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Costa, who passed away May 30, 1993 and her daughter Carol Zuro, who passed away on February 12, 2022. Theresa is survived by her son Joseph T. (Gloria) Costa of Jefferson Hills; her son-in-law Frank Zuro; grandchildren Nicole (Tom) D'Antonio of Jefferson Hills, Michael (Leah) Zuro of Pleasant Hills, Bryan (Abby) Costa of Lodi, WI, and Jodi (Frank) Stosic of Jefferson Hills; great-grandchildren Mia and Luke D'Antonio, Dominik Zuro, Zayden and Macsen Schrott, Bayne Costa, Haylie Schwab, Destinie Bedard, and Bella and Frankie Stosic; and nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, daughter, and parents, Theresa was proceeded in death by her sisters Clara Ferree, Anne Fenton, Lena Wilson, Alberta Kehoe, Elizabeth Nowakowski, and Margaret Vezzani.
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November 12, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Linda L. (Stokes) Milas, age 79, of Forward Twp., passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024 at home. She was a retired elementary teacher in the Clairton School District and a former member of Pine Run United Methodist Church in Clairton. She enjoyed horses and competed in rodeos, and loved her animals and family. Born March 9, 1945 in West Mifflin, she was a daughter of the late James and Leta (Bowen) Stokes and wife of the late William Milas. She is survived by granddaughter, Harlie L. (John) Democko of Forward Twp. and grandson, Luke (Gia) Temple of Glassport. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by daughter, Amanda Lynn Milas. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
November 11, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
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November 07, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
November 06, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Thomas G. Banks, age 71 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024 in St. Clair Hospital in Mt. Lebanon. Born February 22, 1953 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late William Banks and Marjorie Ann (Fairbaugh) Banks Sopko. A retired store manager with the LCB/Fine Wine and Spirits stores, Thomas was also a wine aficionado and specialist holding wine appreciation events at the store. He loved to play golf, attend the summer concert series at Renzie Park, was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, and was a longtime member of the Knights of Equity. He also loved his trips to Virginia Beach and visits to family and always made time for his daughters. They will remember him as a man who found contentment in life's simple moments and took joy in making others laugh and smile. He is survived by his daughters Katie (Seth Scott) Banks of Pittsburgh and Colleen (Jacob Lowden) Banks of Akron OH, their mother and his friend Susan Kuhns, his beloved partner Kathleen Buksar of Elizabeth Twp., his sister Barbara Zapf of Newport News, VA, his brother Lawrence Banks of North Versailles, and also nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother William E. Banks and his sister Geraldine Filson.
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November 05, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Virginia (McAllister) Markley, age 104, of Clairton, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Celebration Villa of Chippewa. Ginny was born August 18, 1920 in Cherryville, Kansas, the youngest of six children. Following her mothers death, when she was 2 years old, her father moved them to Streater, Illinois. She lived there until she was 16 when her father passed away. She moved to Pittsburgh with family and graduated from Wilkensburg High School.
Ginny got a job in Large, PA, at Renzie Children's Home where she lived and helped take care of sick children. She met her husband, Donald, in Clairton and married him on November 14, 1942. They bought their 1st house on Jefferson Drive in 1950 and she lived there until she was 95 years old.
Ginny worked at J.C. Penney at Southland and Century III Mall. She had many friends and enjoyed activities including golf, bridge clubs, Friends of the Library, water vollyball, and many walks around the circle. She deliver meals on wheels until she was 93 years old. Ginny and Donald traveled with friends and after his death in 1998 she went to Eqypt and China with her best friend, Gloria Wright.
Ginny is survived by her four children; Donald (Molly) Markley and Bill (Terry) Markley, all of Palm Springs, CA, Trish Patten of Beaver, and Bob (Susan) Markley of Morgantown, WV; her grandchildren Brodie (Cassie) Patten of Center Twp., Jamie (Jessica) Patten of Beaver, Jessica (Spencer) Ford of Fairmont, WV, and Ally (Curt) Walker of Morgantown; and 9 great-grandchildren.
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November 05, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Valerie Kohut, age 66 of Forward Twp., passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Born July 20, 1958 in Monongahela, she was a daughter of the late Terry and Norma C. (Behanna) Kohut. A waitress and bartender at local restaurants, Valerie will be remembered for her big, outgoing personality. She is survived by her siblings Tammy (Joe) Posa of Forward Twp., Brian (Shelly) Kohut of Forward Twp., and Donald (Rebecca) Kohut of White Oak, and also nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Terry (Carol) Kohut. Friends will be received in the Daniel F. Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory, Versailles, on Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 2 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM. A Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 10:30 AM. Procession and burial will follow to Salem Cemetery, Rostraver Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
November 05, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Robert A. Bennett, age 76 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024 in the H.J. Heinz VA Center, Aspinwall. Born October 9, 1948 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Charles and Elizabeth (Shannon) Bennett. Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years Linda (Hare) Bennett; his children Deanna (Bob) Schweikert of Cranberry Twp., Chad Alan Bennett of Ft. Myers, FL, and Mark Robert (Kristin) Bennett of North Huntingdon; his grandchildren Emma and Ella Schweikert and Janey and Ruby Bennett and Liam Bennett; and his sister Charlene (Albert) Voss of Mims, FL.
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November 04, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Shawn D. Dodds, age 53, of West Elizabeth, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at Jefferson Hospital. He was employed as a maintenance laborer at QAI Aerospace in White Oak and was a member of the Fayette City American Legion Chapter 484. He loved to ride motorcycles and cookout for his family and friends on weekends. He loved music and playing the harmonica. A handyman of all trades, Shawn was always the joker making people laugh and smile. Born November 14, 1970, in McKeesport, he was a son of Darlene F. (Stearns) Dodds Shoemaker of West Elizabeth and the late Raymond P. Dodds, Sr. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kimberly J. (Smith) Dodds; sons, Dylan M. Dodds of Elizabeth Twp., Brandon T. (Emily) Dodds of South Park and Austin P. Dodds of West Elizabeth; granddaughter, Rosalie Dodds; grandson, Grant Dodds; sisters, Patricia L. (Joe Eori) Dodds of Sutersville and Bonnie M. (Mike) Reynolds of West Elizabeth; brothers, Raymond P. (Joyce) Dodds, Jr. of West Elizabeth, Kevin D. (Terrie) Dodds of Murfreesboro, TN and William D. (Tracy) Dodds of Richeyville; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Darlene Dodds-Soukup and a stepfather, Kenny Shoemaker. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth, on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM. An American Legion service will take place on Wednesday at 7 PM. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
November 04, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Barbara A. Fortino, age 72, of McKeesport passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024 at home. Born June 23, 1952 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Michael P. Balocik Sr. and Rose M. (Matisz) Balocik. She loved going to flea markets with her husband and spending time with her most cherished friends Bill and Margaret. Barbara was preceded in death by her friend of 30 years and husband of 18 the late Leopoldo Fortino who passed away on January 3, 2019. Barbara is survived by her brother Michael P. (Jane) Balocik, Jr.; best friends Bill and Margaret Regester; step-daughter Sherry (Erich) Hoebler and her cats, who she adored Moochy Bella and Luna. All services for Barbara are private at the request of the family.
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