December 16, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Ipparco Nicolo "Nick" Bacci, age 90 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025 in Jefferson Hospital. Born December 7, 1935 in Fiume, Italy, he was a son of the late Giovanni and Domenica (Fonovich) Bacci. As a young man, Nick was a talented soccer player, starring for the Genoa-based U.C. Sampdoria junior club. After moving to America, he served in the US Army and became a journeyman carpenter and machinist by trade, which helped when he built his own home, and as owner/proprietor of his own business: Bacci Construction. He also worked for Volkswagen of America in Fayette County. Nick kept his love of soccer going on this side of the Atlantic, becoming instrumental in the formation of the Elizabeth Forward Soccer Association and serving as the first head coach of the Elizabeth Forward High School Boys' Soccer team. He also served in the US Army, was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish - St. Michael's Church, and was a member of the YMCA in Carroll Twp. Nick is survived by his wife of 65 years Nancy (Morgan) Bacci; his children John (Wendy) Bacci of Elizabeth Twp., David (Emmy) Bacci of Murrysville, Dolores (Skip) Bingman of Elizabeth Twp., and Stephen Bacci of Winchester, VA; his grandchildren Lindsay (Justin) Pardoe, Amanda (Scott) Meneely, Ryan (Taylor), Timothy, Susanna (Kelsey), Jacob, Joel, Luke, and Lydia Bacci, Nathan Bingman, Kaitlin (Aaron) Mansfield, and Alexander, Cassidy Annabella, and Nina Bacci; his great-grandchildren Zoe, Gavin, Madisyn, Haylee, Jaxson, Zachary, Landon, Leon, and Max (Nico); his brother Guerrino (Pina) Bacci of Italy; brothers-in-law Jack (Yvonne) and George (Toby) Morgan; and also many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Nick was preceded in death by siblings Lina, Giovanni, Dolores, and Mafalda Bacci and brothers-in-law Ted and Mike Morgan.
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December 14, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
On Saturday, December 13, 2025, Janice Marie DiLonardo of Rostraver Twp. and formerly of Clairton, passed peacefully surrounded by her family. Janice lived the entirety of her most remarkable, selfless life as a devoted wife of 63 years to her husband Anthony E. "Muzz" DiLonardo. She was relentless in her role as "mom" in raising her three sons: Dean (Cathy Wolf) DiLonardo of Venetia, Anthony (Amy Beatty) DiLonardo of Rostraver Twp., and James (Kathy) DiLonardo of Chippewa. Janice also leaves behind her grandchildren Luca and Guilia DiLonardo, Ethan Wolf, and Kendall Obley; her sister Carol (the late Jack) Ruffing of Vienna, WV; her brother Felix (Paula) Fusco of Clairton; and also many nieces and nephews. Beyond her immediate family, she touched so many lives as a loving caretaker and friend advocate for the less fortunate. Janice also served as a a lector for her parish: Triumph of the Holy Cross, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton.
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December 13, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Norma Jean Schoeller, age 79 of White Oak, passed away at home on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Born January 13, 1946 in Duquesne , she was a daughter of the late Ivan and Gladys (Lyons) Shultz. A member of the Bryn Mawr Church of Christ in White Oak, Norma worked at both Sam's Club in West Mifflin and waitressed at Plug N' Piston Restaurant in Plum. She is survived by her children James (Yola) "Shultz" Schoeller of Chambersburg, Brant Schoeller of White Oak, Jeffrey Schoeller of White Oak, and Jennifer Lee Schoeller of Harrison City; and her six grandchildren: Ashley, Bradley, Brandon and Jenna Schoeller and Chase and Colton Beck. Besides her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her siblings Joanne, Bruce, and Rev. Ronald Shultz.
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December 09, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Beverly Jean Chomas, age 91, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away Monday, December 8, 2025 at home. She was a member of Elizabeth United Methodist Church and was a very talented woman. She was a member of the McKeesport Art Club and enjoyed painting, sewing and crocheting. Born October 16, 1934, she was a daughter of the late John and Margaret (McWhirter) Pierce and wife of the late William E. Chomas. She is survived by her daughters, Karen L. Cochenour of Bethel Park, Diane L. (Marty) Konopka of West Newton, Susan D. (Joey Norris) Hellett of Panama City, FL and Carol Jane (David Hvozdik) Sechrist of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Greg, Jesse, Michelle (fiance Jeff), Teea, Tara and Jayna; many great-grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, William E. Chomas Jr. and grandchildren, Nicole and Mark. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 4-7 PM. A funeral service will be Friday, December 12, 2025 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Adam Stump officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
December 09, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Dr. David E. Gombar passed away on Monday, December 8th, 2025, in Charlotte, NC after a lengthy illness. He was 77 years old. He was born in McKeesport, PA on April 5th, 1948, and lived in Clairton, PA for most of his life, only moving to Charlotte in 2012 to be closer to family. He was a resident of Carmel Hills Retirement Community for the last 11 years.
He graduated from Clairton High School in 1966, where he played for the Bears football team as a halfback and safety. Upon graduation, the Pennsylvania Industrial Chemical Corporation awarded him an academic college scholarship of $500 per year for college tuition, which allowed him to be the first of his family to attend college. Upon arriving at Geneva College, he walked-on to the football team where the coach refused to give him a uniform due to his short stature. After the coach called David's high school to confirm that he had played high school football the coach gave him a uniform. Before the first game, David not only earned a spot on the team, but he also earned a starting position at both halfback and safety due to his tenacity and speed. Plus, he returned kickoffs and punts, thus never coming out of the entire games. After his freshman year he was awarded a partial athletic scholarship due to his performance on the football field.
David loved the sciences, especially biology, where he excelled academically. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Geneva College in 1970. Entering college his aspiration had been for medical school but while at Geneva College he was influenced by the growing mainline acceptance of chiropractic care. After college he diligently worked part time jobs to put himself through the prestigious Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. Upon receiving his doctorate in 1974, Dr. D. D. Palmer offered David a professorship teaching at Palmer, but David decided to join a very active chiropractic practice in Johnstown, PA that served as an excellent internship period. Two years later, in 1976, he opened his own practice in Pleasant Hills, PA where he practiced for the remainder of his career until he had to retire in December 2011 due to health reasons.
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December 08, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Lenart J. Pollak, age 88 of Liberty Borough, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2025. Born June 26, 1937, in McKeesport, PA. He was a son of the late Steve Pollak and the late Rose (Lenart) Pollak, the husband of the late Eunice B. (Barchie) Pollak, and the father of the late Sharon Pollak. Lenart was a retired manager for various Thorofare and Foodland stores and a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish. He is survived by his children, Kathleen (Peter) Huntington of Bethel Park, PA, Tim (Nancy) Pollak of Frederick, MD, Bill (Stephanie) Pollak of Lake Ridge, VA, and Terri Mitchell of Liberty Borough, PA, his grandchildren, Katherine Huntington, Bobby (Mackenzie) Huntington, Becky (Trevor Grouse) Pollak, Nick (Hannah) Pollak, Mike (Anna) Pollak, Lacey (Joe) Serbia, Chelsea (David) Akers, Emily (Kyle Oakes) Mitchell, Casey Mitchell; and his great-grandchildren, Amelia Serbia, Zoey Grouse, and Gabe Pollak. In addition to his parents, wife, and daughter, he was preceded in death by his brother, Reverend Claude Pollak, O.S.B..
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December 06, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
George P. Apple Jr., age 97, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away Thursday, November 27, 2025 at Grandview Estates of Elizabeth. A Navy veteran, he retired after more than 40 years as a tool maker at Fisher Body. He was a member of UAW Local 544 and a former active member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. Born December 19, 1927 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late George P. Apple Sr. and Jean (Thompson) Apple and husband of 75 years of the late Cecelia (Kasmerski) Apple. He is survived by a daughter, Karen A. Henrich of South Park; sons, Dennis G. (Ginnie) Apple of Erie and Richard (Carol) Apple of Boalsburg; grandchildren, Lori, Jill, Scott and Jeffrey; great-grandchildren, Alexa, Shyan, Vincent, Jackson and Sabestian; also, nieces and nephews. Blessing and burial were private. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
December 05, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John Michael Arlia, age 79 of Clairton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the H.J. Heinz II VA Center in Aspinwall. Born April 25, 1946 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Domenico and Maria (Osso) Arlia. A U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, John worked for over 25 years with the Internal Revenue Service and before that, was a crane operator for U.S. Steel. He also was a first generation Italian-American Calabrese. John loved being an active alumnus of McKeesport High School as well as gardening, being a fifty-five year Steelers season ticket holder, and most of all being a proud Pap to his four grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Cecelia "CeCe" (Ross) Arlia; his children Michele Scott of St. Louis, MO and Peter (Richelle) Arlia of Ohio Twp., his grandchildren Jordan and Max Scott and Marco and Anthony Arlia, his brother Phillip (Evelyn) Arlia of Irwin, his brother and sister in-law John and Corrine Pfefferkorn of Clairton, and also nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brothers Peter and James Arlia.
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December 05, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Richard Petrick, age 75, of McKeesport, passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Lakeview Personal Care in Darlington. He was a retired operating room attendant at Jefferson Hospital. He was a former avid runner, loved rock and folk music, and was an animal lover. Born August 21, 1950 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Joseph C. and Margaret (Holland) Petrick Sr. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Marda (Smith) Petrick; stepson, Lynn (Marcie) Wooley of Lehigh Acres, FL; grandchildren, Brittany (Gary) Jones of New Castle, Zachary Wooley of Harrisburg and Sarah Wooley of Vero Beach, FL; stepgranddaughter, Megan (Eric) Holzer of Pittsburgh; and close friend and caregiver, Diane Barbera. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Daniel R. Petrick and Joseph C. Jr. and Sarah Petrick. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 10 AM until the time of blessing at 11 AM with Deacon Dale DiSanto officiating. Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
December 03, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Faith Obusek Wilson, age 83 of Charleroi, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Riverside Care Center, McKeesport. Born March 22, 1942 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Stanley and Hilda Slepecki. She is survived by her sons David (Dawn C.) Obusek of Ruffs Dale, Daniel Obusek of Yukon, Michael Obusek of Greenock, Robert W. (Stephanie) Obusek of Elizabeth, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands George J. Obusek and Robert Wilson, brother Ronald Slepecki, and sister Nadine Wallace.
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December 03, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
William P. Brown, age 88 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2025 in Jefferson Hospital. A Navy veteran, he retired as an electrician at U.S. Steel Clairton Works and was a former member of Bethesda United Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth. He was a life member of the American Motorcycle Association, Blaine Hill Volunteer Fire Co. and Elrama Sportsmen’s Club, a social member of the Elizabeth Borough Volunteer Fire Co., and a member of Masonic Omni Lodge 582 in Dravosburg. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and motorcycling. Born November 11, 1937 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Albert E. and Virginia (Campbell) Brown. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dolores G. (Grace) Brown; daughters, Virginia and Beverley Brown, both of Kansas City, MO; sister, Virginia “Deane” Taricco of Rolling Hills, CA; brother, Thomas P. (Bernadette) Brown of Rancho Palace Verdes, CA; sister-in-law, Helen Brown of Whitehall; also, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Albert C. Brown. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 2-5 PM. A funeral service in the funeral home chapel will be Monday, December 8, 2025 at 10 AM with the Rev. Ronald Calabro officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
December 02, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Karen Lynn (Oates) Kaufman, age 79, of Elrama passed away suddenly on Monday, December 1, 2025, in AHN Jefferson Hospital surrounded by family. Karen was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Monongahela where over the course of 60 years she served as elder, deacon, and trustee and was a vacation bible schoolteacher. Since 2020 she attended the Elrama Community Church and loved her church family. She was a former member of the White Shrine, and a Women of the Moose, Finleyville. She was a proud member and class secretary to the Monongahela High School Class of 1964. Karen found a reason to smile every day and wanted to share that smile with everyone she met. The Village of Elrama will never be quite the same. Born February 26, 1946, she was the youngest daughter of the late William B. and Bernice (Powell) Oates. In April of 1965 she married Dale E. “Bucky” Kaufman who passed away in January of 2012. She was embraced and loved by the entire Kaufman family. She is survived by her children, Dianna L. Kaufman, Richard E. (Libby) Kaufman and Colleen K. (Brian) Fulkerson. Four Grandchildren who she loved with all her heart and was so extremely proud of: Anna Kaufman, Morgan Kaufman, Lila Fulkerson and #44 Crosby Fulkerson. Her sister, Marion (Bud) Segursky of Monongahela, and her very best friend Becky (Allen) Girdler of Eubank, KY; sister-in-law, Frances Kaufman of Houston, TX and many nieces and nephews. She also loved, like her own children, Jim (Karen) Chisholm and Nicole (Bill) Reilley Dosey. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, William A. Oates, and companion, Ron Dunbar who we lost in August of 2023. Karen felt very blessed to have so many friends to laugh with and love and we were all so fortunate to have her in our lives. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth, on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 2-8PM. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jude Urso officiating. Burial to follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the Elrama Community Church, 19 Ramage Avenue, Elrama, PA 15038. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
December 01, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Marilee M. Desiderio, age 75, of Clairton, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2025 at Jefferson Hospital. She was a retired hospitality server and a member of the Daniel Keffer American Legion Post 75 Ladies Auxiliary. Born August 15, 1950 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Raymond and Cassie (McCall) Cummins. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Charles R. Desiderio; daughter, Julie Hitchens of Beaver Falls; sons, Lou (Lisa) Pavlack Jr. of Jefferson Hills and Brian (Danielle) Pavlack of Elizabeth; stepsons, Charles J. (Christina) Desiderio of Austin, TX and Ryan (Stephanie) Desiderio of Pleasant Hills; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; aunt, Dolly Nagy of Elizabeth; also, nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Aleck and Ray Cummins. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 1-5 PM. A funeral service will be Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 11 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jude Urso officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
December 01, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Carolyn (Cheskawich) Burke, age 67, of Forward Twp., passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Carolyn was a dedicated employee of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for more than 30 years, taking great pride in helping others through her various roles. A lifelong resident of Forward Twp., Carolyn knew everyone and would help anyone. Her family will remember her wit, tenacity for life, generosity, and remarkable strength. She loved preparing large meals for her family, who will miss her famous lasagna and wedding soup. She loved spending time in Elk County from childhood through her later years, and enjoyed trips to the casino, especially in retirement. Born August 9, 1958 in Monongahela, Carolyn was a daughter of the late Robert and Marian (Konwick) Cheskawich. She is survived by her partner of 28 years, Thomas Bowen of Elizabeth Twp.; son, Jeffrey (Kelsey) Burke and granddaughters, Josephine and Mabel Burke, all of Seven Fields; sister, Cathy (Warren) McLaughlin of Dallas, TX; also, nieces, nephews, many beloved cousins and extended family, and cherished lifelong friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Stephen Cheskawich. At Carolyn’s request, there will not be a viewing. Instead, family will go to some of her favorite places to share a final visit with her. In lieu of gifts, donations may be made in her honor to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at
http://www.bcrf.org. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
November 29, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Loretta M. Obusek, age 87 of Jefferson Hills, passed away at home on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Born January 31, 1938 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Oscar and Mildred (Vadas) Johnson and the wife of the late Edward J. Obusek, who passed away August 11, 2018. A retired secretary who worked at Westinghouse Bettis Plant, the Carnegie Libraries, and Penn State McKeesport, Loretta is survived by her children Karen L. (Mark) Dottle of Economy and Kenneth A. (Ellen Shudlow) Obusek of Elizabeth Twp. and her sister Doris (Raymond) Parkinson of the North Hills.
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