May 17, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Linda M. (Yeager) Ruhl, age 64, of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. She enjoyed reading. Born March 18, 1960 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Peter and Lois Yeager. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Gary P. Ruhl of Elizabeth; son, David G. (Diana) Ruhl of Castle Rock, CO; and two grandchildren. No visitation or services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to help with funeral costs. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
May 16, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Maureen N. Wilding, age 75 of Clairton, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 in Jefferson Hills Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. Born February 8, 1949 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Cyril D. and Christine (Donahue) Brain. A former medical assistant for Allied Home Health, Maureen will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother "GG". Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Roger L. Wilding, who passed away November 26, 2001; her sons Andrew and Eddie Wilding; and her sister Mary Elaine Hardinger. Maureen is survived by her children Christina "Chris" (John) Malone and Michael Wilding, both of Clairton; grandchildren Kirstin (Kellen McLemore) and Leigha (Jay Luketic) Hohl; great-grandchildren Kellen Jr., Aryanna, and Anastasia McLemore; and also nieces and nephews.
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May 16, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Joyce E. (Rosche) Milliron, age 62, of Jefferson Hills, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 16, 2024. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Greenock and retired as a home health care registered nurse. Born May 19, 1961 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of Jack E. Rosche of Blaine Hill and the late Elaine (Parsons) Rosche. In addition to her father, she is survived by her husband, William H. Milliron; sons, William Jack Milliron of Ellwood City and Jonathan (Tiffany) Milliron of Port Vue; 10 grandchildren; sister, Rhonda (David) Trimpey of Pittsfield; also, a niece and nephew. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, May 17, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 9:30 AM in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Scott Bryte officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
May 14, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Thelma M. (Sammartin) Patterson, 77, of Pleasant Hills formerly of Clairton passed away on May 12, 2024 in Jefferson Hospital. She was born on July 12, 1946 in McKeesport Hospital, the daughter of the late John A. and Margaret L. (Cummins) Sammartin.
She was a 1964 graduate of Clairton High School, then worked for many years as a waitress at the Blue Flame and Puck Jones restaurants. She was a hard working, fun loving lady who always had a smile on her face and a quick remark. She loved her family and always looked forward to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and picnics on her deck. She never met a card game, a poker machine or a slot machine that she didn't like.
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May 13, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Frederick Von Betzner, age 72, of Elizabeth, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was a retired minister with the Christian Missionary Alliance Church, a graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School and Toccoa Falls Bible College. He had a passion for magic and was a member of the Magic Castle in Los Angeles and the Mystic Magicians of Beaver County. Born March 10, 1952, in McKeesport, he was a son of June D. (Dolton) Betzner of Forward Twp. and the late Frederick William Betzner. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his daughter, Sarah (Tony) Shafer of Rome, GA; son, Fred (Alicia Whitney) Betzner of Pittsburgh; nine grandchildren, Cora, Nella, Nehemiah, Johannah, Rosa, Micaiah, Lucia, Reid and Clara; brothers, Mark E. Betzner of Lincoln Boro and Eric P. (April) Betzner, Esq. of Washington; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Damian Schoonmaker officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
May 13, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Milan “Jerry” Drobac, Jr., age 88 of Jefferson Hills passed away peacefully on May 12, 2024. Born July 23, 1935 in Clairton, he was the son of the late Milan and Danica (Bunovich) Drobac and grandson to Mico and Anna Drobac and Mico and Anna Bunovich. A 1953 graduate of Clairton High School, he went on to work for Bell of Pennsylvania from 1953 to 1955. Jerry volunteered to be a member of the US Army from Aug of 1955 to May of 1957 where he served one year at Ft. Knox, KY and one year in Budigen, Germany with the SRD Armored Division Company A 83 Recon. Battalion. He then joined the IBEW Local #5 and was a member from 1957 until 2021 (63 years). He also went on to get an associate degree in electrical engineering from Penn State McKeesport. He was the owner of Milan’s Electric Inc. and co-proprietor of Milan/Feldman Electric. He retired from D.W. Jones Electric in 1997 and he is a member of The National Electrical Contractors Association. For 40 years he served as a PIAA referee for football, basketball, volleyball, and swimming. Jerry was a member of the former St. Mary’s Serbian Orthodox Church in Clairton and a current member of St. Sava’s Serbian Orthodox Church in McKeesport. He was also a long time member of the Harry S Truman F & A.M. Lodge in Dravosburg.
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May 13, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Kenneth Joseph "Maz" Mazzola Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on May 12, 2024, in Clairton, PA. He was born on December 28, 1949, to the late Mary "Maime" (Kovka) and Guido "Lee" Mazzola. Ken was a devoted husband to his wife of 55 years, Nancy E. (Jenkins) Mazzola. Ken was a graduate of Clairton High School and went on to build a loving home with Nancy shortly after graduation. Together, they raised a beautiful family and shared a lifetime of memories. Ken was passionate about bowling, golf, and softball, and he enjoyed spending time pursuing these interests with his family and friends. He was known for his competitive spirit and love of the game. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his children Kenneth "Jr." Mazzola, Shawn (Kristi) Mazzola, and Carol (Aaron) Whiteman; his grandchildren April, Lauren, Nick, Carly, Jacob, Alex, Gary, and Nate; his great-grandchildren Ivan, Nahla, and Rome; his sister Carol (Roger) Selznick; and his brother Robert Mazzola. Ken's legacy of love and laughter will live on through his family. Kenneth Joseph "Maz" Mazzola Sr. will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will be cherished forever in the hearts of those he loved. May he rest in peace.
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May 10, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Jack Caird, age 77, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at UPMC McKeesport. He worked for several tool and dye companies as a finisher and was the former owner of Precision Finishing Systems, which he sold to Magdic Corp. in East McKeesport where he continued to work for several years before retiring. He was a member of Bethesda United Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth. He had a love for birds, especially blue birds, and could identify a bird by its chirp. He made blue bird boxes for the yard and fed them for years. He enjoyed fly/surf fishing, and loved his John Deere tractor and his dogs. Born November 1, 1946 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late Mary Caird. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kathy J. (McNary) Caird; daughters, Pamela (Todd Jones) Caird of Wellington, New Zealand and Kristin (John) Klotz of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Paxton Jones, and Jacob, Zachary and Heidi Klotz; sister-in-law, Jill (Mitch) Connor of York; and nephews, John and Sam Conner. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
May 09, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Edward “Ned” A. Kennedy, age 91 of West Mifflin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Born August 2, 1932 in Conception Harbor, Newfoundland, Canada, he was a son of the late Martin and Francis (Gushue) Kennedy. Edward was married to his beloved wife of 60 years Pauline (Murphy) Kennedy, who passed away on November 13, 2019. A lifelong resident of West Mifflin, Edward was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton. He is survived by his sons and daughters: Edward Kennedy of Owensboro, KY, David (Wendy) Kennedy of West Mifflin, Martin (Karen) Kennedy of Moreno Valley, CA, James (Tammy) Kennedy of Moreno Valley, CA, and Sherry (Tony) Mancuso of Vanderbilt; his grandchildren Juil, Alicia, Jordan, Luke, Jamie, Logen, Sam, Raegan Leo, and Patrick; and his great-grandchild Lucas. Edward is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Mary (Bill) Woodford, John Kennedy, and Martin Kennedy. Also to mourn his loss are his sisters Theresa Wade, Ann Kennedy, and Joan (Hilary) Flaherty and their families along with his cousins, nieces, and nephews. Edward came here from Canada to work as an ironworker for 65 years. He was a proud retiree of the Ironworkers Local #3. Ned enjoyed his daily five mile walks, fishing in Newfoundland, and spending time with his family. He enjoyed a good game of “Scat” and his sense of humor knew no bounds.
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May 08, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Lucille S. (Lucy) Rippel, age 91, of Forward Township, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at The Residence at Hilltop. Lucy was born on March 17, 1933, in Elizabeth, and was the daughter of the late Robert and Sara Jane (Roberts) Swisher. In 1954, she married Albert P. “Bud” Rippel, and they enjoyed a long and happy life together at their home, Rippel Farm, in Forward Township, until his passing in November 2018. Throughout her life, Lucy made sure to note the beauty around her, and encouraged others to notice it too. Some of her favorite things included: fragrant lilacs, the beautiful night sky, the soft pink blooms of dogwood trees, and the beating wings of the ruby-throated hummingbirds that flocked to her feeders every spring and summer. Her memory lives on each time we notice one of these beautiful things too. Lucy’s Christian faith was very important to her, and she shared it with many. In her later years, she spent time ministering to others by sharing a favorite book, Jesus Calling, with those she thought might need some extra encouragement. There is no doubt she impacted many lives with this thoughtful gift. She was a dedicated mother and an especially gifted grandmother. Lucy had a special habit of praying for her many family members each day— in order, from oldest to youngest. She was always thrilled when she was able to add another family member to her list with the addition of great-grandchildren over the years! She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert P. “Bud” Rippel. Lucy is survived by her daughters, Nancy Ann (Kenneth) Hall of Picayune, MS and Cindy Lou Halliday of Acworth, GA; and her sons, Ronald A. (Debbie) Rippel of Forward Township, and C. David Rippel of Forward Township. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Summer (Jonathan) Pepe of Elizabeth Township, Joel (Julie Anne) Rippel of Forward Township, Kristine (Blake) Gibasiewicz of Irwin, Jason Rippel of Forward Township, Jeremy Rippel of Forward Township, Douglas (Kristen Hunter) Hall of St. Louis, MO, Julie (Trent) Marchman of Jackson, MS, and Logan Halliday of Acworth, GA; as well as her great-grandchildren, Parker and Peyton Pepe, JD and Jolene Rippel, Danielle and Andi Gibasiewicz, Rudy and Jaclyn Hall, and Carter and Ava Marchman. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to her compassionate and dedicated caregiver, Zoe Forsythe. Lucy was deeply loved and will be forever missed. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Friday, May 10, 2024, from 6 to 8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 11 AM in the funeral home chapel with Chaplain Donna Schmoyer officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery in Elizabeth Township. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
May 08, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Dolores R. (Hazuka) Strutt, age 93, of Port Vue, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at her son’s home. She was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish. She was a crossword enthusiast and in her younger years liked to camp. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Born August 15, 1930 in Braddock, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Julia (Baga) Hazuka and wife of the late Francis E. "Scotty" Strutt. She is survived by daughter, Debbie (Don) Martin; sons, Jeff (Adele) Strutt and Michael (Kelly) Strutt; grandchildren, Adam (Brittany Lieb) Martin, Amanda (Kevin) Calcara, Kristina (Michael) Shuey, Stephanie (Carmen) Teolis, Kaitlyn (Robert) Cross, Alyssa Strutt and Zachary Strutt; great-grandchildren, Ayla, Wesley, Penelope, Emmett, Cameron, Tyler, Luca, Lucy, Alex, Dante, Axel, Bridgette and Bryce; also, nieces and nephews. A special thank you to OSPTA Hospice for their loving care and support. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by son, Gregory E. Strutt, and siblings, Stephanie, Albina, Mary, John, Lou, Pete and Andy. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 10 AM in St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. with Bishop Paul J. Bradley, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Steubenville officiating. Burial will follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park, North Huntingdon. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
May 06, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Joseph A. "Ohy" Ference, age 90 of Clairton, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024 in Riverside Nursing Center, McKeesport. Born July 3, 1933 in Clairton, he was a son of the late John and Anna (Bartos) Ference. A US Army Veteran, a retired yardman for Fagen's Lumber in Verona who also worked as a foreman at Busy Beaver, and a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish - St. Clare of Assisi Church, Clairton, Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, the late Alberta (Buchina) Ference, who passed away in 1993. He is survived by his sons Kenneth (Patricia) Ference of Bellevue, James (Amy) Ference of Clairton, and Alex (the late Allison) Ference of Alabama; his grandchildren Steven (Julie) Ference, Kristen (Gary) Smith, Alexis Nicole (Gage) Rollo, and Zachary Ference; his great-grandchildren Austin, J.J., Brayden, Olivia, Carly, Jacob, and Gage, Jr.; his siblings Edward Ference of Elizabeth, Susan Sholl of Baltimore, MD, Rita Tripoli of West Mifflin, Natalie Ference of Butler, and Mike (Teri) Ference of Phoenix, AZ; his ex-daughter-in-law Cindy Culbersome; and also nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wife, Joseph was preceded in death by his brother John "Zack" Ference; and sister Mary Elizabeth Ference.
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May 06, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Julianne Sprites, age 55 of Jefferson Hills, passed away with her family by her side on Saturday, May 4, 2024 in Jefferson Hospital. Born July 10, 1968 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of Joan (Batinich) Atkinson of Jefferson Hills and the late James Atkinson. A former warranty administrator for Bowser Automotive in Pleasant Hills, Julianne was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish - St. Thomas a Becket Church in Jefferson Hills. In her spare time, she loved to play bingo, travel, but most of all spend time with her family. Besides her mother, Julianne is survived by her husband of 24 years James Sprites, her children Olivia and Raymond Sprites, her sisters Mary Carol (Bob) Limegrover of Jefferson Hills and Patricia Atkinson of Trafford, her mother-in-law Charlotte "CeCi" (the late Raymond) Sprites of South Park, and also many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Besides her father, she was preceded in death by her sisters Joan Mitchell and Beverly Cutshall.
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April 30, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Sarah (Stubbs) Evancho-Caulkett, age 56, of Elizabeth, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. She was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. and a former chef and paralegal. She was a graduate of Greensburg Central Catholic High School and Westmoreland County Community College. Born July 21, 1967 in Bremerton, WA, she was a daughter of Mary (Herroscheck) Stubbs of Latrobe and the late William Stubbs. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of six years, William Caulkett; daughter, Anna Evancho of Latrobe; son, R.J. Evancho of Latrobe; stepdaughters, Ashley Caulkett of Smithton, Andrea Caulkett of Herminie and Megan (Anthony) Pistelli of Fayette City; stepson, Zach (Alana) Caulkett of Elizabeth; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister, Jennifer (Joseph) Concannon of Pittsburgh; brother, Jonathan (Carrie) Stubbs of Latrobe; all of her fur babies; also, nieces and nephews. No visitation is planned. A Memorial Mass will take place on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 10 AM in St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church with the Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Action for Animals, PO Box 814, Latrobe, PA 15650. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
April 29, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Jeffrey W. Reynolds, age 64, of Perryopolis and formerly of West Elizabeth, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. He was a retired self employed carpenter, civil war historian, and a muscle car enthusiast and mechanic. Born May 13, 1959 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late James C. and Helen (Beitler) Reynolds. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Denise E. (Sickle) Reynolds; daughters, Lauren (Andrew Statters) Reynolds and Danielle Reynolds, both of Perryopolis; son, Robert Reynolds of Perryopolis; sister, Debra (Mitch McFadden) Reynolds of West Elizabeth; brother, James (Colleen) Reynolds of Forward Twp.; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bruce C. Reynolds. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 3 PM until the time of funeral service at 7 PM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jude Urso officiating. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
