July 18, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Helen (Kuzma) Piggford, age 91 of Elizabeth Twp., died peacefully at Jefferson Hospital on Monday, July 17, 2023. She passed away encompassed by the love of friends and family and cared for by her daughter Teresa Mae Buchina of Elizabeth Township and her sons James Wayne Piggford III of Simpsonville, SC, and George Alan Piggford, C.S.C., of North Easton, MA. Helen was born at home on Blaine Hill in Elizabeth Township on April 2nd, 1932, to John Kuzma and Theresa (Czizak), and as an infant she received Baptism, Chrismation, and Holy Communion at Ascension Byzantine Catholic Church in Clairton.
The youngest of six children, Helen attended Wylie School and Elizabeth High School, where she graduated with academic distinction. On July 3, 1951, she married (James) Wayne Piggford, Jr., her life-long love. She traveled with him to his U.S. Navy postings in Key West, FL, and New London, CT, before they settled back on Blaine Hill in 1960. Helen was a tireless worker and made a career at the River Division of Consol Energy, where she retired as a financial analyst after more than twenty-five years. Higher education was not available to her in her younger days, so she was especially pleased to earn an associate degree from Penn State Greater Allegheny.
Helen’s 91-year life was characterized by hard work, commitment to her family and community, and a powerful Catholic faith. She was a den mother for Cub Scouts and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 7632. She was a CCD teacher and was active for many years in Christian Mothers at St. Michael parish, now Sts. Joachim and Anne. Helen enjoyed crocheting afghans for special occasions, she cooked amazing cabbage rolls, she kept in touch with many people by phone, and she had a particular enthusiasm for keeping her checkbook balanced. Helen was devoted to her husband Wayne. She deeply loved her children Teresa, wife of Steven Buchina; Wayne III, husband of Laura; and George, a Roman Catholic priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross. She adored both of her grandsons, who are U.S. Marines: 2ndLt James Connor, husband of TJ, and LCpl Alexander Ryan. Helen is survived by her brother Peter Kuzma of Republic, Michigan, her brother-in-law James Chomas of Elizabeth Township, and her sister-in-law Helen Louise Wivagg of Forward Township.
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July 18, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
AnnaMary (Fuller) Sacunas, age 93 of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023 at her daughter’s home. Mrs. Sacunas was a member of St. Joachim and Ann Parish, St. Michael’s Church in Elizabeth Twp. and owned and operated Hill Top Dari-Delite for many years with her husband. A member of the Red Hats, she loved to golf, spend time with her friends, and going out to lunch. Born in Garrett on July 12, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Melvin and Helen (Brocht) Fuller and was wife of the late Edward G. Sacunas, who passed away on March 1, 2011. She is survived by her daughter, Lynette (Bruno) DelBianco of Forward Twp.; grandchildren, Blaze (Katie Pergola) LaBrosse of Elizabeth, Drake LaBrosse of Plum, Jared (Kassia) DelBianco of Elizabeth, Brendan (Jillian) DelBianco of Elizabeth, Mariah DelBianco of Forward Twp.; great-grandchildren, Beckham and Brooks LaBrosse, and Magnolia DelBianco; a sister Terrie Boyce of Versailles; and nieces and nephews.
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July 13, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John Aiken, age 67, of Elrama, formerly of Chicago, IL, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at Jefferson Hospital. He was a retired employee at the University of Chicago. He was an avid reader and loved movies and stage plays. Born September 11, 1955 in New Eagle, he was a son of the late Samuel J. Aiken Jr. and the late Elaine (Estaque) Aiken. He is survived by his sister, Debbie (Wayne Sr.) Wilson of Elrama; nephew, Wayne (Kristy) Wilson Jr. of Strabane; great-niece, Elaina Wilson; aunt, Estelle Livingston of Monongahela; also, cousins.
Private services are pending. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Four Gateway Center, 444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or 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 www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
July 13, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
S. Howard Pittard, age 82, of Mooresville, NC, formerly of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, July 10, 2023 at Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center. A Marine veteran, he retired as the founder and CEO for East Texas Coatings in Nash, TX, and was a lifetime Mason through the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Born November 28, 1940 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Howard Wilson and Ida (Breckenridge) Pittard. He is survived by his wife, Virginia "Gin" Blake; sons, Raymond D. (Rhonda) Pittard of Johns Island, SC and Robb E. Pittard of Mooresville, NC; Lori (Todd) Price of Monroe, NC; grandchildren, Lauren (Sean) Murphy of Kansas City, Lindsey Dissinger of Bozeman, MT, Ethan Dissinger of Belgrade, MT, Aiden Price of Monroe, NC, and Grayson Price of Monroe, NC; great-grandchildren, Graham and Madeline Murphy; also, nieces and nephews.
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July 10, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Salvatore Paul Mollise, age 80, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Monday, July 10, 2023. Sal was born at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh on March 25, 1943. Sal was the devoted husband of wife Nancy (Kovac) Mollise, who passed away in September 2022. Nancy and Sal would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary last September. Sal is survived by his three children, Maria (Robert Svedberg) Mollise of Atlanta, GA, Michele (Michael) Pirrone of Atlanta, GA, and Salvatore Paul (Jennifer Diak Bickerstaff) Mollise II of Elizabeth Twp.; sister, Barbara (Robert) Whiteacre of Washington, PA; sister-in-law, Dorothy Kovac of McKeesport; grandchildren, Jacob and Joseph Svedberg; stepgrandchildren, Clay, Trinity, Madison and Beau Pirrone. Sal was pre-deceased by his parents, Eleanor (Kaczmarski) Mollise and Frank “Peanuts” Mollise of West Mifflin; in-laws, Anna (Mital) Kovac and John Kovac; sisters-in-law, Charlotte and Joan Kovac; and brother-in-law, John “Fooz” Kovac, all of McKeesport.
Sal spent much of his childhood in the Polish South Side and Italian Lower Hill communities of Pittsburgh. Those cherished childhood memories brought comfort to Butchie (as he was known on the South Side) in recent years, as Parkinson's wreaked havoc over his body, mind and spirit.
Sal was a dedicated member of St. Michael Catholic Church of Elizabeth Township for more than 50 years. He truly enjoyed supporting the congregation by maintaining many John Deere tractors over the years for the church grounds, and also working with his fellow Ushers Club friends and neighbors.
Sal was an alum of Fifth Avenue, Epiphany, St. Adalbert’s and Homeville schools in Pittsburgh and graduated from Homestead High in 1961. After graduation, Sal served in the Army at Fort Benning, GA as a heavy vehicle driver between 1964 and 1966, achieving the rank of Private and receiving the National Defense Service Medal and Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14) Medal. Pvt. Mollise was Honorably discharged in December 1966 and returned to his loved ones in Pittsburgh.
Sal started his career in the trucking industry as a driver for Helms and Coca-Cola and later joined United Parcel Service as one of their early “feeder drivers.” While delivering packages for UPS along Penn Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh, he met his beloved Nancy. They wed, moved to “the country,” built their lifelong home in Elizabeth Township, raised their children, and chased Sal’s dream of being a farmer - raising Brittany Spaniels, ducks, chickens, a sheep, and other animals. During his career with UPS, Sal was awarded numerous accolades for his achievements as a feeder driver. He was known throughout the Pennsylvania and Ohio trucking routes by his CB handle, “Bird Dog.” He was a Mack Truck Million, Two Million and Three Million Miler inductee, driving his 18-wheeler hauling double trailers from the UPS Beaver Avenue hub in Pittsburgh to Harrisburg, and later from New Stanton to Harrisburg, and New Station to Columbus, OH. He set an extremely high bar with his intense work ethic, and was an inductee into the prestigious UPS Circle of Honor in 1990. His safety and driving expertise led to mentoring and training many new UPS drivers through the years. As an active and proud member for more than 40 years with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 249 and Local 30, Sal participated in many 1970s-era transit-industry labor activities supporting his Teamster and union brothers and sisters in Pittsburgh. Sal retired after 38 years with UPS, having an impeccable safe driving record of more than 3 million miles.
Sal spent much of his time outside the truck cab ardently attending to his and Nancy’s beautifully manicured vegetable and flower gardens and lawns. Sal was an original member of the Elizabeth Township Sportsmen’s Club, and member of the Slovak American Beneficial & Sportsmen’s Club (HECLA), Disabled American Veterans, Elizabeth Township Seniors, and the American Legion.
The Mollise family expresses its sincere gratitude for the countless medical professionals who have helped and compassionately cared for Sal, including Elizabeth Township EMS, Central Volunteer Fire Department, Paramount Senior Living, and Suncrest Hospice.
Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, July 13 at St. Michael Church at 10 AM with Fr. Miroslaus Wojcicki officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations be made to Central Volunteer Fire Department, 425 Scenery Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037, or Southeast Regional Emergency Medical Services Station 600, 2121 Century Drive, Jefferson Hills, PA 15025. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
July 10, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Wanda LaValle, age 92 of Clairton, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023 in Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born June 9, 1931 in Salt Lake City, UT, she was a daughter of the late Alonzo and Frances (Avon) Smith. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Jefferson Hills, Wanda worked as a nurse's aide at McKeesport Hospital. She also volunteered at St. Clare Elementary School and was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge # 248, both of Clairton.
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July 10, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Yong Ja Saccone, age 64 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023 in Canterbury Place, Pittsburgh. Born February 3, 1959 in South Korea, she was a daughter of Chae Oh Kang and Sun Nim Chong. A member of Spirit Chapel, Yong was the owner and head aerobics instructor of Yong's Aerobics. She is survived by her husband Dr. Richard Saccone; her sons Nick (Yeon Hee) Saccone of Arlington, VA and Matthew (Shannon) Saccone of Clinton; her grandchildren Arianna Elizabeth, Giovanni, and Julianna Maria Saccone; her siblings; and also her nieces and nephews.
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July 05, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Gloria (Kruki) Graham, age 82, of Elizabeth, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at UPMC McKeesport. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth where she was very active and a former deacon. Born April 17, 1941 in Monongahela, she was a daughter of the late John and Mary (Rapp) Kruki and wife of the late William L. Graham Sr. She is survived by sons, William L. "Skip" (Michele) Graham Jr. of Clairton and Terry (Joyce) Graham of Elizabeth; grandchildren, Brandi Graham, Max (Lauren) Graham, Marie (Jordan) Armstrong and Maggie Graham; seven great-grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sisters, Mary Ann Anselmino and Betty Rostosky, and brothers, Frank and William Kruki. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
July 03, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Kathleen A. Lenze, age 74 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2023 in Reston Hospital Center in Reston, VA. Born November 29, 1948 in Dravosburg, she was a daughter of the late Leo and Evelyn (Schumann) Zewe. Kathleen retired as an elementary school teacher for the West Mifflin School District, teaching at Grant and Homeville elementary schools. In her spare time, she loved to cook and ride bicycles, but she was most importantly very devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren.
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June 30, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Nancy Jane Tassone, age 91 of McKeesport, passed away at home on Thursday, June 29, 2023. Born September 14, 1931 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late James and Charlotte (Haight) Munshower, wife of the late Rocco Tassone, and mother of the late Joyce. A retired registered nurse, Nancy is survived by her daughters Mary Lou Tassone and Charlotte Ondachek, both of McKeesport; her grandchildren LeeAnn, James, Jamie Lou, Michael, and Teddy Haas and Roxanne Myczka; her many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
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June 26, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Audrey A. Minarcik, age 72 of Clairton, passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2023 in Jefferson Hospital. Born August 28, 1950 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Ann (Andrascik) Minarcik. A member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, Audrey was a librarian at the Clairton Public Library who also worked for Dr. Amil Crichlow in Versailles. She is survived by her sister Mary Lou Minarcik of Clairton and also many cousins.
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June 26, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Gary G. Wilcox, age 68, of Elizabeth, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at home. He retired after 43 years as a conductor for Union Railroad in Clairton. He enjoyed riding motorcycles with his wife and proudly owned twin bikes, and he also loved boating on Cheat Lake in West Virginia. He was a family man who raised two wonderful daughters. Born December 22, 1954 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Ernest and Loretta (D'Arney) Wilcox. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Cheryl "Sherry" (Bonetti) Wilcox; daughters, Krystal Schultz of Altoona and Tammy (Kenny) Morran of Apollo; grandson, Colt, who was his pride and joy; also, many biker and boating friends. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 1-3 PM and 5 PM until the time of blessing at 7:30 PM with Deacon Al Poroda officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
June 23, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Harry B. Bartko, age 57 of Clairton, passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2023 in Jefferson Hospital. Born March 7, 1966, he was a son of the late Harry and Helen (Burkett) Bartko. A technician with Bartko Heating and Cooling and a janitor with Wesley Spectrum Services, Harry was a member of the Sons of Columbus, Santa Maria Council #4 and the American Legion Daniel Keffer Post # 75, both of Clairton. He is survived by his children Leigh Ann (David) Stephenson of Pleasant Hills, Lauren (Anthony) Tobasco of DeBary, FL, and Jake Bartko of Clairton; his grandchildren Italia Tobasco and Hunter Stephenson; his sisters Denise Lopretta of Clairton, Laurie (Scott) Parsons of Jefferson Hills, and Susie Bartko of Baldwin; his companion Teresa Parry of Clairton; and also nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his brothers Ricky and Duane Bartko.
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June 22, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Julia Galeza, age 69 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away peacefully on June 22, 2023. Throughout her care she was surrounded in love by Edna Salzer, Marcel Chapman, Chelsea McKeithen, Ashley Spencer and Theresa Walker. Julie as she was affectionately known was born on June 11, 1954, in Pittsburgh, PA. In July 2000, Julie became a member of UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Mon Yough Community Services Residential Program. She also attended their Vocational Business Alliance until she retired in 2017. Julie is survived by her sisters, Carol Montejo of Arizona and Barbara Urvanski of Columbus, OH and a close cousin Kathleen Sgroi. Besides her parents Theodore and Caroline (Cindric) Galeza, Julie is preceded in death by her brother Theodore (Ted) Galeza, Jr
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June 20, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Robert L Kerlin, age 88, of Glassport, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023 at UPMC East. An Army veteran stationed at Fort Knox, he was a retired craneman at U.S. Steel National Tube in McKeesport. He loved fishing, playing guitar, and country music. Born February 10, 1935 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Frank and Daisy (Bulat) Kerlin and husband of the late Lottie Ann (Werner) Kerlin. He is survived by son, Daniel L. Kerlin of North Huntingdon; stepdaughter, Diann Perhach of Forward Twp.; sister, Kristina Kerlin Jackson of Brentwood; step-grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brother, Donald Kerlin.
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