February 22, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Ciro J. Venturini, age 88 of White Oak, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. Born August 10, 1934 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Pio and Virginia (Banchig) Venturini. A master bricklayer and talented craftsman and member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Angela of Merici Church, Ciro, or "PopPop" as he was known to his dear grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was an active man. He enjoyed socializing at his favorite clubs: the 11th. Ward Club in McKeesport, CFU Lodge #146 in Versailles, and the BOP Elks # 872 and VFW Post # 5887, both in Ridgeway near his camp: "Camp Booze and Snooze." At those locales, he'd knock back a few Millers, a.k.a. "Road Pops." Ciro was also an avid hunter and fisherman, stalking his quarry of deer, elk, moose, and caribou and fishing for walleyes and salmon all throughout North America. Ciro met his wife Irene (Morosko) Venturini at a polka dance at St. Mary’s on Versailles Ave. She passed away on July 22, 2021 after 67 years of marriage. From there, they were able to travel the world, tracing her roots in Slovakia and his own family tree back to Azzida and Antro, Italy. His last words were of happily being with his bride again. Ciro was also an accomplished cook, proud of his specialties of polenta, chili, and hot sausage, always followed up by a fondness of sweets.
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February 21, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Eugene W. Gould, age 87 of McKeesport, passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 in ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, Whitehall. Born May 4, 1935 in Seattle, WA, he was a son of the late Eugene and Margaret (Ellis) Gould. A member of St. Sava's Serbian Orthodox Church in McKeesport and a department manager for WalMart for many years, he was a US Marine Corps Veteran of the Korean War. Eugene is survived by his wife of 51 years Patricia (Young) Gould; his children John (Jennifer) Gould of Commerce, GA, Theresa (Tim) Skelly of Fayetteville, NC, Stephanie Pollock (Jonathan) of McKeesport, and Frank Gould of McKeesport; his son-in-law Michael; his grandchildren Zamblen Krisciunas, Sebastian, Bella, Jackson and Spencer Gould, Tristin Skelly, Christine (Will) and Kimberly (Alec) Lopiccolo, and Tim Cooke, his great-granddaughter Zoey; his sister Helen Neff; his brothers Del (Patty) and David O'Connell and Dennis (Janette) Gould; and also nieces and nephews.
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February 21, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Katherine “Kay” (Kercell) Pack, age 100 of Greenock, died Monday, February 20, 2023 in John J. Kane Regional Center, McKeesport. Born October 16, 1922 in Creslo, she was a daughter of the late Evan and Amelia (Thomas) Kercell. Kay worked for the former Sabin China, A.B. Murray Co., and Macy’s and was always active as a volunteer and good friend. She is a member of CFU Lodge # 146 of Versailles, and its Ladies' and Pensioneers’ Clubs. Widow of James A. Pack, who died May 12, 1988, she was also preceded in death by her brothers George (Frances) and Edward (Doris) Kercell. Kay is survived by her sister Josie Kercell and her brother William Kercell; her nieces Linda Mennen and Beth Ann Fechusak; her nephews Kevin, David, and Steven Kercell; as well as many great nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews.
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February 21, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
James E. Pietraszewski, age 87, of Clairton, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2023, at Jefferson Hospital. He retired as a janitor from Western Center in Canonsburg and was a former process technician at Westinghouse and KRW in Madison. He was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross, St. Clare in Clairton, and a life member of Blaine Hill and Jefferson 885 volunteer fire companies. He liked music, cooking family recipes, and looked forward to joining his wife Susan in Heaven. Born July 23, 1935, in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late John and Helen (Hoinacka) Pietraszewski and husband of the late Susan M. (Livingston) Pietraszewski. He is survived by daughters, Marie T. Pietraszewski of Ross Twp. and Nancy B. (David) Kurutz of Dawson; grandson William James (Marissa Harris) Kurutz of Dawson;
sisters-in-law, Lucy Pietershanski, Mary Anne (Orrin) Butterfield and Clare (the late Frank) Pokorny; brothers-in-law, Clifford (Marcia), John (Roseann) and Richard (Patti) Livingston; also, numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by siblings, Sue Similo, William Pietershanski, Martha Pietraszewski, John Pietraszewski and Helen Cerminara. No visitation or services are planned. A combined Celebration of Life for Jim and Sue is being planned for late spring. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Four Gateway Center, 444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
February 17, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Marian Louise Minnick, age 73 of McKeesport, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at Canterbury Place in Pittsburgh. Born March 29, 1949 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Marian (Lockhart) Kiefer. Marian worked as an insurance agent for many years at the Mon Valley Insurance Agency and Wilson Baum Agency and also worked for Wal-Mart. Besides her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband, the late Frank D. Minnick. Marian is survived by her son David Milliern of Elizabeth Twp.
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February 16, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Mary Kisan age 90 of Versailles Boro, passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Woodhaven Care Center. Born June 7, 1932 in Blythedale, Pennsylvania, she was a daughter of the late Giuseppe and Charina (LaRocca) Amicarella. Mary was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Patrick's Church, the CFU Lodge # 146 of Versailles, and its Ladies' and Pensioneers' Clubs.
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February 16, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Shirley M. Coulson, age 84, formerly of Elizabeth, passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Advent Health in Palm Coast, FL. She worked for Kings Family Restaurant. Born January 23, 1939 in Uniontown, she was a daughter of the late Charles J. and Rosalee (Teets) Cole. She is survived by children, Robert (Billie Jo) Kettering of Elizabeth Borough, Terry Kettering of Florida, Pam (John) Dressel of Palm Coast, FL, Lori (Terry) Clark of Elizabeth Twp. and Bill (Kathy) Coulson of Florida; grandchildren, Amy Kettering Brawdy, Todd Kettering, Eric Kettering, Brian Kettering, Tia Gillingham, Jason Dressel, Bill Dressel, John Dressel, Megan Winkowski, Jerry Wirbicki, Ryan Wirbicki, Mallory Ramirez, Kelsey Frenock, Jamie Coleman and Abbey Coulson; 24 greatgrandchildren; and brother, Charles Cole. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Patty Lewis and Mary Jean Thomas. Private burial was at Round Hill Cemetery. Local arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
February 12, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Alex J. "Lucky" Roka, age 69 of Versailles, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2023 in Jefferson Hospital. Born April 21, 1953 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Alex "Shunny" and Margaret (Derkas) Roka. A US Navy Veteran during the Vietnam War, Alex was a drummer, playing locally with the bands The Locomotives and the Austin Nichols Band and in the Philippines with the Mike Hanipoli Band. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, the late Christina Roka, who passed away in 2002. Alex is survived by his six children: Edward Roka of Glassport, Arjuna Roka of McKeesport, Laksmi (Matthew) Petrick of Sutersville, Shiva Roka of McKeesport, Chai Roka of Monroeville, and Krsnadasa (Beth) Roka of McKeesport; his nine grandchildren: Dante Petrick, Corey, Myah, Alana, Isabelle, Narayana, Ellora, and Tuika Roka, and Matt Petrick, Jr.; his sisters Linda (James) Sheedy and Lisa (James) Fleckenstein, both of Versailles; his brothers Charles "Buzz" (the late Michelle) and John Roka, both of Versailles; and also nieces and nephews.
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February 10, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Gilbert W. Fischer Sr., age 76, of Belle Vernon, formerly of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Friday, February 10, 2023 at home. An Army veteran, he retired as a boilermaker at U.S. Steel Irvin Works. He enjoyed playing softball and basketball, and loved golf and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. Born July 9, 1946 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Theodore and Veronica (Nijmowicz) Fischer. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Charlotte L. "Chuccie" (Lehman) Fischer; daughter, Tina (Jim) Nassida of West Mifflin; son, Gil (Laura) Fischer of Forward Twp.; grandchildren, Cara and Jimbo Nassida and Haley Fischer; sisters, Gerry (John) Simmons of Elizabeth Twp. and Valerie (Mark) Lanham of Ft. Myers, FL; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Monday, February 13, 2023 from 2 PM until the time of a blessing at 6 PM. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
February 09, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Janet M. (Zaken) Rethage, age 84, of Elizabeth Twp., formerly of Blaine Hill, passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at home. She was a member of Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Clairton and a former employee of Seven Springs Golf Course in Elizabeth. Born January 10, 1939 in Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late Mary (Zaken) and Peter Zaken and wife of the late Frederick F. Rethage. She is survived by daughters, Colette Rethage of St John, USVI, and Crystal Williams of Elizabeth; three grandchildren, Carter, Mckenna and Coley Williams of Rostraver Twp.; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sisters, Julia Spernak and Anna May Janicki, and brothers, Michael, John and George Zaken. Visitation and graveside Panachida are private. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
February 08, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Donna Vivian (Sloan) McHolme, 91, of McKeesport, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2023 in Grand Rapids, MI with her children by her side. Originally from Coal Center, Donna's family and faith were very important to her. She was a well-loved and devoted member of Bethesda United Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth. Most of all, she loved her family, and they loved her. She will forever be our "Gram". Donna was an avid golfer with her signature loopy backswing. She was a longtime member of the Women's Golf Association of Western Pennsylvania. Golfers at Youghiogheny Country Club would intentionally hit their balls into Donna's backyard so that they could stop by and see what she was baking....and hopefully get a taste. An amazing self-taught cook and baker, her hands were rarely still. Elegant and manicured, they were either rolling pie dough, playing a hand of bridge, turning the pages of a novel, planting and nurturing her flowers, or gripping a golf club. She shared her love of the kitchen with the next generation, and nothing made her happier than baking a special request for her grandchildren. She will long be remembered for her chicken pot pies, coconut macaroon cake, cherry pies, Santa cookies and countless other creations. Donna loved to host family dinners, holiday celebrations, and to entertain her friends. All who knew her will remember her grace, wit, kind and caring personality and her signature red lipstick. Donna is survived by two children and their spouses, Norman and Lucinda McHolme and Patricia and Ken Hawthorne; her eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sister Edwinna Jones. In addition to her parents, Edward and Isabelle (Gray) Sloan, she was preceded in death by her former husband, James N. McHolme and her son, Dean K. McHolme. A celebration of life service to honor Donna will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Donna McHolme Bright Beginnings Pre-school Scholarship fund at Bethesda United Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth. The family wishes to thank the many kind and considerate caregivers at Heather Hills Assisted Living who provided wonderful comfort and care to Donna.
A memorial service will take place Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 11:30 AM at Bethesda United Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth. Private burial will take place at a later date. Local arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
February 07, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Patricia D. (Amore) Fuller, age 87, of Elizabeth, passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Jefferson Hospital. She was a retired bookkeeper for T.F. Campbell Co. in Pittsburgh and a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church. Born May 25, 1935 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Elviro and Yolanda (Campea) Amore and wife of the late Harry Leroy "Peck" Fuller. She is survived by nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by son, Harry Lee Fuller, and siblings, Margaret Donkin, Julia Amore, Angelina Peger, Louise Amore, Imogene McGregor, Sondra Minford, Donald Amore, Barbara Custer. Service and burial are private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elizabeth Baptist Church, 735 Bunola River Road, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
February 06, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Enice (Dolfi) Iacoboni, age 95 of Jefferson Hills, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family. Born May 23, 1927 in Large, she was a daughter of the late William and Blanche (Bandini) Dolfi; loving wife of the late Donato "Dan" N. Iacoboni, who passed away on April 20, 1988; mother of Marianne Iacoboni of Jefferson Hills, Marcia (James) Ungerman of Trafford, Maureen (the late Louis) DeFabio of Plum, Linda (Charles) Hicks of Jefferson Hills, Lisa (Kenneth) Ricci of Indiana Twp., and the late Daniel Iacoboni; grandmother of Ryan (Jill) Hicks, Anthony DeFabio, James (Alanna) Ungerman, Jonathan (Olivia) Ungerman, Nina (Rob) Nungesser, Allison Hicks, Maria and Christina Ricci, and the late Louis D. DeFabio; greatgrandmother of Asher and Landon Hicks and Colin Nungesser; sister of the late Genevieve Castagna, William Dolfi, Eugene Dolfi, Blanche Stokes, and Raymond and Douglas Dolfi; and is also survived by nieces, nephews, and cousins.
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February 06, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Harry Gilbert Williamson, age 94 Of Clairton, passed away at home with his family by his side. Born March 30, 1928 in North Vernon, IN, he was a son of the late Russell Harrison Williamson and Beulah E. (Myers) Williamson. A recipient of a master's degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University, Harry retired as an analytical chemist for US Steel - Clairton Works. He was a member of Pine Run United Methodist Church, a member of the F & A M Omni Lodge # 582, a member and past patron of the Eastern Star Clairton Chapter #316, and the past president of the PASARD (Pittsburgh Area Square And Round Dancers) Federation.
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February 02, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Theodora Belfiglio, age 82 of Leechburg and formerly of Jefferson Borough, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Pleasant Ridge Personal Care Home, Leechburg. Born July 28, 1940 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Alex and Geneva (Smith) Belfiglio. Theodora worked for US Steel Irvin Works in the computer department for 30 years and was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, Clairton. She is survived by her brother Alex (Lucie) Belfiglio of Pittsburgh and nieces Nicole and Dominique Belfiglio.
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