February 02, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Anna C. Leibold, age 97 of Port Vue, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at UPMC Mercy. Born March 14, 1925 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Coyle) Leibold. Anna was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Eugene’s Church in Liberty Boro. Anna was loved by all - especially her nieces and nephews. She is survived by her nieces and nephews Marlene (Joe) Catalina, Wayne (Shirley) Snyder, Albert (Carol) Leibold, Deborah (Herbert) Corletti, Diane (Michael) Frazier, and John (Candace) Leibold; and great-nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Anna was preceded in death by her eight siblings, Joseph, James, Regis, and Albert Leibold, Marcella Snyder, Alice Albine, Margaret Moore, and Mary Louise Leibold.
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January 31, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
William Gerald DeVault, Sr., age 64, of Clairton, passed away suddenly at his home in Anderson, SC on Sunday, January 22, 2023. Bill retired from Action Housing and in his free time he loved riding his motorcycle, fishing with his family and helping others with multiple carpentry projects. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. Bill was born on May 19, 1958, at Monongahela Hospital and was a son of James (Bonnie) DeVault of Anderson, SC and the late Dorothy (Painter) DeVault. In addition to his father and stepmother, he is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sheila (Hamler) DeVault; children, Bill (Donna) DeVault, Jr. of Smock and Mystie (Dannel) DeVault of Glassport; a daughter-in-law, Heather DeVault of Clairton; 11 grandchildren; a great-granddaughter who will dearly miss him; brother, James (Rose Ann) DeVault of Clairton; sisters, Kathy (Roger) Webb of Jefferson Hills and Deb (Larry) Wolf of Clairton; also, numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a son, Raymond DeVault and two brothers, Darren and Terrance DeVault. No visitation is planned. A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life will be held in his hometown later this summer. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
January 31, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Eugene D. Sherpata, 82, of Clairton, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at his daughter’s home in Belle Vernon. Born June 19, 1940, he was the son of the late John and Sophie (Wozniak) Sharpeta. After graduating from Clairton High School in 1957, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Upon completion of his service, he became an employee of the U.S. Postal Service for the next 50 years. He loved western and war movies but most of all couldn’t wait to watch the Steelers play. He spent countless hours building computers or playing video games. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family, whether it was a home project, cutting the grass, or just sitting outside talking and enjoying the weather.
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January 30, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Annetta P. “Tetta” (Lynch) Stracelsky Hall, arrived on a snowy January 14th in 1927, and departed this earth on Saturday, January 28, 2023. She was 96 years old. Her last residence was at Redstone Highlands Senior Community, North Huntingdon, where she was an original member and lived out her long-time passion of crocheting baby blankets and passing out peppermint patties. Originally from Walker Heights, Elizabeth, she was the daughter of the late James Daniel and Elizabeth M. (Goldstrohm) Lynch. After being widowed twice, Tetta lived her first married life with the late (Big) Paul A. Stracelsky in Forward Twp. for 43 years and had one daughter, Lisa (George) Bowers that gave her two grandchildren, Mark & Amy, that she loved and enjoyed watching grow. They all enjoyed many years of antique cars and travels with others from Mon Valley Region (AACA) and the Three-River's Region (Model A Restorer's Club). Also, a second marriage to the late Kirk E. Hall of Rostraver, Belle Vernon and Redstone Highlands, for 18 years. They enjoyed the outings they could go on to the Mountain Playhouse in Jennerstown and wherever the car took them next. While in Elizabeth High School, class of 1944, Tetta's first job was to learn to be a switchboard operator in Highland Park, Pittsburgh. Once graduated and working closer to home, she went on to be a switchboard operator at Ruben's Furniture in McKeesport, and then on to their accounts receivable department. After a brief time of also being a switchboard operator in Elizabeth, she then devoted 10 years in the office of Morrow's Jewelers, McKeesport, until 1959. Overlapping jobs and a new baby for 3 years, she was then founding, developing and office managing the family-run business of Paul Stracelsky Oil Products where she retired at the age of 75. She served and was a member of Round Hill Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth Twp.
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January 28, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Elizabeth "Betty" Jane (Reynolds) Travis, age 81, of West Newton, formerly of Grove City, passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023 at Penn Highlands Mon Valley Hospital. She was a retired salesclerk for Oneida in Grove City and a loving foster parent. She enjoyed traveling to Lancaster, doing puzzles, sewing, camping, and family history. She loved talking to people and made friends quickly. Born August 29, 1941, in Grove City, she was a daughter of the late William and Ruth (Gregg) Reynolds and wife of the late David Travis. She is survived by a daughter, Beth (Jim Hackney) Travis of Fraser, MI; sons, Robert (Carol) Frazier of Elizabeth Twp. and John Frazier; grandsons, James (Ivy McClatchey) of St. Clair Shores, MI, David Hackney of Fraser, MI and Christopher Hackney of Ann Arbor, MI; great-grandson, Gennady Hackney; also, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Reynolds. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, from 2-4 and 6-8PM. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at 10 AM in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Matt Fricker officiating. Burial will follow in Prairie Cemetery, Harrisville. Memorial contributions may be made to Grove City Community Library, 125 W. Main Street, Grove City, PA 16127. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
January 18, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
David M. Forrester, Jr., age 44 of Clairton, passed away at home Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Born July 5, 1978 in Pittsburgh, he was the beloved son of David M. Forrester Sr. who preceded him in death, and Beverly M. (Bahila) Hutchinson of Clairton. David affectionately known as Dave, attended Clairton High School. He was a member of the Teamsters Union # 1058 and drove for Steel City Trucking. Dave was an avid pool player and regularly attended pool leagues and tournament play. He enjoyed camping, travelling, and outdoor activities. Dave collected all things big and small and enjoyed having a good laugh. He was a self-taught mechanic known to be able to fix anything. He especially loved Fourth of July fireworks with his family. Dave is survived by his mother Beverly (Brian) Hutchison of Clairton; his daughters Davae and Destini Forrester, and their mother the late Ashley McLaughlin, and Brooklyn and Josephine Forrester, and their mother Misty Laverick of Clairton; his sister Christina (Bruce) Montgomery of Baltimore; his uncles Eugene (Michaelene) Forrester, James (Dot) Forrester, and Richard (Ginger) Tracey; hisniece and nephews Danielle, Carvonne, Nathan, Carson, Noah, Cash and Julus; and also a multitude of cousins, close family, and friends.
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January 16, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Carole A. Haywood, age 78, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Friday, January 13, 2023 at Jefferson Hospital. A retired unit secretary at Mon Valley Hospital, she was a member of the Elizabeth Women’s Club and Elizabeth Senior Card Club, and a former member of Victory Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary. Born October 25, 1944 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late William and Rose (Fusco) Stockdill. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Robert A. Haywood Sr.; son, Robert A. (Rebecca) Haywood Jr. of Franklin Park; daughter, Michelle (John McLeod) Martin of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Dante (Robyn) Haywood, Raven Martin, Anna Marie Haywood and Lauren Haywood; sister, Betsy Piper of Elizabeth Twp.; also, nieces and nephews. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
January 16, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Doris (Opfer) Kerchner, age 85, of Augusta, KS, formerly of Elizabeth, passed away on Friday, January 6, 2023 surrounded by her family. She was a medication aide for the elderly in nursing facilities in Kansas. A member of Bethesda United Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth, she was a member of the Old Timers Fiddlers' Association and a life member of the Kastan Uveges VFW Post 7632 in Elizabeth. She enjoyed doing puzzles and crossword puzzles, fishing and camping, and most of all being around her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Born June 6, 1937 in Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late George and Sarah (Harrison) Opfer and wife of the late John W.E. Kerchner Sr. She is survived by daughters, Vanness (Don) Lehmkuhl of Simi Valley, CA, Nelda (Raymond) Darwin of Augusta, KS, and Sarah Moreno of Herington, KS; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, Ralph (Janice) Opfer of Riverview, MI; close family friend, Wesley Batch of North Carolina; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sons, John W.E. Kerchner Jr. and George Scott Kerchner, and siblings, Theodore Opfer, John Opfer, Howard Opfer, Harry Opfer and Luella "Sis" Opfer.
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January 14, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Fannie Puskaric, age 89 of Buena Vista, passed away at home on Friday, January 13, 2023. Born February 17, 1933 in Buena Vista, she was a daughter of the late Toma and Agnes (Salopek) Cindric. A former member of Sacred Heart Parish in McKeesport who also attended Mass at the Divine Redeemer Motherhouse in Elizabeth Twp., Fannie worked for both Sabin's China in Versailles and the GC Murphy Co. of McKeesport. In her spare time, Fannie expertly tended her garden. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the late George E. Puskaric who passed away February 20, 1997, and her siblings: John and Steve Cindric, Louise Kartesz, Rose Mowry, and Mary Smetak. Fannie is survived by her daughters Georgiann (Tom) Kiger of Elizabeth Twp. and Rosemary Puskaric of Buena Vista and also nieces and nephews.
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January 11, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Marion (Batinich) Lokmer, age 94 of Chagrin Falls, OH, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 in UH Geauga Medical Center, Chardon, OH. Born in Clairton on November 25, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Marion and Mary (Nikolic) Batinich. Marion was a lifelong member of C.F.U. Lodge 248 in Clairton and was very proud of her Dalmatian heritage. As a daughter of an immigrant family, her work ethic and devotion to family were established at an early age. Proudly bearing her father’s name, she dedicated many years in helping to run their family business, Marion’s Tavern, in Jefferson Borough. Marion devoted her life to friends and family, especially her granchildren. Being with others, doing for others, and giving to others brought her much happiness. She was an avid reader and loved to travel. Marion will always be remembered for her strong belief in herself and her unwavering faith in God. May her amazing strength carry on and inspire others. Marion was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Canfield, Ohio, where she had formerly resided after moving from Jefferson Borough.
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January 10, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Margaret "Margie" (Gasparovic) Snodgrass, age 80 of Pittsburgh and originally of McKeesport, passed away January 9, 2023 after a brief but courageous battle with an illness. She is the loving wife of 45 years of John; loving mother and proud mom of Dr. Steven (Kelly) of Greenville, SC and Christopher (Anna) of Swissvale; devoted grandmother of Simon; and beloved Aunt Margie to many special nieces and nephews. A graduate of McKeesport High School who also attended Carlow University, Margie worked for many years as a meticulously organized professional secretary, most notably for Westinghouse Electric Corp. during the 1970s. She alternated her career with time as a stay-at-home mom, frequent volunteer at Sacred Heart Elementary School, a eucharistic minister and active parishioner at Sacred Heart Church in Shadyside and later a parishioner at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Point Breeze. She was a pious woman of devout Catholic faith and proud Croatian heritage. Margie enjoyed volunteer work for many organizations, especially Childrens Hospital, Ladies of Charity, the Central Catholic High School Mothers Guild, and was selected as a volunteer Christmas decorator at the White House in 2011. She was well known for her incredibly caring, kind, and giving spirit. Margie was the daughter of the late Mate' and Anna (Stimac) Gasparovic. The youngest and last of seven in a close-knit immigrant family, she was preceded in death by her siblings John, Ann, Mary, Matthew (Mary), Thomas, and Steve "Snaps" Gasparovic.
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January 06, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Sally Ann (Popp) Williams, age 84 of Liberty Borough, went to be with her Lord on Friday, December 30, 2022 at Kane Community Living Center, McKeesport. Born April 27, 1938 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Paul and Ida (Tolner) Popp. She was a member of Liberty Borough Veterans Association and an avid animal lover. She contributed to many non-profit organizations that were near and dear to her heart and her kindness will be missed. Sally will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, the late Charles R. (Chick) Williams, her longtime companion Jerry Olack, son Terry Williams, brother Patrick "Sonny" Popp, and sister Gloria Knapp. Sally is survived by her daughter Laurie Lynn Williams-Wood of Yorktown; grandchildren Brianna Morris of West Point, VA, Brandon Wood of Yorktown, VA, and Lacey Cowley of Virginia Beach, VA; five great-granddaughters; step-daughters Shelley Supinsky of White Oak and Cindy Olack of Liberty Boro; sister Candy (William) Boyle of O'Fallon, MO; 5 nieces and 2 nephews; and also multiple great nieces and nephews.
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January 06, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Florence L. Ramsey, age 96 of Clairton, passed away at home on Thursday, January 5, 2023. Born September 17, 1926 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Reynolds) Coughenour. Florence was preceded in death by her husband Joseph E. Ramsey, Jr., who passed away July 1, 2018, her daughter Diana Sickley, her son Curtis (Melanie) Ramsey, and her brothers Charles and Thomas Coughenour. She is survived by her daughter Mary Ann Martin of Clairton; her sons David (Kim) Ramsey of Jefferson Hills and Craig (Connie) Ramsey of Elizabeth; her grandchildren Richard (Tracy) Lindsey, Christina Martin, Jason (Kathy) Ramsey, Joshua (Chalee) Ramsey, Jared (Sinthana) Ramsey, Erin (Sam) Nunnery, Jessica (Nick) Chiavetta, and Todd Ramsey; her numerous great-grandchildren; her great-great-grandchildren; and also nieces and nephews. Florence was also a member of Pine Run United Methodist Church, the Wilson Civic Association, and the Wilson AARP.
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January 05, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Marie J. (Squires) Ference, age 93, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Jefferson Hospital. She was a member of St. John XXIII Parish, St. Isaac Jogues Church in Elrama and was a former postal clerk with the U.S. Postal Service in Floreffe and Clairton. Born May 13, 1929 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Vincent and Stella (Budka) Squires and wife of the late Edward J. Ference. She is survived by daughter, Diane Ference of Jefferson Hills; sons, Daniel (Margie) Ference of Glassport, Robert (Amy) Ference of Rostraver Twp. and Thomas (Lori) Ference of Finleyville; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, Raymond Squires of North Versailles, Thomas Squires of San Jose, CA and Vincent Squires of Lakeland, FL; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sisters, Irene Meyer, Phyllis Shuster and Betty Pater, and brother, Ralph Squires. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Sunday, January 8, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 10:30 AM in St. Isaac Jogues Roman Catholic Church (St. John 23rd Parish) with the Rev. Pierre Falkenhan officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Czestochowa Cemetery, White Oak. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
January 02, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Dolly Prokop, age 74 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2022 in Jefferson Hills Manor. Born September 20, 1948 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Robert V. and Lube (Sellan) Medvidovich. A member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish - St. Michael's Site, Dolly was an esthetician by trade and was the founder and owner of the Allegheny Beauty Academy and proprietor of both the former Fashion Curl Salon in Clairton and the Skin Electrology and Acne Care Center in White Oak and Versailles. In her spare time, she was very artisically inclined with her crafting and quilting; loved movies, travel, and trips to the casino; but was most importantly an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Dolly is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years Thomas Prokop; her sons Thomas (Melissa) Prokop of Laytonsville, MD and Daniel (Natalie) Prokop of Allison Park; her grandchildren Madeline, Matthew, Meredith, Joseph, Nadia, and Petra; her sisters Sally (the late Jerry) Muro Lucarelli of Elizabeth Twp., Patricia Medvidovich of Jefferson Hills, and Mary Anne (the late Edward) Ekin of Renfrew; her nephew William G. (Denise) Goepfert, Jr. of Butler; and her brother-in-law Robert (Jo Carol) Prokop fo Martinsburg, WV.
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