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Gloria Graham

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

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Kathleen A. Lenze

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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Nancy Jane Tassone

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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Audrey A. Minarcik

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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Gary G. Wilcox

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.

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Harry B. Bartko

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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Julia Galeza

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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Robert L. Kerlin

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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Elsie L. Young

June 19, 2023 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Elsie L. (Bentley) Young, age 93, formerly of Elizabeth, passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Mon Valley Care Center. A graduate of Clairton High School, she was a former member of Elizabeth Borough Senior Citizens and a life member of Forward Twp. Ladies Auxiliary. Born February 14, 1930 in Elrama, she was a daughter of the late Albert and Mildred (Fuller) Bentley and wife of the late William Albert Young. She is survived by daughters, Sandra Kluczkowski of Pittsburgh, Charlene Young of Northeast and Mildred (Jake) Bendel of Greensburg; grandchildren, Bill (Anna) Kluczkowski of Cheswick, Jayme (Sean) Kochan of Monessen and Adam Kluczkowski of Millvale; also, nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by daughter, Billie Jean Kochan. Visitation and service were private. Burial was in Elizabeth Cemetery, Elizabeth. Memorial contributions may be made to your local volunteer fire company. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Mary Breegle

June 11, 2023 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Mary Breegle, age 100, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at home. Born January 16, 1923, in Arona, she was a daughter of the late John and Barbara (Kirk) Manor and wife of the late John R. “Skee” Breegle Sr., who passed away April 29, 1987. Mary worked as a welder during World War II at Fort Pitt Ammunition Factory, was a member of Bible Fellowship Community Church in West Newton, and loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by daughter, Mary Ann Opat, and two sons, Kenneth E. Breegle and John R. Breegle Jr. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Ron Calabro officiating. Burial to follow in Salem Cemetery, Rostraver Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to Bible Fellowship Community Church, 220 Atomic Way, West Newton, PA 15089. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Cecelia Apple

June 09, 2023 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Cecelia (Kasmerski) Apple, age 95, of Elizabeth Twp., formerly of Clairton, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Grandview Estates. She was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. Born November 5, 1927 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Helen (Noviski) Kasmerski. She is survived by her husband of 75 years, George P. "Perry" Apple; daughter, Karen Henrich of South Park; sons, Dennis (Ginnie) Apple of Erie and Richard (Carol) Apple of Boalsburg; grandchildren, Lori, Jill, Scott and Jeffrey; five great-grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews. Private Blessing with the Rev. Thomas A. Wagner officiating took place in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Burial followed in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Monica M. Vaught

June 07, 2023 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Monica M. Vaught, age 59 of Bethel Park and formerly of Kennedy Township, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at Canterbury Place in Pittsburgh.  Born November 11, 1963 in Homestead, she was a daughter of the late Francis and Agnes (Mrazik) Lucas.  Monica worked as a registered nurse for the former St. Frances Hospital in Pittsburgh and was a strong supporter of ASPCA.  She is survived by her of  fiancé of 11 years Jeff Deal of Bethel Park; daughter Chloe (Chase) Vaught-Burnfin of Leesburg, GA; sister Nancy (the late Paul) Samko of Moon Township; nieces Amanda, Brettholle and Melanie Samko; step-children Bryan and Bruce Deal; first husband Gary Vaught; and “her besties” Scooby and Emme.  In addition to her parents and brother-in-law, she was preceded in death by her brother Frank Lucas. 

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John R. Gadsick Sr.

June 06, 2023 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

John R. Gasdick Sr., age 60, of Liberty Borough, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at home. A Marine veteran, he was a former truck driver and skilled laborer, and a former bartender at the Wagon Wheel. He was a member, steward and bartender at Liberty Borough Veterans Association and a member of the Port Vue American Legion. Born April 6, 1963 in Bridgeport, CT, he was a son of Dolores (Limberger) Gasdick of McKeesport and the late Edward Gasdick. In addition to his mother, he is survived by daughter, Tiffany (Nicholas Hahne) Gasdick of Liberty Borough; sons, John R. (Paige Hako) Gasdick Jr. and William Gasdick, both of Liberty Borough; grandchildren, John R. Gasdick III, Cole Hahne, AJ  Hahne and Camilla Gasdick; brothers, Edward (Sherry) Gasdick of Kissimmee, FL and Jeff (Mariann) Gazdich of Laguna Hills, CA; sister-in-law, Veronica Gasdick of Glassport; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by brother, Michael Gasdick Sr. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, June 9, 2023 from 4-8 PM. A Military Service will take place on Saturday, June 10 at 10 AM at Calvary Cemetery in Port Vue. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CEMETERY. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 1000 Liberty Avenue, Room 1606, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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William F. Marra

June 06, 2023 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

William F. Marra, age 71 of Clairton, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday June 4, 2023 in Jefferson Hospital. Born June 1, 1952 in McKeesport, PA, he was the son of the late Felix T. "Brother" Marra and Doris Jean (Dillon) Marra.  William worked at USS Irvin Works, Carpenter Union Local 142 and was a talented woodworker. He loved to spend his time with his children and grandchildren whom he adored. He was a faith builder, encourager and shined his light on many. He knew God was in his story throughout his life until his last breath.

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James C. Puckey, Sr.

June 04, 2023 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

James C. Puckey, Sr., age 86, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at home. He retired from the boiler shop at U.S. Steel Clairton Works after 42 years of service and was a U.S. Army veteran during the cold war. He attended Round Hill Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth Twp. and enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and the outdoors. Born September 16, 1936, in Elizabeth Twp., he was a son of the late John B. Puckey, Sr. and Lillian F. (Russell) Puckey and husband of the late Blanche F. (Aldridge) Puckey. He is survived by son, James C. (Bonnie) Puckey, Jr. of Finleyville; daughter, Joyce (Jim) Reed of Belle Vernon; grandchildren, Matthew (Rebekah) Puckey, Noah (Hannah) Reed, Gabriel Reed, Samantha (Ryan) Hohn, Megan (Austin) Hoffman, James Reed, Kristina (Casey) Walton, Megan (Jason) Sonson and Amanda (fiancé Bryant McCallum) Poland; great-grandchildren, Makayla, Alexander, Nicholas, Dylan, Madison, Austin, Wyatt, Savannah, Meadow, Forest, Landon, Adalynn Mae and one on the way; sisters, Ruth A. Thomas of Lincoln Borough and Nancy (Robert) Sanutelli of Elizabeth Twp.; brother, William (Barbara) Puckey of West Newton; also, nieces and nephews.

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