August 25, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Hazel (Halle) Lentini, 79, formerly of Hendersonville, NC, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 in Pittsburgh after a long illness. The eldest of four daughters, she was born March 25, 1943, in McKeesport to Clifford Albert and Etta Mae (March) Halle. She was a member of the Grace Gospel Church in Hickory, NC, and employed as a display designer for Radio Station WHKP. Her great passions were family time, oil painting, music, and traveling. She created more than 100 paintings in her lifetime and was able to attend her final art show in July 2022, which was attended by her supportive family and cherished friends. All four sisters have remained close and traveled many miles to be together through the years. Hazel kept the entire family up to date with a newsletter, the Lentini Lens, and calendars filled with photos, many taken by her. She generously included everyone’s achievements and adventures.
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August 23, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Michael Kemple, age 94, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022 at Paramount Senior Living at South Hills. An Army veteran of World War II, he was a member of VFW Kastan Uveges Post 7632 in Blaine Hill, American Legion Alonzo Weigel Post 553 in Elizabeth, Clairton VFW Post 803, White Oak American Legion, Monongahela American Legion Post 502, Mon Valley Chapter of the American Merchant Marines, the Pittsburgh Circle Track Club, and the Herminie Senior Center. Born September 4, 1927 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late Michael Kemple Sr. and Sophie (Sevick) Kemple and husband of the late Myrna L. (McCarty) Kemple. He is survived by daughters, Carol Kemple of Upper St. Clair, Marlene Patterson of Fredericksburg, VA, and Deborah (Donald) Victor of Elizabeth Twp.; stepdaughters, Mary Lou (Carmen) Bossio of South Park and Penny Hillman of Monongahela; stepsons, James (Margaret) Larkin of Elizabeth and Jay (Diane) McCarty of Monongahela; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brother, Frank Kemple of Myrtle Beach, SC; significant friend, Carol Spina; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret (Lewis) Kemple; stepdaughter, Cindy Niggle; stepson, Gene Larkin; and sisters, Anne Bavin, Barbara Hart and Margaret Thayer. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Funeral Service will take place on Friday, August 26, 2022 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Jude Urso officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
August 23, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Peter Evanovich, age 92, of Forward Twp., passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022 at home. An Army veteran of the Korean War, he retired from Continental Can in West Mifflin. He was a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in McKeesport, an independent farmer who loved barbecuing lamb, and a member of Glassport American Legion Post 443. Born October 14, 1929 in Glassport, he was a son of the late Miles and Milka Evanovich. He is survived by his companion, Carolyn Kopnitsky; stepson, Joseph (Cynthia) Kopnitsky of Trafford; and sister, Marian Zajdel of McKeesport. A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at 12 Noon in Round Hill Cemetery in Elizabeth Twp. with the Very Rev. Stevan Rocknage officiating. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
August 22, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Pauline Ann Monko, age 75 of Clairton, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022 in Southwestern Nursing Center, West Mifflin. Born March 15, 1947 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Pauline (Logo) Kendall. She retired as a pharmacy tech for Walmart in West Mifflin and also worked for Thrift Drug in Clairton and Century 3 Dodge. Pauline was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish – St. Clare of Assisi Church, Clairton. She is survived by her husband of 53 years Frank T. Monko; her sons Mark P. and Andrew S. Monko, both of Clairton; her sister Georgia Graw of Butler; her brothers Ron Lomis of Mercer and Stefan Hrabosky of Lamy, NM; and also nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother John Belcastro.
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August 22, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Mildred P. Matta, age 94 and a lifelong resident of Port Vue, passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2022 in John J. Kane Regional Center - McKeesport. Born September 28, 1927 in McKeesport, she was daughter of the late John and Anna (Pavlecic) Kolic. A former employee of both G.C. Murphy's and Apter Bros., Mildred was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - Corpus Christi Church in McKeesport and its former Christian Mothers, the CFU Lodge #3, Jednota Lodge #267, and the Mon Yough Friendship Club. In her spare time, she was an excellent baker but, more importantly, an excellent wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Besides her parents, Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Michael V. Matta, Sr., who passed away May 14, 2006, her sisters Caroline Medved and Ann Luketic, and her brothers John and George Kolic. She is survived by her sons David M. (Pamela) Matta of Little Boston and Michael V. Matta, Jr. of Greenock; her grandchildren Rachel (Sam) Matta Grissom and Benjamin (Justina) and Aaron Matta; her great-grandchildren Norah Grissom and Sophia Matta (with another arriving shortly, "to-be-named"); and also nieces and nephews.
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August 22, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Francis A. Geletko, age 72 of Clairton, passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2022. Born September 10, 1949 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Frank J. and Alice (Piatek) Geletko. A member of the former St. joseph's Parish in Clairton, Francis graduated from Clairton High School, Class of 1967, received a football scholarship to the University of Wyoming, and received his bachelor's degree in business administration from the California University of PA. He began his professional career at US Steel Clairton Works, then worked for many years for the City of Clairton as city clerk, public works director, and finance director. With the city, Francis proudly instituted Clairton's recycling program. He retired as director of finance for the Clairton Municipal Authority and also was the founder and owner/proprietor, along with his wife, of Geletko Tax Service, which they operated for 38 years. He also served on the Clairton School Board. In his spare time, Francis was a member of the Sons of Columbus, Santa Maria Council #3, an avid golfer, and a big Pittsburgh sports fan. Francis is survived by his wife of over 49 years Jill (Hoge) Geletko; his son Robert (Colleen) Geletko of Brookline and their children Vivian, Harrison, and Scarlett; his daughter Susannah K. (Mike) Sowko of Rostraver Twp. and their children Rory and Gavin Francis; his sisters Monica LaFrankie and Marie Shelton; and also many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
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August 21, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
William F. Caudill, age 76 of Liberty Borough, passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2022. Born October 20, 1945 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late William P. and Belva F. (Kauffman) Caudill. A retired technician for Bettis National Atomic Lab in West Mifflin, William was a dog and horse lover and farrier; an accomplished square dancer; and a car enthusiast and hobbyist, especially 50s hot rods and 60s muscle cars. He is survived by his sons Jason Caudill of Liberty Borough and Bryan (Kristen) Caudill of North Huntingdon; his grandson Camden Caudill; his siblings Braxton (Lazann) Caudill of Sioux Falls, SD and Christine (Earl) Peters of Hereford; and also nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, William was preceded in death by his brother Barton H. "Harvey" Caudill.
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August 21, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Scott Wayne Bernard, age 55 of McKeesport, passed away at home on Friday, August 19, 2022. Born December 6, 1966 in McKeesport, he was a son of Karen R. (Lockard) Bernard of McKeesport and the late L. Wayne Bernard, who passed away May 19, 1992. A brick mason by trade, Scott loved deer hunting, camping, riding quads and motorcycles, but most of all, spending time with his many, many friends. Besides his mother, he is survived by his sons Matthew (Amanda) and Sean; his grandchildren Blake and Mason; his sisters Brenda (Todd) Zabel of Omaha, NE and Kristin Hall of North Huntingdon; and his nieces and nephews Amelia and Melissa Zabel, Marcello Vellano, and Sydney Hall.
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August 20, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
James Wayne Piggford, Jr., died peacefully at Grandview Estates of Elizabeth on Thursday, August 18th. He passed away while holding the hand of Helen Kuzma Piggford, his beloved wife of 71 years, in the presence of his daughter Teresa Mae Buchina of Elizabeth Township, and after praying with his sons James Wayne Piggford III of Simpsonville, SC, and George Alan Piggford, C.S.C., of North Easton, MA. Wayne, as he was known to family and friends, was born in the Braum building in Elizabeth Borough on November 18th, 1929, to Minnie (Braum) and James Wayne Pigford, Sr. He grew up in Elizabeth and West Elizabeth, and he graduated from Elizabeth High School, where he played varsity football and baseball. He enlisted in the Navy and received orders to serve as an engineman assigned to the U.S.S. Gilmore in Key West, FL, and was later assigned to the Nautilus submarine program in New London, CT. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Petty Officer, Second Class. After he and Helen moved to their current home on Blaine Hill in 1960, he first worked at Continental Can in West Mifflin, PA, then devoted his career to the U.S. Post Office in Elizabeth, first as a mail clerk and later as a rural carrier in Elizabeth and Forward Townships. He happily retired in 1984. Wayne’s 92-year life was a strong thread woven through the lives of many in the Elizabeth area and at Sts. Joachim and Anne parish (formerly St. Michael’s parish). He was a bingo caller for many years, a firefighter and ambulance driver for Blaine Hill Volunteer Fire Co., an active member of the VFW and American Legion, an usher at St. Michael’s, a little league coach, a card player, and a seasoned traveler—although only by car—to South Carolina, Florida, and anywhere else his children were residing. Wayne was passionately devoted to Helen, his wife. He deeply loved his children Teresa, wife of Steven Buchina; Wayne III, husband of Laura; and George, a Roman Catholic priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross. He doted on his grandsons, who are both U.S. Marines: James Connor, husband of TJ, and Alexander Ryan. Wayne is survived by his sisters Ruth Ann Chomas of Elizabeth Township and Helen Louise Wivagg of Forward Township. His brother Charles passed away in 1990. He loved his nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and other relatives, and he enjoyed sharing jokes, stories, poems, and prayers with family, friends, neighbors, and random strangers. In addition to family, the Eucharist was the center of his life, and he quietly prayed for the “unborn, the born, the dying, and the dead” every day of his life. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Monday, August 22, 2002 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM. Mass of Christian burial will take place on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at 10 AM in St. Michael’s Church with his son, Rev. George Piggford officiating. Burial to follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. The family recommends donations in the name of James Wayne Piggford, Jr., to Boys Town (https://www.boystown.org/Pages/how-you-help.aspx) and Disabled American Veterans (https://www.ihelpveterans.org). Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
August 12, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Beloved mother Lois Jean Frinsco, age 92 of Elizabeth Twp. and formerly of Versailles, passed over at her daughter's home with her family at her side. Born July 16, 1930 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Carl and Helen (Shigo) Sickels and wife of 66 years of the late Bernard A. Frinsco, who passed away May 4, 2017. A member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Patrick's Church in McKeesport, Lois is survived by her children Karen (Michael) Yurechko of Elizabeth Twp., Bernard and David Frinsco, both of Houston, TX, and Timothy (Jacquie) Frinsco of Monroeville; her nine grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.
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August 12, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Jay Claude Lewis, age 86 of Pleasant Hills, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2022 in Jefferson Hospital. Born December 27, 1935 in Clairton, he was a son of the late John C. and Sarah E. (Grimes) Lewis. Jay was a talented hairdresser and barber with a loyal following, an amazing ice skater (who once tried out for the Ice Capades), and an excellent golfer and true student of the game. To all of these activities he applied a technical aptitude and curiosity, always trying to better his crafts. Most importantly though, he was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who will be dearly missed by the many, many people who loved him. Jay is survived by his wife of 65 years Judy (Grotefend) Lewis; his children Robin (Paul) Haines of Indiana, PA and J.C. (Karen) Lewis of Raleigh, NC; his grandchildren Jordan and Casey Haines, Callie Jellots, and Koutnaye and Haley Lewis; his seven great-grandchildren; and also nieces and nephews.
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August 10, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Myles H. Andrews, age 72, of McKeesport passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. Born November 16, 1949 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Henry and Helen (Brodzinski) Andrews. Myles attended Lafayette University on a football scholarship and was a member of the Phi Delta Fraternity. He went on to work as a teacher at McKeesport High School for 28 years, and coached football at McKeesport High School for many years. He also owned Myles Andrews Landscaping for 20+ years. He was also a member of Corpus Christi Church (Mother Mary of God Parish) in McKeesport
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August 04, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
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August 02, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Lavino "Beans" Dandrea, age 89 of McKeesport, passed away on Monday, August 1, 2022 in Mountainview Skilled Nursing Home, Greensburg. Born September 8, 1932 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Biagio and Angelina (Spaccasassi) Dandrea. A former vice president of Tico Electric in McKeesport and Korean War Veteran of the US Army, Lavino was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Patrick's Church of McKeesport. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, the late Maryann (Kolic) Dandrea, who passed away January 18, 2018, and his son William Dandrea. Lavino is survived by his sons Mark (Jane) Dandrea of Monroeville and Vincent (Denise) Dandrea of Irwin; his six grandchildren: Ryan (Taylor) Dandrea, Michael (Anna) Dandrea, Victoria (Benjamin Bugaile) Dandrea, Mark James (Mary) Dandrea, Vincent M. Dandrea, Jr., and Dakota Mary Dandrea; and also nieces and nephews.
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August 01, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Billie Jean "B.J." (Young) Kochan, age 61, of Blaine Hill, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022 at Jefferson Hospital. A skilled legal secretary for many years, she had worked for both the PA Office of Attorney General and the Allegheny County Office of Public Defender. She loved to read, especially crime and mystery novels, spend time chatting and laughing with family and friends, watch movies and TV shows, listen to classic rock music, and play video games on her computer. A lifelong lover of cats, she spent much of her time doting on her beloved Haven Butterscotch. Born September 20, 1960 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of Elsie L. (Bentley) Young of Elizabeth and the late William A. "Bill" Young. In addition to her mom, she is survived by her daughter, Jayme Kochan; Jayme's boyfriend Sean Amprim, whom she referred to as her "son-in-law"; sisters, Sandy Kluczkowski of Millvale, Charlie Young of North East and Millie (Jake) Bendel of Greensburg; nephews, Bill (Anna) Kluczkowski of Cheswick and Adam Kluczkowski of Millvale; close friends and next-door neighbors, Tom and Loretta Martin; also, cousins. She was preceded in death by her dad and her husband, Andrew J. Kochan, both of whom she loved and missed dearly. No visitation or services are planned at this time, but a celebration of life may be arranged in the future. Those who wish to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to donate to a local animal shelter or rescue of their choosing. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
