June 14, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Michael McLaughlin, age 75, of Clairton, was greeted into Heaven by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 13, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. Born on December 8, 1946 in McKeesport, he was proudly raised in Clairton and was the only child of the late Mark McLaughlin and Anna (Tamburrino) McLaughlin Jones. He is survived by his partner of 24-years, Florence “Babe” Pryzbylski; his children, Ashley (Mark) Iddings and Ian McLaughlin; his step-daughters, Nikki Pryzbylski and Michelle (Jim) Ward; and he was the proud grandfather to his biological granddaughter Audra, in addition to Mackenzie, Emma, Chad, and Miranda, who adopted him as their own. Mike loved God, his family, Babe, the City of Clairton, red wine and Oldies. And not those commercialized oldies. He loved the “real oldies”. Authentic, street corner doo wop, for which he would DJ parties and dances. Mike never finished college, but managed to work his way up to garner several successful careers in sales, even being recruited from retirement because of his proven track record. He worked for Busy Beaver during its inception, Apple Computer during its early days and Wombat Security Technologies as a startup among many others. An accomplished kicker in football, he even passed first round open tryouts with the Pittsburgh Steelers. When asked why he did not go back for the second round, he would simply reply, “I was young and stupid.” He was proud of his roots, his family and friends, and was fiercely devoted to all of them. He will be missed on earth, but on a quiet night, if you listen carefully, you will hear doo wop playing in Heaven.
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June 14, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Dolores E. DiGrandi, age 88, of West Mifflin, formerly of Scottdale, passed away on Monday, June 13, 2022 at Arrowood at Southwestern. She retired as a tavern owner with her husband in Ohio and Latrobe. Born July 12, 1933 in Scottdale, she was a daughter of the late Otto and Sarah (Parfitt) Enberg and wife of the late John DiGrandi. She is survived by sisters, Janora Disman of Elizabeth and Sara Mickey of Greenville, NC; also, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Private burial will be at Greenridge Memorial Park, Connellsville. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
June 13, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Ethel Rodibaugh, age 97 of Versailles, passed away on Monday, June 13, 2022. Born July 12, 1924 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Andrew and Elizabeth (Silvasi) Makatura. A member of the Free Hungarian Reformed Church of McKeesport and a former nurse's aide at McKeesport Hospital, Ethel joins her husband, the late Paul E. Rodibaugh, Sr., who passed away January 2, 1996.
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June 11, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Sylvester “Bootsie” Skrinjorich, age 87, of Forward Twp., passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Jefferson Hospital. He was a retired electrician at U.S. Steel Clairton Works, founder and owner of Sylvester & Tweetie’s Restaurant for the past 20-years, and was also the founder of Skrinny’s Auto. He was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union, member and past worshipful master of the Stephen Bayard Masonic Lodge #526 in Elizabeth, and he loved polkas and football.
Born January 19, 1935 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Stanko and Mary (Hrvacic) Skrinjorich. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy M. (Beckinger) Skrinjorich; daughters, Dorothy (James) Wycoff of Elizabeth Twp. and Sue (Howard) Trail of Bunola; son, Ron (Sue) Skrinjorich of Forward Twp.; grandchildren, Mimi (Anthony Rash) Wycoff, Dayna (Ben) Muir, Chris and Mike Trail, Ron (Leah) Skrinjorich, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Harley, Savanna and Ben Muir, Teddi Lee and Danica Pavlack, Trystyn, Leon and Levi Skrinjorich; brother, Joseph Skrinjorich of Jefferson Hills; also, nieces and nephews.
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June 10, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Carol Ann Grilli, age 73, of Clairton, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at home. She retired as clerk for the City of Clairton. She was a former employee at Sky Bank in Jefferson Hills, worked at Walnut Bingo Hall in Wilson, and was a former employee at Foodmart in Clairton. She enjoyed trips to the casino and was an avid reader.
Born November 3, 1948 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Emerson Davis and Hilda (Trasp) Jones. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Dean A. Grilli; daughter, Danielle (Brian) Pavlack of Elizabeth Twp.; son, Shawn (Cyndi) Grilli of White Oak; granddaughter, Seneca Thompson of Elizabeth Twp.; step-grandchildren, Hollah, Aria, Paige and Christopher; brother-in-law, Paige (Sandy) Grilli of Charleroi; also, aunts and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by stepfather, Paul Jones.
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June 10, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Jessica L Kaufman, age 32, of Elizabeth, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022. Born June 14, 1989 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of John "Jack" Kaufman Jr. of Florida and Sharon (Tim Butler) Kaufman of Jefferson Hills. In addition to her parents, she is survived by fiance, Shawn Holmes of Tarentum; children, Dominic Natale, Ryleigh Cranmer, Noah Cranmer and Gianna Holeva; sister, Alyssa (Clayton) Huff of Elizabeth; brothers, John (Samantha) Kaufman of Jefferson Hills, Kevin (Leah) Kalyn of Chesterfield, VA and Gary Kalyn of Pittsburgh; also, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Monday, June 13, 2022 from 4-8 PM. No services are planned. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
June 08, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Setsue Mayhugh, 89, of Elizabeth, peacefully passed from this life on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 in the home that she loved, surrounded by those who loved her. She was born in March 1933 in the town of Chogiti on the island of Kyushu Japan to Sahachi and Tumo Kisu. She met her husband, Allen “Skip” Mayhugh who was serving in the U.S. Army, and emigrated to America in 1956. Moving to Elizabeth from Forward Twp. in 1964, she and “Skip” made a good, happy life for seven children. After studying on her own, she became a naturalized citizen in 1977. She loved America and was proud of her citizenship. Sadly, her busy life never allowed her to return to Japan for family visits as she hoped to do. She left behind many relatives and a twin sister. After raising her family, she got involved with Allegheny County’s Domicilary Care program. She spent more than 30 years providing in-home care for elderly and special needs clients, some who stayed and thrived in her home for more than 10 years. She cared for them as though they were family. She was very intelligent and artistic and was also an expert seamstress. She taught herself how to read and write English and learned to speak the language by watching her favorite westerns, “Gunsmoke” and “The Rifleman.” This brief outline does not begin to do her justice. She will be missed. She is survived by her children, John and James Mayhugh and Cathy Pierce, all of Elizabeth, Jackie Salka of Forward Twp., Susie Mayhugh of Tucson, AZ, and her primary caregiver for the last two years, Toni; also many grandchildren and relatives she never got to meet from Japan. In addition to her parents and husband/best friend, she was preceded in death by daughter, Liz. As per her wishes, there will be no funeral services. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
June 08, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Richard Lee Maraffi, Sr., age 79 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 in Canterbury Place, Pittsburgh. Born February 25, 1943 in Buena Vista, he was a son of the late Rancel and Alice (Smith) Maraffi. A US Air Force Veteran of the Vietnam War, Richard worked as a warehouse manager for G.C. Murphy Co. in McKeesport and also for US Steel in Duquesne. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Georgienne M. (Matola) Maraffi, who passed away March 13, 2020; his son Richard L. Maraffi, Jr., who passed away January 12, 2014; and his sisters Vikki Ankney and Darla Obal. Richard is survived by his sons Ramon and Ronald (Wendy) Maraffi, both of Slippery Rock; his grandsons Ryan (Allie) and Kyle (Carlee) Maraffi; his great-grandson Carter Maraffi; and also nieces and nephews.
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June 07, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
William J. "Yogi" Trasp, age 75, of Espyville, formerly of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 in Elizabeth Twp. A Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, he retired as an assembly line worker for Fisher Body in West Mifflin. He was a member of Elrama United Methodist Church. He enjoyed making stained glass windows, riding his motorcycle, wintering in Florida, and being with family and friends. Born November 1, 1946 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late William J. and Loretta Fern (Welch) Trasp and husband of the late Marcella (Letavec) Trasp. He is survived by sons, John N. (Joanie) Trasp of Mt. Vernon and Bill (Shelli) Trasp of Payne, OH; grandchildren, Jessica and John Letavec, Kara and Kevin Trasp, and Devlin and Raven Geroski; one great-grandchild; sister, Bonnie Popp of North Huntingdon; also, nieces, nephews and aunts. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas and James Trasp. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 10 AM in Round Hill Cemetery Chapel, Elizabeth Twp., with the Rev. Dr. William K. Little officiating. Burial will follow. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
June 07, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Russell A. Forsythe, age 70, of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, June 6, 2022 at Jefferson Hospital. An Army veteran of the Vietnam War, he retired as a technician for Toshiba in Pittsburgh. He attended Park Baptist Church in Versailles, loved spending time with his grandchildren, and enjoyed fishing. Born March 8, 1952 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Harry and Stella (Flory) Forsythe. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Tammy J. (Brannon) Forsythe; daughter, Leah (Christopher) Wampler of Elizabeth; sons, David (Jessica) Cochran of Maysville and Matthew Cochran of Elizabeth; eight grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son, Chad Forsythe; sister, Judy Layton; and brothers, Harry and Eddie Forsythe. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 5-7 PM. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
June 06, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
William “Willie” Takacs, Sr., age 96 of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, June 3, 2022 at his home. Born October 7, 1925 in Duquesne, he was a son of the late Steven and Catherine (Horvat) Takacs.
Willie was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish – St. Patrick’s Church in McKeesport and was a faithful Catholic who loved to sing hymns at Mass. “Pap” loved his family and was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He especially loved gathering with everyone on Sundays for spaghetti dinner.
Willie retired after 38 years as a brakeman and conductor for the Union Railroad and loved to tell everyone that he retired for as many years as he worked. He was a member of the “Greatest Generation” and a Veteran of World War II, having served in the Navy aboard the heavy cruiser USS Louisville and was very proud of his service to his country. When asked, he proudly recalled his war stories and campaigns aboard the Louisville in the South Pacific.
Willie’s greatest joy, besides his family, was golf. He learned the game as a young boy caddying at Duquesne Country Club and played on the golf team at Duquesne High School. He lived to say that he had been playing golf for 85 years. He was a scratch golfer who first shot his age at 69 and continued to shoot his age well into his 90s. Willie played most of his golf at Butler’s Golf Course in Elizabeth and knew the course so well that he would hit his drive and immediately get the next club out of his bag for the second shot. Last summer, he could still be seen playing there on Tuesdays and Fridays with his “Bullchipper” buddies.
Willie lived a full life and in his later years loved to say: “Don’t worry about me; I had a great run.”
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June 06, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Ethel (Oliver) Allan, age 86, of Forward Twp., passed away on Friday, June 3, 2022 at Overlook Green Senior Living. She was an avid reader, volunteered with Meals on Wheels and enjoyed bowling. Born June 29, 1935 in Broxburn West Lothian, Scotland, she was a daughter of the late Alexander and Elizabeth (Wilson) Oliver and wife of the late George Allan. She is survived by daughters, June M. (Mark) Finnegan of Forward Twp. and Jacqueline Allan of Pittsburgh; grandson, Scott (Erin) Finnegan of Charleston, SC; great-granddaughter, Adalie Finnegan; brother, David Oliver of Scotland; sister, Renee Goodlad of Scotland; also, nieces and nephews. No visitation or services are planned.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 459, New York, NY 10163-4594. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
June 05, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Milton I. Mitchell, age 88 of Forward Twp., passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, June 3, 2022. Born June 25, 1933 in Ohiopyle, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Dolly (Fulmer) Mitchell. A US Army Veteran of the Korean War, Milton was a self employed carpenter. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, the late Shirley Mitchell, and his children Carole Pantoleo and William Wise. Milton is survived by his daughter JoAnn (Daniel) Budd of Elizabeth; his granddaughters Danielle (Charles) Meehleib of Elizabeth and Carole Bisleglia of Rostraver Twp.; his great-grandchildren Charles, Jr. and Daniel Meehleib and Hanna, Rebecca and Reese Biscleglia.
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June 01, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Lovella "Lovie" (Sakol) Dowden, age 72, of Belle Vernon, formerly of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at UPMC Presbyterian. She retired after 25 years as a housekeeper at UPMC McKeesport. She was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton. She enjoyed spending time at her camp in Pymatuning. Born November 18, 1949 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late John A. and Julia M. (Hrezo) Sakol and wife of the late Robert M. Dowden. She is survived by daughter, Regina Hansen of Belle Vernon; son, Harry J. (Shannon Dewitt) Hansen of Fayette City; grandchildren, Melisa (Brett) Hart of Belle Vernon and Jimmy (Brooke) Andreoli of Liberty Borough; great-grandchildren, Brayden Hart and James Andreoli; and many granddogs. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by daughter, Stacey Andreoli, and brother, Ronald W. Sakol. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 Nort Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, June 3, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 12 Noon in St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. with the Rev. Thomas A. Wagner officiating. Private burial will be in St. Clare Cemetery, Clairton. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
May 31, 2022 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Ronald "Pete" E. Peterson, age 79, of Clairton, passed away on Monday, May 30, 2022 at home. He was a retired welder for Pete's Welding. An Army veteran, he was a member of Pine Run United Methodist Church in Clairton. He played softball into his 70s and enjoyed fishing, hunting, duckpin bowling, and gardening. Born July 13, 1942 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Carl O. and Mildred (Johnson) Peterson. He is survived by his wife, Ruth E. (Inks) Peterson; sons, Ron (Nina) Peterson of Jefferson Hills, Lon Peterson of Upland, CA, Carl (Kristin) Peterson of Derry and Nick (Micaela) Peterson of Clairton; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
