May 04, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Marlene A. Potemra, age 81 of Cheswick and formerly of Elizabeth Twp. and Lexington, OK, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020 in UPMC Shadyside. Born February 3, 1939 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late George and Veronica (Hytovik) Baran. A member of both St. Michael's Parish in Elizabeth Twp. and Our Lady of Victory Parish in Harwick, Marlene worked at nursing homes as a social services director, mostly at Lexington Nursing Home in Oklahoma. She is survived by her husband Thomas S. Potemra; her children Cynthia (William, III) Spade of Cheswick, Thomas A. Potemra of Norman, OK, and Steven G. (Tina) Potemra of Purcell, OK; grandchildren Amanda (Christopher) Mulcahey of Naples, FL, William , IV and Michael Spade, both of Pittsburgh, Tiffany (Franklin) Stuck of Norman, OK, Kyle Marie Potemra of Cass City, MI, James Nauman of Shawnee, OK, Matthew and Jesse Nauman of Byers, OK, and Michelle (Matthew) Calvert of Tuttle, OK; great-grandchildren Colin and Andrew Mulchaey, Isaac Stuck, Kayden and Ethan Etter, Olivia and Jackson Nauman, and also nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Marlene is preceded in death by her brother George Baran and her granddaughter Leeann Potemra.
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April 28, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
James S. Francis, Sr., age 74 of Clairton, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2020 in John J. Kane Regional Center, Glen Hazel. Born September 23, 1945 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Elmer and Mildred (Smith) Francis. A former construction worker, James was also preceded in death by his siblings Kay Jean and Eugene "Chukie" Francis. He is survived by his wife of fifty years Andrea (Golashewski) Francis; his children Victoria (the late Marc) Mirenna and her companion James Currence of Dravosburg, James S. Francis, Jr. of Parma, OH, and Diana Lynn (Mark) Mosco of Van Voorhis; his seven grandchildren: Joel, Justin, Jacey, and Jerzy Mirenna and Kayla, Willie, and Dominic Mosco; his siblings George Francis of Harmarville, "Duke" Francis of Lower Burrell, Donna Francis of Penn Hills, and William Francis of North Huntingdon; and also many loving nieces and nephews.
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April 28, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Leonard C. Lehman Jr., age 75, of Clairton, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2020 at Southwestern Nursing Center. He was a retired teacher in the Franklin Regional School District. A 1963 graduate of Clairton High School and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he was a member of Wilson Presbyterian Church in Clairton. He enjoyed gardening and spending time with his pup, Whooly.
He belonged to many gardening, horticulture, and scientific groups including Men's Gardening Club of Pittsburgh, Daylily Society, Penn State Horticulture, Phipps Conservatory, and many more.
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April 25, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Evelyn Frankovich, age 93 of Port Vue, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2020 in Harbour Senior Living, Monroeville. Born August 11, 1926 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Anthony and Frances (Sudetic) Frankovich. A member of St. Mark's Parish in Port Vue, Evelyn retired from the payroll department at US Steel - Irvin Works, West Mifflin. In her spare time, Evelyn loved to golf, bowl, travel, and attend the theater and was proud of her Croatian heritage. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Anthony (Emma), John, and George Frankovich and Mary (Adam) Sparks. Evelyn is survived by her nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements for Evelyn are private with burial following in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Port Vue.
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April 25, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Sandra L. (Pershing) Davis, age 79, of Blaine Hill, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2020 in Jefferson Hospital. A former nurse’s aide at Jefferson Hospital, she was a member of St. Michael's Church in Elizabeth Township and the West Newton Seniors Center. She enjoyed cooking and was affectionately the family hair stylist. Born August 7, 1940 in Elizabeth Township, she was a daughter of the late David Sr. and Rose (Telesfore) Pershing. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gene B. "Jess" Davis. She is survived by children, Michelle Harris of Blaine Hill, Kathy Davis of Blaine Hill and Gene B. "Guy" Davis of Forward Township; two grandchildren, Ruby Rose Davis-Nelson of St. Paul, MN and Marc Dunseath of Blaine Hill; siblings, David Pershing of Blaine Hill, Lucy (Francis) Thompson of Grassflat, Richard Pershing of Blaine Hill and Bill (Laurel) Pershing of Blaine Hill; also nieces and nephews.
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April 20, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Mary Jane Sporio, age 92, of Elizabeth Twp., passed into heaven on Sunday, April 19, 2020. She was a four-year resident of Mt. Vernon of Elizabeth Personal Care Home. Born October 25, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Anna (Pickering) Adams, and wife of beloved husband, the late Paul Sporio. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Ken) Glowacki; son, Paul Dean Sporio; and cherished grandson, Ryan Paul (Rachel) Glowacki; two sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by 11 brothers and sisters, and infant son, Joseph. Her church family at Round Hill Presbyterian Church were important to her. She had a strong faith in God and was looking forward to being with him. Funeral arrangements are private. The family asks that donations be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 707 Grant Street, 37th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Round Hill Presbyterian Church, 2150 Round Hill Church Road, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
April 19, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Anna (Gornick) Odorcic, age 97 of McKeesport, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2020 in Baldwin Health Center. Born March 25, 1923 in Versailles, she was a daughter of the late Nick and Danica (Jerant) Gornick. A retired dispenser for Tri State Optical, Anna was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish and the former Sacred Heart Parish, McKeesport. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Marko Odorcic, who passed away November 12, 2009, and three siblings: Rose M. Hurbanek, Phil Gornick, and Katie Susan. Anna is survived by her son Robert (Rose Marie) Odorcic of McKeesport; her grandchildren Robert, Jr., Lance, and Stacey Michelle Odorcic, all of McKeesport; her sister Mary Barron of White Oak; her brother William Gornick of Manassas, VA; and also nieces and nephews.
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April 17, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Carl Gay, father of seven children, native of the great state of Texas and long-time resident of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away on Easter Sunday after a long battle with mesothelioma. Carl was a master of the New York Times crossword puzzle, as well as a skilled and eloquent debater. He served his country admirably as sailor aboard the submarines USS Black Fin, USS Guitarro and USS Seawolf before entering into the Air Force as a member of the burgeoning nuclear power program. After a successful career in the military, he went on to become an esteemed nuclear inspector, ensuring the safety and well-being of all regions served by nuclear power. He will be remembered as a southern gentleman with unfailing manners and charm, possessed of an exceedingly high intelligence, a man who was both kind and generous, with a most excellent sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Louise (Stone) Gay of Clairton; son, Joe P. (Lu) Gay of Ireland; son, David E. (Christine) Gay of Bloomington, IN; daughter, Sandra Gay of Clairton; daughter, Allisa D. Gay of Mt. Washington; son, Michael (Sierra) Gay of Argyle, NY; daughter, Glynnis (Jaime Diaz) Gay of Fort Lauderdale, FL; and daughter, Kirsten (Joe) Cuomo of Frederick, MD; grandchildren; great grandchildren; sister, Roberta Ursprung of Rye, TX; and brother, Larry Gay of Spring, Texas. A memorial gathering will take place in Livingston, TX at a later date. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
April 16, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Larry J. (Garuccio) Garuch, age 80 of Clairton, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Born August 24, 1939 in Carolina, WV, he was the son of the late Joseph (Garuccio) Garuch and Catherine (Lari) Garuch. A member of St. Clare of Assisi Church, Larry was a graduate of McKeesport High School and retired after thirty years of service at US Steel Clairton Coke Works. At home, he always made everyone feel welcome and loved to sit on his patio and spend time with his family: the pride and joy of his life. He also took pride in his beautiful yard and spotless cars and loved to go to the casino and horse races. Larry will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Karen (Sammartin) Garuch; his daughters Annette (Charles) Greer of Jefferson Hills and Catherine Dever of Brigantine, NJ; his grandchildren Nicholas (Amanda) Greer of North Huntingdon and Gina Marie Greer of Jefferson Hills; his sister Norma Arabia of Shelby Twp., MI; and also nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his sister Theresa Scappetura.
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April 10, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Helen M. Campbell, age 92 of Clairton, passed away at home on Friday, April 10, 2020. Born May 9, 1927 in Oil City, she was a daughter of the late Mike and Mary (Kislan) Wasko. A member of Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church, Helen was a graduate of the former California Teachers College (now California University of Pennsylvania) and retired as an art teacher for Clairton School District. At home, she always made everyone feel welcome, whether in her own home or her cottage at Conneaut Lake. Helen would gladly offer to help anyone in the family who needed it: whether it was an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or help to get started in life. She was so loved and will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.
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April 07, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Ann M. Ondrovic, age 99 of North Versailles, passed away at home on Monday, April 6, 2020. Born September 17, 1920, in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Peter and Nina (Franko) Doric. A member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - Corpus Christi, the former Sacred Heart Parish, and the Croatian Catholic Union, Ann was preceded in death by her husband the late Frank J. Ondrovic, who passed away July 15, 1991, and her siblings: Mary Puskaric and Stanley, Frank, and Lawrence Doric.
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April 05, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Kelli J. Hyde, age 47 of Clairton, lost a long a personal struggle and passed away at home on Thursday, April 2, 2020. Born January 3, 1973 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of Mary Helen (Bogacki) Mulholland, with whom she resided, and the late James Richard Mulholland. A former hospice nurse with Family Hospice in Mt. Lebanon, Kelli is also survived by her husband Geoffrey C. Hyde; her children Breanna (Anthony) Hyde Antolik of Indiana, PA and Dylan H. and Noah C. Hyde, both of Clairton; her sister Heather (Karl) Napieracz of St. Louis, MO; and, as an avid animal lover, her two pugs Lola and Grimm.
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April 01, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Joseph J. "Jose" McCormley, age 93 of Whitehall and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at Canterbury Place in Pittsburgh. He was a Treasurer/Controller for Ben Venue Laboratories. Joseph was also a member of St. Germaine Church, Bethel Park and a former member of St. Clare Parish, Clairton. He was a Corporal in the US Army Air Corp serving during World War II and a member of both the American Legion Post 75 and the Sons of Columbus, Santa Maria Council #4, both of Clairton. Born July 25, 1926 in Clairton, he was a son of the late Joseph M. and Katherine (Flynn) McCormley. Joseph was preceded in death by his first wife Ruth E. (McConnell) McCormley, his second wife Gail (Gawlas) Greenwald McCormley, his daughter Kathleen (Ray) Miller, and his brothers William M. McCormley and Dr. Robert McCormley. He is survived by his daughters Ramsey Jeanne (John) Zarrella of Suisun, CA and Mary S. (the late Robert) Brushaber of Whitehall; his brother Don (Thelma) McCormley of West Mifflin; stepsons Randy Greenwald of Bonita Springs, FL and Ken Greenwald of Bowie, MD; nieces, nephews, and stepgrandchildren. A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at a later date.
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March 31, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Arnold E. Handley, age 85, of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2020 at Arden Courts of Jefferson Hills. An Air Force veteran serving during the Korean War and member of American Legion Post 712 in Pleasant Hills, he was a retired sheet metal fabricator for Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 66 in Everett, WA. Born August 19, 1934 in Monroe, he was a son of the late Arnold and Gladys (Quigley) Handley and husband of the late Virginia L. (LaFrankie) Handley. He is survived by his brothers, Paul (Lorraine) Handley and George (Christine) Handley, both of Fayetteville, GA; grandson, Adam Handley of Washington State; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Handley of Washington State; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by son, Scott Handley; brother, Donald Handley; and sister, Irene Sickles. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolenes at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 29, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John Ratesic, age 79 of White Oak, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2020. Born August 25, 1940 in Braddock, PA, John was the son of the late John and Bernardine Ratesic, who raised him in McKeesport, PA. John is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 49 years, Dorothy (Dokmanovich) Ratesic, daughter Dr. Mara Dawn (David) Koetke and granddaughter Alexandra Koetke of New York City and son, Marko (Julie) Ratesic and grandchildren Nicholas, Milena and Luke John Ratesic of Chicago. Also surviving are his siblings Patrick (Mickey) Ratesic of Norwin, Ann (Ed) Bell of Coulter and Kay (Gerry) Feagles of Canton, Ohio.
John graduated from McKeesport High School in 1958, received a football scholarship and played for the University of Southern Mississippi, graduating in 1962. He received his Masters Degree and Principal Certification in 1975 from Duquesne University.
John proudly served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1963-1965. He was a valued member of the undefeated 7th Infantry Football Team in 1963 and was named 1st Team on the All-Army Squad.
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