March 09, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
LaVerne Zollars Forbes, age 100 of Clairton, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2020 in Southwestern Nursing Center in West Mifflin. Born May 23, 1919 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late Joseph P. and Cecelia (Clark) Leis. A 1938 graduate of Clairton High School and graduate of the Thompson Business Institute in Pittsburgh, LaVerne worked as a Key Punch Operator for Blue Cross of Western PA in Pittsburgh and later at the JC Penney's in Southland Shopping Center.
A member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Clairton and its Women's Guild, LaVerne was also a member of the AARP # 2862 and loved to play cards in her spare time. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by both of her husbands James Zollars and Donald Forbes; her brothers J. Clark and Jack Leis; and her step-son James Forbes.
LaVerne is survived by her children Charlene (Robert) Thomas of Elizabeth Twp. and Richard (Janice) Zollars of Bethel Park; her step-daughter Cheryl (James) Lebeda of Glassport; her step-daughter-in-law Diane Forbes of Ormond Beach, FL; her four grandchildren Gentry (fiancee' Sally Gernel) Zollars, Scott (Jennifer) Thomas, Kelly (Steve) Byers, and Christopher (Kim) Thomas; her great-grandchildren Zachary, Lindsey, and Sydney Thomas and Julia and Josh Byers; her brother William (Marilyn) Leis of Belle Vernon; and also nieces and nephews.
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March 08, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Our special angel, Bernard G. Tkac, Jr., age 63, of Floreffe, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at St. Clair Hospital. Bernie enjoyed cartoons, superheroes, attending his daycare program with friends and he was excellent at TV trivia. Born May 1, 1956 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Bernard G. Tkac, Sr. and Emily (Swartz) Tkac. He is survived by sisters, Debbie (the late Edward) Andresky-Baumgart of Greeneville, TN and Annette "Tina" Mulvaney of Pittsburgh; brothers, Dale W. (Patti) Tkac of Goodyear, AZ and Alan J. Tkac of Jefferson Hills; also, an uncle, nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 from 1-8 PM. A blessing service will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 10 AM in the funeral home with the Rev. Pierre Falkenhan officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Carroll Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Isaac Jogues Church, 1216 Collins Avenue, Jefferson Hills, PA 15025. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
March 07, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Elizabeth "Betty" Kaczkowski, age 97 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Friday, March 6, 2020 in Grandview Estates in Elizabeth Twp. Born December 23, 1922 in Duquesne, she was a daughter of the late Stephen Budai and Elizabeth (Vargo) Budai Simons. A 1941 graduate of McKeesport High School, Betty was an assembler at Westinghouse during World War II, retired as a department manager at Zayre's in Olympia Shopping Center, and was a member of St. Michael's Parish in Elizabeth Twp. and the AARP Boston Chapter. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Theodore S. Kaczkowski, who passed away September 24, 2012; her son Eric Kaczkowski, who passed away in 1972; and her grandson Eric D. Kaczkowski who passed away in 2011. Betty is survived by her son Thaddeus W. (Cheryll) Kaczkowski of Elizabeth Twp. and her grandson Stephen (Sadie) Kaczkowski of Wexford.
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March 06, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Doris Ruth Patellis, age 88 of Elizabeth Twp. and formerly of Clairton, passed away at home on Thursday, March 5, 2020. Born October 18, 1931 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late Jacob and Margaret (Owens) Theobald. A graduate of Clairton High School and retired secretary with Landmark Trucking of Jefferson Hills, Doris was an active member of Pine Run United Methodist Church in Clairton. She is survived by her daughter Peggie (the late Joe) Mitchko of Elizabeth Twp., her granddaughter Renee (Brett) Mitchko Bennedetti of Jersey City, NJ, her sister Alberta (Ronal) Freiwald of Pleasant Hills, her nephew Eric (Kelli) Freiwald of Jefferson Hills, her niece Jerilyn (Steve) Simpson of Pittsburgh, her three great-nephews, and her great-niece.
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March 05, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Mark E. Withers, age 54, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at home. A Navy veteran, he was the owner of Mark Withers Window Cleaning. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with friends. Born July 10, 1965 in Columbus, OH, he was a son Barbara J. (Black) Withers of Elizabeth and the late Edward M. Withers. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his sons, Jacob (Anthony Pane) Withers of Elizabeth Twp. and Nathan Withers of Elizabeth Twp.; loving companion, Mary Jo Wagner of Finleyville; sisters, Lori Nicholson of Chatham, VA, Holly (Jeff) Slavin of Painesville, OH and Jill Withers of Columbus, OH; also, nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Saturday, March 7, 2020 from 12 Noon-2 PM and 4 until the time of service at 6 PM in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. William K. Little officiating. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 05, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Jacqueline Doyle, age 72 of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 in Jefferson Hospital. Born September 10, 1947 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Jack and Florence (Gates) Schnorr. A graduate of the California University of PA, Jacqueline worked as a librarian at Penn State University, Greater Allegheny Campus in McKeesport. She is survived by her husband Francis E. Doyle; her daughters Christina Spano of Jefferson Hills and Roberta Franz of South Park; her grandchildren Matthew, Rebecca, and Robert John; her sister Janice Hill of Tennessee; and also nieces.
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March 05, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Virginia B. Bratton, age 77 of Clairton, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 in Jefferson Hospital. Born November 10, 1942 in Uniontown, she was a daughter of the late Chris and Laurel Geruschat. A former caregiver, besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Paul E. Bratton, who passed away March 30, 2012. Virginia is survived by her children Laurel (Mitch) Smith of Yakima, WA and Paul J. Bratton of Clairton; her six cats, her many in-laws; and nieces and nephews.
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March 03, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Lois “Elaine” (Russell) Sydeski, age 86, of Monroeville, formerly of Glassport where she lived for many years and Ripley, WV, passed away suddenly surrounded by her loving family on Monday, March 2, 2020 at Forbes Hospital. A graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School, she retired as a sales associate for Hills Department Store in West Mifflin and as a secretary for G.C. Murphy Company’s Home Office in McKeesport. She was an avid reader and enjoyed painting, recently winning an award for her work. She enjoyed making frequent trips to the casino and the highlights of her life included walking the New River Gorge Bridge with her son and grandson, and spending quality time with her family. She will be greatly missed by all. Born March 22, 1933 in Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late William Russell Jr. and Hannah (Dowden) Russell, and wife of the late Edwin “Legs” Sydeski. She is survived by her son, Tom (fiancée Dee) Sydeski of Newcomerstown, OH; daughter, Linda Sydeski with whom she resided; grandchildren, Shaun, Allison and Jennifer; and great-grandchildren, Alexis and Augustus; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sisters, Elizabeth Holmes, Alice Lutheran, Daisy Mathews and Lillian Puckey. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, March 5, 2020 from 10 AM until the time of service at 1 PM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor James Crosby officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 02, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Edward Anthony Scarpari Jr., age 51, of Tours, France, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2020. A 1986 graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School, he attended Muskingum College and graduated from Ambassador College in 1993 and the University of Pittsburgh in 2005. He taught English as a Second Language in France, was the author of two books, and enjoyed running. Born November 29, 1968, he was a son of Edward and Brenda Marlene (Snyder) Scarpari of Elizabeth. In addition to his parents he is survived by his daughters, Margot and Madeleine, his fiancée, Sophie Caplat and her daughters, Lucille, Garance and Suzanne, all of Tours, France; brothers, Tony (Debbie) Scarpari of Castle Shannon and Adrian (Jamie) Scarpari of Baldwin; nieces, Rianna (Alec) Scarpari, and Julia and Naomi Scarpari; nephews, Michael and Brandon Rickerd, and Connor and Braeden Flynn; also, aunts, uncles and cousins. There will be no memorials per his request. Local arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
February 28, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Carmella Ferraro, age 93 and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2020 in Overlook Green Senior Living in Whitehall. Born June 23, 1926 in Italy, she was a daughter of the late Angelo and Domenica (Capolupo) Ferraro. A member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Clairton, Carmella retired from the billing department at US Steel Clairton Works. In her spare time, she loved to travel, paint, and downhill ski. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Rose Curinga and Andrew, Joseph, and Frank Ferraro. She is survived by nieces and nephews.
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February 26, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Margaret A. Lasich, age 97 of Clairton, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 in Jefferson Hospital. Born November 26, 1922 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Myslin) Vossel. A member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Clairton, Margaret will be remembered as fiercely independent and politically aware, as an avid and knowledgeable Steelers and Pirates fan, as a lover of talk radio, but, most importantly, as an amazing and loving mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and aunt. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Frank Lasich, who passed away February 21, 1993, and her siblings Anne Popcak, John, Paul, and Michael Vossel, Helen Bercik, Verona "Florence" Annel, and Joseph Vossel. Margaret is survived by her daughter Marie (John) Perticone of West Mifflin, her grandson Alex Perticone of Pittsburgh, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
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February 25, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Michael C. Shaffer, age 14, of Rostraver Twp., passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2020. He was a ninth-grade student at Belle Vernon Area School District and a member of the Christian Center Church in Rostraver Twp. He loved music, playing the piano and percussion. He enjoyed computers and even built one of his own. He also loved animals, skateboarding and BMX. Born July 7, 2005 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of Michael A. and Heather L. (Kyle) Shaffer of Rostraver Twp. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Tyler Brinkman of Rostraver Twp.; maternal grandparents, Jeff and Jeennie Nickolls of Elizabeth and Howard and Candy Kyle of Warren, OH; paternal grandparents, Dennis and Pat Shaffer of Camden, TN; maternal great-grandmother, Bulah Kyle of Dorset, OH; paternal great-grandfather, Andy McGahan of Camden, TN; aunts and uncles, Tara (Ryan) Lynn of North Huntingdon, Kristie (Brad) Rogers of Camden, TN, Susie (Matt) Fry of Camden, TN, and Becky Ingram of Camden, TN; also survived by cousins. A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 10 AM until the time of memorial service at 12 Noon in the Christian Center Church, 130 Charity Lane, Belle Vernon, PA 15012 with Pastor Tim Burgan officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Belle Vernon Area School District, RES Library in Honor of Michael C. Shaffer, 300 Crest Avenue, Belle Vernon, PA 15012 or Maestro Minds School of Music, P.O. Box 6, Darragh, PA 15625. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
February 25, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Michael S. Chismar, age 68, of Elizabeth passed away unexpectedly at Jefferson Hospital on Monday, February 24, 2020. Mike was one of the first employees of the “then grand” Century III Mall. After nearly 30 years of service there, he was a bus driver for the Baldwin-Whitehall School District. Mike loved the peacefulness of fishing by boat or along the shorelines of Pennsylvania’s beautiful lakes or mountain streams. Being born in Exeter, he loved the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants but soon after moving to the Pittsburgh area he became an avid Steelers fan and all of Western Pennsylvania’s charms. Born July 28, 1951 in Exeter, he was a son of the late John and Sue (Rebovich) Chismar. He is survived by his wife, Amy C. (Furiga) Chismar; daughter, Celine (Matthew) Weaver of Munford, TN; son, Stephen (Amanda) Chismar of Elizabeth; grandchildren, Landon and Cohen Chismar and Aubrey and Jude Weaver; sister, Susan Chismar of Monroeville; brother-in-law Robert (Vickie) Furiga of Huntingdon; sisters-in-law, Camille (Michael) Autieri of Mt. Lebanon, Michele Ann (Bruce) Engman of Eighty-Four, Eloise (Douglas) Brown of Beaufort, SC, and Patrice “Tee Cee” Furiga of Baden; also, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and grand-nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Furiga and brother-in-law, Bobby Karleski. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Thursday, February 27, 2020 from 5-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, February 28, 2020 at 10 AM at St. Isaac Jogues in Elrama with the Rev. Robert Miller officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Stroke Association or the American Heart Association, Four Gateway Center, 444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
February 23, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Julia Perkoski, age 101 of Port Vue, passed away at home on Sunday, February 23, 2020. Born April 8, 1918 in Dilltown, she was a daughter of the late Andrew and Ella (Zidoski) Zelinsky. Julia was a member of St. Mark's Parish and the former St. Joseph's Parish of Port Vue, where she was active with the Ladies of Charity. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Edward J. Perkoski, who passed away April 3, 2011; her son Edward R. Perkoski; and her siblings: Pete, George, and Andrew John Zelinsky, Mary Terza, Helen Mickosky, Ann Yanchik and Margaret Krenicky. Julia is survived by her sons Richard (Barbara) Perkoski of Lincoln Borough, Ronald (Darla Sue) Perkoski, with whom she resided, and Kenneth (Lauren) Perkoski of McKeesport; her grandchildren Richard, Michelle, Gary, Michael, Jeffrey, Tiffany, and Matthew; her great-grandchildren Tyler, Cole, Anna, Baylee, Madison, Jeffrey, Jr., Jonah, and Levi; and also nieces and nephews.
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February 23, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Walter J. “Luddy” Zdrale, age 95 of Finleyville, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2020. Born August 12, 1924 in Clairton, he was a son of the late Jovan and Vasa (Prelevich) Zdrale. A member of the former St. Mary’s Serbian Orthodox Church in Clairton and US Army Veteran of World War II, Walter worked first as a welder for US Steel Clairton Works. Afterwards, he became a draftsman for US Steel in Pittsburgh and, after his retirement from there, he went to R.T. Patterson of Pittsburgh. He was also a member of the Finleyville American Legion and the Omni Masonic Lodge #582. Besides his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his wife Angelica C. (Collaretti) Zdrale, who passed away August 12, 1998; his daughter Lisa Zdrale; and his brothers George, Mark, and Michael Zdrale. He is survived by his daughter Denise (Jack) Cylenica of West Mifflin, his grandson Sean R. (Georgia) Biagini of Jefferson Hills, his great-grandchildren Giovanni and Siena Biagini, and also nieces and nephews.
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