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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March 29, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Irene M. George, age 88 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2020 in UPMC McKeesport Hospital. Born March 20, 1932 in Pitcairn, she was a daughter of the late James and Elizabeth (Ersik) Golick. A member of St. Michael's Parish in Elizabeth Twp. and its Christian Mothers Club, Irene worked as a bookkeeper at area auto dealerships, including Golick's in Pitcarin, Pivirotto's in Homestead, and Kelly Chevrolet in Clairton. She is survived by her husband of 66 years Edgar L. George; her sons James M. George of Elizabeth Twp., Steven L. (Diane) George of North Huntingdon, and Keith A. (Irene) George of Oakdale; her grandchildren Steven, Alexa, and Eyan George; and also nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother James Golick.
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March 28, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Concetta “Connie” (Prestia) Delconte, 94, of Clairton, PA (formerly of Donora, PA) passed away peacefully on March 26, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Reggio di Calabria, Italy on August 9, 1925, beloved daughter of the late Frank Prestia and Filomena (Tarzia) Prestia. In addition to her parents, Connie’s sister, Rose Prestia Fronzaglio, preceded her in death in 1999. Older brothers, Domenico and Vincenzo, died at early ages. Connie was the youngest of her 3 siblings.
For 56 years, Connie was married to James G. “Jimmy/Jim” Delconte of Clairton, PA who preceded her in death on January 9, 2006. She is survived by her 3 cherished children, son Vince (Bonnie) of Franklin Park, PA; daughter Linda Delconte Kushner (Larry, deceased, February 27, 2019) of Washington, PA; and son John (Susan) of Nashville (Franklin), TN. She was the proud “Gramma” of Domenic James Delconte, deceased,(September 24, 2002) and Maria (Delconte) Minerd (Mark) of Upper St. Clair, PA; and “Nana” of Anthony Kushner of Washington, PA; Michael Kushner of New York City; and Gianna and Jason Delconte of Nashville (Franklin), TN. Connie also felt blessed to be the “Great Nana” of Sienna, Vivienne, and Maela Minerd of Upper St. Clair, PA. Several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews also survive. Connie’s eldest nephew, Philip Maffeo (of Clairton, PA), preceded her in death in March, 2014.
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March 23, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
David W. Watazychyn, age 67 of McKeesport and formerly of Clairton, passed away peacefully at UPMC Mercy on March 22, 2020 after a period of declining health. Born August 8, 1952 in McKeesport, he was the son of John Watazychyn, formerly of Clairton, and the late Elizabeth “Betty” (Martis) Watazychyn. David married Alberta M. Pezel on September 7, 1984, and she preceded him in death on July 29, 1991. He attended Clairton High School, Class of 1970, and worked in the service industry, starting at Eat ‘N Park in Large and then at CVS in Pleasant Hills, until he retired in 2007 due to his health. David was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers and Penguins, and enjoyed taking walks and spending time with friends and family. He was a former member of the Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Clairton and more recently attended St. Mary Czestochowa in McKeesport. David as preceded in death by his wife of 6 years, Alberta M. Pezel, on July 29, 1991. David was survived by his father John Watazychyn of Meadville; sisters Kathryn (Mike) Parks of Meadville, Patricia (Bill) Dangel of North Huntingdon, Janice (Rowland) Ferwerda of Durand MI; brother Kenneth (Sandy) Watazychyn of Clairton; nephew Steven (Alyssa) Dangel of Greensburg; niece Carolyn (Derek Rinchuse) Dangel of Greensburg; aunts Ann Watazychyn of Mission KS, Helen Watts of Denver, CO, and June Watazychyn of McDonald; and uncle Joseph Watazychyn of McKeesport. He is also survived by many cousins whom he loved very much. Along with his mother and wife, David was preceded in death by in-laws Albert E. and Clara M. Pezel; and his infant son David Aaron who passed away stillborn March 26, 1985. He will be sadly missed by his friends at the New Life Personal Care Home in McKeesport. David fulfilled his wish to be an organ donor through CORE.
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March 20, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Stella M. (Session) Smith, age 89, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at Grandview Estates surrounded by her loving family. She was a member of St. Michael Parish in Elizabeth Twp. and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Born September 10, 1930 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Ignatz and Josephine (Belarsky) Session and wife of the late Paul B. Smith. She is survived by daughters, Julia (Keith) Renquist of Liberty Borough, Pamela (William) Allan of Liberty Borough and Sharon (William) Toth of North Huntingdon; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by daughter, Mary Babiak. Visitation and service are private. 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.
March 20, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Shannon Ray Kemple, age 48, of North Fort Myers, FL, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2020 at home. He was a satellite installer for Florida Totalcom in Brandon, FL. Born February 26, 1972 in Monongahela, he was a son of Raymond King and Deborah A. (Don) Kemple Victor of Elizabeth Twp. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sons, Michael A. Kemple of Elizabeth Twp. and Anthony Kemple of North Fort Myers, FL; maternal grandfather, Michael Kemple of Elizabeth Twp.; also, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Private family viewing took place at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 17, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Barbara Lujetic, age 81 of Liberty Borough, passed away at home on Sunday, March 15, 2020. Born June 7, 1938 in Spartanburg, SC, she was a daughter of the late Cecil and Mary (Cline) Vaughn. Barbara retired after 19 years as secretary to the superintendent of South Allegheny School District, and prior to that, worked in the same capacity at Bettis Atomic Labs. She is survived by her husband Daniel E. Lujetic; sons Dr. Daniel C. (Deborah) Lujetic of Elizabeth Borough and Timothy (Sarah) Lujetic of Liberty Borough; granddaughters Victoria (William) Bauer and Lisa and Olivia Lujetic; great-grandsons Jace and Silas; great-granddaughter Helena; and her brother Thomas Vaughn of Glassport.
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March 16, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Susan M. (Livingston) Pietraszewski, age 79, of Clairton, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at Jefferson Hospital. She retired from Library Services at Community College of Allegheny County South Campus in West Mifflin. She was a former member of St. Paulinus Church in Clairton and St. Michael Parish in Elizabeth Twp. She was a former employee of the Clairton Public Library and loved reading, the flower shows at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and spending time with her husband and talking with her brothers and sisters. Born May 2, 1940 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late John and Mary (Connell) Livingston. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, James E. Pietraszewski; daughters, Marie T. Pietraszewski of Ross Twp. and Nancy B. (David) Kurutz of Dawson; grandson, William James (Marissa Harris) Kurutz of Bullskin Twp.; sisters, Anne (Orrin) Butterfield of Minnesota and Clare (Frank) Pokorney of the state of Indiana; brothers, Clifford Livingston of Ohio, Jack (Roseann) Livingston of Florida and Richard (Patti) Livingston of Clairton; also, nieces and nephews. A memorial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh, 1133 South Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218 or the American Heart Association, Four Gateway Center, 444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 13, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Georgienne M. Maraffi, age 75 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away at home on Friday, March 13, 2020. Born September 10, 1944 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late George Matola and Nada "Nancy" (Byich) (the late Cyril) Vrabel. A former manager at Frank's Auto Supermarket in Versailles, Georgienne was active in her sons' youth athletics and was one of the founders and first officers of the Elizabeth Forward Athletic Association. More importantly, she will be remembered as an amazing and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Richard L. Maraffi, Jr., who passed away January 12, 2014. Georgienne is survived by her husband Richard L. Maraffi, Sr.; her sons Ramon Maraffi of Elizabeth Twp. and Ronald (Wendy) Maraffi of Slippery Rock; her grandsons Ryan (fiancee' Allie Peterson) and Kyle (fiancee' Carlee Graham) Maraffi; her brother Jeff (Sherry) Matola of Powell, OH; her nephew Jordan (Liz) Matola; and her great-nieces Brianna and Ellie.
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March 13, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Lisa Faye (Jenkins) Allen, age 67, of Elizabeth, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at home. She was a shipping coordinator for 43 years at Eastman Chemical in West Elizabeth. She was active at First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth where she was a member and enjoyed making cakes and candies. Born May 16, 1952 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Thomas R. "Tinks" and Susanna (Bendel) Jenkins Bowman. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Robert D. Allen; daughter, Tara D. Allen of Forward Twp.; sister-in-law, Flo Jenkins of Greensburg; also, nieces, nephews and one aunt. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Sunday, March 15, 2020 from 1-5 PM. A funeral service will take place on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 12 NOON in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jim Davidson officiating. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 13, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Robert B. Todd, age 79, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2020 at Jefferson Hospital. A Navy veteran, he was a retired crane dispatcher, craneman and grievance man for U.S. Steel, Homestead. Born September 25, 1940 in Homestead, he was a son of the late Jack W. and Edith J. (Williams) Todd. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol L. (Harter) Todd, and brother, Richard J. Todd of West Mifflin; also, nieces and nephews. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 11, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Barbara Ann (Amore) Custer, age 86, of Bethel Park, formerly from Elizabeth, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. She worked various jobs throughout her career but was most happy when she worked with the public as she loved to talk to people. She was part owner of the former Village Italian in Caste Village and worked for many years at her son’s Bethel Deli store. She was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and especially loved her Pens. Born July 10, 1933 in Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late Elviro “Benny” and Yolanda (Campea) Amore, and wife of 55 years to the late Donald R. Custer Sr. She is survived by her children, Kathy (George Kotsenas) Custer of Long Beach, CA, Donald R. Custer Jr. of Bethel Park, Diana (Kevin) Brucha of Baldwin and Douglas W. Custer of Bethel Park; grandchildren, Eric (Amy Edwards) Brucha of Pittsburgh and Carly (Brandon Cassel) Brucha of Pittsburgh; sister, Patricia Fuller of Elizabeth; brother, Charles (Deborah) Amore of Cannonsburg; grandpup, Scooby; also, many nieces, nephews and a great-niece. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by siblings, Donald Amore, Margaret Donkin, Julia Amore, Angie Peger, Elva Louise Amore, Imogene McGregor and Sondra Minford. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Friday, March 13, 2020 from 4-8 PM. A funeral service will be Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jim Crosby officiating. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 11, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
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