April 11, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Elizabeth "Betty Rae" Perrone, age 92 of McKeesport, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and her best friend on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Born August 6, 1931 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Giovanni and Grace (Cosanella) Perino. Betty Rae owned her own beauty shop, worked her way up the ladder as an underwriter and eventual vice president at Housing Opportunity in McKeesport, and worked as a waitress and cook for her family's 5th. Ave. Cafe in McKeesport. Often busy with work, she always found time to be a full time mother raising her son and eventually being an amazing grandmother to her grandchildren. She will be remembered as the leader of her family who always put them first, a person who lived her life selflessly, an animal lover who continually looked after and took in strays, and the best woman she could be to her family. They will miss her dearly. Besides her parents, Betty Rae was preceded in death by her husband Armond Perrone, who passed away November 7, 1999, and her only sibling Joseph Perino. She is survived by her son Armond Wayne Perrone (Patricia Katz) of Orlando, FL; her grandchildren (to whom she will forever be "GoGo") Ashley (Ryan) Hendrickson of Cecil Twp., Alyson (Matthew) Gillespie of Greentree, Armond Wayne Perrone, Jr. of Tallmadge, OH, and Anthony Perrone of Bridgeville; her great-grandchildren Cole, Carter, Griffin Rae, and Ella; Lisa Perrone -- mother to her precious grandchildren; and countless Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and friends, some of whom passed away and some of whom surviving, who she loved so much over the years.
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April 10, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Don A. Licht, age 73 of Canonsburg and formerly of West Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024 in Townview Health and Rehabilitation Center, McMurray. Born October 28, 1950 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Carl "Cotty" and Nancy (Caulkett) Licht. Don was a veteran of the US Navy serving during the Vietnam War and worked as a Millwright for US Steel, Clairton Works. He is survived by his daughter Allison (Daniel) Licht-Brown of Presto; son Chad (Melissa) Licht of Pittsburgh; grandchildren Sabrina, Trinity, and Mia Brown and Chad and Emma Licht; sisters MaryJane Hickman and Nancy Licht-Barone; brother Carl "Randy Licht" and Richard Licht; and also nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Bill Licht.
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April 09, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Genevieve M. (Nickolay) Pavlic, age 94 of Port Vue, passed away at home on Monday, April 8, 2024. Born January 11, 1930 in Upper St. Clair, she was a daughter of the late Albert J. and Mary Ann (Orient) Nickolay. A retired salesperson at Kaufmann's Department Store in Pittsburgh, Genevieve was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish - St. Eugene's Site in Liberty Borough, the Port Vue Seniors, the CFU #3 of Versailles. In her spare time, she enjoyed collecting antiques and collectables. Her daughter will remember as the best mom in the world. Besides her parents, Genevieve was preceded in death by her husband Frank J. Pavlic; who passed away September 11, 1987, her daughter Jean Marie Pavlic; and her siblings Mary Ann Gallagher, Catherine Lakomy, and Albert, Joseph, and Bernard Nickolay. She is survived by her daughter Mary Ann Zsak of Port Vue, her sister Theresa Beggs, her sister-in-law Irene Pavlic, and also many nieces and nephews.
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April 09, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Wilma Jean (Firczak) Fedorka, age 88, of Saegertown, formerly of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at Crawford Care Center. She retired as a cashier for Marraccini Supermarket and was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. Born June 15, 1935 in Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late John and Catherine (Kovach) Firczak and wife of the late Paul E. Fedorka. She is survived by daughter, Paula J. (William) Cray of Morrisville, NC; son, Thomas M. Fedorka of Linesville; grandchildren, Billy Cray of Morrisville, NC, Andy (Dana Dettloff) Cray of Austin, TX, Paul Cray of Morrisville, NC, Jennifer (Justin) Januta of Celina, TX, Thomas M. (Elise) Fedorka Jr. of New Castle, Melissa Fedorka of Linesville, Michael Ferrante of Elizabeth and Julieann Ferrante of Elizabeth; great-grandchildren, Jacob Rivera and Rhona and Aurelia Fedorka; also, many nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, April 12, 2024 from 1-3 and 5-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 11:30 AM in Saints Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church (
https://joachimandannediopitt.org/st-michael-church) with the Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. Burial will follow in Ascension Cemetery in Clairton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc (
https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-support/?form=donate) or the Alzheimer’s Association (
https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=51079&51079.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&utm_
source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_google_SL&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD8nX1rzfRoROcn1-wiPLpfyYhGjn&gclid=Cj0KCQjwn7mwBhCiARIsAGoxjaIRT2mmCrAHNfWDbsWw8W9ZG99UaUueh-uJ0YVI5r8GNnKjFsLB9lIaAsfmEALw_wcB). Please send the notification of your donation to gahotbugs@gmail.com. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
April 09, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Donald G. “Donnie” Yanik, age 69 of Ligonier, and formerly of Clairton passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024 at Uniontown Hospital. Born January 3, 1955 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Benedict and Ann (Hornyak) Yanik. A retired medical technician for UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh, he loved outdoors, animals, and nature. He is survived by his sister Barbara (Larry) Smith of New Martinsville, WV; brother Kenneth (Carol) Yanik of Elizabeth; niece Jennifer (Josh) Cook; great niece and nephews Ben, Nick, and Julia Cook. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 12:00 pm in St. Clare of Assisi Parish. Burial to follow at St. Clare Cemetery. If you are attending the mass, please meet at the church. www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
April 08, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Kathleen A. "Kathy" (Lorantas) Vandevort, age 66, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024 at home. She retired after 30 years as a lease administrator for American Eagle Outfitters in Pittsburgh. She was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. She received a bachelor's degree in Merchandising and Design from Drexel University. She loved fashion and was a creative artist, at one time sewing her own clothing. She was an avid reader and loved being active by walking and working out. Born March 10, 1958 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Justin and Nell (Nemchick) Lorantas. She is survived by her husband of 17 years, David Vandevort; brother, Bob (Rebecca) Lorantas of Belfont; also, several cousins. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 12 Noon in St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church with the Rev. Miroslaus Wojcicki officiating. Private burial will be in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
April 04, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
William R. "Big Bill" Arre, age 76, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at Allegheny General Hospital. An Air Force veteran, he retired after 20 years as an airman technical sergeant with the U.S. Airforce. He was also a retired corrections officer at Western Penitentiary and the Fayette County Prison. He was in many golf leagues at Butler's Golf Course, enjoyed riding his Harley with friends, coached youth sports for his son and his friends, and was a proud member of the National Rifle Association. Born January 11, 1948 in Tom's River, NJ, he was a son of the late William D. Arre and the late Joy Fallon. He is survived by his wife of nine years, Renee (Przywarty) Arre; son, William R. "Billy" (Tori) Arre Jr. of Bethel Park; daughters, Melissa (Joe) Thornton of Forward Twp. and Domye Labrusciano of Burlington, VT; grandchildren, Nathan, Owen, Madison, Abby, Max and Ben; siblings, Barbara (the late Cliff) Harvey, Kenny (Rosemary) Arre, David (Valerie) Arre, Richard (Pam) Fallon, Cindy Cacacie, Laurie Arre Hankins and Timmy (Brenda) Arre, all of New Jersey; four grand fur babies; also, nieces, nephews and many brothers- and sisters-in-law. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 4 PM until the time of Blessing at 7 PM with the Rev. Thomas Burke officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to a veteran's charity of your choice. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
April 04, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Patrick J. Carr, age 89 of Coulter, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Born January 16, 1935 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Clarence and Mary Ann (Fisher) Carr. The owner of World Auto Electric in McKeesport, Patrick was a member of the CFU #248, the Croatian Men's Club, the Coulter Volunteer Fire Company (where he loved playing cards), the Yough Peoples Sports Club, the McKeesport Lions Club, and the "Cros Nest" at the McKees Point Marina. In his spare time, he also enjoyed biking. Besides his parents, Patrick was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, M. Madelaine "Maisie" (Coulter) Carr, who passed away August 20, 2021; and also his brothers David, Arthur, and John Carr. He is survived by his children Patrick K. (Diane) Carr of Coulter, Carlene (Rick) Mears of Fairfield, CA, and Daniel K. (Kimberly) Carr of McKeesport; his 10 grandchildren Jason (Kayla) Carr, Brent (Kathleen) Carr, Jon (Holly) Ruzich, Jason (Heather) Ruzich, Jennifer Benning, Brandon Mears, Chris (Irma) Mears, Spencer (Polina) Mears, Porter Mears, Meloney (Jon) Chess, Valerie Carr, and Tyler (Alaine) Carr; his 23 great-grandchildren Emma, Maverick, Nixon, Beckham, Everly, Gianna, Carmen, Jaycee, Gavin, Boden, Haylee, Conner, Cody, Hector, Lucia, Wendy, Carlos, Max, Jackson, Lillian, Bianca, Madalaine, and Ashton; his brother Daniel Carr of Connellsville; sister Mary Ann Maiola of North Huntingdon; and also nieces and nephews.
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March 28, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Diane M. Pulgini, age 65, of West Newton unexpectedly went to be with the Lord on March 27, 2024 at Penn Highlands Mon Valley Hospital. Born October 17, 1958 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late George and Julia Kensky of Elizabeth. She is survived by her life partner of 38 years, David Teman; her daughters, Priscilla (Ken) Trail of Rostraver Twp., Kayla (Chuck) Augustine of West Newton and Renee (William) Pavlic of Liberty Borough; and son, Richard (Bridget) Teman of Sarver. Along with her children, she is survived by four grandchildren, Kaityln Trail, Savannah Teman, Maria Teman and Connor Pavlic. She was the bar manager at Hott Rodz in Glassport for the last 12 years and is also survived by her many friends who were family from Hott Rodz and the Glassport community - they called her “Mama Di.” In the summer months, she enjoyed her camp at Millers Campground in New Alexandria with family and her beloved (four-legged daughter) Tea Cup Chihuahua, Bailee. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Monday, April 1, 2024, from 3 PM until the time of service at 5:30 PM in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Jude Urso officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 26, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Edith Gale (Gates) Brennsteiner Rubino, age 85, of New Eagle, passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at Allegheny General Hospital. She was a member of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Monongahela Site, where she was a very active volunteer. She ran the family business, The Shining Stone Bar and Lounge in Uniontown, was passionate about women entrepreneurship and was a former member of the Masontown Business and Professional Women's Club, often volunteering to promote that topic. She was a passionate gardener and enjoyed her flower garden. She liked bird watching, was very compassionate, and enjoyed family and friends. Born August 27, 1938 in Adah, she was a daughter of the late Hobart and Mildred (Myer) Gates and beloved wife of the late John Joseph Brennsteiner Sr. and the late Robert Alan Rubino Sr. She is survived by her sons, John Joseph (Sue) Brennsteiner of McClellandtown, Karl (Cindy) Brennsteiner of Daisytown, William (Sue) Brennsteiner of Perryopolis, Albert (Shannon) Brennsteiner of Lake Jackson, TX, Paul Brennsteiner of Clairton and Michael Brennsteiner of Uniontown; stepchildren, Michelle (Dennis) Riegner of Elizabeth, Kristi (Robert) Ronayne of Finksburg, MD, Robert (Melissa) Rubino of Belle Vernon and Stephanie (Donnie) Smith of Tunkhannock; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Marcelene Bailey of Windsor, Ohio and Natalie Matthews of Tennessee; also, nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will take place on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 10 AM at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Monongahela Site, with the Rev. Kevin Dominik officiating. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 18, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Anthony E. "Tony" Bocetti, age 70, of Forward Twp., passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. A Navy veteran having served during the Vietnam War, he was a retired overseas operator for AT&T. He enjoyed fishing and taking fishing trips with friends, camping, Blues music, and animals. Born February 25, 1954 in Cleveland, OH, he was a son of the late Tony and Jeanne (Rossell) Bocetti. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary (Eli) Bocetti; daughters, Emily Bocetti of Dormont and Katie Bocetti of Spokane, WA; brothers, Gilbert A. (Brenda) Bocetti of East McKeesport and Dean (Carol) Bocetti of Peters Twp.; dog, Wilbur; also, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will take place at 11 AM Saturday, March 23, 2024 at River Hill Church of Christ, 2105 River Hill Road, Monongahela. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 15, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John J. Andrejchak, age 82, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away peacefully at home Monday, March 11, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. John was one of four children of John Andrejchak of Slovakia and Mary (Lenart) Andrejchak of West Mifflin. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Richard, of Dravosburg. John was a member of Saints Joachim and Anne Parish in Elizabeth Twp. He was employed his entire life int eh steel and coke industry, first at J&L Steel, then later LTV Steel. John lived a quiet and family-centered life. He was a model Lionel train collector and loved sharing his displays with his grandchildren, Anastasia Andrejchak and Maryn Hilliard, and his great-nephews, Josh and Michael Muehlbauer, and great-niece, Georgia Smith. John enjoyed 1950s music – the oldies – and the years spent at family camp in Slippery Rock. John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Pauline (Naperatz) Andrejchak; son, Scott Andrejchak of Penn Hills and daughter, Lisa Andrejchak of Elizabeth Twp.; sisters, Mary Agnes Sakanich and Audrey Jukubovics; nieces, Melanie Naperatz Muehlbauer and Anita Jakubovics Smith; and nephews, Duane Sakanich, Jim Sakanich, Ricky Andrejchak, Jeff Andrejchak and Joey Naperatz. A special thank you to Family Hospice and Palliative Care, especially Tracey and Tela, and Dr. Richard Toth for their loving care and support. Per John’s request, visitation, blessing and burial were private. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
March 15, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Gerald A. Reese, Jr., age 67 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 in Jefferson Hospital. Born February 1, 1957 in Washington, PA, he was a son of the late Gerald A. Reese, Sr. and Bonnie (Leichty) Reese. Gerald worked as an electronics technician for ManMarc, LLC of North Versailles and more recently with Dollar General. He will be remembered as a kind, caring, and spiritual man. In his spare time, he was an avid reader and outdoorsman, who preferred muzzle loaded firearms to do his hunting. He is survived by his siblings Gayle (David) Thomas of Pittsburgh, Brian (Melissa) Reese of Brownsville, and Eric (Sharon) Reese of Forward Twp.; and also his niece and nephews: Jeffrey, Matthew, Mallory, Shawn, and Evan. Besides his parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his niece April.
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March 14, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Kenneth C. Pennell, age 60, of Lincoln Borough, passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at home. He enjoyed hanging out with family, especially at family gatherings. Born June 8, 1963, in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Robert D. Pennell Sr. and the late Zenona C. "Nonie" (McKown) Pennell. He is survived by his life partner, Sharon McLellan; daughter, Stormy (Shawn Torrance) Gower of Perryopolis; sons, Dusty (Abie Hardin) Gaydos of Elizabeth, Eric (Sam) McLellan of Glassport and Kelland McLellan of McKeesport; numerous grandchildren; sisters, Julie (Mark) Kallok of Donora and Bobbi (Vincent) Lucot of Glassport; brothers, Daniel (Jeanie) Pennell of Perryopolis, James Pennell of Culpepper, VA, Thomas (Liz) Pennell of Elizabeth Twp., Donald (Eileen) Pennell of Elizabeth Twp., Robert (Deborah) Pennell Jr. of Dunbar and William (Tina) Pennell of Lincoln Borough; uncle, Ronald McKown of Elizabeth; also, nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son, Marc McLellan; granddaughter, Emmaline Claire Gower; and sisters, Geraldine Brown and Elizabeth "Betty Kay" Pennell. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Monday, March 18, 2024, from 3 PM until the time of service at 6 PM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jeff Riker officiating. A graveside committal service will take place on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 1 PM at the International Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery, Elk Garden, WV. Memorial contributions may be made to the GoFundMe/Kenny Pennell Funeral Fund. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
March 13, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Daniel E. Taylor, age 74, of West Elizabeth, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Paramount Senior Living - South Hills. He retired after more than 35 years as an iron worker for Iron Workers Local No. 3 in Pittsburgh and was also an avid farmer. He graduated from California University, where he received a wrestling scholarship. Born February 28, 1950 in New Eagle, he was a son of the late Donald Earl and Anna Marie (Bendel) Taylor. He is survived by his long-time companion, Kathy J. Curry of West Elizabeth; siblings, Christine (Mike) Barber of Salem, OR, Tim (Robin) Taylor of Sorento, FL, Jeff "JD" (Karen) Taylor of Monessen, Duane (Jeanie) Taylor of Eighty-Four and Bill "BJ" (Chrissy) Taylor of Carroll Twp.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Les Taylor. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Sunday, March 17, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 12 Noon in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Jude Urso officiating. Burial will follow in Jefferson Methodist Episcopal Cemetery, Jefferson Hills. The family requests those attending the visitation and funeral to wear casual attire, which is what Daniel would have wanted. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
