December 17, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Margaret B. Burtner, age 102 of McKeesport, passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024 in Forbes Hospital - Monroeville. Born December 26, 1921 in Millvale, she was a daughter of the late John and Blanche (Leonard) Lewis. A retired cook with McKeesport School District, Margaret was an active member of First Evangelical Free Church in McKeesport, working with the funeral committee, the White Cross, and the Senior Achievers. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Richard Burtner, her son Richard A. Burtner, three grandchildren, and her brothers Richard, John Wesley, and William Lewis. Margaret is survived by her daughter Phyllis Kelly of Port Vue, her son Lee (Julie) Burtner of Stoystown, her nine grandchildren, her many great-grandchildren, her many great-great-grandchildren, and also many nieces and nephews.
Read More
December 17, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Roberta “Bobbe” Martin Ravasio, 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, at Grandview Estates of Elizabeth.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator and community volunteer, Roberta’s unwavering faith, love for her family, and passion for teaching and helping others defined her remarkable life, inspiring all who knew her. Roberta’s life was deeply rooted in her Catholic faith and her profound love for God. She had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and St. Theresa of Lisieux, the “Little Flower.”
Her love for music—which she passed onto her children—began at an early age. She began piano lessons as a child, and by high school, she was the church organist for daily Mass and directing the children’s choir at St. Anthony’s Church in Monongahela.
She first met Dino, the love of her life, at an Italian Citizen’s Club dance when she was 16. Married for 43 years until Dino’s untimely passing in 2000, the couple built a loving family that became Roberta’s greatest joy. They raised six children and delighted in the blessing of 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom Roberta lovingly referred to as her “jewels.” She always described her family as the greatest gift.
In 1967, Roberta—by then a mother of four—began to pursue her dream of attending college. Demonstrating extraordinary determination and resilience, she took one night class a semester over the next 11 years at Penn State University in McKeesport and Allegheny County Community College. During this time, she also welcomed her two youngest daughters and, at times, went to class with one of them in tow.
Amid her studies, Roberta remained an active and devoted parent. She often played the organ for weekend Masses and weddings at St. Denis Church in Versailles, Pa., and volunteered extensively at St. Denis School as a teacher’s aide, member of the Parent Teacher Guild, and co-coordinator of numerous school music productions and children’s choir performances.
In 1977, Roberta transitioned to full-time classes at Duquesne University’s School of Education and proudly graduated with honors in 1979, earning a bachelor’s degree in education at 43.
Teaching was more than a career for Roberta—it was a calling. She taught first and second grade at St. Denis School before moving to St. Angela Merici School in White Oak. There, she taught first grade and later English and Social Studies to 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Loved by her students and highly regarded by her colleagues, Roberta’s teaching and classroom achievements were recognized by the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 1992 as a member of the inaugural class of prestigious Golden Apple Award recipients.
Outside of the classroom, Roberta found great fulfillment in serving her community. She was a member of the St. Angela Ladies of Charity, answered phones and volunteered for the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer Mother House in Elizabeth Township. Roberta also spent time volunteering at Intersection-McKeesport, a charitable organization that serves underserved individuals and families in the surrounding area.
Throughout her life, Roberta lived with grace, gratitude, and an unwavering commitment to family, faith, and service. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on through the countless lives she has touched.
She is survived by her children Robert (Patricia) Ravasio, Amy (Matt) Collins, Michael (Sue) Ravasio, Mary (Mike) Ravasio Minard, Rose Ravasio, and Suzy Ravasio; her grandchildren Alyssa (Eoin), Olivia (Chad), Michaela, Jace, Christopher, Jenna (Nathan) Cara, Nicholas, Joe (Sara), Matt (Anna), Robert, Mia (Nathan), Madison, Analisa and Nicholas; and her great-grandchildren Fionnbharr, Amelia and Peter.
Read More
December 16, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John T. "Jack" Cylenica, age 78 of West Mifflin and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024 in Paramount - Baldwin. Born December 8, 1946, he was a son of the late Thomas E. and Mary Ellen (King) Cylenica. A member of the Clairton High School Class of 1964 and also a graduate of CCAC, Jack was a Veteran of the US Navy during the Vietnam War, serving as a flight engineer on the A-3 Sky Warrior, the F-4 Phantom, and the C-141. He also served in the Air Force Reserve. He worked as a master machinist at Kurt Lesker Co. in Jefferson Hills and was a member of the Dravosburg American Legion Post #380. In his spare time, Jack was an avid aircraft modeler of Control Line aircraft and a member of both the Academy of Model Aeronautics and the Society of Antique Modelers. He is survived by his wife Denise (Zdrale) Cylenica; his stepson Sean (Georgia) Biagini of Jefferson Hills and their children Giovanni and Siena Biagini; his sisters Mary Lou (Angelo) Gasparini and Patricia Cylenica, both of Bradenton, FL; his brothers David (Nancy) Cylenica of The Villiages, FL, Thomas (Julie) Cylenica of Sharon, and Paul (Irene) Cylenica of Mt. Kisco, NY; and also nieces and nephews.
Read More
December 14, 2024 |
By Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home - Crematory | Posted in: Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory
Nicole Lynn Hayes, age 39, of McKeesport, passed away peacefully at home on December 8, 2024. Born on January 11, 1985, in McKeesport, she was the cherished daughter of Dale Hayes of North Versailles and Tammy (Robert Frum) Cibrowski Hayes of McKeesport.
Nicole's kind and gentle spirit will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. A dedicated bartender and server at Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar in North Versailles, she poured her heart into her work, bringing joy and laughter to patrons and colleagues alike. Known for her soft heart and caring nature, Nicole formed deep connections in her life, especially cherishing the moments spent with her beloved niece. She also left behind a family of canine companions - Midnight, Gizmo, Missy, and Charlie - who were a constant source of comfort and joy in her life.
Read More
December 13, 2024 |
By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home
Jane S. Breznay, age 86, of Duquesne, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024. Born in McKeesport, PA on February 2, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Stella (Mikrut) Bitkowski.
Jane had worked at the Federal Home Loan Bank in Pittsburgh and Walmart in West Mifflin. She was a member of Holy Trinity Church of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish and their Christian Mothers. She was the wife of the late Francis W. “Braz” Breznay for 59 years; mother of the late Cindy (late Duane P.) Salopek and the late Stephen Breznay; grandmother of Nicole (Brandon Nathan) Salopek of Elizabeth, Melissa (Tom) Tempel of Huntsville, AL, and the late Neil Salopek; great grandmother of Lia and Adilee Salopek, Olivia McMillan, Braelynn Tempel, Jace Nathan, Dash Nathan and Cam Nathan; sister of Dolores (late Steve) Getner of Butler, PA and twin brother, the late John “Mooney” (late Bernice) Bitkowski. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.
Read More
December 13, 2024 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Daniel Louis Klein, age 60, of Irwin, PA, died on December 13, 2024. He was born in McKeesport, PA, on February 20, 1964, and is the son of the late Lawerence and Loretta Kimmell Klein. He was employed as a union painter for Local #57 for over 25 years.
Read More
December 13, 2024 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Roberta S. Einhorn, age 73 of McKeesport died December 12, 2024 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Born December 11, 1951 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Ruth (Hall) Shaw, and the wife of the late Michael Einhorn.
Roberta enjoyed spending time with her family and crocheting. She had a deep love for cats, owning and caring for several throughout her life.
Read More
December 12, 2024 |
By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes
Patrick Caleb Holden, age 76, of North Versailles, PA, died on Thursday, December 12, 2024. He was born in McKeesport, PA on May 30, 1948 and was the son of the late Caleb and Catherine Kelly Holden. He was employed in various hospitality jobs in the restaurant industry. He previously was employed at UPMC McKeesport and later sold cars and insurance for American General. His last place of employment was MedSpeed. Patrick loved playing golf with Frankie, Timmy, and John.
Read More
December 12, 2024 |
By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory
Elaine J (Williams) Apfelthaler "Nan", 85, of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024. She was born on June 1, 1939 and was the daughter of the late David and Helen (Musisko) Williams. She was the loving wife of her husband, William L Apfelthaler. Elaine was an Elementary School Teacher at Central Elementary where she taught 2nd Grade for many years. Teaching was Elaine's passion and she taught so many children how to read and provided a strong and nurturing environment for all to strive to learn. Elaine was a member of Bethesda United Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth and was very involved in fundraisers for numerous charities. She loved cooking and baking and last year, with the help of her dear friend Kathy Allegre, baked all of the incredible cookies for her grandson's wedding. She was a Steelers fan and never missed a game, Let's Go Steelers! In addition, Elaine loved to read and travel the world with her husband and their friends. Above all and most importantly, she loved her grandchildren and husband.
Read More
December 12, 2024 |
By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes
Dominic “Sonny” Yeager, Sr. 54 of Glassport, PA passed away on December 5th, 2024 at Presbyterian Hospital. He was born in McKeesport on March 31st, 1970 to the late Dominic and Mathilda Coddington Yeager. He was the loving husband of 26 years to Marie (Swineburg) Yeager. In addition to his beloved wife, Dominic is further survived by children Ashley Yeager of New Kensington, Robert Swineburg of Glassport, Christine (Katelyn) Yeager of Bristol TN, and Dominic Yeager Jr. of Glassport, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and 3 grandchildren as well as his loving pets Beach and Luna. In addition to his parents, Dominic was preceded in death by his sisters Lois McBride, Paulette Yeager Ferally, and Nikki Ferree. He worked at Consumer Fresh in the Strip District for 6 years. Dominic loved to spend time with his family, crack jokes, taking his motorcycle out for a ride, and he was always willing to help his family. He drove tractor trailer all over for roughly 30 years. Arrangements have been entrusted to E.C. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 235 Monongahela Ave, Glassport, PA 15045. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in March. The family will update those interested in attending closer to the event. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the funeral home to defray costs. Online condolences can be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com
December 12, 2024 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Mark Edward Strait, age 70 of Widnoon (Chickasaw), Armstrong County, PA; formerly of North Huntingdon, PA, passed away on December 10, 2024 after a long, hard battle with cancer. He was born in McKeesport on September 4, 1954, a son of the late John W. Strait and Madeline K. (Marks) Strait of West Mifflin, formerly of Huntingdon County. Mark was a graduate of West Mifflin South, Class of 1973. He spent his entire career in the automotive industry working for various dealerships as an autobody technician until his retirement. Mark is a life member of the Hartford Heights Volunteer Fire Department in North Huntingdon, and served as both chief and president before moving north to fulfil his dream of building his own home in the country. Mark loved a good laugh and good conversation. He was a hardworking, honest person who was not afraid to speak his mind, and he never backed down from what he thought was true and right. Later in life we would call it "giving someone a dose of MKS", as he got this quality honest from his mother who once slapped a State Trooper across the face for suggesting that Mark was lying about a traffic incident (he never saw it coming). He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Marsha (Horsman) Strait, son Nathan Strait and wife Ashley also of Widnoon (Chickasaw), PA, along with four grandchildren, Ady, Zailya, Bennett, and Silvia who adored him and will miss him dearly. Mark was preceded in death by his brother John W. Strait Jr., sister-in-law Lois (Ron) Strait and brother-in-law Denny Whitcomb. Surviving are his siblings Ronald Strait of Elizabeth, PA, Cheri Kay Whitcomb of Bethel Park, Carol (Bill) Shaffer of Ohio, and Kim Kimak-Oates. Mark was also the best cat daddy to fur babies Diesel, Sammy, Susie, and Little Girl who took turns sleeping on his lap during afternoon naps. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon PA, on Friday from 2 PM to 7 PM, and also at the Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home, 758 Main St, Rimersburg, PA on Sunday from 2 PM to 5 PM with a blessing service at 5 PM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in Mark's name to the Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter in Kittanning, or the Hartford Heights Volunteer Fire Department. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
December 12, 2024 |
By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory
Madeline D. Fleegle, age 98, of McKeesport, died December 11, 2024, at Kane Community Living Center in McKeesport. She was born November 18, 1926, in Brownsville and was the wife of the late Richard Fait. Madeline worked for many years as a receptionist at Franklin Interiors in Pittsburgh. She was a member of the Slovak Club in Rankin and enjoyed spending time at the Deli Hut in 10th Ward playing the machines.
Read More
December 11, 2024 |
By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes
Daniel Kunf, age 89 of Glassport, PA, passed away at Grandview Estates on December 10, 2024. He was born in Liberty Borough, the youngest and last surviving of 9 children born to Anton and Anna (Paunovic) Kunf. Dan was a veteran of the US Army during the Korean War and worked as a bricklayer before serving in the public works department of Glassport Borough. He was a member of the Glassport American Legion and the Pymatuning Sportsmen’s Club. He enjoyed watching Pittsburgh sports, listening to polka music, spending time at Pymatuning Lake, hunting and fishing.
Dan was preceded in death in 2008 by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Elaine (Hart) Kunf. He is survived by his children Jean (John) Warren, Janis Detman, Dan Jr. “DJ” (Donna) Kunf, Tom (Lee Ann) Kunf, and Cheryl (Nick) Sorrentino; and 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sister-in-law Sally Kunf, and nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by 6 brothers and 2 sisters.
Friends and family will be received in the E.C. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 235 Monongahela Ave, Glassport, PA 15045, on Monday, December 16, 2024 from 2 PM to 5 PM. A service will be held at 5 PM with private burial.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com
December 11, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
The family of Robert W. Martin is saddened to announce his passing on December 10, 2024 at 86 years. He was residing in Elizabeth, when at the age of 18 he began working for U.S. Steel Clairton Works. Upon retirement, he moved to Tidioute and most recently resided at The Residence at Arrowood in West Mifflin. His quick wit, sense of humor and warmth will be greatly missed by everyone. At the request of the family, there will be no service. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
December 10, 2024 |
By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes
Harry Maurice Ackerman, 74, of McKeesport, passed away on Monday, December 9th, 2024 at Mercy Hospital. He was born in McKeesport on June 1st, 1950 to the late Carl Lewis Ackerman, Sr. and Jean Claire Magee Rodman. Harry was the loving husband of 55 years to Rosalinda Ackerman. In addition to his beloved wife Rosalinda, Harry is further survived by his children NormaJean Lewis of McKeesport, Harry Ackerman, Jr. of McKeesport, Thomas (Krystal) Lee Ackerman of McKeesport Rosalinda (Roger) Ackerman of McKeesport, siblings Patti Maldonado of McKeesport, Irene Alvarez of North Versailles, Kathy McNelis of Glassport, Roberta (Jon) Rodman of McKeesport, Carl (Denise) Allen of McKeesport, Bruce Ackerman of McKeesport, Glenn (Frank) Ackerman. Grandchildren Alyssa (Bradley Harris) Bryce, Kristofor Bryce, Belinda Bryce, Michael Bryce, Thomas Ackerman, Jr., Taylor Ackerman, Tristen Ackerman, Cash Ackerman, Bryan Kane, Candace Lewis. Great-grandchildren Santana, Montana, Quintana, Bradley, Taylee, Talia, Trinity, Ma’Jour, Mi’lAh, and his faithful dog Chipper. In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his sisters Linda Penn, Carol Ackerman, Lisa Ackerman Wimbs, Merry Singler, and brother Perry Ackerman. Harry loved to play bingo, pass out snacks, drive around while listing to country western music, and he would always save pennies. He worked as a repossession man for American Recovery in McKeesport. Family and friends will be received on Thursday December 12th 2024 from 2 P.M. – 6 P.M. at E.C. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 235 Monongahela Ave, Glassport, PA 15045. A service will take place 6 P.M. at the funeral home. The committal will take place at Richland Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the family. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com
