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Harry D. Thomas Jr.

January 04, 2022 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Harry D. Thomas Jr., age 80, of Lincoln Borough, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2022 at home. He retired after 38 years as a vicing foreman for U.S. Steel Clairton Works. He was a social member of the Lincoln Borough Volunteer Fire Company and a former president of TriValley Communications. He loved horses and enjoyed horseback riding. Born August 3, 1941 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Harry D. Thomas Sr. and the late Helen (Dugan) Thomas. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ruth A. (Puckey) Thomas; daughter, Laura (Gil) Fischer of Forward Twp.; sons, Jeffrey Scott (Sue) Thomas of Forward Twp. and Robert (Terez Marrin) Thomas of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Christopher and Ryan Thomas and Haley Fischer; sister, Lorine Chisholm of Elizabeth; brothers, Dennis (Jackie) Thomas of North Carolina, Terrence Thomas of Oklahoma and Rodney Thomas of Maryland; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son, Christopher Shawn Thomas. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, January 7, 2022 from 12 Noon until the time of service at 2 PM in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Edward Pehanich officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Ruth Ulmer

January 04, 2022 |

By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes

It is with great sadness that the family announces the unexpected death of Ruth “Ruthie” Cochran Ulmer on January 4, 2022 at the age of 90, after a short, hard-fought battle with cancer. Ruth was born September 30, 1931, to the late Edward “Ted” and Ruth V. Coulson Cochran of Coal Valley in Clairton, followed closely by the birth of her devoted sister, Lois Jean, nineteen months later. Ruth was the loving wife of 57 years to William C. Ulmer, whom she lost in 2008. She was pre-deceased by two infant brothers, Charles and William. Left to mourn her passing is her sister, Lois Jean, and her three sons: William E. (Kathleen) of Clairton, Craig L. (Barbara) of Pleasant Hills, and Kevin T. (Ginger) of Greenock. She leaves behind seven grandchildren to cherish her memory: William M. (Andrea Pomarico), Christopher L. (Roy Gloeckl), Ted (Danielle), Bennett (Andrew) Ulmer and Meghan (Vince) Grabe, Jillian (Ed) Cerilli and Hannah (Ryan) Glaser. Ruth was blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Reagan Kathleen, Zoe Barbara, Aaron Anthony, Taylor Anne, Maximo Thomas, Rocky Ace, Olive Reign, and (expected) Cole Lewis. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, whom she loved. She was a proud 1949 graduate of Clairton High School, a lifelong member of Pine Run United Methodist Church and was active in its Vacation Bible School, United Methodist Women’s group as well as one of the kitchen ladies. A longtime member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Amaranth lodges, she developed and maintained close friendships wherever she went. Ruth retired after 24 years of service with U.S. Steel at its Clairton plant and was then able to take several memorable trips throughout the U.S. with her and Bill’s close friends, Ed and Lois Basch, George and Audrey Porter and her sister and brother-in-law, Chuck and Lois Zwingler. She and Bill proudly flew the Grand Squares square-dancing flag on their car for decades, and Bill made tapes of the more difficult “calls” for them to practice. A strong athlete far into her retirement, she remained active until recently with walks around the neighborhood with local friends, and even bowled a 200 game with her Monday morning ladies’ bowling league as recently as 2019. She was a dedicated fan of the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. She cultivated long friendships with those from the AARP Wilson Chapter #1612, her “49’ers” high school luncheon crowd and a large circle of friends, staying in touch with daily or weekly phone calls- and she knew everyone’s phone number from memory. She was a hard-working woman of strength, determination, and faith, and has now joined Bill and her loved ones in Heaven. Unfortunately, her recipe for her Berry Roll goes with her. Friends will be received at the S.M. Finney Funeral Home at 432 N. 6^th Street in the Wilson section of Clairton on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 from 2 to 8. Services will be conducted at Pine Run Methodist Church on Thursday, January 6 at 10 o’clock. Interment is to be at Jefferson Memorial Park beside her beloved Bill. If anyone cares to make a donation, please consider donating to Pine Run United Methodist Church, 901 N. 6^th Street, Clairton, PA, 15025. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com.

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Sherri L. Kearney

January 04, 2022 |

By Finney Funeral Homes | Posted in: Finney Funeral Homes

Sherri Lynn “Reenee” Kearney, 52 of Pittsburgh, formerly of Clairton and Jefferson Hills, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2022, at her home. She was born in Panama City on October 29, 1969, to Linda (Neal) Davis of Belle Vernon and the late Frederick (Cathy) Kearney, Sr. Sherri was the loving wife of 19 years to Brian R. Peternel of West Mifflin. She is survived by her son Shawn Peternel of West Mifflin and her daughter Joelle Kearney of Glassport, as well as her brother Fred (Nicole) Kearney, Jr. of Whitehall and sisters Jackie Kearney of Pittsburgh and Jessica Gouker of Jefferson Hills. Further survivors include her grandson Jayden Olack, nieces Cheyanne (Steve) Luketic and Alyssa Beayrd, and stepmother Cathy Kearney of Jefferson Hills. Other survivors include her significant other of 7 years, John E. McDermitt of Pittsburgh, as well as his family. Sherri was preceded in death by her father Fred and grandmother Rita Kearney. She was a member of the VFW Post 803 in Clairton. She enjoyed watching the Steelers and Penguins, playing bingo, discussing politics, and debating on Facebook. Family and friends will be received on Saturday, January 8, 2022, from 4-8 p.m. at S.M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N. 6th St, Clairton, PA 15025. A service will take place at 8 p.m. in the funeral home following the visitation. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to defray costs at https://fundthefuneral.com/sherri-kearney.

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William "Bill" S. Fazekas

January 04, 2022 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

William "Bill" S. Fazekas, age 88, of Port Vue, passed away at home on January 1, 2022. Born July 30, 1933, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Aaron and Esther Fazekas and the loving husband of the late Shirley A. Fazekas.  
Bill retired from the U. S. Steel Service Center in Pittsburgh, then he went on to drive a school bus for the Wilson Christian Academy for many years and was fondly known by the children as "Mr. Bill."  He was a U. S. Army Veteran where he was stationed in Germany. Bill dedicated his life to caring for his family. He enjoyed cheering on his Pittsburgh sports teams, the Pirates, Penguins, and Steelers.
Bill is survived by his daughters, Barb Menzies of Port Vue and Jan (Todd) Jarrett of North Huntington; grandchildren, Michelle Darrell, Doug and Jay Jarrett; great-granddaughter, Lilly and also a niece and nephews.
Private arrangements were entrusted to the Willig Funeral Home & Crematory.
Inurnment will be at the McKeesport & Versailles Cemetery.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com.
Supervisor, Charles Danforth

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Joan L. Scherbo

January 04, 2022 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Joan L. Scherbo, age 75 of Versailles, passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh.  Born November 18, 1946 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late John and Ann (Puchalik) Vukovcan and wife of the late Michael Scherbo who passed away July 7, 2020.  Joan is survived by her son John Scherbo of Versailles, her sisters Dee Vukovcan of McKeesport and Patricia Kisic of New Kensington, and her niece Lori Hamilton. 

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Jeffrey D. Pavlic

January 04, 2022 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Jeffrey D. Pavlic, age 58 of North Huntingdon, went home to be with Jesus, Our Lord and Savior on Monday, January 3, 2022. Born October 15, 1963, he is the son of Daniel and Nancy (Dziak) Pavlic of Elizabeth Twp. An honors student at Elizabeth Forward High School and Robert Morris University, where he was a double major in accounting and computer science, Jeffrey worked as a computer engineering specialist for Highmark and was the co-owner of the New Great Valley Lanes in North Versailles.  Jeffrey was also an exceptional golfer, bowler, bridge player, and “Canadian” fisherman. All in all, he was a generous, kind, smart, funny, and Godly man who was a blessing to his family for far too short. His loss will leave a hole in their lives and hearts, and they will love and miss him terribly. Besides his parents, Jeffrey is survived by his loving wife Denise “Dee” (Haley) Pavlic; his son Josh of Irwin; his grandson Cody; his sisters Karen (Johnny) Aromando and Pam (Charles) Cubelic, both of Ingomar; his nieces and nephews Danny (Emily) and Christian Aromando and Elizabeth, Victoria, and Chuckie Cubelic; his mother-and-father-in-law Flo and Bill Haley; his brother-in-law Bill (Cyndee) Haley and their children. 

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Sandra J. Farrell

January 04, 2022 |

By Willig Funeral Home | Posted in: Willig Funeral Home & Crematory

Sandra June Farrell age 77, of Dravosburg, died December 24, 2021, at Baldwin Health Center. Born April 12, 1944, in Marion County, WV, she was the daughter of the late Larry L. Miller and Elinor M. Huffman and the wife of the late Richard Farrell.
Sandy graduated from McKeesport High School in 1962  and Duff's Business Institute in 1963. She retired from Williams Home Improvement in 2004 as a bookkeeper. Sandy and her husband owned a used book store called The Frugal Bookworm. She enjoyed reading, going to bingo, and sharing stories around the campfire with friends. Sandy was always there to lend a helping hand.
Arrangements were entrusted to Willig Funeral Home & Crematory.
A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.willigfuneralcremationservices.com
Supervisor, Charles Danforth

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Bonita Clark

January 04, 2022 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Bonita (Burke) Clark, age 74, of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2022 at Jefferson Hospital. An Army veteran serving during the Vietnam War, she loved her sewing machine, puzzles and bingo, and enjoyed spending time at Community LIFE in McKeesport. Born February 13, 1947 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Jean (Surovy) Burke and wife of the late Richard "Ricky" L. Clark Sr. She is survived by daughters, Lynn Ann Clark of McKeesport and Wendy (Casey) Van Schooten of Monongahela; son, Richard L. (Amy Kilburn) Clark Jr. of Elizabeth; grandchildren, Patricia (Sai) Reyes, and Christina, David, Kelsey and Karlee Clark; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Geri (John) Williams of Mechanicsburg, Jeannette (John) Peairs of Lincoln Borough, Maria Burke of Pittsburgh and Sue (Mike) Burnett of Newnan, GA; brother, David (Denise) Burke of Elizabeth; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brother, Charles W. Burke. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, January 6, 2022 from 5-8 PM. A Funeral Service will take place on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 10 AM in the funeral home with the Rev. Jude Urso officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Grant N. McNally

January 04, 2022 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Grant N. McNally, 83, passed away Tuesday, January 4, 2022. He was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to Josiah and Emma (Croft) McNally. Grant was pre-deceased by his parents, his beloved sisters, Audrey, JoAnne, Clara, Sylvia and his first wife of 30 years, Mary Ann (Dick) McNally. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Joyce (Redinger) McNally and his children, Terry (Ed) Wiechmann, Patty (John) Malone, Wade (Angie) McNally and Scott (Jen) Craze. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Also, survived by many friends and neighbors too many to list. He was a 1957 graduate of Norwin High School. After graduating he started his apprenticeship, to be a machinist, with Mesta Machine Company and then with Whemco both in West Homestead. He was retired from both companies. Grant loved to hunt, garden, carve, camp and be with his family. Always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. He and Joyce were regular volunteers at the Foodbank at the McKeesport Alliance Church for many years. He was fortunate in his life to have had two loving, Christian wives. He read the Bible cover to cover more than once and lived his life accordingly. He always said he was promised three score and 10. He lived that and more and for that we are grateful. He was a member of the McKeesport Alliance Church but The Church of the Brethren was at his heart. Friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday at the  James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, N. Huntingdon, PA.  A funeral service will take place on Friday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Penn-Lincoln Memorial Park.  Memorial donations may be made to Foodbank at the McKeesport Alliance Church 938 Summit St., McKeesport, PA  15132.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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JoAnn Lee Dunn

January 04, 2022 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

JoAnn Lee Dunn, 93, of N. Huntingdon, passed away Monday, January 3, 2022 at Murrysville Rehab and Wellness Center.  Born in Jeannette, May 3, 1928 to Paul J. and Alice Malloy.  JoAnn was a member of West Hempfield Presbyterian Church.  Preceded in death by husband, Clarence Dunn, and three sons, Dennis, Darrel and Douglas Dunn.  Along with her sisters, Patricia Randall, Faye Haluck, and brother, Paul Malloy.  She is survived by her children, David Dunn and his wife, Beverly, Maureen Dunn and her fiance, David Bollinger, Duane Dunn, all from N. Huntingdon.  Marcia Rowley and her husband, Ralph from Charlottesville, VA; daughter-in-law, Blanche Dunn of Herminie; and sister, Maureen Donnelly of Arlington, VA.  She is also survived and loved by 13 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.  She loved playing cards and board games with her family.  Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, N. Huntingdon, PA.  A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment to follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Rose Marie A. Onderko

January 04, 2022 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Rose Marie A. Onderko, 87, of N. Huntingdon, passed away Monday, January 3, 2022 at Forbes Regional Hospital, Monroeville.  She was born January 3, 1935 in Natrona Heights.  Prior to her retirement, Rose Marie was a registered nurse for Mercy Hospital, school nurse for Norwin Jr. High School West in the mid '70’s and Forbes Regional Hospital.  She was a member of St. Agnes Church, Christian Mothers, was an avid quilter, enjoyed needlepoint, sewing and making Halloween costumes for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald W. Onderko.  She is survived by her sons, Ronald W. Jr. (Lisa), Bruce S. (Mary Beth), Brian E.; daughters, Mary Ann Show and Diane (Johnny) Flowe; nine grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.  Services are private. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday at 10 a.m. in St. Agnes Church.  Interment to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, N. Versailles, PA.   Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, N. Huntingdon, PA  15642.  Donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Rose Marie.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Alice H. Anthony

January 04, 2022 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Alice H. Anthony, 86, of North Huntingdon passed away Tuesday, December 28, 2021.  Daughter of the late John and Anna (Sabo) Bailley.  Prior to her retirement, Alice was a factory worker for Westinghouse, FEMCO, VW, Switch & Signal and Vectran.  She worked hard all of her life and loved helping others.  She volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and was Volunteer of the Year in 2009.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Benny, Paul, George, Andy and Jimmy; sisters, Anna, Mary and Vera.  She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Anthony-Gulden and her partner, Scott Weigard; her puppy, Sally; and her grand puppies.  A memorial service will take place on January 15, 2022 at 11 a.m. in the Norwin Church of the Nazarene, 110 Clay Pike, N. Huntingdon, PA  15642. 

If you would like to share any memories or thoughts about Alice, please drop a note in the mail to Kathy Anthony-Gulden, P.O. Box 281, Bendersville, PA  17306.  Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, N. Huntingdon, PA  15642.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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John Regis Osheka

January 03, 2022 |

By Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

John Regis Osheka, 72, of North Huntingdon, passed away Friday, December 31, 2021. He was born March 1, 1949 in Pittsburgh and was the son of the late John and Regina (Krauth) Osheka. John accomplished many things in his life, he obtained his Master of Science in Education from Duquesne University, he taught biology in the Pittsburgh Public School District, obtained his Doctorate of Education from the University of Pittsburgh, was Assistant Superintendent at West Jefferson Hills School District and Superintendent at South Allegheny and New Brighton School Districts.  After retiring he became an Educational Consultant.  John’s passion for the remaining years of his life were dedicated to working with his Golden Retrievers, Sundance and Sunny. He had them trained for Search and Rescue, Drug detection, Grief Counseling (HOPE-Animal-Assisted Crisis Response Team), and Pitt Paws at the Pittsburgh International Airport.  He taught Sniff classes for years training many different breeds of dogs. John was a member of the Greater Pittsburgh Golden Retriever Club, “GRIN” Golden Retrievers in Need (Rescue Club), the Butler County K9 team and a K9 handler with White Oak Search and Rescue.

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Timothy W. Helfrich

January 03, 2022 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

Timothy W. Helfrich, age 53 of Irwin, passed away at home on Monday, January 3, 2022.  Born February 4, 1968 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Paul J. and Jean (McCauley) Helfrich.  A US Marine Corps Veteran of the Persian Gulf War, Timothy is survived by his siblings Barbara Helfrich, Vincent Helfrich, Christopher (Debbie) Helfrich, Paula (John) Orndorff, and Nicholas (Tammy) Helfrich.  Besides his parents, Timothy was preceded in death by his brother Francis (Sharon) Helfrich. 

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John S. Shiner, Jr.

January 03, 2022 |

By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory

John S. Shiner, Jr., age 75 of Liberty Borough, passed away at home on Wednesday, December 29, 2021.  Born May 27, 1946 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late John Shiner, Sr. and Juliana Marie (Jezdauskas) Shiner.  A retired mechanic for Siemens/Westinghouse - Waltz Mill in Madison, John was a Veteran of the US Army.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anita L. (Scapellato) Shiner, who passed away August 23, 2002.  He is survived by his sister Adela Shiner of Lake Worth Beach, FL; his stepsons Thomas (Desiree) Moore of Jefferson Hills and Christopher Moore of North Versailles; his grandchildren Katrina Exton, Caleb Moore, Jack and Abby Krysinski,  and Amanda and Tyler Henderson; and his great-grandchild Perri Henderson.  

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