December 29, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
William S. Theiss, age 70, of Jefferson Hills, peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025. Born November 25, 1955, in McKeesport, PA, he was a son of the late William and Alice (Kennet) Theiss. William formerly worked as an Operator at Clairton Works, from which he retired, and later was employed by the West Jefferson Hills School District. He was a member of VFW Post 803 and the National Rifle Association, and he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Debra (Gilmore) Theiss; sons, William (Kelly) Theiss of Jefferson Hills, PA, and J.T. (Jaclyn) Thomas of Jefferson Hills, PA; his grandchildren Landon Theiss, Kiptyn Theiss, and Clara Renee Thomas; brothers, Thomas (Sherry) Theiss of Penn, PA, and David Theiss of New Ringgold, PA; sister, Shirley (Carl) Klinzing of South Park, PA; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by sisters, Patricia Belback, Marcia Theiss, and Stephanie Lasich.
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December 26, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Cynthia Ann Kukulka, age 73, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away Thursday, December 25, 2025 at home. She was a former member of Elizabeth United Methodist Church. Born May 24, 1952, she was a daughter of the late Elmer and Elizabeth (Kostura) Furst. She is survived by her children, Marsha Kukulka of McKeesport, Wendy Dziadyk of Jefferson Hills and Jesse Gilbert of Maryland; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary (Curt) Briggs of Elizabeth, Karen Goreck of West Mifflin, Nancy Lee Furst of Elizabeth and Pam (Don) Pishney of Greenock; brothers, Elmer F. (Katie) Furst Jr. of Dunbar and John (Karen) Furst of Scottdale; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by siblings, Deborah Donnelly, Joyce Jones, Audrey McGinn and Francis Furst. The family offers special thanks and gratitude to her caregivers, Edna, Marcell, Iman, Theresa and Ashley, and her Family Hospice team, Tracy, Shanae and Emily. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, Sunday, December 28, 2025 from 4-8 PM. Service with the Rev. Bill Little officiating and burial are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Southeast Regional EMS, 911 Swiss Way, Elizabeth, PA 15037 or UPMC Family Hospice, 300 Northpointe Circle, Suite 305, Seven Fields, PA 16046. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
December 24, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Mary A. Havel, age 75, of Lincoln Borough, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at home. A graduate of Elizabeth High School, she attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. Soon after graduation, she was hired by the Elizabeth Forward School District to teach a newly created kindergarten at Greenock Elementary School, where she attended as a child. After four years, she went to Elizabeth Elementary where she taught kindergarten for 26 years before transferring to William Penn Elementary where she continued teaching kindergarten until she retired. She was a Steelers fan and enjoyed traveling and going to the casino. Born February 3, 1950 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late John and Louella (Johnson) Peers. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, James W. Havel, and cousin, Jim Peers of Perryopolis. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Friday, December 26, 2025 from 3-6 PM. Private burial will be in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made payable to EFAFA (EF Alumni & Friends Association, Scholarship Fund) in care of Sadie Masters, 801 North Whitmore Road, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
December 19, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Janice L. (Lenhart) Culhane, age 71, of Clairton and formerly of Finleyville, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, at home. She loved traveling to beaches over the years. Born May 20, 1954, in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late George E. and Bessie (Randolph) Lenhart. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Thomas H. Culhane, Sr.; sons, Thomas H. Culhane, Jr. of Elizabeth Twp. and George H. (Sherry Wolf) Culhane of Bethel Park; grandson, Ryan Culhane of Bethel Park; sisters, Sherry Anders of Warren, OH and Cindy Lenhart of Monongahela; brother, Ronald C. Lenhart of Finleyville; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, George Lenhart. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 4-7 PM. Private burial at Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
December 18, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Steven P. Smith, age 53, of Jefferson Hills, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025 in Jefferson Hospital. He formerly worked at Bank of New York Mellon. Born August 15, 1972, he was a son of Bernard and Patricia (Maciejewski) Smith of Mt. Lebanon. He is survived by his wife, Danette (Palmieri) Smith; daughters, Presley and Adalynn Smith at home; sister, Pamela Smith of Baldwin; brother, Dave (Christa) Smith of Mt. Lebanon; also, nieces and nephews. There will be a memorial gathering at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Monday, January 12, 2026 from 4-7 PM. A Memorial Mass will be Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 10 AM at St. Thomas a Beckett Church in Jefferson Hills. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH. Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
December 16, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Ipparco Nicolo "Nick" Bacci, age 90 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025 in Jefferson Hospital. Born December 7, 1935 in Fiume, Italy, he was a son of the late Giovanni and Domenica (Fonovich) Bacci. As a young man, Nick was a talented soccer player, starring for the Genoa-based U.C. Sampdoria junior club. After moving to America, he served in the US Army and became a journeyman carpenter and machinist by trade, which helped when he built his own home, and as owner/proprietor of his own business: Bacci Construction. He also worked for Volkswagen of America in Fayette County. Nick kept his love of soccer going on this side of the Atlantic, becoming instrumental in the formation of the Elizabeth Forward Soccer Association and serving as the first head coach of the Elizabeth Forward High School Boys' Soccer team. He also served in the US Army, was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish - St. Michael's Church, and was a member of the YMCA in Carroll Twp. Nick is survived by his wife of 65 years Nancy (Morgan) Bacci; his children John (Wendy) Bacci of Elizabeth Twp., David (Emmy) Bacci of Murrysville, Dolores (Skip) Bingman of Elizabeth Twp., and Stephen Bacci of Winchester, VA; his grandchildren Lindsay (Justin) Pardoe, Amanda (Scott) Meneely, Ryan (Taylor), Timothy, Susanna (Kelsey), Jacob, Joel, Luke, and Lydia Bacci, Nathan Bingman, Kaitlin (Aaron) Mansfield, and Alexander, Cassidy Annabella, and Nina Bacci; his great-grandchildren Zoe, Gavin, Madisyn, Haylee, Jaxson, Zachary, Landon, Leon, and Max (Nico); his brother Guerrino (Pina) Bacci of Italy; brothers-in-law Jack (Yvonne) and George (Toby) Morgan; and also many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Nick was preceded in death by siblings Lina, Giovanni, Dolores, and Mafalda Bacci and brothers-in-law Ted and Mike Morgan.
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December 14, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
On Saturday, December 13, 2025, Janice Marie DiLonardo of Rostraver Twp. and formerly of Clairton, passed peacefully surrounded by her family. Janice lived the entirety of her most remarkable, selfless life as a devoted wife of 63 years to her husband Anthony E. "Muzz" DiLonardo. She was relentless in her role as "mom" in raising her three sons: Dean (Cathy Wolf) DiLonardo of Venetia, Anthony (Amy Beatty) DiLonardo of Rostraver Twp., and James (Kathy) DiLonardo of Chippewa. Janice also leaves behind her grandchildren Luca and Guilia DiLonardo, Ethan Wolf, and Kendall Obley; her sister Carol (the late Jack) Ruffing of Vienna, WV; her brother Felix (Paula) Fusco of Clairton; and also many nieces and nephews. Beyond her immediate family, she touched so many lives as a loving caretaker and friend advocate for the less fortunate. Janice also served as a a lector for her parish: Triumph of the Holy Cross, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton.
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December 13, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Norma Jean Schoeller, age 79 of White Oak, passed away at home on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Born January 13, 1946 in Duquesne , she was a daughter of the late Ivan and Gladys (Lyons) Shultz. A member of the Bryn Mawr Church of Christ in White Oak, Norma worked at both Sam's Club in West Mifflin and waitressed at Plug N' Piston Restaurant in Plum. She is survived by her children James (Yola) "Shultz" Schoeller of Chambersburg, Brant Schoeller of White Oak, Jeffrey Schoeller of White Oak, and Jennifer Lee Schoeller of Harrison City; and her six grandchildren: Ashley, Bradley, Brandon and Jenna Schoeller and Chase and Colton Beck. Besides her parents, Norma was preceded in death by her siblings Joanne, Bruce, and Rev. Ronald Shultz.
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December 09, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Beverly Jean Chomas, age 91, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away Monday, December 8, 2025 at home. She was a member of Elizabeth United Methodist Church and was a very talented woman. She was a member of the McKeesport Art Club and enjoyed painting, sewing and crocheting. Born October 16, 1934, she was a daughter of the late John and Margaret (McWhirter) Pierce and wife of the late William E. Chomas. She is survived by her daughters, Karen L. Cochenour of Bethel Park, Diane L. (Marty) Konopka of West Newton, Susan D. (Joey Norris) Hellett of Panama City, FL and Carol Jane (David Hvozdik) Sechrist of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Greg, Jesse, Michelle (fiance Jeff), Teea, Tara and Jayna; many great-grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, William E. Chomas Jr. and grandchildren, Nicole and Mark. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 4-7 PM. A funeral service will be Friday, December 12, 2025 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Adam Stump officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
December 09, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Dr. David E. Gombar passed away on Monday, December 8th, 2025, in Charlotte, NC after a lengthy illness. He was 77 years old. He was born in McKeesport, PA on April 5th, 1948, and lived in Clairton, PA for most of his life, only moving to Charlotte in 2012 to be closer to family. He was a resident of Carmel Hills Retirement Community for the last 11 years.
He graduated from Clairton High School in 1966, where he played for the Bears football team as a halfback and safety. Upon graduation, the Pennsylvania Industrial Chemical Corporation awarded him an academic college scholarship of $500 per year for college tuition, which allowed him to be the first of his family to attend college. Upon arriving at Geneva College, he walked-on to the football team where the coach refused to give him a uniform due to his short stature. After the coach called David's high school to confirm that he had played high school football the coach gave him a uniform. Before the first game, David not only earned a spot on the team, but he also earned a starting position at both halfback and safety due to his tenacity and speed. Plus, he returned kickoffs and punts, thus never coming out of the entire games. After his freshman year he was awarded a partial athletic scholarship due to his performance on the football field.
David loved the sciences, especially biology, where he excelled academically. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Geneva College in 1970. Entering college his aspiration had been for medical school but while at Geneva College he was influenced by the growing mainline acceptance of chiropractic care. After college he diligently worked part time jobs to put himself through the prestigious Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. Upon receiving his doctorate in 1974, Dr. D. D. Palmer offered David a professorship teaching at Palmer, but David decided to join a very active chiropractic practice in Johnstown, PA that served as an excellent internship period. Two years later, in 1976, he opened his own practice in Pleasant Hills, PA where he practiced for the remainder of his career until he had to retire in December 2011 due to health reasons.
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December 08, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Lenart J. Pollak, age 88 of Liberty Borough, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2025. Born June 26, 1937, in McKeesport, PA. He was a son of the late Steve Pollak and the late Rose (Lenart) Pollak, the husband of the late Eunice B. (Barchie) Pollak, and the father of the late Sharon Pollak. Lenart was a retired manager for various Thorofare and Foodland stores and a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish. He is survived by his children, Kathleen (Peter) Huntington of Bethel Park, PA, Tim (Nancy) Pollak of Frederick, MD, Bill (Stephanie) Pollak of Lake Ridge, VA, and Terri Mitchell of Liberty Borough, PA, his grandchildren, Katherine Huntington, Bobby (Mackenzie) Huntington, Becky (Trevor Grouse) Pollak, Nick (Hannah) Pollak, Mike (Anna) Pollak, Lacey (Joe) Serbia, Chelsea (David) Akers, Emily (Kyle Oakes) Mitchell, Casey Mitchell; and his great-grandchildren, Amelia Serbia, Zoey Grouse, and Gabe Pollak. In addition to his parents, wife, and daughter, he was preceded in death by his brother, Reverend Claude Pollak, O.S.B..
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December 06, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
George P. Apple Jr., age 97, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away Thursday, November 27, 2025 at Grandview Estates of Elizabeth. A Navy veteran, he retired after more than 40 years as a tool maker at Fisher Body. He was a member of UAW Local 544 and a former active member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. Born December 19, 1927 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late George P. Apple Sr. and Jean (Thompson) Apple and husband of 75 years of the late Cecelia (Kasmerski) Apple. He is survived by a daughter, Karen A. Henrich of South Park; sons, Dennis G. (Ginnie) Apple of Erie and Richard (Carol) Apple of Boalsburg; grandchildren, Lori, Jill, Scott and Jeffrey; great-grandchildren, Alexa, Shyan, Vincent, Jackson and Sabestian; also, nieces and nephews. Blessing and burial were private. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
December 05, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John Michael Arlia, age 79 of Clairton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the H.J. Heinz II VA Center in Aspinwall. Born April 25, 1946 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Domenico and Maria (Osso) Arlia. A U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, John worked for over 25 years with the Internal Revenue Service and before that, was a crane operator for U.S. Steel. He also was a first generation Italian-American Calabrese. John loved being an active alumnus of McKeesport High School as well as gardening, being a fifty-five year Steelers season ticket holder, and most of all being a proud Pap to his four grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Cecelia "CeCe" (Ross) Arlia; his children Michele Scott of St. Louis, MO and Peter (Richelle) Arlia of Ohio Twp., his grandchildren Jordan and Max Scott and Marco and Anthony Arlia, his brother Phillip (Evelyn) Arlia of Irwin, his brother and sister in-law John and Corrine Pfefferkorn of Clairton, and also nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brothers Peter and James Arlia.
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December 05, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Richard Petrick, age 75, of McKeesport, passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Lakeview Personal Care in Darlington. He was a retired operating room attendant at Jefferson Hospital. He was a former avid runner, loved rock and folk music, and was an animal lover. Born August 21, 1950 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Joseph C. and Margaret (Holland) Petrick Sr. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Marda (Smith) Petrick; stepson, Lynn (Marcie) Wooley of Lehigh Acres, FL; grandchildren, Brittany (Gary) Jones of New Castle, Zachary Wooley of Harrisburg and Sarah Wooley of Vero Beach, FL; stepgranddaughter, Megan (Eric) Holzer of Pittsburgh; and close friend and caregiver, Diane Barbera. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Daniel R. Petrick and Joseph C. Jr. and Sarah Petrick. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 10 AM until the time of blessing at 11 AM with Deacon Dale DiSanto officiating. Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
December 03, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Faith Obusek Wilson, age 83 of Charleroi, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Riverside Care Center, McKeesport. Born March 22, 1942 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Stanley and Hilda Slepecki. She is survived by her sons David (Dawn C.) Obusek of Ruffs Dale, Daniel Obusek of Yukon, Michael Obusek of Greenock, Robert W. (Stephanie) Obusek of Elizabeth, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands George J. Obusek and Robert Wilson, brother Ronald Slepecki, and sister Nadine Wallace.
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