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.
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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.
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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 06, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Madelyn B. DeBor, age 101 of Clairton, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 in Arden Courts, Jefferson Hills. Born January 20, 1923 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Arcadius and Clara (Weiss) DeBor. An attendee of St. Isaac Jogues Church in Floreffe and the former St. Paulinus Church in Wilson, Madelyn retired as a clerk for the East Ohio Gas Company in Cleveland. Her family will remember her as their consummate optimist and the light of their family and many others. Madelyn is survived by her nieces and nephews Diane Zwack, Cathleen Cherrington, Lucille Conatser, Mary Ann McCaffery, Barbara Stefanik, Sally Musulin, and Daniel, Joseph, Paul, James, Theresa, Patricia, and Rebecca DeBor; and also many great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings John and Jerome DeBor and Mary Zwack, and her nephew Charles DeBor.
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December 05, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Eileen K. (Sumney) Dobrich, age 84, of West Elizabeth, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at The Palms at O'Neil. She was a former member of Olivet Presbyterian Church in West Elizabeth. Born January 7, 1940 in Floreffe, she was a daughter of the late Clarence and Mildred (Bendel) Sumney and wife of the late Joseph Dobrich. She is survived by her son, Daryl Dobrich of West Elizabeth; sister, Peggy Ziegmond of Forward Twp.; special cousin, Christine Rincon of Floreffe; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brother, Clarence R. Sumney. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
December 02, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Clare R. Sturkie, age 85 of Versailles, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024 in Kane Community Living Center - McKeesport. Born September 10, 1939 in Boston, PA, she was a daughter of the late Andrew and Stefania (Hirosky) Kubensky. Clare was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of McKeesport Hospital, the Versailles AARP, Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Patrick's Church in Christy Park, and was a CCD teacher at the former St. Denis and St Patrick's Parishes She was preceded in death by her husband, the late William E. Sturkie, who passed away August 4, 2020, and her siblings Helen Cruz, Steffy Lipa, Ann Filarsky, Mary Bell, and John, Joseph, and Andrew Kubensky. Clare is survived by her children Christine L. Richards of Versailles; Billy Sturkie, Jr. of Versailles, Lorie (David) Broadwater of West Mifflin, and Jessica (Jason) Lorenz of Versailles; her grandchildren Tina Simko, Amy Shank, Lacey John, Amanda Miller, Tadem Lorenz, and Tierney Lorenz; her great-grandchildren Jason and Nicholas Shank, Kadence and Dalton Simko, Abigail and Sophia John, Layla Lofstrom, Nicholas, Aden, and Landon Kozak, and Ella Elms. and also nieces and nephews.
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November 26, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
David W. Weeks, age 66, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Monday, November 25, 2024 at home. He was a former truck driver for George's Supply Center in South Park and a lifetime member of Forward Twp. Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed camping, drag racing and ATV riding. Born February 12, 1958 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late William W. and Helen L. (Cain) Weeks. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jeanette Weeks; children, Beth (Ryan) Weeks of Jefferson Hills and William D. Weeks of Jefferson Hills; siblings, Kristine L. Weeks of Forward Twp. and Elva (Bernard) Metro of Monroeville; also, nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial gathering will take place in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 12 Noon to 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5115 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
November 25, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Loretta Jean Angotti, age 84 of Greensburg where she had been living with her daughter and family since 2016, and formerly of Clairton, Jefferson Hills, Elizabeth, and White Oak, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024 in Twin Lakes Health and Rehabilitation Center, Greensburg. Born June 6, 1940 in Fairchance, she was a daughter of the late Elmer and Dorothy (Cooley) Lancaster. A Veteran of the US Air Force, Loretta was a member of the former First United Methodist Church of Clairton and the Elizabeth Township Seniors. She worked as a nurse for many years at Jefferson Hospital, Health America, Mt. Vernon of Elizabeth, Three Rivers Hospice, and as a home care nurse. Loretta Jean will be remembered as sweet, kind, caring, and compassionate all the time and loved in every person's life she touched. She was a truly amazing mother, wife, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She loved growing up a tomboy in Clairton and was a really good softball player who liked to play all sports with her many brothers. In fact, her brother Ron would always pick her first when deciding teams: "I got Jean." Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the late Saverio Angotti, who passed away February 5, 2004, and her siblings, Ronald, Allen, Marvin, Carol, and William Lancaster. Loretta is survived by her daughter Angela Marie (Chad) Tyler of Greensburgh; her granddaughter Nina Jean Tyler; her siblings Betty Ann (Chuck) McSurdy of Donegal, Dorothy Smoyer of Bethel Park, Janet (Don) O'Dell of Columbia, MD, and Shelby (Bill) Siler of White Oak; her stepsons Timothy Angotti of Forward Twp. and J. Thomas Angotti of Glassport; and also many nieces and nephews.
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November 22, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Elaine M. (Ryan) Helsel, age 87, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024 at St. Anne Home in Greensburg. She retired as a medical secretary for Buck Medical Association in White Oak and was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. She was a Girl Scout and Day Camp leader in Mt. Vernon, a member of the former Mt. Vernon Bowling League, and a volunteer at Divine Redeemer. She belonged to several card clubs and enjoyed traveling with her late husband. Born August 1, 1937 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Vincent "Rip" and Margaret "Peg" (Berquist) Ryan and wife of the late Ronald E. Helsel. She is survived by children, Deborah (Thomas) Ruhe of Forward Twp., Ronald M. (Denise) Helsel of Naples, FL, Maureen (Scott) Young of North Huntingdon and Tamara (Alan) Pontia of North Huntingdon; grandchildren, Ryan (Christy), Jeffrey (Christine), Molly, Cameron (Gayle), Emily (John), Hayley (Ben) and Marshall; great-grandchildren, Bennett, Finnegan, Noah, Nolan, Sophia, Naomi and Hayden; siblings, Thomas (Molly) Ryan of Ligonier, Jack Ryan of Ligonier and Sandy (Mel) Ryan-Roberts of Sacramento, CA; special sister-in-law, Phyllis Ryan of Mt. Vernon; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brother, Richard Ryan; sisters-in-law, Lorraine Ryan and Marge Ryan; and in-laws, Barbara and John Bender. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Sunday, November 24, 2024 from 3–7 PM. A funeral Mass will take place on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 10 AM at St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. with the Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to Carnegie Library of McKeesport, 1507 Library Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132 as Elaine was an avid reader and supporter of the library. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
November 21, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John Raymond King, age 78, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. A Navy veteran having served during the Vietnam War, he retired after 30 years as a computer data supervisor for Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad. He was a member of Romeo's Men's Club and treasurer of the Clairton Anglers Club, where he was a member for many years. He loved movies and spending time with his grandchildren and watching them play sports. Born September 8, 1946 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late John W. and Audrey (Warne) King. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen (Appel) G. King, with whom he celebrated 58 years of marriage November 19, 2024. He was the loving father of Duane (Kelly) King of Charleston, WV, and proud grandfather of Logan Richard and Preston John King. He is also survived by a nephew, Doug; niece, Marsha; and sister, Judy (Larry) Bullington of Chattanooga, TN.
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November 18, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Jason Richard Shamber, age 51, of Lincoln Place, passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at UPMC Presbyterian. He was a grill cook for UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. He graduated from Thomas Dale High School in Chester, VA where he was involved with soccer, cross country, and indoor and outdoor track. He was a former hospitality employee for the Mirage Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, and he enjoyed all Pittsburgh sports teams. Born June 11, 1973 in McKeesport, he was a son of Samuel James and Janice (Black) Shamber of Jefferson Hills. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his daughters, Jenna (Zack Godovchik) Shamber of Lincoln Place and Alaina (C.J.) Pierce of Rockwall, TX; granddaughter, Evangeline Pierce of Rockwell, TX; also, aunts, uncles and cousins. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
November 16, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Stephen C. Pholar, age 82 of White Oak, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024 in Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital. Born August 17, 1942 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Stephen L. and Helen (Cifra) Pholar. A member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Angela Merici Church, White Oak, Stephen was a graduate of Duquesne University. He retired as the community planner for the City of Clairton, and also served as city manager, and was a former director of the West to West Coalition. Stephen is survived by his wife Margaret "Maggie" (DeCarlo) Pholar; his children Alexis (Dr. Todd) Hrbek of Greensburg and Nicholas (Apryle) Pholar of Nanti Glo; his grandchildren Maxwell, Emma, and Molly Hrbek and Amber Sims; his sister Marlene Pennington of Bethel Park; and his brother Conrad M. Pholar of Castle Shannon. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Robert J. Pholar.
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November 14, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Theresa (Pastorius) Costa, age 95, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. Theresa was born September 6, 1929 in Glassport. She was the daughter of the late Frank and Stella (Seigworth) Pastorius. Theresa was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, a Clairton High School graduate, and a salesperson for the former G.C. Murphy Co. in Clairton. She enjoyed spending time with and caring for her family. Family meant the world to Theresa. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Costa, who passed away May 30, 1993 and her daughter Carol Zuro, who passed away on February 12, 2022. Theresa is survived by her son Joseph T. (Gloria) Costa of Jefferson Hills; her son-in-law Frank Zuro; grandchildren Nicole (Tom) D'Antonio of Jefferson Hills, Michael (Leah) Zuro of Pleasant Hills, Bryan (Abby) Costa of Lodi, WI, and Jodi (Frank) Stosic of Jefferson Hills; great-grandchildren Mia and Luke D'Antonio, Dominik Zuro, Zayden and Macsen Schrott, Bayne Costa, Haylie Schwab, Destinie Bedard, and Bella and Frankie Stosic; and nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, daughter, and parents, Theresa was proceeded in death by her sisters Clara Ferree, Anne Fenton, Lena Wilson, Alberta Kehoe, Elizabeth Nowakowski, and Margaret Vezzani.
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November 12, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Linda L. (Stokes) Milas, age 79, of Forward Twp., passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024 at home. She was a retired elementary teacher in the Clairton School District and a former member of Pine Run United Methodist Church in Clairton. She enjoyed horses and competed in rodeos, and loved her animals and family. Born March 9, 1945 in West Mifflin, she was a daughter of the late James and Leta (Bowen) Stokes and wife of the late William Milas. She is survived by granddaughter, Harlie L. (John) Democko of Forward Twp. and grandson, Luke (Gia) Temple of Glassport. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by daughter, Amanda Lynn Milas. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
November 11, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
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