January 07, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Eldora “Dorree” Jean Gedekoh, 60, of Elizabeth, passed away peacefully at home on January 6, 2025. When she wasn’t cooking or spending time with her husband by the pool, she spent most of her time lounging at home with her beloved dogs, watching her TV shows, and hanging out with her cousin Mirt and best friend Cheryl. She had a love for big family gatherings and holiday celebrations, and the family Christmas Eve party was always her favorite. More than anything else, she was a loving and devoted mother and grandma. Born April 29, 1964 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late John Christian and Alyce Fay (Fine) Gedekoh Jr. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Robin Sleith. She is survived by her husband, Butch VanFosson; daughter, Allison (Anthony) Marshall-Hertzig of Buena Vista; grandchildren, Presley Jean, Julian, Dax, Riley, Kalie and Memphis; stepson, Troy (Barbara) Vanfosson of Elizabeth Twp.; sister, Edna Gedekoh of Elizabeth; brothers, John "Chris" (Janine) Gedekoh III of Rostraver and Tracey "Utch" Gedekoh of Elizabeth Twp.; niece, Jasmine; nephews, Jonathan, Jake, Jace, Shane, Chad and Ryan; great-nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law, Charles Sleith of Charleroi. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 4-7 PM. A funeral service will place on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 12 Noon in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Jude Urso officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
January 06, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John Paul "JP" Charney, age 62 of Clairton, passed away at home on Friday, January 3, 2025. Born June 30, 1962 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late John and Anna (Estock) Charney. A member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton, John Paul worked at the former Joe's Automotive and the US Post Office, both in Clairton. An avid outdoorsman who also loved to go to his cabin and garden, he was a member of the Anglers Club of Clairton, the Scullton Rod and Gun Club, and former member of the Clairton Sportsmen's Club. John Paul's family will remember him as a generous person, with both his money and his time, who was always willing to lend a hand. He often spent his evenings mowing the lawns of his older neighbors after work until the sun set. He is survived by his siblings Daniel (Ann Papa) Charney of Clairton and Lee Ann (Richard) Yaga of Glassport.
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January 03, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Lydia M. (Matej) Yates, age 80, of Liberty Borough, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Concordia of Monroeville. She was a former member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Braddock. Born April 21, 1944 in Braddock, she was a daughter of the late Gary and Gizella (Polahar) Matej and wife of the late Edwin F. Yates. She is survived by her son, Neil R. Yates of Liberty Borough; granddaughter, Jillian Yates of Elizabeth Twp., and nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Gary Matej. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Sunday, January 5, 2025 from 2 PM until the time of funeral service at 5 PM. Private burial will be in Jefferson Memorial Park. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
January 02, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
David Simco, formerly of White Oak, PA. died on Saturday, December 21 at Jefferson Hospital. He was 82 years old. Born to George and Louise (Barchie) Simco of Port Vue, PA., David was a Vietnam-era Veteran who served honorably in the U.S. Navy. He was employed at Westinghouse Transportation Center and later sold industrial valves and piping systems to steel mills and factories throughout the tri-state area. David loved music, cars, motorcycles, a good glass of wine and astronomy. He is survived by his brother Wayne (Kate) Simco of McKeesport, PA.
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December 29, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Carol L. (Jefferis) Dyer, age 72, of Forward Twp., passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Jefferson Hospital. She was a retired head of nursing with Heartland Hospice in Greensburg and enjoyed the outdoors, nature and the ocean. Born June 26, 1952, in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Robert and Minnie (Geisel) Jefferis. She is survived by a daughter, Stacey (Justin) Wilson of North Huntingdon; sons, Michael Dyer of Forward Twp. and Doug (Patty) Dyer of Forward Twp.; seven grandchildren, August, Noelle, Dylan and Emma Dyer and Adelyn, Christian and Haden Wilson; brother, Carl (Kathy) Jefferis of Pittsburgh; brother-in-law, George Hempel of Champion; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Sandy Hempel. A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 2-4PM in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
December 27, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Michael O. "Pickles" Homa, age 74, of Blaine Hill, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at home. He retired as a medical record department representative from Jefferson Hospital. A lifetime member and former bartender of the Blaine Hill Volunteer Fire Company, he was a history buff and huge Rolling Stones fan. Born in McKeesport on October 3, 1950, he was a son of the late Michael and Anne Churilla Homa. He is survived by his sister, Deborah (Bill) Stanko of Mesquite, NV and brother, Raymond M. Homa of Indiana, PA, and cousins. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a graveside service at 12 Noon on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the Monongahela Cemetery with Fr. Dimitri D. Ermakov officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Blaine Hill Volunteer Fire Company, 409 Oxford Avenue, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
December 27, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John W. Ormond, Sr., age 79, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Baldwin Health Center. He was a retired truck driver with C.J. Langenfelder and a former police officer in Elizabeth and West Elizabeth. He was a U.S. Navy veteran during the Vietnam era and enjoyed going to snake hunts. Born on June 1, 1945, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late John and Margaret (McClintock) Ormond. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Catherine L. (Jarmon) Ormond; two daughters, Jamie (Tim Zyra) Ormond of Jefferson Hills and Peggy Ormond Rager (Chad) of Elizabeth; son, John W. (Ashley) Ormond, Jr. of Jefferson Hills; six grandchildren, Devin Caley, Cody Caley, Joshua Ormond, Chad Rager, Brooklyn Ormond, and Delaney Ormond; also, uncles and cousins. No viewing or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 N. Second Avenue, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Offer condolences as
http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
December 27, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Roseann Marie (Dumic) Hyland, born on October 14, 1933, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2024, at Bryn Mawr Hospital in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, following a short illness.
A graduate of McKeesport High School, Roseann furthered her education by earning an Associate's degree from business school. In June 1961, she married the love of her life, Thomas Hyland Jr., and together they built a life filled with love and devotion in White Oak, Pennsylvania. Roseann remained in White Oak for over 60 years until 2022 when she moved to an assisted living facility in Springfield, Pennsylvania, to be closer to her son Tom and his family. Despite living in Philadelphia Eagles territory, she remained a steadfast Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
Roseann dedicated much of her career to serving Allegheny County as an administrative assistant. She was also deeply committed to her Catholic faith and was an active member of the Christian Mothers organization. When her husband was alive, the couple enjoyed participating in a bowling league together.
She was the beloved daughter of the late Frank and Mandy (Jurevich) Dumic and was predeceased by her sister Marie, brother Joseph, and husband Thomas Hyland Jr. who passed away on July 10, 1996. Roseann was the cherished mother of the late Lynn Kaspy, Thomas (Julie) Hyland III of Havertown, PA, and David (Nancy) Hyland of Moon Township, PA. She was a proud grandmother to Hanna, Blayze, and Lennon Hyland, and the late Gavin Hyland. Roseann is also survived by her sister-in-law Mira Dumic; and her five nieces and nephews Rita Logue, Judy Nassida, and Joseph, Steven and Anne Marie Dumic.
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December 24, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Josephine Isacco, age 91 of Versailles, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024 in UPMC McKeesport. Born November 30, 1933 in Palena, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Paulo and Maria (Di Fiore) Liberatore. A member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Patrick's Church in McKeesport, Josephine was the co-owner of the former Josie's Pizza in Christy Park. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Anthony Isacco, who passed away December 18, 2011, her daughter Filamena Isacco, and her siblings Antoinette, Solomon, and Faustina Liberatore. Josephine is survived by her son Christopher Isacco, with whom she resided; her daughter Christina Tisko of Omaha, NE, her five grandchildren Joseph, James, John, Mary Grace, and Sarah Tisko; her siblings Carmella Galassi and Annetta Bozzi of Australia, Lucia Tocco of France, and Antonio Liberatore of Italy; her former son-in-law Edmund Tisko; and also many nieces and nephews.
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December 24, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Richard R. Razewski, age 84 of White Oak, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024 in UPMC McKeesport. Born May 14, 1940 in Glassport, he was a son of the late Walter and Joan (Tatkus) Razewski. A retired district sales manager, most recently for Do All Tool and Dye, Richard was a member of the Elizabeth Twp. Veterans' Association and the PNA in McKeesport. He will be remembered as selfless, loving, and as "the nicest guy in the whole, wide world." He is survived by his wife of 34 years Donna (Slifko) Razewski; his sons Richard A. (Sandra E. Markusoff) Razewski of Atlanta, GA and Gregory John (Renaye) Razewski of Charlotte, NC; and his grandchildren Zachary, Alyssa, Ashley, and Morgan Razewski. Besides his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his daughter Karen Marie Razewski and his sister Joan Kostyzak.
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December 23, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Raymond J. Marraccini, age 102, of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024 at home. An Army veteran of World War II, he retired as president of the M. Marraccini and Company in Elizabeth. He enjoyed playing golf and cards and was a long-time member of Youghiogheny Country Club. He was an avid bowler and a member of local leagues where he was distinguished as having bowled a 300 game in both 10-pin and duck pin. Born March 1, 1922 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late Marshall and Lucy (LaFrankie) Marraccini and husband of the late Ruth E. (Simpson) Marraccini. He is survived by his daughter, Carol (Marvin) Hicks of Dunn Loring, VA; sons, Paul Marraccini of Forward Twp. and Marshall (Laurie) Marraccini of Elizabeth Twp.; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, December 26, 2024 from 4-7 PM. A funeral service will take place on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Jude Urso officiating. Burial will follow in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
December 21, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Janet M. (Rendulic) Bernardine, age 78, of Port Vue passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024 at home. Born February 27, 1946 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Frank D. and Josephine (Frankovic) Rendulic. Janet worked as a runway and fragrance model for Saks 5th Avenue and Thierry Mugler. She was a former member of Sacred Heart, McKeesport and a member of First Evangelical Free Church in White Oak, the CFU, and the Tamburitzans. An active person, she had a 5th degree black belt in Karate and was an expert snow skier and water skier. She loved the outdoors, "lake life", and was very in touch with nature. Janet will be remembered as a loving and devoted mother who was loved unconditionally by her son. She was full of life, lit up the room when she walked in, and overall, a loving and kind person. Janet is survived by her beloved son Donn Darryl Bernardine of Port Vue; brothers Fred (Jeanne) Rendulic of Port Vue and Frank (Sandra) Rendulic, Jr. of West Palm Beach, FL; sister Joan (Mark A.) Vedas of Palm Beach, FL; nieces and nephews; and loyal dog Bosto.
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December 19, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Betsy Lee (Schrader) Aldridge, age 72, of Rostraver Twp., passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Allegheny General Hospital. She was a retired supervisor for the Department of Labor and Industry. Born May 10, 1952 in Greensburg, she was a daughter of the late William and Dolores (Jones) Schrader. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Richard M. Aldridge. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Karen and Kim. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
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.
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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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