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Sandra L. Kirkman

June 01, 2024 |

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

Sandra L. “Sandy” Kirkman, age 63, of Forward Twp., closed her eyes and slipped into eternity on Friday, May 31, 2024, around 5PM after a long, hard-fought illness. In her mother’s arms she now rests while leaving many with fond memories and heavy hearts. Sandy was a longtime resident and vocal citizen of Forward Twp. She was a devout Christian and loyal member of the Elizabeth Baptist Church in Elizabeth. Sandy didn’t have any children of her own, but she had many children in her life which she loved and cherished. She made a career out of caring for people and that’s how she spent her final days, making sure her father would be well tended. Sandy was an avid Steelers fan and went out of her way to never miss a Forward Twp. meeting. She loved going out to eat and would always frequent local, family-owned restaurants. She vacationed in Florida twice a year and loved relaxing in her pool. Sandy was preceded in death by her biological mother, Mary Louise Moutz, and her beloved surrogate mother Ruth (Moutz) Kirkman. She is survived by her father, Gordon E. Kirkman; cousins, Joe (Adry) Moutz and Mary (Duvon) Corbitt; niece, Kelly (Mark) Wesolosky and their children, Julia, Libby, Suzanna and Luke; godson, Keith (Stacey) Abels and their children, Haylee, Braylynn and Gage; her longtime neighbor, friend, caretaker and “sister”, Jennifer (John) McPherson and their daughter Brenna whom Sandy had always adored and never missed an event in which she was a part; also, good friends, Pam, Dave, Becky, Ed and Eddie. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 4-8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jim Crosby officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

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Robert K. Withers

May 31, 2024 |

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

Robert K. Withers, age 69, of Monongahela, passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at home. He retired after more than 30 years as a shift chemist for Synthomer Chemical Resins Inc. in West Elizabeth. A member of Floreffe Volunteer Fire Department, he loved his car and motorcycle, and was an avid animal lover. Born June 8, 1954 in New Eagle, he was a son of the late John H. and Emma Jane (Williams) Withers and husband of the late Susan J. (Luce) Withers. He is survived by his siblings, Barbara Haywood of Forward Twp., Bill (Gail) Withers of Jefferson Hills and Cheryl (Chuck) Ayre of Munhall; nephew and best friend, CJ (Candice) Ayre; sister-in-law, Kathy (Stan) Rygiel; nieces and nephews, General James Haywood, Jayme Ayre, Nikki Ilgenfritz, Chad Withers, Troy Withers, Jennifer Koliscak and Greg Buretz; also, great-nieces and nephews. No visitation is planned. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to a local animal shelter of one’s choice. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Dorothy A. Calabro

May 25, 2024 |

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

Dorothy A. (Spargal) Calabro, age 92, of Forward Twp., passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Kane Community Living Center in Scott Township. She retired as a stock clerk at JC Penney in Pleasant Hills. She was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. where she was a member of the Christian Mothers. She was also a member of the YMCA in Charleroi. Born February 26, 1932, in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Petro) Spargal and wife of the late Louis P. Calabro, Sr. She is survived by daughters, Marianne (Les) Romantino of Castle Shannon and Christine (John) Zappia of Ashburn, VA; sons, Louis P. (Jama) Calabro, Jr. of Harrisburg and Ronald (Kathleen) Calabro of Elizabeth; grandchildren, Angelina Calabro, Chelsea (Eric) Petty, Eric (Tiffany) Romantino, Andrea (Eric) McCartney and Gia Zappia; great-grandchildren, Lucas McCartney, Camilla Petty, Meyer Romantino, Jozie Puccini, Isiah Petty and Nate Petty; sister, Mary Jane (Boris) Schmondiuk of Wall; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Ross J. Calabro. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 10 AM in St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church with Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. Burial will follow in St. Clare Cemetery, Clairton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Gulf Tower, 707 Grant Street, 37th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

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Virginia Lee Springer

May 25, 2024 |

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

Virginia Lee Springer, age 94 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024 in Norbert Personal Care in Brookline.  Born May 22, 1930 in Point Marion, she was a daughter of the late Omer and Emma (Lyons) Baker.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Glenn Reed Springer, her sons Gary R. (the late Lynda) Springer and Robert Springer, and her sisters Lois Sanetrik and Eleanor Lanham.  Virginia is survived by her grandsons Steven Springer of Elizabeth Twp., Jason (Alejandra) Springer of Ft. Myers, FL, and Justin Springer of Elizabeth Twp., and also many nieces and nephews. 

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Stanley C. Yarulis, Sr.

May 22, 2024 |

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

Stanley C. Yarulis, Sr., age 98, of Monongahela, and formerly of Forward Township and Clairton, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024, at The Residence at Hilltop, Monongahela. Born January 31, 1926, in Monongahela, he was a son of the late Anthony and Kazimeria (Bagavich) Yarulis. He was a US Army veteran serving during WWII where he fought in Burma. He was also one of the founding members of the 475th Infantry Merrill's Marauders BAR Gunner. He was a retired machinist for Corning Inc. in Charleroi and US Steel Clairton Works. He was a former member of the Old Timers Golf League at Butlers Golf Course, a former councilman for the City of Clairton, a member of the American Legion Daniel Keffer Post 75, and the VFW.

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Janice A. Finnegan

May 20, 2024 |

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

Janice A. Finnegan, age 65, of Finleyville passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at UPMC McKeesport. Born February 1, 1959, in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late James A. and Angeline (Gigli) Finnegan. She was a retired crane operator for US Steel Irvin Works in West Mifflin and a US Steel union representative for many years. Janice was survived by her sisters Kathleen (Thomas) Moloney of Mathis, TX and Sandra (Keith) Stonebraker of Pittsburgh; niece and nephews Kara (Tyson) Rydze, Scott (Erika) Stonebraker, Steven (Josie) Finnegan, and Nicole Finnegan; and great-niece and nephews, Angela and Connor Rydze, and Riley Finnegan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother James D. Finnegan and his wife Nancy.

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Ronald G. Lazur

May 20, 2024 |

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

Ronald G. Lazur, age 75, of Rostraver Twp., passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at home. He was a former machinist at Westinghouse Air Brake Co.in Wilmerding and a lifetime social member of the Blaine Hill Volunteer Fire Company. Born August 1, 1948 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Andrew and Stephanie (Sevcik) Lazur and husband of the late Mary Joyce (Johnston) Lazur. He is survived by his siblings, Lisa (David) Barno of Elrama, James A. (Nancy) Lazur of Elizabeth Twp. and William (Stephen Strein) Lazur of Highland Park; stepdaughters, Jennifer Johnston of Belle Vernon and Laurie Johnston of Washington; granddaughter, Tori Johnston of Belle Vernon; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Lazur. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Joseph P. Frenock

May 20, 2024 |

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

Joseph P. Frenock, age 82 of Elrama and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024 in Baldwin Health Care Clinic.  Born February 11, 1942 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Joseph L. and Pauline (Maguda) Frenock.  Joseph worked as manager for Lowes and Home Depot stores in Florida and retired from US Steel Irvin Works.  He was a Vietnam War Veteran of the US Army and a member of the Buena Vista Fire Hall.  His family though will remember him as a loving husband, father, and grandfather and as the best pap in the world. 

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Elaine Cray

May 19, 2024 |

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

Elaine Cray, age 72, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Forbes Hospital. Elaine was a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania and a recently retired teacher from the Elizabeth Forward School District, spending most of her time in the third grade classroom at William Penn Elementary School. In addition to Elizabeth Forward, she created the pre-school program at Port Vue United Methodist Church, where she was a former pre-school teacher. Elaine was a woman of deep faith which she modeled and shared with those who met her. She was currently attending Park Baptist Church in Versailles and was also previously an active member of Central Highlands United Methodist Church in Elizabeth Twp., serving as their Christian Education director for several years. Elaine was a passionate fan of the Beatles, attending their 1964 show at the Civic Arena at the age of 13. She also loved Barry Manilow. She enjoyed Hallmark movies, reading biographies, and completing puzzles in her cozy little “she shack” off the side of the kitchen. Elaine was a great friend and mother. She was the first many called to share news. She loved shopping with her best friend Kathy and her grandkids. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She looked forward to meeting friends for lunch now that she was retired. She and her husband John loved to go out and hear live music or grab the grandkids for dinner. She was active in restarting the Sunday School program at Park Baptist, a volunteer at Meals on Wheels in Elizabeth Forward, and the coordinator of the Bryan Hoover Scholarship Fund. Born November 12, 1951 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Arthur G. and Anna Margaret (Kovaly) Street. She is survived by her husband, John Cray; daughters, Kelly (Edward) Makay of North Huntingdon and Erin (Stephen) Pizzo of Fairview; son, Patrick (Loan) Cray of Fairbanks, AK; grandchildren, Kylie, Michael, Samuel, Ella, Patrick and Callum; brother, Ray (Kathy) Street of North Huntingdon; sister, Sherri (Paul) Harrington of Plymouth, NC; stepbrothers, Kevin Kirkman of Daytona, FL and Vaughn (Peggy) Kirkman of Lower Burrell; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brother, Jeff Street and stepmother, Jan Street. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Monday, May 20, 2024 from 4-8 PM and Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 2-6 PM. A funeral service will be Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 11 AM at Park Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Rudy Mayak officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH. Memorial contributions may be made to Park Baptist Church, 749 Center Street, McKeesport, PA 15132 or Elizabeth Forward Meals on Wheels, 100 Timothy Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

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Linda M. Ruhl

May 17, 2024 |

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

Linda M. (Yeager) Ruhl, age 64, of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. She enjoyed reading. Born March 18, 1960 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Peter and Lois Yeager. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Gary P. Ruhl of Elizabeth; son, David G. (Diana) Ruhl of Castle Rock, CO; and two grandchildren. No visitation or services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to help with funeral costs. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Maureen N. Wilding

May 16, 2024 |

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

Maureen N. Wilding, age 75 of Clairton, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 in Jefferson Hills Rehabilitation and Wellness Center.  Born February 8, 1949 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Cyril D. and Christine (Donahue) Brain.  A former medical assistant for Allied Home Health, Maureen will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother "GG".  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Roger L. Wilding, who passed away November 26, 2001; her sons Andrew and Eddie Wilding; and her sister Mary Elaine Hardinger.  Maureen is survived by her children Christina "Chris" (John) Malone and Michael Wilding, both of Clairton; grandchildren Kirstin (Kellen McLemore) and Leigha (Jay Luketic) Hohl; great-grandchildren Kellen Jr., Aryanna, and Anastasia McLemore; and also nieces and nephews. 

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Joyce E. Milliron

May 16, 2024 |

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

Joyce E. (Rosche) Milliron, age 62, of Jefferson Hills, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 16, 2024. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Greenock and retired as a home health care registered nurse. Born May 19, 1961 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of Jack E. Rosche of Blaine Hill and the late Elaine (Parsons) Rosche. In addition to her father, she is survived by her husband, William H. Milliron; sons, William Jack Milliron of Ellwood City and Jonathan (Tiffany) Milliron of Port Vue; 10 grandchildren; sister, Rhonda (David) Trimpey of Pittsfield; also, a niece and nephew. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, May 17, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 9:30 AM in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Scott Bryte officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Thelma M. Patterson

May 14, 2024 |

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

Thelma M. (Sammartin) Patterson, 77, of Pleasant Hills formerly of Clairton passed away on May 12, 2024 in Jefferson Hospital.  She was born on July 12, 1946 in McKeesport Hospital, the daughter of the late John A. and Margaret L. (Cummins) Sammartin. 

She was a 1964 graduate of Clairton High School, then worked for many years as a waitress at the Blue Flame and Puck Jones restaurants.  She was a hard working, fun loving lady who always had a smile on her face and a quick remark.  She loved her family and always looked forward to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and picnics on her deck.  She never met a card game, a poker machine or a slot machine that she didn't like.

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Frederick Von Betzner

May 13, 2024 |

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

Frederick Von Betzner, age 72, of Elizabeth, passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was a retired minister with the Christian Missionary Alliance Church, a graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School and Toccoa Falls Bible College. He had a passion for magic and was a member of the Magic Castle in Los Angeles and the Mystic Magicians of Beaver County. Born March 10, 1952, in McKeesport, he was a son of June D. (Dolton) Betzner of Forward Twp. and the late Frederick William Betzner. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his daughter, Sarah (Tony) Shafer of Rome, GA; son, Fred (Alicia Whitney) Betzner of Pittsburgh; nine grandchildren, Cora, Nella, Nehemiah, Johannah, Rosa, Micaiah, Lucia, Reid and Clara; brothers, Mark E. Betzner of Lincoln Boro and Eric P. (April) Betzner, Esq. of Washington; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Damian Schoonmaker officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

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Milan "Jerry" Drobac, Jr.

May 13, 2024 |

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

Milan “Jerry” Drobac, Jr., age 88 of Jefferson Hills passed away peacefully on May 12, 2024.  Born July 23, 1935 in Clairton, he was the son of the late Milan and Danica (Bunovich) Drobac and grandson to Mico and Anna Drobac and Mico and Anna Bunovich.  A 1953 graduate of Clairton High School, he went on to work for Bell of Pennsylvania from 1953 to 1955.  Jerry volunteered to be a member of the US Army from Aug of 1955 to May of 1957 where he served one year at Ft. Knox, KY and one year in Budigen, Germany with the SRD Armored Division Company A 83 Recon. Battalion. He then joined the IBEW Local #5 and was a member from 1957 until 2021 (63 years). He also went on to get an associate degree in electrical engineering from Penn State McKeesport.  He was the owner of Milan’s Electric Inc. and co-proprietor of Milan/Feldman Electric.  He retired from D.W. Jones Electric in 1997 and he is a member of The National Electrical Contractors Association.  For 40 years he served as a PIAA referee for football, basketball, volleyball, and swimming.   Jerry was a member of the former St. Mary’s Serbian Orthodox Church in Clairton and a current member of St. Sava’s Serbian Orthodox Church in McKeesport.  He was also a long time member of the Harry S Truman F & A.M. Lodge in Dravosburg.

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