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Ronald E. Barncord

August 09, 2024 |

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

Ronald E. Barncord, age 86, of Elrama, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at home. He was a retired borough worker and police officer in West Mifflin. He was affiliated with Elrama Community Church and was a member of VFW Post 803 in Wilson and Wilson American Citizens Club. Born August 9, 1937 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Roy and Anne (Jakes) Barncord. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Carol L. (Wilson) Barncord; daughters, Cindy (Jim) Zimmerman of East Waterford, Sherry Evervitt of San Diego, CA, Sandy Colarusso of Greensburg and Lori (Dave) Zelenko of Venetia; grandchildren, Jeremy (Ashley) Fedor, Lexi Evervitt and Macie Puciata; great-grandson, Cole Milto; niece, Cheryl Dausey; also survived by many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by son, Calvin Barncord; grandson, Michael Milto; and siblings, Marlyn Tison and Duane Barncord. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 12 Noon until the time of funeral service at 2 PM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jude Urso officiating. Burial will be in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. Memorial contributions may be made to Elrama Community Church, 19 Downer Avenue, Elrama, PA 15038. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Denis A. "Denny" LaValle

August 08, 2024 |

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

Denis "Denny" A. LaValle, age 86 of Clairton, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2024.  Born March 24, 1938 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Rudolph and Elizabeth (Ceryak) LaValle.  A US Army Veteran, Denny retired as an UAW Local 3303 member and autoworker at GM's Fisher Body Plant in West Mifflin after 38 years.  He was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge #248 of Clairton and enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, and rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams in his spare time.  He will be forever missed by his large family whom he loved and adored.  Spending time with them brought him tremendous joy.  Denny is survived by his daughters Denise (Charles) Bandini of Bethel Park and Lisa (the late Keith) Drumbore of East Windsor, NJ; his granddaughter - and the apple of his eye - Sierra Drumbore; his sister Lucille Nero of Clairton; and also nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Rudy and James LaValle and Annette Butsko.

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Kenneth T. Kunkel

August 05, 2024 |

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

Kenneth T. Kunkel, age 83, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at UPMC Mercy. An Army veteran, he retired as a road mechanic for Beckwith Machinery in Delmont. He was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. where he was a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a fish fry volunteer. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local 66 and the Elizabeth Twp. Wood Carvers, he loved to garden, and he could fix anything. When he left for work, his truck was the alarm clock for his neighbors. He always said, "A job worth doing is a job worth doing right." Born September 30, 1940 in West Mifflin, he was a son of the late Kenneth S. and Agnes F. (Blank) Kunkel. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda L. (Werner) Kunkel; daughters, Kelly (Ray) Ramey of Ingomar, Kara (Bill) Miles of Elizabeth Twp. and Karyn (the late Dan) Arokhaty of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Billy (Rachel) Miles, Claire (Ben Fanelli) Miles, Isabelle Ramey and Justin (Faith Vandermeir) Ramey; brothers, James (Carolyn) Kunkel of Finleyville, Charles (Debbie) Kunkel of Monongahela and Dennis (Janet) Kunkel of Jefferson Hills; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, David and Gerald Kunkel, and sister, Kathy Jordan. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 2-8 PM. A blessing will take place on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 10 AM in the funeral home with the Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. Burial is private in Jefferson Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Shriner's Hospital for Children, 2900 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Catherine Marie Thompson

August 01, 2024 |

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

Catherine Marie Thompson (nee Ullrich), 105, of the Passavant Retirement Community, Zelienople, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. The daughter of the late Bernhard (Ben) Gustave Ullrich and Louise Francis (Salmon) Ullrich, she was born on May 28, 1919, in Elizabeth.  Catherine graduated from Elizabeth High School in 1937 and the following year received her diploma from Maison Frederic School of Beauty Culture in Pittsburgh. She lived in Elizabeth until she was 88.  During that time, she worked as a beautician in several local shops and later as the in-store baker for Marraccini's grocery stores. She was a life-long member of the Elizabeth United Methodist Church where she was a faithful kitchen worker for the many luncheons and dinners served at the Church.  For many years she was a delivery driver for Meal on Wheels. Catherine was a member of the local lodges of the Order of Easter Star and the Order of Amaranth. Catherine was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 38 years, Harry Arter Thompson and her sisters, Emma Blanche Zadroga and Martha Jane Ullrich. She will be missed and forever loved by her daughter, Kathryn (Kay) Louise Tsikopoulos (George) and her son, Glenn Harry Thompson (Linda); her grandchildren, Deryk Thompson (Jen) and Cori Hill (Mitchell); and her great grandsons, Owen and Jackson Hill. Catherine will be remembered as a selfless helper and caregiver to friends and family, always willing to place her interests and needs on hold, with never an expectation of anything in return. She was a capable, practical and highly independent person with broad talents and skills. The family would like to thank the compassionate staff at Passavant for their excellent care throughout her time there and the Harmony-Zelienople United Methodist Church for including her as one of their own for the years she lived independently at Passavant. A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, August 3, 2024, in the Elizabeth United Methodist Church, 317 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, PA 15037, from 1:30 PM until the hour of service at 3:30 PM with Pastor Jack Piper officiating. Private burial in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial gift to the Elizabeth United Methodist Church or to the Benevolent Fund at Passavant Retirement Community, 105 Burgess Drive, Zelienople, PA 16063. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

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Frank A. Carozza

July 31, 2024 |

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

Frank A. "Bunny" Carozza, age 86, of Elizabeth Twp., formerly of Clairton, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Grandview Estates. He was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. and enjoyed fishing and antiquing. Born February 10, 1938 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Fred and Rose (Marino) Carozza. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Celesta "Sally" Formoso; children, Carl (Kim) Carozza of Alpharetta, GA, Shana (Frank) Senn of Elizabeth Twp. and Sarah (Daniel) Kennedy of Green Tree; grandchildren, Kyle, Nick, Dustin, Anthony, Remington, Adeline, Alexandra, Ari and Roman; great-grandson, Edward; granddog, Romeo; and sister, Madeline DeAntonio of Elizabeth Twp. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters. Service and burial are private. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Floyd L. Sorg

July 31, 2024 |

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

Floyd L. Sorg, age 81, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. He was a fleet manager and mechanic for Salvation Army - Pittsburgh Area, a former millwright for U.S. Steel Duquesne Works and Copperweld in Glassport, and a service manager for Davies Tregembo Ford. An avid outdoorsman and boater, he was a Past Commander for the Ten Mile Power Squadron. He could fix anything, collected and loved model trains, and was affectionately known as "Happy Pappy." Born December 13, 1942 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Floyd Louis and Dorothy H. (March) Sorg. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Agnes M. (Alfelda) Sorg; children, Lee (Mike) Biddle of Rostraver Twp. and Robert Sorg of Coraopolis; grandchildren, Patrick (Rachel) Biddle of Elizabeth Twp. and Erin (Jared) Podroskey of Rostraver Twp.; great-grandchildren, Ethan and Emma Biddle and Leo and Logan Podroskey; sister, Lois Nevin of Forward Twp.; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Alfelda; also, a niece and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother-in-law, Jimmy Nevin. The family gives a special thank you to the nurses and doctors at Jefferson Hospital ICU and 4 North. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Benjamin Schneider officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to Merakey Allegheny Valley School, 1992 Ewings Mill Road, Coraopolis, PA 15108-3380. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Patricia Jo Usher

July 27, 2024 |

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

Patricia Jo Usher, age 69 of Stockdale, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.  Born August 28, 1954 in Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late John and Wanda (Woy) McGowan.  A retired secretary for Jefferson Hospital, Patricia is survived by her daughter Amanda J. (Daniel L.) Weissert of McKeesport and her niece Carrie (Rob) Yeager.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Sandy Hickman. 

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John A. Shavulsky

July 25, 2024 |

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

John A. "Big John" Shavulsky, age 84 of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.  Born October 31, 1939 in Clairton, he was a son of the late John M. and Elizabeth (Trocheck) Shavulsky.  A US Navy Veteran and member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish - St. Clare of Assisi Church, John is survived by his wife of 47 years Carolyn (Ford) Shavulsky, his son John M. (Erika) Shavulsky of Austin, TX, his grandchildren Delaney and Mackenzie; his brother Edward Shavulsky of Clairton; and many close friends.

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Janice Page

July 25, 2024 |

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

Janice Page, age 73 of McKeesport, passed away at home on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.  Born February 9, 1951 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late George and Margaret (Dertich) Hancharik.  A graduate of the former California Teachers' College (Cal U), Janice worked at area daycares and volunteered at area hospitals, with special needs education, and as an ASL interpreter.  She was also a member of the Croatian and Ukrainian Clubs.  Janice's family will remember her as a talented musician with an angelic voice who wrote music and played the guitar, banjo, mandolin and tambura.  She even performed once at the Civic Arena.  Janice is survived by her children Christina (Jon Bouts) Page of Kent, OH and Robert (Kelly) Page of McKeesport; her grandchildren Zachary, Elsie, Skylar Beth, Robert, Andrew, and Deva-Shay; her siblings Marjory Rost of McKeesport and George (Carol) Hancharik of Elizabeth Twp.; her niece Suzanne (Joseph Iampietro) DiGregory of West Mifflin; and her great-nieces Amanda and Allysa.   Besides her parents, Janice was preceded in death by her sister Arlene McAlister and her nephew Paul Rost. 

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TSgt. (Ret) Larry A. Stearns

July 19, 2024 |

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

TSgt. (Ret.) Larry A. Stearns, age 76 of Vanderbilt and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Friday, July 19, 2024 at Mt. Macrina Manor, Uniontown.  Born October 2, 1947 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late George Brown and Margaret Stearns.  A career soldier in the US Air Force serving twenty years.  Larry also worked for General Motors and with the security department at Jefferson Hospital.  He was a member of the Clairton VFW, the AARP, and enjoyed bingo, travelling, bowling with his league.  His family will remember him as a proud Veteran and a patriotic American.  Larry is survived by his daughters Angie (Tony) Kennon of Export and Gena (Brian) White of Vanderbilt; his grandchildren (whom he adored and who lovingly referred to him as "Pap Pap") Henry, Maggie, and Vivian Kennon and Nolan, Allen, and Oliver White; his cousins Eugene and George Paxon and Billy and Tommy Payne; and also many nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Jennie Miller and Maryjane Smith and his cousin Dot Paxon.

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Dr. Christopher R. Greenawalt

July 16, 2024 |

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

Dr. Christopher R. Greenawalt, age 47, of Rostraver Twp., passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024 at home. He was a chiropractor and a member of Elizabeth United Methodist Church. He was an animal lover and enjoyed fishing and the outdoors. Born May 6, 1977 in New Eagle, he was a son of Brian and Sally (Caulkett) Greenawalt of Elizabeth Twp. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Jonathan (Bobbie) Greenawalt of Forward Twp.; grandmother, Margaret "Peggy" Muron of Elizabeth Twp.; nieces, Cassie (McCade Elliott) Greenawalt and Kyra Greenawalt; great-niece, Dorothy Elliott; also, many aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 2 PM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Ed Pope officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a local animal shelter of one's choice. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Dennis J. Jaskolski

July 15, 2024 |

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

Dennis J. Jaskolski, age 71 of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024 in UPMC Shadyside.  Born June 6, 1953 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Joseph and Joan (Mieri) Jaskolski.  The owner of Jaskolski Demolition Services, Dennis was a member of the Covenant Church of Pittsburgh's Men's Ministries and the Bible Chapel of McMurray and its Connections Team and Men's Ministries.  He was a private person and gave to many local organizations and people in need.  

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Helen M. Gillard

July 12, 2024 |

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

Helen M. (Campolongo) Gillard, age 95, of Pleasant Hills, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Arden Courts of Jefferson Hills. She was a retired secretary for DeChicchis Construction Company and was the former secretary at Ed Kelley Chevrolet in Jefferson Hills. She was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton and enjoyed her vegetable garden. Born in Clairton on May 27, 1929, she was a daughter of the late Dominic and Maria (Madormo) Campolongo and wife of the late Charles Gillard. She is survived by a niece and caregiver, Danette (Ray) Sprouse of Forward Twp., also other nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings, James Campolongo, Rose Campolongo, Jean Scapellato, Rica Molinaro, and Dorothy Chiodo. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 N Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 10AM until the time of blessing service at 12Noon in the funeral home. Burial will follow in St. Clare Cemetery, Clairton. Memorial contributions can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 707 Grant Street #3700, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2835 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

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Gordon E. Kirkman, Jr.

July 11, 2024 |

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

Gordon E. Kirkman, Jr., age 91, of Forward Twp., passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024. He was a retired lineman for Bell Telephone Company and a Korean War veteran of the US Army. He was member of the Elizabeth Baptist Church, Stephen Bayard Masonic Lodge #526 and Kastan-Uveges VFW Post #7632. He was also a member and former treasurer of the East Monongahela Gun Club. Born August 1, 1932, in Apollo, he was a son of the late Gordon E. Sr., and Pearl (Knepshield) Kirkman and husband of the late Ruth (Moutz) Kirkman. He is survived by two sons, Kevin Kirkman of Daytona, FL and Vaughn (Peg) Kirkman of Lower Burrell; grandchildren, Justin & Jarred Kirkman; great-granddaughter Hazel; brother in-law, Bill (Maureen) Moutz of Murrysville; camping and hunting buddy and nephew, Joe Moutz; another nephew Billy; nieces, Mary and Kimberly; father figure to Pam and Dave Perlick and their children, Nicholas, Jennifer and Jamie; special ladies and caregivers, Becky, Darlene and Lorey; and neighbors who became his family, Jennifer, John, and Brenna. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra L. “Sandy” Kirkman; son, Gordon E. Kirkman, III; and brother, Carl Kirkman. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth, on Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 4-8 PM. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 15, 2024, at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jeff Riker officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions can be made to Amedisys Hospice, 100 Stoops Drive, Monongahela, PA 15063. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

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Naomi A. Brown

July 10, 2024 |

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

Naomi A. Brown, age 89 and formerly of Arlington, VA, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at The Palms at O'Neil, McKeesport.  Born November 26, 1934 in Oakton, VA, she was a daughter of the late William and Ruth (Inscoe) Feidler.  Naomi loved her job as a telephone operator for Bell Atlantic, later AT&T, and was a proud and active employee and co-worker  Her family will remember her as strong-willed, self-reliant, organized, and fastidious, but always with a soft spot for dogs.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, the late Michael Todd Brown, and her siblings Dorothy Potts and William and George Feidler.  Naomi is survived by her nieces Jackie (the late David) Kantor of Jefferson Hills, Charlene (Chris Tognarine) Pavlik of Jefferson Hills, and Lisa J. (Patrick) Loera of Port Vue, and also other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. 

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