May 13, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Kenneth Joseph "Maz" Mazzola Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on May 12, 2024, in Clairton, PA. He was born on December 28, 1949, to the late Mary "Maime" (Kovka) and Guido "Lee" Mazzola. Ken was a devoted husband to his wife of 55 years, Nancy E. (Jenkins) Mazzola. Ken was a graduate of Clairton High School and went on to build a loving home with Nancy shortly after graduation. Together, they raised a beautiful family and shared a lifetime of memories. Ken was passionate about bowling, golf, and softball, and he enjoyed spending time pursuing these interests with his family and friends. He was known for his competitive spirit and love of the game. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his children Kenneth "Jr." Mazzola, Shawn (Kristi) Mazzola, and Carol (Aaron) Whiteman; his grandchildren April, Lauren, Nick, Carly, Jacob, Alex, Gary, and Nate; his great-grandchildren Ivan, Nahla, and Rome; his sister Carol (Roger) Selznick; and his brother Robert Mazzola. Ken's legacy of love and laughter will live on through his family. Kenneth Joseph "Maz" Mazzola Sr. will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will be cherished forever in the hearts of those he loved. May he rest in peace.
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May 10, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Jack Caird, age 77, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at UPMC McKeesport. He worked for several tool and dye companies as a finisher and was the former owner of Precision Finishing Systems, which he sold to Magdic Corp. in East McKeesport where he continued to work for several years before retiring. He was a member of Bethesda United Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth. He had a love for birds, especially blue birds, and could identify a bird by its chirp. He made blue bird boxes for the yard and fed them for years. He enjoyed fly/surf fishing, and loved his John Deere tractor and his dogs. Born November 1, 1946 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late Mary Caird. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kathy J. (McNary) Caird; daughters, Pamela (Todd Jones) Caird of Wellington, New Zealand and Kristin (John) Klotz of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Paxton Jones, and Jacob, Zachary and Heidi Klotz; sister-in-law, Jill (Mitch) Connor of York; and nephews, John and Sam Conner. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
May 09, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Edward “Ned” A. Kennedy, age 91 of West Mifflin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 9, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Born August 2, 1932 in Conception Harbor, Newfoundland, Canada, he was a son of the late Martin and Francis (Gushue) Kennedy. Edward was married to his beloved wife of 60 years Pauline (Murphy) Kennedy, who passed away on November 13, 2019. A lifelong resident of West Mifflin, Edward was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church in Clairton. He is survived by his sons and daughters: Edward Kennedy of Owensboro, KY, David (Wendy) Kennedy of West Mifflin, Martin (Karen) Kennedy of Moreno Valley, CA, James (Tammy) Kennedy of Moreno Valley, CA, and Sherry (Tony) Mancuso of Vanderbilt; his grandchildren Juil, Alicia, Jordan, Luke, Jamie, Logen, Sam, Raegan Leo, and Patrick; and his great-grandchild Lucas. Edward is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Mary (Bill) Woodford, John Kennedy, and Martin Kennedy. Also to mourn his loss are his sisters Theresa Wade, Ann Kennedy, and Joan (Hilary) Flaherty and their families along with his cousins, nieces, and nephews. Edward came here from Canada to work as an ironworker for 65 years. He was a proud retiree of the Ironworkers Local #3. Ned enjoyed his daily five mile walks, fishing in Newfoundland, and spending time with his family. He enjoyed a good game of “Scat” and his sense of humor knew no bounds.
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May 08, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Lucille S. (Lucy) Rippel, age 91, of Forward Township, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at The Residence at Hilltop. Lucy was born on March 17, 1933, in Elizabeth, and was the daughter of the late Robert and Sara Jane (Roberts) Swisher. In 1954, she married Albert P. “Bud” Rippel, and they enjoyed a long and happy life together at their home, Rippel Farm, in Forward Township, until his passing in November 2018. Throughout her life, Lucy made sure to note the beauty around her, and encouraged others to notice it too. Some of her favorite things included: fragrant lilacs, the beautiful night sky, the soft pink blooms of dogwood trees, and the beating wings of the ruby-throated hummingbirds that flocked to her feeders every spring and summer. Her memory lives on each time we notice one of these beautiful things too. Lucy’s Christian faith was very important to her, and she shared it with many. In her later years, she spent time ministering to others by sharing a favorite book, Jesus Calling, with those she thought might need some extra encouragement. There is no doubt she impacted many lives with this thoughtful gift. She was a dedicated mother and an especially gifted grandmother. Lucy had a special habit of praying for her many family members each day— in order, from oldest to youngest. She was always thrilled when she was able to add another family member to her list with the addition of great-grandchildren over the years! She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert P. “Bud” Rippel. Lucy is survived by her daughters, Nancy Ann (Kenneth) Hall of Picayune, MS and Cindy Lou Halliday of Acworth, GA; and her sons, Ronald A. (Debbie) Rippel of Forward Township, and C. David Rippel of Forward Township. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Summer (Jonathan) Pepe of Elizabeth Township, Joel (Julie Anne) Rippel of Forward Township, Kristine (Blake) Gibasiewicz of Irwin, Jason Rippel of Forward Township, Jeremy Rippel of Forward Township, Douglas (Kristen Hunter) Hall of St. Louis, MO, Julie (Trent) Marchman of Jackson, MS, and Logan Halliday of Acworth, GA; as well as her great-grandchildren, Parker and Peyton Pepe, JD and Jolene Rippel, Danielle and Andi Gibasiewicz, Rudy and Jaclyn Hall, and Carter and Ava Marchman. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to her compassionate and dedicated caregiver, Zoe Forsythe. Lucy was deeply loved and will be forever missed. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Friday, May 10, 2024, from 6 to 8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 11 AM in the funeral home chapel with Chaplain Donna Schmoyer officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery in Elizabeth Township. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
May 08, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Dolores R. (Hazuka) Strutt, age 93, of Port Vue, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at her son’s home. She was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish. She was a crossword enthusiast and in her younger years liked to camp. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Born August 15, 1930 in Braddock, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Julia (Baga) Hazuka and wife of the late Francis E. "Scotty" Strutt. She is survived by daughter, Debbie (Don) Martin; sons, Jeff (Adele) Strutt and Michael (Kelly) Strutt; grandchildren, Adam (Brittany Lieb) Martin, Amanda (Kevin) Calcara, Kristina (Michael) Shuey, Stephanie (Carmen) Teolis, Kaitlyn (Robert) Cross, Alyssa Strutt and Zachary Strutt; great-grandchildren, Ayla, Wesley, Penelope, Emmett, Cameron, Tyler, Luca, Lucy, Alex, Dante, Axel, Bridgette and Bryce; also, nieces and nephews. A special thank you to OSPTA Hospice for their loving care and support. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by son, Gregory E. Strutt, and siblings, Stephanie, Albina, Mary, John, Lou, Pete and Andy. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 10 AM in St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. with Bishop Paul J. Bradley, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Steubenville officiating. Burial will follow in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park, North Huntingdon. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
May 06, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Joseph A. "Ohy" Ference, age 90 of Clairton, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024 in Riverside Nursing Center, McKeesport. Born July 3, 1933 in Clairton, he was a son of the late John and Anna (Bartos) Ference. A US Army Veteran, a retired yardman for Fagen's Lumber in Verona who also worked as a foreman at Busy Beaver, and a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish - St. Clare of Assisi Church, Clairton, Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, the late Alberta (Buchina) Ference, who passed away in 1993. He is survived by his sons Kenneth (Patricia) Ference of Bellevue, James (Amy) Ference of Clairton, and Alex (the late Allison) Ference of Alabama; his grandchildren Steven (Julie) Ference, Kristen (Gary) Smith, Alexis Nicole (Gage) Rollo, and Zachary Ference; his great-grandchildren Austin, J.J., Brayden, Olivia, Carly, Jacob, and Gage, Jr.; his siblings Edward Ference of Elizabeth, Susan Sholl of Baltimore, MD, Rita Tripoli of West Mifflin, Natalie Ference of Butler, and Mike (Teri) Ference of Phoenix, AZ; his ex-daughter-in-law Cindy Culbersome; and also nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wife, Joseph was preceded in death by his brother John "Zack" Ference; and sister Mary Elizabeth Ference.
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May 06, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Julianne Sprites, age 55 of Jefferson Hills, passed away with her family by her side on Saturday, May 4, 2024 in Jefferson Hospital. Born July 10, 1968 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of Joan (Batinich) Atkinson of Jefferson Hills and the late James Atkinson. A former warranty administrator for Bowser Automotive in Pleasant Hills, Julianne was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish - St. Thomas a Becket Church in Jefferson Hills. In her spare time, she loved to play bingo, travel, but most of all spend time with her family. Besides her mother, Julianne is survived by her husband of 24 years James Sprites, her children Olivia and Raymond Sprites, her sisters Mary Carol (Bob) Limegrover of Jefferson Hills and Patricia Atkinson of Trafford, her mother-in-law Charlotte "CeCi" (the late Raymond) Sprites of South Park, and also many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Besides her father, she was preceded in death by her sisters Joan Mitchell and Beverly Cutshall.
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April 30, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Sarah (Stubbs) Evancho-Caulkett, age 56, of Elizabeth, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. She was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. and a former chef and paralegal. She was a graduate of Greensburg Central Catholic High School and Westmoreland County Community College. Born July 21, 1967 in Bremerton, WA, she was a daughter of Mary (Herroscheck) Stubbs of Latrobe and the late William Stubbs. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of six years, William Caulkett; daughter, Anna Evancho of Latrobe; son, R.J. Evancho of Latrobe; stepdaughters, Ashley Caulkett of Smithton, Andrea Caulkett of Herminie and Megan (Anthony) Pistelli of Fayette City; stepson, Zach (Alana) Caulkett of Elizabeth; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister, Jennifer (Joseph) Concannon of Pittsburgh; brother, Jonathan (Carrie) Stubbs of Latrobe; all of her fur babies; also, nieces and nephews. No visitation is planned. A Memorial Mass will take place on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 10 AM in St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church with the Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Action for Animals, PO Box 814, Latrobe, PA 15650. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
April 29, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Jeffrey W. Reynolds, age 64, of Perryopolis and formerly of West Elizabeth, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. He was a retired self employed carpenter, civil war historian, and a muscle car enthusiast and mechanic. Born May 13, 1959 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late James C. and Helen (Beitler) Reynolds. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Denise E. (Sickle) Reynolds; daughters, Lauren (Andrew Statters) Reynolds and Danielle Reynolds, both of Perryopolis; son, Robert Reynolds of Perryopolis; sister, Debra (Mitch McFadden) Reynolds of West Elizabeth; brother, James (Colleen) Reynolds of Forward Twp.; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bruce C. Reynolds. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 3 PM until the time of funeral service at 7 PM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jude Urso officiating. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
April 26, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Stephen C. Britten, age 82, of Jefferson Hills, formerly of Lakewood, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Allegheny General Hospital. He was a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard, attaining the rank of LTJG. He retired as a computer analyst and worked with many companies worldwide. He also enjoyed reading. Born February 23, 1942 in Akron, Ohio, he was a son of the late Stanley H. and Jane (Hardcastle) Britten. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda (Grimes) Britten; sister, Joan Britten of Thornburg; and brother-in-law, Gregory (Trudy) Curry and their children, Dawn and Justin. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Monday, April 29, 2024 from 10 AM until the time of service at 12 Noon in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Jude Urso officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, PO Box 31998, Phoenix, AZ 85046-1998. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
April 26, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Gary R. Balliard, age 73, of Forward Twp., passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. A long-time member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp., he retired after 45 years as a welder and pipefitter for Power Piping Co. He was a loving husband and an avid bike rider and loved bike riding with his wife on the GAP trail. Born January 28, 1951 in New Eagle, he was a son of the late Gilbert and Alice (Patterson) Balliard. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Deborah Frost-Balliard; sister, Juanita Balliard Carter; mother-in-law, Dolores Frost; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Cathy (Marvin) Gray, Susan (Bruce) Frost Benzo, Leonard Frost Jr., Lynn Frost, Stephen Frost, Nanette (John) Ragan and Lisa (Ray) Kotewicz; godson, Daniel Ragan; brother-in-law, Bob Price; also, nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Kenneth Balliard and Kathy Price; father-in-law, Leonard Frost Sr., and brother-in-law, Harry Carter. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Monday, April 29, 2024 from 4-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 10 AM in St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church with the Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
April 26, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Sherrie (Maumee) Feick, age 76, of Forward Twp., passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Jefferson Hospital. A member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp., she enjoyed going to casinos and in her younger years enjoyed camping and fishing. Born August 28, 1947 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Andrew and Dorothy (Krupp) Maumee. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, James M. Feick; son, Martin (Amber) Feick of Henderson, NV; grandson, Cillian Feick of Henderson, NV; and loving cousins, Donna Lassige, Nancy DeLallo, Susan Ignelzi and George Maumee. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
April 24, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
James H. Conaway, age 80, of West Newton, passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at home. He retired as a self-employed freelance illustrator and was the former art director at the Pittsburgh Press. He was a former choir director at Glassport United Methodist Church and a former member of Vintage Tin of Western PA. He was a member of Pittsburgh Junior Chamber of Commerce, Alpha Rho Chi, Studebaker Drivers Club and the Upper Room group. Born August 21, 1943 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Claude and Elizabeth (Howard) Conaway and husband of the late Sheryl J. (Keefe) Conaway. He is survived by his daughters, Staci Conaway of Somerset and Melissa A. (Dennis) Turek of Sutersville; son, William Conaway of McKeesport; grandchildren, Brendan (Tara) Conaway, Jeff (Chantel) Thomas, Kaitlin (Karl) Thomas-Reese, Greg (Ashley) Thomas, Brad Thomas, Rayli Turek, Hunter Turek and Alexis Turek; great-grandchildren, Cecilia, Grace, Gabriel, Kyla, Leo, Morgan, Kyler, Aiden, Lyle and Connor; brother, Larry (Gayle) Conaway of Jacksonville, FL; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 1 PM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Dennis Keefe officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bible Alliance Church, 1300 Mt. Pleasant Road, West Newton, PA 15089. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
April 22, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Guy G. Tobin, age 74, of Elizabeth, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at home. A Navy veteran serving during the Vietnam War, he worked at Heckinger in West Mifflin before moving to Southern Maryland were he retired as a teacher at Patuxent High School. Born August 21, 1949 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late John and Bellmae (Whipper) Tobin. He is survived by his former wife, Linda Tobin of Elizabeth; son, Nicholas (Tina) Tobin of Elizabeth; grandson, Luke Tobin of Elizabeth; step-grandchildren, Jason and Ashley Hoak; sisters, Carole (William) Beyer of McKinney, TX and Karen (Wally) Vogt of Bethel Park; cousin, Larry (Kathy) Capozzoli of McDonald; many special friends in Maryland; also, nieces and nephews. No visitation is planned. A memorial service will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 1640, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
April 20, 2024 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Arlene Van Fossen, age 82, of Elizabeth, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. A member of St. Joachim & Anne Parish, she was a former clerk at K-Mart in Pleasant Hills and Hills Department Store in West Mifflin. Born May 22, 1941, in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Harry E. and Stella M. (Cheskawich) Van Fossen. She is survived by her siblings, Nancy (the late Larry) Boal of Elizabeth, William (Maryanne) Van Fossen of Elizabeth Township and Dennis (Roslyn Bernosky) Van Fossen of Elizabeth; also, cousins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Harry Van Fossen, Jr. and Ronald Van Fossen. No visitation is planned. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 10 AM in St. Michael Church with the Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH. Private burial in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
