October 23, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John Bradley Duvall, age 57, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2020. Born April 1, 1957 in Valparaiso, IN, he was a son of Terry (Atwater) Duvall of Port Vue and the late David L. Duvall. A self-employed carpenter, Brad was a 1981 graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School and also attended Ohio University. In his spare time, he loved to fish with his son. Besides his mother, Brad is survived by his son Max Duvall of Swissvale and his brother Larry (Cheryl Miller) Duvall of Elizabeth Twp.
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October 22, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Paul E. Friday, age 92 of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2020. Born September 1, 1928 in Clairton, he was a son of the late Frank and Margaret (Arendarchik) Piatek. The last survivor of a long line of siblings, Paul was predeceased by brothers Matthew, Frank, Stephen, Joseph, Michael, and John and sisters Helen and Mary. He was also preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 66 years, Gloria Catherine (McIntosh) Friday, who he married in 1949. Paul worked for many years at U.S. Steel's Clairton Works and served his community of Jefferson Hills as a councilman. In retirement, he enjoyed travelling -- making it to 42 of the 50 states -- working outdoors, and spending time with his family. Paul is survived by his children David Friday, Pete (Somkid) Friday, and Marilyn (David) Neu; his grandchildren Jonathan (Margaret) Neu, Cristina, John and Peter Friday; his great-grandchildren Anthony, Alex, Madison, and Savannah Friday; and many nieces and nephews.
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October 22, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Rosemarie Archibald, age 82 of Squirrel Hill and formerly of Homestead and Coulter, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 in the Commons at Squirrel Hill in Pittsburgh. Born March 17, 1938 in Coulter, she was a daughter of the late Paul Lincoln Archibald and Margaret (McDonald) Archibald Wiggand and sister of the late Walter Archibald, Mary Louise (Archibald) Vitale, John Wiggand and Fred Wiggand. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, including Patty (Archibald) Walrath of North Huntingdon.
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October 22, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Paul M. Spurney, age 71, of Belle Vernon passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2020. He was born August 22, 1949 in Cleveland, OH to the late Paul M. and Portia (Robinson) Spurney. Luckily soon after that they decided to move to Pittsburgh so he would grow up supporting a real football team. Paul enjoyed telling stories to anyone who would listen, but his favorite story to share was how he met the love of his life, Darlene Thunell, at North Alleghney High School on ramp A. He would always say that he knew the second he saw that beautiful blonde that he knew he had to ask her out. After a few dates he convinced her to go to Junior Prom with him and the rest is history. Paul treasured time spent with his family; beach vacations at his favorite spot, Topsail Island; spending time with his kids and son-in-law deep sea fishing; coaching his daughter in fast pitch softball; and traveling whenever he got the chance. Paul is survived by his wife of 45 years, Darlene (Thunell) Spurney; daughter, Colleen (Derek) Brletich; son, Sean Spurney; brother, Steve Spurney; sister-in-law, Diane Spurney; and nieces, Megan and Lauren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Spurney. Paul recently got to share in the amazing news that he was going to be a grandfather for the first time in March 2021. He was able to speak with his family about having a celebration of life filled with lots of love, laughs and smiles. To celebrate Paul’s life, he asked that family and friends gather during the gender reveal which will take place November 1, where Paul will be promoted to his first grandchild’s guardian angel. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
October 19, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Sherman David Howard III, age 50, of Elizabeth, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2020. He graduated as valedictorian from Lompoc High School in 1987, went on to gain his private pilot’s license, and became a member of the Local Painters and Allied Trades Union No. 479. Sherman “Dave” had a love for cooking and was a true free spirit. He enjoyed life, hanging out with friends, loved music and was a true Grateful Dead fan. Dave loved his family and he adored his beautiful daughter, Zoey. He is survived by daughter, Zoey Vida; mother, Anna (Glenn) Kunig; father, Sherman David (Lynn) Howard, Jr.; brothers, Michael (Christie) Howard, Alex (Mackenzie) Kunig and Allen Rappuhn; sister, Tracy (Chris) Leigh; Zoey’s grandparents, Paul and Michelle Vida; Aunt Fran, Aunt Delores, Aunt Patty and Uncle Jimbo; also, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by the mother of his child, Christine Vida, who was the love of his life. A private ceremony will be held at the convenience of the family. Dave will be missed but never forgotten and he was loved by all! Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
October 19, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Regina K. Halley, age 97, of Greensburg, formerly of Elizabeth Twp. and McKeesport, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at St. Anne Home in Greensburg. She was a member of St. Michael Parish in Elizabeth Twp. Born February 13, 1923 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Cecelia (Kalicicki) Klune and wife of the late Frank A. Halley. She is survived by daughter, Mary Ann Henderson of Moundsville, WV; grandson, Brian (Julie) Henderson of Columbus, OH; great-grandsons, Lucas and Zachary Henderson; niece, Sally Shaw Beatty of Wexford; nephew, Robert Shaw of Silver Spring, MD; several other nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sister, Elinor Shaw. There is no visitation. Mass and burial are private. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
October 13, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Alberta P. "Bertie" (Dodds) Cornish, age 93 of Port Vue and formerly of Clairton, passed away at home on Monday, October 12, 2020. Born June 21, 1927 in Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late Victor and Pauline Alberta Dodds. Bertie worked as a waitress for Blue Flame in Jefferson Hills and is a former member of the First United Methodist Church of Clairton. She loved to square dance, play bingo, and will be remembered for being a friend to many. Besides her parents, Alberta was preceded in death by her husband Eli Vincent Cornish, sons Donald and Robert Cornish, and eight siblings. Alberta is survived by daughter Mari Jo (Mark) Johnston of Clairton; grandchildren Christopher (Alexis), Ashley, and Eric Johnston; and many nieces and nephews.
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October 13, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Anna Marie Zaurski, age 63 of Port Vue, passed away at home on Saturday, October 10, 2020. Born March 22, 1957 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Ann Louise (Magdic) Zaurski. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Anna Marie worked in the certificate department for PNC Bank in their headquarters in Pittsburgh. She was a member of the former Sacred Heart Parish in McKeesport, the CFU Lodge #146 of Versailles, and the Pittsburgh Tamburitzans Club. In her spare time, Anna Marie loved to read. She is survived by her aunt Clara Stasko of Elizabeth Twp. and too many cousins to mention.
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October 09, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
David W. Hrezo, age 73, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at Jefferson Hospital. He retired as a craneman for U.S. Steel, Clairton Works. He was an Army veteran and a member of St. Michael Parish in Elizabeth Twp. Born June 15, 1947 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late John M. and Pauline (Ozbay) Hrezo and wife of the late Phoebie P. (Henry) Hrezo. He is survived by son, Jason Hrezo of Elizabeth Twp.; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brother, Paul Hrezo of Elizabeth Twp.; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brothers, John and Joseph Hrezo, and sisters-in-law, Sophia and Suzie Hrezo. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Monday, October 12, 2020 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Blessing will take place on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 10 AM in the funeral home with Rev. Thomas Wagner officiating. Burial will follow in St. Clare Cemetery, Clairton. In order to comply with Covid-19 restrictions, attendance will be limited to 25 people at any given time inside the funeral home. Guests are required to wear masks and follow CDC social distancing guidelines. You may be asked to limit your visiting time so that all guests will have an opportunity to pay their respects. The family would like to express their understanding to those who are unable to attend due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
October 09, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Margaret M. “Meg” Keeney, age 68 of West Mifflin, passed away at home on Thursday, October 8, 2020. Born March 3, 1952 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Raymond and Margaret (Hickey) Petersen. A retired secretary for St. Clair Hospital, Meg is survived by her husband Ralph B. Keeney; her children Christopher Foster of Colorado Springs, CO, Jereme Foster of Pittsburgh, Brian Keeney of Elrama, and Janyce Keeney of St. Louis, MO; her siblings Mark (Beverly) Petersen of Cape Cod, MA, Lenna (Lenny) Milas of Bethel Park, and Teresa Bryson of South Fayette; and nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Patrick (Suzan) Petersen. The family would like to give a special thanks to her nurses Malia and Roberta for their wonderful care.
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October 08, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Regina Mae (Maharik) Shelpman, age 88, of Sarver, formerly of Forward Twp., passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at Sarver Fairwinds Manor. She retired as the secretary in medical records at Jefferson Hospital. She was a former bus driver for the Elizabeth Forward School District and a former secretary for Westinghouse. Born July 3, 1932 in Port Vue, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Elizabeth (Ivan) Maharik and wife of the late Harold "Sonny" R. Shelpman Jr. She is survived by daughter, Lori A. (David) Mason of Sarver; grandchildren, Brian (Kristen) Mason, Melissa (Keith) Miller and Mikayla Mason; great-grandsons, Declan and Bryson Mason; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sister, Betty Witkowski.
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October 07, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Herbert W. Sayre, age 97, of Washington, formerly of Liberty Boro, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at home. He retired after 45 years as a turbine engineer for U.S. Steel National Works. An Army veteran serving during World War II, he was a member of American Legion Post 361, Liberty Boro Vets, and the McKeesport Dartball League. Born September 6, 1923 in Dravosburg, he was a son of the late Phillip and Anna Belle (Davis) Sayre. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, JoAnn (McCorkle) Sayre; sons, Jeffrey W. (Laura) Sayre of South Strabane Twp. and Timothy B. Sayre of Brandon, FL; grandchildren, Cassie A. (Adam) Betzler and Corey W. Sayre; great-grandchild, Kendall K. Betzler; also, nieces. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, October 9, 2020 from 6-8 PM. A prayer service will take place Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 10 AM in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. In order to comply with Covid-19 restrictions, attendance will be limited to 25 people at any given time inside the funeral home. Guests are required to wear masks and follow CDC social distancing guidelines. You may be asked to limit your visiting time so that all guests will have an opportunity to pay their respects. The family would like to express their understanding to those who are unable to attend due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
October 05, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Mary T. (Venturini) Smith, age 70 of Liberty Borough, passed away at home on Saturday, October 3, 2020. Born April 3, 1950 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Pio and Virginia (Banchig) Venturini. A former employee of the County of Allegheny, Mary was a member of St. Eugene's Church in Liberty Borough. In her spare time, Mary loved animals -- especially her dog Buttons -- spending time and the mountains, and collecting cookbooks. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Arleigh E. Smith, who passed away June 30, 2017, and her brothers Gino and Raymond Venturini. Mary is survived by her brother Ciro (Irene) Venturini of White Oak and many nieces and nephews.
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October 04, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Sr. Mary Celine Rachwal, age 89 of the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2020 in UPMC McKeesport. Born January 19, 1931 in Niebocko, Poland, she was a daughter of the late Anthony and Catherine (Kopczk) Rachwal. A Professed Sister of the Divine Redeemer for 68 years, Sr. Celine received her BSE in elementary education and business education from Duquesne University, her MA in Administration and Secondary Education from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and her Magistrere in French Language and Civilization from the Sorbonne, Paris. She worked as a high school French teacher for many years and served as treasurer for the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer. In her spare time, Sr. Celine loved to garden, was an excellent seamstress, and enjoyed crocheting. Sr. Celine is survived by her Sisters of the Divine Redeemer; her sister-in-law Ruth Rachwal; her nieces Valerie (Robert) Bolhouse, Diana (Gary) Skalski, Jenny (Walter) Jominy, and Cyndi (Philip) Roberge; and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters Helen Coll and Sr. M. Adrienne Rachwal, S.D.R. and her brother Matthew Rachwal.
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September 29, 2020 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Jean Marie (Gazda) Jordan, age 78 of Athens, GA and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 in Arbor Terrace, Athens, GA. Born September 11, 1942 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Connie (Smerilli) Gazda. An active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, and its choir, of Marietta, GA, Jean was a member of the Acworth, GA Red Hat Society, an avid reader, and animal lover (especially cats.) Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Nicholas J. Jordan, Jr., who passed away June 29, 2001. Jean is survived by her children Michael Dominic Jordan of Elizabeth, Teresa (Kendall) Jordan Mundy of Bishop, GA, and Nicole Marie Jordan of Las Vegas, NV; her grandchildren Ashley Marie Jordan of Suwanee, GA, Jordan Marie Mundy and Meghan Claire Mundy, both of Bishop, GA, and Angelina Mary Jordan and Nicholas Michael Jordan, both of Elizabeth; her siblings John (the late Loretta) Gazda of Plum, Joseph (the late Pat) Gazda of Pittsburgh, and JoAnn (Ed) Waters of Jackson Center; and also nieces and nephews.
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