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Stephen F. Lugarich

July 10, 2020 |

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

Stephen F. Lugarich, age 69 of Mt. Vernon, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Friday, July 10, 2020.  Born April 7, 1951 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Steve and Bessie (Pekarsky) Lugarich.  A 1973 graduate of Penn State University with a BA in Accounting, Stephen retired in 2019 as a Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking for PNC Bank.  He was also a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish (St. Patrick's Church), the CFU Lodge #146, and the Penn State Alumni Association.  His family will always regard Stephen as a kind, thoughtful, driven, honest, nurturing, and grounded man; and remember him as an artist, father, golfer, doting grandfather, and a man that we should all aspire to be.  Also, Stephen is survived by his wife Paula (LoBue) Lugarich, whom he married in 1975; his children Kristin (Kevin) Wasko of Jefferson Hills, Stephen (Kathleen) Lugarich of Alexandria, VA, and Michael (Laura) Lugarich of McCandless; his grandchildren Brayden and Madison Wasko; his sister Kathy (Dane) Yancic of Elizabeth Twp.; and also nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two cousins who were raised with him: Daniel and Milan Dimich.

 
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Lois Jean Kandsberger

July 10, 2020 |

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

Lois Jean (Reich) Kandsberger, age 86, of West Mifflin, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at Colonial Park Care Center. She retired as a secretary for Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory in West Mifflin and a former secretary at Community College of Allegheny County. She was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross in West Mifflin where she was a Eucharistic Minister and active with numerous church groups. Born December 23, 1933 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Gerhard and Margaret (Nath) Reich and wife of the late Herman J. Kandsberger. She is survived by daughter, Donna (Art Jr.) Bamert of Elizabethtown; son, Ronald (Florie Forsythe) Kandsberger of West Mifflin; grandchildren, Rebekka Bamert of Elizabethtown, Noah Bamert of Elizabethtown and Ryan Kandsberger of York; son-in-law, Jamison Beck of Surfside, SC; sister, Gertrude "Gerry" (Dave) McCullough of Seattle, WA; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by daughter, Kathy Beck, and brother, George Reich. Visitation is private. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, July 13, 2020 at 11 AM in Triumph of the Holy Cross, Holy Spirit Worship Site, 2603 Old Elizabeth Road, West Mifflin. Masks are required and social distancing rules apply. Memorial contributions can be made to the Cloverleaf Area Ecumenical Assistance Program, 1 Grove Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Ronald H. "Ronnie Mac" McKeever

July 09, 2020 |

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

Ronald H. "Ronnie Mac" McKeever, age 62 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away at home on Tuesday, July 7, 2020.  Born October 26, 1957 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Harold "Irv" and Lois Jean (Nelson) McKeever.  A recipient of a BA in Administration of Justice from Penn State University, Ronald worked for more than 30 years as a juvenile probation officer for the Allegheny County Juvenile Courts and also as a patio host at Stone Villa Wineries in Acme.  He will be remembered as a kind, gentle, and generous man; a wonderful father and grandfather; and for always having a genuine love of people.  He is survived by his wife of 30 years Debra A. (Balocik) McKeever; his children Laurie (Greg) Geibel of North Huntingdon and Randy (Cari) Winkler of Baldwin; his grandchildren Dylan, Abby, Grace, and Ben; his siblings James, Robert, Gary, Richard, and John "Jack" McKeever and Nancy Lou Shaffer McKeever; and many nieces and nephews.  Ronald was also a wonderful father to four cats currently and many more through the years. 

 
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Eleanor Sawyers

July 08, 2020 |

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

Eleanor (Shunk) Sawyers, age 87, of Forward Twp., passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at Mon Valley Care Center. She enjoyed traveling and loved animals. Born April 26, 1933 in Brownsville, she was a daughter of the late Guy and Minnie (Sack) Shunk and wife of the late Richard Sawyers. She is survived by daughter, Nancy (Bobby) Shaffer of Forward Twp.; son, Rodney M. (Donna) Sawyers of Forward Twp.; numerous grandchildren; sister, Louise Illig of Royalton, OH; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sons, Richard and Randy Lee Sawyers, and grandson, Matthew J. Metts. Visitation and service are private. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


William A. Bell

July 02, 2020 |

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

William A. Bell, age 79, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2020  at his home. He was a Armored Truck Driver for 40 years with Landmark and Brinks in Pittsburgh. He was a member of The Society of Aviglianese, former member of the Jefferson Hills Auxiliary Police, Paramedics and Jefferson Hills Volunteer Fire Department. Bill loved to go to his camp at Wolfs Camping Resort in Clarion and spending time with his dear friends and family there.

 
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William Edward Kuskie II

June 29, 2020 |

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

William Edward “Bud” Kuskie, II, age 80, of Elizabeth Township, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2020 at Jefferson Hospital. He was a retired technician and mechanic with United Airlines, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a member of Round Hill Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth Township. He loved refurbishing vintage cars and attending various car shows. He enjoyed the outdoors, feeding all his woodland creatures and traveling. Born June 5, 1940 in Clairton, he was a son of the late William E. Kuskie, Sr. and Louise A. (Sides) Kuskie. He is survived by a daughter, Michele L. Kuskie of Elizabeth Township; son, Edward W. (Diane) Kuskie of Elizabeth Township; grandson, Jonah (Shanna) Orion of Oceanside, CA, currently serving in Okinawa, Japan; sister, Christine (Jim Durst) Kuskie of Jeannette; his grand dog, Buddy; also, nieces, nephews, close buddies and friends. There will be a Memorial Service on Monday, August 10, 2020 at 12 Noon in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home Chapel, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth. If you plan to attend the service, please email Bud's daughter Michele at mkuskie6767@gmail.com. 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. The family would like to express their understanding to those who are unable to attend due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  Private interment at Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Township. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, SW Region, 320 Bilmar Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Mary Shatlock

June 29, 2020 |

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

Mary Shatlock, age 97 of Greenock, passed away at home on Sunday, June 28, 2020.  Born May 5, 1923 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late John J. and Katherine (Shaughnessy) Kane.  A graduate  of the former St. Mercy College (now Carlow College) in Pittsburgh, Mary retired as a music teacher from both St. Peter's High School and Serra High School.  A member of Mary, Mother of God Parish, she was also a member of the McKeesport College Club and very active at the former St. Denis Parish, where she was choir director, and was also the organist at St. Patrick's Church for many years.  Besides her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband Vincent Charles Shatlock, who passed away October 26, 1986, and her sister Lois A. Kane.  She is survived by her daughter Mary Lois Oermann of Greenock; her sons Vincent John Shatlock of Orlando, FL, Michael Paul Shatlock of Greenock, and Mark Francis Shatlock of Greenock; her five grandchildren; her seven great-grandchildren; her brother John J. Kane, Jr. of Fairfax, VA; and also nieces and nephews.

 
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Joyce Sanders

June 29, 2020 |

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

Joyce Sanders, age 83 of Elrama, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2020 in United Hands Homecare, LLC of Clairton.  Born September 14, 1936 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Helen (Rusnak) Weir.  A talented ballet dancer who made many appearances on local television, Joyce, besides her parents, was preceded ind eath by her husband Clemie "Rudy" Sanders, who passed away May 7, 2014, and her sons Mark and Joseph B. Sanders.  She issurvived by her children Lisa (Richard) Guthrie of West Mifflin and Patrick Sanders of Lakeworth, FL, her grandchildren Christopher M. Guthrie and Hayley Sanders, and also nieces and nephews.

 
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Frances M. Germek

June 26, 2020 |

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

Frances M. Germek, age 102 of Buford, GA and formerly of Port Vue, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2020.  Born December 28, 1917 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Casimir and Mary F. (Boczar) Pomycala.  A member of St. Mark's Parish in Port Vue (the former St. Joseph’s Church), where she was a member of the Christian Mother’s Association, Frances volunteered with Meals on Wheels and the Senior Center.  During World War II, she was employed by Westinghouse.  Frances enjoyed family gatherings, crocheting, bowling, playing cards, pool and Bingo.  She was also an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and watched every game.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Andrew P. Germek, who passed away April 14, 2000; her siblings: Bertha Pomycala, Florence Puhala, Jean Trocksa, Alice Cindric, Patricia Rushe, and John and Stanley Pomycala; her sisters-in-law, Loretta, Shirley and Esther Pomycala; her brother-in-laws William Roper, John Puhala, Tony Trocksa, Matt Cindric, and Milan Puskaric; and her nephew, David Puskaric.  Frances is survived by her children Richard (Pat) Germek of Spring Hill, TN and Carole (Bruce) Zavitz of Buford, GA; her six grandchildren; her thirteen great-grandchildren; her siblings: Rita Puskaric and Raymond (Louise) and Richard (Sandy) Pomycala; and many nieces and nephews.

 
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Carmella F. Ferraro

June 24, 2020 |

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

Carmella Ferraro, age 89 of Port Vue, passed away on June 23, 2020.  Born August 26, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Adeline (Cannelli) DiGiorgio and the beloved wife of the late Frank Ferraro for 51 years.  Carmella dedicated her life to caring for her loving family.  She was the adored mother of her son Angelo (Patricia) Ferraro of White Oak and daughter Annette (Gregory) Saul of Upper St. Clair and the cherished grandmother of her grandsons Michael, Nicholas, and Daniel Ferraro and Sean and Ryan Saul.  Carmella is also survived by her sister Norma Reza of East McKeesport.  She was preceded in death by her sister Dora Jones and her brothers: Gennaro, Joseph, Matthew and Carl DiGiorgio.  Carmella is also survived by her sisters-in-laws Sheila and Shirley DiGiorgio, many nieces and nephews, and many special, lifelong friends.

 
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David W. Schmidtetter

June 24, 2020 |

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

David W. Schmidtetter, age 73 of McKeesport, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 23, 2020.  Born March 31, 1947 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Thomas and Grace (Thompson) Schmidtetter.  A retired shipper and receiver for Hipwell Manufacturing on the North Side, David was an active member of the First Evangelical Free Church of McKeesport.  He will be remembered as a good man who loved his family and helped his neighbor.  David is survived by his wife Carol Ann (Zurenski) Schmidtetter; his son Todd (Michelle) Schmidtetter of Melbourne, FL; his grandchildren Coen and Luke; his sister Kathryn (the late Harry) Pickerine of Bridgeville; his step-sons Carmen Demeri of McKeesport and John Demeri of Apollo; his step-grandchildren Andrew, Daisy, Christopher, Rebekah, and Olive; and also nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Elizabeth and Thomas Schmidtetter.

 
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Linda G. Kavka

June 22, 2020 |

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

Linda G. (Goodrich) Kavka, age 75, of Forward Twp., passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at home. She was a retired insurance agent for Insurance Consultants of Pittsburgh in Mt. Lebanon. Born March 25, 1945 in Moultrie, GA, she was a daughter of the late William F. and Margaret (Colson) Goodrich. She is survived by her son, Duane A. (Tammy) Kavka Jr. of Elizabeth; grandchildren, Kylie Jo and Kenna Elizabeth Kavka; sisters, Barbara (the late John) Relja of Elizabeth Twp., Joan (Bruce) Jordan of North Huntingdon and Sherri (Bill) Jenkins of Forward Twp.; sister-in-law, Netta Goodrich of Forward Twp.; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brother, William F. "Speedy" Goodrich Jr. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Alfred F. Werner Jr.

June 19, 2020 |

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

Alfred F. Werner Jr., age 95, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Friday, June 19, 2020 at home. A graduate of Elizabeth High School, he was an Army Air Corps veteran with the 8th Air Force 96th Bombing Group in the European Theater during World War II. He retired after 43 years in the heating department at U.S. Steel Clairton Works. He was a charter member of the Elizabeth Twp. Historical Society and Central Food Pantry of Elizabeth Twp., and a volunteer with the Elizabeth Twp. Meals on Wheels. He was a life member of Blaine Hill VFW and American Legion. He was a committee member for the National Bicentennial in Elizabeth Twp., a former member of the Mon Yough Wood Carvers, and attended Round Hill Presbyterian Church.

 
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Joseph S. Mincone

June 12, 2020 |

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

Joseph S. Mincone, age 75, of Belle Vernon, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at Mon Valley Care Center. He retired as a millwright for U.S. Steel in Washington. He loved riding motorcycles, building and flying model airplanes, and enjoyed shooting and was a marksman. He loved his family and worked diligently to provide for them. Born June 21, 1944 in Clairton, he was a son of the late Domenic and Christine (Monaco) Mincone and husband of the late Marlene A. Mincone. He is survived by daughter, Jolene (Ryan) Sypolt of Charleroi; son, Joseph C. (Casey) Mincone of Belle Vernon; grandchildren, Emily and Ella Sypolt and Samantha Mincone; sister, Sabina Kessler of Pleasant Hills; brother, Angelo "Che Che" (Marian) Mincone of Elizabeth; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by sister, Christine Shuck, and brothers, Frank and Licio Mincone. A Blessing will take place on Monday, June 15, 2020 at 2 PM in Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, with the Rev. Thomas A. Wagner officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Dawn M. Dobransky

June 11, 2020 |

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

Dawn M. Dobransky, age 61 of Clairton, passed away in her home on Wednesday, June 10, 2020.  Born April 6, 1959 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of Roy and Sharon (Riley) Verbanes of North Huntingdon.  A cashier at the former Marraccini's Grocery in Clairton, besides her parents, Dawn is survived by her husband of 43 years Robert Dobransky; her children Stephanie (Glenn) Kibe of Vail, AZ and Jason (Toni) Dobransky of West Mifflin; her grandchildren Tristin and Riley Kibe and Danica Dobransky; her siblings Mark (Lisa) Verbanes of West Elizabeth and Lori (Tom) Beckowitz of North Huntingdon; her brother-in-law Wayne M. Dobransky; and also nieces and nephews. 

 
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