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Stella M. Smith

March 20, 2020 |

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

Stella M. (Session) Smith, age 89, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at Grandview Estates surrounded by her loving family. She was a member of St. Michael Parish in Elizabeth Twp. and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Born September 10, 1930 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Ignatz and Josephine (Belarsky) Session and wife of the late Paul B. Smith. She is survived by daughters, Julia (Keith) Renquist of Liberty Borough, Pamela (William) Allan of Liberty Borough and Sharon (William) Toth of North Huntingdon; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by daughter, Mary Babiak. Visitation and service are private. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Shannon Ray Kemple

March 20, 2020 |

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

Shannon Ray Kemple, age 48, of North Fort Myers, FL, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2020 at home. He was a satellite installer for Florida Totalcom in Brandon, FL. Born February 26, 1972 in Monongahela, he was a son of Raymond King and Deborah A. (Don) Kemple Victor of Elizabeth Twp. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sons, Michael A. Kemple of Elizabeth Twp. and Anthony Kemple of North Fort Myers, FL; maternal grandfather, Michael Kemple of Elizabeth Twp.; also, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Private family viewing took place at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Barbara Lujetic

March 17, 2020 |

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

Barbara Lujetic, age 81 of Liberty Borough, passed away at home on Sunday, March 15, 2020.  Born June 7, 1938 in Spartanburg, SC, she was a daughter of the late Cecil and Mary (Cline) Vaughn.  Barbara retired after 19 years as secretary to the superintendent of South Allegheny School District, and prior to that, worked in the same capacity at Bettis Atomic Labs.  She is survived by her husband Daniel E. Lujetic; sons Dr. Daniel C. (Deborah) Lujetic of Elizabeth Borough and Timothy (Sarah) Lujetic of Liberty Borough; granddaughters Victoria (William) Bauer and Lisa and Olivia Lujetic; great-grandsons Jace and Silas; great-granddaughter Helena; and her brother Thomas Vaughn of Glassport. 

 
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Susan M. Pietraszewski

March 16, 2020 |

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

Susan M. (Livingston) Pietraszewski, age 79, of Clairton, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at Jefferson Hospital. She retired from Library Services at Community College of Allegheny County South Campus in West Mifflin. She was a former member of St. Paulinus Church in Clairton and St. Michael Parish in Elizabeth Twp. She was a former employee of the Clairton Public Library and loved reading, the flower shows at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and spending time with her husband and talking with her brothers and sisters. Born May 2, 1940 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late John and Mary (Connell) Livingston. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, James E. Pietraszewski; daughters, Marie T. Pietraszewski of Ross Twp. and Nancy B. (David) Kurutz of Dawson; grandson, William James (Marissa Harris) Kurutz of Bullskin Twp.; sisters, Anne (Orrin) Butterfield of Minnesota and Clare (Frank) Pokorney of the state of Indiana; brothers, Clifford Livingston of Ohio, Jack (Roseann) Livingston of Florida and Richard (Patti) Livingston of Clairton; also, nieces and nephews. A memorial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh, 1133 South Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218 or the American Heart Association, Four Gateway Center, 444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Georgienne M. Maraffi

March 13, 2020 |

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

Georgienne M. Maraffi, age 75 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away at home on Friday, March 13, 2020.  Born September 10, 1944 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late George Matola and Nada "Nancy" (Byich) (the late Cyril) Vrabel.  A former manager at Frank's Auto Supermarket in Versailles, Georgienne was active in her sons' youth athletics and was one of the founders and first officers of the Elizabeth Forward Athletic Association.  More importantly, she will be remembered as an amazing and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Richard L. Maraffi, Jr., who passed away January 12, 2014.  Georgienne is survived by her husband Richard L. Maraffi, Sr.; her sons Ramon Maraffi of Elizabeth Twp. and Ronald (Wendy) Maraffi of Slippery Rock; her grandsons Ryan (fiancee' Allie Peterson) and Kyle (fiancee' Carlee Graham) Maraffi; her brother Jeff (Sherry) Matola of Powell, OH; her nephew Jordan (Liz) Matola; and her great-nieces Brianna and Ellie.

 
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Lisa Faye Allen

March 13, 2020 |

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

Lisa Faye (Jenkins) Allen, age 67, of Elizabeth, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at home. She was a shipping coordinator for 43 years at Eastman Chemical in West Elizabeth. She was active at First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth where she was a member and enjoyed making cakes and candies. Born May 16, 1952 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Thomas R. "Tinks" and Susanna (Bendel) Jenkins Bowman. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Robert D. Allen; daughter, Tara D. Allen of Forward Twp.; sister-in-law, Flo Jenkins of Greensburg; also, nieces, nephews and one aunt. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Sunday, March 15, 2020 from 1-5 PM. A funeral service will take place on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 12 NOON in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jim Davidson officiating. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Robert B. Todd

March 13, 2020 |

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

Robert B. Todd, age 79, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2020 at Jefferson Hospital. A Navy veteran, he was a retired crane dispatcher, craneman and grievance man for U.S. Steel, Homestead. Born September 25, 1940 in Homestead, he was a son of the late Jack W. and Edith J. (Williams) Todd. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol L. (Harter) Todd, and brother, Richard J. Todd of West Mifflin; also, nieces and nephews. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Barbara Ann Custer

March 11, 2020 |

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

Barbara Ann (Amore) Custer, age 86, of Bethel Park, formerly from Elizabeth, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. She worked various jobs throughout her career but was most happy when she worked with the public as she loved to talk to people. She was part owner of the former Village Italian in Caste Village and worked for many years at her son’s Bethel Deli store. She was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and especially loved her Pens. Born July 10, 1933 in Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late Elviro “Benny” and Yolanda (Campea) Amore, and wife of 55 years to the late Donald R. Custer Sr. She is survived by her children, Kathy (George Kotsenas) Custer of Long Beach, CA, Donald R. Custer Jr. of Bethel Park, Diana (Kevin) Brucha of Baldwin and Douglas W. Custer of Bethel Park; grandchildren, Eric (Amy Edwards) Brucha of Pittsburgh and Carly (Brandon Cassel) Brucha of Pittsburgh; sister, Patricia Fuller of Elizabeth; brother, Charles (Deborah) Amore of Cannonsburg; grandpup, Scooby; also, many nieces, nephews and a great-niece. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by siblings,  Donald Amore, Margaret Donkin, Julia Amore, Angie Peger, Elva Louise Amore, Imogene McGregor and Sondra Minford. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Friday, March 13, 2020 from 4-8 PM. A funeral service will be Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jim Crosby officiating. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


William Kisner Jr.

March 11, 2020 |

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

William "Billy" Kisner Jr., age 59, of Forward Twp., passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at Jefferson Hospital. He was a plant manager for AEP Contracting in Monaca. A member of the West Newton Moose, he was a fun-loving jokester who enjoyed riding motorcycles and ATVs, spending time with his grandchildren, working on the farm, and most enjoyed sitting by his fire. Born May 8, 1960 in New Eagle, he was a son of the late William Kisner Sr. and the late Mary Ann (Anderson) Kisner. He is survived by daughters, Melissa (Ryan) Thompson of West Newton and Kaelin (Joey) Henderson of Perryopolis; grandchildren, Gavin Thompson, and Nova and Kyler Henderson; brother, Bobby (Anna) Kisner of Elizabeth Twp. and their children, Josh, Jennifer and Joellie; also, aunts, uncles and cousins. There will be a memorial gathering in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Friday, March 13, 2020, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. An additional gathering of family and friends will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 1 PM at the West Newton Moose.  Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Madeline Phillips

March 10, 2020 |

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

Madeline (Hunt) Phillips, age 91, of Forward Twp., passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at Jefferson Hospital. She retired as a consultant for Congoleum in Trenton, NJ.

She was a member of St. Michael Parish in Elizabeth Twp. and enjoyed playing Bingo and shopping with her daughter. Born April 18, 1928 in Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late Regis and Anne V. (Banavich) Hunt and wife of the late George J. Phillips. She is survived by her daughter, Susan (Eric) Newmeyer of Forward Twp.; brother, Joseph (Carol) Hunt of Washington; also, nieces and nephews.

 

 
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LaVerne Zollars Forbes

March 09, 2020 |

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

LaVerne Zollars Forbes, age 100 of Clairton, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2020 in Southwestern Nursing Center in West Mifflin.  Born May 23, 1919 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late Joseph P. and Cecelia (Clark) Leis.  A 1938 graduate of Clairton High School and graduate of the Thompson Business Institute in Pittsburgh, LaVerne worked as a Key Punch Operator for Blue Cross of Western PA in Pittsburgh and later at the JC Penney's in Southland Shopping Center. 

A member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Clairton and its Women's Guild, LaVerne was also a member of the AARP # 2862 and loved to play cards in her spare time.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by both of her husbands James Zollars and Donald Forbes; her brothers J. Clark and Jack Leis; and her step-son James Forbes. 

LaVerne is survived by her children Charlene (Robert) Thomas of Elizabeth Twp. and Richard (Janice) Zollars of Bethel Park; her step-daughter Cheryl (James) Lebeda of Glassport; her step-daughter-in-law Diane Forbes of Ormond Beach, FL; her four grandchildren Gentry (fiancee' Sally Gernel) Zollars, Scott (Jennifer) Thomas, Kelly (Steve) Byers, and Christopher (Kim) Thomas; her great-grandchildren Zachary, Lindsey, and Sydney Thomas and Julia and Josh Byers; her brother William (Marilyn) Leis of Belle Vernon; and also nieces and nephews.

 
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Bernard G. Tkac, Jr.

March 08, 2020 |

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

Our special angel, Bernard G. Tkac, Jr., age 63, of Floreffe, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at St. Clair Hospital. Bernie enjoyed cartoons, superheroes, attending his daycare program with friends and he was excellent at TV trivia. Born May 1, 1956 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Bernard G. Tkac, Sr. and Emily (Swartz) Tkac. He is survived by sisters, Debbie (the late Edward) Andresky-Baumgart of Greeneville, TN and Annette "Tina" Mulvaney of Pittsburgh; brothers, Dale W. (Patti) Tkac of Goodyear, AZ and Alan J. Tkac of Jefferson Hills; also, an uncle, nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 from 1-8 PM. A blessing service will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 10 AM in the funeral home with the Rev. Pierre Falkenhan officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Carroll Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Isaac Jogues Church, 1216 Collins Avenue, Jefferson Hills, PA 15025. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

 


Elizabeth "Betty" Kaczkowski

March 07, 2020 |

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

Elizabeth "Betty" Kaczkowski, age 97 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Friday, March 6, 2020 in Grandview Estates in Elizabeth Twp.  Born December 23, 1922 in Duquesne, she was a daughter of the late Stephen Budai and Elizabeth (Vargo) Budai Simons.  A 1941 graduate of McKeesport High School, Betty was an assembler at Westinghouse during World War II, retired as a department manager at Zayre's in Olympia Shopping Center, and was a member of St. Michael's Parish in Elizabeth Twp. and the AARP Boston Chapter.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Theodore S. Kaczkowski, who passed away September 24, 2012; her son Eric Kaczkowski, who passed away in 1972; and her grandson Eric D. Kaczkowski who passed away in 2011.  Betty is survived by her son Thaddeus W. (Cheryll) Kaczkowski of Elizabeth Twp. and her grandson Stephen (Sadie) Kaczkowski of Wexford. 

 
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Doris Ruth Patellis

March 06, 2020 |

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

Doris Ruth Patellis, age 88 of Elizabeth Twp. and formerly of Clairton, passed away at home on Thursday, March 5, 2020.  Born October 18, 1931 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late Jacob and Margaret (Owens) Theobald.  A graduate of Clairton High School and retired secretary with Landmark Trucking of Jefferson Hills, Doris was an active member of Pine Run United Methodist Church in Clairton.  She is survived by her daughter Peggie (the late Joe) Mitchko of Elizabeth Twp., her granddaughter Renee (Brett) Mitchko Bennedetti of Jersey City, NJ, her sister Alberta (Ronal) Freiwald of Pleasant Hills, her nephew Eric (Kelli) Freiwald of Jefferson Hills, her niece Jerilyn (Steve) Simpson of Pittsburgh, her three great-nephews, and her great-niece.

 
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Mark E. Withers

March 05, 2020 |

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

Mark E. Withers, age 54, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at home. A Navy veteran, he was the owner of Mark Withers Window Cleaning. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with friends. Born July 10, 1965 in Columbus, OH, he was a son Barbara J. (Black) Withers of Elizabeth and the late Edward M. Withers. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his sons, Jacob (Anthony Pane) Withers of Elizabeth Twp. and Nathan Withers of Elizabeth Twp.; loving companion, Mary Jo Wagner of Finleyville; sisters, Lori Nicholson of Chatham, VA, Holly (Jeff) Slavin of Painesville, OH and Jill Withers of Columbus, OH; also, nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Saturday, March 7, 2020 from 12 Noon-2 PM and 4 until the time of service at 6 PM in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. William K. Little officiating. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.