October 23, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Rev. William D. Heaton, age 98 of Greenock, passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023 in UPMC Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born August 31, 1925 in Osceola Mills, he was a son of the late Harry T. and Mary Grace (Burns) Heaton. He is survived by his loving wife, Ella Louise (Allen) Heaton, and his nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Robert E. Heaton.
William served in the South Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II with the 8th Fighter Control Squadron of the 5th Army Air Corps. Following the war, he attended Robert Morris University, earning a degree in business administration and accounting. While employed by the Crawford Furniture Manufacturing Corp. at their New Bethlehem plant, he attended the New Bethlehem First Methodist Church where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and received his call into full-time Christian ministry. While residing in New Bethlehem, William served on the Colonel Drake Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
William graduated from Asbury University in Wilmore, KY with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy and religion. He then attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore from one year, then went on to finish his theological education at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.
While in Kentucky, William served as pastor of the Hazel Green Charge of the Methodist Church in the mountains of eastern part of the state. He then served the Owenton First United Methodist Church in Owenton, KY. Also at that time he conducted revival services in Kentucky and Ohio. While there, he also pursued studies in evangelism with the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.
Returning to the Western Pennsylvania Conference, he served churches at the Monongahela Circuit, the Curllsville Charge, the Mary S. Brown United Methodist Church in Pittsburgh, the Highland Avenue United Methodist Church in Pitcarin, the Jenny Lind/Shoemaker United Methodist Churches in McKeesport, and the McKeesport Hope/Belle Chapel United Methodist Churches. William retired from the active ministry in June of 1992.
While a member of the Western Pennsylvania Conference, he served as Vice Chairman of the Conference Board of Stewardship and on the former Pittsburgh East Board of Evangelism, and also served on several sub-district offices. Following retirement, William served the Highland Grove United Methodist Church in McKeesport as interim pastor then as associate pastor at the First United Methodist Church of McKeesport.
Following his years of pastoral ministry, he was employed by the Country Meadows Retirement Center at the South Hills Campus in Pittsburgh as chaplain of their Alzheimer’s unit. He was then hired by UPMC McKeesport as their Director of the Pastoral Care Department. That position was held until his 80th birthday when he and his wife Ella decided to (as Bill put it his eloquent fashion) “enjoy the remainder of life’s journey at a retired pace conducive to retired persons.” William and Ella attended Central Highlands Community Methodist Church.
Read More
October 23, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Diane L. Dougherty, age 67, of Monongahela, passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at home. She retired as a Home Health Care Aide for CommunityLife in McKeesport. She was a former secretary at the Clairton Works Credit Union, McHolme Construction in Elizabeth and Marraccini's in Elizabeth, and was a member of many social clubs in the Mon Valley area. Born September 6, 1956 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Robert L. and Lois Jean (McKown) Dougherty. She is survived by her long-time companion, Arthur South; siblings, Robert L. (Judy) Dougherty of Belle Vernon, Paul (Ruth) Dougherty of Greenock, Linda (Tom) Russum of Forward Twp., Penny Edwards of South Huntingdon and JoAnn (Will) Wright of Herndon, VA; also, many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
October 19, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Walter B. Kozlowski, age 68 of McKeesport, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 in Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin, MD. Born December 22, 1954 in Washington, PA, he was a son of the late Henry and Betty (O'Keefe) Kozlowski. A graduate of LaRoche College, Walter worked as a project manager for information systems for UPMC and also worked as a registered radiology technician and as a project manager for McKesson Co. of Pittsburgh. In his spare time, he enjoyed Jeeps, Legos, and Hallmark movies. Walter is survived by his wife of 46 years Cathy (Cole) Kozlowski; his twin sons Zachary Kozlowski of North Versailles and Leo (Lindsey) Kozlowski of Pittsburgh; his siblings Barbara (Bernard) Benson and Henry and Timothy Kozlowski; and also nieces and nephews.
Read More
October 19, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Joan G. (Guiher) Wise, age 90, of Forward Twp., passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at home. She was a member of Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church in Elizabeth Twp. A 1950 graduate of Bethel High School and a 1954 graduate of Waynesburg University, she was a former teacher in the Elizabeth Forward School District. She enjoyed square dancing, gardening and knitting. Born January 28, 1933 in Waynesburg, she was a daughter of the late Frank T. and Elizabeth (Galbraith) Guiher. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Thomas D. Wise; children, Jennifer Donaldson of Buena Vista, Beth (the late Kevin) Blanc of Bethel Park and Thomas (Maria) Wise of Chalfont; grandchildren, Crystal and Kelly Donaldson, Jeffrey (Brandy) Blanc, Amy Blanc, Blake (Ashley) Wise and Lauren Wise; six great-grandchildren; and brother, Frank Guiher of Cincinnati, OH. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brother, William Guiher. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, October 20, 2023 from 2 PM until the time of service at 4 PM in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Adam Stump officiating. Private burial will be in Jefferson Memorial Park in Pleasant Hills. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church, 100 Timothy Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
.
October 18, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Dolores Crane, age 95 of Pleasant Hills, passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 in Whitehall Borough Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born July 13, 1928 in Mount Morris, NY, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Helen Teetsel and wife of the late Vincent Crane. Dolores is survived by her sons David (Mary Ann Ginestra) Crane of Clairton and Jeff (Kimberly) Crane of Elrama; her grandchildren Anthony, Carina, Mitchell, and Marshall Crane; her great-grandchildren; her sister Shirley Acker of Rochester, NY; and also nieces and nephews. Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son Randy Crane and her sisters Jackie and Lorraine.
Read More
October 18, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Dolores Victoria (Broskey) Evanchak, age 92, of Turtle Creek, formerly of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at LGAR Health & Rehabilitation Center. She was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and enjoyed her flowers and doing yardwork. Born July 28, 1931 in Uniontown, she was a daughter of the late Peter and Josephine (Pinkas) Broskey and wife of the late Thomas C. Evanchak. She is survived by sons, David M. (Suzanne) Evanchak of McKeesport, Edward (Betsy) Evanchak of Aliquippa and Brian (Susan) Evanchak of North Huntingdon; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one step great-grandson; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Friday, October 20, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 9:30 AM in St. Michael Church with the Rev. Thomas A. Wagner officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made in Dolores' name to LGAR Health & Rehabilitation Center, 800 Elsie Street, Turtle Creek, PA 15145. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
October 15, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Robert A. Slavick, age 88 of Forward Twp., passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at Mon Valley Care Center, Monongahela. Catholic by faith, he was a member of St. Isaac Jogues Church in Elrama for many years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved going up to the cabin he built in Tionesta. He worked for 45 years for West Elizabeth Lumber. Born in Elizabeth on July 12, 1935, he was a son of the late Andrew and Pauline (Smith) Slavick and husband of the late Grace (Elesie) Slavick, who passed away December 11, 2020. He is survived by two children, Karen (Kevin Bleil) Slavick and Ronald (Cindi Patterson) Slavick both of Elizabeth Twp,; a granddaughter, Julie (Phil) Wallace of Diamond, OH; 4 great-grandchildren; also nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Leona Brozovich. Friends will be received at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. A blessing service will be held in the funeral home at 12Noon on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, with Fr. Pierre Falkenhan officiating. Burial will follow at Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
October 12, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Lillian Alberta (Hall) Gergley, age 90 of Jefferson Hills, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Born August 12, 1933 in Neville Island, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Winnifred (Brown) Hall. She was a former Secretary for US Steel Clairton Works in Clairton, a member of the Anglican Church of the Transfiguration in Elizabeth, a member the Eastern Star Lodge, formerly in Clairton, and card club. Lillian was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, John R. Gergley, Jr., who passed away October 17, 2016. She is survived by her daughters Linda (Mark) Withrow of Clairton, Donna Shaffer of Clairton, and Debra (Bill) Maurizio of Pleasant Hills; grandchildren Nathan J. (Athena) Withrow, Kaitlin D. (Dan) McKenzie, Ryan (Kate) Shaffer, Nico Maurizio, and Gabriella (Gabriel) Mezzaluna; great-grandchildren, Daniel Shaffer, Lillian Shaffer, Stanley McKenzie, and Willow Withrow; brother-in-law Michael (Joyce) Gergley of Glassport, sister-in-law Edna Hall of Wylie, TX; extended family/daughter #4 Valerie DeBellis; and nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Joseph Hall.
Read More
October 11, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Rylin L. Lutz, age 14, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. He attended the Western PA School for Blind Children in Pittsburgh and had a love for music, band t-shirts, Harry Potter and Star Wars. He had a great personality, mirroring Sheldon Cooper, and was full of teenage attitude. Born November 9, 2008 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of William and Brittny (Ruffing) Lutz. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his paternal grandmother, Heather Lutz of Bethel Park; maternal grandparents, Lisa (Larry) Marchetti of West Newton and H. Glenn (Gwen) Ruffing of Gillette, WY; also, aunts, uncles, cousins, and his special person, Jaxtyn. He was preceded in death by brother, Bennett Lutz, and paternal grandfather, William A. Lutz. The family would like to say a special thank you to all his teachers, therapists and nurses at the school for all their support, patience, kindness and love you showed our son. Also, a special thank you to the nursing and respiratory staff, the doctors, and Carol May at Children’s Hospital for the amazing support and care you gave to Rylin and our family. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 10 AM in Elrama Community Church with the Rev. Jude Urso officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH. Memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Hospital Foundation, designation for Supportive Care, 105 40th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 or Western PA School for Blind Children, 201 N. Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
October 09, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Frances C. (Thomas) Martin, age 68, of McKeesport passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at Kane Community Living Center. Born February 8, 1955 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Elizabeth Thomas. She worked as a registered nurse at Jefferson Hospital, in Jefferson Hills.
Read More
October 09, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Richard J. Vapner, age 82 of McKeesport, passed away on Sunday October 8, 2023 in Southwester Nursing Center, West Mifflin. Born November 18, 1940 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Joseph and Anna (Filipovic) Vapner. A member of Unity Presbyterian Church in Greentree, Richard worked most recently for the US Department of Commerce's Census Bureau.
Read More
October 06, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Joyce E. (Hoak) Schmidt, age 80, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Friday, October 6, 2023 at home. She retired as a librarian for the West Jefferson Hills School District. A member of Pine Run United Methodist Church in Clairton, she was a founding member of the Jefferson Hills Historical Society and founder of the Jefferson Hills Library. Born October 16, 1942 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Roy and Grace (Stokes) Hoak and wife of the late Frederick C. "Red" Schmidt Sr. She is survived by son, Frederick C. (Laurie) Schmidt Jr. of Jefferson Hills, with whom she resided; a grandson and great-granddaughters; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by daughter, Sharon E. Ruffing. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Monday, October 9, 2023 from 3-7 PM. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 12 Noon in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Michael Airgood officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pine Run United Methodist Church, 901 North 6th Street, Clairton, PA 15025 or the Jefferson Hills Library, 925 Old Clairton Road, Jefferson Hills, PA 15025. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
October 05, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Dana (Kadar) Yonek, age 65 of McKeesport and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at UPMC East. Born May 28, 1958 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Peter David Kadar and the late Diane Marie Runatz. She worked as a clerk for Shop-N-Save in McKeesport and was a former member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare Site (Clairton).
Read More
October 04, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Walter W. "Toot" Crovak, age 76, of Bunola, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Allegheny General Hospital. An Army veteran having served in the Vietnam War, he retired as a beautician throughout the Mon Valley area and was a former member of St. Michael Church. He enjoyed watching TV and cooking. Born September 19, 1947 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Walter F. and Malvina M. (DeNardis) Crovak. He is survived by his brother, James E. (Sandra) Crovak of Forward Twp.; nieces and nephews, James W. (Christina) Crovak of Elizabeth Twp. and Melissa E. Crovak of Forward Twp.; great-nieces and nephews, Matthew Crovak and Shelby Crookham, both of Blaine Hill; great-great-nephew, Levi James Crovak of Blaine Hill; also, numerous cousins.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Bunola Fire Hall on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 1-3 PM. Private burial will be in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
September 29, 2023 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Angeline "Angie" D. (DiLiberatore) Walters, age 90, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at home. She retired after more than 20 years as a school bus driver for Matthews Bus Company in Jefferson Hills. Born April 10, 1933, in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Rocco and Vienna (Maiorini) DiLiberatore. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Charles and Frank DiLiberatore, and sisters, Elizabeth Pearsol and Margaret Econovich. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. She lived in several different neighborhoods throughout Pittsburgh as well as in Arizona for a short period of time. Her way of showing love was feeding you more than you ever thought you could fit in your stomach. She enjoyed jazz music, golfing and traveling, loved trying new things and was genuinely curious about other people and their lives. She had stories upon stories upon stories to tell (to anyone who would listen!). She was an independent woman, living alone up until the week she passed. She cleaned her own house, cooked, and took care of herself at 90 years old. She lived a long and full life, which ended the way she wanted (peacefully at her home). She was ready and would want loved ones to celebrate her life, not mourn her death, and to remember her as an inspiration to worry less and live life to the fullest. No visitation or services are planned, but if you wish to pay your respects, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations that Angie cared about, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 520 8th Avenue, New York, NY, 10018; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN, 38105; Wounded Warrior Project, 600 River Avenue #400, Pittsburgh, PA 15212; and the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
