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James A. LaFrankie

Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | July 26, 2025

James A. LaFrankie, affectionately known as “Rambo” and “Jamie”, age 61, of Elizabeth, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025, at home. Catholic by faith, he was a former member of St. Michael’s Church in Elizabeth Twp. and a proud Veteran, serving with the Marine Corps. He worked as a roofer for several years and always enjoyed going to the Shamrock with his friends. A diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, he never missed a game, loved softball, gardening, and always strived for perfection in anything he did. Born in McKeesport on March 4, 1964, he was a son of the late Peter and Fay (Dequenne) LaFrankie. He is survived by his life companion, Denise Pellegrino; three grandchildren, Emily Lombardi, Ciana Gori, and Dylan Hawthorne; three siblings, Natalie (Gary) Wolfgang of Lincoln Boro, Carla Hobaugh of Jefferson Hills, and Marie (Larry) Schmidt of Elizabeth; several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, one great-great-niece and one great-great-nephew; also several cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Peter LaFrankie. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:15 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12Noon at Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church, Clairton. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

Originally published July 26, 2025.

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