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James Wayne Piggford, Jr.

August 20, 2022 |

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

James Wayne Piggford, Jr., died peacefully at Grandview Estates of Elizabeth on Thursday, August 18th. He passed away while holding the hand of Helen Kuzma Piggford, his beloved wife of 71 years, in the presence of his daughter Teresa Mae Buchina of Elizabeth Township, and after praying with his sons James Wayne Piggford III of Simpsonville, SC, and George Alan Piggford, C.S.C., of North Easton, MA. Wayne, as he was known to family and friends, was born in the Braum building in Elizabeth Borough on November 18th, 1929, to Minnie (Braum) and James Wayne Pigford, Sr. He grew up in Elizabeth and West Elizabeth, and he graduated from Elizabeth High School, where he played varsity football and baseball. He enlisted in the Navy and received orders to serve as an engineman assigned to the U.S.S. Gilmore in Key West, FL, and was later assigned to the Nautilus submarine program in New London, CT. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Petty Officer, Second Class. After he and Helen moved to their current home on Blaine Hill in 1960, he first worked at Continental Can in West Mifflin, PA, then devoted his career to the U.S. Post Office in Elizabeth, first as a mail clerk and later as a rural carrier in Elizabeth and Forward Townships. He happily retired in 1984. Wayne’s 92-year life was a strong thread woven through the lives of many in the Elizabeth area and at Sts. Joachim and Anne parish (formerly St. Michael’s parish). He was a bingo caller for many years, a firefighter and ambulance driver for Blaine Hill Volunteer Fire Co., an active member of the VFW and American Legion, an usher at St. Michael’s, a little league coach, a card player, and a seasoned traveler—although only by car—to South Carolina, Florida, and anywhere else his children were residing. Wayne was passionately devoted to Helen, his wife. He deeply loved his children Teresa, wife of Steven Buchina; Wayne III, husband of Laura; and George, a Roman Catholic priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross. He doted on his grandsons, who are both U.S. Marines: James Connor, husband of TJ, and Alexander Ryan. Wayne is survived by his sisters Ruth Ann Chomas of Elizabeth Township and Helen Louise Wivagg of Forward Township. His brother Charles passed away in 1990. He loved his nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and other relatives, and he enjoyed sharing jokes, stories, poems, and prayers with family, friends, neighbors, and random strangers. In addition to family, the Eucharist was the center of his life, and he quietly prayed for the “unborn, the born, the dying, and the dead” every day of his life. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Monday, August 22, 2002 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM. Mass of Christian burial will take place on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at 10 AM in St. Michael’s Church with his son, Rev. George Piggford officiating. Burial to follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. The family recommends donations in the name of James Wayne Piggford, Jr., to Boys Town (https://www.boystown.org/Pages/how-you-help.aspx) and Disabled American Veterans (https://www.ihelpveterans.org). Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

 


Lois Jean Frinsco

August 12, 2022 |

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

Beloved mother Lois Jean Frinsco, age 92 of Elizabeth Twp. and formerly of Versailles, passed over at her daughter's home with her family at her side.  Born July 16, 1930 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Carl and Helen (Shigo) Sickels and wife of 66 years of the late Bernard A. Frinsco, who passed away May 4, 2017.  A member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - St. Patrick's Church in McKeesport, Lois is survived by her children Karen (Michael) Yurechko of Elizabeth Twp., Bernard and David Frinsco, both of Houston, TX, and Timothy (Jacquie) Frinsco of Monroeville; her nine grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

 
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Jay C. Lewis

August 12, 2022 |

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

Jay Claude Lewis, age 86 of Pleasant Hills, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2022 in Jefferson Hospital.  Born December 27, 1935 in Clairton, he was a son of the late John C. and Sarah E. (Grimes) Lewis.  Jay was a talented hairdresser and barber with a loyal following, an amazing ice skater (who once tried out for the Ice Capades), and an excellent golfer and true student of the game.  To all of these activities he applied a technical aptitude and curiosity, always trying to better his crafts.  Most importantly though, he was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who will be dearly missed by the many, many people who loved him.  Jay is survived by his wife of 65 years Judy (Grotefend) Lewis; his children Robin (Paul) Haines of Indiana, PA and J.C. (Karen) Lewis of Raleigh, NC; his grandchildren Jordan and Casey Haines, Callie Jellots, and Koutnaye and Haley Lewis; his seven great-grandchildren; and also nieces and nephews.

 
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Myles H. Andrews

August 10, 2022 |

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

Myles H. Andrews, age 72, of McKeesport passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. Born November 16, 1949 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Henry and Helen (Brodzinski) Andrews. Myles attended Lafayette University on a football scholarship and was a member of the Phi Delta Fraternity. He went on to work as a teacher at McKeesport High School for 28 years, and coached football at McKeesport High School for many years. He also owned Myles Andrews Landscaping for 20+ years. He was also a member of Corpus Christi Church (Mother Mary of God Parish) in McKeesport

 
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Theodore Raymond Erkman

August 04, 2022 |

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

Theodore Raymond Erkman (Ted)  passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on August 3, 2022, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was born on January 24, 1940 in McKeesport, PA, the son of  Michael and Agnes (Reskovac) Erkman.  He attended McKeesport Area schools and went on to obtain a BA degree in Journalism from Duquesne University.  Ted enlisted in the Army National Guard and was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas.  After his service, he married his sweetheart, Kathleen (Narkiewicz) Erkman.  He then accepted a job at J.W. Thompson in New York City, where he worked as an Account Executive on the Phillips Petroleum  account. While in New York, Ted and Kathy were proud owners of a brownstone in Park Slope, Brooklyn, which they renovated.  Ted also served as president of the Park Slope Block Association, where he headed up the tree planting project.  If you visit the neighborhood streets of 154 Berkeley Place, you will be able to admire the 50+ year-old trees he planted which make Brooklyn beautiful today!

 
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Lavino W. Dandrea

August 02, 2022 |

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

Lavino "Beans" Dandrea, age 89 of McKeesport, passed away on Monday, August 1, 2022 in Mountainview Skilled Nursing Home, Greensburg.  Born September 8, 1932 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Biagio and Angelina (Spaccasassi) Dandrea. A former vice president of Tico Electric in McKeesport and Korean War Veteran of the US Army, Lavino was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Patrick's Church of McKeesport.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, the late Maryann (Kolic) Dandrea, who passed away January 18, 2018, and his son William Dandrea.   Lavino is survived by his sons Mark (Jane) Dandrea of Monroeville and Vincent (Denise) Dandrea of Irwin; his six grandchildren: Ryan (Taylor) Dandrea, Michael (Anna) Dandrea, Victoria (Benjamin Bugaile) Dandrea, Mark James (Mary) Dandrea, Vincent M. Dandrea, Jr., and Dakota Mary Dandrea; and also nieces and nephews.

 
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Billie Jean Kochan

August 01, 2022 |

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

Billie Jean "B.J." (Young) Kochan, age 61, of Blaine Hill, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022 at Jefferson Hospital. A skilled legal secretary for many years, she had worked for both the PA Office of Attorney General and the Allegheny County Office of Public Defender. She loved to read, especially crime and mystery novels, spend time chatting and laughing with family and friends, watch movies and TV shows, listen to classic rock music, and play video games on her computer. A lifelong lover of cats, she spent much of her time doting on her beloved Haven Butterscotch. Born September 20, 1960 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of Elsie L. (Bentley) Young of Elizabeth and the late William A. "Bill" Young. In addition to her mom, she is survived by her daughter, Jayme Kochan; Jayme's boyfriend Sean Amprim, whom she referred to as her "son-in-law"; sisters, Sandy Kluczkowski of Millvale, Charlie Young of North East and Millie (Jake) Bendel of Greensburg; nephews, Bill (Anna) Kluczkowski of Cheswick and Adam Kluczkowski of Millvale; close friends and next-door neighbors, Tom and Loretta Martin; also, cousins. She was preceded in death by her dad and her husband, Andrew J. Kochan, both of whom she loved and missed dearly. No visitation or services are planned at this time, but a celebration of life may be arranged in the future. Those who wish to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to donate to a local animal shelter or rescue of their choosing.  Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Beverly K. Beirne

August 01, 2022 |

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

Beverly K. Beirne, age 85 of Virginia Beach, and formerly of McKeesport, passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2022.  Born May 2, 1937 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late John and Marion (Lang) Beirne.  Beverly was an avid traveler and traveled to many countries.  She worked as a clerk for the A&P Grocery Store and was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Virginia Beach, VA.  She was active in the Sandbridge Community and a former member of Sandbridge rescue squad.  She is survived by her nephews, niece, several cousins, many friends and her dog Lucy.  In addition to her parents, Beverly was preceded in death by her brother Jack (Marge) Beirne.

 
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Joyce L. Bailey

July 29, 2022 |

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

Joyce L. (Cottle) Bailey, age 79, of Buena Vista, passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at home. Born July 10, 1943 in Buena Vista, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Bertha Cottle. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Roy Bailey; daughters, Ellen (Ray Moore) Bailey of Buena Vista, Lisa (Jay) Radaker of Monongahela and Heather Bailey of Buena Vista; sons, Roy Bailey, Jr. of Somerset, Matthew (William Goodwin) Bailey of Pittsburgh and Levi Bailey of Buena Vista; grandchildren, Rael Kibe, Devin Bailey, Hunter Moore, Nora Yosko, Logan Radaker and Dillon Yosko; great-grandchildren, Connor and Louisa Kibe; brother, Charles (Pam) Cottle of White Oak; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, John Junn. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

 


Colleen Marie Yaiser

July 29, 2022 |

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

Colleen Marie (Cooper) Yaiser, age 70, of Clairton, passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Allegheny General Hospital. Colleen was a member of Calvary Chapel South Pittsburgh and she was always loving and generous. Her final act of kindness came in the form of organ donation. Born September 6, 1951 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late John and Esther (Poole) Cooper. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, John C. Yaiser; sister, Peggy Cooper of Florida; and brother, Robert (Nancy) Cooper of North Carolina. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 2 PM in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth with Pastor Tim Green officiating. Private burial in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

 


Raymond T. Opfer

July 29, 2022 |

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

Raymond T. "Terry" Opfer, age 80, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at Grandview Estates of Elizabeth. An Army veteran and member of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, he retired as an electrician at Eastman Chemical in West Elizabeth and formerly worked as an electrician for US Steel Clairton Works. He was a member of Round Hill Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth Twp. where he was an elder. He spearheaded the founding of the Greater Elizabeth Church Association. He was a member of the Democratic Committee, the Elizabeth Twp. Zoning Board and a life member of Central Volunteer Fire Co., was a former member of Blaine Hill Volunteer Fire Co., and a former Little League baseball coach in Elizabeth Twp. Born April 10, 1942 in Floreffe, he was a son of the late Raymond F. and Elizabeth (Morton) Opfer. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cynthia J. (Salzer) Opfer; daughter, Tina (Jim) Paquette of West Palm Beach, FL; sons, James (Cindy) Opfer of Elizabeth, Tim (Rose) Opfer of West Palm Beach, FL and Shawn (Shanna) Opfer of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Jayme Opfer, Andrew "AJ" (Bree) Opfer, Brendan Opfer, Jesse Opfer and Elizabeth Opfer; brother, David (Dorothy) Opfer of Washington, PA; aunt, Betty Morton of Monongahela; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Gene Opfer. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Monday, August 1, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 10 AM in Round Hill Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. D. Matthew Stith officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Elizabeth Church Association, 2150 Round Hill Church Road, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


John J. Capane

July 29, 2022 |

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

John J. Capane, age 93 of Clairton, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, July 28, 2022.  Born December 15, 1928 in Clairton, he was a son of the late Vincenzo and Felice (Juliot) Capane.  A US Army Veteran of the Korean War, John was a retired millwright for US Steel's Clairton Works and a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church, the American Legion Daniel Keffer Post #75, AARP, and SOAR, all of Clairton.  In his spare time, John enjoyed bowling, fishing, going to the casino, and playing the lottery: all while chomping on an ever-present cigar.  Most importantly, he was an amazing and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend.  He made it a point to not just be a part of his family's lives and activities, but to be present and supportive no matter who was playing any sport or performing any activity.  His family will always picture him there.  Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, the late Sara J. (Cortese) Capane, who passed away September 27, 2015, his late son Vincent J. (Linda) Capane, and his brothers Donald, Sam, and Anthony "Moe" Capane.  He is survived by his daughters Sharon (Joe) Drnach and Valerie (Patrick Brophy) Capane, both of Elizabeth Twp.; his grandchildren Johnna (Jim) Donnelly, Jennifer and Jodi Drnach, Brandon Skooglund, Sara (Chad) Riley, Vincent J. Capane, II, and Dante Capane; his great-grandchildren Jiada, JJ, Colton, Wesley, Mabel, Gianni, and Gabriella; his brother James "Juice" (Anna) Capane of Clairton; and his nieces and nephews, especially his special nephew Phil Capane.

 
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Michael Fodella Jr.

July 28, 2022 |

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

Michael "Mickey" Fodella Jr., age 91, of Blaine Hill, passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at Grandview Estates. He was Navy veteran serving during the Korean War and retired as a project engineer for Danieli Corporation in Pittsburgh. He was a member of Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Clairton, a life-long member of Blaine Hill Volunteer Fire Company and a member of the Clairton American Legion Daniel Keffer Post 75. He always enjoyed a good conversation and loved his little buddies. Born December 17, 1930 in Clairton, he was a son of the late Michael Fodella Sr. and the late Mary (Hemenic) Fodella. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Wilma (Walters) Fodella; daughter, Tamara Indyk of Elizabeth Twp.; sons, Michael (Kelly) Fodella of Elizabeth and John (June) Fodella of Blaine Hill; grandchildren, Leanna and Shane Indyk, Michael and Jaime Fodella, Jenna and Jasmine Fodella; sister, Audrey (Kenneth) Pavlack of Oak Hill; beloved dog, Maggie; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Sunday, July 31, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM with a Parastas at 7 p.m. A Panachida Service will be Monday, August 1, 2022 at 9:15 AM in the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Liturgy at 10 AM at Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church with Father Ivan Mina officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Dr. Richard E. Schwirian

July 25, 2022 |

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

Dr. Richard E. Schwirian, age 83, of Pleasant Hills, passed away on Monday, July 25, 2022 at Jefferson Hospital. He was a retired nuclear engineer for Westinghouse Nuclear Center in Cranberry Twp. He was a 1959 graduate of Washington & Jefferson College, a 1961 graduate of Carnegie Institute of Technology, a 1964 graduate of Case Institute of Technology and a 1968 graduate of Case Western Reserve University. He was an avid actor and singer in little theater, a published historical novelist, and enjoyed outdoor sports and activities. Born September 23, 1938 in Elizabeth, he was a son of the late Richard E. and Mary Irene (Patton) Schwirian. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lydia J. "Jo" (Yanderly) Schwirian; daughters, Tami Licht of Pleasant Hills, Letti (Dean) DeSantis of Pleasant Hills and Stefani (Steve) Kowalski of Ross Twp.; grandchildren, Jonathan (Elise) Licht, Dr. Steven (Melissa) Licht, DJ (Paige Gardner) DeSantis, Dante DeSantis, Dana DeSantis and Sam (Naomi Mullins) Kowalski; sisters, Patti Meehleib, Sandi (Tom) Toth and Suzi Kenders; brother, Larry (Caroline) Schwirian; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth on Friday, July 29, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Mark Whitsel officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson Foundation of Western PA, 575 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

 


Rudolph C. Sallinger

July 25, 2022 |

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

Rudolph C. Sallinger, age 92, of North Huntingdon, formerly of White Oak, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at home. A Korean War Army veteran, he retired as a plant foreman for Kennametal in North Huntingdon. He was a member of the White Oak VFW and enjoyed volunteering at the Rose Garden in Renziehausen Park in McKeesport. Born November 13, 1929 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Rudolph E. and Marie (Waneck) Sallinger and husband of the late Pauline (Ehrenfeld) Sallinger. He is survived by his sons, David C. (Mary Beth) Sallinger of Penn Hills and Steven E. (Mimi) Sallinger of North Huntingdon; granddaughter, Dr. Elizabeth Sallinger; grandson, Nicholas (Gabriella) Sallinger; stepdaughter, Darla (Gary) Pirillo of Sutersville; stepson, Maynard Ehrenfeld of Texas; step-grandchildren, Justin (Gianna) Pirillo, Jenna (Dale) Hutchinson and Rod (Erin) Ehrenfeld; daughter-in-law, Michelle Rivas of Springfield, IL; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Isabelle (O’Hare) Sallinger, and son, Richard A. Sallinger. No visitation is planned. Private interment will be in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rose Garden at Renziehausen Park, 1400 Pinoak Drive, McKeesport, PA 15132. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.