---

Charles Cole Jr.

July 07, 2025 |

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

Charles Cole Jr., age 89, of Menallen Twp., passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025 at home. An Army veteran, he was a self-employed mechanic for more than 60 years and owned and operated Phil’s Auto in Elizabeth for 15 years. He collected antique cars, was a huge John Wayne aficionado, and enjoyed going to the casino with his wife. Born June 24, 1936 in Uniontown, he was a son of the late Charles Cole Sr. and Rosalee (Teets) Cole. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Susan M. (Gibson) Garber Cole; daughters, Cheryl Cole of Smithton and Eva (Wayne) Holland of Georgia; son, Daniel (Chris) Garber of North Huntingdon; grandchildren, Robert Buchina, Cole Buchina, Alora Marie Holland (Mark) Butler, Wayne Dean Holland, Kelan Garber and Ginerva Garber; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchildren; brother, Ray Metts; also, many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Clarence “Budd” Garber; granddaughter, Sarah Holland Nichols; sisters, Pattie (Ronald) Lewis, Mary Jean (William) Thomas and Shirley Coulson; and best friend, Robert Pirc. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Thursday, July 10 from 2 PM until the time of funeral service at 5 PM. Private inurnment will be in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, 850 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 2222, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

---

Francis W. Oates Jr.

July 07, 2025 |

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

Francis W. “Frank” Oates Jr., age 89, of Forward Twp., passed away peacefully at his son’s home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, July 6, 2025. A Marine Corps veteran, he was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth and the Bricklayers Local Union 9 in Pittsburgh. He owned and operated Frank Oates Masonry Inc. in Elizabeth for 50 years and was a hard worker all his life. He enjoyed farming as a hobby and raised beef cows. Frank was a loving guy who was all about his family and friends. Born March 22, 1936 in Finleyville, he was a son of the late Francis Oates Sr. and Clara (Barton) Oates and husband of the late Glenda Ann (Trumpe) Oates. He is survived by his children, Glenn (Tammy) Oates of Elizabeth, Frank (Renee) Oates of Forward Twp. and Debbie Oates of Elizabeth; grandchildren, Timi Lee (James), Glenn David, Frankie IV and Shane; great-grandchildren, Daniel, DeJuanna, Danika, Bo James, Zander, Nyiah and Juliete; siblings, Gary (Kathy) Oates, Bruce (Helen) Oates and Clara DeMaio; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Daniel Lazar, and brother-in-law, Russell DeMaio Sr. Friends will be received at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be in the funeral home chapel Thursday July 10, 2025 at 10 AM with Pastor Benjamin Schneider officiating. Burial will follow at Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

---

Sr. M. James Toth

July 03, 2025 |

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

“O sacrament most holy, O sacrament divine,

all praise and thanksgiving

be every moment Thine.”

Sister James was welcomed home by the Divine Redeemer on July 3, 2025. She had been preparing for this meeting with the Lord for many days.

She died very peacefully surrounded with the prayers of the Sisters.

Sister Mary James (Mildred Toth), the daughter of Michael and Anna Toth, was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 17, 1922 and was a member of St. Margaret Parish.

Sister James entered the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer in 1942 and professed vows 2and ½ years later. She received her B.S. in Education from St. John’s College in Cleveland and began teaching grades 3-4 at St. Elizabeth School in Buffalo, New York. She also taught in Ohio (Cleveland and Fairport) and for many years in various elementary schools in Pennsylvania (St. Bartholomew in Penn Hills, St. Paulinus in Clairton, St. Michael in Elizabeth, and James Lavell in Munhall). Sister particularly enjoyed teaching second graders about the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. From 1964-1969 Sister was Novice Directress for those preparing to become Sisters of the Divine Redeemer. She also served on the Provincial Council from 1979-1982 and as Local Superior from 1983-1988.

When Sister James “retired” from teaching, she helped wherever she was needed including driving and always remained faithful to prayer. She had a special devotion to the Holy Eucharist, the Sacred Heart, and the Blessed Mother. Her soul burned in love for her Lord, the Divine Redeemer.

Sister James remained close to her family and was greatly loved by them all. The phone calls, frequent visits, annual vacations were always within the family setting.

On the lighter side, Sister James enjoyed playing pinochle with her family, working jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and word finds. During her teaching years, Sister enjoyed stamp collecting and looking for “rare” coins. She had a “sweet tooth” and enjoyed chocolates and desserts.

Sister James was preceded in death by her parents, Mr/Mrs Robert (brother) and Alvira Toth, Mr/Mrs Michael (brother) and Arlene Toth. She is survived by Mr/Mrs Edward and Louise (sister) Merker, many nephews and nieces, grand nephews and nieces.

Sister Mary James was the first Sister in our Congregation to have celebrated her 103 birthday. She lived a holy and fruitful life and was an example to all and greatly loved. May she rest in peace.

Read More

---

Faith Ann Ferree

July 03, 2025 |

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

Faith Ann Ferree, age 92, of Glassport, passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Born April 9, 1933 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Hobart McKinley and Clara (Schneider) Ferree. She is survived by a brother, Alvin L. Ferree of Jefferson Hills; also, several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, William James Ferree, William Newton Keene and Gwendolyn Robis. No visitation or services are planned. In lieu of flowers, 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

---

Dorothy V. Opfar

June 27, 2025 |

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

Dorothy V. Opfar, age 74, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away suddenly Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Allegheny General Hospital. She was a lifelong member and organist of Prayer Time Cathedral in White Oak. Born July 25, 1950 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Thomas and Dorothy V. (Eschelbacher) Opfar. She is survived by her siblings, Thomas (Wynn) Opfar Jr. of Plantation, FL, Edward (Melisa) Opfar of McKeesport and Robert (Erin) Opfar of Greenock; also, many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Linda (Harry) Fuller and uncle, the Rev. Robert Walney. Friends will be received at the Prayer Time Cathedral, 2943 Jacks Run Road, White Oak, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be at the church Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 10 AM with the Rev. Emerson Williams Jr. officiating. Burial is private in Round Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Prayer Time Cathedral, PO Box 86, Boston, PA 15135. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

---

Anca Maria Maloney

June 24, 2025 |

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

Anca Maria Maloney, age 46 of Boston, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025 in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh.  Born February 7, 1979 in Romania, she is a daughter of Gelu and Maricela Chircor.  An assistant tax consultant for twenty years, Anca Maria graduated at the top of the class in economics at Danubius University in Romania.  Besides her parents, she is survived by her husband Sean Michael Maloney. 

Read More

---

Harriet Leona Shash

June 23, 2025 |

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

Harriet Leona Shash, age 76 of Greenock, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, June 21, 2025.  Born September 27, 1948 in McKeesport, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Leona (Bero) Pahlman.  A retired nurse and case manager for Aetna Behavioral Health, Harriet was a parishioner of St. James Roman Catholic Church in the West End where she was very active in the church community.  Harriet enjoyed watching her children in sports, taking part many times as a baseball or softball scorekeeper, or coaching the game itself.  She also enjoyed going to bingo and the casino with her friends, and Lady Luck was always on her side. Harriet enjoyed fishing, camping and making fly fishing lures. She is survived by her husband of 56 years Gary Shash; her children Wendy Ludwick of McKeesport, Kimberly Shash of Pittsburgh, Christopher Shash of Monroeville, and Amy (Greg) McDonnell of Isanti, MN; her grandchildren Brendan, Kaylee, Taylor, Josslyn, Christian, Jameson, Rowan, Finnegan, Tristan, Michael, Quinn, and Aidan; and also her nieces and nephews.

Read More

---

Belinda Faith Bell

June 21, 2025 |

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

Belinda Faith Bell, age 73 of Greenock, passed away at home on Saturday, June 21, 2025.  Born October 6, 1951 in Quantico, VA, she was a daughter of the late Milton C. and Faye (Sporio) Bayles.  A retired critical care nurse for UPMC McKeesport, Belinda is survived by her husband Robert E. Bell, her daughter Angela (Mark) Singer of Versailles, her son John M. (Kelley) Kurta, Jr. of Wexford, her grandson Justin Kurta of Wexford, her brother James T. (Roberta) Bayles of Lake Havasu, AZ, and also her nieces and nephews.

Read More

---

Lillian D. Prosperino

June 21, 2025 |

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

Lillian D. Prosperino, age 34 of Clairton, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025 in Jefferson Hospital.  Born July 24, 1990 in Whitesburg, KY, she was a daughter of Paul A. Prosperino of Clairton and the late Donna (Frazier) Prosperino.  After receiving her master's degree, Lillian worked as a counselor.  Besides her father, she is survived by her sister Paula Nicole Frazier of Lexington, KY; her boyfriend Joseph Williams; and her nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Read More

---

JoAnn "JoJo" Perlick

June 21, 2025 |

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

JoAnn "Jojo" (Shamber) Perlick, age 80 of Clairton, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Allegheny General Hospital.  Born May 15, 1945 in Mt. Pleasant, she was the daughter of the late John and Anna Rose (Pollino) Shamber. JoAnn worked as a mixologist for many restaurants in the area. She was a member of Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Clare of Assisi Church, VFW Post 803, and American Legion Daniel Keffer Post 75, all of Clairton.  A one-of-a-kind person who was loved by all, JoAnn will be remembered for her helping and caring heart, her love for the beach, particularly St. Pete's Beach in Florida, and making sure no one she knew went without.  JoAnn is survived by her husband of 30 years John N.  Perlick; sons Earnest C. (Brenda) Brown of Bethel Park, John E. (Wendy) Brown of Virginia Beach, and Michael A. (Peggy) Brown of Clairton; step-son John K. Perlick of Greenock; step-daughter Carol (Victor) Sporio of Jefferson Hills; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; siblings Mary Lou (the late Robert) Firczak of Clairton, Samuel (Janice) Shamber of Jefferson Hills, Diane (Robert) Merichko of Munhall, Christine (Margie) Shamber of Clairton, and Stephan R. (Christine) Shamber of Bethel Park; and many nieces and nephews.

Read More

---

Betty Ann Clark

June 20, 2025 |

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

Betty Ann Clark, age 81, of Cedar Hill, TN, formerly of Elizabeth, passed away Monday, June 16, 2025 at NHC Nursing Center in Springfield, TN. She was a member of Cedar Hill Baptist Church in TN and a former member of Elizabeth Baptist Church. She was a member of the Blaine Hill VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Born October 29, 1943 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Arthur S. and Hazel Ann (McCorkle) Mosena and wife of the late Eugene Allen Clark. She is survived by nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an uncle, John McCorkle. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service in the funeral home chapel will be Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 10 AM with Pastor Jude Urso officiating. Burial will be in Round Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Elizabeth Baptist Church, Center Avenue, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

---

William J. Mulvilhill Jr.

June 18, 2025 |

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

William “Bill” J. Mulvihill Jr., age 70, of Elizabeth Twp., formerly of Lincoln Place in Pittsburgh, passed away peacefully at home June 17, 2025. A South High School graduate, he attended Dean Tech and began his company, Mulvihill Builders & Contractors, 40 years ago. He built his family home in Elizabeth Twp., where he lived for 28 years. In addition to his contracting business, Bill installed handicap equipment for the elderly and disabled throughout Western Pennsylvania. His work provided independence for people in their home. He touched so many lives and developed wonderful relationships. He was an avid sports fan of hockey and football and loved playing golf with his son. He enjoyed long, sunny days at the beach and most of all, Bill loved his family. Born March 11, 1955 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late William J. and Rosalia (Malatesta) Mulvihill. He is survived by his forever loving wife and best friend of 41 beautiful years, Sharon (Evanchec) Mulvihill; son, Evan (Erin Keller) Mulvihill of Scott Twp.; daughter, Minque Antoinette “Toni” Mulvihill of Greensburg; sister, Rosalia “Pinky” (James) Danchak of South Park; also, numerous nieces and other family. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 11 AM at St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. Entombment will be in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

---

Alvin D. Werner

June 17, 2025 |

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

Alvin D. Werner, age 83, of Forward Twp., passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh. A retired teamster from West Elizabeth Lumber, he was a graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School, a life member of the Forward Twp. Volunteer Fire Department and a huge Pittsburgh Pirates fan. Born in Forward Twp. on October 13, 1941, he was a son of the late Anthony and Bessie (Wilson) Werner. He is survived by 27 nieces and nephews; numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews; and 3 great-great-great nieces. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, John, Eugene, Fredrick, Willard, and Wayne Werner, Luella Shoemaker and Mary Opfer, and a nephew. Friends will be received at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 N Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10 AM with Rev. Walter Pietschman officiating. Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com 

---

Kathleen M. Klueber

June 16, 2025 |

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

Kathleen M. Klueber, age 76, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Paramount Senior Living in Bethel Park. A native of Brookline, Kathie had resided in Bloomington, IN and Louisville, KY throughout her career in education. She was a retired professor from Spalding University in Louisville, KY and a former professor at the University of Louisville and Indiana University. She obtained a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh and was an avid quilter and painter. Born October 26, 1948, in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Dr. William F. and Mary Catherine (Kirschbaum) Klueber. She is survived by a sister, Mary-Beth (Tom) Frazer of Sebring, FL; niece, Kimberly Klueber; nephews, William (Pamela) Frazer, Rich Klueber, Dave (Stacie) Klueber and Kevin (Aileen) Klueber; also, great-nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Richard W. Klueber. No visitation is planned. A mass of Christian burial will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10 AM in St. Thomas A Becket Church, Jefferson Hills. (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH) Burial will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, McMurray. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 2403 Sidney Street, Suite 205, Pittsburgh, PA, 15203. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

---

Stephen P. Gogoel

June 12, 2025 |

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

Stephen P. Gogoel, age 76, of Blaine Hill, passed away Thursday, June 12, 2025 in UPMC McKeesport. He was an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, where he was an aircraft and engine mechanic, he was a retired electrician at UPMC Mercy. He loved NASCAR and was a Mark Martin fan. He was a lifetime member of Blaine Hill Volunteer Fire Co. and was a member of VFW Post 803 in Wilson. Born July 5, 1948 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Stephen A. and Dorothy R. (Hamadock) Gogoel. He is survived by his daughter, Stacie Gogoel of North Carolina; grandson, Colt; sisters, Paula (Bob) Papakie of Hertford, NC, Vicki (Paul) Vespi of Blaine Hill, Terri (Terry) Rodino of Egg Harbor Twp., NJ, Jackie (Joe) Formica of South Park; brother, David (Colleen) Gogoel of White Oak; also, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Kevin Gogoel on May 9, 2025. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.