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.
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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
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
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
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.
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.
June 11, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Nancy Lynn (Core) Gesmond, age 61 of Versailles, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Forbes Regional Hospital, Monroeville. Born July 31, 1963 in Alexandria, VA, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Anna (Wronkovich) Core. Nancy is survived by her loving husband Daniel Gesmond Sr.; her children Daniel Jr., Michael, and Nikki Gesmond; her grandchildren who she loved with all of her heart: Alivia, Joey, and Carson; her sister Louise Hudson; and also her three nephews.
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June 09, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Annette "Toni" McLaughlin, age 79 of Clairton, was called home by her Savior Jesus Christ in June of 2024. Born July 22, 1944, in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Dora) Planich. Annette is survived by her children Ashley (Mark) Iddings and Ian McLaughlin, both of Pittsburgh, her granddaughter Audra, her sisters Emily (Donald) Parks of O'Hara Twp. and Mary Lou (John) Matola of Finleyville, as well as nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Mount Aloysius College with a propensity towards numbers and organization, she went on to work for the federal government in Washington D.C. and Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory. However, she gave up what would have been a promising career path to take on what she considered her most rewarding job, raising her children - which she made her world. A loving sister, mother, grandmother "Baba", aunt and friend; she was a sensitive soul, and an empathic listener with whom anyone could feel safe, heard, and comforted. To those who knew her best, she displayed razor-sharp wit, unparalleled humor and a playfully affectionate personality. She was graceful and meticulous in her appearance; actions and the atmosphere she created around her; making her beautiful both inside and out. She was the quiet presence in life that is now so undeniably loud in her absence.
Services will be private at the request of the family. Arrangements by the A.J. Bekavac Funeral Home, Clairton.
