February 23, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
John Harry Ackinclose, age 71 of Glassport, passed away Sunday February 22, 2026 in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Born May 19, 1954 in Washington, PA, he was a son of the late Harry and Gertrude (Bruno) Ackinclose. John was a retired refractory worker for Chiz Brothers and a member of Port Vue United Methodist Church. He loved to go for walks in Renzie Park, lift weights, play poker, listen to music, and cheer on the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is survived by his son, Nicholas Ackinclose of Port Vue; daughter, Jennifer (Alex) Whitaker of Blountville, TN; granddaughters, Katelyn and Lexi Whitaker and Kirsten (McGregor) Palyo; a soon-to-be great-grandchild M.J.; his step-children Billy Kline, Kevin Gilbert, and Keri Castaldo; his step-grandchildren Grant and Grace; and many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister Noreen Rendulic. John was loved by many and will be deeply missed.
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February 23, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Douglas S. Underwood, age 66 of Port Vue, passed away at home on Friday, February 20, 2026, peacefully and surrounded by his family, after a long journey with Parkinson's Disease. Born September 21, 1959 in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Emery and Opal (Berga) Underwood and grew up in Lincoln Borough. A former maintenance director at various area healthcare and memory care facilities, Douglas was an avid golfer, especially with his Friday golf league, and loved to relax in his backyard pool. However, his biggest joy and priority were his daughters. Douglas is survived by his daughters Carrie Underwood, Alicia Underwood, and Amy Underwood, all of Port Vue; his siblings Ronald Underwood of Atlanta, GA, Beverly Rudberg of Elizabeth Twp., Vicki Underwood of Liberty Borough, and Toni Limbers of Fairmont, WV; his girlfriend Mary Beth Gaydos Cadmar of Glassport; and also his nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Douglas was preceded in death by his siblings Galen (Joe) Underwood and Karen Yeager.
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February 20, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Danny Michael Ruhl, age 38, of Elizabeth, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026 at home. A former machinist, he enjoyed playing pool and guitar and was good at everything he did. Born December 27, 1987 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of Marie Geletko (Robert) Shelton of Elizabeth Twp. and the late Paul Ruhl. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his brothers, William (Melissa) Ruhl of Elizabeth and Tyler Shelton of Elizabeth Twp.; niece, Ava Ruhl; uncles, Bernie Ruhl of Forward Twp. and Gary Ruhl of Elizabeth; aunts, Janice Eddy of Indiana, PA, Kristin Salvato of Virginia, Monica Lafrankie of Greenock and Jill Geletko of Clairton; also, many cousins and friends. A Memorial Gathering will take place in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 4 PM until a prayer service at 6 PM. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
February 20, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Margarete “Marga” Marta (Lauer) Flynn, age 85, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Mount Macrina Nursing Home in Uniontown with her daughter Heide Diane Kibe (Flynn), grandson Ryan David Kibe and loving nurses and aides by her bedside. Born August 2, 1940 in Ludwigshafen, Germany AM Rhein, she as a daughter of the late Wilhem and Elizabeth (Schneider) Lauer. She was born during World War II and had to be tough and that characteristic taught her as an adult not to complain and do what you have to do. She came to America speaking very little English and became a citizen with will and determination. She made a business with her husband, Andy Lee Flynn Sr. who passed April 21, 2016 and was the proprietor of Flynn’s Cleaners and Tailoring in Clairton for more than 40 years. She is survived by her three children, Ruth Ann Kvasnak of South Carolina, Andy (Cinta) Flynn Jr. of Seattle, WA and Heide (Rex) Kibe of Elizabeth; grandchildren, Ryan David Kibe, Barbara and Dayton Flynn and Rachel Ickes; 12 great-grandchildren that she loved dearly; sisters, Heide (Ralph) Garner of Ozark, MO and Karin Appel of West Germany Ludwigshafen Am Rhein; also, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be private at the request of the family. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
February 18, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Goldie L. Kass, age 94, of Elizbeth Twp., passed away Monday, February 16, 2026 in Jefferson Hospital. She was a member of Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church where she was a pre-school Sunday School teacher for more than 40 years and enjoyed volunteering with her church. She loved to crochet and embroider, and made delicious cinnamon rolls. Born December 5, 1931 in Wenatchee, WA, she was a daughter of the late Byron and Mildred (Pendell) Harper and wife of the late Richard E. Kass. She is survived by her children, Bruce (Joyce) Kass of Port Charlotte, FL, Clark (Mary) Kass of Munhall and Pamela (David) Werner of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Ryan Kass, Alison Kass and Jacquelyn Karnes; great-grandchildren, Ava and Alexandra Karnes; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by six siblings. No visitation or services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 301 Grant Street, Suite 900, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
February 18, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
It is with profound sadness that Paula passed away on February 17, 2026, 6 months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She chose to release her spirit with her daughter by her side, on the Lunar New Year, symbolizing a fresh start for her new state of being. A devoted and courageous single mother, Paula was dearly loved by her daughter Lisa Bennington (Brad Korinski) and her granddaughter Emma. She enjoyed gardening and picking mulberries with Emma. Emma worked alongside her grandmother attempting to fulfill Paula’s dream of growing a corn field and a blueberry patch in our city backyard (it did not work). We all enjoyed fireworks on her balcony for the 4th of July. She delighted in trying new recipes with ratatouille being her best. A consumer of all things “witchy,” she was also an intuitive tarot card reader.
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February 18, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Mary M. Zaken, age 90, of Elizabeth, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026 in Jefferson Hospital. She was a member of Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Clairton where she enjoyed volunteering. She was a former secretary for Clairton High School, a former lunch aide at Elizabeth Elementary School, and a member of GAA of Clairton High School. She was an excellent baker and chef and made the world’s best cabbage rolls. She loved being involved with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Born August 10, 1935 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late John and Mary (Faron) Kovalyak and wife of the late George Zaken. She is survived by her daughter, Diane (Robert) Zaken Stecik of Forward Twp.; sons, George “Bucky” (Kathleen Moran) Zaken of Farmington, Kevin (Patricia Bucy) Zaken of North Huntingdon and Karl Zaken of Elizabeth; grandchildren, Devon, Paris, Kortnee, Erin, Joshua and Lindsey; great-grandchildren, Kamden and Lyla; brothers, Joseph Kovalyak of Palm Coast, FL and James Kovalyak of Easley, SC; also, nieces and nephews. There will be a funeral liturgy at Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Clairton on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 10 AM with Fr. Chris Burke officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Burial will follow in Ascension Cemetery, Clairton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church, 318 Park Avenue, Clairton, PA 15025. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
February 17, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Steve P. Sujeta, 93, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away Monday, February 16, 2026 in Whitehall Post Acute. An Air Force veteran having served in the Korean War, he was a member of Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church in McKeesport. He retired after more than 40 years as an electrician at U.S. Steel Clairton Works and served as vice president of the Clairton Steelworkers Union for eight years in the 1970s. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 75 and a member of the Elizabeth Twp. Sportsmen Club. He enjoyed bowling, fishing and target practice. Born January 24, 1933 in Clairton, he was a son of the late John and Mary (Kurutz) Sujeta. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Norma (Bickerton) Sujeta; children, Gregory (Lilly) Sujeta of Virginia Beach, VA, Gary Sujeta of Salt Lake City, Utah and Stephanie (Brad) Goe of Whitehall; grandchildren, Kayla, Charlotte, Stephanie, Charlie, Lily and Laila; also, nieces and nephews. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 3-7 PM. A funeral service will be Friday, February 20, 2026 in the funeral home with Fr. Dimitri D. Ermakov officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary Russian Orthodox Church, 330 Shaw Avenue, McKeesport, PA 15132. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
February 16, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Michael Robert Greiner, age 61, of Glassport, passed away Sunday, February 15, 2026 in Forbes Hospital. A janitorial employee with ABM in Pittsburgh, he enjoyed bowling and spending time with his family. Born January 19, 1965 in McKeesport, he was a son of the late Fredrick and Grace (Warnick) Greiner. He is survived by his fiancée, Jennifer Ralston of Plum; sons, Brandon (Felicia) Greiner and Brian Greiner, both of Elizabeth Twp.; daughter, Lillian Greiner of Plum; grandchildren, Spencer, Hunter and Annabel; brother, Joseph Greiner of Glassport; former wife, Dineen Greenwald; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, David Greiner. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 3 PM until the time of funeral service at 7 PM with Pastor Dan Lawrence officiating. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
February 14, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Sandy (Everley) Crovak, age 73, of Forward Twp., passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Jefferson Hospital. She was a retired custodian from the Elizabeth Forward School district and a former reader at Three Rivers Bank in Jefferson Hills. She loved her family and grandchildren more than anything, but also enjoyed cooking, baking and going to the beach. Born March 19, 1952, in Elizabeth, she was a daughter of the late Matthew and Grace (Trainer) Everley. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, James E. Crovak; son, James W. (Chrissy) Crovak of Elizabeth; daughter, Melissa E. Crovak of Forward Twp.; grandson, Matthew (Shelby) Crovak of Elizabeth; great grandchild, Levi Crovak; sisters, Evelyn Forsyth of Georgia and Sharon (Randy) Pence of North Carolina; brothers, William “Buddy” (Linda) Laverick of North Carolina and Howard (Audrey) Laverick of Belle Vernon; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Patty Laverick, Peggy McIntosh and Marjorie Sleasman; and brothers, Ronnie, Larry, James and Harold “Butch” Laverick. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 2-5 PM. No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
Lupus Research Alliance, 52 Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 401, New York, NY 10017. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
February 12, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Nancy June Alberts, age 82 of Versailles, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 in the Rehabilitation and Nursing Center of Greater Pittsburgh in Greensburg. Born June 23, 1943 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Grace (Naugle) Olasin.
Nancy was a member of the American Legion in White Oak and the Norwin Elks.
Nancy’s greatest joy was her family. She enjoyed going to dances, going to bingo and going to the cabin.
A retired dispatcher for Rose Transportation in Pitcairn, Nancy is survived by her sons Gregg (Mary) Alberts of Penn Twp. And Barry (Cheri) Alberts of Blairsville; her grandchildren, Amy Alberts, Chad Alberts, Carrie Wingrove, Shelly Pribanic, and Nicole Kovac; her great-grandchildren, Zachary Alberts, Julianna Pribanic, and Aaron and Lucas Kovac; her siblings Michael (Linda) Olasin of North Huntingdon and Kathy (Michael) Fitzpatrick of North Huntingdon; as well as nephew Michael (Caroline) Olasin and their children, Thea and Violet; niece Corrie Olasin; niece Kelly (DJ) Allan and their children, Adelie, Ezra, Illiana and Olivia; niece Kara Fitzpatrick; niece Shannon (Butch) Suba and their children, Cailyn and Spencer.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Kay Olasin Oliverio and her longtime companion and partner, Jack Schickel.
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February 12, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Paul S. Kacmarik, age 88, of Elizabeth Twp., formerly of Clairton, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026 in Jefferson Hospital. He was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. He was a graduate of Clairton High School and the University of Pittsburgh, with a degree in chemical engineering. He originally worked at HJ Heinz. Paul retired as a chemical engineer at U.S. Steel Clairton Works, Aristech Chemical Corp. and Koppers, Inc. He was a driver for 25 years for Meals on Wheels of Elizabeth Forward. He was an avid reader and loved washing, waxing and maintaining his cars and had the cleanest cars in town. Born March 24, 1937 in Clairton, he was a son of the late Paul and Helen (Resetar) Kacmarik. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Kathleen (Miller) Kacmarik; daughter, Diane (Peter) Frankic of Clearwater, FL; son, Stephen Kacmarik of Murrells Inlet, SC; grandchildren, Tanner (Lauren) and Nicky (Lera) Frankich; great-grandchildren, Luka and Rosie Frankich; also, many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Lewis, and brother, Gerald Kacmarik. Friends will be received at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 4-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 10 AM at St. Michael Church with the Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels of Elizabeth Forward (412-751-2230), 100 Timothy Drive, Elizabeth, PA 15037. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
February 12, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Rhonda Lee Alderson, a woman of profound creativity and articulate spirit, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026, at the age of 65.
Born on May 28, 1960, Rhonda was the beloved daughter of Patricia (Simko) Alderson of Clairton and the late Donald Alderson. For over thirty years, she was a cornerstone of the dietary department at Jefferson Hospital, where her unwavering work ethic and dedication were widely respected. A woman of faith, she was a member of the former St. Paulinas Church.
Rhonda possessed an artist’s soul and a writer’s eye for detail. An accomplished and published photographer, her work graced the pages of Snap’d and Shutter Up magazines. Her creative ingenuity was unparalleled; she was a master crafter who could transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, a talent most notably seen in the festive and meticulous way she decorated her home and porch for every holiday.
She found her greatest contentment in life's quietude—watching the birds she so lovingly fed, the company of her cherished dogs, and the simple luxury of a morning coffee or an evening beverage on her porch. Whether she was painting, fishing, traveling, or tending to a fire under the stars, Rhonda found beauty in every moment and shared that joy with those she loved.
Rhonda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wally Mortimer, in 2014 and by her father, Donald Alderson, on March 17, 2024.
Her legacy of love and elegance remains with her mother, Patricia Alderson; her devoted daughter, Katie Mortimer; her brother, James Alderson; and her sister, Kelly DiSciullo. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews—Lauren Alderson, Kayla Powell, Thomas Alderson, and Shailyn Strother—along with ten great-nieces and nephews, and a community of friends who will deeply miss her sharp wit and kind heart.
Rhonda’s life was a masterfully written story of family, faith, and the pursuit of beauty. She will be held in everlasting memory.
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February 10, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Ruth M. (Inks) Peterson, age 73, of Clairton, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026 in Jefferson Hospital. She was a member of Pine Run United Methodist Church in Clairton. Born January 15, 1953 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Samuel Inks Sr. and the late Audrey (Whyel) Inks, and wife of the late Ronald E. “Pete” Peterson. She is survived by her son, Nicholas A. (Micaela) Peterson of East McKeesport; sisters, Ramona Ohm of Clairton and Tammy Garrity of Lake City; brothers, Sam Inks of Jefferson Hills and Carl Inks of Glassport; also, nieces, nephews and numerous friends. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
February 06, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Joseph H. Rush Sr., age 61, of Forward Twp., went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 6, 2026. He died peacefully at home with his family after a brief battle with cancer. Joe was Catholic by faith. He worked his entire life in construction, from roofing to carpentry to painting. Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching the Steelers. Born August 18, 1964 in Prince George, MD, was a son of Hilliard Rush and the late Judith Slowaitis. In addition to his father, he is survived by his stepfather, William Slowaitis and his loving sisters, Shirl and Joan. Joe was blessed with three successful children, Joseph Jr., Jessica and Westley, and six beautiful grandchildren; also, several nieces and nephews. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his grandmother, Margaret Hixenbaugh. No visitation or services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s 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.
