January 26, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Linda Jean Sydeski (65), of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, originally from Glassport, died on January 23, 2026 in Pittsburgh, surrounded by deep love and the kind of community she spent her whole life building and loving.
Linda spent most of her adult life and her entire career in Ripley, West Virginia, where she devoted over 30 years to Jackson County Schools as an elementary school teacher. She began in special education and later taught third and fourth grade, becoming the kind of teacher children remember forever for how safe, seen, and loved she made them feel.
A graduate of South Allegheny High School and Slippery Rock University, Linda carried her love for others and joy of life everywhere: in her classroom, in her friendships, at the Monroeville Senior Center, and especially in her family life. After retiring, she returned to the Pittsburgh area to be close to the people she loved most - especially her grandson, Augustus (“Gus”) Sydeski, now 10, who brought her endless pride and joy.
Linda’s joy wasn’t subtle. She had an infectious smile, a laugh people could recognize from across a room, and a way of making life feel lighter just by being in it. She loved pizza, spontaneous adventures, and she had a soundtrack for happiness: “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night, a family staple this past year, sung together often. She also enjoyed Jelly Roll, because Linda had range. She loved Halloween and was exceedingly talented at making nut rolls and crocheting toy creatures.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin “Legs” Sydeski and Lois Elaine Sydeski, along with cats, Faith and Dottie, and grand-dogs, Dante and Sirius.
She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Sydeski Factor; son-in-law, Bradley Factor; grandson, Augustus Sydeski; brother, Tom (wife Dee) Sydeski; niece, Allison; nephew, Shaun; and great-niece, Alexis. She is also lovingly remembered by grand-dogs Ember and Shadow, and her own dog, Eddie.
Linda’s final year followed complications from surgery related to a congenital heart defect. Even then, she met each day with courage, humor, and the love of life that made her her. That year held hard moments, but it also held beauty: Gus reading to her, playing guitar for her, family singing together, and the kind of ordinary joy Linda always made extraordinary.
Visitation will be at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 3-7 PM. A funeral service in the funeral home chapel will be Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 10 AM with Pastor Justin Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery, and a time of food and fellowship will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Linda’s memorial scholarship can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/linda-jean-sydeski-scholarship-fund
May her memory be a blessing, and may her love remain a light in the lives of everyone she cared for so well.
Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
January 21, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Rose Marie Odorcic, age 76 of McKeesport, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 in UPMC Magee Hospital. Born September 9, 1949 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late John and Dorothy Fichera. A former cook at Penn State McKeesport/Greater Allegheny, Rose Marie is survived by her husband Robert Odorcic, Sr; her children Robert Odorcic, Jr., Lance A. Odorcic, and Stacey Odorcic, all of McKeesport; and her sister Mary Louise Cordisco of White Oak. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Jack Fichera. Friends will be received in the Daniel F. Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory, Versailles, on Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 2 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM. A Blessing will be held in the funeral home on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 10 AM. Procession and burial to follow to Penn Lincoln Memorial Park, North Huntingdon.
Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
January 14, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Betsy L. (Porter) Price, age 79, of Forward Twp., passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at home. She was a retired lot attendant at J.P. Recovery in West Mifflin and a member of First Christian Church of Monongahela. Born June 4, 1946 in Monongahela, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Hodgson) Porter and wife of the late Frank V. Price. She is survived by her son, Wayne V. (Melissa) Price of Dravosburg; granddaughter, Jordan (Luke) Price of Dravosburg; sisters, Carole Anders of Kingsport, TN and Florence “Kathy” McCovish of Forward Twp.; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Charles B. Price. No visitation or services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
January 14, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Michael D. Adams, age 85, of Lincoln Borough, passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Peters Township Post Acute. He retired as a structural painter for Union Local 530 in Pittsburgh. He enjoyed caring for his cats, NASCAR and sitting on his deck enjoying a cigar. Born September 16, 1940 in Wadesboro, NC, he was a son of the late Ernest Adams Sr. and the late Louise (Crepps) Adams, and husband of the late Lydia N. (Hrynyk) Adams. He is survived by his son, Michael D. (Laura) Adams Jr. of Glassport; daughter, Alisha (Todd) Martin of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Lacey Martin and Nicole and Michael Zepp; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by siblings, Carole Britton, Ernest Adams Jr., Gary and James Adams. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, on Thursday, January, 15, 2026 from 4-7 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
January 13, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Dennis J. Wilcher, age 73, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026 at home. He was an Air Force veteran. He was the owner of 84 Lakes and Lounge and a former owner of the Clairton Newstand. He was a self-employed local newspaper distributor and former employee of U.S. Steel Clairton Works. His passion was fishing and he also enjoyed hunting and collecting sports cards. Born March 28, 1952 in Clairton, he was a son of the late Murald and Doris (Jones) Wilcher. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna (Staffen) Wilcher; children, Keith Wilcher Tarah Wilcher and Bryan Wilcher, all of Elizabeth Twp.; grandchildren, Sam, Codie, Stephen, Alayna, Bayden, Carlee, Aylee and Aubrie; sister, Beverly (Harold) Gouker of Forward Twp.; brother-in-law, Richard (Stacie) Staffen of Monongahela; sisters-in-law, Marlene Wilcher of Clairton, Aljean Wilcher of Port Vue and Debra Staffen of Monongahela; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Gene Wilcher, Paige Wilcher, Terry Wilcher and Sherry Mae Wilcher, and brother-in-law, Bill Staffen Jr. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
January 13, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Helen (Powelczak) Churilla, age 106, of Blaine Hill, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026 at TLC Adult Care Center in West Newton. She was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. Her greatest joy was cooking, baking and hosting family for events. Born April 2, 1919 in West Newton, she was a daughter of the late Nicholas and Sara (Pauchak) Powelczak and wife of the late Michael T. Churilla. She is survived by nieces, Sheila Grimm of Ligonier, Kathy Huber of West Newton, June Morris of Severn, MD and Rose Helen Forbes of Plymouth, MA. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Rose, Katherine, Ann and Mary, and brothers, Michael and John. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:30 AM at St. Michael Church with the Rev. Thomas J. Burke officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH. Burial will be private in Monongahela Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to TLC Adult Care Center, 9 Rio Vista Street, West Newton, PA 15089. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
January 12, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Frederick E. Moore, Jr., age 74 of McKeesport, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026 in Jefferson Hospital. Born November 2, 1951 in Millville, NJ, he was a son of the late Frederick E. Moore, Sr. and Dorothy (White) Moore. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, two sisters-in-law, a niece, and his father-and-mother-in-law Ronald and Wilma Cessna. Fred was employed as the head transmission rebuilder of all makes and models at several local shops. He was an avid race car fan who built and drove his own small-block hot rod. Fred also served in the US Marine Corps. Survivors include his beloved wife Donna "Baby" (Cessna) Moore; his two daughters chosen by his heart, Vanessa "Baby Girl" Connors and Derronda "D.D." Spencer; his two biological daughters; his three biological grand-daughters; his three siblings Frances Patterson, Michael (Kathy) Moore, and Barbara (Ray) Hober; his brothers-and-sisters-in-law: Karen (Jerry) Pritt, Dennis (Brenda) Cessna, Ron (Karen) Cessna, Allen Cessna, Jim (Patti Kidd) Cessna; thirty-two nieces and nephews; thirty-seven great-nieces-and-nephews; five great-great-nieces-and-nephews; and his best friend Frank Varlotta. Fred was an anchor of strength to those he loved.
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January 10, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Charles H. "Chaz" Smith, age 81 and formerly of Glassport, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Cardinal Woods Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Madison, OH. Born April 30, 1944 in Jacobs Creek, he was a son of the late Edward and Eleanor (Criley) Smith. A retired steelworker for US Steel - National Tube in McKeesport who also worked at Pittsburgh's Spring Mill, Charles served in the US Army. He is survived by his daughter Laura Smith of Liberty Borough, his granddaughter Destiny, his nephew Nicholas (Barb) Cisco of Jefferson Hills, and his niece Mary Payo of Clairton. Besides his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his son Charles H. Smith, Jr..
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January 04, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Sherry L. (Suchy) Shada, age 68, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at home. She was a devoted grandma, follower of Christ, praying mother and praying wife. Born November 24, 1957, in Monroeville, she was a daughter of the late Peter and Kathleen (Lanning) Suchy. She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Ray Shada; daughter, Katie (Tim) Strobel of Elizabeth Twp.; son, Raymond G. (Chelsea) Shada, Jr. of Elizabeth Twp.; three grandchildren, Luke Strobel, Autumn and Acadia Shada; brother, Gary (Rosemary) Suchy of Oil City; also, nieces and nephews. Private visitation at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth, followed by private burial at Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Offer condolences at
www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
January 03, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Robert J. “Beatle” Greenwald, age 73, of Fayette City, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Jefferson Hospital. He was a retired welder with J&L Barge Company in Elizabeth. Born August 25, 1952, in McKeesport, he was a son of the late John H. and Wanda F. (Godlewski) Greenwald. He is survived by a son, Robert J. Greenwald, Jr. of Hopwood; brothers, Dan (Kathy) Greenwald and David A. (Dineen) Greenwald, both of Elizabeth Twp.; also, nieces and nephews. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com
January 03, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Janet E. (Caster) Ufko, age 85 of Punta Gorda, FL, formerly of Elizabeth Twp., passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, at home. She retired as a maintenance worker for the Bureau of Mines and loved reading, the Steelers, crossword puzzles, dancing, and watching documentaries. Once she learned how to use a tablet, she liked Facebook but LOVED online shopping! Janet was extremely generous and nothing made her happier than donating to her charitable causes and sending cards and gifts to the people she loved. Born August 6, 1940, in Forward Twp., she was a daughter of the late Fred Joseph and Lillian (Collins) Caster. She is survived by her daughters, Terri (Paul Lorenzo) Ufko of Punta Gorda, FL and Leigh Ann (Matt Cindrich) Nevin of Elizabeth Twp.; granddaughters, Amanda Musisko of Monongahela and Amelia (Nathan Rozik) Nevin of Belle Vernon; great-granddaughter, Aubree Nevin; sister, Florence Shoemaker of Huntingdon; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Tammy Marie Cox; brothers, Fred, William, Howard, Harry and Frank Caster; and sisters, Dorothy Paquet and Dolores Spinneweber. No visitation or services are planned. Private burial at Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. Memorial 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
January 03, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Eric M. Galzerano, age 64 of White Oak, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026 in Kane Regional Center, McKeesport. Born April 29, 1961 in McKeesport, he is a son of Anna (Daczkowski) Galzerano of White Oak and the late Carl Galzerano. A member of Mary, Mother of God Parish (the former St. Mary's Czestochowa Church), Eric worked as a framer for Crown Picture Framing in McKeesport. Besides his mother, he is survived by his brothers Mark (Marion) Galzerano of North Huntingdon and Paul (Cindy) Galzerano of White Oak, and his nephew Jacob Galzerano.
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January 03, 2026 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Elizabeth M. "Betty" Oeler, age 97 of Palo Alto, CA and formerly of Elizabeth Twp. and Towson, MD, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Ivy Park Assisted Living in Palo Alto. Born May 6, 1928 in Versailles, she was a daughter of the late Andrew and Amelia (Skobar) Frketic. A dedicated parishioner of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish - St. Michael's Church in Elizabeth Twp. and a lifelong member of the Croatian Fraternal Union, Lodge #146 in Versailles, Betty was a secretary for the A.B. Murray Co. and then worked, until her retirement, for Children and Youth Services (now CYF) in Allegheny County. She lived in McKeesport into her ninth decade, before moving to Towson in 2020 and then California in 2021. Besides her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband, the late Karl Oeler, who passed away in 1965, her sisters Helen Ferketic and Kathryn Fagan, and her nephew Robert Fagan. She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Karla Oeler (and her husband Dr. Alex Woloch) of Palo Alto and her niece Kathleen Fagan of Baltimore.
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December 29, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
William S. Theiss, age 70, of Jefferson Hills, peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025. Born November 25, 1955, in McKeesport, PA, he was a son of the late William and Alice (Kennet) Theiss. William formerly worked as an Operator at Clairton Works, from which he retired, and later was employed by the West Jefferson Hills School District. He was a member of VFW Post 803 and the National Rifle Association, and he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Debra (Gilmore) Theiss; sons, William (Kelly) Theiss of Jefferson Hills, PA, and J.T. (Jaclyn) Thomas of Jefferson Hills, PA; his grandchildren Landon Theiss, Kiptyn Theiss, and Clara Renee Thomas; brothers, Thomas (Sherry) Theiss of Penn, PA, and David Theiss of New Ringgold, PA; sister, Shirley (Carl) Klinzing of South Park, PA; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by sisters, Patricia Belback, Marcia Theiss, and Stephanie Lasich.
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December 26, 2025 |
By Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory | Posted in: Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory
Cynthia Ann Kukulka, age 73, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away Thursday, December 25, 2025 at home. She was a former member of Elizabeth United Methodist Church. Born May 24, 1952, she was a daughter of the late Elmer and Elizabeth (Kostura) Furst. She is survived by her children, Marsha Kukulka of McKeesport, Wendy Dziadyk of Jefferson Hills and Jesse Gilbert of Maryland; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary (Curt) Briggs of Elizabeth, Karen Goreck of West Mifflin, Nancy Lee Furst of Elizabeth and Pam (Don) Pishney of Greenock; brothers, Elmer F. (Katie) Furst Jr. of Dunbar and John (Karen) Furst of Scottdale; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by siblings, Deborah Donnelly, Joyce Jones, Audrey McGinn and Francis Furst. The family offers special thanks and gratitude to her caregivers, Edna, Marcell, Iman, Theresa and Ashley, and her Family Hospice team, Tracy, Shanae and Emily. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, Sunday, December 28, 2025 from 4-8 PM. Service with the Rev. Bill Little officiating and burial are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Southeast Regional EMS, 911 Swiss Way, Elizabeth, PA 15037 or UPMC Family Hospice, 300 Northpointe Circle, Suite 305, Seven Fields, PA 16046. Offer condolences at http://www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.
