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Carl E. Gay

April 17, 2020 |

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

Carl Gay, father of seven children, native of the great state of Texas and long-time resident of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away on Easter Sunday after a long battle with mesothelioma. Carl was a master of the New York Times crossword puzzle, as well as a skilled and eloquent debater. He served his country admirably as sailor aboard the submarines USS Black Fin, USS Guitarro and USS Seawolf before entering into the Air Force as a member of the burgeoning nuclear power program. After a successful career in the military, he went on to become an esteemed nuclear inspector, ensuring the safety and well-being of all regions served by nuclear power. He will be remembered as a southern gentleman with unfailing manners and charm, possessed of an exceedingly high intelligence, a man who was both kind and generous, with a most excellent sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Louise (Stone) Gay of Clairton; son, Joe P. (Lu) Gay of Ireland; son, David E. (Christine) Gay of Bloomington, IN; daughter, Sandra Gay of Clairton; daughter, Allisa D. Gay of Mt. Washington; son, Michael (Sierra) Gay of Argyle, NY; daughter, Glynnis (Jaime Diaz) Gay of Fort Lauderdale, FL; and daughter, Kirsten (Joe) Cuomo of Frederick, MD; grandchildren; great grandchildren; sister, Roberta Ursprung of Rye, TX; and brother, Larry Gay of Spring, Texas. A memorial gathering will take place in Livingston, TX at a later date. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Larry J. Garuch

April 16, 2020 |

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

Larry J. (Garuccio) Garuch, age 80 of Clairton, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2020.  Born August 24, 1939 in Carolina, WV, he was the son of the late Joseph (Garuccio) Garuch and Catherine (Lari) Garuch.  A member of St. Clare of Assisi Church, Larry was a graduate of McKeesport High School and retired after thirty years of service at US Steel Clairton Coke Works.  At home, he always made everyone feel welcome and loved to sit on his patio and spend time with his family: the pride and joy of his life.  He also took pride in his beautiful yard and spotless cars and loved to go to the casino and horse races.  Larry will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Karen (Sammartin) Garuch; his daughters Annette (Charles) Greer of Jefferson Hills and Catherine Dever of Brigantine, NJ; his grandchildren Nicholas (Amanda) Greer of North Huntingdon and Gina Marie Greer of Jefferson Hills; his sister Norma Arabia of Shelby Twp., MI; and also nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his sister Theresa Scappetura.

 
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Helen M. Campbell

April 10, 2020 |

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

Helen M. Campbell, age 92 of Clairton, passed away at home on Friday, April 10, 2020.  Born May 9, 1927 in Oil City, she was a daughter of the late Mike and Mary (Kislan) Wasko.  A member of Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church, Helen was a graduate of the former California Teachers College (now California University of Pennsylvania) and retired as an art teacher for Clairton School District.  At home, she always made everyone feel welcome, whether in her own home or her cottage at Conneaut Lake.  Helen would gladly offer to help anyone in the family who needed it: whether it was an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or help to get started in life.  She was so loved and will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched. 

 
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Ann M. Ondrovic

April 07, 2020 |

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

Ann M. Ondrovic, age 99 of North Versailles, passed away at home on Monday, April 6, 2020.  Born September 17, 1920, in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Peter and Nina (Franko) Doric.  A member of Mary, Mother of God Parish - Corpus Christi, the former Sacred Heart Parish, and the Croatian Catholic Union, Ann was preceded in death by her husband the late Frank J. Ondrovic, who passed away July 15, 1991, and her siblings: Mary Puskaric and Stanley, Frank, and Lawrence Doric. 

 
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Kelli J. (Mulholland) Hyde

April 05, 2020 |

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

Kelli J. Hyde, age 47 of Clairton, lost a long a personal struggle and passed away at home on Thursday, April 2, 2020.  Born January 3, 1973 in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of Mary Helen (Bogacki) Mulholland, with whom she resided, and the late James Richard Mulholland.  A former hospice nurse with Family Hospice in Mt. Lebanon, Kelli is also survived by her husband Geoffrey C. Hyde; her children Breanna (Anthony) Hyde Antolik of Indiana, PA and Dylan H. and Noah C. Hyde, both of Clairton; her sister Heather (Karl) Napieracz of St. Louis, MO; and, as an avid animal lover, her two pugs Lola and Grimm.

 
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Joseph J. "Jose" McCormley

April 01, 2020 |

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

Joseph J. "Jose" McCormley, age 93 of Whitehall and formerly of Clairton, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2020  at Canterbury Place in Pittsburgh.   He was a Treasurer/Controller for Ben Venue Laboratories.   Joseph was also a member of St. Germaine Church, Bethel Park and a former member of St. Clare Parish, Clairton.  He was a Corporal in the US Army Air Corp serving during World War II and a member of both the American Legion Post 75 and the Sons of Columbus, Santa Maria Council #4, both of Clairton. Born July 25, 1926 in Clairton, he was a son of the late Joseph M. and Katherine (Flynn) McCormley.  Joseph was preceded in death by his first wife Ruth E. (McConnell) McCormley, his second wife Gail (Gawlas) Greenwald McCormley, his daughter Kathleen (Ray) Miller, and his brothers William M. McCormley and Dr. Robert McCormley.  He is survived by his daughters Ramsey Jeanne (John) Zarrella of Suisun, CA and Mary S. (the late Robert) Brushaber of Whitehall; his brother Don (Thelma) McCormley of West Mifflin; stepsons Randy Greenwald of Bonita Springs, FL and Ken Greenwald of Bowie, MD; nieces, nephews, and stepgrandchildren.  A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at a later date.

 
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Arnold E. Handley

March 31, 2020 |

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

Arnold E. Handley, age 85, of Elizabeth, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2020 at Arden Courts of Jefferson Hills. An Air Force veteran serving during the Korean War and member of American Legion Post 712 in Pleasant Hills, he was a retired sheet metal fabricator for Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 66 in Everett, WA. Born August 19, 1934 in Monroe, he was a son of the late Arnold and Gladys (Quigley) Handley and husband of the late Virginia L. (LaFrankie) Handley. He is survived by his brothers, Paul (Lorraine) Handley and George (Christine) Handley, both of Fayetteville, GA; grandson, Adam Handley of Washington State; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Handley of Washington State; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by son, Scott Handley; brother, Donald Handley; and sister, Irene Sickles. No visitation or services are planned. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolenes at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


John Ratesic

March 29, 2020 |

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

John Ratesic, age 79 of White Oak, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2020.  Born August 25, 1940 in Braddock, PA, John was the son of the late John and Bernardine Ratesic, who raised him in McKeesport, PA.  John is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 49 years, Dorothy (Dokmanovich) Ratesic, daughter Dr. Mara Dawn (David) Koetke and granddaughter Alexandra Koetke of New York City and son, Marko (Julie) Ratesic and grandchildren Nicholas, Milena and Luke John Ratesic of Chicago.  Also surviving are his siblings Patrick (Mickey) Ratesic of Norwin, Ann (Ed) Bell of Coulter and Kay (Gerry) Feagles of Canton, Ohio.

John graduated from McKeesport High School in 1958, received a football scholarship and played for the University of Southern Mississippi, graduating in 1962.  He received his Masters Degree and Principal Certification in 1975 from Duquesne University. 

John proudly served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1963-1965.  He was a valued member of the undefeated 7th Infantry Football Team in 1963 and was named 1st Team on the All-Army Squad.

 
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Irene M. George

March 29, 2020 |

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

Irene M. George, age 88 of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2020 in UPMC McKeesport Hospital.  Born March 20, 1932 in Pitcairn, she was a daughter of the late James and Elizabeth (Ersik) Golick.  A member of St. Michael's Parish in Elizabeth Twp. and its Christian Mothers Club, Irene worked as a bookkeeper at area auto dealerships, including Golick's in Pitcarin, Pivirotto's in Homestead, and Kelly Chevrolet in Clairton.  She is survived by her husband of 66 years Edgar L. George; her sons James M. George of Elizabeth Twp., Steven L. (Diane) George of North Huntingdon, and Keith A. (Irene) George of Oakdale; her grandchildren Steven, Alexa, and Eyan George; and also nieces and nephews.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother James Golick.

 
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Concetta "Connie" (Prestia) Delconte

March 28, 2020 |

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

Concetta “Connie” (Prestia) Delconte, 94, of Clairton, PA (formerly of Donora, PA) passed away peacefully on March 26, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born in Reggio di Calabria, Italy on August 9, 1925, beloved daughter of the late Frank Prestia and Filomena (Tarzia) Prestia.  In addition to her parents, Connie’s sister, Rose Prestia Fronzaglio, preceded her in death in 1999.  Older brothers, Domenico and Vincenzo, died at early ages.  Connie was the youngest of her 3 siblings.

For 56 years, Connie was married to James G. “Jimmy/Jim” Delconte of Clairton, PA who preceded her in death on January 9, 2006.  She is survived by her 3 cherished children, son Vince (Bonnie) of Franklin Park, PA; daughter Linda Delconte Kushner (Larry, deceased, February 27, 2019) of Washington, PA; and son John (Susan) of Nashville (Franklin), TN.  She was the proud “Gramma” of Domenic James Delconte, deceased,(September 24, 2002) and Maria (Delconte) Minerd (Mark) of Upper St. Clair, PA; and “Nana” of Anthony Kushner of Washington, PA; Michael Kushner of New York City; and Gianna and Jason Delconte of Nashville (Franklin), TN.  Connie also felt blessed to be the “Great Nana” of Sienna, Vivienne, and Maela Minerd of Upper St. Clair, PA.   Several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews also survive.  Connie’s eldest nephew, Philip Maffeo (of Clairton, PA), preceded her in death in March, 2014.

 
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David Wayne Watazychyn

March 23, 2020 |

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

David W. Watazychyn, age 67 of McKeesport and formerly of Clairton, passed away peacefully at UPMC Mercy on March 22, 2020 after a period of declining health. Born August 8, 1952 in McKeesport, he was the son of John Watazychyn, formerly of Clairton, and the late Elizabeth “Betty” (Martis) Watazychyn.  David married Alberta M. Pezel on September 7, 1984, and she preceded him in death on July 29, 1991.  He attended Clairton High School, Class of 1970, and worked in the service industry, starting at Eat ‘N Park in Large and then at CVS in Pleasant Hills, until he retired in 2007 due to his health.  David was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers and Penguins, and enjoyed taking walks and spending time with friends and family. He was a former member of the Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Clairton and more recently attended St. Mary Czestochowa in McKeesport.  David as preceded in death by his wife of 6 years, Alberta M. Pezel, on July 29, 1991.  David was survived by his father John Watazychyn of Meadville; sisters Kathryn (Mike) Parks of Meadville, Patricia (Bill) Dangel of North Huntingdon, Janice (Rowland) Ferwerda of Durand MI; brother Kenneth (Sandy) Watazychyn of Clairton; nephew Steven (Alyssa) Dangel of Greensburg; niece Carolyn (Derek Rinchuse) Dangel of Greensburg; aunts Ann Watazychyn of Mission KS, Helen Watts of Denver, CO, and June Watazychyn of McDonald; and uncle Joseph Watazychyn of McKeesport. He is also survived by many cousins whom he loved very much. Along with his mother and wife, David was preceded in death by in-laws Albert E. and Clara M. Pezel; and his infant son David Aaron who passed away stillborn March 26, 1985.  He will be sadly missed by his friends at the New Life Personal Care Home in McKeesport.  David fulfilled his wish to be an organ donor through CORE.

 
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Stella M. Smith

March 20, 2020 |

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

Stella M. (Session) Smith, age 89, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at Grandview Estates surrounded by her loving family. She was a member of St. Michael Parish in Elizabeth Twp. and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Born September 10, 1930 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Ignatz and Josephine (Belarsky) Session and wife of the late Paul B. Smith. She is survived by daughters, Julia (Keith) Renquist of Liberty Borough, Pamela (William) Allan of Liberty Borough and Sharon (William) Toth of North Huntingdon; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by daughter, Mary Babiak. Visitation and service are private. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Shannon Ray Kemple

March 20, 2020 |

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

Shannon Ray Kemple, age 48, of North Fort Myers, FL, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2020 at home. He was a satellite installer for Florida Totalcom in Brandon, FL. Born February 26, 1972 in Monongahela, he was a son of Raymond King and Deborah A. (Don) Kemple Victor of Elizabeth Twp. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sons, Michael A. Kemple of Elizabeth Twp. and Anthony Kemple of North Fort Myers, FL; maternal grandfather, Michael Kemple of Elizabeth Twp.; also, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Private family viewing took place at the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

 


Barbara Lujetic

March 17, 2020 |

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

Barbara Lujetic, age 81 of Liberty Borough, passed away at home on Sunday, March 15, 2020.  Born June 7, 1938 in Spartanburg, SC, she was a daughter of the late Cecil and Mary (Cline) Vaughn.  Barbara retired after 19 years as secretary to the superintendent of South Allegheny School District, and prior to that, worked in the same capacity at Bettis Atomic Labs.  She is survived by her husband Daniel E. Lujetic; sons Dr. Daniel C. (Deborah) Lujetic of Elizabeth Borough and Timothy (Sarah) Lujetic of Liberty Borough; granddaughters Victoria (William) Bauer and Lisa and Olivia Lujetic; great-grandsons Jace and Silas; great-granddaughter Helena; and her brother Thomas Vaughn of Glassport. 

 
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Susan M. Pietraszewski

March 16, 2020 |

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

Susan M. (Livingston) Pietraszewski, age 79, of Clairton, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at Jefferson Hospital. She retired from Library Services at Community College of Allegheny County South Campus in West Mifflin. She was a former member of St. Paulinus Church in Clairton and St. Michael Parish in Elizabeth Twp. She was a former employee of the Clairton Public Library and loved reading, the flower shows at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and spending time with her husband and talking with her brothers and sisters. Born May 2, 1940 in Clairton, she was a daughter of the late John and Mary (Connell) Livingston. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, James E. Pietraszewski; daughters, Marie T. Pietraszewski of Ross Twp. and Nancy B. (David) Kurutz of Dawson; grandson, William James (Marissa Harris) Kurutz of Bullskin Twp.; sisters, Anne (Orrin) Butterfield of Minnesota and Clare (Frank) Pokorney of the state of Indiana; brothers, Clifford Livingston of Ohio, Jack (Roseann) Livingston of Florida and Richard (Patti) Livingston of Clairton; also, nieces and nephews. A memorial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh, 1133 South Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218 or the American Heart Association, Four Gateway Center, 444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.