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Michael W. Faychak III

March 12, 2023 |

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

Michael W. Faychak III, age 61, of Forward Twp., passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at home. He was an installer for Beam Heating & Cooling in Monroeville and sole proprietor of Faychak Heating and Cooling. A member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp., he loved hunting fishing, camping and riding his Harley Davidson. He enjoyed watching his son race BMX, football, snowboarding and skiing. Born August 11, 1961 in McKeesport, he was a son of Rosalie (Fasiczka) Faychak of York, SC and the late Michael W. Faychak Jr. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 41 years, Melinda L. (Meyer) Faychak; son, Michael W. Faychak IV of Forward Twp.; sisters, Michele (Barry) Hallman of York, SC and Nikki Kalcevic of San Antonio, TX; brother, Chris (Michelle) Faychak of Florida; also,A Memorial nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers-in law and sisters-in-law. No visitation is planned. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Monday, May 29, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church with the Rev. Thomas A. Wagner officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to https://www.gofundme.com/f/michael-faychak-medical-and-final-expenses. Arrangements by the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Linda M. "Lu Lu" Hippard

March 12, 2023 |

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

Linda M. "Lu Lu" Hippard,  73, of Elizabeth Township, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023. She was born April 25, 1949 in McKeesport and was the daughter of the late Earl and Mary (Trainor) Leyland. She was a member of Sts. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church, Elizabeth Township and was a 1967 graduate and class vice-president of the former St. Peter's High School in McKeesport. Her unwavering Catholic faith carried her through life and she prayed the Rosary daily. She had a sucessful career in banking that began in Pittsburgh with the former Union National Bank and ended in Florida with Bank of America. After her retirement, she returned to Elizabeth Township where she found joy caring for home bound seniors, the sick, and those with disabilities. Through this she made many friends. She was also a member and former treasurer of the Mon-Yough Trail Council. She will be missed by her loyal, spoiled, loving furbaby, Abby, who was always by her side and was a source of comfort in times of sickness. Linda was grateful knowing her friends, Judy, Jacie and Marei who cared for Abby during hospital stays will continue to love and care for Abby. Linda will be missed by her many friends who loved her as family. If you were fortunate enough to know Linda you would certainly agree that she never met a stranger. They were merely a friend she hadn't met. In most cases they became friends. She always saw the good in people even when the rest of us couldn't.

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Richard J. Raposky

March 12, 2023 |

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

Richard J. Raposky, age 63 of Clairton, passed away on  Saturday March 11, 2023 in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh.  Born May 4, 1959 in New Eagle, he was a son of the late Michael J. Raposky and Dorothy Jean (Svacs) King.  A 1977 graduate of Clairton High School and a member of Pine Run United Methodist Church in Clairton, Richard was a truck driver working for Posty Trucking but more recently for Nickolich Towing.  He is survived by his daughter Nicole (Scott) Karel of West Mifflin; his grandchildren Savannah and Shawn "Junior" Donnelly and E.J. and Mia Karel; his father Alvin King of Jefferson Hills; his sisters Lynnette (Ray) Zajac of Pleasant Hills and Debbie (Mark) Graham of West Mifflin; his nieces and nephews Kari, Amanda, Rachel, Abby, Kevin, Brittney, Alyssa, Brandon, Ryan, Aiden, Mason, and Jacelyn; his "brother from another mother" Nick Nickolich; and also many aunts and uncles.  Besides his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his nephew Jason Graham.  

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Thomas W. “Tom” Kadar, Sr.

March 10, 2023 |

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

Thomas W. “Tom” Kadar, Sr., 70, of Charleroi, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2023 at home. He was born May 30, 1952 in Elizabeth and was the son of the late Peter and Suzanne (Berchok) Kadar. He was the husband of 24 years to the late Donna Lynn Kadar, who passed away May 25, 2017. Tom worked as a long-haul truck driver for many years and owned and operated his own truck. He loved to hang out with his buddies at Jones’ Salvage Yard and was also a member of the Buena Vista Fire Hall. Tom enjoyed racing, going to races and watching his son, Tom Jr., race his car. He also was an avid TV watcher, which he affectionately called “The Tube”. Tom was the best husband, father and pappy anyone could ever ask for and enjoyed going out to lunch and dinner with his family and attending his grandkid’s sporting events. He will be greatly missed.

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Michelle D. Vancas

March 10, 2023 |

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

Michelle D. (Colecchi) Vancas, age 72, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away surrounded by her loving family on Friday, March 10, 2023 at Allegheny General Hospital. She was a member of St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church in Elizabeth Twp. and a former clerical worker at Equibank in Pittsburgh. She enjoyed cooking and watching her grandchildren grow up was the highlight of her life.  Born May 7, 1950 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Kern) Colecchi. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Michael W. Vancas; daughter, Caitlin (Justin) Driscoll of Rostraver Twp.; grandchildren, Everly and Brayden Driscoll; brother, John Colecchi of Colorado Springs, CO; and niece, Mary Colecchi of Denver, CO. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 10 AM in St. Michael Church with the Rev. Thomas A. Wagner officiating. Burial is private. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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William Peter "Bill" Kostyzak, Sr.

March 10, 2023 |

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

William Peter "Bill" Kostyzak, Sr., 86, of Glassport, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2023.  He was born August 12, 1936 in McKeesport and was the son of the late Peter and Ruth (Gross) Kostyzak.  Bill retired from Copperweld after many years of service.  Bill enjoyed playing golf, his favorite courses were Butler's and Seven Springs.  He was a jack of all trades and could fix anything around the house, including the plumbing and electrical.  He was known for his singing and his skill in leather working.  He had a great sense of humor and will be very missed.  He is survived by his wife of 65 years,  Enise M. (Donofrio) Kostyzak; son, Michael R. Kostyzak of Glassport; sister, Ruth Ann Kostyzak of McMurray; grandchildren, Billy, Brad, Brianna, Richie and Dania Kostyzak; great-grandchildren, Richie, Ava and Anya, as well as nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Richard Kostyzak and William Kostyzak,  Jr and his brother, Richard Kostyzak. There is no visitation or services planned. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, Director.  Condolences may be made at GilbertFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

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Anna E. Agosti

March 10, 2023 |

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

Anna E. Agosti, age 88, of Elizabeth Twp., passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on Thursday, March 9, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Robert Agosti. She was a short-order cook at Johnnie’s Drive-In in West Elizabeth and a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandma, and a member of the former St. Michael Parish in Elizabeth Twp. Born April 26, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Renaldo and Angelina Gornati, and sister of the late Robert, Rudy and Raymond Gornati, Adeline Cortinovis and Elda Romanic. She is survived by her five children, Bobbie (John) Martell of Punta Gorda, FL, Kevin (Julie) Agosti of Plum, Elaine Agosti of Munhall, Laurie (Jeff) Gonze of Elizabeth and Kathi (Tim) Kern of Elizabeth Twp.; 11 grandchildren, Candice Martell of Mesa, AZ, Nicole (Damian) Baskerville of Algier, NC, John (Margaret) Martell of Mesa, AZ, Austin Agosti of Munhall, Christina (Don) Blank of Elizabeth, Melissa Barrickman of Nashville, TN, James Barrickman of Las Vegas, NV, Ana Barrickman of Elizabeth, Riley (Carissa) Kern of Eighty-Four; McKenna (Tyler Crawford) Kern of Manor and Cassidy Kern of Elizabeth Twp.; great-grandchildren, Jackson Martell, Abigail, Gabrielle and Chloe Blank, Natalia, Sophia and Olivia Baskerville and Alexandra, James and Charlotte Martell. She was affectionately referred to as “Mama,” “Poretta” or “Gram” by countless people – young and old – whose lives she touched. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth, Sunday, March 12 from 1-4 and 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 13, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Joachim and Anne Parish, St. Michael Church with the Rev. Thomas A. Wagner officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Elizabeth Twp. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Carol E. Gergley

March 10, 2023 |

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

Carol E. Gergley, age 86 of Clairton, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023 in Grandview Estates, Elizabeth Twp.  Born March 6, 1937 in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late Samuel Mortle and Bertha (Claude) Lowers.  A graduate of Clairton High School, Carol was an active member of Bible Baptist Temple in Jefferson Hills, serving as its pianist and choir director.  She was also a member of the Wilson Civic Association.  In her spare time, Carol loved to play cards and had an amazing tradition of always cooking a big Saturday morning breakfast for family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who wanted to come by.  Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Eugene "Geno" M. Gergley, who passed away December 11, 2009; her son Darrell Gergley; her daughter Carol "Sissy" Kurta; her brothers Glenn, Wayne, and Ronald Mortle; her son-in-law Richard Kurta; her sister-in-law Mary Lou Mortle.  Carol is survived by her daughters Glinda (Joe) Sekulich, Lora (Craig) Pittman, and Sharla (Jeff) McConeghy, all of Jefferson Hills; her grandchildren Jessica Hernandez, Janel (Aaron) Whitfield, Julianne (David) Dixon, Dustin (Rebekka) Pittman, Garrett (fiancee' Hannah) Pittman, Cody Pittman; Daniel (fiancee' Heather) McConeghy , David (fiancee' Christina) McConeghy, Nicole (Steve) Mongelluzzo, Brandon (Gina) Kurta, Frank Oates, and Shane Oates; her 27 great-grandchildren; her daughters-in-law Renee (Frank) Oates and Billie Jo Kurta; her sisters-in-laws Claudia "Jake" Mortle, Virginia Mortle and Lillian Gergley; her brother-in-law Mike (Joyce) Gergley; and also nieces and nephews.  

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Jeremy John Elms

March 09, 2023 |

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

Jeremy John Elms, age 36, of Elizabeth, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. He was an electrician for Heritage Electrical Services in Imperial. He was a 2004 graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School, attended Dean Technical Institute, and was a member of the Blaine Hill Volunteer Fire Company. Born June 7, 1986 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of Kathleen Elms of Oakmont, formerly of Elizabeth, and the late James H. Elms. In addition to his mother, he is survived by daughter, Ella Rose Elms of Elizabeth; sister, Brittany Elms of Baldwin; also, aunts, uncles and cousins. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Herman and Loretta Elms, and maternal grandparents, John and Olga Pollack. Friends will be received in the Paul E. Bekavac Funeral Home, 221 North Second Avenue, Elizabeth on Monday, March 13, 2023 from 1-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 10 AM in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Jude Urso officiating. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.

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Robert James Moore

March 09, 2023 |

By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Robert James Moore, age 58, of McKeesport, died on Friday, March 3, 2023. He was born in Duquesne on March 20, 1964 and is the son of the late Mildred Doltz Moore.

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William M. Halas

March 09, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

William M. Halas, 90, of North Huntingdon, passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at UPMC East Hospital.  He was born May 5, 1932 in Duquesne, a son of the late Michael and Mary (Andre) Halas.  Prior to his retirement, Bill was scheduler for US Steel, Christy Park Works and later worked for Extrude Hone in the maintenance department.  Bill was a veteran of the US Army and a member  the First Evangelical Free Church, McKeesport.  He was a lifelong carpenter and a devoted husband, father and grandfather.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Frank and sister, Helen Kametz.  He is survived by his wife, Dolores E. (Jacob) Halas; sons, Scott and his wife, Lisa, Mark;  sister-in-law, Carolyn Halas; grandchildren, Brandon (Susi) Halas and Danielle (William) Boger; great-grandchildren, Oliver and Benjamin Halas.  Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Sunday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  A funeral service will take place on Monday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment will be private in Long Run Cemetery.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com

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Robert Scott Castro, Sr.

March 08, 2023 |

By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Robert Scott Castro, Sr., age 61, of McKeesport, died on March 7, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on February 19, 1962 and is the son of the late Felix and Dolores Finney Castro. Robert was a member of the McKeesport Presbyterian Church and the General Smedley D. Butler Post 701, White Oak American Legion. His specialty was in roofing and labor work, but he did a little bit of everything. He was an avid actor and performed at the McKeesport Little Theater and for Conley’s dinner parties. He never missed a Pittsburgh Pirates game and loved to spend time with his family. He was a fun, loving, jovial guy.

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Pamela J. Markovich

March 08, 2023 |

By Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home | Posted in: Maloy-Schleifer Funeral Home

Pamela J. Markovich, age 67, of Elizabeth Twp., passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at UPMC McKeesport. Born in Homestead on April 27, 1955, she is the daughter of Eleanor (Spanitz) Duche of West Mifflin and the late Leonard Evagues Sr. She was a former employee of U.S. Steel and a real estate agent. She was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish-Holy Name Church. Pam was a loyal Steeler fan, calling herself a “Steelerette.” She was also good at art and poetry. She is the mother of Mylo (Sharon) Markovich of Greensburg, Samantha Markovich of Elizabeth and the late Clint Foley; grandmother of Lily Coffey, Ella Coffey, Ben Markovich, Brian Markovich, and Mylo Markovich; sister of Leonard (Joanne) Evagues Jr. of Duquesne, Michaeleene (late Anthony “Carly”) Giannandrea of West Mifflin,Alicia (Brian) Ziemke of Elizabeth Twp., and late Edward Evagues; and boyfriend Val Kruska of Elizabeth Twp. She is also survived by nieces and nephews. There will be no services or visitation. Arrangements entrusted to the MALOY-SCHLEIFER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 915 KENNEDY AVE., DUQUESNE, 412-466-3300, WILLIAM B. SCHLEIFER, SUPERVISOR, WILLIAM BRIAN SCHLEIFER, FUNERAL DIRECTOR. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to defray medical and funeral expenses.

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Michael J. Melosky

March 08, 2023 |

By Strifflers Family Funeral Homes | Posted in: Strifflers Family Funeral Homes

Michael J. Melosky, age 97, of White Oak, died on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. He was born in McKeesport on August 28, 1925, and is the son of the late Michael and Mary Melosky and the husband of the late Elsie I. Pavlick Melosky, who died on December 26, 2011. 

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Marsha A. Leader

March 08, 2023 |

By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Marsha A. Leader, 76, of North Huntingdon, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.  She was born May 12, 1946 in McKeesport, a daughter of the late David and Helen (Stuno) Malamisuro.  Prior to her retirement, Marsha was a secretary for the Westmoreland County Blind Association and Penn State University.  She enjoyed working puzzles, playing card games and Trivial Pursuit, going out to dinner with her family and taking trips to the beach.   In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John B. Leader; and brother, James.  She is survived by her daughters, Michelle Thornton and her husband, Derek, Jennifer Ludwig and her husband, Erik; grandchildren, Savanna, Sierra and Samson.  A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA  15642.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westmoreland County Blind Association or the American Cancer Society.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com