Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc.

04/29/2026

MARILYN FRANCES BECK: It is with deep sadness; we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, Marilyn Frances Beck. Marilyn was born in Pittsburgh, PA on November 15, 1932 to the late Philip and Celia Solomon of Squirrel Hill and passed away peacefully, on the morning of April 27, 2026, surrounded by family, in her home in Delray Beach, Florida.

In her journey of 93 years, Marilyn touched many people's lives through her love, humor, understanding, her ability to listen and remember everything. She enjoyed reading, cooking and most of all, spending time with her family and beloved husband Irv. Early alarm clocks to be at work at Daniels' Discount as the owners there for over 50 years, traveling to New Philadelphia on weekends, family dinners with all the kids and as snowbirds where they finally settled in Delray Beach, Florida.

Marilyn's legacy will be carried on by those closest to her, who will miss her dearly and remember her forever with loving memories. Survived by her brother Henry "Hank" Solomon (Janet) of Miami, Florida, her late sister Sondra Coller. Children, Bill Beck (Darlene), Steve Beck (Randi), Ken Beck (Tara), Randi Whaley (Marty) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she adored.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside, on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 11 AM. Visitation 10 AM to 11 AM. Interment Ahavath Achim Cemetery in Kennedy Township.

04/29/2026

IRVING PHILLIP ROSENTHAL: Irving Phillip Rosenthal passed away on, April 28, 2026, at the age of 93. Beloved husband of 70 years to Sorley Faye (Smith) Rosenthal. Loving father of Laurie (Victor) Mizrahi and Joel (Kate) Rosenthal. Proud Papa of Elan (Vanessa) Mizrahi, Hallie Rosenthal, Gilli Mizrahi, and Kaylie (Will Mau) Rosenthal. Great grandfather of Mia and Zoe Mizrahi. Also survived by his brother-in-law, Ira (Sandy) Smith, many nieces and nephews and lifetime friends. Predeceased by his parents, Meyer and Rae (Simon) Rosenthal, and his sisters, Ethel Corn and Selma Rosenthal.

Irv grew up in Pittsburgh, graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School and received his Bachelor of Business Administration from University of Pittsburgh. The State of Pennsylvania awarded him the Top Score on the C.P.A. exam in 1956. After working for another firm and acquiring his accounting license, he co-founded and lead Alpern, Rosenthal & Company in 1961; building the practice into one of the largest regional accounting and advisory firms in Western Pennsylvania. After retirement in 2000, Irv was involved in multiple entrepreneurial ventures, investment banking and financial services.

He loved playing tennis and golf, traveling to over 50 countries, and most of all spending time with family-especially his grandchildren and grand dogs.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 1 PM. Visitation 12 Noon to 1 PM. Interment Homewood Cemetery. For Shiva information, please call the funeral home at 412.621.8282.

Contributions may be made to JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry (jfcspgh.networkforgood.com). Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc.

04/27/2026

Bruce Bergstein: on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Born and raised in Pittsburgh to Larry Bergstein and JoAnn Bergstein of blessed memory; Bruce died peacefully at the age of 66, surrounded by family. Brother to Scott of blessed memory. Bruce is survived by three children, grandchildren, an uncle, several cousins, nieces and nephews, a step brother, and many friends. Bruce lived in Pittsburgh his entire life and worked in the field of home remodeling. He was an avid fan of Pittsburgh sports teams and enjoyed reading, learning about a wide variety of subjects and reading and watching the news and current events. He loved animals and always had treats in his pockets for the dogs he would see while walking around. Graveside services and interment will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery on Oakwood Street in Shaler Township. Contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated.

Ralph Schugar Chapel is proudly serving Pittsburgh's Jewish Community as an independently owned funeral home.

04/21/2026

Howard A. "Howie" Weiss: Also known as "Bubbie" and "Stush;" Unexpectedly on Monday April 20, 2026, Beloved husband for 46 years of Fran Levenson Weiss; Loving father of Rachael (Jeff) Carlson and Allison (Leeland) Gotlieb, all of Pittsburgh; son of the late Evie and Ron Weiss and son in law of the late Judy and Al Levenson. Cherished brother of Mitchel (Christie) Weiss and Elyssa Weiss. Brother-in-law of Nat and Jim Stillwagon and the late Marcia and Tony Lucente and Mark and Andrea Levenson. Devoted Papa of Jake and Maddie Carlson and soon-to-be baby Gotlieb. Howie is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends. Howie loved spending time with his treasured family and friends and will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to have known him and have had him in their lives. Graveside services and interment will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 1:00 PM at West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. Contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated.

04/18/2026

MELVIN HACKMAN: On Saturday, April 18, 2026. Beloved husband of the late Barbara Hackman. Loving father of Jennifer (Raymond) Dunlap, James (Melissa) Hackman, and Jill (Gregg Schulemson) Wilson. Cherished brother of the late Judy Engel. Devoted grandfather of Justin Hackman, Samantha Hackman, Bryan (Carlie) Wilson, and Eric Wilson.

Mel was born and raised in Pittsburgh to the late Samuel and Jeannette Hackman. Mel was a baker who approached his craft with precision and dedication and loved to bake for people. He was the bakery manager for The Gazebo, Fox Chapel Giant Eagle, and later a bakery technician for Rich's Food Service. Mel was also a lifelong and dedicated fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The biggest priority in Mel's life was his family. His passion and devotion for his children and grandchildren was the very core of Mel as a person.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 2 PM. Visitation one hour prior to services (1 PM - 2 PM). Interment Temple Sinai Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Squirrel Hill Food Pantry (https://www.jfcspgh.org/pantryappeal) or Action for Animals Humane Society (https://www.afashelter.org/donate/). www.schugar.com

04/13/2026

03/28/2026

SHAYNA MAYA BENNETT: On March 26, 2026 passed away. Shayna was currently attending Duquesne Law School. She graduated Cum Laude in May 2025 from Hofstra University. Shayna since she was a young child had an infectious laugh, a smile that lit up a room and a heart that cared for all those around her. She aspired to give children a voice with her law degree and leave no child behind. She wanted to make a difference by being an attorney. Shayna's love for family was abundant and strong. Her favorite time was that spent with her aunts, uncles and cousins. Her sisters were her best friends and her role models. They all supported each other through different times in their lives. Shayna's strong connection to her Jewish faith guided her path in life. She was a proud member of BBYO, the Jewish Law Association at Duquesne University, The Women's Law Association and a member of Hillel at Hofstra University.

Shayna is survived by her parents Nate and Jamie Bennett, her sisters Bailey and Eliana Bennett, her Aunt Haliel Selig and Uncle Steven Selig and cousins Yishai, Jonah and Sivia. Shayna is also survived by Uncle's David (Mindy) Bennett and Steven (Terri) Bennett. Shayna is preceded in death by her grandparents the late Don and Judie Selig and the late Tilden Bennett and the Late Judy Spahr.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 11 AM. No Visitation Prior to Service. Interment Agudath Achim Cemetery, Forest Hills. Contributions may be made to JusticeWorks YouthCare (https://www.justiceworksyouthcare.com/) www.schugar.com

03/25/2026

ADRIENNE GELMAN SCARANO: Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of strength, love, and unwavering devotion to her family and community.

She was the beloved wife of Peter Scarano and a loving mother to Elyse Lipovsky, Donna Cutruzzula, and Dov ben Zion (Lynette) Gelman. Adrienne was an adoring grandmother to Silas and Alitzah Gelman, Casey Lipovsky and Molly Rossetti, and a proud great-grandmother to Ellie Lipovsky.

Adrienne was a woman of remarkable character-strong, resilient, and deeply compassionate. Like an oak tree, she stood firmly rooted in her Jewish values, offering strength and support to all who leaned on her. As a single mother, she worked tirelessly to provide for and nurture her family, instilling in them the importance of perseverance, kindness, and integrity.

She was a proud Zionist and dedicated much of her life to helping others, especially through her work with children with special needs and her volunteer efforts. Adrienne had a deep love for people and an innate ability to make others feel seen and valued.

In her earlier years, Adrienne was known as a disco queen, bringing joy, laughter, and energy wherever she went. Her quick wit, sharp humor, and infectious personality left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Above all, Adrienne was the heart of her family-an unshakable matriarch whose love will continue to guide future generations. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she cherished, and the memories that will be treasured forever.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Graveside Service and Interment will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11 AM at Temple Sinai Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to My Brother's Keeper International (https://www.mbki.org/)

Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

03/23/2026

Nella Barash: On Monday, March 23, 2026, beloved wife for 57 years of Semyon Barash; loving mother of Kalman (Svetlana) Barash and Marina (Adam) Klaff. Sister of Adel Magaziner. Proud grandmother of Steven, Benjamin, Gabriel, Sophia, and Jordan. Nella was the heart of her family, a strong, loving, and unforgettable woman whose impact will be felt forever. Graveside services and interment will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 12 Noon at Homewood Cemetery, Star of David Section. Contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Shalom, 5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, of squirrel Chabad of Squirrel Hill, 1700 Beechwood Blvd, Pitsburgh, PA 15217, or Ner Tamid Greenspring Valley Synagogue, 6214 Pimlico Road, Baltimore, MD 21209. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., www.schugar.com

03/21/2026

Daniel S. Heit, Visionary Business Executive, Philanthropist and Family Man, dies at 78.

DANIEL S. HEIT: Visionary founder and president of JusticeWorks YouthCare and a nationally respected leader in behavioral health and youth services, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2026 with loved ones by his side after an extremely hard fought and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 78.

Born on September 28, 1947, in Ellenville, New York, to Rose (Green) and Morris Heit, Dan lived a life defined by purpose, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to helping vulnerable youth and families. He was predeceased by his parents, his former spouse Sandy Loevner, and his brother Steve Heit.

Dan's incredibly distinguished career spanned decades and was marked by both executive leadership and public service at the highest levels. Early in his professional life, he served as a senior executive at Abraxas, where he earned recognition for his work in developing effective programs for at-risk youth. Building on that experience, he founded JusticeWorks YouthCare in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1999-an organization that would grow to become a nationally recognized model for innovative, community-based behavioral health services.

A leading voice in his field, Dan was widely acknowledged for his expertise in designing and managing programs for troubled youth. His work was grounded in a deeply held philosophy of doing "whatever it takes" to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of young people, their families, and their communities.

His leadership extended well beyond his own organization. He was appointed by President George H.W. Bush to serve on a 24-member Presidential Commission focused on model legislation. As president of a national trade organization, he met with President Bill Clinton and contributed to subcommittees on health care reform. He was also a founding member of The National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws and served two terms as president of the Therapeutic Communities of America, helping to shape policy and best practices nationwide.

Colleagues remember Dan as a man of conviction and vision-someone who combined strategic insight with compassion and an unyielding sense of responsibility. He was deeply engaged in his community and generously gave his time and expertise to numerous organizations, always with the goal of strengthening systems of care and expanding opportunity for those most in need.

Above all, Dan was devoted to his family, who were the absolute joy of his life. He is survived by his tremendously loving and devoted daughter, Morgan Wilks (Thomas); his son, Alex Heit (Harris Blum); his sister, Susan Heit (George Dionne); and his cherished grandchildren, Saylor, Lola, and Devin. He took immense pride in their lives and accomplishments and remained closely connected to them throughout their lives.

Daniel S. Heit's legacy is one of impact, integrity, and enduring compassion. Through the organizations he built, the policies he helped shape, and the countless lives he influenced, his honest and hard work will continue to carry on a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 11 AM. Visitation one hour prior to service (10 AM - 11 AM). Entombment Private at Homewood Cemetery. A Private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to causes supporting youth and families, reflecting Mr. Heit's lifelong mission. www.schugar.com

03/12/2026

Ilene Kramer Venig; On Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Alex Venig. Loving Mother of Ellen (Steven) Wagman of Blue Bell, PA, and Holly (Elliott) Levenson of Fox Chapel, PA. Devoted Memaw of Evan, Allison, and Margo. Graveside service and interment will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11 AM at Tree of Life Memorial Park, Franklin Park, PA. Contributions may be made to the Hillman Cancer Center, 5115 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.Schugar.com

03/12/2026

Sylvia Jean Freeman Ali was born on April 11, 1933 and grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her parents were Louis and Irma Freeman. She was the oldest of three children. Her younger brother Alfie died at the age of four. Her younger sister Ruth died in 2023.

Sylvia was a true lifetime learner. She attended Liberty Elementary School and graduated from Peabody High School in 1951. She obtained a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Western Maryland. Later, as a senior citizen, she took classes for many years at the University of Pittsburgh through the OSHER program.

Sylvia raised her five children in Pittsburgh and later in Maine. She spent most of her working life as a teacher and as a librarian. In 1990 she gave up her position at the Baxter School for the Deaf in order to return to Pittsburgh and help to take care of her 87 year old mother.

Sylvia especially loved classical and folk music and she played violin, viola, piano, recorder, and tin whistle. She played in several community orchestras and a string quartet. She was also a talented artist and poet.

Sylvia loved exploring places and cultures. She worked briefly for the State Department in Washington DC in the 1950s and in later life she was eventually able to visit Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, and China. She also loved studying languages: Latin, French, German, Sanskrit, Bengali, sign language, Irish, Yiddish and Chinese. She translated several works by her great uncle Jakob Elias Poritzky from German to English.

Sylvia was very devoted to her family and friends. She loved life. She was a free thinker and a true bohemian. She had many quirky and unique ways of thinking about things and doing things, and she was always supportive and never judgmental of other people.

Sylvia is survived by her five children, Robbie, Roshida, Rahim, Sheila, and Liana, her niece Cheri and her nephew Michael, her seven grandchildren, Irma, Abraham, Sylvia, Eliza, Jacob, Elias, and Natalie, and her grand-niece Clio.

Friends will meet at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 12 Noon and then proceed to Shaare Torah Cemetery for 1 PM Graveside Services.

Ralph Schugar Chapel is proudly serving Pittsburgh's Jewish Community as an independently owned funeral home.