Julia Ann (Lickman) Pitcavage

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Julia Ann Pitcavage, 95, of Edgeworth, died August 27, 2025. 

   She was born on May 31, 1930, in Pittsburgh. 

   Julia married James Geddes Pitcavage on June 8, 1957, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pittsburgh.  He preceded her in death on December 26, 2016.

   The daughter of Polish immigrants, she grew up in Monaca, living there through the Great Depression and the many challenges of the Second World War.  After graduating from Monaca High School in 1948, she earned a degree in medical technology from the Franklin School of Science and Arts.  She had truly amazing stories and experiences from those early years, reflecting the importance of her tight-knit Polish community and her parish life at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church and School.  Professionally, Julia’s early career was as a lab researcher at various hospitals in Pittsburgh, taking the train along the Ohio River from Monaca to Pittsburgh.  Among other projects, she was involved in the work leading to the first kidney dialysis machine.  While working at the University of Pittsburgh, she met a particular aspiring physician, James Pitcavage.  After their marriage, Jim’s graduation, and a stint in the Air Force, the young family settled in the Sewickley area.  For many years, Julia managed Jim’s successful medical practice.  She was active in Saint James Catholic Church and School for more than sixty years, including three terms as President of the Saint James Guild, as well as decades of service as a lector and minister of Holy Communion.  She was a good friend to many and a devoted daughter, mother, and wife.  She was always looking out for her own and understood the world through her deep Catholic faith.  Generous and welcoming, she brought joy to all those around her.  

   Julia was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, James Pitcavage, MD, her parents, Thomas and Genowefa (nee Koss) Lickman, her sister, Carole Yarosz, and her brother-in-law, James Fanning, MD.

   She is survived by two daughters and three sons: Jo Ann (Joseph) Heuler, Judith Carole (William) Rebholz, James (Ann) Pitcavage, Jr., Jon (Nancy) Pitcavage and Joel Pitcavage.  She was blessed with, and is survived by, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  Her sister-in-law, Norine Fanning, and her brother-in-law, Joseph Yarosz, also survive her.

   Julia’s family wishes to commend and to thank all of her care givers and friends at Ashton Commons and Suncrest Hospice for the extraordinary care they provided her.

   Friends will be received at R. D. Copeland Funeral Home. Ltd., Irvine Chapel, 702 Beaver Street, Sewickley on Thursday from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 pm.  A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint James Catholic Church in Sewickley on Friday at 9 am.

   Interment will be at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saint James Catholic School in Sewickley.