CLAIRTON, Pa. — Emotions ran high in Clairton on Monday night as members of the faith community gathered in prayer and remembrance for two local steelworkers killed in a recent tragedy.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 2 dead, 10 injured in explosion at US Steel Clairton Coke Works plant
Inside a sanctuary filled with music, scripture, and candlelight, worshippers came together to honor the lives of Timothy Quinn and Steven Menefee.
“No matter what faith we are, what religious background we are, as a community we can come together and remember,” said Eugene Stoudt, a churchgoer who attended the unity prayer.
Faith leaders led the service with hymns and readings, offering a space for healing and reflection.
Among them was Father Paul Zywan, pastor of the Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish.
“Just the level of raw emotions and the spectrum of feeling towards the tragedy—and just the impact of what the community lives with every day,” Zywan said, describing the atmosphere during the service.
Regina Behary shared how her family was connected to one of the victims.
“Mr. Quinn went to high school with my son-in-law,” Behary said. “They said he was a stand-up guy.”
Each person at the service lit a candle and dropped a prayer card into a basket—symbolic acts meant to honor the victims and offer hope for a town still reeling.
“Our community of Clairton cares a great deal about the people,” said Russell Behary, another attendee.
Faith leaders also took time during the service to recognize the heroism of first responders, who rescued and aided many after the explosion.
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