Johnnie Lee Newman, 79, of Beaver Falls, passed away on August 25th, 2026, living his wishes of being surrounded by family, at his home.
He was born in New Brighton on August 15th, 1947, a son of the late John and S. Rachel Newman.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Esther Newman, his son, Conrad Newman and his sister, Norma Palmer.
He is survived by his devoted daughter, Angela Nikki (Maurice) Bell, who remained faithfully by his side throughout his years, serving as his caregiver, companion, and constant source of love and support, his son, Troy (Tanisha) Newman, his stepchildren: Stephanie, Jennifer, and Justin (Cathy), Grandchildren, Makayla, Jasmine, Ayanna, Amaya, Rhythm, Ryan, Natasha, Maddox, Westley, Nolan, Shaylee, Charlie, and Parker; as well as his great-grandchildren: Maddox, Tanner, James, Tyler, Rylee, Kyro, Jaxson; along with his brother, Robert Newman, his sisters: Gwendolyn Law, Ruth Newman, Eva (Percy) Mason, and Kathy (Sylvester) Scott; along with numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, his special friend, Donna, his close friends: Bobby Thomas, James “Tree” Law, Ron “Po” James, Jerry Olson, Al Weyand; as well as his bonus daughter, Rudi Fate.
Although Crimson and Gold of New Brighton ran through his blood, so did the entire Beaver County community. During his working years, he was a familiar and strongly valued presence everywhere. He was proud union laborer, he worked in various spaces throughout the area but his “work” never really stopped there. Johnnie found himself in multiple surrounding schools and local establishments which allowed him to become a familiar face to GENERATIONS of students, families, neighbors, and community members. He left his very distinctive mark in many spaces throughout the many places he called home.
He was a Baptist in faith and a devoted member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Beaver Falls, where he found great joy and fellowship singing with the Sons of Thunder and Men of Worship. He was a proud Leo through and through and carried a strong and spirited personality that reflected through his natural love of giving and doing, which he shared as former President of the Beaver Falls Lions Club.
He appreciated life’s natural pleasure casting a line while fishing, spending peaceful moments watching the eagles at Big Rock Park, while equally sharing his soaring passion watching the Eagles dominate the football field. You also saw him getting behind the wheel of one of his cars cruising through the roads honking at all of the familiar faces he had grown to know over the years. These were the moments that brought him joy and reflected the way he lived: with faith, love, a soaring spirit, and an appreciation for the roads and people who shaped him.
A special thank you goes out to Doni Black, Visiting Angels, and Heartland Hospice for all of the love extended through his care.
Friends will be received on Sunday, August 30th, from 12 noon – 3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m., in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements. A funeral service will be held Monday, August 31st, at 11 a.m. in the Tabernacle Baptist Church, 630 3rd Avenue, Beaver Falls.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, August 31st at 2 p.m. at the Lodge at Brady’s Run, 526 Brady’s Run Road, Beaver Falls.
He will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.
For those wishing to honor his memory with flowers, the family kindly recommends Sheldon’s Flowers in Rochester, Pennsylvania, 713 Virginia Avenue, Rochester, PA 15074 Phone Number: (724) 775-1336
Floral arrangements may be ordered directly through Sheldon’s Flowers for delivery to the funeral service.
