Cheryl M. Simpson (1950-2026)

Cheryl M. Simpson, 76, of Freedom, passed away on June 4th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in Rochester on May 27th, 1950, the daughter of the late William F. and Lenora Watson Baker. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Thomas A. Simpson, as well as one daughter, Lisa M. and Aaron Sipps, and one granddaughter, Ava Marie Sipps of Barrington, New Jersey.

Cheryl was a retired computer scientist with Computer Science Corporation in Falls Church, Virginia. She was a member of the Pinehurst Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Sewickley. She was a graduate of Freedom High School and received her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Spanish from Thiel College in Greenville. She loved her family and was a devoted wife and mother.

Friends will be received on Thursday June 11th, from 4-6 p.m., with a service following at 6:15pm, at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. Officiating will be Pastor Dale Roberts. Private interment will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery, 1101 9th Street Extension, Freedom.

Nancy J. Mignanelli (1939-2026)

Nancy J. Mignanelli, 86, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on June 4th, 2026, in her home. She was born in Aliquippa on July 30th, 1939, the daughter of the late Pompilo and Angeline Temassi Vespaziani. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one grand daughter, Kylee Hiltz and two brothers, Jerry and Richard Vespaziani. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Anthony “Tony” J. Mignanelli, one son, Anthony J. Mignanelli II and husband, Matthew Healy of Durham, North Carolina, one daughter and son in law, Melissa “Missy” Ann and Doug Hiltz of Monaca, two grandchildren, Kole and Noah, two sisters in law and one brother in law, Peggy Morris, Charles and Suzy Mignanelli and several nieces and nephews.

Nancy was a retired clerk with various banks, including, Huntington Bank in Rochester, formerly Beaver Trust, Sky Bank and First Western Bank. She also worked for Federal Colonial Bank in Monaca. She was also a former employee with J. C. Penney of Conway. She was a member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Rochester and Our Lady of the Valley Parish. She loved cooking, traveling and spending time with family.

Friends are invited Tuesday, June 9th, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. to gather with the family at St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church, 632 Virginia Avenue, Rochester, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Celebrating will be Father Alan Morris. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa. Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

Family requests donations to Alzheimer’s Foundation of Pittsburgh, 2835 E Carson St Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

The family wishes to thank the Three Oaks Hospice nurses, Theresa, Rose, Maria and Nicole for their care and comfort given to our Mom.

John G. Gagliardi (1964-2026)

John G. Gagliardi, 62, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who passed away peacefully on June 6th, 2026.

He was born on March 5th, 1964. Above all else, John cherished his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Diane Gagliardi, and a loving father to Melissa (Alex) Thomson and Rocco (Christa) Gagliardi. Known as “Papa G” to his grandchildren, Lucas and Isabella, he shared countless stories, laughs, and treasured memories with them. In addition to those relatives, he is survived by many loving relatives, including Doug and Debbie Ferguson and John and Mary Cappabianco, as well as numerous friends, nieces, and nephews. he especially loved spending time with his vacation companions, Doug and Debbie, and with his hunting friends, with whom he shared a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

John proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Air Force 171st Reserve Unit, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He dedicated most of his life to law enforcement, serving as a Baden Police Officer and later as a Detective with the Pittsburgh Police Department for 30 years. Throughout his career, he was known for his integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to protecting others. After retiring from law enforcement, he continued to be a source of wisdom, strength, and guidance to all who knew him. At the time of his passing, he was employed as a police officer with AHN Police. He will be remembered for his strong sense of duty, his generous heart, his quick wit, and the love he gave so freely to those around him. His legacy of service, honor, and devotion to family will continue to live on in the lives of all those he touched.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, June 11th from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 7:00 p.m. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements.

In honor of his service to his country, community, and the field of law enforcement, military and police honors will be rendered.

Pirates star second baseman Brandon Lowe tests negative for fracture in his right knee

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Erik S. Lesser/Associated Press) Caption for Photo: Pirates designated hitter Brandon Lowe, center, is helped off the field by Pirates manager Don Kelly, right, and a trainer after hitting the ball off of his right knee during the ninth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in Atlanta.

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Atlanta, GA) Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said yesterday that tests on second baseman Brandon Lowe’s right knee were “negative for any sort of fracture.”

Lowe was removed from Saturday’s game in the Pirates’ 6-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves in Atlanta after injuring his knee in the ninth inning. He was helped off the field with two outs remaining.

Cherington described Lowe as “day to day.”

Lowe also appeared as a pinch hitter in yesterday’s 3-2 loss to the Braves in Atlanta, where he delivered a double before being replaced by pinch runner Oneil Cruz.

Lowe has been one of the key players for the Pirates, and his stats this season include a hitting average of .252, 15 home runs, and 41 RBIs.

June Audrey Marilungo (1931-2026)

June Audrey Marilungo, 94, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on June 3rd, 2026, at her home.

She was born in Jeanette on August 8th, 1931, the daughter of the late Patrick and Zelda (Edwards) Finnegan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Marilungo, Jr., her son-in-law, Martin “Marty” Stein and her grandson, Bradley McClean. She is survived by her daughters, Sherry (Bruce) McClean and Sylvia Stein, her grandchildren: Jeremy McClean, Brian (Kelly) McClean, Brent (Katie) Stein, Nicholas (Lee) Stein, and Stephen (Vanessa) McClean; as well as a granddaughter-in-law, Janet McClean, eleven great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends.

June worked as a housekeeper for the former Beaver Medical Center and was a member of the Beaver Falls Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She was devout in her faith and never missed weekly meetings at the Kingdom Hall. She loved to shop and watch gameshows, but she was best known for her devoted preaching ministry throughout the downtown Beaver Falls community. One of her greatest joys was gathering with her family for their monthly dinners.

Friends will be received on Monday, June 15th from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. and 3 P.M. until the time of funeral services at 5:30 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Zoom option will be available for those unable to attend in person. Meeting ID: 7243121047; Passcode: 1047.

Private interment will be held Tuesday at Sylvan Heights Cemetery in Uniontown.

Fine Wine & Good Spirits Helps Pennsylvanians Raise a Glass to the Summer’s Biggest Global Soccer Celebration, the FIFA World Cup 2026™

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Fine WIne and Good Spirits)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Fine Wine & Good Spirits (FW&GS) announced a promotional campaign tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ that will bring matches to Philadelphia this year.

The retailer said it plans to highlight products and offers aimed at consumers hosting watch parties, cookouts and other gatherings during the tournament, which is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region.

The campaign comes during a busy year for Pennsylvania, which will host a variety of major events in 2026, including celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary, sporting events, festivals and concerts.

According to a release from Fine Wine & Good Spirits, here is more information about this campaign:

Match-Day Favorites from Around the World

 

FW&GS stores throughout Pennsylvania will feature special displays highlighting limited-edition products and globally inspired selections perfect for watch parties and celebrations.

 

Featured products, which are at select stores and only while supplies last, include:

 

Whether customers are cheering for a longtime favorite, celebrating their heritage, or simply looking for something new to try, FW&GS offers bottles and flavors that reflect the global spirit of the season.

 

Bringing the Celebration into Stores

 

FW&GS will also host a series of special tasting events featuring premium brands associated with the tournament.

 

Participating stores will offer opportunities to sample products and receive commemorative giveaways.

 

Featured events include:

  • Casamigos Sampling Events: Customers can sample Casamigos Blanco, Reposado, and ready-to-drink margaritas while receiving custom keepsakes inspired by the summer’s global soccer celebration.
  • Buchanan’s Scotch Events: Guests can sample Buchanan’s Deluxe and Buchanan’s Pineapple and personalize commemorative bottle labels to mark the occasion.

 

Event dates, participating locations, and details are available at FWGS.com/events by clicking here.

CCBC Veterinary Technology Program Earns Initial AVMA Accreditation Within First Two Years

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of CCBC)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Monaca, PA) The Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) announced that its Veterinary Technology Program has received Initial Accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).

The accreditation was approved during the CVTEA’s April 23 meeting following a review of the program’s evaluation report from a Jan. 21-22, 2026, site visit and the college’s action plan response.

CCBC launched the Veterinary Technology Program in fall 2024 through its School of Health Sciences.

According to the college, the accreditation review evaluated the program’s curriculum, facilities, clinical experiences, student outcomes and operations. The accreditation allows the program to continue preparing students for careers as veterinary technicians.

American Red Cross: Donors urgently needed in June to help keep blood supply stable

(File Photo of the American Red Cross Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood and platelets as it works to maintain an adequate blood supply heading into the summer months.

According to the organization, donors of all blood types and platelet donors are needed to help ensure hospitals have access to lifesaving blood products.

As an incentive, individuals who donate blood or platelets between June 1 and June 28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Donors also will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards, the Red Cross said.

According to a release from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, here are some links to donate and more information about donating blood:

Take action today. To schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org by clicking here, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

As a thank-you for those who step up to give, all who come to give June 1-28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood.org/June by clicking here for details.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org by clicking here, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass by clicking here or use the Blood Donor App.

Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa (MWAA) – Public Notice – Lead in Drinking Water

(File Photo of Water)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Aliquippa, PA) The Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa (MWAA) recently completed lead and copper sampling within their service area that have confirmed lead service lines as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PaDEP) at several locations. Results of this 2024 sampling found that there is an exceedance in the EPA Action Level for lead at five of the thirty-five sample locations. Elevated levels of lead can cause health problems that are serious, especially for pregnant women and young children. This is a repeat notice from
2024 and no additional elevated lead levels have been recorded since the 2024 testing.

According to a release from the company, here are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure to lead in your water:
1. Run your water to flush out lead. Run water for 60 seconds to flush lead from interior plumbing or until it becomes cold or
reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking, if it hasn’t been used for several hours.
2. Clean your aerator. Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can
collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.
3. Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Do not cook with or drink water from the hot water tap; lead
dissolves more easily into hot water. Do not use water from the hot water tap to make baby formula.
4. Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
5. Look for alternative sources or treatment of water. You may want to consider purchasing bottled water or a water filter.
Read the package to be sure the filter is approved to reduce lead or contact NSF International at 800-NSF-8010 or www.nsf.org
for information on performance standards for water filters. Be sure to maintain and replace a filter device in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions to protect water quality.
6. Test your water for lead. Call us at 724-375-5525 to find out how to get your water tested for lead.
7. Get your child’s blood tested. Contact your local health department or health care provider to find out how you can get your
child tested for lead, if you are concerned about exposure.
8. Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead. New brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as
“lead-free” may contribute lead to drinking water. Until 2014, the law allowed end-use brass fixtures, such as faucets, with up
to 8% lead to be labeled as “lead-free.”

Loretto A. Vaccarelli (1941-2026)

Loretto A. Vaccarelli, 84, a life-long resident of Aliquippa, also known as “Vac,” “Lou” or “Nini,” passed away on June 3rd, 2026 in Providence Care Center after a valiant fight with cancer. He is survived by his partner of 62 years, Rebecca C. Vaccarelli, two daughters, Lori B. Vaccarelli and Pamela C. Vaccarelli-Emerick, the joys of his heart, his granddaughters, Rebecca (Paul) and Kelsey (Tyler) Emerick, his cherished sister, Rosemarie Vaccarelli-Delruso, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins and his beloved dog, Kiara. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Domenica and Loretto A. Vaccarelli, his aunt, Mary DiCiero, and his brother, Riley B. Folds.

Loretto graduated from Aliquippa Highschool in 1962. He was a proud steelworker for over 23 years and a member of Steelworkers Local 1211. Later in life, he worked for Verasol in Crafton and Balboa in Moon Township. It was while working with the mailroom ladies at Balboa that Lou discovered his sweet tooth. He had a quick wit and a rye sense of humor. He also had a keen ability to read people from just a handshake. His favorite side hustle was automotive work. He loved being a mechanic. He also enjoyed NASCAR racing. Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson were two of his favorites.

The Vaccarelli Family wishes to express our gratitude and appreciation for the excellent care given to Loretto’s by the following: All of the Concordia Visiting Nurses who came to our home and all of the nurses in Orthopedic 10C Wing at Allegheny General Hospital.

In accordance with Loretto’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Donations may be made in Loretto’s name to the American Cancer Society or to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.