Author: Beaver County Radio

Brandon Shafer (1979-2026)

Brandon Shafer, 47, passed away on October 16th, 2026. He was born on April 22nd, 1979, the son of Jeffrey Shafer and the late Luann Shafer.

In addition to his father, he is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Raelene and their four children: Riley, Sutton, Ashdon, and Aiden; as well as his step-mother, Beth Shafer; his brothers Aaron Shafer (Amy), and Clinton Shafer (Julie), his father-in-law and mother in-law, Carl and Bev Holsinger, his sister-in-law, Stephanie Mayle (Andrew) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.

Brandon was a devoted husband and father and his family was the center of his world, and the love he had for them was evident in everything he did. He was a 1997 graduate of Freedom High School and was a proud 2001 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He began his career serving the United States as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy. He later earned a master’s degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and went on to build an accomplished career spanning more than 25 years. Following leadership roles at GE Transportation, he became Regional Vice President of Transit Americas at Wabtec Corporation. Throughout his career, he was respected for his leadership, dedication, and genuine commitment to helping others succeed. Outside of his professional life, he poured his time and heart into coaching youth wrestling and football. He brought the same energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to coaching that he brought to everything he did. He believed sports were about more than winning and losing. They were an opportunity to build character, confidence, and lasting friendships. To the young athletes he coached, he was more than a coach. He was a mentor, a role model, and someone who believed in them, both on and off the field. To his friends, he was simply someone you always looked forward to being around. With an unwaveringly positive outlook on life and a wonderful sense of humor, he was never one to take himself too seriously. He loved a costume, never hesitated to grab the karaoke microphone, and was happiest when bringing people together for a good time. His warmth and enthusiasm were contagious, and he had a way of making everyone feel welcome and included. He showed up for the people in his life, and those fortunate enough to know him were better for it. He lived with love, laughter, and a genuine appreciation for the people around him. His sudden passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, and community. The love he shared, the joy that he brought, and the countless lives that he touched will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

There will be no viewing for Brandon. However, a memorial service will be held on Friday, October 23rd at 11 a.m. at Faith Community United Methodist Church, 341 Jefferson Street, Rochester.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc, 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Brandon’s name to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation to support the Naval Academy Fund to benefit of the Brigade of Midshipmen.

You can visit this website to donate: https://www.usna.com/give

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brandon, please visit the floral store of the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Diane Yvonne (Miles) McCracken (1960-2026)

Diane Yvonne (Miles) McCracken, 66, passed away on October 17, 2026, in Hagerstown, Maryland, after a courageous battle with colon cancer.

She was born on October 25th, 1960, the beloved daughter of the late Adelbert “Bud” Miles and Rose Barton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Michael McCracken.

She is survived by her children: her son, Brad (Malarie) McCracken, her daughter and caretaker, Pamela (Jason) McDonald, and her baby girl and other daughter, Kari-Lyn (Nevin) McCracken and her grandchildren, Grace, Anne-Kathryn, Magdalyn, Michael, and Stella McDonald. Stella was a special blessing who inspired Diane to keep fighting during her most difficult times. She is also survived by her niece, Crystal Miles, who she went on many adventures with, her best friend, Walter “Butch” (Dick) Miles, and his wife, Shirley, who was a sister to Diane and was at her bedside when Diane passed away, her in-laws, Frank (Mary) McCracken, troves of friends, family, nieces and nephews, and her pets, Cordelia and Aofie.

Diane often shared warm memories of her childhood with her cousins, Jeanine and Robin, and eventually, of her young adulthood adventures with her three best friends, Marcy, Cheryl, and “Cunningham.” After graduating from Center High School in 1978, she married George Michael McCracken and so began a lifetime of love, laughter, and mild inconveniences. Before moving to Maryland in 2023, she worked for the IBEW Local Union 712 and loved spending time with her bestie, Mindy. She was a kind and generous woman who adored her family and loved to door dash prepare meals for everyone to share together. She treasured the simple moments spent with loved ones and her home was a place for snacks, movies, and sarcasm. Movie nights often featured her favorites: The Haunted Mansion, Beetlejuice, Harry Potter, and Pet Sematary. She loved movie theater popcorn, Reese’s cups, and any baked good. One of her most treasured activities were taking her grandchildren on movie dates. Her grandchildren were the loves of her life, and she was dedicated to attending every game and theater performance- no matter how long and boring. She was incredibly creative and took pride in creating meticulous costumes and props for every Halloween. She loved autumn, trick-or-treating, and haunted houses- the not too spooky ones. She also loved riding the Harley with George and snuggling with any available baby. She also enjoyed listening to Facebook reels at the highest possible volume while everyone else sat quietly in the same room. Diane often attended St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Williamsport, Maryland, and faithfully volunteered alongside her daughter and granddaughters; time that surely is a heavenly treasure. She continually grew in her faith and loved to read and recite Psalm 23 for comfort.

Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on through her children, grandchildren, and the lives of those she has touched and inspired.

Friends will be received on Thursday, October 22nd from 3 p.m. until the time of a service at 7 p.m. at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Pennsylvania schools receive over $10 million in grants to boost literacy

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

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Schools throughout the state of Pennsylvania have recently been awarded over $10 million in funding to boost literacy and promote structured reading. 

Information that was shared by Governor Josh Shapiro’s office yesterday confirmed that the Pennsylvania Department of Education gave grants to 54 schools across 21 counties. 

According to Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe, the money will be used to help schools build the systems, instructional capacity and evidence-based resources necessary to meet structured literacy requirements under the law. 

Central Valley schools received $415,405 and Freedom Area schools received $204,160 as a part of this funding. 

Deaf man missing in Center Township

(Credit for Headline Photo and Photo Below: Photo Courtesy of Center Township Police)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Center Township, PA) Police and volunteers are looking for a 41-year-old man who is missing in Center Township.

According to police, Daniel Stewart, who is deaf, was last seen between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. yesterday on Grandview Avenue in Monaca.

Police stated that Stewart was wearing a blue striped collared shirt and a dark coat and had a book bag.

He wears glasses and is described as being 5 feet 8 inches tall and 135 pounds, with blue eyes and blond hair.

His picture can be found below:

Anyone who has information about Stewart is advised to call 724-774-3329.

Allegheny Health Network’s OB/GYN Team Opens Specialized Postpartum Care Clinic Focused on Treating and Caring for Third- and Fourth-Degree Perineal Lacerations

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Allegheny Health Network’s Department of OB/GYN recently announced the opening of a specialized care clinic for postpartum patients who have experienced significant tears during labor and delivery, specifically in third-and fourth-degree perineal lacerations.

Lia M Miceli, MD, who is a board-certified OB/GYN and urogynecologist, serves as the clinical lead of the AHN Postpartum Care Clinic.

Dr. Miceli treats patients at AHN West Penn Hospital primarily, which is AHN’s flagship maternity hospital, but she will work in close coordination with the five labor & delivery programs of the systems across the region on a referral basis.

Studies estimate that perineal injury occurs in up to 90% of women delivering their first child, and up to 70% of women during subsequent births.

The majority of those tears are classified as minor as first- and second-degree tears, and they typically heal on their own after they get repaired in the labor suite.

However, roughly 5% of women across the country experience a degree of obstetrical injury that is higher that may require monitoring, rehabilitation or even wound revision.

If this is not treated correctly, the injuries can result in re-opening of the original tear and/or wound infection.

The AHN Postpartum Care Clinic will work in close coordination with a multidisciplinary team which consists of advanced practice providers, behavioral health specialists, colorectal surgeons and pelvic floor therapists.

You can make an appointment or get more information on the AHN Department of OB/GYN by either calling 412-DOCTORS or by visiting ahn.org.

AHN Wexford Hospital Recognized by Vizient as 2026 Birnbaum Quality Leadership Top Performer

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) AHN Wexford Hospital announced today that it has been recognized as a top performer in the 2026 Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Ranking by Vizient, Inc.

This is the second year in a row that AHN Wexford has been honored through the Vizient Quality and Accountability Ranking.

AHN Wexford had a ranking among the top 10 hospitals in its Complex Care hospital cohort and was just one of 22 hospitals that was nationally recognized for demonstrating excellence in delivering care that is high quality which is based on the Vizient Quality and Accountability Study, which has been conducted every year since 2005.

1,346 participating hospitals were segmented into seven cohorts for the Vizient Quality and Accountability Study in 2026.

This study measures performance on the quality of patient care in six domains: effectiveness, efficiency, mortality, patient centeredness, safety, and variation in care.

This study also factors in neasures from the Vizient Clinical Data Base and it includes performance data from both the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey and the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network.

Vizient, Inc. is the nation’s largest provider-driven healthcare performance improvement company and it provides solutions and services to over two-thirds of the nation’s acute care providers and over one-third of ambulatory providers.

John Richard Suter (1951-2026)

John Richard Suter, 75, of Beaver, peacefully passed away on October 17th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at his home.

He was born in Rochester on May 30th, 1951, a son of the late Homer Alva and Martha Beverly Suter.

John served in the United States Marine Corps. Vietnam Era as a Sergeant. Later in life, he worked for First Energy, where he started as a foreman and retired as a Senior Planner. After retirement, he worked at all the Health Mart locations, and was a proud employee at Meemaw, Inc. He was known around the county for being Coach Pappy John Suter. He was a beloved baseball and softball coach for several years. He coached Beaver Rec Ball for 7 years, Central Valley High School for 6 years, Pittsburgh Power for 6 years, and Beaver Valley Rage for 2 years. He showered each team with love and support on and off the field. If he was not working, coaching, or rocking a baby in his favorite chair. He was then planning Christmas or a Disney adventure for his loving family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Charlene Ann (Beistal) Suter, their son, Sean Richard Suter, his grandchildren: Nia (Nick), Demy (Dan), Caitlyn (Torren), Sydney (Austin), Caden; as well as his great-grandchildren, Ava, Gianna, Aria, Helios; along with two daughters-in-law, Amy Suter and Ashley McGowan, a brother, Homer A. Suter, his long time friend and Co-Coach, Ray Fernandez and a family friend, Theresa Cairns.

Friends and family will be received on Wednesday, October 21st from 12 noon until 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. by Pastor William Henry in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 340 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where military honors will be rendered at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 21st at 1:30 P.M.

John will be laid to rest privately in Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver, at a later date.

The family would like to extend a gratitude to the Cardio-pulmonary and ER Unit at AHN- Heritage Valley Beaver, Valley Ambulance Authority, and Good Samaritan for his great Care.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital in Pappy John’s name. Donations can be made by online or by mail, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit the flower store of Gabauer Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Thomas H. Heckman (Passed on October 17th, 2026)

Thomas H. Heckman, 72 of Monaca, passed away on October 17th, 2026, following a brief illness. He was the son of the late Howard and Jane Heckman, also of Monaca, Pa. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis (Grahek) Heckman and his daughter, Sara Jane Heckman, both of whom took care of him, advocated for him and encouraged him.

He is also survived by his aunt, Amy Coombs, his brother-in-law, Philip (Rose) Grahek, his nephews, Sam, Zachary and Jessie Grahek, his nieces, Lisa (Nathan) Hutchinson and Michelle (Michael) Botelho and their families, as well as many relatives, cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his aunts and uncles: Audrey (Paul) Elmer, Nancy (Bill) Lyons, Paul (Etta) McElhaney, Sam, John, Caroline and Dove Coombs; as well as his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Roberta and John Wilson and many relatives, cousins and friends.

Thomas was a 1972 graduate of Monaca High School and enjoyed many class reunions and sharing memories with friends. He worked as an expeditor for Reno Bros., Inc. until he suffered a stroke in 1996. After a period of rehabilitation, he returned to a full and active life, performing various duties at home and enjoying many holidays, vacations and social events with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed the cottage, water sports, watching Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers games, physical therapy, word searches, fireworks and music. He was a member of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish, which is where he loved participating in the Saturday night Mass and the Rosary.

Friends will be received on Sunday, October 25th from 1-5 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered on Monday, October 26th at 10:30 a.m. followed by a mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1409 Pennsylvania Avenue, Monaca. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Those wishing to make a memorial contributions in Thomas’ memory are asked to please consider St. Jude Hospital or the Jared Box Project, 129 Fenwick Drive, Port Matilda, PA 16870.

Norma Crawford McBride (1930-2026)

Norma Crawford McBride, 95, passed away on October 16th, 2026, at St. Barnabas – Beaver Meadows. She was born in Grove City, Pennsylvania on October 26th, 1930, a daughter of the late R. Paul and Mabel Evans Crawford.

Norma had been a resident of Beaver since 1966. She received a BS in education and a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh. She retired from the Beaver Area School District as teacher/librarian after 27 years of service. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Beaver and was active in various Bible study groups, Presbyterian Women and Naomi’s Sisters. Other memberships held over the years were in Beta Phi Mu, Heritage Valley Hospital Auxiliary, Century Club of Beaver, Tusca Ridge Garden Club, and the Literary Circle of Beaver.

She was preceded in death by her husband, R. Edward McBride and her son, Robert E. McBride, Esq., as well as a sister, Dorothy Rice, her husband, Richard of San Diego, California, her brother-in-law, James McBride of Fallbrook, California, her sister-in-law, Grace Sharrar McBride of Evans City, Pennsylvania, and her daughter-in-law, Kelly McBride of Ellijay, Georgia.

She is survived by a son and daughter: Scott C. McBride of Ellijay, Georgia and Paula B. Hall (Robert) of Tampa, Florida, and a daughter-in-law, Maria A. McBride of Pittsburgh, six grandchildren: Andrea Hall Pelaez, Lindsey McGovern (Nick), Lauren Brookshire Emmons (Clarence), Megan Swackhammer (Randy), Bonnie Deininger (Matthew), and Edward McBride; as well as six great grandchildren.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 252 College Avenue, Beaver, on Tuesday, November 3rd from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A private interment to follow with words of promise and committal offered at the Crestview Memorial Park, 887 North Broad Street Extension, Grove City, by her pastor, the Reverend Jeff Arnold.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

If desired, a memorial contribution may be made to the Deacons’ Fund of the First Presbyterian Church of Beaver, 252 College Avenue, Beaver, PA 15009.

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Deanna (Brooks) Ross (1937-2026)

Deanna (Brooks) Ross, 88, passed away on October 17th, 2026, with her cherished family by her side. She was born in Aliquippa on November 5th, 1937. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John “Jaggers” Ross, her sister and brothers-in-law: Mary Helen (Jay) Grable, William (Theresa) Brooks, and Robert Brooks. Deanna was a faithful member of St. Titus Church in Aliquippa and Mary Queen of Saints Parish, where she was a proud member of the church choir. For many years she sang for weekly Mass and holidays. Lending her voice with others to curate beautiful music for the parishioners to enjoy. She was employed with Friendly Federal Credit Union with 53 years of service. She began her career in banking as a teller. With hard work and dedication, she was given a role in management. She was honored to have a seat on the board of directors for the credit union. It was a position she held in high esteem. Above all, she was most proud of her family. She was the happiest when they were all together for family gatherings, especially holidays. She would have a feast prepared for everyone to enjoy since cooking was her specialty. She enjoyed frequenting the local farmers markets for fresh fruit and vegetables for everyone to enjoy.
She is survived by her devoted family: her daughter and son-in-law, Doreen and Ken Wormald, whom she loved like a son, her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Kimberly (Shannon) Ross, who equally spent time with Deanna when they were in town visiting, six grandchildren who Deanna adored: Jessica and Brian Horvath, Brittany and R.J. Stout, Sean and Cassie Wormald, Luke and Kelly Ross, Katie and Briana Ross and Nathan Wormald and his fiancée, Geraldine, four great grandchildren: Colton, Lily, Brynlee, Branson and a new addition to the family, Cooper James, who will be arriving in February of 2027. In addition to her family, she is survived by three sisters-in-law, Betty Brooks, Irene “Tippy” Brooks and Shirley Ross and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A visitation will be Thursday, October 22nd from 4-7 p.m. at the Anthony Mastrofranceco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a visitation will resume on Friday, October 23rd from 9:30 a.m. until the time of departing prayers at 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 a.m. in Saint Titus Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa. Deanna will be laid to rest with her beloved husband at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses at AHN, Beaver critical care department for the kindness and compassion that was extended to Deanna and her family. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Deanna (Brooks) Ross please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.