Author: Beaver County Radio

Francis J. “Frank” Laughlin (1929-2026)

Francis J. Laughlin, 96, of Brighton Township, passed away at Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford on April 10th, 2026 in the presence of his loving wife of 63 years, Barbara (Craft) Laughlin. He was born in Piedmont, West Virginia on April 16th, 1929, a son of the late Joseph T. and Ann (Miller) Laughlin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles J. and Joseph T. Laughlin; and his stepfather, Joseph Fradiska; and his beloved dog, Sandy.

He was a 1947 graduate of St. Peter’s High School in Westernport, Maryland and a Korean War veteran serving with the U.S. Army Engineers from 1948-1952.

Frank moved to Beaver shortly after where he later met and then married Barbara in 1962. He was a supportive and generous father to James F. Laughlin (Bryanne Tyler) of Bowling Green, Ohio and Catherine A. Lienhard (Kevin) of Allentown. He enjoyed watching his five grandchildren grow into adulthood and will be missed by Emily, Melanie, and Noah Laughlin as well as Matthew and Abigail Lienhard.

While Frank was a talented baseball catcher in his earlier days, he chose to provide for himself and his family with his equally impressive skills as a Master Craftsman at St. Joe Lead Co in Monaca and then at Ohio Edison (First Energy) in Shippingport, retiring as Welding Certification Administrator and Maintenance Coordinator.

In his free time, he took meticulous care of his home, yard, and cars. He enjoyed golfing with Barbara and his various golf groups and then when no longer able to amble on fairways and greens he spent his days assembling 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles. He was a faithful member of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Beaver and served for a long time as an usher.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, April 14th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, April 15th at 10 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver.

Interment and Full Military Rites will follow at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

The family would like to give special thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice House and all the medical professionals who provided care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001; Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Parish 200 Third St, Beaver, PA 15009; or Good Samaritan Hospice House c/o Concordia Lutheran Ministries Foundation, 134 Marwood Rd, Cabot, PA 16023 (give.ConcordiaLM.org).

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Francis J. (Frank) Laughlin, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. of Beaver by clicking here.

Davida G. Petrie (1931-2026)

Davida G. Petrie, 94, of Aliquippa, passed away on April 9th, 2026 at Concordia Villa St. Joseph. She was born in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh on April 13th, 1931, a daughter of the late Joseph and Edith Lazear. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Petrie, her son, Alan Green, her sister & brother-in-law, Isa Keller (Bill) and a nephew, Richard Keller. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa & Marco Ferrara of Center Township, a granddaughter, Alicia (Corinna French) Ferrara of Gainesville, Florida, a niece: Edie & Bob Kreider of Beaver Creek, Ohio and a daughter-in-law, Tina Green.

Davida graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a Master’s Degree in Music. She retired from teaching, first at Center School District then the majority of her career at Blackhawk School District as a Music Teacher. She also taught music privately. She loved to be on stage.  She would audition and perform in musicals throughout her life. She spent many years performing with the Beaver Valley Choral Society. She also had a great love for animals, especially dogs and cats and spent her later years volunteering with the Beaver County Humane Society.  She also was a member of the Red Hat Society and volunteered with the Senior Center at the Beaver Valley Mall.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, April 14th at 4 p.m. in Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa. 2345 Mill St. Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Marylou Carpenter (Passed on April 9th, 2026)

Marylou Carpenter, 89, of Beaver, passed away on April 9th, 2026. She was born in Beaver and lived a life marked by kindness, faith, and devoted service to others. She will be remembered as a woman whose gentle spirit and steadfast beliefs touched the lives of many. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and June Rambo, her husband, Jack C. Carpenter, her stepchildren, David (Gladys) Carpenter and Susan (Bill) Hoyt, as well as her two sisters, Darlene Thomas and Rose Coulter. She is survived by her daughters, Deborah Lou (late Willard) Lowe and Kim Lehocky, her son, Gregory Carpenter, her step-son, Jack Carpenter (Joan), her sister Janet (Frank) Zawislak and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. The love of her family was an important part of her life, and she treasured the relationships she shared with them.

Marylou was a homemaker, and she embraced that role with grace and dedication. She found purpose in caring for her family and in making a warm and welcoming home. Her life reflected the quiet strength of someone who gave freely of herself and placed the needs of others before her own.

Her faith was central to her life, and she enjoyed doing the Lord’s work in every way she could. Marylou was a very devout member of the Rochester Free Methodist Church, where she shared her time, energy, and compassion with the congregation and the church’s food bank. She also supplied meals to the residents of the local Passavant Memorial Home in Rochester.

Marylou’s legacy is one of faith, service, and devotion. She lived in a manner that reflected her beliefs, and she offered kindness in both word and deed. Her family and friends will remember her for her steady presence, her loving heart, and her willingness to help wherever she was needed. Her life was a blessing to those around her, and her memory will continue to bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

In accordance with her wishes, a graveside committal service will be held on Monday, April 13th at 2 p.m. at Beaver Cemetery. Everyone is asked to meet at the cemetery entrance no later than 1:45 P.M. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Celebration Villa in Chippewa for the compassion and care Marylou received while under their care.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Marylou’s memory are asked to please consider the Rochester Free Methodist Church’s Food Bank, 480 Jefferson St, Rochester, PA 15074.

Online condolences may be shared and viewed at www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Betty Louise Rushton Connor (1926-2026)

Betty Louise Rushton Conner, 99, passed away on April 10th, 2026, at Franciscan Manor. Born on April 15, 1926, in Beaver Falls, the daughter of the late Archie and Vaughnie (Harmon) Rushton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Louis M. Ciotti, her husband, Harry D. Conner, her son, Jerry Louis Conner, her brother, Arthur J. Rushton and a special friend, Edward J. Haluszka. She is survived by her two daughters, Diane L. (Michael) Foley of Patterson Township, and Lisa A. (Thomas) Kutchenriter of Hopewell Township, her daughter-in-law, Christine Conner of Wexford, six grandchildren: Ryan (Jennifer) Foley, Melissa (Jared) Bellan, Seth (Alia) Conner, Eli Conner, Adam (Julie) Conner, and Ethan (Jen) Conner; as well as six great-grandchildren, Bryson and Madelyn Foley, Jayden and Jacob Bellan, and Layla and Norah Conner; along with her sister-in-law, Helen Jean Conner and many nieces and nephews and friends, including members of the former College Hill United Methodist Church. Betty graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1944 and was employed in the purchasing department of Babcock and Wilcox during World War II. She was married to Harry D. Conner in 1948 and was the mother of three children, Diane, Jerry, and Lisa. After the death of her husband in 1980, she returned to work for the Beaver County Research Center (whose name was later changed to the Beaver County Genealogy and History Center) for 27 years. She was also a member of the former College Hill United Methodist Church, Omicron Class, Beaver United Methodist Church, Merle Frazier Class, Beaver County Genealogical Society, Beaver Falls Historical Society, and Beaver County Humane Society. Friends will be received on Tuesday, April 14th from 10 A.M. until the time of service at 12 noon at CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements. Interment will be private at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Betty’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Patricia M. Elia (1938-2026)

Patricia M. Elia, 87, of Beaver, passed away peacefully at home on April 10th, 2026. She was born on July 13th, 1938, the daughter of the late Harvey Grimm and Grace Catanese. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Elia and her beloved grandson, Michael Borsani. She is survived by her daughters, Vicki (Lou) Borsani, Pam Elia, and Patty (Rick) Loverde, her grandchildren, Chase (Anna) Loverde, Eric (Amanda) Elia, and Marlena Wilke, and their children Domenica Elia, James Elia and Gabriel Loverde. She will be sadly missed by many additional family members, friends, and neighbors.

Patricia was an inspiring figure in the local golf community and a testament to determination and passion. She began her golfing adventure in 1968 and was motivated by the love of her late husband who spent much of his time on the golf course. She embraced the philosophy of “if you can’t beat him, join him,” which she quickly took to the game. Before long, she was not only enjoying herself but also excelling, collecting trophies and accolades. She joined the West Penn Golfers Association, where she won numerous championships, including titles at the Beaver Lakes Country Club and Seven Oaks Country Club. As a West Penn amateur, she had the privilege of golfing at all the major courses within the tri-state area, proving her skills and dedication in every swing. She played a pivotal role in establishing the First Tee at Black Hawk Golf Course along with Golf Pro Garret Wilson, aiming to promote golf among our youth through the PGA. Additionally, she organized women’s golf leagues at Blackhawk Golf Course in Beaver Falls.

She was not only a champion on the course, but she was also a champion wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother inspiring and challenging family members and countless others to follow in her footsteps.

Friends will be received on Monday April 13th, from 3-7 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a funeral service will take place on Tuesday, April 14th at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Interment to take place at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Patricia’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Visit PA Tees Up Chance to Win Free 2026 PGA Championship Tickets for Pennsylvanians in all 67 Counties Across the Commonwealth

(Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Visit PA, in partnership with the PGA of America, is now launching a statewide ticket giveaway hosted locally by Visit Delco to provide residents from all 67 counties a chance to attend one of golf’s most prestigious events: the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Chester County. It is scheduled for May 11th–17th, 2026 and this event is one of golf’s four major tournaments. It is is expected to draw over 200,000 spectators to the region of Philadelphia and the Wanamaker Trophy will return to Aronimink Golf Club for the first time since 1962. Residents can visit: https://visitdelco.com/pga-giveaway/ by clicking here to enter for a chance to win. According to a release today from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, here are more details about this giveaway:

The Details

  • 268 Championship Tickets are being gifted to Pennsylvania residents across all 67 counties
  • Two (2) tickets per winner, two (2) winners selected per county to attend on Monday, May 11, Tuesday, May 12 or Wednesday, May 13
  • Practice round tickets include full access to the grounds and public grandstand seating
  • Inclusive of food and non-alcoholic beverages at all concession venues
  • Proof of residency required, if selected as a winner

Last-minute filing tips, resources available to help taxpayers who still need to file

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – A sign outside the Internal Revenue Service building in Washington, on May 4, 2021.
Effective immediately, the Internal Revenue Service will end its decades-old policy of making unannounced home and business visits — in a nod to worker safety and combatting scammers who pose as IRS agents. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Washington, D.C.) The Internal Revenue Service reminds last-minute tax filers that the April 15 tax deadline is this week. The IRS encourages those who still need to file to use free tools and resources on IRS.gov to file on time or request an extension. According to a recent release from the IRS, here are some tips they offer to file your taxes and resources to do so:

  • From refund status and getting tax preparation assistance to researching tax law and finding answers to frequently asked questions, IRS.gov offers resources to help individuals and businesses meet the deadline.
  • For last-minute filers looking for free filing resources, IRS Free File remains an option for qualified taxpayers to file their return.
  • Taxpayers with questions about the new tax provisions in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill can find eligibility information and guidance on IRS.gov. The site also offers tools to help taxpayers understand how these changes could affect their tax return.

Key IRS.gov resources

Get personalized account services and faster refunds

Get an extension to file

Taxpayers who cannot file their return by April 15 should request an extension by clicking here by that date to avoid a failure to file penalty. An approved extension gives taxpayers until Oct. 15 to submit their return. However, any tax owed is still due by April 15. An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay.  All taxpayers can also use IRS Free File by clicking here to request an extension electronically.

Some taxpayers qualify for automatic extensions

Taxpayers who do not qualify for an automatic extension can request one by the April 15 deadline. They should still pay as much as they can by the deadline to minimize interest and penalties.

Having trouble paying? IRS has options

Taxpayers who owe taxes have several payment options.

Those unable to pay in full by April 15 may qualify for online payment plans, including short- and long-term installment agreements. The IRS urges taxpayers to file their tax return and pay what they can, even if they cannot pay the full amount owed.

Interest and late-payment penalties will continue to accrue on unpaid balances after April 15. However, the failure to pay penalty is reduced by half while an installment agreement is in effect. More information is available on IRS.gov under About Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request by clicking here.

Taxpayers can find these resources and more on the Let Us Help You section of IRS.gov by clicking here, which provides quick access to filing assistance, refund information, payment options, and answers to common questions.

Dr. Jeffrey Cohen Honored with Modern Healthcare’s 2026 Innovators Award for Pioneering Community‑Centric Health Care Transformation

(Photo Provide with Release Courtesy of Allegheny Health Network)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Allegheny Health Network (AHN) announced today that Jeffrey Cohen, MD, a nationally recognized health care innovator, has been selected by Modern Healthcare as a winner of one of its prestigious 2026 Innovators Awards. According to a release from Allegheny Health Network, the magazine’s award program recognizes individuals and organizations that drive meaningful innovation to improve care delivery, achieve measurable results, and advance both clinical and financial performance in the health care industry. Modern Healthcare is one of the nation’s most influential sources of health care business and policy news. Dr. Cohen, who is AHN’s Chief Physician Executive, Community Health and Innovation, was recognized in the Individual Honoree category. He is being honored for his transformative leadership in reinventing AHN Suburban, converting the previously shuttered hospital into a thriving center for health care innovation and community revitalization. Through his vision, the century-old facility has become a dynamic hub for care delivery, research, business incubation, education, and social opportunity: fundamentally strengthening community resilience.

Seneca Valley High School graduate was the voice of Artemis II’s historic mission speaking to them from mission control in Houston

(Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of NASA)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Houston, TX) The four astronauts on Artemis II have landed after going farther into space than any human has before, and one person from southwestern Pennsylvania can say they took part in the historic mission. Seneca Valley High School graduate Gary Jordan was the voice that was speaking to them from mission control at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, where he is the manager of communications and public affairs. Jordan was the sole voice who translated for the public the conversations between the astronauts and the CapCom, which was the person who was speaking to the crew. This happened for three hours or so, and this helped the public to understand all that was happening. 

Former major league infielder Phil Garner, part of Pirates’ 1979 championship team, dies at 76

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Tim Foli, left, and Phil Garner, the middle infield of the 1979 World Championship Pittsburgh Pirates team attend a pre-game ceremony remembering the team’s accomplishment 40 years ago before a baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies in Pittsburgh, July 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

HOUSTON (AP) — Phil Garner, a three-time All-Star infielder who went on to manage the Houston Astros to their first World Series appearance, has died. He was 76.

Garner’s family issued a statement Sunday saying Garner died Saturday after a two-plus-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

“Phil never lost his signature spark of life,” Garner’s son, Ty, said in a statement. “He was so well known for his love for baseball, which was with him until the end.”

Nicknamed “Scrap Iron” for his blue-collar approach to the game, Garner had a 16-year playing career with the Oakland Athletics (1973-76), Pittsburgh Pirates (1977-81), Astros (1981-87), Los Angeles Dodgers (1987) and San Francisco Giants (1988).

He played 150 games and had an .800 OPS for Pittsburgh during the Pirates’ 1979 World Series championship season. He batted .417 in the NL Championship Series sweep of Cincinnati and hit .500 (12 for 24) in the World Series as the Pirates rallied from a 3-1 deficit to beat Baltimore.

Garner made All-Star teams with Oakland in 1976 and with Pittsburgh in 1980 and 1981.

“Phil Garner was a fierce competitor, a respected leader, and a cherished part of the Pirates family,” Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement. “His contributions to the 1979 World Series championship team will forever be part of Pirates history. We always appreciated welcoming Phil back to Pittsburgh, and it was evident how deeply this city, this team, his teammates, and our fans meant to him.

“He will be remembered not only for the grit, passion, and heart he brought to the game, but also for the way he carried himself as a devoted family man and respected member of the baseball community.”

Garner hit .260 with 109 homers, 738 RBIs and 225 steals in 1,860 regular-season games while being versatile enough to make more than 700 starts at both second base and third base.

Garner managed in the majors for 15 years, compiling a 985-1,054 record with Milwaukee (1992-99), Detroit (2000-02) and Houston (2004-07).

“When I got back into managing, he was the first person that I met in Houston and has introduced me to so many of my close friends,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, who dedicated an 8-2 win over Miami to Garner and his family on Sunday. “When I got the job in Detroit, he reached out and talked to me about the city of Detroit and the fan base. Even though his time here didn’t go great, he was a big advocate for Detroit.”

Garner held the Brewers record for managerial wins until Craig Counsell surpassed him in 2022.

“He was a very highly respected and beloved individual who was known for his caring nature, wisdom and sense of humor,” the Brewers said in a statement.

Garner took over the Astros midway through the 2004 season after the firing of Jimy Williams and led them to a 48-26 record the rest of the way. They finished 92-70, beat Atlanta in the NL Division Series and wasted a 3-2 lead over St. Louis in the NL Championship Series.

Garner got the Astros to the World Series the following year. They bounced back from a 15-30 start to finish 89-73 and beat Atlanta in the NLDS and St. Louis in the NLCS before the Chicago White Sox swept them.

“Phil Garner’s contributions to the Houston Astros, the city of Houston and to the game of baseball will not be forgotten,” Astros owner and chairman Jim Crane said in a statement.

Garner was a Tennessee native who starred at the University of Tennessee, which retired his No. 18 in 2009.

“I genuinely appreciated Garner as a manager!!” former Tiger Brandon Inge wrote in a text message. “He really taught us how to play with a chip on our shoulders and not to back down to anyone or anything, no matter the circumstance!!! Thinking of his family, he’ll be missed!”