Rita (Dvorchak) Tornow, 87, passed away on September 23rd, 2026, surrounded by love, and held in the arms of her devoted sons, Ron Tornow (Pittsburgh, PA/The Villages, FL), and Tom Tornow of New Kensington, and a very special loving family friend, Carole Belhumeur of Monaca.
She was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania on April 5th, 1939, a cherished daughter of the late Stephen and Margaret Dvorchak. She was defined by her boundless energy, infectious positivity, and an unconditional love for her family that knew no limits. After graduating from St. John’s High School in Uniontown, Rita’s tireless drive and passion for learning led her to achieve remarkable milestones: she graduated with honors from CCBC and went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Geneva College. Remarkably, she accomplished all of this while working full-time at Westinghouse/Cutler-Hammer, taking on multiple part-time jobs, and single-handedly raising her two beloved sons, Ron and Tom—a testament to her unwavering devotion to her family, her extraordinary strength, and her selflessness.
Rita’s heart for taking care of others was evident throughout every chapter of her life. She was a deeply loving caretaker for her own mother, Margaret, who shared her home for 21 wonderful years. Following Rita’s early retirement in 2001, she continued to share her warmth and work ethic within her community. She worked part-time for the Cogas family at the EZ Mini-Mart in Industry and spent time brightening the lives of residents as an Activity Aide at Beaver Meadows, where her cheerful disposition and high energy brought continuous joy. She later spent eight fulfillment-filled years as a switchboard operator and receptionist at Brighton Rehabilitation Center (formerly Friendship Ridge) before retiring in February 2017. Rita truly cherished every day at work, always looking forward to connecting with her co-workers, residents, and friends.
Above all else, family was Rita’s heart and soul, and her selflessness was rewarded through the immense love, pride, and devotion of her two sons, Ron and Tom. Rita lived a remarkably rich and full life surrounded by their success, joy, and shared adventures. She was her son Ron’s biggest motorcycle drag-racing fan, traveling to NHRA races in a family RV to cheer on his RAT Racing Team—sponsored by Tom—and proudly watching them on television while keeping Ron continuously in her prayers. Her life was equally blessed with extraordinary travel made possible by Tom, who took her on 26 incredible trips through his achievements with MetLife and Prudential. Together, they explored the world on President’s and Chairman’s Council Conferences, taking in everything from European tours and Hawaiian zip-lining to Alaskan dog-sledding and Mexican parasailing. Among her favorite memories were quiet family trips to Las Vegas, visits to Ron’s home in The Villages, Florida, and an unforgettable journey to South Africa where she and Tom went on four safaris, took a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, and even each rode their own elephant! Rita’s greatest pride was simply being a mother to her boys, and the life they built together was a testament to the endless love they shared.
Beyond her deep love for her family, he was blessed to share a very special bond with her cherished, lifelong friend, Kathy Toy. Together, they experienced countless adventures, taking bus trips, cruises, and memorable vacations that filled Rita’s life with laughter and joyful memories. Kathy’s unwavering kindness, generosity, and loving support were a constant gift—whether treating him to wonderful lunches and dinners, accompanying her on errands, appointments, and visits to Tom’s, or simply helping her wherever she needed to go. He was deeply grateful for Kathy’s endless generosity, faithful companionship, and all the thoughtful things she did for her over the years.
She was a remarkably loyal, loving, and generous soul whose spirit attracted a deep circle of lifelong friends, devoted neighbors, and companions who enriched her life immeasurably. She was profoundly blessed by the care and devotion of Carole Belhumeur and family, who were always there to lend a hand through every milestone and home project. She held a special place in her heart for her dear friends: Tony & Dana Granito, Annette Truax, Sherry Cogas, Kathy Toy, Renee Zuk, Robin Heberling, Trudy Britz, and Carolyn Tornow, as well as her late, cherished friends, Bonnie and Tom McGeehan.
For over 30 years, Rita drew great joy from her bond with her tight-knit group of “Cherished Friends”—Leslie Pazur, Becky Parks, Laurie Gabos, Emily Lapping, and the late Donna Farley—a sisterhood defined by laughter and unwavering mutual support. Her neighborhood was equally filled with love and assistance: Lillian Roach served as a true “Angel,” bringing daily newspapers, helpful care, and sweet fellowship; Lee Reed generously assisted with appointments and yard work; and Bobbie Morris offered endless warmth and reliable transportation. Rita also treasured the wonderful companionship of Nick Cutich, with whom she shared years of happy memories, casino outings, and lively dinners.
She was a woman of vibrant spirit and endless enthusiasm who brought joy and warmth to everyone she met. She had a lifelong passion for sports, serving as a devout, enthusiastic fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and she deeply enjoyed watching golf and spending time on the greens with her family and friends. Rita’s selfless capacity to love extended to her cherished pets, Gizmo and Princess, whose devoted companionship brought immense comfort and happiness to Rita and her mother for 16 and 17½ wonderful years, respectively.
Rita’s life was deeply rooted in her faith. She was a faithful and devoted parishioner of St. Augustine Parish (formerly St. Blaise) in Midland, Pennsylvania, where she served her community through the Christian Mothers Guild and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Raymond Dvorchak, her sister, Marlene Lipnicky, her brother-in-law, Tom, her sister-in-law, Alla Dvorchak and her nephew, Robert Lipnicky. She is survived by her two devoted sons, Ron and Tom, as well as several loving nieces and nephews.
Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, September 29th, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on the following morning on Wednesday, September 30th, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Blaise Church in Midland. Private interment will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca.
Rita’s family extends their deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the many friends, family, and loved ones who brought so much joy, extraordinary friendship, and love to Rita’s life. A very special thank you is warranted for Dr. Marcela Purtell, Dr. Stephen D’Auria, Dr. Haq, and Dr. Carolyn Engle for their compassionate and exceptional medical care over the years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rita’s memory to the Franciscan Mission Associates (St. Anthony), P.O. Box 598, Mt. Vernon, NY 10551-9988, or to the Beaver County Humane Society.
