Author: Beaver County Radio

Blast inside Philadelphia apartment injures at least 1

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — An explosion inside a Philadelphia apartment early Monday left at least one person seriously injured, according to published reports, but authorities have declined to provide further details.

The blast occurred around 12:30 a.m., and officers from the city and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to the scene and remained there for several hours.

Philadelphia police referred questions on the matter to the ATF. Alan Gilmore, an ATF spokesman, confirmed the agency respond to assist Philadelphia police but declined to provide any further detail on the explosion or the reports of injury, citing the “active, ongoing investigation.”

Philadelphia television stations reported a man in the apartment had been hospitalized with severe hand injuries, but no further details were available. No other injuries were reported, but the building was briefly evacuated as a precaution while authorities investigated.

Pirates adding catching depth by signing two-time All-Star Yasmani Grandal, AP source says

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates are adding two-time All-Star catcher Yasmani Grandal, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.

The club and the 35-year-old Grandal have agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth $2.5 million, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Monday because the deal is pending Grandal passing a physical.

Pittsburgh is searching for depth at catcher with Endy Rodríguez — who started 57 games in 2023 as a rookie — ruled out for 2024 after Tommy John surgery in December. He got injured while playing winter ball in his native Dominican Republic.

Grandal would join a catching situation that includes former No. 1 overall pick Henry Davis, Jason Delay and Ali Sánchez. Grandal is a career .237 hitter while playing for four teams across 12 seasons, including the last four years with the Chicago White Sox. Grandal hit .234 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs in 118 games with the White Sox in 2023.

The Pirates have remained bullish that Davis can become an everyday catcher even though he spent the vast majority of his rookie season playing right field. Adding Grandal gives the Pirates a little bit of flexibility as Davis continues to refine his work defensively.

Grandal provided power at the plate during his prime. He’s topped 20 home runs in a season five times, most recently with Chicago in 2021. He made a pair of All-Star teams earlier in his career, first in 2015 while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers and again in 2019 while with the Milwaukee Brewers.

On Monday, the Pirates announced minor league contract with a trio of pitchers — Wily Peralta, Connor Sadzeck and Brent Honeywell — in search of depth.

The 34-year-old Peralta is 56-61 with 16 saves and a 4.29 ERA in 258 games across 10 seasons in the majors, most recently with Detroit in 2022. The right-hander — who has bounced from the starting rotation to the bullpen — spent 2023 with Washington’s Triple-A affiliate, going 3-8 with a 6.31 ERA in 24 starts.

Sadzeck, 32, is 0-1 with a 2.75 ERA and one save in 35 games between Texas, Seattle and Milwaukee, last pitching in the majors with the Brewers in 2022.

Honeywell, a 28-year-old right-hander, is 2-4 with a 5.08 ERA in 43 appearances with Tampa Bay, San Diego and the Chicago White Sox.

Shooter Identified in Joel Osteen’s Megachurch Shooting

 

Feb 12, 2024 2:20 PM

By JUAN A. LOZANO Associated Press

HOUSTON (AP) — Search warrant documents show that a suspect in a trench coat who opened fire in celebrity pastor Joel Osteen’s megachurch in Texas was carrying an AR-15 style rifle. The shooter was identified as 36-year-old Genesse Ivonne Moreno, according to an affidavit seeking a search warrant released by the Montgomery County district attorney’s office. The shooting happened Sunday in between services at Lakewood Church, one of the nation’s largest megachurches. Police say two off-duty officers working security shot and killed the suspect. Two other people were also shot an wounded, including a 5-year-old boy who entered the church with the shooter and was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

Raymond Earl Lohry (July 4, 1933 ~ February 9, 2024)

Raymond Earl Lohry, 90, of Beaver Falls, died Friday February 9, 2024, in Heritage Valley Beaver, ER.

Born July 4, 1933 in Brighton Township, was the son of the late Hartley and Vera (Hoak) Lohry.

He retired as a welder for several local steel mills over his working career. He was a member of the Beaver Falls Turners where he enjoyed bowling. Raymond enjoyed watching old westerns, especially those starring John Wayne.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter Vera Lynn Ainsley; two sisters Alice McCombs and (Infant) Racheal Lohry; and three brothers Clair, Fred, and Delano Lohry.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, whom he married November 11, 1955,  Betty Jane (Yohe) Lohry, his children John ( Sarah) Lohry, Patterson Township; Joan Pease, Aliquippa; Collen Carson, Memphis, TN; Debra ( Rick) Caperton, Virginia Beach, VA; Brenda Wyman, Pensacola, FL; and Candy (Scott) Krause, Irmo, SC.  14 Grandchildren, 25 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great-great grandchildren.  Brother Eugene Lohry, Atlanta, GA; a sister Marilyn (Norman) Ferrebee, Clarksburg, WV; Naomi Yohe, Beaver Falls, PA and several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received Saturday March 2nd from 2:00PM until time of service at 3:00PM in the Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home, www.hillandkunselman.com, 3801-4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.  Elder Urban Turner will officiate.

R. Kevin Carugati (February 14,1951-February 8, 2024)

R. Kevin Carugati MD, 72 of Beaver, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, February 8, 2024.

Born February 14,1951 in Beaver Falls, he was a son of the late Richard I. & Rosanelle Carugati. Kevin had been a resident of Beaver for 34 years and was a 1969 graduate of Beaver Falls High School and a 1973 graduate from the University of Pittsburgh before continuing on to the Medical College of NY; he served a Pathology Residency with Shadyside Hospital and Internal Medicine Residency at Ohio Valley Medical Center. After over 20 years he retired in 2007 from the Primary Care Practice in Beaver Falls. Following retirement Kevin served as a professor for 15 years at CCBC in their Allied Health School.

Kevin was a faithful member of Our Lady of the Valley, Saints Peter and Paul Church, where he taught 7th grade CCD. He attended Community Bible Study every Tuesday evening and also was an avid golfer.

Along with his parents Kevin was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Charlotte M. Rodwell.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 42-years, Jane Rodwell Carugati, Beaver; daughters, Kati (Matthew) Pinto, Brighton Township and Christine (Scott) Burton, Sugarland, TX; granddaughters, Kira May Pinto, Fiona and Eliza Burton.

Friends will be received on Monday, February 12, 2024, from 2 PM – 4 PM and 6 PM – 8 PM in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of the Valley, Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 Third St., Beaver on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 10 AM. Private interment will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Kevin’s name to the Beaver Area Memorial Library, 100 College Avenue, Beaver.

Denise Lynn Summers (September 22, 1959 – February 7, 2024)

Denise Lynn (Staats) Summers, 64, of Brighton Township, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at home on February 7, 2024.

Born September 22, 1959 in Mogadore, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Robert M. and Elizabeth D. (Moffet) Staats. Denise was a beloved wife and mother. She was involved with the Fairview Grange as the volunteer manager of the auction and a pre-Covid volunteer at Friendship Ridge.

Denise will be greatly missed by her loving husband of 45 years Edward N. Summers; daughter, Leanne M. Summers, Chippewa; brother David (Teresa) Staats, Galena, Ohio; beloved dog, Abby; beloved grand-pets, Izzy, Luna, Kiwi, Poop-Scoop, and Cupcake; brother- and sister-in-laws; Chotsie Summers, Paul & Karen Summers, John & Rosemary Summers, Bea & Bruce Schultz, Tom & the late Polly Gunn; numerous nieces & nephews; and close friends.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Because of her love for animals, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County Ohio or the Beaver County Humane Society.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Gertrude Paunovic (June 5, 1926 – February 9, 2024)

Gertrude Paunovic, 97 of Aliquippa, went home to be with the Lord on February 9, 2024 with her loving family by her side. She was born June 5, 1926, in Germany and is the daughter of Wilhelm and Franziska Schlosser. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stevan Paunovic, her sisters Anni Kozler, Hilda Schmidt, and Maria Ley, and her brothers Irvin and Herbert Schlosser.

While some called her “Gertie”, she was most well known as “Oma”, German for grandma and an appropriate title for her devoted heart. She was a passionate woman. Whether it was her Catholic faith, her German heritage, her beloved family, or her cooking, she devoted herself whole-heartedly to all things in her life. She raised her family in the St. Titus parish in Aliquippa, but also lived with family in Hookstown, Fort Lauderdale, and most recently Beaver Falls. No matter where she called home, she was always welcoming neighbors to share a cup of coffee, good food, and a good laugh. In the kitchen, her family favorite recipes included her chicken soup, potato pancakes, German potato salad, and delicious desserts like her cherry cake and potato chip cookies. Many of her dishes were from Germany, which she was extremely proud of. She enjoyed visiting her brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews still living in her home country, and even renewed vows with her husband there for their 50th anniversary in 2000. Above all, she loved her family. Nothing made her more proud than the achievements of her loved ones.

She is survived by her devoted family: Fran and Bill Napolitano, Steve and René Paunovic, Mike and Charlotte Paunovic. Grandchildren: Dino and Paula Guerierri, Renae and Jim Pursley, Katie and Brad Vukich. Gertrude was also blessed with 5 great grandchildren: Tyler, Troy, and Trent Guerierri, Ryan Gailey, and Magdelena Vukich. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends in Germany and the US.
All services were private. Gertrude was laid to rest at Mount Olivet cemetery..

JoAnne M. Fencil (May 29, 1949 ~ February 8, 2024)

JoAnne M. Fencil, 74, of Harmony Township, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 8, 2024, in her home. She was born on May 29, 1949, in Sewickley, to the late Michael and Mary (Manjak) Sradomski. She graduated as valedictorian from Ambridge High School in 1967 and was a 1971 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where she received her BA in education. She then furthered her education receiving her master’s degree from Pitt in 1973. JoAnne began her teaching career teaching fifth grade in the Blackhawk School District and ended her teaching career at Northeast Elementary in Erie County, PA. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister.

JoAnne had a passion for reading and traveling. She was a faithful long-time member of SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ambridge where she was a member of the Marian Guild and served on various boards and committees. Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were an infant son, Gregory Fencil and granddaughter, Ramona Wargula.

She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, David J. Fencil, four children, Erin Wargula of Hopewell Township, Megan Fencil of Charlotte, NC, Marc (Lindsey) Fencil of Richwood, OH, Eric (Diane) Fencil of Cranberry, 10 grandchildren, Larry, John, Benjamin, James and Samuel Wargula, Sophie, Lucy, Ryan, Cole, and Reagan Fencil, a sister, Ginny (Bill) Hauck of Glenshaw, PA, a brother, Dr. Michael Sradomski of Cranberry Twp., nieces and nephews, Bill Hauck, Kelly Clark, and Jenn Hanselman.

Friends will be received on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge where a Panachyda service will be held on Wednesday at 9:30 AM followed by a Divine Liturgy at 10 AM in SS Peter and Paul Ukranian Catholic Church. Interment will follow in SS Peter and Paul Cemetery. Members of the Marian Guild will pray the Rosary on Tuesday at 3 PM and a Parastas service will be held at 6 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 404 6th Street, Ambridge, PA,15003.

Heather Lynn George Jamison (November 15, 1972 ~ February 7, 2024)

Heather Lynn George Jamison, 51, of New Brighton, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away in her home, Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

Born November 15, 1972, in New Brighton, she was a daughter of Linda (Greer) George and the late Jack George Jr.  Heather was a graduate of New Brighton High School and DCI Career Institute, where she became a registered medical assistant.  She currently worked as a procedure scheduler at Valley Gastroenterology Associates, Chippewa.  She will be remembered as a hard worker, who loved animals, and loved taking care of everyone.

Heather is survived by her children, Justin (Alyssa) Jamison, Kasea Zeiber, grandchildren, Alexandra and Matthew Zeiber, mother, Linda George, sisters, Stephanie (Wayne Jr.) Mros, Sherri Kosto, nieces and nephews, Sean Gordon, Wayne (Hannah) Mros III, Samantha (Jake) Mros, Jordyn Miller, Isabella (Donavin) Kosto, Dominic (Jen) Kosto, Elijah and Luca Bouts, aunt, LaVerne Greer, special friend, Chris Clear, and numerous friends.

Along with her father she was predeceased by her uncle, James Greer.

Friends will be welcomed Wednesday, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Ave, New Brighton, where a service will be held Thursday at 10am, with Pastor Donald MacNeil officiating.

Interment will follow at Grove Cemetery, New Brighton.

The name Heather means “Born To Be Resilient.”  You were brought up to be honest, but stubbornly independent, with a heart bigger than the sun.  People with this name hide their struggles behind a beautiful smile and never stop fighting for their family’s happiness.  You are the kind of woman who would cross through stormy skies to protect your loved ones, even when you have everything to lose.  Your only weakness: you care too much for others!

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Heather’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Roberta White-Prentice (July 30, 1952 ~ February 8, 2024)

In loving memory of Roberta White-Prentice (1952-2024), a cherished Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Aunt. She peacefully passed away in her sleep on Feb. 8th, 2024, surrounded by her family’s love.

She is survived by, her husband & soulmate, Gary Prentice, children: Marcus (Joy) Spade, Lesley (Spade) Farkas (Matt), Michael (Julie) Prentice, Brian (Sarah) Prentice, Tracy Prentice (fiancee’ Dave), Steven (Cara) Prentice. Grandchildren: Farren Fawley Bryce, Brenna, Sierra, and Logan Spade, Joe (Emma), Gina, Daniel, Tommy & Jake, Grace & Claire Prentice. Siblings: William (Fran) White, Tom (Connie) White, Jim (Carole) White, Carol Jansto, Pat (Rhonda) White, sister-in-law, Kim White.  She was a caring Aunt to numerous special nieces and nephews, which includes God child, Arianna Jansto.  Roberta was a loyal sister of God to of her Holy Family Parish friends.

She is preceded in death by: Son Keith “Sam” Spade, Daughter Jenifer Spade, parents Joseph & Alberta White, brother Joseph White Jr, and brother Michael White.

Loved by all, Roberta could warm your heart with just a smile, her happiness and joy contagiously filled any room, no matter the size. Roberta was naturally a leader and deeply rooted in community involvement throughout all stages of her life. Among numerous accolades, Roberta’s educational journey included degrees from CCBC, Geneva College and a master’s in Rehab Counseling from Pitt University. Recently retired from her position as Assistant District Administrator at OVR, New Castle. She made significant contributions to the world of adaptive rowing, and she was involved with the Three Rivers Rowing Association and Founder of the Beaver Valley Rowing Association.

She found solace and purpose in her active involvement with Holy Family (Our Lady of the Valley), where she shared her melodious voice in the choir and imparted her wisdom as a CCD teacher. She devoted her entire life helping others. Her selflessness and compassion continue to inspire us all. May her soul find eternal peace and heaven renew her body as her legacy of love and kindness live on.

Friends will be received Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in J & J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Ave, New Brighton.  Prayers will be held Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Holy Family,

Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Family requests no live flowers due to allergies. Artificial flowers will be accepted.