Author: Beaver County Radio

Donald Blaine Martin, Sr. (1940-2026)

Donald Blaine Martin Sr., 85, a devoted husband, father and friend, died at home on July 8th, 2026, surrounded by his children. He was born on October 18th, 1940.

Donald built his life in Moon Township and will be remembered for his warmth, quiet strength, and devotion to God and family. He taught his family the value of patience, forgiveness, honesty, and the value of hard work. He served his country in the United States Army from 1958 to 1962 and was a proud American that served in the United States and France in USAEUR as part of the Corp of Engineers as a firefighter. He was a painting and wall-paper contractor in Moon Township and surrounding areas for 50+ years and loved his work. He and his wife, Patricia, were also devoted and proud members of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association since 1978. They loved to travel and spend time surrounded by family and friends.

He was a son of the late Norman L. and Mary M. (Fink) Martin. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend of 53 years, Patricia Mae (Erfley) Martin.

He is survived by his brothers: Norman, David, William and Edward; as well as two sisters, Pamela White and Virginia Burnette. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Ronald and Jonathan and sister Mary. He is also survived by his loving children, Patricia (Donald) Knouse of Moon Township, Jacqueline (Marc) Carfi of Highland Falls, New York, Donald B. Martin Jr. (Heather) of Ambridge, Michael M. Martin (Della) of Hopewell, Mark L. (Taneka) Martin of Toronto, Ohio and Chad W. (Alie) Martin of Shaler. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and one on the way.

His memory will live on in the lessons he taught and the love he gave so freely.

Friends will be received on Wednesday July 15th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis, and where a funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 16th at 9 A.M. Committal and Military Honors will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

Stanley Greene “Greenie” Willis, Sr. (1934-2026)

Stanley Greene “Greenie” Willis Sr., 91, of Beaver, formerly of Rochester, passed away on July 10th, 2026, at his home.

He was born in Rochester on August 22nd, 1934, a son of the late Charles Willis and Sally Alberts Willis McManima and the son of his step father, Paul McManima.

Stanley was a retired inspector with Conrail Railroad of Conway and formerly had worked for Eazor Trucking Company in Pittsburgh. He is a member of St. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church in Beaver, part of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, a member of the Fort McIntosh Club in Beaver, a Peacetime Army Veteran, as well as an avid golfer and pool player.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou (Didio) Willis, his sister, June Willis Eazor and one brother, Charles A. “Bucky” Willis. He is survived by one daughter, Tawny M. Willis, of Beaver, and one son and daughter-in-law, Stanley Greene Willis Jr. and Rita, of Seven Fields, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be no viewing for Stanley. A private blessing service will be held Tuesday, July 14th at 2 p.m., in the Beaver Mausoleum Chapel, Buffalo Street, Beaver and interment will follow in Beaver Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard.

Susan J. “Granny” Summers (Passed on July 10th, 2026)

Susan J. “Granny” Summers, 80, a longtime resident of New Brighton and more recently of Chippewa, passed away on July 10th, 2026, at Edison Manor & Rehabilitation Center in New Castle.

She was born in New Brighton and lived a life marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and the many simple joys that brought her happiness.

Susan was a Christian and a faithful member of Marion Hill CMA Church in New Brighton, where her presence and spirit were appreciated by those who knew her. After completing her education, she went on to build a long and steady work life through her years of service and dedication. She worked for eight years as a receptionist at Rochester Manor, spent 17 years with Westinghouse, and later served for 17 years as a receptionist in the domestic relations office at the Beaver County Courthouse.

Family was at the center of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Helen Thompson, her sister. Beverly Dobritz and Beverly’s husband, Pete, and her brother, John Thompson and his wife, Ruth. She is survived by her two daughters, Lisa Browning and Kimberly Hovanec, who will forever cherish her memory and the many lessons she passed on through her love and example.

She is also survived by three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren: Faith Javens (Michael Javens) and their children, Gracelyn, Madison and Avalyn, Thomas Stillwell (Hannah Stillwell) and their children, Kelsey, and twins, Levi and Abby, and Amy Kesterson (Michael Kesterson) and their children, Brayden, Lincoln and Paitynn. She was blessed with numerous nieces and nephews. Her family brought her great joy, and she treasured every moment spent with them, especially the time she shared with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She loved playing dominoes, pinochle, Yahtzee, 500 Bid, adult coloring, and puzzles. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and truly loved every minute of it. She also loved to dance from the time she was a teenager, and that joy remained a part of her throughout her life. Her lively spirit and her appreciation for fun and fellowship were among the many things that made her so memorable.

Those who knew Susan will remember her as a devoted mother, ”Granny”, sister, aunt, and friend. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Friends will be received on Monday, July 13th from 4-7 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where services will be held on Tuesday, July 14th at 11 a.m. with her pastor, Pastor Tony Kurtz officiating.

Her family expresses gratitude to Gentiva Hospice and Edison Manor for the exceptional and compassionate care given to Susan.

State Representative Rob Matzie votes yes on 2026-2027 Pennsylvania state budget, citing sensible spending, support for schools, programs to make life more affordable for residents

(File Photo of State Representative Rob Matzie)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) State Rep. Rob Matzie cast a “yes” vote yesterday for Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 budget as it was passed in Harrisburg, saying that the plan invests taxpayer dollars sensibly without raising taxes.

Matzie released this statement:

“I voted for this budget because it spends responsibly, in ways that will strengthen our schools, support our workforce and continue funding programs that help working families – all without adding any new taxes or raising taxes. Education is top priority of the new plan, which delivers across-the-board increases to our local school districts.”

Matzie also highlighted the investments to make life more affordable for families, which he noted were key to his support for the new budget.

He continued:

“The new plan continues the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which puts money back in people’s pockets.”

Matzie also stated that other key features of the budget include increases for Medical Assistance, mental health programs, prescription drug assistance and other programs for seniors, as well as long-overdue cost-of-living increases to Beaver County’s retired teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public servants.

Matzie concluded:

“The budget we sent to the governor’s desk may not be perfect – no spending plan ever is – but it’s a commonsense plan that prioritizes real-life needs without adding new taxes or tapping into the state’s reserve funds. It keeps us on solid ground financially, keeps essential programs and services going, and invests in our students, our small businesses and our workforce. Those are smart calculations in my book.”

State Representative Josh Kail: 2026-2027 Pennsylvania Budget Puts Families, Community Needs First

(File Photo of State Representative Josh Kail)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) The Pennsylvania House passed a $50.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 yesterday and Representative Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), who voted in favor of the spending plan, issued the following statement:

“Pennsylvania families deserve a state budget that lives within its means. While this budget is far from perfect, it is significantly more responsible than where the process began. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s first proposal was a $53.3 billion budget. The final agreement comes in at $50.8 billion – nearly $2.5 billion less than his original request – and will result in no tax increases. This matters because it reflects months of pushing back against excessive spending and insisting on greater fiscal restraint. I would have preferred an even leaner budget, but this agreement includes meaningful investments that directly benefit our communities. It provides nearly $800 million in additional funding for rural roads and bridges, helping improve infrastructure that is essential for public safety, agriculture and economic development across our region. It also spends a historic amount for PreK-12 education, where no school district will see a decrease in funding. Just as importantly, the budget does not raid the state’s Rainy Day Fund, preserving reserves that should be available for true emergencies rather than routine government spending. Revenue projections were also stronger than normal, helping support this budget without relying on one-time withdrawals from our savings. No budget is perfect, and I remain committed to reducing the size and cost of government wherever possible. However, securing a spending plan that is nearly $2.5 billion below the governor’s original proposal, prevents tax increases, protects the Rainy Day Fund, strengthens our infrastructure and reflects stronger-than-expected revenues is a better outcome for Pennsylvania taxpayers than the alternative.”

Delores Bradick (1932-2026)

Delores Bradick, 94, passed away peacefully on July 9th, 2026 at home.
She was born in Aliquippa on January 11th, 1932, a daughter of the late Mike and Katie Bradick.
Delores was a graduate of Aliquippa High School. She served our country as a Sergeant in the US Air Force. She served for 3 years during the Korean War. She was a former member of Wildwood Church in Aliquippa, which was one of the largest churches in Beaver County. She was a current member of Center Township Christian Church. She was an avid supporter of animal rescues and worked for many years as a veterinary assistant. She was a member of LIFE Beaver County since 2014.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, George “Sonny” Bradick, Donald Bradick and Stephen “Mickey” Bradick, as well as her sister, Kathy (Bradick) Buchanan.
Friends will be received on Monday, June 13th from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements.
Dr. Steve Vesolich and Pastor Stephen Vesolich from Centerpoint Community Church will officiate the service.
Interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery with military honors provided by Beaver County Special unit.
One final thought from Delores was “Hooray for Jesus!”

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Delores Bradick please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Rose Ann Burbage (1937-2026)

Rose Ann Burbage, 89, of Ambridge, passed away on July 9th, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospice House of Wexford.

She was born in Rochester on March 16th, 1937, the daughter of the late Peter and Tillie Tretiak.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Craig Burbage; her husband, Jack Burbage and a brother, Peter Tretiak. She is survived by her children, Renee (Dan) Hayes and Keith (Kim) Burbage, her grandchildren: Chera (Qiuana) Pupi, Hailey Burbage, Tori (Tom) Dandino, Cameron Burbage; as well as her great grandchild, Easton Brown, her long time special companion, David Smego and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rose Ann dedicated her life to the love and care of her children and grandchildren. Her family was her greatest source of pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

In accordance with Rose Ann’s wishes, there will be no services.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Corless-Matter Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LLC, 1133 Church St, Ambridge.

Her family would like to extend a special thank you to the Doctor and nurses at Good Samaritan Hospice for their care and compassion.

Pirates acquire relief pitcher Brandon Eisert and infielder Jacob Gonzalez from the White Sox in a trade to give them pitcher Jaden Woods and a 2026 MLB draft pick

(File Photo: Source for Headline Photo and First Photo Below: Chicago White Sox pitcher Brandon Eisert throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Monday, June 29, 2026, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

(File Photo: Source for Second Photo Below: Chicago White Sox’s Jacob Gonzalez watches his three-run home during the third inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Chicago, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Pirates received left-handed relief pitcher Brandon Eisert and infielder Jacob Gonzalez from the Chicago White Sox in a trade for minor league left-handed pitcher Jaden Woods and a competitive balance round selection in the MLB amateur draft on Saturday.

The draft selection the Pirates gave the White Sox was No. 34 overall.

The twenty-eight-year-old Eisert made his Pirates debut on Saturday and his 2026 MLB statistics as of now include a 2-1 record, a 5.65 ERA, and 32 strikeouts.

The twenty-four-year-old Gonzalez made his Pirates debut yesterday and his 2026 MLB statistics as of now include hitting .241 with 2 home runs and 17 RBIs. 

State Representative Roman Kozak: 2026-2027 Budget Deal Reached Without Raiding Rainy Day Fund

(File Photo of State Representative Roman Kozak)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) State Representative Roman Kozak (R-Beaver) issued this statement yesterday following the House passing a General Appropriations bill for the 2026-27 fiscal year:

“In February, Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a $53 billion spending plan. If enacted, his proposal would have drained our Rainy Day Fund, created a significant structural deficit and ultimately led to tax increases for Pennsylvanians. That would have been completely irresponsible and unacceptable. In this divided legislature, it was our duty to ensure that didn’t happen. We were able to come to an agreement while scaling back the governor’s excessive proposal and land on a number that is within our financial means. I’m very happy to see the final product got rid of unnecessary spending. This budget agreement spends less than $51 billion, almost $2.5 billion short of the governor’s ask. This is a plan Pennsylvania can actually afford. I’m really happy rural roads and bridges will be receiving a much-needed funding boost and many infrastructure needs are being addressed. While the budget is not perfect, this is the reality of budget negotiations in a divided government. In the days ahead, we must continue to focus on policy that makes Pennsylvania competitive and affordable while tackling fraud at all levels.”

Beaver County Chamber Monday Memo: 07/13/26
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The Hidden Cost of Caregiver Stress

Many employees are balancing their careers with the responsibility of caring for aging parents, spouses, children with special needs, or other family members. While these responsibilities occur outside the workplace, their impact is often felt throughout the organization.

Caregivers frequently face competing demands on their time, unexpected emergencies, and ongoing emotional stress. As a result, employers may experience increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, higher healthcare utilization, and greater turnover risk.

Because caregiving challenges are often personal and rarely discussed openly, many organizations underestimate how many employees are affected. Yet as the population ages, caregiver responsibilities are becoming increasingly common across all workforce demographics.

Forward-thinking employers are beginning to view caregiver support as a workforce strategy rather than simply an employee benefit. Flexible work arrangements, employee assistance programs, mental health resources, and caregiver support services can help employees better manage their responsibilities while remaining engaged and productive.

Organizations that recognize and address caregiver stress may be better positioned to improve retention, support employee well-being, and strengthen overall workforce performance. The hidden cost of caregiver stress extends beyond the individual. For employers, it represents a growing workforce challenge that deserves greater awareness and a proactive response.

The hidden cost of caregiver stress extends beyond the individual. For employers, it represents a growing workforce challenge that deserves greater awareness and a proactive response.

The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at bccc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Craig Pritts at (800) 377-3539.

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