Peeps marshmallow treats move through the manufacturing process at the Just Born factory in Bethlehem, Pa., Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The great Easter basket question — to Peep or not Peep
Author: Beaver County Radio
George D. Maze (1952-2025)
George D. Maze, 72, of Beaver Falls, passed away on April 13th, 2025.
He was born in Rochester on September 2nd, 1952, a son of Mona Willoughby and the late George D. Maze II. George was a 1970 graduate of New Brighton Area High School. He was a proud Army Veteran of the 82nd Airborne division. After serving his country, George returned to Beaver County, where he raised his family and retired from Nova Chemicals. George loved his Lord and Savior and served as a Deacon at Christ Presbyterian and Darlington Reformed Presbyterian Churches for many years.
In addition to his father, George was preceded in death by his in laws, Herb and Betty Nida, his step-father, Ken Eckman, his nephew, Joey Neumann and his sister-in-law, Lynn Maze.
He is survived by his mother, Mona Eckman, his wife Bonnie of nearly 46 years, his daughter, Jessica Young, his grandson, Keith Hickey, his son, George (Mary) Maze, his grandchildren, Eric, Lily and Leah, his siblings, Mona (Charles) Hyde, Georgia (Joe) Neumann and Jim Maze, as well as numerous cousins and nieces.
The family would like to thank Tawnia Dennis and all the Concordia team for their many years of care and the team from Liberty Dialysis, in Chippewa.
Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Beaver County, PO Box 1605, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
Edward C. Howarth (1936-2025)
Edward C. Howarth, 88, of Chippewa Township, passed away on April 10th, 2025, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. He was born on New Brighton on July 28th, 1936, the son of the late James and Mary Helen (Southwick) Howarth. Edward graduated from Beaver Falls High School with the class of 1954 and went on to graduate from Geneva College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was a veteran of the United States Army where he served in the Korean War. Edward was a retired accountant for Globe Refractories in Newell, West Virginia who also worked as a learning support aide for the Blackhawk School District. He was a member of many different organizations including being a member of the Knights of Columbus #604, treasurer for St. Vincent DePaul Society, life member of the BF Elks B.P.O.E #348, member of St. Monica Catholic Church of Saint Augustine Parish, member of the Board of Directors for Chippewa Riviera, past president of the Institute of Management Accounts, and treasurer for the Blackhawk Quarterback Club. He wasn’t just a Blackhawk Football Fan, he was family. He bled Green and Gold in either rain, snow, or heat. He showed up and was a constant presence at games, QB Club meetings and events, always supporting, always believing, always there. Whether he was rallying the community, grilling at booster events, or just showing love to every kid who put on a jersey, his made a lasting impact. His dedication to the program and the people in it was unmatched. He didn’t just love Blackhawk Football he lived it. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Irene C. (Mukanus) Howarth. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Edward C. II and Cindy Howarth of Aurora, Colorado. Friends will be received on Thursday, April 17th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, where full military honors will be held at 3 P.M. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. Private inurnment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
George J. Sipe (1937-2025)
George J. Sipe, 88, of Bell Acres, passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 12th, 2025. He was born in Hall, West Virginia, a son of the late Ralph Sipe and Iris Harvey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by nine siblings and a great-grandson, Atlas.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Winifred “Winnie” Sipe, his children, Julia (John) Charko, Tina Meanor and Stephen (Bettina) Sipe, brothers, James (Sandy) Sipe, Kenneth (Donna) Sipe and David Sipe, grandchildren, Nicole (Matthew) Erickson, Matthew Meanor, Daniel Charko, Connor Sipe and Trevor Sipe, great-grandchildren, Aidan, Rylee, Gavin, and Baylee Erickson and Irina Meanor; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and dear friends that turned into his Bluegrass family.
George worked hard throughout his life, holding positions with McGaughey Brothers Trucking where he hauled steel, Jones and Laughlin Steel Company/LTV Steel (where he served for 23 years), a truck driver at Valley Steel and the U.S. Postal Service as a tractor-trailer mail hauler transporting mail between Pittsburgh and Johnstown. He was also a skilled autobody repairman and car painter.
George was a lifelong lover of Bluegrass music who played the resonator Dobro guitar in several bands, building a second family within the Bluegrass community. He was a familiar face and performer at numerous festivals, where he formed lasting friendships. His love of vintage cars was another passion—he especially treasured restoring his 1948 Chrysler Windsor with his son and driving his Little Red Express and Warlock Red Express in the Leetsdale parade.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 21st from 3-7 P.M. in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC 547 8th Street, Ambridge. Burial will be private.
George was born with a cleft palate, a cause that remained close to his heart throughout his life. In honor of that and in lieu of flowers, he wished for donations to be made to Smile Train https://www.smiletrain.org/ or Operation Smile https://www.operationsmile.org/ in his memory.
Matthew Louis Frederick, Jr. (1939-2025)
Matthew Louis Frederick, Jr., 85, of Hopewell Township, passed away on April 12th, 2025, in the VA Hospital- H J Heinz Campus.
He was born in Aliquippa on July 1st, 1939, a son of the late Matthew L. and Helen (Yeskovich) Frederick, Sr.
He was a Christian by faith. Matthew was an avid gardener and loved spending time with his family.
Matthew is survived by his children, Mark Frederick, Jason (Heather Juth-Frederick) Frederick and Robin (Jack Norris) Frederick, two sisters, Helen Frederick and Mary Jane Ward, his grandchildren, Jack Norris III, Skylar Juth, Melissa Juth, a special niece, Ava Prest; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Edward Frederick, Richard Frederick and Carol Cain.
Interment will be at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville on Wednesday, April 23rd at 10:30 A.M.
The Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home was honored to provide services to the Frederick Family.
Carol Jean Krugle (Passed on April 13th, 2025)
Carol Jean Krugle, 76, a lifelong resident of Monaca, passed away on April 13th, 2025 at Providence Care Center of Beaver Falls.
Carol Jean was a daughter of the late Elizabeth Ann (Zupsic) Palombo and her amazing stepfather, John Palombo. Carol was also preceded in death by her sister, Maryann Warchol and father, Andrew A. Calafactor. She is survived by four daughters: Debbie (Ted) Valko, Denice (Eddie) Elmer, Dawn Lynette (Larry) Holly and Bobbi Jean (Scott) McIlvain. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren and a nephew, John Warchol.
All services will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.
Beaver County Farmers Markets announce vendors and opening details
Photo provided by Beaver County Farmers Markets
Story by Scott Tady
The Beaver County Farmers Markets return April 26, starting with the Beaver market in the parking lot of the County Court House.
The Beaver market opens 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, selling produce and goods from local farmers.
The Ambridge market, along Park Road, runs 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, beginning May 1.
A Beaver Falls market, at 12th Street and Ninth Avenue, runs Mondays, 3-6 p.m., starting May 5.
The Chippewa Township market, at 2545 Darlington Road, runs 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays starting May 6.
A New Brighton market, at Fifth Avenue and Fourth Street, also runs 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays.
New vendors this year include a dairy farm selling yogurt and milk and a farmer selling native bare root plants.
Confirmed vendors and locations:
Brown Bear Bread Co. Beaver.
GG Biscotti, biscotti, Beaver and Chippewa.
Megan Epley cut flowers, Ambridge and Chippewa.
Fabyanic Farm, crafts, produce. Indian corn and gourds, Ambridge and Beaver.
Farrow Farm, mushrooms, Ambridge and Beaver.
Fausti Family Farm, baked goods, crafts, produce, furniture, Ambridge and Beaver.
Douds-Floyd Farm, Ambridge and Beaver.
Habrie Brothers, produce, Beaver.
Enon Country Gardens, produce, plants, cut flowers, Ambridge, Beaver, Chippewa.
Harley’s Oak Spring Farm, produce, plants, crafts, cut flowers, Aliquippa, Beaver, Beaver Falls, Chippewa, New Brighton.
May Malone Farm, crafts, cut flowers, produce, wreaths, plants, Ambridge and Beaver.
Bare Native Root Plants, Ambridge.
Fitzgibbon Meadery, mead, wine and viking horns, Ambridge and Beaver.
McConnell’s Hill Farm, produce, Ambridge and Beaver.
McCormack Apiaries, honey, Beaver.
Red Diamond Honey, Chippewa.
Jemila, prepared foods and baked goods, Beaver.
Muetzel Mountain Honey, Ambridge.
Highland Homestead Farm, beef, pork, poultry, eggs, canned/processed goods, Ambridge and Beaver.
Orlo Perennial Nursery, plants, crafts, cut flowers, produce, Beaver.
Ridgemont Farms, cut flowers, crafts, Beaver.
PJ’s Deli, baked goods, canned/processed goods, prepared foods, jams, crafts, Ambridge, Beaver, Chippewa.
Alex Leslie, milk and yogurt, Beaver.
Maddy’s Garden, produce and crafts, Ambridge.
Schweikert’s Greenhouse, produce, plants, Ambridge, Beaver.
Novel Breads, baked goods, bread, Beaver.
Swab Fruits & Vegetables, crafts, cut flowers, produce, plants, Ambridge and Beaver.
Swick Family Farm, produce, Beaver.
The Gray Goat BBQ, seasonings, barbecue sauces, goat milk fudge, sandwiches, Ambridge, Beaver and Chippewa.
Wockenfuss Family Farm, soap, body butters, lip balms, beeswax candles, eggs, chocolate, candy, baked goods, Beaver.
Woodward Orchard, produce, Ambridge, Beaver and Chippewa.
Wood Street Bread, Beaver.
Trisha’s Farm, canned/processed goods, jams, produce, plants, crafts, cut flowers.
Thomas Sutton Liberty (1942-2025)
Thomas Sutton Liberty, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on April 11th, 2025, at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph.
He was born in New Brighton on July 7th, 1942, a son of the late Ralph Liberty and Evelyn T. Liberty.
He attended Beaver Falls High School and later earned his GED from the Community College of Beaver County. He worked for many years at Moltrup Steel in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.
Thomas was an avid fisherman and hunter, but his greatest joy came from spending summer days at Holiday Camplands, fishing and riding the golf cart with his beloved grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Patricia L. Liberty and three brothers, Ralph, Andrew and Alfred Liberty.
He is survived by his children, Thomas A. (Kimberly) Liberty and Lisa L. (Mark) Kohlmann and his cherished grandchildren, Michael (Jessie), Matthew and Victoria Kohlmann, his brother, Daniel (Carolyn) Liberty, his wife, Shirley Liberty, several brothers and sisters-in-law, many loving nieces and nephews, including Kelly McCormick, Jennifer Artiaga and Brianna Diaz, all of Florida, as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.
The J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, was in charge of both his services and his arrangements.
The family would like to extend a thank you to Josh, Kim, Brianna, Megan, Tosh, and Brittany and all the caregivers in the Fontbonne unit at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph.
Interment was private and was held in Beaver Falls Cemetery.
Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting apologizes in an email for removing the “Bucco Bricks” outside PNC Park
(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates Chairman Robert Nutting, left, talks with Pittsburgh Pirates interim manager Tom Prince in the dugout after the firing of manager Clint Hurdle before the final baseball game of the season against the Cincinnati Reds in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019. The Reds won 3-1. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting wrote an email this weekend to apologize after removing the “Bucco Bricks” outside PNC Park. The personalized bricks went to a landfill to be recycled even though an approval was made last week for a sidewalk replacement project. Nutting wrote in the email that he took the responsibility for the bricks being taken away. Nutting also commented that a mistake was made and that both his late father and himself deserve a better outcome.
Two men are killed and two people are injured in a crash on westbound I-376
(File Photo of Police Lights)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Allegheny County, PA) Two people died and two other people got injured after a crash involving multiple vehicles occurred on the westbound route of I-376 on Sunday. First responders in Allegheny County went to the interchanges of Grant Street and Second Avenue. Two men were in a car that struck another car during the accident and those men were taken to a hospital. The driver and passenger of the car that got hit died. The road is back open and the incident is under investigation.