Author: Beaver County Radio

Raymond Frederick May (1942-2025)

Raymond Frederick May, 83, of Center Township, passed away on December 9th, 2025. He was born in Shippingport, Pennsylvania on April 9th, 1942. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rozan May, his daughter, Beverly Bowser, his sisters, Margaret Proya and Charlene Nedrow, his brothers, Thomas Winkle and Jerry Winkle. He is survived by his son, Michael May, his daughter, Shonda Snavely, his sister, Janice Winkle, his brother, Harry Winkle, his cherished grandsons, Kevin and Keith Krznar and numerous nieces and nephews.

Raymond was a proud veteran of the United States Army and a retired machinist from Norfolk Southern Railroad, where he dedicated many years of hard work and craftsmanship. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who found peace and fulfillment in the outdoors throughout his life. In retirement, he devoted his time to restoring classic Oldsmobile muscle cars and creating meaningful woodworking projects, taking great pride in the beauty and detail of his work. He also deeply enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie found at the American Legion in Monaca, Pennsylvania, as well as the Sons of Italy, also located in Monaca.

Friends and family will be received on Saturday, December 13th, from 2-5 p.m. at Simpson Funeral and Cemation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements.

“Till Dirt Do Us Part”: Pittsburgh Steelers Legend Brett Keisel to Officiate the Marriage of Eight Couples at PBR’s Valentine’s Day Event at PPG Paints Arena

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Courtesy of the Associated Press/ Caption for Photo: Former Pittsburgh Steelers great Brett Keisel waves a Terrible Towel before a game on Dec. 23, 2023, in Pittsburgh. (AP)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh today, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR), announced today that it will return to PPG Paints Arena on February 13th-14th, 2026, for the PBR Lovestruck Buck Off, the ninth stop of the 18-event 2026 PBR Unleash The Beast tour and a heart-pounding Valentine’s Day weekend like no other. Along with seeing two nights of the top bull riders and the fiercest animal athletes in the world, two-time Super Bowl champion defensive end and Pittsburgh Steelers legend Brett Keisel will marry eight couples there on February 14th, 2026 as part of PBR’s upcoming campaign called “Till Dirt Do Us Part.”

Couples can click here if they would like to apply to get married at PBR by submitting a short video explaining why they should be selected to say, “I do” and the application deadline is January 7th, with selected couples notified by late January. According to that same release from PPG Paints Arena, here is some more information about this event:

Chosen couples will receive a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day experience, including:

  • A free wedding ceremony officiated by Brett Keisel during the February 14th, 2026 PBR premier tour event
  • A pair of Ariat boots for each bride
  • Premium chute deck access during the event
  • A wedding photo with Keisel
  • Additional VIP elements

Keisel, who spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Steelers, has deep ties to both the city of Pittsburgh and to cowboy life. Raised on a Wyoming ranch, Keisel learned to ride, rope, brand cattle and handle livestock from an early age. During the 2025 PBR debut, he served as honorary team captain for the Arizona Ridge Riders during a PBR Teams exhibition game at PPG Paints Arena and welcomed bull riders to UPMC Children’s Hospital, where he has helped raise more than $1 million through his annual “Shear Da Beard” charity event.

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and PBR.com.

Fans can secure seats for:

  • Friday, February 13th, 2026 – 7:45 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 14th, 2026 – 7:45 p.m.

EVENT FAST FACTS

  • 750 tons of dirt brought in for the arena floor to transform PPG Paints Arena into a bull-riding mecca.
  • The dirt is a special clay-sand blend establishing a firm enough surface for the bulls to buck hard but soft enough so that every rider is not injured when thrown like a rag doll.
  • More than 50 bucking bulls at each event
  • It takes 7 semi-trucks to haul in the equipment for the event.
  • 36 hours of setup by a crew of 30
  • Average bull weight: 1,700–2,000 lbs.
  • Average bull rider weight: 140 lbs.

Free Christmas dinners will be offered from these Beaver County organizations

(File Photo of a Dinner Served During Thanksgiving)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Several local organizations are planning to host free Christmas dinners during the holiday season in Beaver County. According to the Beaver County Times, here is a short list of which organizations can fill you up with a meal to make your spirits bright this year:

  • The Beaver Falls Ministerium plans to offer a free Christmas day dinner for the Beaver Falls community from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 25th at the Beaver Falls Youth Center, 831 Fourth Avenue. The event includes a ham or turkey dinner with the fixings, fellowship and a gift bag for men, women and children. Anyone interested in helping that day can reach out by sending a message through the ministerium’s Facebook page by clicking here.

  • The Salvation Army Beaver Falls will host a Christmas dinner at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 14th at its center, 414 Sixth Street.

  • Clinton United Methodist Church is hosting a free Christmas Day dinner from 1-3 p.m. on Thursday, December 25th at the church, 1147 Old Route 18 in Wampum. Dine-in, curbside pickup or delivery is available. They are taking orders through Tuesday, December 23rd by calling 724-657-4328.

Four adults and two children taken to the hospital after a multi-vehicle crash that closed part of the Parkway North in Pittsburgh

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A crash involving multiple vehicles shut down part of the Parkway North in Pittsburgh this morning and sent at least six people to the hospital. According to PennDOT, the crash occurred near the Interstate 579 Veterans Bridge ramp and it was first reported around 10:40 a.m. this morning. Southbound I-279 was closed between the North-East Street exit and the Veterans Bridge exit, which caused significant traffic back-ups. The road reopened at around 11:45 a.m. this morning. Pennsylvania State Police confirm that four adults and two children were taken to the hospital for injuries. It was not immediately available about what the conditions were for the people that were hospitalized from this crash.

Allegheny Health Network Welcomes Allegheny Ophthalmic & Orbital Associates into Allegheny Health Network Ophthalmology

(File Photo of the Allegheny Health Network Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Allegheny Health Network (AHN) announced the acquisition of Allegheny Ophthalmic & Orbital Associates (AOOA) today, which is an independent eye care and eye surgery practice based at AHN Allegheny General Hospital. AOOA now becomes part of AHN Ophthalmology in formally joining Allegheny Health Network, complementing the network’s already robust eye care capabilities. Deval Paranjpe, MD, MBA, FACS, has also been named chair of ophthalmology for all of AHN, and she is a corneal surgeon who leads AOOA and has served as Allegheny General’s chair of ophthalmology for the last few years. According to a release in Pittsburgh today from Allegheny Health Network, here is some more information about this acquisition:

AOOA sees about 6,000 unique patients a year. The practice includes four staff surgeons, 13 support staff employees, and an affiliation with a low-vision optometrist. It has been serving patients out of its AGH offices for about 40 years.

The practice includes:

  • Thierry Verstraeten, MD, retinal surgeon
  • Michael Lewen, MD, retinal surgeon
  • Randall Beatty, MD, orbital and oculoplastic surgeon
  • Deval Paranjpe, MD, corneal and cataract surgeon
  • Paul Freeman, OD, low-vision optometry and vision rehabilitation

 

AHN Ophthalmology offers a full spectrum of advanced eye care services, including treatment for cornea and external disease, retinal surgery, cataract surgery, oculoplastic and orbital surgery, retinal screenings, comprehensive eye exams, and management of conditions like dry eye, macular degeneration and thyroid eye disease. It offers services at AHN Allegheny General Hospital, AHN West Penn Hospital, and Premier Medical Associates in Forest Hills.

To learn more about AHN Ophthalmology services or to schedule an appointment, visit www.ahn.org/services/surgery/ophthalmology.

Catherine Manfredi Ferrari (Passed on December 9th, 2025)

Catherine Manfredi Ferrari, or Bubba, as she was known to her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren, passed away on December 9th, 2025 at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph in Baden.

She was born in Clarksville, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Rachela and Luigi Manfredi. She is survived by her children, Valerie Ferrari Harley (husband – George) of Monaca, Cathi Ferrari of Monaca and Rob Ferrari of Elwood City, and her grandchildren, Erin Harley Carnevale (husband – Vincent), Matt Harley (wife – Lauren), and Ryan Ferrari (husband John) and her great grandchildren, Gia and Nick Carnevale, Alaine and Justine Harley. She is also survived by a wealth of nieces, nephews, and their spouses, great nieces, great great nieces and nephews.

Catherine was the youngest of nine children. She frequently talked about her youth in Clarksville, sneaking off to Iona’s grocery store to indulge her life, long obsession with potato chips and Pepsi and going to Hupp’s Dairy Bar to dance with friends on weekends. She met her husband, Robert (Bob) Ferrari, in Fredericktown, a nearby coal mining town. They were married on November 18th, 1950, and she and Robert lived for a while in the Manfredi family farmhouse in Clarksville before moving to Monaca. Catherine was grateful for those years at the farm. Family was most important to Catherine and the memories she shared with her siblings who were always dropping by stayed with her throughout her long life. Those siblings were Angeline Zurzola, Frank Lucia, Jim Manfredi, Jeno Manfredi, Mary Kacz, Louise Domon, Edith Greskovich, and Pete Manfredi. Catherine loved her life in Monaca, raising her children, worshipping at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, participating in book clubs, traveling and playing 500 with friends. Among her proudest accomplishments was her career at the House of Fabrics, where she rose form counter attendant to store manager despite having only a high school education. She credited her success to being “testadura,” an Italian expression meaning hard headed.

Friends will be received on Sunday, December 14th, from 2-6 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where prayers will be offered on Monday, December 15th at 10 a.m. followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m., in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1409 Pennsylvania Avenue, Monaca and the burial will take place in the cemetery of that church.

Those who wish to commemorate Catherine with a donation can do so by contributing to Our Lady of Fatima Angel Fund in Hopewell Township and the Monaca Public Library, 998 Indiana Ave, Monaca, PA 15061.

Dorothy Ann (Mannino) Colella (1932-2025)

Dorothy Ann (Mannino) Colella, 92, passed away peacefully on December 9th, 2025 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her immediate family.

She was born in Rochester on December 11th, 1932, a daughter of the late Antonio V. Mannino and Mary A. (Pedaline) Mannino. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Michael A. Colella, her sisters, Constance (Mannino) Elefterin, Rose (Mannino) Purrachio and Annette (Sano) Brenzo and her brothers Sam Mannino and Domenic Sano, all of Beaver County. She is survived by her brothers: John Sano, Eugene Sano, Ronald Sano, and Larry Joe Sano; as well as her sister, Gloria (Sano) Grant, her son, Michael E. Colella, and his wife, Carol Anne (Smith) Colella, their children, David Colella and Rachel (Colella) Aquino, her daughter Deborah R. (Colella) Hayward and her husband, William “Randy” Hayward, their children, Leigh Ann Hayward, Bradley Hayward and Lauren (Hayward) Davidson, and her son, Nicholas J. Colella, and his children: Aletheia Orpanidys, Nicolo Colella, Tommaso Colella, and Giacomo Colella; along with her seven great grandchildren.

Dorothy graduated from Beaver Falls High School and the Community College of Beaver County. She was a Jury Commissioner of Beaver County, a nurse at Beaver County Medical Center and Pittsburgh Tube Company, as well as a program manager at Penn State University, Beaver Campus. She was also active in the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and assisted several political campaigns. She was known to be resourceful throughout her life. A funeral mass will be held for Dorothy at Saint Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls on Monday, December 15th at 10 a.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Corless Funeral Homes. In accordance with Dorothy’s request, there will be a private, immediate family only viewing prior to her funeral Mass. She will be buried at St Cecilia Cemetery, 761 Allendale Road, New Brighton.

Arlene DelSota Braun (1943-2025)

Arlene DelSota Braun, 82, of McCandless Township, formerly of Beaver, passed away on December 7th, 2025 surrounded by her family at Ridgecrest Senior Living in Pittsburgh.

She was born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania on May 26th, 1943, a daughter of the late Salvatore and Margaret DelSota. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert DelSota. She is survived by her husband, Howard J. Braun, Jr., her daughters, Amy Lynn (Thomas) Hansen Jr. and Kerri Ann Very, her sister, Peggy (Don) Frankland and her grandchildren: Madison, Rileigh, Sydney Very, Zachary, Braydon, and Lauren Hansen, her sisters-in-law, Judy DelSota and Karen Tremaine and her entire extended family.

Arlene worked as a manager for a medical office, but her greatest passion was for her children and six grandchildren. She was at every event, proudly supporting them.

Friends will be received on Sunday, December 14th, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 15th, at 10:30 a.m., at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Arlene’s name, may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Arlene D. Braun, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Michele Smith (1954-2025)

Michele Smith, 70, of Monaca, passed away peacefully on December 8th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in Rochester on December 23rd, 1954, the daughter of the late George and Mildred (Deer) Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving partner of many years, Crystal Kemp. She is survived behind her one and only son, Otis Smith, and her grandson, Omari Smith.

Michele will be remembered as a woman whose heart and home were always open. For more than 20 years, she served as a dedicated nurse at Friendship Ridge at Beaver where she cared for others with compassion, patience, and a steady presence that brought comfort to countless people. Her generosity extended greatly beyond her work. Michele was the kind of person who became a mother figure to every child who crossed her path. Many lovingly called themselves her “sons,” whether related by blood or not.

Michele’s home was known as a safe place, a warm kitchen where hot food and cold drinks were always waiting, and where anyone who needed support could find it. Michele’s instinct to nurture was a constant in her life. She cared for her own mother with deep devotion, ensuring her final days were filled with dignity, love, and ease.

Her lovability, humor, and quiet strength made her someone people naturally gravitated towards. Michele built a family not only through blood, but through the many lives she touched.

Friends and family will be received on Sunday, December 14th, from 2-4 P.M. and 5 P.M. until the time of a service at 7 P.M. with Pastor Gary Hilton officiating, at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michele Smith, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home Inc. by clicking here.

Robert Wright (1959-2025)

Robert Wright, 66, of Beaver Falls, formerly of Midland, passed away after battling a long-term illness, on December 6th, 2025, at Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center in Beaver Falls.

He was born on in East Liverpool, Ohio on May 20th, 1959, a son of the late Rosemarie Trevino Wright Elkins and Herbert Wright. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Carl Elkins, his brother, Richard Wright, Herb Wright and Randy Wright, his sister and best friend, Candy Prince and his niece, Shawndell Hogan.

Robert is survived by his family and friends, his brother, Mitchel (Deb) Wright, his brother-in-law, Doug Prince, his sister-in-law, Louise Wright, his special and close niece, April Richards, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.

Robert was a faithful member of St. Augustine Parish and St. Blaise Catholic Church in Midland where he taught CCD for over 25 years.

In accordance with Robert’s family’s wishes, all services will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences maybe shared at nollfuneral.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Wright, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.