John Peter Smiley, Sr., 87, passed away on December 29th, 2024. He was born on November 29th, 1937 as the son of the late Mary and Peter Smiley. He grew up with two sisters, the late Rosemary (Smiley) Chronis and the late Marlene (Smiley) Allison. The family owned and worked at Smiley’s Tavern in Ambridge and New Brighton in the 1940’s and 1950’s. After graduating from New Brighton High School in 1956, “Sonny” left on his first great adventure in the U.S. Army. Once finished, he returned home and married the late Marlene (Buck) Smiley and started a family with their first two children, the late John Jr. and Susie. Tragedy struck in the form of leukemia as JJ was taken in 1967. Two more sons, Stephen and Joseph, would come along to complete the family.
“Sonny” supported his family as an electrician at St. Joe Lead, U.S. Steel, and J&L Steel. The collapse of the mills led him to work in maintenance at the New Brighton Area School District. There, he would fix everything broken and spend many hours in his truck clearing snow. He happily retired in 2002.
He danced at the weddings of Joe and Julie Smiley, Steve and Lynda Smiley, and Susie and Dave Von Kaenel. Along the way, “Sonny” became “Pappy” to Hanna (Zach) Wesolowski, Brett Smiley, Jake (Shelby) Smiley, Bryn Smiley, Matthew Von Kaenel, Shannon Von Kaenel, and “Great-Pappy” to Cole Wesolowski.
Gifted at woodworking and all things construction, he built a two-story garage on Grove Avenue and then a huge kitchen addition on Penn Avenue. Here, Marlene and John would host lamb/pig roasts, Easter and Christmas, birthday parties, and cook gourmet egg sandwiches for the many sleepovers with their grandchildren.
He was an avid golfer, bowler, and hunter whose tales often exceeded the actual results. As classic car collectors, Marlene and John were members of the Beaver Valley Car Club and Happy Days Car Club. He loaned his old cars to his grandsons so they could go to their Proms in style!! His love of God and country was deep. He served a term as Commander of New Brighton American Legion Anderson-Adkins Post 19. He was a member of St. Cecilia Church – Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Rochester, and served as Lay Director with Christ Renews His Parish.
He was known far and wide at social clubs. He was an active member of the Beaver Falls BPOE Lodge 348, New Brighton American Legion Post 19, New Brighton F.O.E. Aerie 1342, New Brighton United Croatian Club, Freedom Serbian Club, and Naples, FL, Moose Club. Pappy was always happy to sit, chat, and have a toddy. His collection of chips from these clubs could possibly end world thirst.
Friends will be received at the William Murphy Funeral Home, 349 Adams Street, Rochester on Sunday, January 5th, 2025 from 2-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Beaver County Cancer and Heart Association. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, January 6th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Church of Rochester. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, New Brighton. The Beaver County Special Unit will provide full military honors at the church at 11:00 A.M.

Dan Sainovich, 63, of Ohioville, passed away on December 26th, 2024, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. 

He is survived by his daughter Katie Sainovich and wife Chetlea. Dan said he was fortunate enough to have 4 families in his life. The first with his father Danny who preceded him in death on September 23rd, 2024, mother Sandra who loved him so much, siblings Scott and Leslie Sainovich, Ron and Yvonne Sainovich and Lisa and Adam Fitz and nieces and nephews, Christina Sainovich, Collins Sainovich, Tonya and Jamie Milsom, Jimmy Lough, Jami and Kevin Shulas, and Maitlyn Fitz. 

The second family blessed him with daughter Katie, who meant the world to him and made him so proud. The third family was with his wife Chetlea, and stepdaughter Denise Lapping and fiancé Jason, stepson, Duane Emerick and grandkids Zachary, Mackenzie and Gavin Lapping. 

The fourth is his union family. For over 30 years, Dan served many hardworking union members of Flint Glassworkers union, SEIU Healthcare PA, and SEIU PA 668 to have better working conditions, workplace, protections, and better staffing for patients. He was a graduate of Penn State University and Carlow College. 

Dan had a huge heart and loved to give, travel and fight for what he believed is right for all of his families. We will miss his laugh, and eternal optimism. The family thanks the compassion and exceptional care from the staff at Heritage Valley Beaver and a special thanks to Wilma who treated Dan like family during his stay. 

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, January 5th from 2-5 p.m. at the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com. 

Memorial donations can be made to the Ohioville Fire Department, 108 Salem Church Road, Midland, PA 15059. 

Cynthia Ann Nixon, 51, of Industry, passed away unexpectedly on December 26th, 2024.
She was born in Rochester on March 16th, 1973, the daughter of the late Robert Nixon and Dorothy Tillman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Timothy Nixon and her sister Katrina Nixon. She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Lars Nilsson, her only son Jacob Nilsson, her brother Resden Nixon, and an extensive family tree consisting of both blood ties and bonds born of friendship. Cynthia was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, having served ten years as a Hospital Corpsman. Following her military service, she was a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Her legacy is one of courage, inspiration, kindness, love, and joy. She lived her life to the fullest & enjoyed traveling no matter the destination. Her greatest joys and accomplishments were the love of her husband and the gift of being a mother to Jacob.

Friends will be received on Friday January 3rd, 2025 in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Private interment to follow in the Beaver Cemetery. 

Paul Allen McDaniels, 63, passed away on December 23rd, 2024. He was born on February 2nd, 1961, a son of the late Norma Jean Fisher-McDaniels and Eddie McDaniels Sr. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lawrence Fisher Sr. and Olla Fisher Stevenson, paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Winston Hughes, his brother Harold McDaniels and an infant brother. 

He is survived by his brother, Eddie (Lenora) McDaniels of Jacksonville, Florida, two aunts, Dorothy Gilbert and Lorraine Butler, an uncle, Charles (Joanne) Fisher, nephews: Quincy Johnson, Juan Flanigon, Anthony McDaniels, Christopher McDaniels, Harold McDaniels Jr.; three grandnephews, four grandnieces, two great-grandnephews and four great-grandnieces, as well as a host of cousins, relatives, friends, and coworkers who loved him deeply. 

Paul graduated from Aliquippa High School with the class of 1979. He worked for over 30 years at Uncommon Grounds and the Salvation Army. A true jack of all trades, Paul mastered everything he wanted to do. He had a zest for life, a love for people, and above all, a profound devotion to the Lord. Known throughout the tri-state area for his powerful voice, Paul shared his love for singing and praising God with all who heard him. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 noon at Calvary Fellowship Church, 300 11th Street, Ambridge. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC., Ambridge.  

Anthony R. Wozniak, 93, of Aliquippa, passed away surrounded by family on December 21st, 2024. He was born in Washington, Pennsylvania on July 27th, 1931, the son of the late John and Mary (Karas) Wozniak. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters-in-law: John and Reola Wozniak, Edward and Mildred Wozniak, Frank and Betty Wozniak, George Wozniak, Emilie Wozniak, his sister and brother-in-law Mary and Joesph Matalik and a son-in-law, Robert Rybicki. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia (Bennett) Wozniak, three daughters, Wendi Rybicki, Sherri (Doug) Murdoch, and Amy (Mark) Muslin, his cherished grandchildren: Christina (Mike) Litzenberger, Jesseca (Marcus) McCowin, Keith Murdoch and Mark Muslin, three great granddaughters, Karsyn Litzenberger, Norah McCowin and Eva McCowin. Anthony is also survived by a sister and brother-in-law: Elizabeth (Paul) Duringer, a brother Walter Wozniak, a sister-in-law Mary Wozniak and many nieces and nephews.

Anthony was proud to have served his country in the in the Marine Corps where he gained the title of Sergeant. After his military service, he was an electrician at LTV Steel where he had many fond memories. He was also a faithful member of Ohio United Presbyterian Church of Hopewell Township.

All services were private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. 

Beth Ann Hayes, 49, passed away on December 7th, 2024 at Family 
Hospice in Pittsburgh, after a long battle with cancer. She was born in Rochester on June 3rd, 1975, a daughter of the late Charles R Sr. and Jaqueline Neely. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her niece Tiea Neely. 
She is survived by her husband, Robert Hayes Jr, sons Richard Engleand Nicholas 
(Colleen) Hayes, daughter Samantha Hayes, granddaughter Everly Bee Hayes, brothers James, Charles Jr. And Christopher Neely, sister Debbie Sankey and numerous nieces and nephews. Beth was a free spirit with a big heart she was always willing to help a friend in need. Her hobbies included singing karaoke, playing pool, fishing, kayaking, talking on the phone with her young granddaughter, and spending time with family and friends. She was loved by many and truly will be missed. When she was young, she attended Sylvania Hills Baptist Church of Rochester. Beth’s wishes were to be cremated with a Celebration of Life memorial service on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Sylvania Hills Baptist Church of Rochester. Rev. Michael Bailey will officiate. Arrangements are entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. of Rochester. 

Miriam Jean (Braun) Senior, 97, of North Sewickley Township, passed away on December 26th, 2024, in her home surrounded by family. 

She was born in North Sewickley Township on June 8th, 1927, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Mabelle (Goettman) Braun. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of sixteen years, Thomas Senior, an infant daughter, sisters Doris Mae Braun and Elizabeth (Braun) Yard, brother Lawrence “Merle” Braun, sisters-in-law Ruth (Senior) Russel, Dolores “Jean” (Senior) Lester, and Betty (Weigle) Senior, and brothers-in-law Wilbert Yard, Elra Russel, Ronald Vogler, and Raymond Senior. She is survived by her beloved children, Lee (Elizabeth) Senior and Lorne (Sondra) Senior of North Sewickley Township, Connie (Michael) Glynn of Bridgewater, Virginia, and Cathy (Doug) Lucas of Chesterfield, Virginia. Miriam had seven cherished grandchildren: Brandi Senior, Ian (Maria) Senior, Katherine Senior, Scott (Sarah) Palmer, Matthew (Katherine) Palmer, Christopher Lucas, and Kathleen Lucas. She also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Luke and Benjamin Palmer, sisters-in-law Jean (Roush) Braun Dinello and Carol (Senior) Vogler, brother-in-law, James Lester, and many wonderful nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

From a young age, Miriam loved to be outside, play games, and spend time with her family. She was involved in a sewing circle for many years and loved to crochet and craft ceramics. Miriam also had a deep love for music and singing.  

Miriam was a secretary at the Beaver County Association for the Blind and worked as a bank teller at the First National Back in New Brighton. She was a lifelong member of the Redeemer Trinity Lutheran Church. 

Miriam married the love of her life, Thomas Senior, on October 2nd, 1964. They were happily married for 16 years before Tom lost a courageous battle with colon cancer on April 16th, 1981. Miriam’s heart beated for Tom, and while her family will miss her dearly, they are comforted knowing she and Tom are reunited after forty-three years apart.  

Family and friends will be received at the Corless-Kunselman Funeral Home, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025, from 2 to 8 p.m. and Friday, January 3rd, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Pastor Angela Smith will officiate. Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park in Daugherty Township.  

The Senior family would like to thank the Good Samaritan Hospice staff for the wonderful care provided to Miriam over the last 3 months. The staff was attentive and kind to Miriam and the family.