Richard (Rick) Frederick Zinsser Jr., 77, a lifelong resident of Southwestern Pennsylvania, passed away in his home on July 30th, 2025. He was born in Pittsburgh on December 28th, 1947, a son of the late Richard and Catherine (Kirner) Zinsser Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Zinsser, his sister, Kathleen Zinsser, as well as his stepson, Mark Davidson. In addition to his more than two dozen grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he is survived by his wife, Carol (Wood) Zinsser of New Brighton, two daughters, Heidi (Shawn) O’Connor and Miami Heather (Jim) Schmidt, Roswell, four stepchildren: Scott (Kathy) Davidson, Aliene (Don) Mittner, Kelly (Norman) Hainer, Joe (Dana) Tabay; as well as two sisters, Debbie (Paul) Roxer of Virginia Beach and Beth (Allen) Crivelli of Pittsburgh and several nieces and nephews and their families.

Richard served his country in the United States Army. Upon returning home, he worked for various tree service companies, including Asplundh and Lewis, as a member of the IBEW.

He moved to New Brighton in the early 1990s and met the love of his life, Carol. They got engaged after just six weeks of dating and formed a union that lasted through 30 years of marriage as well as many episodes of “Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune”.

He was a man of few words, but his actions had a lasting impact on anyone who met him. He was the past president and current treasurer of the New Brighton Lions Club. He also served as Eucharistic Minister for Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was the recipient of the Fr. Marcus O’Brien Service Award from Catholic Charities Diocese of Pittsburgh in 2015.

Of the many titles he’d held in life, the one he cherished most was Pap to his many grandchildren. Nick-named “The Baby Whisperer”, even the most upset, colicky babies would immediately find peace and fall asleep in his arms.

Friends will be welcomed Sunday, August 3rd, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Ave, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 4th at 11 a.m., at Holy Family Church, 521 7th Avenue, New Brighton, with Fr Tom Kredel and Fr Howard Campbell co-officiating.

Military honors and burial will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the New Brighton Lions Club, 720 3rd Ave, New Brighton, PA 15066.

Ruth Ann (Bohon) Schroeder, 75, of Catlettsburg, Kentucky, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s residence on July 28th, 2025 in Rochester following an extended illness. She was raised in Monaca and her life was a testament to her unwavering love, dedication to family and her deeply held values.

Ruth met the love of her life, David L. Schroeder, during her high school years. Their love story culminated in a beautiful marriage on November 8th, 1968, while David was serving in the U.S. Air Force. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories. Ruth lovingly created a warm home, her backyard was filled with flowers, birdsong, and the birds knew the feeders were always full.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Vivian (Liller) Bohon, and her brothers, Chris, James, and Ralph Bohon, as well as her in-laws, Jeremiah and Betty Schroeder, and a beloved grandson, Michael Juratovic. She is survived by her loving husband, David L. Schroeder and their three children, David Schroeder, Jr. of Kentucky, Jennifer Schroeder (Phil) DeLuca of Rochester, and Christina Schroeder (Derek) Hensley of Kentucky. Her joy was multiplied by her grandchildren: Kimberly (Simeon) Brace, Isabella Grace Birch, Andrew David Birch, Logan Hensley, Lauren Hensley, Kadence Schroeder Belic and Jonathan Schroeder; as well as her great-grandchildren, Luke and Asher Brace. Above all, she was a proud and devoted Grannie and had a hand in raising all of her grandchildren. Summers in Kentucky will be embedded in their hearts forever.

She is also survived by her sisters, Jane (Paul) Smith, Rita (Bruce) Megill and Sue (Fred) Porebski, along with several nieces and nephews, who will remember her warmth and wisdom.

After she graduated from Monaca High School and married David, the couple settled in Rochester, where they created a loving home for their children and ensured that her children attended Sunday School at Grace Lutheran Church of Rochester. She and her mother-in-law were active members of a local homemakers’ club, where they honed their skills in ceramics, sewing and crocheting.

She also enjoyed gardening, picnics and shopping. She also never missed a trip to the casino.

Children learn what they live and through her, so many have learned the beauty of nature, the value of hard work, strength, courage and loyalty.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 1st from 2-4 p.m. and 6- 8 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 Saturday, August 2nd at 11 a.m. Reverend Gregory Clagg, the pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, will officiate. Interment will follow in Beaver Cemetery.

The family has suggested memorial contributions be made in Ruth’s memory if desired to either St Jude Research Hospital, Tunnels 2 Towers, or a local women’s shelter. The family wishes to extend a note of gratitude to Good Samaritan Hospice and a special thanks to “Special Agent Ashley” Jones.

Louise Carol Huskins, 93, of West Aliquippa, passed away on July 30th, 2025 at Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. She was born on December 25th, 1931, a daughter of the late James and Catherine Croxton Stoops. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Daniel Huskins, Sr. on September 7th, 1992, a grandson, William Alvie Huskins, four brothers: Charles, George, James, and William Stoops; as well as two sisters, Florence Hohage and Anna (Ted) Cwyner.

She is survived by her son and daughter in law, Daniel and Debbie Huskins Jr., two grandchildren, Tina (Patrick) Flynn and Daniel Huskins III, numerous great grandchildren and great- great grandchildren, as well as many nephews and nieces. Louise shared a special bond with several close friends, including the Lorio, Gruzinski and Ribar Families, and Irene Staving.

In accordance with her wishes, no visitation will be held. She will be laid to rest at Union Cemetery, 1346 Chapel Road, Monaca alongside her husband and grandson.

Arrangements have been entrusted to SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Judith A. Small, 86, of Vanport Township, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on July 27th, 2025.

She was born in Kittanning, Pennsylvania on September 20th, 1938, a daughter of the late Raymond and Edna Bargerstock Cornelius. In addition to her parents, Judith was preceded in death by her son, John A. Small, Jr., her former husband, John A. Small, Sr., her son-in-law, Richard Solis, and her companion, Joseph Sidora.  She is survived by her daughters, Pamela (Gene) See of Florida, Julie (John) Reese of Center Township, and Trudi Solis of California: her grandchildren, Casey (Mark) Easdon, Michael Solis, Hannah (Isaah) Solis-Willingham, and John Reese, Jr.; along with her great-grandchildren: Blaine, Lennon, Madilyn, Adrian and Elijah; as well as many nieces and nephews. Judith was known for never meeting a stranger and will be mostly remembered as a loving mother and proud grandmother. In her spare time, she loved to golf and play billiards.

In accordance with Judith’s wishes, there will be no public services. A Celebration of her Life will be held on Thursday, August 21st from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Monaca American Legion, Post #580.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Phyllis J. Hooks, 94, of Daugherty Township, passed away on July 28th, 2025.

She was born in Kittanning, a daughter of the late Jacob and Florence (Schaeffer) Wyant. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer H. Hooks, five sisters: Louise Kammerdiener, Betty Zajac, Eleanor Weaver, Shirley Toy, Lois Jordan, a brother, Kenneth Wyant, her daughter-in-law, Linda Hooks, and her dog, Sir Ginger Snap. Phyllis is survived by a son, Michael Hooks, Daugherty Twp., daughter, Jacqueline (Bruce) Smith, Valencia, grandchildren, Steven (Rebecca) Hooks, Diane (Peter) Smith, Brandea (Zach) Shaffer, Joshua Smith, and Jennie Smith, great grandchildren, Olivia, Noah, Heaven, Arielle, Sadie, Alexia, a sister, Barbara Manifest, several nieces, nephews and their families. Phyllis had an adventurous spirit and a deep love for travel, which she joyfully shared with her family and friends. One of her most memorable journeys was traveling through the Panama Canal: a trip she often spoke of with great fondness. She was actively involved in several community and social groups that brought her deep joy and lasting friendships. Phyllis was a proud and dedicated member of the Eastern Star, where she served with distinction as Past Worthy Matron of Freeport Chapter #179. She was a faithful member of Life Family Church where she was involved in Coffee Clatch ministries for Senior citizens where she uplifted others with her kind heart and unwavering faith. In addition to her many roles in the community, Phyllis was a member of the West Bridgewater Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) chapter, where she inspired others through her encouragement and leadership.  She was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins fan.

Friends will be received Monday, August 4th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avene, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements. Phyllis will lie in state Tuesday, August 5th in Life Family Church, 1810 Valley Avenue, New Brighton, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Pastor Sam DeMarco will officiating.

Private interment will follow in Greenwood Memorial Cemetery of Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, 104 Melwood Road, New Kensington.