Sara L. Reft Alexander, 88, of Monaca, passed away on February 13th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Melvina Reft. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Reft. She is survived by her children, Jay (Marilee) Alexander, Jeff (Lorie) Alexander and Kim Alexander, her five grandchildren and her fur babies, Tiger and Boots.

Sara was a graduate of Monaca High School with the class of 1954, where she not only received her education but also cultivated lifelong friendships. Her commitment to her alma mater was evident as she actively participated in their class reunions.

Sara was well-known for her love of playing bingo, with the Vanport Fire Department as her favorite venue. In addition to her love for bingo, Sara found solace and pleasure in the great outdoors. Camping in Mercer was one of her most cherished activities.

Sara possessed a talent for crocheting. She lovingly crafted hats and scarves which she then generously gave to children. This simple, yet profound act of giving was a testament to her kind-hearted and altruistic nature.

A private family viewing was held at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Florence (Lecce) Lasky, 94, passed away on February 14th, 2025.
She was born in Aliquippa on May 19th, 1930, the daughter of the late Chiara and Giovanni Lecce. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Lasky, her brother, Orazio Antonio Lecce and her nephew, Richard Ralph Lecce.
She is survived by a multitude of nephews and nieces, including her nephew, John Lecce, her niece, Denise Lecce Ward, as well as several great-nephews, nieces, great great-nieces and great-great nephews.

Florence was a lifelong member of St. Titus Catholic Church, part of Mary Queen of Saints Parish where she was baptized, confirmed, and married.
Florence was an intelligent woman with an entrepreneurial spirit. Despite never receiving a college degree, her natural ambition inspired her to own and manage a business, serve as a bank manager at numerous banks and prepare taxes for family and friends. Her niece, Denise, frequently mentioned, “Florence was born ahead of her time!” Along with all the hats she wore, the most important was that of a good friend and doting aunt. It was like her house had a revolving door, and her many friends and family were always welcome. If you were close to Florence, you
knew what it meant when she said, “I am going to therapy.” Playing slots and video poker were her favorite pastimes.
Visitation will be on Monday, February 17th from 10 a.m. until the time of departing prayers at 11:30 a.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 12 noon at St. Titus Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa. Her final resting place will be next to her loving husband at Mount Olivet.

Norma Jean Castelucci, 94, of Beaver Falls, passed away on February 15th, 2025, with her loving family by her side at Providence Care Center of Beaver Falls.

She was born in New Brighton on June 5th, 1930,  a daughter of the late George and Florence (Norris) Boren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by by her husband of sixty-two years, M. Niel Castelucci, daughter, Nancy, a sister, Marion Wolfe and a granddaughter. She is survived by her children and spouses, Niel W. and Ruth Castelucci, David and Becky Castelucci and Brenda and Regis Stief, eleven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, sister, Eleanor Dick, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Norma was born and raised in New Brighton.  She was a long-time member of the New Brighton Free Methodist Church.  She stayed at home to raise her four children.  She loved to read Amish books and do word search puzzles.  She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Norma loved dogs and enjoyed when the therapy dogs came to visit.  She loved giving gifts and sending cards.

Friends will be welcomed on Monday, February 17, from 2 p.m. until the time of service at 6 p.m., at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, with Pastor Gary Hilton officiating.

A very special thank you goes out to the caring third floor staff at Providence Care Center.

Darlene Jane Gaus, 75, passed away on February 13th, 2025, at Rochester Manor & Villa with her husband at her side.

She was born in Beaver Falls on May 20th, 1949, a daughter of the late Leslie and Blanche Roeder. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Shirley Fosnaught and her siblings: Oliver “Bud” Roeder, Charles “Butch” Roeder, Leslie “Pickle” Roeder and Dale Roeder. She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Glenn “Jack” Gaus Sr., her children, Glenn (Joy) Gaus Jr., Lisa Jones and Tammy Gaus, grandchildren: Jordan Gaus, Ashley Gaus, Brittany Jahoda, and Christina Happ; two great grandchildren, Elli and Gemma, an aunt, Madelyn Bosworth, sister-in-law, Janice Roeder, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Darlene was a Quality Control Specialist at Phoenix Glass in Monaca for over 30 years before her retirement. In her free time, you would find her playing bingo faithfully with her true love Jack, who was always at her side. They were inseparable, whether it was at work, home, a restaurant, a casino or a bingo hall.

There will be a celebration of life announced at a later date.

Inurnment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park & Mausoleum.

All arrangements were entrusted to the Gabauer-Todd Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 340 Third Street, Beaver, who was honored to care for Darlene and her family. A special thank you goes out to the staff at Rochester Manor & Villa, especially Courtney, for the kindness and care that Darlene was given during her time there.

Michelle L. Kennedy, 53, of Ambridge, passed away on February 15th, 2025 with her loving family by her side after a long, hard fought battle with liver disease. She was born on August 25th, 1971, the daughter of Marsha (Charlie) Calderone and the late Robert Glotzbach. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert D. Glotzbach and her son-in-law, Jarrod Hoo. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 37 years, Ronald Kennedy, daughters: Heather (Russell) McKenzie, Amy (Kenny) Carlisle, Shannon (Javonte) Kennedy and Jennifer (Brandon) Hoo; grandchildren: Kyleigh, Camry, Dominic, Jayce, Noah, Javon, Elliana, Ace, and Mila; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Michelle’s life was centered around her family. She was a caring wife to Ronald, with loving commitment throughout their 37 years of marriage. As a mother, she was deeply involved in the lives of her four daughters, always offering guidance, comfort, and love. Her greatest joy was being a grandmother, cherishing each moment spent with her grandchildren, and creating lasting memories with them. Michelle found fulfillment putting their needs before her own, and ensuring they were always surrounded by love and care. Her devotion to her loved ones was a testament to her selflessness, and her legacy of love will live on in their hearts.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, February 18th, from 4 P.M. until the time of the funeral service at 6:30 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge. For more information, please call (724) 266-2549.

Robert V. McLaughlin, Jr. “Buzzy”, 89, of Hopewell Township, passed away on January 27th, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.  He was born in Aliquippa on June 9th, 1935 and graduated from Aliquippa High School in 1954. He was preceded in death by his parents: Robert V. McLaughlin Sr. “Buss” and Anna Yarnell McLaughlin, a son, Robert Jeffery McLaughlin, a sister, Nancy Blickenderfer and her husband Earle, a brother, David McLaughlin, sister-in-law, Donna McLaughlin, father and mother-in-law, Robert and Geraldine Lloyd Sr and brothers-in-law, Robert Lloyd Jr and Wayne Shaffer.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Eunice Lloyd McLaughlin, children, Randy (Rhonda) McLaughlin, Rodney McLaughlin and Robin (Jim) Burd, eight grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, Colletta McLaughlin and Sara Jane Shaffer and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

After high school, Robert joined the military, and served in the US Army Security Agency in Germany for 3 years. After his discharge, he went to work for the US Postal Service as a letter carrier for 35 years. He also worked part time as a realtor.  He attended Plan 12 CMA & Crestmont Alliance Churches. He was a member of the NALC, NRA, USGA, and Hopewell Quarterbacks.  He was involved in sports for the majority of his life and one of the original members of the Aliquippa Slow Pitch Softball League.  Bob also Bowled and golfed in several leagues in the Valley.  He coached Hopewell Little Leage Baseball and 5^th grade basketball for several years while his boys were young.  He also loved to hunt and fish at their family cabin in Forrest County. His favorite pastime was watching his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren participate in their activities.

Services and arrangements were entrusted to the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa.