Thomas E. Chidester, Jr., 61, passed away on September 19, 2024 at the Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford.

He was born on October 2, 1962 in New Brighton, the son of the late Thomas E. and Lucinda G. (Powell) Chidester Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Leslie and Ida Mae (Frederick) Powell, paternal grandparents, George and Alice (Grant) Chidester, nephew, Kaleb Chidester and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his brothers and sister-in-law: Charles (Les) Chidester, Robert and Mary Chidester, all of New Brighton, nephews: Kent, Bradley, and Charlie Chidester, uncle and aunts, Chet and Joyce Chidester of Kentucky, Peggy Bardocz of Beaver Falls, Sally Powell of Darlington, many cousins and his favorite pupper’s “niece” Piper Ann.

Thomas graduated in 1981 from Riverside High School and worked for over twenty years at Passavant Memorial Homes before leaving in 2019.  He was a longtime member of the Beaver Fall Church of the Nazarene and a member of the Beaver County Mystic Magicians for over thirty years.

He never met a stranger, only a friend he never met before. He would strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, anytime.  He loved to make people laugh and would make silly jokes.  His one favorite he always told was that while in church, the Pastor said something along the lines of that God has no Equal, and Tom replied, but God does have Splenda and Sugar.

He could also go on and on about magic/sleight of hand and always wanted to show you a trick or two or three.  He loved performing and didn’t need a microphone as he had a booming voice and a distinctive laugh.  He also talked about the children and young adults from church and the puppet shows he did and helped with.

Thanks are given to the wonderful group of people at Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford for the loving care as they took care of Thomas.

Friends and family will be received on Thursday, September 26, from 4 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 6 p.m. in the J & J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, with his pastor, Joe Schiren, officiating.

David Ray Lewis, 77, of New Brighton, passed away on September 13th, 2024 at Providence Care Center of Beaver Falls. He was born on March 14th, 1947 in Edinboro, the son of the late Donald and Gertrude (Wolfe) Lewis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Lewis. He is survived by his wife, Laura (Mugford) Lewis, children, Kate Lewis and Nicholas Lewis, and his cherished grandchildren, Astraea and Esmeray Lewis-Conn, who brought light into his life. He is also remembered by lifelong friends Raymond and Marie Sanner, with whom he shared countless memories and card games.

His life was a mix of love, laughter, craftsmanship, and a deep sense of family and friendship.

Dave and his beloved wife, Laura (Mugford) Lewis, first met in their younger years on a blind date set up by a family member and a mutual friend. While their first encounter didn’t lead to immediate fireworks, fate brought them together again years later. Laura knew Dave was “the one” because, as she liked to say, “he wore very nice shoes.” Whether or not that was truly the clincher, the story became a beloved part of their shared history. They were married on September 15, 1979, and though Dave passed away just two days shy of their 45th anniversary, the memories they created together will remain timeless.

As a husband, father, and friend, Dave was warm, fun-loving, and always ready for a good laugh—something he and Laura bonded over throughout their marriage. When he wasn’t busy coaching his son’s basketball team or leading Cub Scouts, Dave was happiest at home, tinkering away in his workshop. A self-taught carpenter and woodworker, Dave built decks, remodeled rooms, and completed home additions with the kind of attention to detail that could only come from someone who truly loved the craft.

Though his outside interests were few, Dave found simple joys in dining out, grilling at home, and playing a competitive hand of cards with Laura and their friends. For a few years, he even dabbled in cooking and proudly wore the hat of a skilled at-home culinary master, much to the delight of his family.

Dave had a long career in the transportation industry, spending many years with the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad. In 1986, he was honored to be included in the Who’s Who Club, though his humility meant he rarely mentioned it. He was a dedicated fan of Pittsburgh sports, cheering on the Steelers and Pirates through thick and thin (which, with Pittsburgh teams, often meant more thin). Doo Wop music brought him joy and sparked nostalgia, as its harmonies accompanied many of his fondest memories.

While his passing leaves a quiet space in the lives of those close to him, his legacy of love, laughter, and craftsmanship will endure in the hearts of all who knew him. A private family celebration of Dave’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

Dolores June Kirk, 83, of Conway, passed away at Concordia Villa St. Joseph on September 20, 2024. She was born on October 14, 1940 in Kanawha Head, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Robert Paul and Irene Siron. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Frederick Charles Kirk Jr., her sister, Jean Dzikowski, and her brother, Robert Siron. She is survived by her daughters, Deborah Kirk, Loretta (James) Bobish, and Beth Kirk, grandsons, Shawn (Kimberly) Shillingburg, Benjamin Kirk, and Jordan Grant, great-grandchildren, Logan, Alissa, Nicholas, and Christopher, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dolores worked for many years at the Presbyterian Church in Sewickley and retired from the West and Zuberubhler Law Firm in Beaver. She was actively involved in her community, volunteering with the Parent Teacher Organization at Anthony Wayne School, serving as an Assistant Girl Scout Leader, and supporting Habitat for Humanity in Beaver County, the Girl Scout Office, Juliette’s Closet, and AARP Tax Aide. In her free time, she cherished moments with family, enjoyed daily walks, quilting, cross-stitching, and reading. A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 27 from 3 P.M. until the time of service at 6 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge. Burial will be private.

Wilhelmina “Willie” Margaret Deem, 77, of Ambridge, passed away on September 18, 2024, with her family by her side.
She was born on June 2, 1947, in Sewickley, a daughter of the late Walter and Susanne Kuemmerle. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, William Kuemmerle. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Daniel Chester Deem; son Paul Wesley Deem of Baden; daughter Susanne (Tim) Bowser, Industry; two brothers, Christian Kuemmerle and Louis Kuemmerle, both of Pittsburgh; sister, Elfrieda (George) Wain of Sewickley; grandchildren, Skylar M. (Kyle) Mackey, Rachael E. (Tim Pace) Ganter, and James D. Bowser; great-grandchildren, K.C. Mackey, Gunner and Ryder Pace; and her faithful four legged companion Penny.

Wilhelmina was a 1965 graduate of Quaker Valley High School, and had retired from Eaton Corporation of Vanport after 12 years. She loved sewing, cross stitch, fishing, and collecting chicken figurines.
Friends will be received on Monday, September 23 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Per the family’s request, if you are attending the visitation, please wear your favorite tie dye shirt. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in Willie’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Charles F. Barnard, Jr., 87, of Beaver, passed away on September 17, 2024.
He was born on June 6, 1937, in West Virginia, the son of the late Charles Sr. and Jessie Barnard. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Elizabeth Penif. He is survived by his sons, Charles F. Barnard III of North Versailles, and Ernie Bernard of Ambridge; his daughter, Eileen Weir of Beaver Falls; brother, Frank Wessler of Beaver Falls; grandchildren, Charles F. (Jennifer) Barnard IV, Constance (Stephen) Gossner, Savannah (Alan Michael) Conforti, Asia Barnard, and Omar Barnard; great-grandchildren, Elysia, Juliana, and Kaya Barnard, Shane, Cora, and Camilla Gossner, and Knox Conforti.

Charles was a 1957 graduate of Aliquippa High School, had resided in Beaver for 5 years, and was a proud United States Army Veteran. He also formerly worked at J & L Steel, and he also was a driver in the Trucking Industry.
Arrangements and services were entrusted to Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.