Carl “Papa Carl” Marchionda, 83, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away at his Aliquippa residence on December 27th, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family.

He was raised in Freedom, a son of the late William Joseph Marchionda and Yolanda Loretta Santeufemio Marchionda. Carl’s zest for life was matched only by his love for his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Susan Palmer Marchionda, who, along with their children, Carla Marchionda in Texas, Craig (Monica) Marchionda, Carmen (Lynette) Marchionda, late Mark Ferrozzutti, Amy Ferrozzutti Guzma and Kara Ferrozzutti (Steve) Roscoe celebrate his legacy. His beloved grandchildren are Jessica and Dontae Marchionda, Vince and Roman Marchionda, Fiora and Gino Marchionda, Nick, Hailey, Aidan and Olivia Guzma, Jacob, Travis and Gabby Young, Kami Ferrozzutti and Lorenzo Ferrozzuti and four great-grandchildren. Carl’s siblings, Louise Marchionda (Robert) Brown and Dominick (Lisa) Marchionda, along with numerous nieces and nephews, also survive him will fondly remember the times shared with their kind and generous brother.

In 1959 Carl graduated from Freedom High School and proudly served his country by joining the U.S. Navy in 1962, where he honed his culinary skills as a cook while stationed at the U S Navy ‘s Subic Bay Naval Base, Philippines and in California. He was honorably discharged on February 19th, 1965. His work ethic shone brightly during his over thirty years at J & L Steel Corp. in the tin mill as a motor inspector, and his commitment to providing for his family never wavered.

In 1992, Carl embraced a new professional chapter at Western & Southern Life Insurance Co. His dedication to community was evident through his service as the Club Steward for the Ambridge Eagles Club and as a member of both the Baden American Legion and Freedom S O I.

Known for his culinary prowess, he once operated a catering business and was famous for his “Papa Carl’s Olives” and “Papa Carl’s Breadsticks.” His love for bowling was evident in his impressive accomplishment of twice bowling a perfect 300 game. Carl’s gentle spirit and kindness were hallmarks of his character.

Carl was also a man of style and nostalgia. His appreciation for classic cars led him to own a couple of treasures, and he delighted in attending car cruises. As a member of the Oldies Round Table Group, Carl spent many Tuesday evenings at Armando’s in Rochester, where he would listen and dance to the oldies, sharing laughter and creating memories.

In accordance with Carl’s wishes, there will not be any visitation or service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca. Although, Carl said, “He would like everyone to have a toast on him.”

The family wishes to thank nurses Kristie and Rose from Three Oaks Hospice for the dedicated care they provided Carl.

To share online condolences, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Dr. Nick C. Kravitch, 77, passed away on December 26th, 2024. He was born in Pittsburgh, the son of the late Nicholas and Eleanor Kravitch. He is survived by his devoted wife Margo. He was affectionately known as Dr. Nick.

In 1965, at the age of eighteen, while honing his skills as a Master Machinist, Dr. Nick launched Kravitch Machine Company. Over the next twenty years while growing his machine shop business, he attended Geneva College and the University of Pittsburgh where he earned multiple engineering degrees. He went on to obtain a Masters and Doctorate in Metallurgy from Carnegie Mellon University. Dr. Nick grew his company into a manufacturer of tools which services the Gas and Water Utility Industries. He obtained renown in the Utility Industry for tool design and manufacture. This was to include innovative tooling for which he obtained multiple patents. He had a passion for his work which he did through the end of his life. He was a prolific reader with excellent comprehension and retention. He had a true command of historical facts and knowledge. His priority each year was reading the Bible through which he did over thirty-five times. He helped to establish Bible Churches. He was a generous man whole life demonstrated Christian love and integrity.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 30th from 1-6 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where a Christian Burial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31st. Pastor Robert Kern will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Light of Life Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 645427, Pittsburgh, PA 15264 or The Gospel Hour, P.O. Box 2024, Greenville, SC 29602.

Richard L. Sayers, 88, of Beaver, formerly of New Brighton, passed away unexpectedly at home on December 23rd, 2024.
He was born in New Brighton on July 27th, 1936, a son of the late William H. and Mary Ann Hoey Sayers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers William H Sayers and Donald L. Sayers. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Shirley Gadwell Sayers of Beaver, his sisters Janet L. Peluso and Madlyn L. Burdine, both of Beaver Falls, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, James and Carolyn Gadwell and Sharon and Robert Franssen, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, including his special great-niece Ashley and his special great-nephew J. D.

Richard was a 1954 graduate of New Brighton High School who proudly served in the U.S. Army for twenty-seven months, eight days and one hour. Richard’s military service began with basic training in Ft. Knox, Kentucky and then moved to Ft. McNair in Washington, D.C., where he served with the First Battle Group of the Third Infantry. Richard was a member of the Old Guard with this assignment, where he marched in President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural parade and changed the flags at the Washington Monument to show from forty-eight to fifty stars when Alaska and Hawaii became states.
After his military service, Richard returned home, beginning a twenty-five year career as a computer operator at Jones and Laughlin Steel Company. Upon his retirement from J&L, he worked for the Oncology Nursing Society, managing the business center in Pittsburgh. Richard was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in New Brighton, the New Brighton American Legion, the Penn-Ohio Matchcover Club, and the Rathkamp Matchcover Society.
Arrangements and his viewing were entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A service will be conducted with full military honors on Monday, December 30th at 11:00 am. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made in Richard’s name to the American Legion Post 19, 415 13th Street, New Brighton, PA 15066.

Steven Harold Josapak, 82, of New Sewickley Township, passed away at home on December 26th, 2024. He was born on May 6th, 1942, a son of to the late Theresa Kerzan and Stephen Josapak. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann Persson-Josapak, his children: Donna (Dennis Ferguson) Josapak, Steven (Sandi) Josapak, David (Kim Crognale) Josapak, Mary Jo (Mike) Nahod, and James Josapak; his siblings Theresa (John) Parasida and Kenneth Josapak and his grandchildren, Austin, Shane, and Taylor Josapak. A proud graduate of Ambridge Area High School, class of 1960, Steven attended welding school before securing a position at American Bridge, where he worked for 19 years. He later held various jobs in welding and security. He was also a devoted member of the former Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Conway. He had a love for fishing, camping, enjoying a cigar on his deck and watching football. Steven was a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers and wrestling fan who especially cherished when his son James joined him in supporting their favorite teams. He also took great pleasure in spending time with his puppy, Nero. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge. Departing prayers will be held at the funeral home on Monday, December 30th at 9:30 A.M., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. at Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery of New Sewickley Township.

The family expresses their gratitude to Family Hospice for their compassionate support during this difficult time. Donations can be made to the Family Hospice Development Department, 700 Bower Hill Road, Suite 1405, Pittsburgh, PA 15243.

June M. (Jacob) Scherer, 95, of Moon Township, passed away on December 25th, 2024 in her home. She was born in Pittsburgh on June 17, 1929, the daughter of the late John & Margaret (Wadas) Jacob. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William B. “Rip” Scherer, a brother Johnny Jacob, and sisters Beverly Loebig and Sylvia Holdcroft. She is survived by her seven children: William B. “Rip” Scherer Jr. (Michele), of Georgia, Cynthia Scherer of Hopewell Township, Connie Shipp (Steve) of Virginia, Scott Scherer of California, Christine Scherer (Lori Melchiorre) of Carnegie, Sandy Scherer (Myles Nelligan), of Oregon and June Matt (Michael), of California; eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

June bestowed the gift of faith on her entire family, always encouraging them, no matter the challenge, to “put it in God’s hands.” She had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. Her abundant love was shown in many ways, but especially when spoiling her family with her legendary Hungarian cooking. She loved to bathe in the warmth of the sunshine on her face and found a child’s delight in the presence of birds and butterflies. Infants and “little ones” would bring a flutter to her heart, as well as a good game of cards, winning on a “scratchie,” or rolling a strike on bowling day.

Arrangements and her viewing were entrusted to Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 30th at 10 A.M. in St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church of Moon Township. Everyone is asked to please meet at the church.

Interment will take place at Christ Our Redeemer Cemetery of Pittsburgh, on Monday, December 30th at 3 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Debra McCowin, 72, of Brighton Township, formerly of Chippewa Township, passed away on December 26th, 2024 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Debra passed due to multiple complications after making a strong recovery from a recent stroke.

She was born in Washington, Pennsylvania on June 29th, 1952, the oldest of three children and a daughter of Ferris James West and Shirley Triance. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Bruce, brother James (Alice) West of Boardman, Ohio, brother Micheal (Debbie) West, stepfather Charles Triance Sr., sister Tracy Torry and brother Chuck Triance, all of Zebulon, North Carolina. She is also survived by her four children: David (Peggy) McCowin, Rachel (Josh) Elek, Jarrod (Heather) McCowin, and Amanda (Andrew) Rupke. She was also the proud grandmother to nine grandchildren: Emmet and Hazel McCowin, Norah and Winnie Elek, Cora and Ellie McCowin, and Caleb, Judah, and Vera Rupke.

Debra met her husband, David Bruce McCowin, through a cousin and the two married at age 19. As a young mother of four, she opened Colonial Florist in Chippewa with a good friend. She later worked as a teller at Peoples Home Savings Bank, as treasurer at the Beaver-Butler Presbytery, and lastly as an administrative assistant at the corporate office of Dick’s Sporting Goods. A talented musician, Debra played the piano and organ for Chippewa United Presbyterian Church and Park Presbyterian Church for over 20 years. She blessed countless weddings with her music and flowers.

Friends will be received on Monday, December 30^th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. All are invited to attend Debra’s funeral service on Tuesday, December 31^st at 11 a.m. at Park Presbyterian Church, 275 Commerce Street, Beaver.