Author: Beaver County Radio

Carol A. Franc (1939-2025)

Carol A. Franc, 86, of McCandless, passed away on December 4th, 2025. She was born on October 5th, 1939, the daughter of the late Carl and Zelma Farrell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Victor G. Franc and her brother, Richard Farrell. She is survived by her seven children: Bryan (Angie) Franc, Christopher (Sue) Franc, Kevin (Ambur Murphy) Franc, Terri (Jerome) Fancsali-Franc, Marlene Pena, Ashley (Jamie) Palkovic, and Karen Franc; as well as eleven grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Carol was a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School who continued her education at Seton Hill University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in music. She went on to teach music and English in the Connellsville School District. Carol and her husband, Victor, shared a remarkable legacy of love and compassion, proudly fostering 21 children throughout their life together. She adored her cats, cherished classical music, especially the works of her favorite composer, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and enjoyed taking spontaneous weekend road trips with her husband, never needing a final destination. Above all, she treasured every moment spent with her family and was devote in her Catholic faith.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 10th, from 9 A.M. to 10:15 A.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Wednesday, December 10th at 10:30 A.M. at Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will take place at Holy Savior Cemetery, 4629 Bakerstown Road, Gibsonia, following the Mass.

Anthony “Tony” Joseph Ziberna (1928-2025)

Anthony “Tony” Joseph Ziberna, 97, a resident of Harmony Township, formerly of Ambridge, passed away on December 6th, 2025. He was born on February 24th, 1928, the son of the late Anton and Mary (Turk) Ziberna. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Millicent (Barlek) Ziberna, his son, Anthony Keith Ziberna and his sisters, Alice Mixon, Virginia Estok, and Mary Ann Zagoda. He is survived by his daughter, Amy (Nancy Valentage) Ziberna of Webster, New York, his grandsons, Brian (Melissa) Ziberna and Matt (Emily) Ziberna, his great-grandchildren: Caleigh, Carson, Jack and Lyla; as well as his daughter-in-law, Barbara Ziberna, all of Raleigh, North Carolina, and many nieces and nephews.

Over the past several months, Anthony had been a resident of Villa St. Joseph in Baden. He was a 1946 graduate of Ambridge High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from 1946 to 1948. Upon his return from the Navy, he began a 40-year career with Armco (AK) Steel and retired as a Foreman. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and gardening, and was quick to tell you he had two “holes in one” after he retired. He was also a talented craftsman and woodworker who built many beautiful pieces of furniture for family and friends. He was also a devoted husband, father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved sharing a good meal (and always dessert) with family and friends. He was a man of faith and member of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church and Good Samaritan Catholic Church in Ambridge, where he served as an usher for over 50 years. In retirement, he enjoyed attending Mass, meeting friends for breakfast, watching Pittsburgh sports, and working on puzzles.
Friends will be received on Monday, December 8th from 4-7 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where Funeral Prayers will be offered on Tuesday, December 9th at 10 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., in Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will take place in SS Peter & Paul Cemetery, 1691 Ridge Road Extension #1601, Ambridge. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, or to a charity of your choice.
The family thanks all who cared for Anthony over the past year, especially Lisa Maravich and the staff at Villa St. Joseph.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Anthony Ziberna, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Laura (DiCosmo) Iannitelli (Passed on December 4th, 2025)

Laura (DiCosmo) Iannitelli, 93, of Center Township, passed away on December 4th, 2025. She was born in West Aliquippa, a daughter of the late Carmen and Angeline (Crivelli) DiCosmo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Albert Petrilli and a brother-in-law, Joe Mazzocca. She is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Nick Iannitelli, her cherished son, Christopher Petrilli, a brother and sister-in-law, Theodore and Anna DiCosmo, her sister, Joanna Mazzocca (Leo Kowalski) and numerous nieces and nephews. Laura formerly worked as a touch up painter for Shifleft Enterprises and as a dental assistant to Dr. Patel. She was also a talented artist, baker, cook, and designer. Her creativity and dedication shined through in everything she did, making a lasting impact on those around her.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Chris O’Donnel and the amazing women that took wonderful care of Laura.
Donations in memory of Laura can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Friends and family will be received on Monday, December 8th from 4-7 p.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Tuesday, December 9th at 10 a.m. in St. Titus Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa, which is where everyone is asked to meet for the Mass. Burial will immediately follow
at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Laura (DiCosmo) Iannitelli, please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc by clicking here.

Richard Charles Zarilla (1968-2025)

Richard Charles Zarilla, 57, of Rochester, passed away unexpectedly on December 2nd, 2025, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh.

He was born in Okinawa, Japan on November 14th, 1968, a son of the late Raymond Sr. and Lina (Lentz) Zarilla. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond Zarilla, Jr. and Randy Zarilla. He is survived by his fiancée, Lori Beth Tolbert, his daughters, Randi Zarilla, Colby Zarilla, and Kelsay Zarilla-Guajardo, his grandchildren: Gemini, Bentley, Maxwell, Roman, Azaleigha, Amyiah, Jackson, Owen, and Lina; as well as other family and friends.

Richard held many jobs throughout his lifetime, but his years as a Freedom Area school bus driver were his absolute favorite. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with family, friends, fishing, shooting and historic reenacting. He particularly enjoyed his role as a surgeon with the Civil War reenactment group First Battalion Hospital and portraying Civil War era Santa.

All services for Richard were private and his wishes for cremation will be honored. A wake will be held in Richard’s honor at a later date. The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to care for Richard and his family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Cranberry Township mechanic shop owner receives more charges for ignoring to fix victim’s car and giving it to someone else as a loaner

(File Photo of Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Cranberry Township, PA) The male owner of Oilology, a mechanic shop in Cranberry, faced a trial after receiving a second set of charges. Keith Smith was brought to court on Friday morning from the Butler County Jail, where he has been since he was arrested on November 21st, 2025. A man said that his car was never fixed after months of excuses from Smith, only to learn that his car had been given to another customer as a loaner while her car was in the shop. The owner of the car found out that his car had been given to another customer as a loaner after he received a bill from the Pennsylvania Turnpike. In the court on Friday, police noted that a woman was driving the car to and from Somerset for four weeks. The victim expressed that there were an additional 5,000 miles that were put on his car while it was at Oilology. The judge allowed Smith out on bond and he will not be released from jail until after a hearing on December 19th, 2025 for violating his probation for a conviction on similar charges which go back to 2023. A sign on the door shows that Oilology is closing, but the landlord told WPXI he is selling the property to Meijer, a new grocery store that is moving into Cranberry. The judge stated that Smith will have to wear a monitor, he is not allowed to conduct any business and he is not allowed on the property. Police confirm they are continuing to work through more complaints that are being filed against Smith.

Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office warning residents about online shopping scams during the holiday season

(File Photo of Scam Alert Logo Background)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office is now warning residents about some online shopping scams during the holiday season. Sheriff Kevin M. Kraus and the deputies there say one of the most frequent scams comes in texts. The message often includes a link which redirects victims to a website that asks for personal information, including bank account numbers, credit card numbers or social security numbers. Some warning signs to look for in these scams according to the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office are if the text does not include specific information concerning the type of package being shipped or if the number sending the message includes a two-digit foreign country code. Police confirm that you should never respond to suspicious texts. 

Man from Morgantown, West Virginia charged after loaded gun found at the security checkpoint of Pittsburgh International Airport

(Photo Courtesy of the Allegheny County Police Department)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to Allegheny County police, a man from Morgantown, West Virginia has been charged after a loaded gun was found at the Pittsburgh International Airport security checkpoint. TSA officers found the gun within a carry-on bag of thirty-seven-year-old Donovan Pearson on Saturday at around 4:45 a.m. Police confirmed that Pearson did not have a valid concealed carry permit in his possession. Pearson has a charge of carrying a firearm without a license. Allegheny County police and the FBI were also notified about this incident.

Man hospitalized after armed home invasion occurs in Swissvale

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Swissvale, PA) A man was taken to a hospital after an armed home invasion in Swissvale. According to Allegheny County Police, officers were called to the 2500 block of Delaware Avenue at 5:48 p.m. yesterday. When they arrived, a man with cuts on his head was found and he was taken to a hospital last listed in stable condition. Detectives say that a group of armed men broke into the house where the man was staying and pistol-whipped him while they were there. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Allegheny County Police Tip Line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS and any tips can be left as anonymous. 

Rantanen scores lone shootout goal as Stars rally past Penguins 3-2

 

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (35) looks back after allowing a goal to Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (not shown) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)

DALLAS (AP) — Mikko Rantanen’s final-round score was the only goal of the shootout and Jake Oettinger made 27 saves as the Dallas Stars beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 on Sunday night.

After Rantanen beat Tristan Jarry stick side, Oettinger stopped Kris Letang to end the game and record his league-high 14th win.

Defenseman Miro Heiskanen scored 6-on-5 to tie the score 2-2 with 1:49 left in regulation and Jamie Benn also scored for the Stars, who have won three consecutive games and are 8-0-2 in their last 10 games.

Dallas’ 45 points are second in the league but three behind NHL-best Colorado in the Central Division.

Thomas Novak and fourth-liner Connor Dewar scored for the Penguins, who are 0-4 in shootouts this season. Jarry, who stopped 21 shots, lost for the first time in his last five starts.

Penguins star Evgeni Malkin, whose 29 points are second to Sidney Crosby’s 30 on the team this season, missed his first game this season. Malkin is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Heiskanen has scored in three straight games for the first time in his eight NHL seasons.

Benn, Dallas’ captain, has four goals and nine points in 11 games after missing the Stars’ first 19 games following late-September surgery for a collapsed lung.

Dallas killed both power plays by Pittsburgh’s league-leading unit, extending its streak of successful kills to 27 dating to Nov. 22.

Stars forward Matt Duchene, who led Dallas last season with 82 points, and defenseman Nils Lundkvist returned after both were sidelined by injury since mid-October.

A moment of silence was observed before the game for former Stars owner Tom Hicks, who died Saturday at age 79. Hicks owned the franchise 1995-2011, with Dallas winning the 1999 Stanley Cup.

Up next

Penguins: Begin a season-long five-game homestand on Tuesday against Anaheim.

Stars: Take a 10-1-4 road record to Winnipeg on Tuesday.

 

Matt Campbell hired as Penn State’s football coach, ending search for James Franklin’s successor

(File Photo: Source for Photo: Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell looks to the scoreboard during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 38-14. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)

(AP) Matt Campbell was hired as Penn State’s coach on Friday night, ending a two-month search by the Nittany Lions to find James Franklin’s successor.

The 46-year-old Campbell heads to Happy Valley after going 72-55 in 10 seasons at Iowa State to become the winningest coach in the history of that program.

Terms of Campbell’s contract were not released, pending approval by a committee of the school’s Board of Trustees. That committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, after which Campbell will be introduced.

“Coach Campbell is, without a doubt, the right leader at the right time for Penn State football,” athletic director Pat Kraft said in a statement. “He is a stellar coach with a proven track record of success and his values, character and approach to leading student-athletes to success on and off the field align perfectly with the traditions and values of Penn State.”

Penn State advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinals last season and began this season ranked No. 2 in the AP poll, but Franklin was fired on Oct. 12 after the Nittany Lions started 0-3 in Big Ten play.

Before Campbell’s arrival at Iowa State in 2016, the Cyclones had a record of 489-622-45 with just three bowl wins in their 133-year history. His 10-year tenure in Ames included eight winning seasons, three bowl wins and the program’s only 11-win campaign last year, when Iowa State reached the Big 12 championship game.

Iowa State went 8-4 this season and awaits a bowl bid. Washington State coach Jimmy Rogers was named as Campbell’s replacement on Friday.

Campbell spent five years as Toledo’s coach before joining the Cyclones and is 107-70 overall. He signed a contract extension at Iowa State in August worth $5 million per year until 2032, with a buyout of $2 million.

An Ohio native, Campbell becomes Penn State’s 17th full-time coach. He takes over a program that missed big during the early signing period that began on Wednesday.

Penn State, the second Power Four program to fire its coach this season, signed only two players toward its 2026 recruiting class this week. The Nittany Lions have no commitments in the 2027 class.

Many of those who had previously committed to Penn State flipped to Virginia Tech, where Franklin was hired last month. In addition to last year’s CFP run, Franklin won a Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl during his 11-plus seasons in Happy Valley.

Franklin, however, struggled to win big games, going 4-21 against teams ranked in the top 10.

Now, current Nittany Lions players will have to decide whether to stick around and play for Campbell, who’s done a lot with a little in Ames while reportedly passing on other job offers, including overtures from the NFL.

Numerous names were linked to the Penn State opening, and some potential candidates signed extensions at their current schools, including BYU’s Kalani Sitake.

Penn State went 3-3 this season under interim coach Terry Smith, winning its final three games to finish 6-6 and become bowl eligible.

As Kraft conducted his search without the aid of a search committee, a large contingent of players campaigned for the blunt-talking Smith to be named the permanent coach.

After the Nittany Lions’ win over Nebraska on Nov. 22, players held up “HIRE TERRY SMITH!” signs on the sidelines. A handful flashed the signs to Kraft, who walked off the field with an arm around Smith, a Penn State alum who played for Joe Paterno and is a veteran of Franklin’s staff.

Campbell already has one staff member in place. Kraft confirmed on Friday that Smith is sticking with the program.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to coach Terry Smith for stepping up when we needed him the most and for rallying our team to finish this season with three straight wins,” Kraft said. “Coach Smith bleeds blue and white and pours his entire heart and soul into Penn State football. I’m deeply grateful for his commitment to our university, and I am excited that he will continue to be a part of this program.”

A fan base and athletic department accustomed to seeing the same coach roaming the Penn State sideline for 46 years as Paterno did has never gone this long without a gridiron leader.

The search to find Paterno’s permanent successor during the most tumultuous season in program history took 40 days in 2011. Paterno was fired on Nov. 9 of that year, shortly after the arrest of his longtime assistant Jerry Sandusky on child sexual abuse charges. Then-acting athletic director Dave Joyner announced a six-person search committee on Nov. 28, and the program introduced Bill O’Brien on Jan. 7.

Two years later, O’Brien informed Penn State that he was taking the Houston Texans job, and Penn State introduced Franklin nine days later.