Author: Beaver County Radio

David George Dunkis (1935-2025)

David George Dunkis, 89, of Moon Township, passed away on January 30th, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. David was born in McKeesport on March 24th, 1935. He was preceded in death by his mother Mary (Russin) Dunkis, his father Charles Dunkis and his daughter, Nancy Dunkis. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 33 years, Shirley (Nemec/Spragg) Dunkis, two sons, Jeff (Heather Havey) Spragg of Oakland, California, Greg (Tina) Spragg of Aliquippa, an only sister, Mary Anne Goodwin of Largo, Florida, a brother-in-law, Nick (Dee) Nemec of Robinson Township and several nieces and nephews, as well as many longtime friends with all of whom he shared and enjoyed life.

David was an Army veteran in the Color Guard during the time of the Korean War. He Graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and he was a fraternity member of Delta Sigma Pi. He also graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Business from the University of Pittsburgh. He worked in the position of Sales and Purchasing for Project Enterprises Inc., Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel, Cleveland Crane and Harbison Walker. He was an active member of St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Sewickley. He participated in Christian Leadership Concepts, Marriage Mentoring, Ushering, as well as several Bible Study groups.

David loved God, his family, his friends, golfing, traveling, and desserts. He expressed his artistic talents through painting, creating stained glass, and landscaping.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, February 7th, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in the Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road. A Celebration of Life funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 8th, at 10 A.M. at St Stephen’s Anglican Church, 405 Fredrick Avenue, Sewickley. Everyone is asked to please meet at the church. Memorial donations may be made to St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in the name of David Dunkis.

Christine A. Umstead (1940-2025)

Christine (Aeschbacher) Umstead, 84, of Allison Park, formerly of Beaver Falls, passed away on February 1st, 2025.

She was born on August 19th, 1940, the daughter of the late Christ and Harriett Hogue Aeschbacher. In addition to her parents, Christine was preceded in death by her siblings: her three brothers Robert Aeschbacher, Christ Aeschbacher and Glenn Aeschbacher; as well as her five sisters, Lucille Traylor, Mary Jones, Evelyn Knott, Betty Aeschbacher, and Shirley Parkinson. She is survived by her husband of sixty-six years, Richard (Dick) Umstead, daughters Lori (Ronald) Heil of Gibsonia, Wendy (David) Pears of Lebanon, Tennessee, her grandchildren whom she dearly loved, Hannah Hawthorne and Caleb Hawthorne of Lebanon, Tennessee and her great-grandchildren who were the light of her life, Callie and August Hawthorne of Lebanon, Tennessee.

Christine grew up in Vanport and was a graduate of Beaver High School. After marrying the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Umstead on August 1st, 1958, they made their home in Rochester. When Richard was drafted and stationed in California, Chris followed, and they joyfully welcomed their first daughter. When they returned to Beaver County after Richard’s service, the lovebirds settled in and proudly completed their family with the birth of their second daughter. Chris and Richard called Beaver County home until moving to Allison Park in 2021. Christine was a wonderful wife, mother, and friend. She was an excellent home maker, making holidays and special occasions memorable with her gift of hospitality. She loved to cook and often made meals for others. She enjoyed cooking for church camp and wedding receptions, and always had a tasty dish to bring to a party. Christine loved to be on the water fishing. She routinely caught the most and biggest fish, including a record-breaking bass on Lake Arthur! She loved camping and would prepare weekly for camping trips which provided her family with many wonderful memories. Her sweet and loving presence will be missed by all who knew her.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, February 5th, from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 4 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street., Beaver. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, February 6th, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Terrace Place, 9399 Babcock Boulevard in Allison Park, Pennsylvania. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

The family would like to thank Pinnacle Hospice, especially Barb, Anne, and Denise, who so beautifully cared for Christine. Additional thanks to the caregivers who tended to her around the clock: Meg, Courtney, Linda, Debbie, Sherry, Gemma and Tammy.

Tyrone “Ty” D. Freed (1966-2025)

Tyrone “Ty” D. Freed, 59, of Wampum, passed away on January 31st, 2025, with his sister Lynn by his side following a brief battle with cancer.

He was born in Beaver Falls on January 24th, 1966, a son of the late Morris D. and Barbara A. (Golnik) Freed, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, George A. Freed and his maternal and paternal grandparents. He is survived by a daughter, Courtney Uebelacker of Patterson Township, a son, Matthew Uebelacker of Patterson Township, three siblings, Morris D. (Sherri) Freed, Jr. of Orlando, Florida, Lynn (Jody) Fleener of Wampum, and Robert L. (Donna) Freed, Sr. of Ellwood City, and the mother of his children, Tammi Uebelacker, his nieces and nephews: Sandy Freed, Corey (Anna) Freed, Casey (Eric) Bolton, Robert James March III, Crystal (Jeremy) Tate, Ashley (Matthew) Bennett, Nick (Sarah) March, Robert Freed, Jr., Chris Freed, Mike Rambo and Jessica Freed; as well as his dog, Barkley.

Tyrone grew up attending the Nazarene Church, New Galilee and was a truck driver for many years. Tyrone spent his days embracing nature through hunting, fishing, and quad riding, always seeking adventure with a smile on his face. His love for camping with his family brought him peace and he loved animals. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the woods, on the trails, and in the hearts of all who knew him.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, February 8th from 2 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 4 p.m. in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton. Pastor Thomas P. Bonomo will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001 or to the J & J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, 15066.

A luncheon will follow at his sister Lynn’s home.

His family would like to thank the staff at Providence Healthcare and Rehab.   A special thank you to Monica for her kindness and guidance.  A thank you also goes out to the CNA’s on Floor 2-B, Ariel and Heidi for their care and compassion.

Otto Zuccaro (1937-2025)

Otto Zuccaro, 87, of Hopewell Township, passed away after a brief battle with cancer on February 1st, 2025.
He was born in Logstown, Pennsylvania on April 1st, 1937, the son of the late Rocco and Soldia (Casoli) Zuccaro. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Candice “Candy” (Smallwood) Zuccaro, a brother, William “Poochie” Zuccaro, his sister-in-law, Domenica Zuccaro and his cherished cat, Lucky. Otto is survived by four devoted daughters: Deana (Bobby) Trombini, Bobbi Lynn Zuccaro, Toni Ann Zuccaro and Paula Garvin (Jeff Kershner). They took wonderful care of their father during his illness. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Anthony Zuccaro (Katie McLennan), Rushel Shell III, (Kayla Stevenson) Dante Trombini (Thomas Casella), Mia Trombini (Declan Eaton), Darrian Zuccaro and Alison Shephard; five great grandchildren, Arionna, Amiyah and Prince Shell, Lorenzo Eaton and Quinn McLennan, a brother and sister-in-law, Daniel (Rose Marvich) Zuccaro, three sisters-in-law, Roanne (the late Richard) Fetkovich, Kathy (Richard) Ursitti and Terri (Mike) Pauvlinch. Otto will also be remembered by many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his family and friends, Otto leaves behind a beloved dog Rocky and a granddog, Minkah.
Otto was a veteran of the United States Army. He retired from J&L Steelworks having worked in the Tin Mill and various other positions. Otto enjoyed casting a line in the water patiently waiting to snag a big fish. He was also known as an avid “do it yourselfer” when it came to fixing things however that didn’t always end well. Otto also liked spending time at the casino. His one line “zingers” gave us many laughs and he will be missed.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 5th from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

East Palestine: Still recovering and still waiting after 2 years

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published February 3, 2025 7:19 P.M.
The image above shows two women holding signs awaiting the arrival of Vice President JD Vance.

(East Palestine, Ohio) Monday marked the second anniversary of the fiery and toxic train derailment that took place in East Palestine near the Pennsylvania border. Clean up efforts and recovery is still ongoing after two years.

Many residents in East Palestine waited along streets in the community for Vice President JD Vance to arrive.

 

The Vice President was joined by Ohio Governor Mike Dewine, EPA Administistrator Lee Zeldin, and Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted.

During a press conferance, Vance relayed that President Trump and himself are in it for the “long haul” regarding East Palestine. He went on to say that it’s a shame that the Biden administration didn’t complete the job and vowed that it will be completed during Trump’s second term.

Beaver County Radio had the opportunity to speak with individuals who were present in the community. One man said he is still afraid to drink the water and another said that it’s still too early to see the full potential health effects.

Multiple individuals are frustrated with the fact that they are still waiting on their settlement payments.

A $600 million dollar class action settlement lawsuit was approved by an Ohio judge last year, however a small group of individuals has delayed a large amount of that money from being dispersed. The group that appealed the settlement was recently ordered by a judge to pay $850,000 to cover costs to continue their appeal.

An individual of that small group spoke to Beaver County Radio with the condition of anonymity. The person, who lives in Beaver County, does not agree with signing away rights to go after Norfolk Southern in the future should more serious health effects occur. Furthermore, those against the settlement terms also believe that health care should be provided by the government to those who were affected.

According to Kroll Settlement Administration, those who filed for the personal injury payments portion of the settlement have started to receive their payments over the last month. They say that they are actively processing more of these claims to be dispersed in the coming months.

Beaver County Radio also spoke with a representative of the Golumb Research Group. Janhavi Kulkarni says the group led by Dr. Beatrice Golomb received a grant to perform testing for free to residents who want to be involved.

While Kulkarni was not at liberty to discuss specifics of their findings, she says that some preliminary results show “it’s been similar to what we see in veterans who suffer from Gulf War illness”. These symptoms include, fatigue, muscle weakness, and “nosebleeds in a lot of residents”.

The group is performing their research through a combination of questionnaires, blood tests, wrist bands, and respiratory assessments for those within a 20 mile radius of the derailment site.

116,000 gallons of vinyl chloride was burned following the 2023 derailment and the chemical is still being detected in the community and surrounding areas.

Joseph DelTurco (1929-2025)

Joseph DelTurco, 95, of Beaver Falls, passed away on February 1st, 2025, surrounded by his caretakers and his family.

He was born in Beaver Falls on September 24th, 1929, a son of Alexander DelTurco and Felice (Phyllis) Catanzaro (Casey). He was preceded in death by his three brothers, John DelTurco, Danny DelTurco and Pete DelTurco, his son, Phillip DelTurco and his daughter-in-law, Charlene Matta-DelTurco (Phillip). He is survived by his wife, Mary (Abbonizio), his daughters, Ruthanne DelTurco-Hoggard (Terry) and Lisa DelTurco Aievoli (Nick), his grandchildren: Kari Hoggard, Kristi Hoggard-Lundgren (Andrew), Gio Aievoli and Isabella Aievoli; as well as his great-grandsons, Kai (Aievoli), Caleb (Lundgren), Luke (Lundgren) and great-grand-daughter Hannah (Lundgren).

Joseph attended Aliquippa High School and was a veteran of peace-keeping operations with the U.S. Army in Japan (1949-1951). He married his beloved Mary (Abbonizio) in Beaver Falls in 1952 where they began their young family. He was licensed to ministry in the Christian Churches of North America in 1960 and ordained to the Assemblies of God in 1968. He served in pastoral leadership for sixty-five years in growing congregations in Burgettstown and Bessemer, Pennsylvania (1962-1969) and Apollo, Pennsylvania (1970 -1991). He earned degrees at the International Bible Institute and Seminary of Lakeland, Florida where he acquired a Masters Degree and was awarded an honorary Doctorate in 1981. In retirement, he served the Christian Churches of North America and the Assemblies of God Pennsylvania-Deleware District as interim pastor for congregations in Pittsburgh, Ellwood City, New Castle, Conway and Aliquippa. Joseph was a faithful and dedicated pastor, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Joseph was an avid and voracious reader who loved painting portraits and landscapes. He was an amateur cartoonist and guitar player who loved word games. He was disciplined in his studies and in his health.

Friends in our community are invited to his celebration of life, where he will be received on Saturday, February 8th at 10:00 a.m. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Interment will be private at the Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Cemetery.

The DelTurco family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Rochester Manor and Villa for their dedicated care.

Monaca Resident Pleads Guilty to Charges of Sexual Exploitation of Minors

(File Photo)

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Monaca, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors and obstructing justice, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Nicholas Sittig, 28, pleaded guilty on January 30, 2025, to two counts before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around August 2023 until in and around April 2024, Sittig employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor, who resided in California, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. In and around December 2023, when Sittig became aware that federal law enforcement officers were investigating him, Sittig induced the minor to aid him in destroying records and documents related to his sexual offenses against the minor—namely,
his contact information within the minor’s cellular telephone and Snapchat messages between himself and the minor—with the intent to impede, obstruct, and influence the investigation. The Court was further advised that agents with Homeland Security Investigations had identified a second minor, residing in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, whom Sittig similarly exploited online from December 2023 through March 2024.
Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to 50 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the defendant remains detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Homeland Security Investigations-Pittsburgh, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (San
Francisco and Pittsburgh), the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the Monaca Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution
of Sittig.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit
www.justice.gov/psc.

Beaver County Chamber Monday Memo: 02/3/25

Save The Date for our Annual Gala being held on

Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM at

The Club at Shadow Lakes.

Details and Registration coming soon!
View Full Event Calendar
We have launched new ways to partner in 2025!

 

The BCCC is excited to announce our Yearlong Partnership initiative. These unique yearlong partnership opportunities are an investment into the Chamber’s ability to lead and advocate for impactful change. Please consider a Yearlong Partnership as a Bridges ($5,000), Rivers ($10,000), or Legacy ($15,000+) level.

 

Interested in learning more?

Contact Lance Grable, Chamber President, here.

 

As always, you can sponsor any of our events throughout the year. Check out our 2025 Event Sponsorship Guide here.
View all event photos

Submit your member news to msuehr@bcchamber.com

Any opinion and other statement contained in Member News below in no way reflects the views and beliefs of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, its staff or Board of Directors.

SUPPORT FBLA with A Limited Time Flavor at Cafe Kolache.

Cafe Kolache is selling a special blueberry/cream cheese/lemon kolache from Jan 28 – Feb 12 in support of Beaver High School’s FBLA Club (Future Business Leaders of America).

Proceeds from the sales will be donated to support the upcoming trip to Hershey for the Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference. Members will have the opportunity to compete with and learn alongside other FBLA clubs from around the state. If you’d like to support these aspiring business leaders, purchase a yummy FBLA kolache, while supplies last.

Sign-up for Geneva College’s Annual Career Fair

Geneva College’s Calling & Career Center invites you to our 2025 In-Person Career Fair on Tuesday, February 25 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Metheny Fieldhouse in Beaver Falls. The Geneva Career Fair offers employers with entry-level positions, internships, co-ops, and summer openings an opportunity to meet face-to-face with graduating students and undergraduates, as well as recent alumni.

 

Registration packages range from $200-300 and include one 8-foot table+ tablecloth, two chairs, and a lunch for each representative of your organization.

 

Employers can register through this link – Geneva Career Fair via Handshake. Contact Keri Madden at calling@geneva.edu if you have questions.

Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls presents Americans and the Holocaust

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum from Washington, D.C. will be available, thanks in part to the Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls, March 17th through April 28th, 2025.

Learn more at

www.ushmm.org

First Step: Business Essentials

Taking the initial step can be scary, but the Duquesne University SBDC will help you create a strong business plan! This interactive workshop will be essential for new entrepreneurs and business startups to understand the first step of starting a new business. All people will receive a Certificate of Completion with attendance to the workshop and checking off the sign-in sheet.

Text Link

During the duration of this workshop, the key topics will be covered such as:

  • Business registration
  • Insurance
  • Startup funding
  • Taxes
  • Major Components of the Business Plan
  • Financial Statements & Projections

REGISTER HERE.

February 19th at the Beaver County

Chamber of Commerce office, located at 1000 3rd Street, Suite 2A Beaver, PA 15009
Now Hiring! Want to see a list of job postings from members? Don’t forget to add your own posting to the job postings portal on our website.
Jobs Portal
In need of a product or service?
Head to our full membership directory available on
our website, where you will find a trusted partner to
do business with today.
Membership Directory
Beaver County Chamber of Commerce

724.775.3944

1000 3rd Street, Suite 2A

Beaver, PA 15009

www.bcchamber.com
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Beaver County Chamber of Commerce | 1000 3rd Street Suite 2A | Beaver, PA 15009 US

Dismantling DEIA initiatives may harm Pennsylvania disability rights

Source for Photo: The ADA protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination, just as other civil rights laws safeguard against discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. (Adobe Stock) Danielle Smith – Keystone State News Service

(Reported by Danielle Smith of Keystone News Service)

(Harrisburg, PA) For Pennsylvanians with disabilities, there may be unexpected side effects to ending so-called “DEIA” policies. President Donald Trump has opted to eliminate diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives in federal agencies and federally funded programs. His executive order signed in January characterizes DEIA policies as “discriminatory.” But in Pennsylvania, Mallory Hudson with Keystone Progress Education Fund says a memo went out ordering the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division to not file any new complaints, motions to intervene, agreed upon remands, amicus briefs or statements of interest. She adds the ADA was first passed in 1990 under President George H.W. Bush, and its legal precedent was based on the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Aliquippa man gets arrest warrant for allegedly choking his girlfriend

(Photo Courtesy of the City of Aliquippa Police Department)

(Reported by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano)

(Aliquippa, PA) A man from Aliquippa was given an arrest warrant after allegedly choking his girlfriend on Thursday morning. Thirty-three-year-old Blayke Busby of Aliquippa was accused of a domestic dispute at him and his girlfriend’s Valley Terrace apartment in Aliquippa during an argument. Busby allegedly choked his girlfriend multiple times as she was yelling 911. An arrest warrant was issued for Busby, who was given a charge for felony and two charges for misdemeanor. If you have any information about Busby, please call 724-378-8000 or 724-775-0880.