Randy Edward Stevens (1953-2025)

Randy Edward Stevens, 72, passed away on June 4th, 2025. He was born in San Bernadino, California on March 18th, 1953.

Randy went on many travels by land, sea and air…official demarcations often disregarded in favor of finding the most exotic of ports of call from Bora Bora to Guana. Like a well-known other adventurer who took to another Delta of this fine nation (and who presumably might have also had his own first boat at the ripe age of 14), Randy captained his Flamingo cruiser from one California waterway to the next, likely never growing weary of that illuminated beacon that often welcomed, “Port of San Francisco.” 

On the other side of the country, if you happen to enjoy time in lovely Bridgewater, Pennsylvania, well… there are quite a few stories surrounding Mr. Stevens in that realm, too. Starting his career in a shack overlooking the Beaver River, sharing the office with his brother, Rob, not only did he masterplan the details of that little town right down to the gazebo, but you might never have  experienced the great Bridgewater River Regatta had it not been for him and his folks, Robert and Ruth. His determination and admirable pursuit of architecture led him even further. In fact, if you wouldn’t expect that the boy who once called Beaver Falls home might wind up alongside the titans who designed New York City’s Museum of Modern Art and the Parliament House of Pakistan, then you’d need to reconsider. 

A friend to all Hokies, an enemy of the salamander, the hero of this story-about-stories in his later years could often be spotted on ragtop days driving his red Ford Mustang through Sonoma, only to go idle for the utmost discerning of vistas which notably and oft involved a winery-adjacent picnic. He loved all of California – particularly Northern. From Bodega Bay, up to the Avenue of the Giants, along the coast of Humboldt, and down and around and across and through, from Yosemite to Sea Ranch, Randy Stevens did indeed traverse it all. In fact, some might say he’s marked enough territory in Northern California to challenge that of General Vallejo. 

If one can take a moment for an actual believable truth, however, pure happiness came by way of a much simpler route. All it really took for Randy was a little Mid-Century Modern anything, a great meal and glass of wine, a space for his model trains and coin collection, conversation with friends old and new, and a chair next to his favorite people: The Bacall to his Bogart, wife Lisa Stevens, and his kindred spirit, daughter Anna. 

Randy Stevens was always at his best among friends and family: making what could otherwise be a mundane evening into a jamboree. An armchair historian and folklorist, he could put the most dedicated of scholars to shame with his intricate retellings of everything from wartime sagas to the John Philip Sousa marches of the 1930s Aliquippa marching band. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Ronald Raymond Rickley (1932-2025)

Ronald (Ron) Raymond Rickley, 93, passed away on June 12th, 2025. 

Ronald was born in Bellevue, Pennsylvania on May 20th, 1932, a son of the late Raymond and Genevieve Rickley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Porter Rickley (Lena), his brother, Vernon Connell (Katherine) and sister, Marlene Cernansky (George). Shortly after graduating from West View High School, he joined the United States Navy. He faithfully served in the United States Navy during the Korean War along with the crew of the USS Point Cruz CVE119. He was presented with the Winged S Air Rescue Emblem for having participated in the successful life-saving operation with a Sikorsky Helicopter on October 2nd, 1954. After he was honorably discharged from the Navy, he began his career as a Supervising Operating Engineer with Duquesne Light, working alongside his father and brother. Soon thereafter, he met and married his beloved wife, Helen Rickley (née Stoker) who he is survived by, having celebrated 63 years of marriage. He and Helen raised their three daughters in Moon Township. He is the cherished and stalwart father of April Malkowski (Michael), Susan Ring (Aloysius) and Rebecca Hutsler (Mark). A true “girl” Dad – tough on the outside, and fiercely protective, but super soft on the inside when it came to his daughters.

Ronald loved being the treasured “Grampa” of Amanda Malkowski, from building dollhouses for her, to cheering her on through her many life goals and accomplishments. He was a proud “Grampa” of Alex Malkowski, from attending his childhood baseball games, to beaming with pride over his travels and successes. He and his grandson, Connor Ring, shared an obsession with electric trains, building train displays and both loved to fish together at North and Raccoon State Parks.   

Ronald was one of the original volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians for Valley Ambulance Authority, established in January 1972 as the first municipal ambulance authority in the United States. He was in the first class of EMT’s that graduated March 1972 and charter member, volunteering for Valley for many years thereafter. In addition to his volunteer services, he was proud to be a Master Mason and dedicated brother to his fellow Freemasons at the Perry-Ionic Lodge 796 located in Wexford. He received his 60-year pin the fall of 2019.

In accordance with Ronald’s request, he will receive Masonic funeral services. 

Family and friends will be welcomed on Monday, June 16th from 4 p.m. until the time of a Funeral Service at 6 p.m. at the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Road, Moon Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Shriners Children’s can be made via https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/ways-to-give/giving-to-shriners-childrens/honor-a-loved-one or by mail to: Shriners Children’s, Attn: Shriners Children’s Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394. 

Ronald A. Conforti (1950-2025)

Ronald A. Conforti, 75, of South Beaver Township, passed away peacefully on June 14th, 2025, in the comfort of his home.

He was born in Beaver Falls on May 9, 1950, a son of the late Ralph and Ida (Cocco) Conforti.In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Conforti. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Rose (Izzo) Conforti, his daughters, Jennifer Conforti and Melissa (Chris) Chirichetti, his grandchildren: Kayla Conforti, Nicholas Conforti, Christopher Chirichetti, Jenna Chirichetti, Elizabeth Conforti, Austin Conforti, Jackson Conforti and Zakaryah Jones: as well as his brother, Joseph (Nancy) Conforti and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Ronald was a proud veteran of the United States Army.  Following his discharge, he worked for Westinghouse/Cutler Hammer, where he retired after 45 years of faithful service.  In his free time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. In his younger years, he enjoyed coaching his children and nephews in both softball and the Blackhawk Colts as well as being the equipment manager for the Chippewa Indians. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment he spent with them.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, June 17th from 2 P.M. until the time of services at 6 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. Pastor Dan Muir will officiate.

Interment will be private in Seceder Cemetery.

Robert David Spann (1936-2025)

Robert David Spann, 88, of Petersburg, Ohio, passed away on June 11th, 2025 at Providence Care Center of Beaver Falls.

He was born in Beaver Falls on June 23, 1936, the son of the late Martin and Margaret (Graham) Spann. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Dwight Spann, Sr., his sister, Sandra Shield, 1 grandchild, 1 great-grandchild and a son-in-law, Shawn Raab. He is survived by his wife, LuValta K. (Knight) Spann, his children, Susan Raab, Roberta (Danny) Parrott and Robert E. (Erika Myers) Spann, 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Robert was a proud member of the Air National Guard in Pittsburgh. Following his service, he spent his life as a truck driver and a journeyman electrician. He also attended the New Galilee Church of the Nazerene. Robert enjoyed the time he spent with his family and flying his Cherokee 140 low-wing aircraft. He was also a ham radio operator, call sign WA3QZK.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, June 18th from 2 P.M. until the time of a service at 7 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Interment will be private in Seceder Cemetery.

Alesa James Carr (1965-2025)

Alesa James Carr, 60, a devoted mother of two and visionary attorney known for her dedication to equity and public health, impeccable style and generous spirit, passed away on May 25th, 2025 in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

She was born in Beaver Falls on January 28th, 1965, a daughter of George E. James and the late Marian R. (Richardson) James. After graduating from Beaver Falls High School, Alesa earned her bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University and her Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center.

Alesa’s legal career included corporate counsel, litigation, and directing housing policy initiatives in Detroit to address the foreclosure crisis. She consulted on environmental policy to support clean air, water, and soil in marginalized communities. Alesa also founded a healthcare nonprofit, working with federal and international organizations to improve access to medical devices for underserved populations.

She was known for her taste in fashion, love of music, global travel, and talent for design. A dedicated daughter, sister, and aunt, Alesa enjoyed buying the perfect gifts for her loved ones. In addition to countless fun and memorable moments with her family, Alesa cherished her time with her childhood and lifelong friends and cousins, including Sandra (Frazier) Evans, Jacqueline Montgomery, Brenda (Madden) Patton, Marcee Richardson, Regina (Williams) Crawford, Shawn (DeBerry) Johnson, and April (Petty) Hauser.

Beaver Falls, Bridge Street, Tabernacle Baptist Church, South School, St. Mary’s, and Beaver Falls High School were where she learned her essential life lessons.

In addition to her father, she is survived by her children, Michael Carr II and Kendal Carr, her sisters, Alexis (Melvin Jr.) Steals and Alaina (Jesse Washington) James and her nieces and nephews: Coletrane, Alanna, Corinne, Zachary, Zora, and Drew.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, June 21st at 11:00 a.m. with funeral services beginning at noon at Christian Assembly Family Church, 6241 Tuscarawas Road, Industry. Rev. Bill Anzevino will officiate.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Michael Alexander Sanko, Sr. (1949-2025)

Michael Alexander Sanko, Sr., 75, of Aliquippa, passed away on June 10th, 2025. He was born on July 17th, 1949, a son of the late Michael and Mary Sanko.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Michael “Moose” Sanko, a brother, John “Butch” Sanko and his niece, Tiffanie Sanko. He is survived by his brother, Daniel (Sharyn) Sanko and his niece, Sunny (Donald) Dillon.
He is also survived by his 2 stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and many loving great nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. 

Study involving 2023 East Palestine train derailment taken in East Palestine by a University of Pittsburgh research team

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – In this photo taken with a drone, portions of a Norfolk Southern freight train that derailed the previous night in East Palestine, Ohio, remain on fire at mid-day, Feb. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(East Palestine, OH) A study was taken on Saturday by a research team from the University of Pittsburgh about the East Palestine train derailment that happened on February 3rd, 2023. This event occurred at the East Palestine Memorial Library. That Pitt team met with individuals from the community that were within a radius of 8 miles of the derailment site who could register for air, soil, water and biological testing. Parents with children under the age of 18 also shared their experiences. The research participants also had compensation available.

Multiple people arrested after big fight occurs in the South Side of Pittsburgh

(File Photo of Handcuffs)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A fight occurred in the South Side of Pittsburgh on Sunday and multiple people were arrested because of it. According to a Pittsburgh Public Safety spokesperson, police were dispatched around 2:30 a.m. for a large fight on the 1600 block of East Carson Street. Crowds were dispersed after mutual aid helped with the incident. A police vehicle that was unoccupied at the time was also hit by another vehicle and there were no reported injuries.

Mercer Borough mayor gets criminal charges for using a copied key to get into his daughter’s apartment

(File Photo of Police Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Mercer Borough, PA) The mayor of Mercer Borough, Pennsylvania recently received criminal charges against him which includes a felony charge. Police confirm that Mayor Travis Schaa got into the apartment of his daughter with a copied key even though she did not allow him to go in itAccording to police, Schaa had been upset about seeing his girlfriend get into a man’s vehicle earlier in the day and became confrontational when he went into that apartment. 

Inspection activities will occur on the East Rochester-Monaca bridge this week, weather permitting

(File Photo of Road Work Ahead)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that from Monday, June 16th though Friday, June 20th, weather permitting, inspection activities will occur on the East Rochester-Monaca Bridge. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on each day this week, a single lane restriction will be on the East Rochester-Monaca bridge in the East Rochester and Monaca boroughs. Bridge inspection work will be conducted by crews from Mackin Engineering and the Sofis Company. Flaggers will guide drivers through the work zone.