Joseph L. McCauley (1967-2024)

Joseph L. McCauley, 56, of Midland, passed away of natural causes at his home on August 14, 2024.

He was born on December 16, 1967 in Rochester, a son of the late Viola and Leronzo McCauley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, David L. McCauley. He is survived by his daughter, Shante D. McCauley, Bolivar, Ohio; brother, Michael McCauley; girlfriend, Melvena “Dink” Lee; and sister, Diana (Jeffrey) Burton.

A graduate of Beaver Area High School, Joseph began his truck driving career in Columbus, Ohio, returning back home a few years ago. He was a member of the Church of the Living God.

Friends will be received Saturday, August 24, from 11 a.m. until time of service at 1 p.m. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland. Following the service, a repass will take place at Greater Faith Family Worship, 2033 Beaver-Midland Road, Industry. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Karol Ann Bevington (1951-2024)

Karol Ann Bevington, 73, of Beaver, passed away on August 7, 2024 at UPMC Montefiore Hospital of Pittsburgh.

She was born on April 16, 1951, in New Castle, the daughter of the late Lauri and Margaret (Reiter) Koski.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Thomas Bevington; and three brothers, Dick, Bob, and Larry.

Karol is survived by her children, Melissa (Bill) Plumm, Michael “Mikey” (Daniella) DeRicco, Sarah (Gaku) Hinobayashi, Kimberly Stone, Kathy (Jim) Uebelacker, and Kristy (Bill) Edmunds; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Joannie Warsing, Sandra Koski, Mary Suchy, Ruth Morgan, Rose (Jim) Boyce, Nita Bevington, and Mollie (Ohma) Blackwell; a former sister-in-law, Joan (Rick) Drageland; a former brother-in-law, Joe (Joyce) DeRicco; a former daughter-in-law, Debbee DeRicco; special cousins, Joannie (Johnny) Pitzer and Jean Anderson; a special friend, Bob Montgomery; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Karol was a 1969 graduate of New Castle High School and a retired cashier for Shop ‘n Save. She had previously attended the Mudlick Hollow Church of God.  She enjoyed shopping, decorating for Halloween, the autumn season, reading a good Amish or Christian novel, watching Lifetime movies, and diamond painting.

In accordance with Karol’s wishes, all services were held privately for her family.

Interment was in Beaver Cemetery.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to provide care and guidance to Karol’s family.

PA. Gaming Control Board Reports July Revenue

HARRISBURG, PA:   The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) reported today that the combined total revenue generated from all forms of gaming, along with fantasy contests, during July 2024 was $500,783,633, an increase of 7.22% compared to revenue generated in July 2023.

Sources of gaming revenue regulated by the PGCB include slot machines, table games, internet gaming, sports wagering, fantasy contests and video gaming terminals (VGTs). The PGCB has posted separate reports for these types of gaming on its website, https://gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov/.

Total tax revenue generated collectively through all forms of gaming and fantasy contests was $207,723,789* during July 2024.

 

Matzie: Nearly $2 Million Grant Secured for Ambridge Road Improvements

(FILE PHOTO)

AMBRIDGE, Aug. 19 – A $1.89 million grant from the state Transportation Department will fund road improvements in Ambridge, announced state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver.

“These dollars are funding road improvements along the Eighth Street corridor to make safety enhancements for people and drivers alike,” Matzie said. “The state grant allows the borough to accomplish the project while saving taxpayer dollars.”

Matzie said the nearly $2 million will be used for improvements to Eighth Street, from Route 65 to Merchant Street, including adding a median to control traffic speed and turning. It also will be used to improve pedestrian sidewalks and crosswalks at eight intersections.

The funds are distributed through PennDOT’s Multimodal Transportation Fund, which provides grants to improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety and transit revitalization to ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation in the commonwealth.

East Palestine money fallout from Norfolk Southern train derailment promotes agonizing decision

East Palestine residents are contemplating whether or not to take a $600 million class action settlement from Norfolk Southern after the train derailment that happened in East Palestine last year. It is not confirmed that the judge will rule from the people’s motion before the deadline that occurs on Thursday. Residents within 10 miles of where the crash happened will also make a decision to accept $25,000 each for every person dealing with injuries.

Second annual Bridgewater Open provides a cool way of playing mini-golf while experiencing the area

Bridgewater is about to hit the mini-golf putting greens as they host their second annual Bridgewater Open from noon to 5 p.m. on August 31. The event will be a fundraiser for the non profit Legacies Alive, who supports those who lost loved ones who served in the military. Businesses throughout Bridgewater will have their own custom holes as a walkthrough mini golf round will be held through the area. The entrance fee is $200 for foursomes, and you can register by calling 724-728-0222.

Frank Zaccagnini, Sr. (1927-2024)

Frank Zaccagnini Sr., 96, of Economy Borough, passed away on August 17, 2024, in Good Samaritan Hospice House after a lengthy illness.
He was born on October 21, 1927, in Ambridge, a son of the late Anthony and Degdeamenta Cminnie-Tarquinio Zaccagnini. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis, sister Dorothy Steines, and a brother William Zaccagnini.
He is survived by his 2 sons, Frank Zaccagnini Jr., and Anthony (Norma) Zaccagnini, grandchildren, Anthony and Angela Zaccagnini, and 2 sisters, Norma ValBrunone and Gloria Cardinale.
He was the owner and operator of A.Z. Nursery for over 70 years, where he worked alongside his 2 sons. He was a US Army Veteran serving during the Korean War, a member of the Sons of Italy, and member of the Good Samaritan Catholic Church of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish.
Friends will be received on Wednesday, August 21 from 5-8 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, from where a prayer will be offered Thursday, August 22 at 10 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. in the Good Samaritan Catholic Church-St Luke the Evangelist Parish.
Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Good Samaritan Hospice and Brenda Mason of Homemaker Home Health for the loving and compassionate care given to Frank the past 3 years.

Shirley Ann (Mooney) Campbell (1938-2024)

Shirley Ann (Mooney) Campbell, 85, of Pulaski Township, passed away on August 16th, 2024.
She was born on November 5th, 1938, in New Brighton. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dora (Hollenbaugh) Michaels, stepfather, Regis Fritz, father, Clay Mooney, sisters, Rita Camp, Bertha Bable, and Patricia Rae, and brothers, Donnie “George” Mooney and Byron Mooney.
She is survived by her children, Debi (David) Anderson, Rhonda Shingleton, Mick (Stacey) Campbell, 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, her stepmother, Mary Mooney, brother, Leroy “Fats” Mooney, along with sisters, Nancy Schettig, Mary Ann (Tim) O’Shea and Donna (Brad) Custer.
Shirley was a 1956 graduate of New Brighton High School and Duff’s School of business in Pittsburgh. Shirley’s extensive career included clerical jobs at the U.S. Army- Surgeon General’s Office in Washington D.C., Michael Baker in Photogrammetric Dept., and then retired from Patient Registration at Heritage Valley Hospital. Shirley was a devoted Christian and member of the Edgewood Church. She enjoyed hosting bible studies and tea parties.
Family and friends will be received Wednesday, August 21st, from 4 to 7p.m., at J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton and Thursday, August 22 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., at Edgewood Church, 430 Edgewood Road, Beaver Falls, with Pastor Michael Coleman officiating.
The Campbell family would like to thank Liberty Dialysis ensuring her passing was peaceful.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675-8517.

Cora Mae “Coke” Kalamasz (1938-2024)

Cora Mae “Coke” Kalamasz, 86, of Center Township, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on August 15, 2024. She was born on July 11, 1938, to the late Thomas Louis Pander Sr. and Bessie Mae Hargett.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward J. Kalamasz, an infant daughter, Shelia, a son, Jeffrey Kalamasz, a great granddaughter, Charlotte, a great grandson, Timothy, a son-in-law, Thomas Davidson, siblings, Kenneth “Shorty” Richard Pander, Betty Jean Holsinger, Mary Catalanto and Thomas Louis Pander, Jr., and her sister-in-law, Eugenia Kalamas. She is survived by her children, Patricia and Arafat Shadid, Gregory Joseph and Cindy Kalamasz, Coleen Marie Davidson, Ann and Bernard Krall, and Gordon and Roberta Kalamasz. She is also survived by several loving grandchildren and great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cora was a faithful member of St. Frances Cabrini Church of Mary Queen of Saints Parish. She was the consummate homemaker and hostess. She was known for her incredible baking and cooking skills, always filling her home with warmth and delicious aromas. Her unwavering love for her family was the cornerstone of their life. Cora’s legacy of love, faith, and culinary delight will forever remain with her family.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2- 4 p.m. and 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. Departing prayers will be held on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 noon in St. Frances Cabrini Church. Burial will immediately follow.

Charles F. Capper (1935-2024)

Charles Figley Capper, 89, of Beaver, dearly known as “Brub”, passed away in his sleep on August 15, 2024. He was born to Charles and Margaret Capper in April of 1935. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sally Buffington. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen, his five children, Pamela Capper, Chad (Wendy) Capper, Susan Capper, Debbie (Greg) Koepke, Gretchen (Peter) Lang, twelve grandchildren, Nicholas Marks, Chandler Lupo, Allison Capper Falconer (Wiley), Charles Capper (Ava), Spencer Lupo, Andrew Capper, Sally DeVera, Colin DeVera, Jack Lupo, Charlie Lupo, William Koepke, Montgomery Lang, and three great-grandchildren, William, Luke and Matilda Falconer. After graduating from Choate boarding school in Wallingford, Connecticut, he went on to attend Middlebury and Babson Colleges before becoming the President of Damascus Steel Casting Company in New Brighton. Charles was a leader in the community and served on multiple boards, including the United Way of New Brighton, CASA, YMCA of New Brighton, and the Standard Horsenail Company. He was a longtime member of Park Presbyterian church in Beaver, where he also served as a Deacon and Elder. A passionate fan, Charles was a season ticket holder of the Steelers since 1960 and a member of Beaver Valley and Seven Oaks Country Clubs where he loved spending time with his father and friends on the golf course and the 19th hole.
Charles lived his life and faced his mortality on his own terms: steadfast, determined and humble. He was a gentle soul, always a gentleman, a man of few words – but thoughtful with them, and made those around him feel his kind aura. Charles enjoyed fine dining, was a jazz connoisseur and avid drummer – sometimes finagling to join a jazz trio just for a set. Charles spent his final days surrounded by the love of his wife and daughters, Debbie and Gretchen, eating his beloved oysters, listening to his favorite jazz standards while sitting in the sunshine on his last day, even belting out Frank’s famous lyrics “it’s the good life to be free and explore the unknown” and “I did it my way”.
Charles was a most loving father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. on Friday, August 23 at Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 3rd Street, Beaver. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 24 at 11a.m. at Park Presbyterian Church, 275 Commerce Street, Beaver. Private family internment will follow the funeral service. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Merrick Art Gallery, 1100 5th Avenue, New Brighton, or Park Presbyterian Church, 275 Commerce Street, Beaver.