Author: Beaver County Radio

Damar Hamlin speaks about the role of CPR and automated external defibrillators for the Nation of Lifesavers initiative

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin speaks in front of University of Cincinnati Medical Center staff during the NFL Honors award show ahead of the Super Bowl 57 football game, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Phoenix. Damar Hamlin will put the $9.1 million given to a GoFundMe campaign by well-wishers after his on-field collapse into his own nonprofit, the Chasing M’s Foundation.
The decision, first shared with The Associated Press Monday, May 8, 2023, is a first step in the 25-year-old’s plan for the unprecedented outpouring of support that he received after his heart stopped following a tackle during a Monday night football game in January. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh native and NFL football player Damar Hamlin sent a public service announcement about the initiative known as the Nation of Lifesavers through the American Heart Association. Hamlin noted that both CPR and automated external defibrillators are why he is still alive and they can become a “superpower” to save someone’s life. Hamlin survived a cardiac arrest in 2023 that happened during an NFL football game. 

Groundhog Day 2025 will have Punxsutawney Phil spotting his shadow as a father for the first time

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 138th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. Phil’s human handlers took the occasion of Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, 2024, to announce that the two kids born earlier this spring to Phil and his partner, Phyllis, are named Sunny and Shadow. Sunny is a female, Shadow a male. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Punxsutawney, PA) Sunday is Groundhog Day, and six weeks of winter are predicted by Punxsutawney Phil if he sees his shadow and the weather is sunny. An early spring is predicted if Phil does not see his shadow. Phil’s famous attempt to spot his shadow this year will also be his first as a father. According to an announcement from the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Phil and his partner Phyllis had two kits, a male named Shadow and a female named Sunny. 

2 vehicles hit head-on in wrong-way crash on Rochester-Beaver Bridge Thursday night

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published January 30, 2025 11:39 P.M.

(Rochester Township, Pa) An apparent head on collision took place on the Rochester-Beaver Bridge. Two vehicles drove into each other at the end of the Route 65 on-ramp to the bridge around 11pm Thursday night.

One vehicle appeared to have been traveling in the wrong direction from Beaver. Numerous crews responded to the scene.

Both vehicles were removed and traffic to the bridge was reopened shortly after 11:30pm.

We have no further information at this time.

Victoria R. Orlowski (1938-2025)

Victoria R. Orlowski, 86, of West Mayfield, passed away unexpectedly on January 29th, 2025, while attending Mass at St. Monica Parish.

She was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on August 25th, 1938, the daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Lewandowski) Koncewicz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward B. Orlowski, her daughter, Linda Marie Orlowski, three brothers, Charles Koncewicz and his wife Joan, Thomas Koncewicz and Raymond Koncewicz. She is survived by her sons, Michael (Danielle) Orlowski of West Mayfield, Joseph (Patricia) Orlowski of Canonsburg and Thomas (Kim Liberty) Orlowski of Chippewa Township, daughters, Katherine (Scott) Brink of Bethel Park, and Mary Orlowski of Beaver Falls, sister-in-law, Donna Koncewicz of Union, New Jersey, five grandchildren, Ashley Sutton, Jessica Sutton, Samantha Orlowski, Max Orlowski and Cole Orlowski and two great-grandchildren, Conner and William Sutton.

Vicky was a secretary at Metropolitan Insurance in New York, a waitress at Corner Tavern, and retired as an administrative assistant at the Mental Health Association in Center Township. She was also an active member of the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, the Divine Mercy Parish, the St. Monica Parish, and the St. Augustine Parish. Vicky was a very active member of the community, especially the Catholic Church. She was a Eucharistic minister, CCD teacher, she helped with funeral lunch ministry, the Ladies Guild, a member of the Rosary Society, a Lecturer, on Parish Council and a member of SFO (Secular Franciscan Order). She was the ultimate church lady! Vicky was also a member of the Blackhawk Football Mothers, and the PTA West Mayfield Elementary School.

Friends will be received Monday, February 3rd from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 4th at 10 A.M. at St. Monica’s Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.

Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Lisa Ann LeNeve-Jones (1960-2025)

Lisa Ann LaNeve-Jones, 64, of Chippewa Township, passed away on January 28th, 2025. She passed peacefully at home with her two loving daughters
by her side after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. She was born in Beaver Falls on July 1st, 1960, a daughter of the late John and Dianne (Dawson) LaNeve. In addition to her parents, Lisa was preceded in death by her son, Charles William Jones II, her sister, Laura LaNeve and her sister-in-law, Paula LaNeve. She is survived by her daughters, Sarah (Matthew) Fiore and Samantha Jones, her grandson, Jack Fiore, brothers, Mark LaNeve and Matthew LaNeve, her brother-in-law, Michael Rodriguez, nephews, Drew and Jake LaNeve, niece, Jordan LaNeve and many caring relatives and friends.
Lisa was a woman of strong faith, a dedicated member of Saint Monica’s Catholic Church of Saint Augustine Parish. She carried her faith with her throughout her life, which shone through in her actions, kindness, and warmth toward others.
Lisa attended St. Mary’s School, graduated from Blackhawk High School, and later attended Bradford Business School. Known for her vibrant sense of humor and infectious spirit, Lisa’s ability to light up any room she entered was unmatched. After high school, Lisa began her career at Townsend Textron and later pursued her passion for travel, becoming a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines, where she was promoted to a supervisory role. Her love of flying took her all around the world, allowing her to share this passion with her parents. Lisa’s devotion to helping others also led her to work at Franciscan Manor, where she took great joy in serving the elderly.
Above all, Lisa’s love for her family was the foundation of her life. She was a loving, resilient mother to her daughters, Sarah (Matthew) Fiore and Samantha Jones, and cherished being a grandmother to her precious grandson, Jack Fiore. She often referred to them as her three heartbeats. Lisa had a special bond with Jack and found joy in babysitting him, always making time to nurture and care for him. Lisa worked tirelessly to provide her daughters with opportunities, and her legacy of love and devotion will live on through them.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 1st, at 12:30 P.M. in St. Monica’s Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. Father Kim Schreck will officiate.
To send flowers, please visit www.themayflowerfloristshop.com. Donations can be made to the American Red Cross at 133 Friendship Circle, Beaver, PA 15009. Private inurnment will take place at Saint Mary’s Cemetery.

Charles Raymond “Ray” Vos (1945-2025)

Charles Raymond “Ray” Vos, 79, of Daugherty Township, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 22nd, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born in Clay Center, Kansas on August 7th, 1945, the son of the late Dr. J.G. and Marian (Milligan) Vos. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Daniel Joseph Vos, two brothers, John “George” Vos and James “Mel” Vos and a sister, Catherine Vos Boushey. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Ruth Caroline (McCready) Vos, three sons, James Vos, Jason Vos and Benjamin (Ruby) Vos and six grandchildren: Joshua James Vos, Jonathan Oliver Vos, Sara Grace Vos, Joseph Martin Vos, Charlee Raye Vos and Matthew Levi Vos.

Charles was a 1963 graduate of Beaver Falls High School and a 1967 graduate of Geneva College. After graduating from Geneva, he spent his working life serving others. After working at the Youth Development Center in New Castle, he served as the Director of the Children’s Home in New Brighton, and then as the Executive Director of Passavant Memorial Homes in Rochester. Ray then pursued a degree in nursing from Ohio Valley General Hospital, graduating in 1991. During his nursing career his main focus was rehabilitation, working at D.T. Watson/HealthSouth, Ohio Valley General Hospital, Western Penitentiary, the Beaver County Jail and the Mars Home for Youth. He especially enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren. One thing he especially enjoyed was baking with them, using old family recipes dating back to the 19th century. He also loved making breakfast for them. Over the years, Ray led many Bible Studies at various churches. He was a member of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church in Patterson, and had also attended Marion Hill Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, Allegheny Center Alliance Church, and the former Geneva Reformed Presbyterian Church, where he had served as a Deacon. For many years, he also supported two children from Burkina Faso through Compassion International.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. An additional time of visitation will be held at 10 a.m. before a memorial service beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 1st, at the First Reformed Presbyterian Church, 209 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls.

Memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to the First Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Cheryl D. (Luciana) Birnesser (1948-2025)

Cheryl D. (Luciana) Birnesser, 76, of Darlington, passed away on January 28th, 2025 in the comfort of her home.

She was born in Rochester on April 11th, 1948, the daughter of the late John and Evelyn (Stewart) Luciana. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, John Luciana III. She is survived by her loving husband of fifty-one years, Paul Birnesser, her daughters, Renee (Walt) Young and Angela (Mark) Franks, a grandson, Adam Franks, two sisters-in-law, Patty (Jerry) Keeton and Diane Johnke, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Cheryl had worked for Bell Telephone Company for ten years and later worked as an associate at Home Depot. She was also a member of St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish. She was devoted to her family and enjoyed trips to both the beach and the casino.

Friends will be received on Friday, January 31st from 2-6 P.M. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Departing prayers will be offered in the funeral home on Saturday, February 1st at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at St. Monica Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.

Entombment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001, or the American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/donate.html.

Gladys Ripper (1932-2025)

Gladys Ripper, 92, formerly of Rochester Township, passed away on January 30th, 2025. She was born in Munberf, Pennsylvania on December 26th, 1932, one of nine children to Charles and Regna McFadden. She is survived by her son, Eric (Dannielle) Ripper, daughter, Rebecca (Kenneth) Lewis and her grandchildren, Alex Lewis and Autumn Lewis.

Gladys spent her childhood on her parents’ dairy farm and attended a schoolhouse where one of her teachers was her sister, Myra McFadden. Gladys began her career at Bell Telephone as a telephone operator in Clarion, Pennsylvania and then transferred to Rochester. She retired from Bell Telephone in Pittsburgh in 1994.  Gladys loved being outside. Her flower, vegetable gardens and ponds beautified her yard. She could almost always be found outside working on them. Gladys was talented at sewing, knitting and quilting. She also made many beautiful ceramic pieces that she would give as gifts and display at her home. Gladys was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church in Rochester for over fifty years where she served as an elder and Sunday School Secretary. She was also involved in Bible school, good news clubs, the church choir. She also played the piano. Gladys loved learning and was still taking computer and sewing classes well into her eighties. She was always available to help with last minute babysitting and giving people a ride wherever they needed to be.

Gladys will be sadly missed by her family who she truly cared for and loved.

Friends and family will be received on Sunday, February 2nd from 12 noon until the time of Funeral Service at 3:30 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester, 502 Adams Street, Rochester.

Private interment will take place in Munderf Cemetery.

Clara Kaldi (1938-2025)

Clara Kaldi, 86, of Murrysville, formerly of Ambridge, passed away on January 28th, 2025. She was born on June 9th, 1938, a daughter of the late Harry and Irene Economos. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lajos Kaldi. She is survived by her sons, Erik Kaldi and Mark (Michele) Kaldi, her siblings, Lorraine Economos, Zachary Economos and Joanne Cottage, her nephews, Zach (Jaimie) Economos and Donnie (Ali) Cokus, her nieces, Sherry Oslick, Marie (Andrew) Manos and ReNie Cokus, as well as numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

Family was everything to Clara, and she cherished each moment spent with them. Her strong faith in God was central to her life, and she was deeply involved in her Christian Fellowship. Clara had a passion for interior decorating and played a significant role in planning her family’s weddings. She was known for her artistic spirit, love of throwing parties, and her enjoyment of gardening. Her unique sense of style and flair left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Clara will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 1st, from 9 A.M. until the time of the funeral service at 11 A.M. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 2930 Beaver Road, Ambridge. Burial will follow at Economy Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Teresa Marie (Andrews) Cheuvront (1951-2025)

Teresa Marie (Andrews) Cheuvront, 73, of Baden, passed away on January 28th, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. 

She was born in Sewickley on June 13th, 1951, a daughter of the late Peter Andrews Sr. and Elizabeth (Shelkons) Andrews. Teresa graduated from Rochester High School. She was married for 50 years to her beloved late husband, Wallace L. Cheuvront. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Peter Andrews Jr. and Raymond Andrews Sr. and her sister, Audrey Mlechick. She is survived by her five children and their spouses: Annette (Sean) Trehar and their children, Ethan & Hannah Trehar, Teresa (Michael) Hajtol and their children, Taylor and Connor Hajtol, Wallace A. Cheuvront, Melissa (Michael) Coley and their children, Madison and Maralyn Coley and Beth (Glenn) Yocum, their daughter, Isabella Yocum, great-grandson, Cash Pander, her siblings, Rose Marie (Doyle) Maloni and Victor Andrews, along with many sisters & brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and dear friends. 

Teresa dedicated over twenty years of service to the former Friendship Ridge Nursing Home, where she took great pride in caring for others. Her passion for helping those in need was at the heart of everything she did. She loved volunteering, hosting poker parties, great food, black coffee, music, traveling, a good book, a challenging puzzle and most of all, spending time with her family. Teresa left a lasting impact on all who knew her. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 2nd, from 1-3 P.M. and 5-7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge. In accordance with her wishes, the burial will be private.