Matthew Ratkovich, 64, of Ohioville, formerly of Industry, passed away unexpectedly at home on February 13th, 2025.

He was born on July 12th, 1960, a son of the late Marko and Sueann Holmes Ratkovich, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Marko Ratkovich, Jr. He is survived by his daughter, Nicole White of Midland, sisters, Marcietta Ratkovich of Florida, Maryann (Rob) Ratkovich of East Palestine and Susan (John) Minehart of Industry, grandchildren, Landon and McKenzie Wilkins, both of Midland, nephew, Shawn Ratkovich of Economy, two nieces, Chelsea (Kevin) Kester of Freedom and Mallory(Bob) Minehart of Calcutta, Ohio, great niece and nephews, Avery, Jace and Wyatt Kester and special friend, Linda Brath.

Matthew was a sales associate at Walmart in Monaca, having previously worked for many years at TGIF Fridays and at Pittsburgh International Airport. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Serbian Club, all in Midland. He loved the Pirates and Steelers. He never missed a day of playing the Pennsylvania Lottery.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted on Saturday, March 1st from 4-8 p.m. at the Midland VFW, 700 Midland Avenue, Midland.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Josephine (Samchuck) Lapic, 96, of New Brighton, passed away on February 15th, 2025, surrounded by her four devoted sons and their loving wives.

She was born in Freedom on September 11th, 1928, the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Dyrwal) Samchuck.

After graduating from Rochester High School, she went to work for Bell Telephone Company during WWII. She soon met Paul, the love of her life, a WWII US Navy veteran, at her uncle’s wedding. Paul was soon mobilized for service in China during the Korean War. Josephine lived in their unfinished house learning about country life. On his safe return, the small-town girl and the farm boy raised four rambunctious boys. During those years, she took a position at K-Mart where she retired with 10 years of service.

With their love of the land, and the instigation of Paul’s brother John, they soon started to experiment with grape growing. Winning wine awards made with their own grapes! This led them to open the Lapic Winery in 1977. They would be proudly granted the first Limited Winery license in Southwestern Pennsylvania since the Harmony Society. Josephine’s wonderful personality was a perfect fit to manage this award-winning commercial winery for the next 30 years.

One of her favorite memories were the friends they made and the customers who faithfully returned for their wine year after year.

She was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. She loved them all and remembered their birthdays and special occasions with cards and gifts.

Her home was full of life from the beautiful plants and flowers inside and out to the many celebrations we enjoyed in her home.

We are grateful and send our thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice who walked with us through her final days. We would also like to send a special “Thank you” to Josh Lapic for the hours spent taking care of her so that she was able to keep her home until the end.

Friends and family will be received Sunday, February 23rd at the J & J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton from 2-5 P.M. Additional viewing will be held on Monday, February 24th from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.

Private entombment will be held in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Joseph R. Pollock III, 69, a resident of Beaver, passed away at home on February 15th, 2025. He was born on January 8th, 1956, a son of Joseph R. Pollock Jr.  and Marjorie (Ewing) Pollock. He is survived by his children, Kelsey (Pollock) Rhea and Pierson Pollock, sister, Linda (Pollock) Antonini, brothers, Robert Pollock and Craig Pollock, grandchild, Victoria Rhea and a host of nieces and nephews. Joseph graduated from Farrell High School. He was a 1978 graduate from Clarion University with a degree in Business Administration and Management. He was a member of the Theta Xi Fraternity. He had a successful decades long career in banking marked with many years of community involvement. He retired from WesBanco. Joseph was a Christian who loved to golf, cheer on his beloved Pittsburgh sports team, and listen to classic crooners like Frank Sinatra.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 21st, from 2-4 P.M. and 5-7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, February 21st at 6:30 P.M.

Please consider a donation in Joseph’s memory to Gateway Rehabilitation Center. For information on how to donate, follow this link: https://www.gatewayrehab.org/resources/get-involved/donate-now.