Author: Beaver County Radio

Bruce L. Weis, Jr. (1929-2024)

Bruce L. Weis Jr., 95, passed away on September 9th, 2024, at his home in Aliquippa. Bruce had been recovering from a recent fall and was looking forward to a full recovery. He was born in Hagevo, a vanished coal town near Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on February 15, 1929, a son of the late Bruce L Weis and Alverda (Schaffer) Weis.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three children: an infant son, Susan Elaine Johnston and Christopher Andrew Weis, two great granddaughters Audree Johnston and Kinlee Brinn Johnston, four siblings: Dorothy Carolus, Esther Barnes, Norman Weis and Jackson Weis, and his companion Barbara Saul.

Bruce is survived by two sons and daughters in law: Bruce Alan and Tsuyako Sandy Weis and Mark Edward and Marye Catherine Weis, seven grandchildren: Richard Gregory, Kimberly (Kristofer) Grohl, Kristopher (Joannie) Gregory, Patrick Johnston, Arthur (Amanda) Johnston, John (Paige) Johnston and Monica (Chance) Braud, 11 great-grand children, two siblings: Richard (Marylou) Weis and Ruth (Harry) Doyle, numerous nieces and nephews; and his best friend of over 60 years, Jim Farris.

Through perseverance and determination, Bruce made his way to college, graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, becoming part of the Western Pennsylvanian Banking community. Bruce was a retired Regional Vice President of First Seneca Bank, former Treasurer of the University of Pittsburgh (“Golden Panthers”) Alumni association and former President of the Beaver Valley Credit association.

Bruce took a strong interest in political affairs and, having been raised on a farm, could repair nearly anything, and he enjoyed discussing politics or repairs. He loved spending time in his woodshop and, after retirement, he fed and was concerned with the health of most of the cats in the (Plan Six) Aliquippa area.

A memorial service will be held on October 12, 2024 at 11 a.m. in Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa.

William O. Richardson (1937-2024)

William O. Richardson, 87, formerly of Wampum, passed away on September 9, 2024 at the Beaver Valley Rehabilitation Center. He was born on June 28, 1937 in New Castle, the son of the late Talmadge and Mary (Groom) Richardson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three brothers, Wesley, Raymond, and Otis Richardson and four sisters, Eula Richardson, Regina James, Geraldine Robinson, and Erma (Cookie) Madden.

William worked at B&W for over 30 years. He loved to travel and read the Almanac. He enjoyed gardening and loved to listen to jazz music in his free time. He was a giver and provider which helped encompass his cheerful and joyful personality.

He was loved and cherished by his niece Odessa Richardson who took care of him later in life, leaving behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family is very grateful for Grane Hospice and Brighton Rehabilitation Center for the love and care of William Richardson.

A private burial will take place at Clinton Cemetery of Wampum. Arrangements have been entrusted to J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton. 

Electric buses becoming more prominent in Pennsylvania

Many Pennsylvania students now ride electric buses to school. Some 900-million dollars from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program supports cleaner buses in over 500 school districts nationwide. The Steelton-Highspire District received funding to purchase six electric buses, with chargers and charging infrastructure for each bus. Jenna Condran with the district says kids tell her the electric buses are “quieter and calmer.” Condran sees them as a financial investment that affects the school district, community and taxpayers.

(Story reported by Danielle Smith of Keystone News Service, Published September 13, 2024, at 7:57 A.M.)

Roderick Clark Bourne (1950-2024)

Roderick Clark Bourne, 74, of Ambridge, passed away on September 8, 2024. He was born on July 12, 1950, a son of the late Harry and Emma Bourne. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife UnYe Bourne, and his brother Bradley Bourne. He is survived by his children, Richard, Jason, and Jennifer Bourne, several grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Roderick proudly served in the United States Army, worked as a welder, and worked at J&L Steel. Friends are invited to visit on Sunday, September 15, from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Joseph R. Barna (1932-2024)

Joseph R. Barna, 92, of Hopewell Township passed away on September 11, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospice, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on February 14, 1932, a son of the late Michael J. and Mary (Srafin) Barna.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Richard Barna, a brother, Michael (Natalie) Barna, Jr. and two sisters, Barbara Ann Barna and Veronica Barna. He is also preceded in death by two brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law, Henry Klak, Edward (Shirley) Klak, Sophie Andreatta and Dorothy DiNinno.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joann Barna, his three children David (Deborah) Barna, Diane (Tom) Canning, and Jon (Becky) Barna, three grandchildren who he loved dearly, Michael, Alex, and Megan, one brother and two sisters-in-law, Robert (Rita) Barna and Flo Jula and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joseph was a member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish, St. Titus Catholic Church and actively contributed to his community as a member of the Lions Club. His dedication extended to volunteering for Meals on Wheels, where he left an impact on many lives. A proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Joseph’s legacy of service and love for his family will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Good Samaritan Hospice, 146 Neely School Road, Wexford, PA 15090.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 21, in St. Titus Church at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements were entrusted to ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Center Township Fire Department called to hotel for microwave fire as Aliquippa woman jailed and charged

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 13, 2024 at 7:20 A.M.)
(Center Township, PA) The Center Township Fire Department was dispatched to My Place Hotel for reports of a microwave on fire on Monday. The fire department requested the police department for assistance with a highly intoxicated female shortly after. Officers found a highly intoxicated and unresponsive female, identified as Doneshia Jones of Aliquippa, that had created a fire in the hotel room while cooking. The fire department evacuated, and then found that a three year old female child in Jones’ care was unsupervised and running throughout the hotel.
Jones was placed under arrest and is lodged in the Beaver County Jail and faces charges for endangering the welfare of children and disorderly conduct causing a hazardous condition.

Pitt forms new advisory committee to find new athletic director

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on Spetember 13, 2024 at 6:08 A.M.)

(Pittsburgh, PA) After firing athletic director Heather Lyke earlier this week, the University of Pittsburgh has formed a new advisory committee to find her replacement. Chancellor Joan Gabel said the university is looking for a leader who will help to elevate the school’s student athletes, coaches, staff members, and donors. The committee includes seven members, which consists of Pitt’s chief financial officer Dwayne Pinkney, a Pitt faculty of athletics member Sheila Velez Martinez, former Pitt executive associate athletic director Donna Sanft, men’s head basketball coach Jeff Capel, and three fomer Pitt football players, Pat Bostick, Peter Varischetti, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year with the Los Angeles Rams, Aaron Donald.

Retired Aliquippa teacher has passed away at age 88

(Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News Correspondant, Published on September 13th, 2024 at 5:49 A.M.)

(Hopewell Township, PA) Eugene (Gene) Karmazyn, 88, of Hopewell Township, a retired Aliquippa teacher has passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024. After retiring from the Aliquippa School District in 2003, Eugene taught drama, was a play director, and was in charge of the class of 1966’s Commencement Program. According to the family, a banner and a will be placed at the Black Box Theater in his honor along with a plaque outside the Black Box Theater. The theater will also now be renamed the Gene Karmazyn Black Box Theater.

10-year-old Shaler Area School District student facing charges after social media threats to schools

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 13, 2024 at 5:39 A.M.)

(Pittsburgh, PA) A 10-year-old girl from Shaler Area Elementary School is facing charges after posting threats for violence on social media. Shaler Township Police Chief Sean Frank confirmed the charges against the girl, which are third-degree felony terroristic threats and third-degree misdemeanor harassment. Frank commented that the post showed a list of schools that were threatened with intentions of violence, specifically shootings. All the schools that were mentioned in that post will have increased police presence through Friday. 

Local gathering that gives tribute to 18th century Beaver County village will have final year of event at CCBC

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 13, 2024 at 5:36 A.M.)

(Monaca, PA) The final year of the Logstown Associates Historical Society Native American Gathering will take place in Beaver County at the Community College of Beaver County on October 12th and 13th. After 35 years, organizer Jeff Jones has confirmed that lack of funds led to the decision to stop the annual gathering. The event pays tribute to Logstown, an 18th century Native American village in modern-day Beaver County that led to westward expansion from treaties and conferences, which involved two days for crafts, Native American dancing and a demonstration of corn-husk doll making last year.