Author: Beaver County Radio

Regis William Wagner, Jr. (1936-2024)

Regis William Wagner, Jr., 88, of Chippewa Township, formerly of College Hill, passed away on October 22, 2024, at Quality Life Services of Chicora, Pennsylvania.

He was born on April 13, 1936, in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Regis William Sr. and Sophie E. Gall Wagner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 years, Helen Marie Weir Wagner.
He is survived by his children, Thomas (Cindy) Wagner, of Karns City, Pennsylvania, Regis III (Colleen) Wagner, of Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania, Judy (Glen) Dugal, of Royal Oak, Michigan, and Michael (Stephanie) Wagner, of Dover, Delaware, eight grandchildren: Steven (Candy) Wagner, Jeffrey (Katie) Wagner, Brittany (Ryan) Dodge, Jenna (Tim) Fitzgerald, Regis Wagner IV, Alyssa Wagner, Laura Wagner, and Lily Wagner; ten great-grandchildren: Carter, Matthew, Julia, Ellie, Haddie, Potter, Ellington, Shiloh, Jedidiah and Shechem; brother, Joseph Wagner, of Monroeville, sister, Mary Wagner D. P., of Allison Park, 3 brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews who he adored.

Regis graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1954 and went on to work for Pittsburgh Bridge and Iron in the 60’s. He worked for B&W in their traffic department, as well as Dravo Corp. as a traffic manager, then security for the Shippingport Power Plant. He was a member of the former St. Philomena Parish, currently St. Monica, where he served on counsel and volunteered for the church’s bingo nights. Regis served on the Beaver Falls School Board from 1984-1988 and was a member of the West Mayfield Vets. Regis was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, neighbor, and friend. His family was his pride and joy. He attended as many family events as possible and loved to travel with them.

Friends will be received on Sunday, October 27th from 4-7 P.M. in CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, October 28th at 10 A.M. at St. Monica Roman Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.
Interment will be private in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Regis’ name to Chippewa Meals on Wheels, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010, or Quality Life Services-Chicora, 160 Medical Center Road # 2612, Chicora, PA 16025.

The family would like to thank the staff of Quality Life Services-Chicora for their wonderful care of Regis over the last two years.

Richard “Dick” E. Riggs (1936-2024)

Richard “Dick” E. Riggs, 88, of Beaver, passed away on October 21, 2024. He was born on August 18, 1936 in Bradford, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Eugene and Ethel (Stromburg) Riggs. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Daneen Riggs, sister, Janice Davis and brother-in-law, Ralph Papandrea. He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Sue Amburnsen Riggs, son, Richard Kent (Kim) Riggs, daughter, Kelly Riggs, sister Karen Papandrea, brother-in-law, Walter Davis, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Carolyn & Steve Kozeniewski, step-daughters: Christi (Mark) Ringer, Becki (Tom) Fontaine, Leahrae (Eric) Ringer, Jannasue (Michael) Laris; grandchildren: Jenna Riggs, Caitlin Riggs, Alyssa Ciccone, Christian Hartman; step grandchildren: Cassandra Ringer, Micah Ringer, Haley Schramm, Stephanie Schramm, Wyatt Ringer, Zoe Ringer, Mason Matteo, Luke Laris; great-grandchildren, Kyrie Johnson and Lahni Schramm, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was a graduate of Beaver Area High School, Geneva College and Westminster College, where he received his Master’s Degree. A faithful member of Park Presbyterian Church, having served as a Deacon. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, a teacher in the Beaver Area School District for 37 years, and was the manager of the Beaver Municipal Pool for 17 seasons before retiring. He had a love for children and history and was able to share his love for history and mentoring children through the years as a Social Studies teacher. During his retirement, he enjoyed reading a book and playing golf with friends often. He always had a love for travel and spending time visiting family. He traveled to Sweden to see and visit where his ancestors originated. He also traveled to Florida, Arizona, California, Washington State, Alaska and Hawaii.

Friends will be received on Sunday, October 27, from 12 noon to 4 P.M. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A Funeral Service will be conducted on Monday, October 28, at 11 A.M. at Park Presbyterian Church, 275 Commerce Street, Beaver. Please visit the Noll Funeral Home Inc. website at www.nollfuneral.com for a complete obituary.
The Family would like to thank Celebration Villa of Chippewa, Gateway Hospice, Fox Run Rehabilitation and caregivers Mary, Nancy, Carrie and Cindy for their care, support and kindness during his illness. They are all greatly appreciated for all you did to care for Richard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s name to the American Diabetes Association of Pennsylvania or Beaver Memorial Library.

Robert Ray Glasser, Jr. (1976-2024)

Robert Ray Glasser, Jr., 48, of Leetsdale, passed away at home on October 22, 2024. He was born on October 21, 1976, the son of Sharon Santry Causey and Steven Causey, as well as Robert R. Glasser Sr. and Nancy Glasser. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Lawrence and Doris Santry, Diane Glasser, William Waugaman, and Norman “Pewee” Glasser, partner Christina, friend Trevor Fluharty, and mentor Scott McMillin. He is survived by his siblings: Shaun (Amanda) Glasser, Craig Glasser, Jesse Glasser, Bobbi Jo and Tyler; and son Karmello, along with Ashley, Casey, Brittany, and Blake Malobabich. He was also the nephew of Scott (Patty) Santry, James (Jen) Santry, William Glasser, Norm (Julie) Glasser, Joy Waugaman, Rodney (Bev) Waugaman, and bestie and second mom, Kim Fry. He was an uncle to Marissa, Braylon, Zachary, Calliegh, and McKenzie.

Robert was employed by K.A. Sodders and was a passionate sports enthusiast, enjoying soccer, college football, basketball, and the Olympics. A celebration of life will be held from 2 P.M. to 6 P.M. on Saturday, October 26th at Marronis Lounge, 108 Ohio River Boulevard, Leetsdale. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Hopewell School Board approves school consolidation and facility option

(Reported by Beaver County News Correspondant Sandy Giordano, Published on October 23, 2024 at 10:03 A.M.)

The board voted at Tuesday night’s meeting and  unanimously approved  the building of an addition and to make alterations at the high school  that would include grades 7 and 8., making it a 7-12 facility. Construction of a new elementary school to include k-6. The district worked with the architectural firm  DRAW Collective representative Dan Engen  for the past 2 years  and public meetings , including regular school board meetings took place to come to the final decision. The estimated cost of the project is $112.6 million dollars. Hopewell Elementary School will be closed as a result of the final decision. Declining enrollment and condition of facilities necessitated  these actions, according to  Superintendent Dr. Jeff Beltz..

Pension for raises for retired Pennsylvania teachers and state workers is making progress

(Harrisburg, PA- AP) A bill that would give pension increases to more than 60,000 retired school and government workers passed the Pennsylvania House by a comfortable margin on Tuesday, although opponents warned it would saddle taxpayers with a $1 billion bill.

The 135-67 vote sent the measure to the Republican majority state Senate as the current two-year legislative session is winding down.

The proposal applies to municipal police officers and firefighters who have been retired for at least five years, as well as teachers and state employees who retired before July 2, 2001. A House financial analysis said the increases for teacher and state workers would range between 15% and nearly 25%, depending on when the person retired.

Supporters argued that public sector retirees used to get regular cost-of-living increases.

“They’ve had to make do because we haven’t done,” Majority Leader Matt Bradford, D-Montgomery, argued on the House floor. “Let’s give these folks the dollars they need to provide for themselves, since they have provided for us for so long.”

However, the Republicans who voted ‘no’ characterized it as unaffordable and hard to justify to constituents who don’t have traditional defined benefit pensions but will end up paying for the retirees’ raises. The financial analysis said the proposal would add $332 million to the unfunded liability for the State Employees’ Retirement System and $614 million for the Public School Employees’ Retirement System.

Hopewell school board approves hirings

(Reported by Beaver County News Correspondant Sandy Giordano, Published on October 23, 2024 at 9:49 A.M.)

Mikaela Malobabich was hired as  a long term substitute teacher at the junior high school. she will begin her duties on  Thursday, October 25, 2024.  Sharon Mercer was hired  as a new junior high school grill-prep person in the cafeteria beginning today.  Lauren Hale was hired as a cafeteria substitute worker.. Tim McGovern was hired as a substitute custodian , Barry MacDonald was hired as a bus driver..

The work session meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 7 p.m. in the board room, the regular meeting is Tuesday, November  26, 2024 at 7 p.m.. The annual reorganization meeting is set for   Tuesday, December 3, 2024.at  7 p.m.

Pittsburgh International Airport may surpass ten million passengers in 2024

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh International Airport could surpass over ten million passengers in 2024. According to data released on Friday during the Allegheny County Airport Authority’s monthly meeting, there were 7.5 million passengers through Pittsburgh International Airport through the end of September. The last time that Pittsburgh International Airport had ten million passengers was back in 2005.

Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration reminds Pennsylvania voters the deadline is approaching to apply for a mail ballot for the 2024 presidential election

(Harrisburg, PA) According to a release from the Pennsylvania Department of State, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said Tuesday that there is one week left to to apply for their mail-in ballot online or in person. Schmidt also hopes those who want to vote by mail to apply for and return their completed ballot as soon as possible to ensure their vote is counted. Schmidt also notes the steps to make sure their ballot is counted.

  • Read all instructions enclosed with the ballot.
  • Fill out the ballot by following the instructions on how to mark selections. Check both sides of the ballot in case there are races listed on the second page.
  • Seal the ballot in the yellow inner secrecy envelope marked “official election ballot.” Do not make any stray marks on the envelope.
  • Seal the yellow inner secrecy envelope in the pre-addressed outer return envelope.
  • Sign and write the current date on the voter’s declaration on the outer return envelope.
  • Mail or hand deliver the completed ballot to their county elections office, or hand deliver the ballot to an officially designated satellite office or drop box.

Source for Photo: In this Oct. 13, 2020, photo, an envelope of a Pennsylvania official mail-in ballot for the 2020 general election in Marple Township, Pa. The Supreme Court will allow Pennsylvania to count ballots received up to three days after the election, rejecting a Republican plea. The justices divided 4-4 on Oct. 19, an outcome that upholds a state Supreme Court ruling that allowed election officials to receive and count ballots until Nov. 6, even if they don’t have a clear postmark. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Thomas P. Halligan, Jr. (1934-2024)

Thomas P. Halligan, Jr., 90, passed away on October 19, 2024.

He was born on September 26, 1934 in Bellevue, a son of the late Thomas and Marie Halligan, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Mike Halligan, and his infant sister. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Mary E. Halligan, daughter, Sandra Chakey of Marionville, step-daughter, Judy Agent, brothers, Dick Halligan of Beaver and Bob (Kate) Halligan, sister, Marie Halligan and many nieces, nephews and friends. Thomas graduated from Beaver Falls High School, going on to work several jobs before joining the Army. He served in Alaska where he developed a passion for golf, becoming very well known in the Beaver Valley for his skill. Tom worked for Pennsylvania Railroad, retiring after a long career as a yardmaster at Conrail.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, October 23, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver, where a blessing service will be conducted on Thursday, October 24 at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at Beaver Cemetery Mausoleum. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Marilyn Hendershot (1953-2024)

Marilyn Hendershot, 70, of Freedom, passed away peacefully at home on October 21, 2024. She was born on November 1st, 1953, the daughter of the late Melvin and Florence Musgrave. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant brother, James Allen Musgrave, and her cherished dogs, Redman and Mama.

She is survived by her daughters, Jordan (Brian McKinney) and Devin Hendershot; siblings Linda Musgrave and Larry (Georgeanne) Musgrave; grandchildren Mallory, Bryce, Saige, Katilyn, Kamiya, Keyan, Kamilla, Kalea, and Julianna; very special friends Sharon Mester and Mark Sinchak; and her loyal furry companion, Zova.

She was a wonderful Meme to all her grandchildren. Marilyn loved a variety of music, from Journey to her favorite artist, 2Pac. She will always be remembered for her bright red hair and her frequent visits to see her friends at Police Station Pizza. A free spirit who always spoke her mind, she loved nature and all the plants that came from it. She will be dearly missed by everyone who loved her. In accordance with her wishes, services will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.