Author: Beaver County Radio

James “Jim” Higgins (1933-2024)

James “Jim” Higgins, 91, of Beaver Falls, passed away on September 7, 2024.

He was born in Indianola, Pennsylvania on May 23, 1933, to George and Blanche Higgins. He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years Jean. He is survived by his children Terri Kedzierski of Indianola, Scott Higgins of Peters Township, Jean’s daughter, Frances Lagana of Worcester, Massachusetts, grandchildren Jeffrey (Jodi) Kedzierski, Eve Kedzierski, Cole Kedzierski, Samantha (Liam) Halferty, Alexander Higgins, Mathew Higgins and great grandsons Owen and Niall.

He grew up in a loving family with his brother Bob. He graduated from Oakmont High School in 1951. A life-long educator, he earned his teaching degree from Slippery Rock College and his doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. He began his teaching career at his Alma mater, Oakmont High School, where he also coached football and basketball. He continued his career in education in the North Hills School district where he served as superintendent until his retirement.

An avid sports fan, he was a Pirate season ticket holder for many years and never missed a Steelers game. He and his wife Jean shared a love of traveling and made many trips together to beautiful places around the world. When not traveling they enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their home in Beaver Falls. His kind and loving spirit will be missed by all the many lives he touched.

Friends and family will be received on Monday, September 23rd, from 2-4 and 6-8 at Oakmont Presbyterian Church, 415 Pennsylvania Avenue, (Fifth Street entrance) Oakmont. A celebration of life service will be followed by a luncheon at the church, on September 24th at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Salvation Army or Doctors Without Borders.

Mary Jane Beegle (Passed on September 9, 2024)

Mary Jane Beegle passed away on the evening of September 9, 2024. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Donald Beegle, her children Tod Beegle, Heidi (Beegle) Pauvlinch and Chad Beegle and her grandchildren, Hayley, Cayden, Chloe, Nolan, Anna and Joel. She was the epitome of faith and unconditional love – never too busy to do for others, often neglecting her own needs though she would never be seen without makeup or a smile. Mary Jane loved deeply and her faith was unshakeable. A private interment will be held at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park of Rochester and we ask that you grant the family privacy as we celebrate the life of a woman who gave so much but asked for so little. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, 333 Third Street, Beaver.

Sheetz featured as second in Fortune’s list of Best Places to Work in Retail in America

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 11, 2024 at 10:40 A.M.)

(Altoona, PA) Sheetz has been recognized by Fortune and Great Place to Work as their second-best place to work in retail in the United States of America. The popular convenience store in Western Pennsylvania has been ranked on Fortune’s list for the ninth consecutive year, while Wegman’s takes first place and Target took third. As Sheetz celebrates their highest Fortune ranking ever, they are featured on a list of companies that Fortune highlights thanks to their business success, as well as them showing respect to both their employees and their communities. 

 

Charles Wesley Godwin and his six bandmates of Beaver County performing at Stage AE again on Friday

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 11, 2024 at 10:06 A.M.)

(Pittsburgh, PA) A band made up of mostly Beaver County natives, Charles Wesley Godwin and the Allegheny High, will perform at Stage AE in Pittsburgh this Friday. This is their third time there, and their first appearance included headlining country singer Zach Bryan. They also played alongside Grammy-winning country superstar Luke Combs and have been featured on shows including “The Jimmy Kimmel Show” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”  

Box tree moth discovered in Pennsylvania for the first time and currently puts Erie County in quarantine

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 11, 2024 at 10:00 A.M.)

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pennsylvanians should be aware of an insect that is threatening the environment. The box tree moth has been discovered here in Pennsylvania as a new insect in North America and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture located the bug in two cemeteries in Erie County, which caused the county to be quarantined. The moth destroys the largest selling evergreen shrubs in the United State, boxwood trees, and are spread from the shipping and selling of the infected trees. These bugs have already been spotted in Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Ontario, Canada. 

UPMC Children’s Hospital fundraiser is increasing care for residents and their families

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published at September 11, 2024 at 9:55 A.M.)

(Pittsburgh, PA) A fundraising campaign was arranged on Tuesday thanks to the UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation. The company is looking to bring up health disparities, upgrade clinical care, increase research, and to enhance the caring experience for both their patients and their families. The UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation has raised over $147 million and they are aiming for a goal of $200 million, which would make the event the largest fundraiser in the history of the Pittsburgh hospital. 

Pittsburgh couple pleads guilty for disturbing protests on University of Pittsburgh campus with somke bombs and fireworks

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 11th, 2024 at 9:49 A.M.)

(Pittsburgh, PA) After a protest on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus last year, a Pittsburgh couple has pleaded guilty in court for throwing smoke bombs and setting off fireworks. Bryan and Krystal DiPippa were involved in an incident in which Bryan let off two smoke bombs near a bunch of patrons waiting for a guest speaker. Several police were also injured when the fireworks were thrown by the couple after police were trying to stop various other protesters. Both were charged with obstruction and law enforcement during civil disorder, while Bryan faces one conspiracy charge. A judge gave a sentencing for the couple for the date of January 6, 2025, and they also are looking at up to five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. 

Tributes for victims of September 11th attacks being held in Shanksville as people honor them across the United States

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 11, 2024 at 9:44 A.M.)

(Shanksville, PA) On the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, on September 11th, 2024, people here in the United States will be paying tributes all around the country. In Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the Flight 93 National Memorial tribute will start at 9:45 a.m., and President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro and Former President Donald Trump will make an appearance to honor the victims. A private wreath laying ceremony will also be held. According to reports from the Associated Press, President Biden and Vice President Harris will visit the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. after the ceremony, while Former President Trump will visit both a fire station and the 9/11 memorial in New York City. 

Source of Photo: FILE – In this Sept. 11, 2002, file photo, the sun rises on Mt. Rushmore National Memorial near Keystone, S.D. as the flag is flown at half staff in honor of the first anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks against the United States. President Donald Trump is planning to kick off Independence Day weekend in South Dakota with a show of patriotism _ fireworks popping, fighter jets thundering overhead and revelers crowding beneath a piece of classic Americana _ Mount Rushmore. (AP Photo/Laura Rauch, File)

Robert M. Burak (1933-2024)

Robert M. Burak, 90, passed away on September 9, 2024 surrounded by his loving children. He was born on December 10, 1933, a son of the late Mitchell and Anna Burak. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Margaret “Peggy” (Acheson) Burak. He was the cherished father of Robert M. (Barbara) Burak, Jr., Pamela A. (Robert) Rosati and Catherine Burak (Ronda). He is survived by his twin brother Edward (Shirley) Burak and brother James (Shirley) Burak. He was the grandfather of Roberta (Jason) Knox, Bradley Rosati, Jonathan R. Burak and Allyson K. (Cameron) Duff, the great-grandfather of Hayden Rosati, Izabelle Knox, Benjamin Rosati. He is survived by twins Olivia and Madelynn Knox, Cash Duff and Cruz Duff and many loving nieces and nephews. Robert was a proud U.S. Army veteran earning the rank of Corporal and playing for the Fort Bragg, North Carolina Army football team. He worked as a steel worker/foreman for Jones and Laughlin/LTV steel. He also served as a consultant for various steel manufacturers in the region. He and his wife Peggy were longtime members of the New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed all Pittsburgh sports teams. He also thrived as an outdoorsman, relishing in the time spent hunting and fishing in nature with family and friends. He will be remembered most as a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. Friends will be received at the R.D. Copeland Funeral Home, 981 Brodhead Road, Moon Township on Thursday, September 12th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, September 13th at 10 A.M. prior to funeral services at New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church of Aliquippa at 11 AM. Interment will follow at the Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Veterans Administration or Good Samaritan Hospice.

Joyce Marie Funkhouser (Passed on September 3, 2024)

Joyce Marie Funkhouser, 92 formerly of New Brighton and more recently of Monaca, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2024, at Cambridge Falls Senior Living of Wampum. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Helen (Dishler) Chandler, her husband Donald Funkhouser, her sister Susan Boettner, and her brother Harold Chandler, Jr.. She is survived by her loving daughter, Vicki (John) Burchett, and her granddaughters, Lesley and Carley Hupp, four great-grandchildren, Trente, Troy, Timothy, and Tayliyah, and a great-great-grandson, Zion James.

Born and raised in New Brighton, Joyce proudly graduated from New Brighton High School with the class of 1950. On December 16, 1950, Joyce married the love of her life, Donald Funkhouser, embarking on a shared journey filled with love and devotion until his passing.

For many years, she was a well-known fixture at the former Puritan Drug Store in New Brighton, where her warm smile and caring nature made her more than just an employee; she was a friend to all who crossed the threshold.

A woman of faith, Joyce was a faithful member of the Beaver Falls Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

She found solace and pleasure in sewing, knitting, crocheting, and cooking. Family events were made all the more special with her delicious, lovingly prepared meals.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great great grandmother.

Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, yet her memory will be celebrated and kept alive in the stories shared, the crafts cherished, and the family traditions continued.

Per her request, she will be laid to rest privately next to her late husband, Donald in Grove Cemetery of New Brighton.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.