Author: Beaver County Radio

Four adults and two children taken to the hospital after a multi-vehicle crash that closed part of the Parkway North in Pittsburgh

(File Photo of Police Siren Lights)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) A crash involving multiple vehicles shut down part of the Parkway North in Pittsburgh this morning and sent at least six people to the hospital. According to PennDOT, the crash occurred near the Interstate 579 Veterans Bridge ramp and it was first reported around 10:40 a.m. this morning. Southbound I-279 was closed between the North-East Street exit and the Veterans Bridge exit, which caused significant traffic back-ups. The road reopened at around 11:45 a.m. this morning. Pennsylvania State Police confirm that four adults and two children were taken to the hospital for injuries. It was not immediately available about what the conditions were for the people that were hospitalized from this crash.

Allegheny Health Network Welcomes Allegheny Ophthalmic & Orbital Associates into Allegheny Health Network Ophthalmology

(File Photo of the Allegheny Health Network Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Allegheny Health Network (AHN) announced the acquisition of Allegheny Ophthalmic & Orbital Associates (AOOA) today, which is an independent eye care and eye surgery practice based at AHN Allegheny General Hospital. AOOA now becomes part of AHN Ophthalmology in formally joining Allegheny Health Network, complementing the network’s already robust eye care capabilities. Deval Paranjpe, MD, MBA, FACS, has also been named chair of ophthalmology for all of AHN, and she is a corneal surgeon who leads AOOA and has served as Allegheny General’s chair of ophthalmology for the last few years. According to a release in Pittsburgh today from Allegheny Health Network, here is some more information about this acquisition:

AOOA sees about 6,000 unique patients a year. The practice includes four staff surgeons, 13 support staff employees, and an affiliation with a low-vision optometrist. It has been serving patients out of its AGH offices for about 40 years.

The practice includes:

  • Thierry Verstraeten, MD, retinal surgeon
  • Michael Lewen, MD, retinal surgeon
  • Randall Beatty, MD, orbital and oculoplastic surgeon
  • Deval Paranjpe, MD, corneal and cataract surgeon
  • Paul Freeman, OD, low-vision optometry and vision rehabilitation

 

AHN Ophthalmology offers a full spectrum of advanced eye care services, including treatment for cornea and external disease, retinal surgery, cataract surgery, oculoplastic and orbital surgery, retinal screenings, comprehensive eye exams, and management of conditions like dry eye, macular degeneration and thyroid eye disease. It offers services at AHN Allegheny General Hospital, AHN West Penn Hospital, and Premier Medical Associates in Forest Hills.

To learn more about AHN Ophthalmology services or to schedule an appointment, visit www.ahn.org/services/surgery/ophthalmology.

Catherine Manfredi Ferrari (Passed on December 9th, 2025)

Catherine Manfredi Ferrari, or Bubba, as she was known to her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren, passed away on December 9th, 2025 at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph in Baden.

She was born in Clarksville, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Rachela and Luigi Manfredi. She is survived by her children, Valerie Ferrari Harley (husband – George) of Monaca, Cathi Ferrari of Monaca and Rob Ferrari of Elwood City, and her grandchildren, Erin Harley Carnevale (husband – Vincent), Matt Harley (wife – Lauren), and Ryan Ferrari (husband John) and her great grandchildren, Gia and Nick Carnevale, Alaine and Justine Harley. She is also survived by a wealth of nieces, nephews, and their spouses, great nieces, great great nieces and nephews.

Catherine was the youngest of nine children. She frequently talked about her youth in Clarksville, sneaking off to Iona’s grocery store to indulge her life, long obsession with potato chips and Pepsi and going to Hupp’s Dairy Bar to dance with friends on weekends. She met her husband, Robert (Bob) Ferrari, in Fredericktown, a nearby coal mining town. They were married on November 18th, 1950, and she and Robert lived for a while in the Manfredi family farmhouse in Clarksville before moving to Monaca. Catherine was grateful for those years at the farm. Family was most important to Catherine and the memories she shared with her siblings who were always dropping by stayed with her throughout her long life. Those siblings were Angeline Zurzola, Frank Lucia, Jim Manfredi, Jeno Manfredi, Mary Kacz, Louise Domon, Edith Greskovich, and Pete Manfredi. Catherine loved her life in Monaca, raising her children, worshipping at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, participating in book clubs, traveling and playing 500 with friends. Among her proudest accomplishments was her career at the House of Fabrics, where she rose form counter attendant to store manager despite having only a high school education. She credited her success to being “testadura,” an Italian expression meaning hard headed.

Friends will be received on Sunday, December 14th, from 2-6 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where prayers will be offered on Monday, December 15th at 10 a.m. followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m., in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1409 Pennsylvania Avenue, Monaca and the burial will take place in the cemetery of that church.

Those who wish to commemorate Catherine with a donation can do so by contributing to Our Lady of Fatima Angel Fund in Hopewell Township and the Monaca Public Library, 998 Indiana Ave, Monaca, PA 15061.

Dorothy Ann (Mannino) Colella (1932-2025)

Dorothy Ann (Mannino) Colella, 92, passed away peacefully on December 9th, 2025 in the comfort of her home surrounded by her immediate family.

She was born in Rochester on December 11th, 1932, a daughter of the late Antonio V. Mannino and Mary A. (Pedaline) Mannino. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Michael A. Colella, her sisters, Constance (Mannino) Elefterin, Rose (Mannino) Purrachio and Annette (Sano) Brenzo and her brothers Sam Mannino and Domenic Sano, all of Beaver County. She is survived by her brothers: John Sano, Eugene Sano, Ronald Sano, and Larry Joe Sano; as well as her sister, Gloria (Sano) Grant, her son, Michael E. Colella, and his wife, Carol Anne (Smith) Colella, their children, David Colella and Rachel (Colella) Aquino, her daughter Deborah R. (Colella) Hayward and her husband, William “Randy” Hayward, their children, Leigh Ann Hayward, Bradley Hayward and Lauren (Hayward) Davidson, and her son, Nicholas J. Colella, and his children: Aletheia Orpanidys, Nicolo Colella, Tommaso Colella, and Giacomo Colella; along with her seven great grandchildren.

Dorothy graduated from Beaver Falls High School and the Community College of Beaver County. She was a Jury Commissioner of Beaver County, a nurse at Beaver County Medical Center and Pittsburgh Tube Company, as well as a program manager at Penn State University, Beaver Campus. She was also active in the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and assisted several political campaigns. She was known to be resourceful throughout her life. A funeral mass will be held for Dorothy at Saint Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls on Monday, December 15th at 10 a.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Corless Funeral Homes. In accordance with Dorothy’s request, there will be a private, immediate family only viewing prior to her funeral Mass. She will be buried at St Cecilia Cemetery, 761 Allendale Road, New Brighton.

Arlene DelSota Braun (1943-2025)

Arlene DelSota Braun, 82, of McCandless Township, formerly of Beaver, passed away on December 7th, 2025 surrounded by her family at Ridgecrest Senior Living in Pittsburgh.

She was born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania on May 26th, 1943, a daughter of the late Salvatore and Margaret DelSota. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert DelSota. She is survived by her husband, Howard J. Braun, Jr., her daughters, Amy Lynn (Thomas) Hansen Jr. and Kerri Ann Very, her sister, Peggy (Don) Frankland and her grandchildren: Madison, Rileigh, Sydney Very, Zachary, Braydon, and Lauren Hansen, her sisters-in-law, Judy DelSota and Karen Tremaine and her entire extended family.

Arlene worked as a manager for a medical office, but her greatest passion was for her children and six grandchildren. She was at every event, proudly supporting them.

Friends will be received on Sunday, December 14th, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 15th, at 10:30 a.m., at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Arlene’s name, may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Arlene D. Braun, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Michele Smith (1954-2025)

Michele Smith, 70, of Monaca, passed away peacefully on December 8th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in Rochester on December 23rd, 1954, the daughter of the late George and Mildred (Deer) Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving partner of many years, Crystal Kemp. She is survived behind her one and only son, Otis Smith, and her grandson, Omari Smith.

Michele will be remembered as a woman whose heart and home were always open. For more than 20 years, she served as a dedicated nurse at Friendship Ridge at Beaver where she cared for others with compassion, patience, and a steady presence that brought comfort to countless people. Her generosity extended greatly beyond her work. Michele was the kind of person who became a mother figure to every child who crossed her path. Many lovingly called themselves her “sons,” whether related by blood or not.

Michele’s home was known as a safe place, a warm kitchen where hot food and cold drinks were always waiting, and where anyone who needed support could find it. Michele’s instinct to nurture was a constant in her life. She cared for her own mother with deep devotion, ensuring her final days were filled with dignity, love, and ease.

Her lovability, humor, and quiet strength made her someone people naturally gravitated towards. Michele built a family not only through blood, but through the many lives she touched.

Friends and family will be received on Sunday, December 14th, from 2-4 P.M. and 5 P.M. until the time of a service at 7 P.M. with Pastor Gary Hilton officiating, at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michele Smith, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home Inc. by clicking here.

Robert Wright (1959-2025)

Robert Wright, 66, of Beaver Falls, formerly of Midland, passed away after battling a long-term illness, on December 6th, 2025, at Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center in Beaver Falls.

He was born on in East Liverpool, Ohio on May 20th, 1959, a son of the late Rosemarie Trevino Wright Elkins and Herbert Wright. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Carl Elkins, his brother, Richard Wright, Herb Wright and Randy Wright, his sister and best friend, Candy Prince and his niece, Shawndell Hogan.

Robert is survived by his family and friends, his brother, Mitchel (Deb) Wright, his brother-in-law, Doug Prince, his sister-in-law, Louise Wright, his special and close niece, April Richards, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.

Robert was a faithful member of St. Augustine Parish and St. Blaise Catholic Church in Midland where he taught CCD for over 25 years.

In accordance with Robert’s family’s wishes, all services will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences maybe shared at nollfuneral.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Wright, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Steven C. Dean (1967-2025)

Steven C. Dean, 58, of Beaver Falls, passed away on December 8th, 2025.

He was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania on January 28th, 1967, the son of Kathleen (Gorrell) Dean and the late Hays C. Dean, Jr. In addition to his mother, he is survived by three children, Justin Dean, Kayla Dean and Lacey Dean and five grandchildren. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Terri McKnight.

Steven was a lifelong outdoorsman who found his greatest peace in nature. Whether he was hunting or fishing, the outdoors was his sanctuary. He was a proud, self-employed roofer whose hard work and craftsmanship can be seen across the community. He took pride in every job he completed, valuing honest work and the satisfaction of helping others. His determination and work ethic were evident in everything he did.

Above all, he cherished his family. He devoted his life to them, and they were his greatest source of joy. His kindness, humor, and steady presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In accordance with Steven’s wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Steven C. Dean, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Pittsburgh man charged in home invasion linked to other crimes in Allegheny County

(Photo Courtesy of WPXI)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) According to police, a man charged in connection with a home invasion in Pittsburgh is linked to other crimes across Allegheny County. Fifty-nine-year-old Jerry Chambers of Pittsburgh was taken into custody last week in Verona because he was involved in a theft which was an incident that involved a group of masked men trying to steal the registration plate of a vehicle at a Sheetz in Cheswick, Pennsylvania on November 28th, 2025. Chambers was charged yesterday in connection with a home invasion in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Chambers is accused of robbing a home on Beechwood Boulevard and threatening teenagers inside on November 29th, 2025. Chambers is facing multiple charges, including burglary, aggravated assault, robbery and theft by extortion. The bond for Chambers was denied yesterday. Pittsburgh police also confirm that Chambers is also a suspect in multiple felony cases between August and November that officers are investigating.

Pittsburgh Public Schools appears ready to approve a tax increase of 4%

(File Photo of a Dollar Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Both the Pittsburgh City Council and the Pittsburgh Public Schools Board now appear ready to increase taxes for property owners. That council is debating a proposed tax increase of 30% and at a meeting next week, that school board is expected to approve a new budget of $700 million, including a tax increase of 4%. On November 25th, 2025, the Pittsburgh Public Schools Board voted 6-3 against a plan that would have closed nine buildings, saving an estimated $6 million in staffing, maintenance and energy costs after two years of discussion.