Robert J. “Bob” Murphy (1941-2025)

Robert J. “Bob” Murphy, 83, of Chippewa Township, passed away on January 10th, 2025 in his home.

He was born in Beaver Falls on August 9th, 1941, the son of the late Mendel and Virginia (Lee) Murphy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Beth Anne Chinn, a sister-in-law, Nancy Murphy and his beloved canine companion, Maggie. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Ruth Anne (Snyder) Murphy, his children, Kimberley Phillips, Mendel “Brian” (Heather Metheny) Murphy and Glenn Murphy, grandchildren: Ariel Murphy, Paul Solano, Victoria Cider, Brienna Phillips, Cherish Cobert, and Christopher Murphy; step-grandchildren Amber Sopko and Gary Phillips, Jr., great-grandchildren, Joey, Luke, and Eli, his brother, Lee Murphy, a former daughter-in-law, Tina Marie Murphy, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Robert was a steelworker the majority of his professional life, having worked for Babcock & Wilcox Company, Koppel Steel, McDermott Steel, and Michael Baker.  He was a member and past deacon of the former United Presbyterian Church of Ambridge, now known as Two Congregations in One Christ Church. Robert was known as the Jack-of-all-trades and could always be found offering help and giving advice.  In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, riding ATVs, and spending time with his family.

Friends will be received on Thursday, January 16th from 5-8 P.M. with a funeral service at 8 P.M. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Private interment will be in Beaver Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital- 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.

Robert Dennis Downes (1950-2025)

Robert Dennis Downes, 74, of Rochester, passed away unexpectedly on January 10th, 2025. He was born in Dover, New Jersey on May 8th, 1950, a son of the late James and Beatrice Mosher Downes. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister Jean Downes. He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Alexander) Downes, children Jeff and Liz Downes, Stephanie (Donnie) Fazenbaker and Dana (Austin) Carr, brothers Harold (Nancy) Downes and Walter Downes, sisters Barbara (John) McLaughlin and Beatrice (Larry) Smith, grandchildren: Travis, Madison, Belle and Brooke; great-grandchildren Nikolai, Gary, Cooper and Kellan; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Robert retired as a crew chief from American Airlines and also had worked for USAir. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving in Vietnam. He was a member of  St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Rochester. He loved history and traveling to historical battlefields such as Gettysburg. However, aviation was his favorite hobby as he flew planes with his close friends in his spare time. He enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife, Barbara, as they visited numerous countries. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Friends will be received Thursday, January 16th from 2-6 P.M. at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday at 10:00 A.M. at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Rochester. Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park of Rochester. Members of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 862 will provide full military honors at the cemetery.

Patricia Ann Hummel (1951-2025)

Patricia Ann Hummel, 73, of Rochester passed away on January 11th, 2025 at her home. She was born in Sewickley on March 29th, 1951, a daughter of the late Chester and Catherine Crites Bailey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Ronald Hummel and a sister Darlene. She is survived by one daughter, Brenda Mae Milligan of New Brighton, two sons, Michael L. Bailey of Rochester and Gordon W. Milligan of New Sewickley Township, grandchildren: Paige, Kordell, Camron, Emily and Dylan; great-grandchildren Anthony, Paislee and Hope, four sisters and three brothers, Brenda, Kim, Sherry, and Charlotte Bailey, Eddie, David and Charles Bailey; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was a retired employee with Walmart in Dayton, Ohio. Friends will be received Wednesday, January 15th from 6-8 P.M. in the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester with services following at 8:15 P.M. Officiating will be Rev. Bill Blume of Faith 2 Faith Ministries of Rochester. Interment will be in Burry’s Church Cemetery.

Beaver County Chamber’s Monday Memo:: 01/13/25

Join us for our FREE networking event, B-Club.

Date: Friday, Jan. 17, 2025

Time: 8:00AM – 9:00AM

Location: Beaver County Chamber of Commerce

NEW OFFICE ADDRESS: 1000 3rd St., Suite 2A, Beaver, PA 15009

Beat the winter blues and join us for a new twist on networking with axe throwing! Your ticket includes axe throwing, appetizers, and drinks.

Space is limited so don’t delay, register today!

DATE: Monday, Jan 27, 2025

TIME: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

LOCATION: Beaver County Axe Throwing Company

145 Brighton Ave, Rochester, PA 15074

COST: Member $20 ; Non-member $40

Register here for Axe Throwing
Join us for our Annual State of the County and hear from your County Commissioners. Enjoy a buffet breakfast followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A. Submit questions for the Q&A before January 24th by emailing info@bcchamber.com.

Moderated by Jon Delano.

Date: Friday, February 7, 2025

Time: 8:00 am – 10:00 am

Location: The FEZ

Members: $35

Non-Members: $50

Interested in a sponsorship? Email Molly at msuehr@bcchamber.com.

Gold – $1,000

– 4 tickets to event

– Company logo included in all event marketing

– Opportunity to provide promo items for all participants

– Company logo displayed at coffee station

Silver – $550

– 2 tickets to event

– Company logo included in all event marketing

– Company logo featured at registration table

Bronze – $250

– Company name included on Chamber website

Register here for State of the County
View Full Event Calendar

Speed Networking RECAP

We kicked off our B-Club series this past Friday, January 10th with our annual Speed Networking event at the Beaver Valley Mall! View all the photos here.

We had 42 organizations represented and the conversation was flowing! Our MC, Tank Lathom from The Lisa Lathom Realtor at eXp Realty, kept everyone moving and warm business connections were made on that cold morning. We invite you to continue networking throughout the year at our FREE B-Club events which take place on the first and third Friday of every month.

 

A special thank you to our sponsor Private Industry Council – DADS Matter.

View all event photos
Submit your member news to msuehr@bcchamber.com
Now Hiring! Want to see a list of job postings from members? Don’t forget to add your own posting to the job postings portal on our website.
Jobs Portal
In need of a product or service?
Head to our full membership directory available on
our website, where you will find a trusted partner to
do business with today.
Membership Directory
The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce has launched new ways to partner in 2025! We now offer Yearlong Chamber Partnerships in addition to our regular event sponsorship opportunities.

 

Yearlong Chamber Partnerships are at a $5,000, $10,000 and $15,000+ level. These unique year-long partnership opportunities are an investment in the capacity of the Chamber’s ability to lead and advocate for impactful change. Through collaboration, networking, and education, we will foster the most diverse and inclusive environment for Beaver County. The following two pages have additional detailed information regarding these partnerships. Interested in learning more? Contact Lance Grable, Chamber President, here.

 

If you choose to become a Partner you also have the option to sponsor additional events of your choosing. We understand that not every organization is at a place to enter into a Partnership level commitment, and therefore we also have our 2025 sponsorship guide available.

Beaver County Chamber of Commerce

724.775.3944

1000 3rd Street, Suite 2A

Beaver, PA 15009

www.bcchamber.com

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Beaver County Chamber of Commerce | 1000 3rd Street Suite 2A | Beaver, PA 15009 US

Thomas “Tom” C. Mullin (1953-2025)

Thomas “Tom” C. Mullin, 71, of South Beaver Township, passed away on January 11th, 2025. He was born on March 24th, 1953, the son of the late Frank and Shirley Mullin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Mullin.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Linda Mullin, his children: Brian Burton, Leslie Mullin, Casie (Donnie) Larrick, Michael Mullin and Kenny Mullin; his sister, Susan Dumont, his grandchildren: Carson Burton, Lucas Hopkins, Logan Burton, Andrew Larrick and Colton Larrick; his dear friend, Ritchie and many other cherished friends.

Tom worked at Eaton Cutler Hammer, formerly known as Westinghouse. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoor enthusiast, and he had a great love for all Pittsburgh sports teams. Above all, he treasured spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed hosting all-night bonfires.

In accordance with his wishes, Thomas’ services will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Margaret Louise Sipes (1940-2025)

Margaret Louise Sipes, 84, of Sewickley, passed away at home on January 10th, 2025 with loving family by her side. She was born in Pittsburgh on November 3, 1940, a daughter of the late Theodore and Margaret (Gallagher) Teets. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Robert, a brother, Joseph Teets, and a sister, Ruth Teets.

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, John Sipes, Sr., her loving children: John Jr. (Holly), Donna (Curtis) Breen, Jeffrey (Colleen), Ronald (Amy) and Randolph (Johnnette); a daughter-in-law, Cindy; her grandchildren: Dana (Clint) Cannell, Emily (Steve) Cermak, Deanna (Thomas) Bendlak , Zachary (Courtney), Brandon (Katie), Brittany (Garth Schwartz), Hannah, Seth (Hanna), and Sara (Avery); her great-grandchildren, Isabel Bendlak, Lily Bendlak, Jaiden, Brantley Cannell, Evelyn Cermak, Grayson Cannell, Benjamin Cermak, Kelsea Cannell, Jaxson, Colson Kincaid, Gauge Schwartz, Kayleigh, and soon-to-be, Callum; and a cherished sister, Rose Ann “Cookie” Bence.

In her spare time, Margaret liked to tell funny jokes, take trips to the casino, and loved dancing to good old Rock and Roll music.  She enjoyed talking to family on her iPad and was known as mom to not only her children, but to many outside family as well.  Margaret will be loved and deeply missed by all who knew her.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Tuesday, January 14th, from 11 A.M. until the time of funeral service at 2 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, with Pastor Jill McGregor, Officiating. Interment is being planned for a later date.

Dawna Faye Craig (1941-2025)

Dawna Faye Craig, 83, of Chippewa Township, passed away on January 10th, 2025 at her residence.

She was born in New Brighton on August 8th, 1941, the daughter of the late Emerson Dale Holliday and Laura Eugenie Telford. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her step-mother, Ruby Holliday and her sister, Caroline Dickenson. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Norman “Tom” Craig, one son, Gary (Cynthia) Craig, one daughter, Cheryl Baker, three grandsons, Andrew (Jacquelyn) Craig, Nicholas Craig and Cody Baker, one granddaughter, Breanna Baker, one brother, Dale (Linda) Holliday, niece Lori Ann (Tom) Pastier, and one step-brother, John (Anita) Crawford.

Dawna was a professional porcelain artist. She designed and painted many different pieces over the years which she sold at various venues and shared with family and friends. She was truly gifted and she shared her talent by teaching art at seminars and in her home. Most recently, Dawna worked at Cohill Fashions in Beaver Falls, for her dear friend, Carleen McKee.

A public visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 14th at 11 A.M. until the time of service at 1 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. The service will be followed by a private interment.

4 people shot in North Sewickley Sunday evening

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published January 12, 2025 9:46 P.M. UPDATED 10:04 P.M., 10:52 P.M.

(North Sewickley Township, Pa) – Initial reports indicated that up to 4 people were found shot to death at a residence on Shaffer Road Sunday evening around 8:30pm. Responders then called for medivac helicopters as two victims were determined to be alive.

Beaver County Radio witnessed two people being taken by lifeflight to the hospital around 10pm. Police also called for a drone team to respond.

Beaver County Emergency Services stationed a command center as the situation continued with SWAT also on scene.

The scene was still active and no suspects or arrests were announced as of 1am Monday.

North Sewickley Township Police Department made a statement Monday morning around 11:30am that the incident was “contained” and there is “no threat to the public” without sharing any further information.

We have no additional information to share at this time.

Arnold “Arnie” W. Winkle (Passed on January 8th, 2025)

Arnold ‘Arnie’ W. Winkle, 82, passed away at his Center Township residence on January 8th, 2025. His passing occurred after an extended illness. Born in the same close-knit community, Arnie’s journey began in Center Township, where he was born and raised. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Eleanor (Zieber) Winkle, and his brother Jackie.

Arnold’s life was marked by a loving partnership with his wife of fifty-nine years, Janice Marie (May) Winkle. They were united in marriage on November 20th, 1965, and together they raised two devoted daughters, Sheri (Dean) Angelo and Regina Moore, both of Center Township. His joy was multiplied with the arrival of his four grandchildren, Cailynne, Veronica, Mitchell Angelo and Lance Moore. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Raymond May and Harry Winkle.

Education was an important milestone in Arnie’s life, as he attended Center Area Schools and took pride in earning his GED on November 8th, 2005.

Arnold’s work ethic was evident from a young age when, at just 12 years old, he walked from his home to the Rochester Bowling Alley to set pins. This early job marked the beginning of a diligent career, as he later joined Phoenix Glass Co in Monaca. He eventually retired from J & L Structural Steel.

Beyond his work, Arnold was a man of many interests. He loved to travel, especially on cruises where he could explore new horizons and relax in the company of his beloved Janice. Fishing and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle offered him a sense of tranquility and freedom.

Arnold’s faith played a central role in his life as a longtime member of VanKirk Lutheran Church. There, he served as a worship leader, usher, and church council member. His involvement in the church was a reflection of his dedication to service and his desire to contribute positively to the lives of others.

Friends will be received on Monday, January 13th from 4-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca. Additional visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 14th from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at the VanKirk Lutheran Church, 106 Vankirk Road, Monaca.

The family wishes to extend a note of thanks to Pinnacle Hospice for the compassionate care that they provided to Arnold.

To share online condolences, view Arnold’s video tribute or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.