Author: Beaver County Radio

Joseph Patrick Graham Hamilton, Sr. (1937-2025)

Joseph Patrick Graham Hamilton Sr, 87, of Hopewell, affectionately known throughout the community as “Pappy Jake,” passed away on February 21st, 2025. He was born on December 4th, 1937, the son of the late Charles A. Sr. and Rosella (Graham) Hamilton.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 51 years, Gayle A. (Goettman) Hamilton, who he shared a beautiful life with and their cherished sons and family. He found his second love, Frances (Ungarean) Hamilton, who also preceded him in death.
He is also preceded in death by brother and sister-in-law, Charles A. Jr. and Betty Hamilton and brothers-in-law, Howard Hayes, Thomas R. Goettman, Jr. and Frank Opalinisky. He is survived by two devoted sons and their wives who were like daughters to him, Joseph Patrick Graham “Joe” and June Hamilton Jr. and John T. and Lisa Hamilton Sr, his grandchildren: Joseph T. (Valerie) Hamilton, Shane Hamilton, John T. Hamilton Jr., Alex Hamilton and Lauren Hamilton; his great- grandchildren: Scout, Wyatt, Chase, Jacob, Kaylee, Graham, Lilliann, Leah, Avery, and Miles; a sister, Sally Hayes, sister-in-law, Suzanne (Goettman) Opalinsky, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
Joseph was a devout member of Our Lady of Fatima Church where he faithfully attended mass on Sunday and assisted with church activities.
For many years, Joseph and his wife Gayle were the owners of Ham’s bar, in Rochester where fun was had by all. He was a founding member of Beaver Valley Boys Inc., of Marienville, Pennsylvania, a camp and club he was very proud of. He built many lifelong relationships with family and friends while constructing the camp from the ground up.
Joseph was a graduate of New Brighton High School. After high school, he went on to attend and graduate from Geneva College where he obtained his Master’s Degree. He pursued his love of knowledge as a teacher at Quaker Valley School District until his retirement. He was a member of the Rochester Volunteer Fireman’s Department and a member of The Knights of Columbus, demonstrating his love and passion for connecting with his community.
He enjoyed travelling all over the United States. He especially loved his fishing trips to Canada with his two sons, hunting, and spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews at camp.
He will always be remembered for his infectious and fun-loving personality, always sharing a smile and his love with whomever he met.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 2nd from 3-7 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 3rd. Everyone is asked to meet in the church. He will be laid to rest with his wife Gayle at Beaver Cemetery.

 

Brandon Michael Langsdale (1999-2025)

Brandon Michael Langsdale, 25, of Hampton Township, Pennsylvania, passed away on February 23rd, 2025 after yet another courageous battle against Vascular Ehler’s Danlos Type IV. Brandon was surrounded by a roomful of the people closest to him and an immense amount of love.

He was born in Sewickley, on April 1st, 1999, the son of Paula Langsdale Shook (Brinzer) and the late Kevin Michael Langsdale. He is survived by his mother, his second father, Jeffrey Shook and his siblings, Matthew (21), Sarah Kate (19), and Lily Grace Shook (4).  He is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Linda Brinzer, maternal great aunt, Paula (Lance) Gordon, paternal step grandfather, Howard McClellan, uncles, Ray and Bill (Emily) Brinzer, aunt Chris (Will) Parish and cousins: Johannes and Astrid Brinzer (Aunt Felabi), Jared Brinzer and Henry Batiz. He is also survived by his step grandfather, Mel Shook and step uncles, Dave and Mike (Lola) Shook; as well as many extended Langsdale relatives who always supported Brandon from afar.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Roger Langsdale and Ruth McClellan, his maternal grandfather, Raymond Brinzer (Jinglan), his step grandmother, Cecilia Shook, and his much adored (and also gone much too soon) cousin Katie Parish.

Brandon loved technology and exotic cars. He was fascinated with how things worked, and was always thinking of what new possibilities they presented.  Holidays and gatherings were favorites for Brandon; especially when they included lots of food, family, and fun! Brandon loved music as well, particularly techno-rap, and often handed people his headphones to listen to a song.  Brandon also enjoyed, and is already greatly missed by the family’s two Goldens, Jack and Camper.

Brandon would regularly talk about hypercars with his good friend “Mr. Mark” and anything and everything else with our close family friend “Miss Brenda” – both who traveled across the country to visit with Brandon during his last days.  Brandon enjoyed vacations to the beach, camping trips; especially to Kelleys Island or anything involving his Aunt Chris and Uncle Will, or pretty much anywhere else where his family and honorary family members gathered (who were affectionately referred to as “his people”). He also loved his many “Monte Cello’s lunch dates” with his grandma, Aunt Paula, Uncle Lance, Miss Patty, and her husband Carl.

Brandon was quick to tell you he loved you and always showed he cared through quality time spent talking, and talking, and talking some more. While always loving, caring, and sharing, Brandon often also had something snarky to add to almost any conversation, much to the delight of his siblings and cousins and often the annoyance (and sometimes secret amusement) of his parents. He will be deeply missed, and always remembered, by those who knew him best.

Brandon’s whole family owes a deep debt of gratitude to the doctors and other staff at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, who worked long and tirelessly to treat Brandon.  Of particular note is Dr. Raquel Forsythe, who took a personal interest in Brandon for years, and who once came in to operate on Brandon on her day off because she knew she was his best chance.  Truly, some superheroes wear doctor’s coats, not capes.  Brandon had some amazing doctors and nurses too; especially those from Presby Unit “6FG”.

Memorial donations may be sent to BELOvEDS, an organization that provides college scholarships to students who are living with vEDS or who have family members with vEDS.  Brandon’s sister, Sarah Kate (an avid scholarship hunter), received a very much appreciated scholarship from them in the fall to help her with her educational expenses, and this scholarship was very meaningful to her for all of the right reasons (A vEDS diagnosis affects entire families in unmeasurable ways).  Checks can be mailed to: BELOvEDS, A Nania Foundation Inc., 50 Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Suite 501, Uniondale, NY 11553; https://belovedsfoundation.org/donate.  Kindly send any pictures that you may happen to have of Brandon to: langsdaleshook@gmail.com, 3142 Westwind Drive Allison Park, PA 15101).

A private family celebration of life will be held later for Brandon. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Those will all work to honor his life and legacy throughout the rest of our own lives.

Eugene “Gene” Vallecorsa (1932-2025)

Eugene “Gene” Vallecorsa, 92, of Baden, passed away on February 25th, 2025, in Concordia at Villa St. Joseph.

He was born in Ambridge on December 28th, 1932, a son of the late Ernest and Louise Lolli Vallecorsa. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta Vallecorsa, son, Paul E. Vallecorsa, brother, Ernest Vallecorsa Jr. and sister, Gloria Palma. He is survived by his three daughters, Cynthia Witowich, Laurie (Dave) Sutton and Dana (Nick) Lundquist, seven grandchildren: Kristin (Chris) Novic, William P. (Hilary) Witowich, Jacob (Natalie) Sutton, Katie (Jeff) Salopek, Anna Lundquist, Sarah Lundquist and her fiancé Dominic Casasanta and Erik Lundquist; nine great grandchildren: Katerina, Lindsay, Johnathan Novic, Kendyl, Caroline, Kelsey Witowich, Lillianna, Amelia, Nolan Salopek; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews.

Eugene was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during the Korean War, a member of American Legion Post 641 & The Holy Name Society. He was the choir director of the American Legion Women’s Choir and the St. John the Baptist Church.  He loved was an avid reader who enjoyed spending time with his loving family and listening to music on his iPod.

Friends will be received on Sunday, March 2nd from 1-5 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where prayers will be offered Monday, March 3rd at 10 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. in Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will follow in Good Samaritan Catholic Cemetery with the Beaver County Special Unit providing full military honors.

The family would like to thank the staff at Villa St. Joseph Personal Care for the loving and compassionate care given to Gene.

Jonathan “Jon” Paul Elliott (1970-2025)

Jonathan “Jon” Paul Elliott, 54, of Big Beaver Borough, formerly of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away at Heritage Valley Beaver on February 24th, 2025.

He was born in Pittsburgh on June 14th, 1970, the son of Sharon Elliott. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lawrence “Duck” and Betty A. (Baer) Malkoch, his uncle, Wilbert Elliott and his aunt, Karon Fox. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his three daughters, Ashley (Larry “Chip”) Stambol, Chelsey (Cameron Bonomo) Elliott and Brooke Elliott, grandchildren, Caleb Bonomo, Colson Bonomo and Sutton Stambol, his aunt, Ronda (Malkoch) Little, his cousins: Megan Brown, Maura Chick, Melissa McCarl, Matthew Little and Philip Little; as well as many friends.

Jonathan was a dedicated steelworker, enjoyed turning wrenches, and was always tinkering.  He enjoyed going to the rifle range and had a passion for fixing cars.  Most treasured was his need for speed. Whether it was motorcycles, dune buggies or four-wheelers, he was ready for adventure.

Friends will be received on Sunday, March 2nd from 2 P.M. until the time of services at 3 P.M. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. Pastor Allan Brooks will officiate.

Private interment will take place in Beaver Cemetery.

Complaint filed against Aliquippa VFW Post 3577 after three suspects allegedly attacked a man there in January

(File Photo of Gavel)

(Reported by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano)

(Aliquippa, PA) A complaint was filed against the Aliquippa VFW Post 3577 after three suspects were accused of allegedly attacking Preston Coleman there on January 5th, 2025. According to Coleman’s attorney, Todd J. Hollis of Pittsburgh, a civil case has been filed against the Aliquippa VFW Post in the Beaver County Prothonotary’s office by Coleman’s family. One of the suspects, twenty-one-year-old Ireland Brown, also posted bond after her arraignment. The other two suspects, Brett Ours and Ronald Brown, are still in jail. 

 

Seneca Valley School District receiving scrutiny after complaints from parents for allegedly not addressing incidents of racial bullying

(File Photo of the Seneca Valley School District Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Jackson Township, PA) Seneca Valley School District is under scrutiny after some parents of students that go there spoke about the school not addressing incidents of racial bullying. One family sent an email to the district about the alleged lack of protection towards their children that mentioned both emotional trauma and racial harassment. A statement from the district confirmed investigations are continuing and the district will take action once violations are discovered.

Judge blocks Trump immigration policy allowing arrests in churches for some religious groups

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – The Department of Homeland Security logo is seen during a news conference in Washington, Feb. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — A federal judge on Monday blocked immigration agents from conducting enforcement operations in houses of worship for Quakers and a handful of other religious groups.

U.S. District Judge Theodore Chang found that the Trump administration policy could violate their religious freedom and should be blocked while a lawsuit challenging it plays out.

The preliminary injunction from the Maryland-based judge only applies to the plaintiffs, which also include a Georgia-based network of Baptist churches and a Sikh temple in California.

They sued after the Trump administration threw out Department of Homeland Security policies limiting where migrant arrests could happen as President Donald Trump seeks to make good on campaign promises to carry out mass deportations.

The policy change said field agents using “common sense” and “discretion” can conduct immigration enforcement operations at houses of worship without a supervisor’s approval.

Plaintiffs’ attorneys argue that the new DHS directive departs from the government’s 30-year-old policy against staging immigration enforcement operations in “protected areas” or “sensitive locations.”

A coalition of Quaker meetings from states including Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia sued DHS and its secretary, Kristi Noem, on Jan. 27, less than a week after the new policy was announced.

Many immigrants are afraid to attend religious services while the government enforces the new rule, lawyers for the congregations said in a court filing.

“It’s a fear that people are experiencing across the county,” plaintiffs’ attorney Bradley Girard told the judge during a February hearing. “People are not showing up, and the plaintiffs are suffering as a result.”

Government lawyers claim the plaintiffs are asking the court to interfere with law-enforcement activities based on mere speculation.

“Plaintiffs have provided no evidence indicating that any of their religious organizations have been targeted,” Justice Department attorney Kristina Wolfe told the judge, who was appointed by President Barack Obama.

More than two dozen Christian and Jewish groups representing millions of Americans have also filed a similar but separate lawsuit in Washington, D.C.

Plaintiffs in the Maryland case are represented by the Democracy Forward Foundation, whose lawyers asked the judge to block DHS enforcement of the policy on a nationwide basis.

“DHS’s new policy gives it the authority to enter any house of worship across the country, no matter its religious beliefs,” the attorneys wrote.

Government lawyers say immigration enforcement activities have been allowed in sensitive places, including houses of worship, for decades. The only change in the policy is that a supervisor’s approval is no longer mandatory, they added.

Twelve Penn State University campuses could be potentially closing because of pressure of finances and enrollment decline

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – The Nittany Lion logo taken before an NCAA college football game between Penn State and Delaware, Sept. 9, 2023, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Kensington, PA) According to a letter on Tuesday from Penn State University President Neeli Bendapudi, twelve Penn State campuses could be potentially closing because of the pressure of finances and enrollment decline. One of them is Penn State Beaver and the president will be given a recommendation on which schools will close. According to Bendapudi, the other campuses that are up for closing potentially are: DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Schuylkill, Scranton, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre and York. Bendapudi will decide whether these schools will stay open before Penn State’s Spring commencement.