Darrell Eugene Johnson (1952-2024)

Darrell Eugene Johnson, 72, of New Brighton, passed away on December 26th, 2024 surrounded by his family.

He was born in New Brighton on February 15th, 1952, a son of the late Eugene and Geraldine Johnson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife and “one in a million” Melanie Ann, his brothers Randall, Robert and Douglas and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Jerold and Margaret Nestor. He is survived by his son Josh and Jessica Johnson of Gorham, Maine, daughter Lindsay Johnson of New Brighton, two grandsons Toren Jace and Tycen William, sisters Yvonne (Bunny)Stinson of Round Rock, Texas, Kimberly (Tom) McKelvey of Beaver Falls and Kelly (Karl) Martin of Pinehurst, North Carolina, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Kevin and Natalie Nestor of Fort Worth, Texas and many nieces and nephews. Darrell proudly served as the godfather of Elizabeth (Matthew) Turner and Isaiah Aaron Usselman. He is also survived by lifelong friends Jimmy and Andi Usselman and Tim Bable.

Darrell was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School Class of 1970. He worked at Standard Steel in West Mayfield before retirement. He was a faithful member of the Beaver Falls Christian Assembly and Tabernacle Baptist Church in Beaver Falls. He was a member of the Lions Club in Beaver Falls. One of his greatest joys was being able to coach youth sports in New Brighton.

Throughout his life, Darrell’s faith grew stronger, providing comfort and direction. He was a testament to the enduring power of Christian beliefs. He embraced all people with open arms, never judging anyone and offering support and encouragement to those in need.

Friends will be received on Monday, January 6th, 2025 from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at Pathway Church, 239 Braun Rd, Beaver Falls, where a service will be held Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 at 10 AM.  Rev. Dale Russo and Rev. Dwight Banks will officiate.

Professional services were handled by Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

The Johnson family would like to thank the staff at Rochester Manor and Advanced Hospice for the love, care and compassion they gave to Darrell.  A special thanks to Mia, who’s unwavering dedication and compassionate care brought immeasurable joy and comfort to Darrell during his final days.  Their bond was a source of great joy and comfort for Darrell and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made, if desired, to Beaver Falls Christian Assembly, 814 Lincoln Place Beaver Falls, PA 15010 or Tabernacle Baptist Church 630 3rd Avenue Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Cheryl Lynne Greiner (1956-2024)

Cheryl Lynne Greiner, 68, of Chippewa Township, passed away on December 24th, 2024 after a four-year long battle with cancer.

She was born in Youngwood, Pennsylvania on June 27th, 1956, the daughter of Joan Henderson and the late James Henderson. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband David Greiner, brother Jim Henderson, sons Michael and Matthew Greiner, her beloved bonus daughters Nicole Greiner (Michael) and Cate Connor (Matthew) and grandchildren Wylder, Tillman and Leif Greiner. Cheryl and her brother James “Jimmy” Henderson attended and graduated Hempfield High School.  Following High School, Cheryl went on to study early childhood education at Seton Hill University.

In 1979, Cheryl met the love of her life, David M. Greiner (a younger man), in Baden, PA.  Later married in 1985, Cheryl and Dave went on to have two sons, Michael and Matthew Greiner and established their family home in Chippewa.

Cheryl’s love of children led her to teaching at Mt. Olive Christian Preschool in Chippewa for over 20 years, touching the lives of countless children in the Beaver County region.  She loved seeing her “Preschool kids” grow and mature in the community.  During the Christmas season, Cheryl and Dave still display the hundreds of gifts and memorabilia accrued over the years gifted to her by her loving preschool students.

After Cheryl finished teaching, she started her most important job yet and was promoted to “Meme G”, the grandmother of 3 beautiful grandchildren, Wylder, Tillman and Leif.  In addition to being the ultimate grandmother, Cheryl loved spending time in her flower beds and was unofficially nicknamed the neighborhood green thumb.  Cheryl also enjoyed making delicious Sunday dinners for her loving husband, children, and grandchildren. During moments of quiet time, you could find Cheryl relaxing by turning the pages of a great book. Cheryl was always full of love, positive energy, and a beautiful smile.

Meme has always been a faithful servant of our Lord, Jesus Christ. In these last years of trials, her faith has only strengthened. She departed this world with a full life and a full heart.

A church service will be held at Chippewa United Methodist Church, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, on Saturday, January 11th, 2025 at 11 a.m.  A celebration of life will follow at the Church’s Fellowship Hall at the conclusion of the church service at 12 noon. Cheryl expressed her wishes for everyone who has shared a moment in time with her to attend the church service and celebration of life!

A big thank you goes to the staff and the fellow warriors at the Hillman Cancer Center, Cheryl’s friends, and her beloved family!

In lieu of flowers, Cheryl and family requests donations be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Gabauer-Funeral Homes.

Fracking permits challenged by Pennsylvania group

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE—In this file photo from March 12, 2020, work continues at a shale gas well drilling site in St. Mary’s, Pa. Pennsylvania attorney general Josh Shapiro is scheduled to release results on Thursday June 25, 2020 of a grand jury investigation into natural gas hydraulic fracturing. The fracking process has raised environmental concerns while turning the state into a major energy producer. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

(Reported by Danielle Smith of Keystone News Service)

(Penn Township, PA) A nonprofit group is challenging permits for the construction and operation of fracking wells in western Pennsylvania’s Penn Township. A hearing set for January 15th will examine whether the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection lawfully issued drilling permits to Apex Energy. Attorney Lisa Johnson, who represents the group Protect P-T, short for ‘Penn-Trafford,’ says it’s been a years-long fight to block the Drakulic Well project, for its proximity to homes and an elementary school. Johnson says the case underscores the importance of Pennsylvania’s Environmental Rights Amendment, which protects citizens’ rights to clean air and pure water. In 2023, the state partnered with CNX Resources, which acquired Apex Energy, to boost transparency in fracking, including chemical disclosures and expanded no-drill zones near homes, schools and hospitals, to better address health and environmental concerns.

Coroner called to South Beaver residence, sources say 2 dead

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published December 31, 2024 5:30 P.M.

(South Beaver Township, Pa) The coroner was called to a residence on Gill Drive in South Beaver Township Tuesday afternoon.

Sources say two people were found dead in a garage as a result of gunshot wounds, although authorities have not yet made an official statement to Beaver County Radio.

State Police and investigators remained on scene as of 4:45pm.

We have no further details at this time.

Updated by Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News, Updated on January 2nd, 2025 at 8:14 A.M.

A male and a female died at the scene at a Gill Drive garage and were found before 3 p.m. on Tuesday. The female died from multiple gunshot wounds and the
male died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.  Out of respect to the families, we are not reporting the names of the dead individuals. Pennsylvania State Police are continuing to investigate this incident. This is a developing story, and we will have updates as soon as they are available.

 

John Peter Smiley, Sr. (1937-2024)

John Peter Smiley, Sr., 87, passed away on December 29th, 2024. He was born on November 29th, 1937 as the son of the late Mary and Peter Smiley. He grew up with two sisters, the late Rosemary (Smiley) Chronis and the late Marlene (Smiley) Allison. The family owned and worked at Smiley’s Tavern in Ambridge and New Brighton in the 1940’s and 1950’s. After graduating from New Brighton High School in 1956, “Sonny” left on his first great adventure in the U.S. Army. Once finished, he returned home and married the late Marlene (Buck) Smiley and started a family with their first two children, the late John Jr. and Susie. Tragedy struck in the form of leukemia as JJ was taken in 1967. Two more sons, Stephen and Joseph, would come along to complete the family.
“Sonny” supported his family as an electrician at St. Joe Lead, U.S. Steel, and J&L Steel. The collapse of the mills led him to work in maintenance at the New Brighton Area School District. There, he would fix everything broken and spend many hours in his truck clearing snow. He happily retired in 2002.
He danced at the weddings of Joe and Julie Smiley, Steve and Lynda Smiley, and Susie and Dave Von Kaenel. Along the way, “Sonny” became “Pappy” to Hanna (Zach) Wesolowski, Brett Smiley, Jake (Shelby) Smiley, Bryn Smiley, Matthew Von Kaenel, Shannon Von Kaenel, and “Great-Pappy” to Cole Wesolowski.
Gifted at woodworking and all things construction, he built a two-story garage on Grove Avenue and then a huge kitchen addition on Penn Avenue. Here, Marlene and John would host lamb/pig roasts, Easter and Christmas, birthday parties, and cook gourmet egg sandwiches for the many sleepovers with their grandchildren.
He was an avid golfer, bowler, and hunter whose tales often exceeded the actual results. As classic car collectors, Marlene and John were members of the Beaver Valley Car Club and Happy Days Car Club. He loaned his old cars to his grandsons so they could go to their Proms in style!! His love of God and country was deep. He served a term as Commander of New Brighton American Legion Anderson-Adkins Post 19. He was a member of St. Cecilia Church – Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Rochester, and served as Lay Director with Christ Renews His Parish.
He was known far and wide at social clubs. He was an active member of the Beaver Falls BPOE Lodge 348, New Brighton American Legion Post 19, New Brighton F.O.E. Aerie 1342, New Brighton United Croatian Club, Freedom Serbian Club, and Naples, FL, Moose Club. Pappy was always happy to sit, chat, and have a toddy. His collection of chips from these clubs could possibly end world thirst.
Friends will be received at the William Murphy Funeral Home, 349 Adams Street, Rochester on Sunday, January 5th, 2025 from 2-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Beaver County Cancer and Heart Association. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, January 6th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Church of Rochester. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, New Brighton. The Beaver County Special Unit will provide full military honors at the church at 11:00 A.M.

Dan Sainovich (Passed on December 26th, 2024)

Dan Sainovich, 63, of Ohioville, passed away on December 26th, 2024, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. 

He is survived by his daughter Katie Sainovich and wife Chetlea. Dan said he was fortunate enough to have 4 families in his life. The first with his father Danny who preceded him in death on September 23rd, 2024, mother Sandra who loved him so much, siblings Scott and Leslie Sainovich, Ron and Yvonne Sainovich and Lisa and Adam Fitz and nieces and nephews, Christina Sainovich, Collins Sainovich, Tonya and Jamie Milsom, Jimmy Lough, Jami and Kevin Shulas, and Maitlyn Fitz. 

The second family blessed him with daughter Katie, who meant the world to him and made him so proud. The third family was with his wife Chetlea, and stepdaughter Denise Lapping and fiancé Jason, stepson, Duane Emerick and grandkids Zachary, Mackenzie and Gavin Lapping. 

The fourth is his union family. For over 30 years, Dan served many hardworking union members of Flint Glassworkers union, SEIU Healthcare PA, and SEIU PA 668 to have better working conditions, workplace, protections, and better staffing for patients. He was a graduate of Penn State University and Carlow College. 

Dan had a huge heart and loved to give, travel and fight for what he believed is right for all of his families. We will miss his laugh, and eternal optimism. The family thanks the compassion and exceptional care from the staff at Heritage Valley Beaver and a special thanks to Wilma who treated Dan like family during his stay. 

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, January 5th from 2-5 p.m. at the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com. 

Memorial donations can be made to the Ohioville Fire Department, 108 Salem Church Road, Midland, PA 15059. 

Cynthia Ann Nixon (1973-2024)

Cynthia Ann Nixon, 51, of Industry, passed away unexpectedly on December 26th, 2024.
She was born in Rochester on March 16th, 1973, the daughter of the late Robert Nixon and Dorothy Tillman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Timothy Nixon and her sister Katrina Nixon. She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Lars Nilsson, her only son Jacob Nilsson, her brother Resden Nixon, and an extensive family tree consisting of both blood ties and bonds born of friendship. Cynthia was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, having served ten years as a Hospital Corpsman. Following her military service, she was a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Her legacy is one of courage, inspiration, kindness, love, and joy. She lived her life to the fullest & enjoyed traveling no matter the destination. Her greatest joys and accomplishments were the love of her husband and the gift of being a mother to Jacob.

Friends will be received on Friday January 3rd, 2025 in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Private interment to follow in the Beaver Cemetery. 

Paul Allen McDaniels (1961-2024)

Paul Allen McDaniels, 63, passed away on December 23rd, 2024. He was born on February 2nd, 1961, a son of the late Norma Jean Fisher-McDaniels and Eddie McDaniels Sr. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lawrence Fisher Sr. and Olla Fisher Stevenson, paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Winston Hughes, his brother Harold McDaniels and an infant brother. 

He is survived by his brother, Eddie (Lenora) McDaniels of Jacksonville, Florida, two aunts, Dorothy Gilbert and Lorraine Butler, an uncle, Charles (Joanne) Fisher, nephews: Quincy Johnson, Juan Flanigon, Anthony McDaniels, Christopher McDaniels, Harold McDaniels Jr.; three grandnephews, four grandnieces, two great-grandnephews and four great-grandnieces, as well as a host of cousins, relatives, friends, and coworkers who loved him deeply. 

Paul graduated from Aliquippa High School with the class of 1979. He worked for over 30 years at Uncommon Grounds and the Salvation Army. A true jack of all trades, Paul mastered everything he wanted to do. He had a zest for life, a love for people, and above all, a profound devotion to the Lord. Known throughout the tri-state area for his powerful voice, Paul shared his love for singing and praising God with all who heard him. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 noon at Calvary Fellowship Church, 300 11th Street, Ambridge. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC., Ambridge.  

Anthony R. Wozniak (1931-2024)

Anthony R. Wozniak, 93, of Aliquippa, passed away surrounded by family on December 21st, 2024. He was born in Washington, Pennsylvania on July 27th, 1931, the son of the late John and Mary (Karas) Wozniak. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters-in-law: John and Reola Wozniak, Edward and Mildred Wozniak, Frank and Betty Wozniak, George Wozniak, Emilie Wozniak, his sister and brother-in-law Mary and Joesph Matalik and a son-in-law, Robert Rybicki. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia (Bennett) Wozniak, three daughters, Wendi Rybicki, Sherri (Doug) Murdoch, and Amy (Mark) Muslin, his cherished grandchildren: Christina (Mike) Litzenberger, Jesseca (Marcus) McCowin, Keith Murdoch and Mark Muslin, three great granddaughters, Karsyn Litzenberger, Norah McCowin and Eva McCowin. Anthony is also survived by a sister and brother-in-law: Elizabeth (Paul) Duringer, a brother Walter Wozniak, a sister-in-law Mary Wozniak and many nieces and nephews.

Anthony was proud to have served his country in the in the Marine Corps where he gained the title of Sergeant. After his military service, he was an electrician at LTV Steel where he had many fond memories. He was also a faithful member of Ohio United Presbyterian Church of Hopewell Township.

All services were private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. 

Beth Ann Hayes (1975-2024)

Beth Ann Hayes, 49, passed away on December 7th, 2024 at Family 
Hospice in Pittsburgh, after a long battle with cancer. She was born in Rochester on June 3rd, 1975, a daughter of the late Charles R Sr. and Jaqueline Neely. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her niece Tiea Neely. 
She is survived by her husband, Robert Hayes Jr, sons Richard Engleand Nicholas 
(Colleen) Hayes, daughter Samantha Hayes, granddaughter Everly Bee Hayes, brothers James, Charles Jr. And Christopher Neely, sister Debbie Sankey and numerous nieces and nephews. Beth was a free spirit with a big heart she was always willing to help a friend in need. Her hobbies included singing karaoke, playing pool, fishing, kayaking, talking on the phone with her young granddaughter, and spending time with family and friends. She was loved by many and truly will be missed. When she was young, she attended Sylvania Hills Baptist Church of Rochester. Beth’s wishes were to be cremated with a Celebration of Life memorial service on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Sylvania Hills Baptist Church of Rochester. Rev. Michael Bailey will officiate. Arrangements are entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. of Rochester.