Author: Beaver County Radio

Donald E. Kittner (1934-2025)

Donald E. Kittner, 91, of Daugherty Township, passed away October 1st, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Beaver Falls on January 15th, 1934, a son of the late Emil and Margaret Casciato Kittner.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas and Matilda Casciato and two brothers, Norman Kittner and Albert Kittner. He is survived by his wife, Delores “Dolly” Kittner, four sons: Donald (Pam) Kittner, Danny (Suzette) Kittner, David (Maureen) Kittner and Douglas Kittner; as well as two sisters-in-law, Marie Kittner and Jean Kittner, ten grandchildren: Kylee (Ryan) Thompson, Jenna (Eric) Soder, Joseph (Stephanie) Kittner, Vincent Kittner, Jacob (Brittany) Kittner, Danny Kittner, Sierra Kittner, Denim Kittner, Sabrina Kittner, and Dawson Kittner; as well as six great-grandchildren, Ridge and Finley Soder, Eli and Ella Thompson, Kayden and Kaylee Kittner. Donald was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School in 1951 and worked many summers of school years working with his father (Bus) learning the carpenter trade. He loved working with wood, bowling, gardening, and building puzzles. Donald was a member of the West Mayfield Vets and had almost 70 years in the Beaver Falls Turners. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War, with the 82nd Airborne Division. Donald also served with the Beaver and Lawrence County Honor Guard for almost 10 years. Friends will be received on Sunday, October 5th from 4-8 P.M. in the CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, October 6th at 10 A.M. at Holy Family Church, 521 7th Avenue, New Brighton. Online condolences may be shared at www.corlessfuneralhomes.com. Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester, where the Beaver County Honor Guard will perform full military honors. The family would like to thank everyone from the Three Oaks for the loving care given to Donald. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Donald’s name to St. Jude, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or the Shriner’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438.

Hazel Mae Stiffler (1948-2025)

Hazel Mae Stiffler, 77, of Aliquippa, passed away on October 1st, 2025, while surrounded by the love of her husband, William and their daughters, Jaime and Emily. She was born on August 7th, 1948, the daughter of the late James and Jane (Ferris) Carl. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, William Stiffler, her daughters, Jaime (Richard) Kinkead and Emily (Robert) Nickles and her granddaughter, Eleanora Jane Nickles, who was the apple of Hazel’s eye.

Hazel was a graduate of Edinboro State College who taught third grade at Independence Elementary School of Aliquippa for 40 years and cared deeply about her students. She was an involved and kind teacher, always willing to mentor and guide her students to success.

Family was at the heart of Hazel’s life. She was the pillar of support and encouragement to her loved ones, instilling in her daughters a strong foundation of family and values that will continue to guide them throughout their lives. Hazel loved planting her flowers, spoiling her pets, and going on car rides with Billy.

In lieu of flowers, our family wishes you to make good memories with your family and hold those memories close to your heart or donate an adoption fee to the Beaver County Humane Society 3394 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001 in memory of Hazel to help facilitate someone finding their “furever” friend.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 4th at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 2270 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa. Arrangements were entrusted to the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Hazel Mae Stiffler please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc by clicking here.

Richard Eugene Beegle (1955-2025)

Richard Eugene Beegle, 70, of Beaver Falls, passed away on October 1st, 2025 at his residence.

He was born in Beaver Falls on June 10th, 1955, a son of the late Ronald and Margaret (Manzetti) Beegle. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Kayla Beegle and his brother, Joseph Beegle. He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Denise (Bosco) Beegle, his son, Ryan (Lindsey) Beegle, his grandchildren, Braxton and Kason, his brothers, Christopher (Helen) Beegle and George (Renee) Beegle, his brother-in-law, Michael (Gwen) Bosco, his sisters-in-law, Susan (Rick) Leopardi, Terri (Danny) Poole and Janice (David) Aiken, along with his nieces and nephews: Brad Bosco, Drew (Katrina) Bosco, Clinton Aiken, Connor Aiken, Michael (Kelly) Beegle, and Rachael Beegle.

Richard was a member of St. Monica Church of Beaver Falls, part of St. Augustine Parish, formerly known as St. Mary’s. He worked in security for Armstrong World Industries for many years.  He was known for loving horse races and sports, especially Penn State. He enjoyed filming the Beaver Falls High School football games. What Rich loved most was spending time and cheering on his beloved grandsons, Braxton and Kason.

A blessing service will be held on Sunday, October 5th at 12 noon in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements and where friends will be received at 4 P.M. on Sunday, October 5th. Father Kim Schreck will officiate.

Private interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls.

Thelma Mae Koch (1941-2025)

Thelma Mae Koch, 84, of New Sewickley Township, passed away on September 30th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center in Beaver Falls.

She was born in New Eagle, Pennsylvania on May 20th, 1941, a daughter of the late Robert Nelson Stinogle and Emily Mae (Biddle) Stinogle. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughters, Tammy and Sandy Koch, her brothers, James Blaine and Robert Dale Stinogle, her sisters, Katherine Fisher and Phyllis Stinogle Monn and a grandson, Brendon Gifford. She is survived by her children: Kimberly Snyder, Jacqueline (Terry) Simpson, Jerri Miller (Rich Bulger), Sherri (Doug) Margetic, Joseph (Michelle) Snyder, Kelly Harris, and Carrie Koch; as well as her grandchildren: Matthew, Jennifer, Stephanie, Justin, Troy, Melissa, Shana, Jacob, Austin, Luke, Bo, Nicole, Noah, Peyton, Cade, Cadeya, and Kayona; along with many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, her beloved sister, Peggy Belle Anderson, and a host of loving nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her long-time devoted companion, Don Fazenbaker.

Thelma graduated from the former Donora High School. She pursued her passion for beauty and style at the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy, where she earned her cosmetology and instructor’s license. She was honored as Miss PBA Princess in a school pageant, a testament to her grace and charm. She was a lifelong member of Unionville Church of Rochester, where she sang in the choir and was a devoted student of her faith for over 40 years. Her love for music extended to dancing, especially jitterbug and oldies, which she embraced with joy and energy. She never missed a chance to dance, celebrate, or capture memories with her ever-present camera. She was the heart of family gatherings, often hosting celebrations filled with laughter, love, and togetherness. Her warmth and generosity touched everyone who knew her.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the third-floor nursing staff and aides at Providence Care Center for their compassionate care and love shown to Thelma.

Friends will be received on Sunday, October 5th, from 1-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements.

A funeral service will also be held on Monday, October 6th at Unionville Church, 1297 Route 68, Rochester, at 11 a.m.

Thelma’s legacy of love, laughter, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

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

Linda Richardson Tindall (1951-2025)

Linda Richardson Tindall, 73, of Portersville, Pennsylvania, passed away on September 29th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Beaver.

She was born on December 14th, 1951, the daughter of the late Fred and Dorothy Richardson. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Don Tindall, her children, Jeffrey (Tracey) Tindall and DJ Tindall, her grandchildren: Bryce, Shyan, Alex, and Jimmy and her brother, Thomas (Janice) Richardson. Her legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in their hearts. Linda was a devoted member of Calvin Presbyterian Church who graduated from the former Lincoln High School in Midland with the class of 1969. She adored spending time with her grandchildren; sharing stories, laughter, and the kind of unconditional love only a grandmother can give. She adored her cats and the comfort they brought her. She was an avid fan of Pittsburgh sports, especially the Steelers and the Penguins. Linda was also very well-known for her delicious Christmas cookies that she spent time baking every year to share.

In accordance with Linda’s wishes, there will be no public visitation.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Linda and her family and was in charge of her arrangements.

Vitalant holding local blood drives for people to donate blood or platelets during October of 2025, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

(File Photo of the Vitalant Logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(New Castle, PA) Vitalant is holding some blood drives in October of 2025 in some locations in both Beaver County and New Castle and one location in New Wilmington. Vitalant is encouraging those to give blood or platelets to do so, especially as platelets and type O blood is needed the most during October of 2025, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in which you can donate blood or platelets to help those undergoing treatments of cancer as well as other patients. According to a release from Vitalant, anyone who donates blood or platelets with Vitalant during October will be automatically entered to win a prepaid gift card they can use to upgrade their tech or spend however they wish, which is a chance to win $10,000 in their Tune Up Your Technology Giveaway. Here are the locations of these blood drives as well as more information about how to give blood or platelets can be found below, according to that same release from Vitalant:

Upcoming Blood Drives

 

Ambridge

Tuesday, October 28th

Ambridge Area High School

909 Duss Avenue

8 A.M. – 12 P.M.

 

Darlington

Monday, October 20th

Darlington Township Building

3590 Darlington Road

1 P.M. – 7 P.M.

 

Fombell

Friday, October 31st

Hero-Franklin Township Building

897 State Route 288

12 P.M. – 4 P.M.

 

New Brighton

Friday, October 10th

Rich DeFilippi Replenishment Drive

2236 3rd Avenue

12 P.M. – 6 P.M.

 

New Castle

Monday, October 6th

Shenango High School

2550 Ellwood Road

8 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

 

Friday, October 17th

Holy Spirit Parish – St Camillius, McGurk Hall

314 West Englewood Avenue.

11:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.

 

Friday, October 17th

UPMC Jameson North Campus

1211 Wilmington Road

10:30 A.M. – 3 P.M.

 

Monday, October 27th

Mohawk High School – Auxiliary Gym

385 Mohawk School Rd.

8:30 A.M. – 1 P.M,

 

New Wilmington

Wednesday, Oct. 8th

Wilmington Area High School

400 Wood Street

8 A.M. – 1 P.M.

Information about Making Appointments from Vitalant:

Investigation continues into a man from Washington, Pennsylvania getting transported to UMPC Jameson Hospital in New Castle for a suspected overdose is ongoing

(File Photo of a Police Siren Light)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle report today that forty-two-year-old Kevin Woodhouse of Washington, Pennsylvania got transported to UPMC Jameson Hospital in New Castle yesterday evening for a suspected overdose. Pennsylvania State Police in New Castle went to I-376 for a report about the truck of Woodhouse, which was traveling east, then exited to State Route 18 to go south. Police officers intercepted the truck of Woodhouse at the intersection of State Route 18 and State Route 208 in Wilmington Township of Lawrence County. Charges against Woodhouse for driving under the influence are pending and the investigation into this incident is ongoing.

Woman who was hit by a car in the South Side of Pittsburgh dies at a Pittsburgh area hospital

(File Photo: Caption for Photo: police car lights at night in city with selective focus and bokeh background blur) Credit for Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images/iStockphoto/z1b)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to Pittsburgh Public Safety, an unidentified woman in her late seventies has died at a Pittsburgh area hospital on Wednesday. This woman got hit by a car on the South Side of Pittsburgh on Tuesday and was taken to a Pittsburgh area hospital in critical condition with head trauma. According to a spokesperson from Pittsburgh Public Safety, this incident happened just before 1 p.m. on Tuesday as a couple was crossing S 28th Street after leaving a restaurant in the area. The woman was hit by a vehicle turning off of Sidney Street to S 28th Street. This incident is being investigated by the Collision Investigation Unit of Pittsburgh. Authorities also confirmed that the driver cooperated fully with investigators while that driver stayed on the scene of this incident.

Pittsburgh Symphony extends Byron Stripling’s contract as Principal Pops conductor

By Scott Tady

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) announced today that it has extended the contract of Byron Stripling as Principal Pops conductor through the 2028-2029 season.

A charismatic trumpeter, conductor and vocalist, Stripling has led the PSO’s PNC Pops series as Principal Pops conductor since 2020, bringing energy, joy and artistry to Heinz Hall concertgoers.

Pittsburgh Symphony Pops Conductor Byron Stripling has received a contract extension. (Image provided by Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)
“Byron has an extraordinary gift for connecting with audiences of all ages,” Melia Tourangeau, president and CEO of the PSO, said. “His impact goes far beyond the PNC Pops series. Whether he’s leading Fiddlesticks, a Pops concert, or inspiring students at rehearsals and in local classrooms, Byron embodies the PSO’s mission to share music as a transformative force. I am thrilled to continue this partnership with him.”
Under the contract extension, Stripling will continue to conduct three subscription weeks of the PNC Pops each season and remain an integral part of the Symphony’s artistic and community life. Beyond his Pops leadership, Stripling also has conducted special concerts, led PSO’s Fiddlesticks Family Concerts, and visited Pittsburgh schools, engaging young audiences with his warmth and passion for music.
“I am deeply honored to extend my time as Principal Pops Conductor with this incredible orchestra,” Stripling said. “The musicians of the Pittsburgh Symphony are second to none, and together we’ve been able to create concerts that uplift, celebrate, and bring people together. I can’t wait to make even more joyful music with this community.”
The PSO’s ’25/26 PNC Pops season launches this weekend with “Come Swing with Me,” a high-energy tribute to the hits of the 1950s led by Stripling and featuring vocalist Paul Loren. In February, Stripling leads “America the Beautiful,” an original program tracing the evolution of American music in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The season also brings the return of “Bugs Bunny at the Symphony” in celebration of the cartoon icon’s 85th anniversary, December’s beloved Highmark Holiday Pops, and a special collaboration with Pittsburgh CLO for Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific“ in Concert. The season closes out with “Tropical Rock” in April and “Disco Divas” in June conducted by Stripling.

President Donald Trump asks nine colleges, which includes the University of Pennsylvania, to commit to his political agenda and get favorable access to federal money

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – Passers-by walk and ride along a path on the campus of Brown University, in Providence, R.I., Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is asking nine major universities to commit to President Donald Trump’s political priorities in exchange for more favorable access to federal money.

Universities were asked to sign a “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education” committing them to adopt the White House’s vision for America’s campuses. It asks the schools to accept the government’s priorities on admissions, women’s sports, free speech, student discipline and college affordability, among other topics.

Signing on would give universities priority access to some federal grants, but government money would not be limited solely to those schools, according to a White House official who was not authorized to publicly discuss the plan and spoke on condition of anonymity. Colleges that agree would also have priority access to White House events and discussions with officials.

The compact, obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, asks universities to accept the government’s definition of gender and apply it to campus bathrooms, locker rooms and women’s sports teams. It asks colleges to stop considering race, gender and a wide range of other student demographics in the admissions process and to require undergraduate applicants to take the SAT or ACT.

The 10-page proposed agreement was sent Wednesday to some of the most selective public and private universities: Vanderbilt, the University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College, the University of Southern California, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Texas, the University of Arizona, Brown University and the University of Virginia. It was not clear how these schools were selected or why, and whether similar offers might go out to other colleges.

Leaders of the Texas system were “honored” that the Austin campus was chosen to be a part of the compact and its “potential funding advantages,” according to a statement from Kevin Eltife, chair of the Board of Regents. “Today we welcome the new opportunity presented to us and we look forward to working with the Trump Administration on it,” Eltife said.

Representatives from the other colleges did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The administration has used its control of federal funding as leverage at several other colleges, cutting off research money at schools including Harvard and Columbia as it has sought changes to the schools’ governance and policies.

Under the compact, international enrollment would have to be capped at 15% of a college’s undergraduate student body — many elite schools are now above that — and no more than 5% could come from a single country.

Schools that sign on would have to cap tuition for U.S. students for five years and the wealthiest campuses would not charge tuition at all for students pursuing “hard science programs.”

On free speech, schools would have to commit to promoting a wide range of views on campus. That includes “transforming or abolishing institutional units that purposefully punish, belittle, and even spark violence against conservative ideas,” according to the compact.

Each school would have to commission an annual poll of students and faculty to evaluate the campuses’ adherence to the pact. The terms would be enforced by the Justice Department, with violators losing access to the compact’s benefits for no less than a year. Following violations bump the penalty to two years.

“Institutions of higher education are free to develop models and values other than those below,” the compact said, “if the institution elects to forego federal benefits.”