Author: Beaver County Radio

Catherine L. Budacki (Passed on January 31st, 2026)

Catherine L. Budacki, 93, passed away peacefully on January 31st, 2026, at Concordia Villa St. Joseph in Baden, her home for the last five years. Catherine spent her formative years in Monaca, where she was embraced by the love of her parents, the late John and Barbara (Jakovic) Budacki. She grew up alongside her siblings, sharing an unbreakable bond that only siblings understand. Her brothers John and Walter Budacki, a half brother, William Budacki and her sisters, Mary Budacki, Ann Kochanowski, and Diane McPherson have preceded her in death. She is survived by her beloved sister, Rosemary Budacki, along with several devoted nieces and nephews. She dedicated many years of her life as a medical secretary, working diligently alongside Dr. Pantalone and Dr. Conte. She was a long-standing member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca, now part of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish. As we bid farewell to Catherine L. Budacki, we are reminded of the impact one life can have on so many. Friends will be received on Wednesday, February 4th from 11 a.m. until the time of a service at 1 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, where the blessing service will be held. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery of Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services.

Brandon Lee Cumberledge (Passed on January 30th, 2026)

Brandon Lee Cumberledge, 30, of Rochester, a cherished son, devoted father, grandson, beloved brother, nephew, and a friend to many, passed away on January 30th, 2026. He was born in Beaver, Pennsylvania and his life was cut short after a courageous battle with mental illness.

Brandon was a beloved son of Angel Marie Yoho and Rick L Cumberledge. He was a loving brother to Chris (Theresa) Yoho, Erick, and Amanda Cumberledge. His presence will be deeply missed by his children, Aubreigh, Brantley, and Haisley, along with their mother, Ashleigh Rice. His children were the center of his universe. Their memories of their father will be cherished and kept alive through the stories and love he left behind. He was the adored grandson of William and June Yoho, Robert (Sue) Cumberledge, and Priscilla Ruth. His uncles, William “JR” Yoho Jr. (Jessica Monick), Robert Cumberledge, Jr., Jimmy Ruth, and Robert Cumberledge, and his aunt, Lisa Cumberledge, will hold dear the time spent with him. His great uncle and aunt George (Erma) Yoho, godfather George Yoho Jr. along with his faithful canine companion, Shadow, were significant figures in his life, along with numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Dorothy Yoho, and paternal grandfather, James Ruth, who have now welcomed him with open arms.

Brandon’s formative years were spent at Raccoon and Independence Elementary School and later at Hopewell Junior and Senior High School, where he excelled as a member of the Hopewell wrestling team winning a state championship and played with heart on the Red Devil Football Team. As an adult, he was employed at the Rochester Giant Eagle store where he started as a Meat Apprentice and later moved to the deli department, but was widely known throughout the store. In prior years worked at Gold Bond Building Products-Gypsum Board Plant in Aliquippa where he tarped trucks and CLW Delivery where he worked in shipping, receiving, and delivery. He was an outdoorsman at heart who found solace and joy in hunting and fishing. Above all, his life revolved around his three children. Every decision, every sacrifice, and every moment of joy was shared with them.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, February 4th from 4 p.m. until the time of service at 8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES , 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements. The Reverend Gregory Clagg, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Rochester will officiate. The family has requested that everyone attending to please wear the color purple or teal to signify suicide awareness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations given to his parents will be directed toward Brandon’s three children.

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

Harry Richard Lewis, Jr. (1945-2026)

Harry Richard Lewis, Jr., 81, of Beaver County, Independence Township, passed away peacefully on his birthday, January 29th, 2026, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa.

He was born on January 29, 1945 in Pittsburgh, the son of the late Harry Richard Sr., and Carieta (McConnell) Lewis. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Elaine (Kradlock) Lewis, his children: Allan (Shelby) Lewis, Robert (Kris) Lewis, Pam (Randy) Hysong, and Shawn Lewis; as well as ght grandchildren: Ashley, Shannon, Wesley, Rachelle, Benjamin, Tabor, Jake, and Katie; along with eleven great-grandchildren, numerous other family members, and friends.

Harry worked for over fifty years for numerous railroad companies, later retiring from Norfolk Southern as an engineer. He was a hardworking man and a strong presence in his family’s lives.  In his free time, he enjoyed traveling to different states to watch his grandchildren race quads.

In accordance with Harry’s wishes, he will be cremated and no services will be held.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to provide care and guidance to the Lewis family and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Roberta “Tootie” A. Barber (1932-2026)

Roberta “Tootie” A. Barber, 93, of Beaver Falls, passed away on January 31st, 2026 at Beaver Valley Nursing and Rehab.

She was born in Freedom on August 19th, 1932, the daughter of the late Nathaniel Thomas Barnes and Helen (Black) Cerutti. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Ernest Barber, Jr. and her daughter, Shirley Ann Ripple. She is survived by her daughter, Helen (Joe) Kovacs, her grandchildren: Duane (Melissa) Stewart III, Patrick Stewart, Joseph Kovacs, and Gerry Lynn (Terry) Hunt; as well as her great-grandchildren: Duane IV, Hadley, Ethan, Jaycie, and Grace; along with one great-great grandchild, Milo.

Roberta loved bingo, going to yard sales, and spending time with boxer dogs. When at home she enjoyed crafting and building jigsaw puzzles. She also collected salt and pepper shakers.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, February 3rd from 2 P.M. until the time of services at 5 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Interment will take place at Clinton Cemetery, 1171 Old Route 18, Wampum.

Vincent C. “Vinny” Gratteri (1967-2026)

Vincent C. “Vinny” Gratteri, 58, of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully on January 30th, 2026, in the comfort of his home.

He was born in New Brighton on June 18th, 1967, a son of Carol (Palimino) Gratteri and the late Vincenzo Gratteri. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his siblings, Jeffrey Gratteri, Tracy Zimmerman and Lisa (Brian) Dainton, a sister-in-law, Becky Gratteri, his nieces and nephews: Natalie (Landon) Hall, Alexa (Chris) Kropf, Hanna Gratteri, Vince Gratteri, and Johnny Gratteri; as well as his great niece and nephew, Isla and Cade Kropf, as well as many extended family members and friends. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Marc Gratteri and his brother-in-law, Gerard Zimmerman.

Vincent worked as a chef for the majority of his professional life. He was a member of St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish in Beaver Falls and loved his family dearly.  As a proud supporter of all Pittsburgh Sports, he rarely ever missed a game with Sonny, his K-9 companion at his side.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, February 3rd from 3-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Departing prayers will be offered in the funeral home on Wednesday, February 4th at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. Fr. John Naugle will serve as celebrant.

Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls.

Mary B. DeFarrari (1929-2026)

Mary B. DeFerrari, 96, of Aliquippa, passed away peacefully at home on January 29th, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
She was born on April 12th, 1929 and was the daughter of the late Reginald and Margaret Welch. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph DeFerrari, her brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Olive Welch, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Albert and Gilda DeFerrari, her niece, June Welch and her son-in-law, Edward Leitao. She is survived by her loving son, Joseph (Cindy) DeFerrari, her daughters: Nancy (Dale VanWormer) DeFerrari, Mary Leitao, Cathy McCurry and Patty DeFerrari, eleven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, six nieces and one nephew.
Mary was a member of St. Titus Catholic Church in Aliquippa, where she was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. She worked alongside her husband at Franklin Sporting Goods, where she was often seen helping customers at the candy counter. She was a Boy Scout den mother and classroom volunteer when her children were young. Besides spending time with her family, Mary enjoyed cooking, preparing for holidays, helping friends and neighbors, reading, doing word search, and crocheting. She crocheted many beautiful baby blankets, scarves, and washcloths up until the weeks before her passing.
Mary’s life was touched by the kindness and compassion of Erica McGuire, Rose Sabattini, and the staff of Three Oaks Hospice.
Mary will be missed by her loving family and everyone who was touched by her unconditional love and kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
A visitation will be held on Monday, February 2nd from 3-7 p.m. in the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, Febraury 3rd at 10 a.m. in St. Titus Catholic Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa.
Please meet in the church. A private Interment will immediately follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, 450 Penn Avenue, Aliquippa.

 

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

Patricia Jesky (1939-2026)

Patricia Jesky, 86, of Ambridge, passed away on January 24th, 2026. She was born on November 10th, 1939, the daughter of the late Louis and Mary Jesky. She is survived by her brother, John (Gail) Jesky.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be announced at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Marilyn J. Vojnovich (1933-2026)

Marilyn J. Vojnovich, 93, of Midland, formerly of Mesa, Arizona, passed away surrounded by her loving family on January 27th, 2026.

She was born on January 17th, 1933 in Washingtonville, Ohio, a daughter of the late Arthur Dale Seiter and Dorothy Dalrymple Seiter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Pete and a great grandchild, Kai. Marilyn will be greatly missed by her sons, Michael Vojnovich and Pete (Brenda) Vojnovich, her daughters, Vicki Gomola, Carol (Bob) Rose and Kathy (Paul) Gertz, her grandchildren: Marcy (Nick) Colonna, Ryan Gomola, Stacy (Matt) Gaser, Justin (Gen) Rose, Michael (Tonya Edwards) Gertz, Lucas Vojnovich, Jessica (Curtis) Bachi), Michael Gertz, Katie (Rick) Kerr, Nicholas Vojnovich; as well as her great-grandchildren: Mika, Raven, Michael, Mahala, Chase, Olivia, Alicia, Bradley, Riley, Bentley, Kayley, Ashley, Madison, Hailey, Noah, Colin; along with numerous nieces and nephews and family friends, Teresa and Pete Vuyakovich, who were like children to Marilyn.

Marilyn enjoyed gardening, traveling and gambling with her husband, Pete, her best friend. She also loved spending time with her family, especially her grandkids and great grandkids, who will always remember her as a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Friends will be received on Monday, February 2nd from 3-6 P.M. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arangements, and where a Pomen service will follow at 6 P.M.

Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

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

Kamin Science Center in Pittsburgh up for consideration for best science museum in the country in USA Today’s 10Best Awards

(Photo Courtesy of the Kamin Science Center)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Kamin Science Center in Pittsburgh is now in consideration for the best science museum in USA Today’s 10Best Awards. The museum on the North Shore of Pittsburgh was noted for its Robot Hall of Fame, its Buhl Planetarium, its BodyWorks exhibit and more. The link to vote for the Kamin Science Center for this recognition can be found by clicking here and it lasts until next Monday, February 9th, 2026. 

Pennsylvania man gets two life sentences for killing two people after “senseless” argument over dinner

(File Photo of a Gavel)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lancaster County, PA) A man from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to two life sentences on Friday for killing his wife and his wife’s aunt and shooting his son during a fight over who would make dinner. According to the Lancaster County district attorney’s office, sixty-four-year-old Santiago Payano-Sanchez fatally shot his wife, 59-year-old Ana Gutierrez-Cedano, and her aunt, 74-year-old Dominga Cedano-Cedano, at a home on Oak Hollow Drive in West Hempfield Township on October 5th, 2025 and two children, ages 2 and 7, were also inside the home during the shooting, but were not injured. Payano-Sanchez also shot his 33-year-old son in the stomach and even though his son survived, Lancaster County Assistant District Attorney Jessica Collo told the court that the shootings happened after a “senseless” argument over who would make dinner that night. Officials stated that the adult son was shot after he tried to wrestle the gun away from his father. Judge Jeffrey Conrad sentenced Payano-Sanchez to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus 20 to 40 years, in state prison. The Lancaster County Attorney’s Office also confirmed that Payano-Sanchez pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal homicide, one count each of attempted criminal homicide and related charges in connection with the fatal shootings.