Author: Beaver County Radio

Bernard “Bernie” Catalucci (1929-2024)

Bernard “Bernie” A. Catalucci passed peacefully into the waiting arms of Jesus surrounded by his loving family at the home of his daughter Lisa and her husband, Wendell on 03/05/2024.
Bernie was born March 2, 1929, at his boyhood home in Conway, PA and had just celebrated his 95th birthday on Saturday 03/02/24.
He was preceded in death by his wife Hilda (Montini), and his parents, Domenick and Rosanna (Cuda) Catalucci, and his ten siblings including an infant brother, Anthony, as well as Louis (Catalina), Mike, Gilbert, Teresa (DeStefano), Florence (Celio), Pearl (Guy), Christine (Campbell), Mary (Parretta), and Adeline “Cookie” (Lange).
Bernie and his wife Hilda were blessed with five children who survive him: Brian (Lise) Catalucci (Denver, CO), Norman (Laura) Catalucci (Aliquippa, PA), Jeffery (Becky) Catalucci (Aurora, OH), Elisea (Wendell) Hill (New Galilee, PA), and Jeannine (Mark) Lefebvre (Denver, CO).
Bernie and Hilda also had eight grandchildren: Melissa, Jessica, Michael, Amadeus, Travis, Desiree, Ciera, and Trinity, and seven great-grandchildren: Dakota, Tallon, Ayla, Wyatt, Walker, Daniele, and Katalina, with another one on the way, due in April.
Bernie was an industrious, resourceful, and hard-working man who started at an early age. He held many different jobs through the years, including being an Usher at the Ambridge Movie Theater, and babysitting for a neighbor’s family, (which was where he met his future wife Hilda while she was visiting her aunt and uncle.) He also worked at Conway Airport where he serviced and tended airplanes. When working at the airport Bernie would often go “joy-riding” with older friends who could fly. Amazingly, Bernie walked away from two separate airplane crashes.
Bernie graduated from Ambridge High school in 1948. During high school and after graduation, he often worked for his brothers, Mike and Gilbert, at their local beer distributor, the ‘Catalucci Brothers’ in Conway. Bernie made deliveries to local bars, taverns, and restaurants, driving the beer delivery truck despite not possessing a driver’s license at the time.
It was during this period, Bernie began courting his future wife, Hilda (Montini) and they were married in 1950. Bernie and Hilda spent the next 68 years together until she passed away in 2018. Bernie also joined the Army Air Corp (Air Force) in 1951 where he served as a Staff Seargent and a senior cook, preparing delicious food for the troops who were serving in Okinawa during the Korean Conflict. In 1954, Bernie was discharged and returned home to continue his diverse career path. He worked at American Bridge as a
laborer, and also at the U.S. Post Office as a letter carrier.
During this time, while continuing to support his wife and young family, Bernie attended and successfully completed night classes at Geneva College for eight years to obtain his teaching degree. Bernie eventually fulfilled his true ambition and dream to become a grade school teacher. Bernie taught 4th, 5th and 6th grades for the Monaca School District where he taught his favorite subject, history, in addition to science
and math. His many students affectionately referred to Bernie as “Mr. C”.
Bernie held many other jobs and volunteer positions including being a Boy Scout Cub Master, a Eureka Vacuum salesman, a Security Guard for a small airline company, and Driver for Avis Car Rental. Bernie’s love of history had him working at many local historical sights and Indian dig sites as an amateur archeologist. Bernie was an enthusiastic member of the local Amokowi Chapter of the
Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology and was particularly involved with the Beaver County and Western Pennsylvania Historic Society, and he has served on the Board of Directors for the Vicary House Mansion for more than two decades. He was also intricately involved with the Beaver County Historic Research & Landmarks Foundation where Bernie was responsible for the creation and installation of many of the prominent blue cast Landmark plaques on so many local historic sites in and around Beaver
County. Bernie was also intimately involved with the excavating of Ft. MacIntosh archaeological site in Beaver, PA.
Bernie was a devout Catholic who loved everyone, who always turned the other cheek, and who always forgave everyone. He faithfully attended the local Catholic church in whatever area he was living, including Our Lady of Peace in Conway, and St. Titus in Aliquippa. Bernie was one of the original founding members of St. Francis Cabrini Church in Center Township.
Visitation will be Thursday from 3 to 7 pm in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, 2026 McMinn St., Aliquippa, PA 15001 (724) 375-0496.
Departing prayers will begin Friday at 9:30 AM in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Mary Queen of Saints Parish, Saint Francis Cabrini Church at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Saint James cemetery in Sewickley.
The Beaver County Special Unit will conduct full military honors at the cemetery.
Bernie will be sadly missed by his many friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the Beaver County Historical Research & Landmarks Foundation, c/o The William Vicary Mansion 1235 Third Ave, Freedom, PA 15042. (724) 775-1848.
Bernie will be sadly missed by his many friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the Beaver
County Historical Research & Landmarks Foundation, c/o The William Vicary Mansion 1235 Third Ave Freedom, PA 15042. (724) 775-
1848.

James David Kennedy (1929-2024)

James David Kennedy, 94, of South Beaver Township, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Providence Care Center, Beaver Falls.

Born on December 2, 1929, in Morgantown, WV, he was the son of the late Nora (Henderson) Kennedy.

James enlisted into the US Army at the age of 14 with a heart to serve. Upon completion of bootcamp, the US Army discovered his true age, and elected to have James repeat the basic training over from day one, until the paperwork required for release could be processed. On his third completion of basic training, he was honorably discharged from the United States Army.  He then enlisted in the US Marine Corps the moment he was of age and served 2 tours. Beyond the uniform, James was a devoted family man and strong believer in Jesus Christ. Semper Fidelis is the Marine Corps motto, meaning “Always Faithful” and that was clearly written into his heart from birth as he displayed the character of a man who would always persevere, always stand on what’s right, and always choose to follow the steps of his Faithful God. A member of Chippewa Alliance Church, he served as an Elder and Sunday School teacher for many years. James was a humble servant who also had a heart to minister to the elderly and hospitalized.

His unwavering commitment to both his faith in Jesus and his sacrificial love for others will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. As we bid an earthly farewell to this truly remarkable man, may the memories of his love, faith, and sacrifice continue to bring comfort to those who mourn his passing from this life. Let us rejoice, however, as his soul now rests eternally in the presence of the Most High God whose love endures forever.

In addition to his mother, James was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Treva (Hart) Kennedy; a daughter, Judtih Kennedy; and two brothers, Frederick and Richard Kennedy.

He is survived by his children, James (Bonnie) Kennedy and Alice “Sue” (Richard) Riley; five grandchildren, David (Denise), James (Brigette), Matthew, Kyle, and Cullen; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 9th at 11AM at Chippewa Alliance Church, 3629 37th Street Ext., Beaver Falls, PA.  The Beaver County Special Unit will accord military honors prior to the service.

Private interment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in James’ name to Chippewa Alliance Church.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Twp., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, is honored to be caring for Jim and his family.

Timothy C. Smith (1948-2024)

Timothy C. Smith, 75, of Sewickley, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospice House, Marshall Twp. Tim was born on September 10, 1948, in Sewickley, to the late Charles H. and Eleanor (Jones) Smith. He was a member of Baden Methodist Church for many years and retired from FedEx in 2010 after 21 years of service. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were brothers-in-law, George Bell, Nick Woodham, Paul Sandrock, George Woodham, sister-in-law, Ann Kuharsky and nephew, Stephen Woodham. He is survived by his wife Alice (Woodham) Smith and son, Brandon T. Smith, both of Sewickley, PA, a sister, Patricia Bell of Beaver Falls, PA, numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Friends will be received on Sunday, from 1-5 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge. Family and friends will meet on Monday, at Little Hill United Methodist Church, Magee Road Extension, Sewickley, where a funeral service will be held at 11 AM. Interment will full military honors provided by the Beaver County Special Unit and the United States Navy will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Good Samaritan Hospice, 146 Neely School Road, Wexford, PA 15090.

Robert “Bob” E. Tracy Jr. (1937-2024)

Robert “Bob” E. Tracy Jr., a loving, caring, and advice-giving husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully at home on Sunday, March 3rd surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Born on December 12, 1937, in New Brighton, PA, Bob enjoyed his childhood on “Oak Hill” and graduated from New Brighton High School. He started his career at the Beaver-Lawrence County AAA Motor Club where he worked from 1956-1976 as the Business Manager. Bob then founded the Bob Tracy Insurance Agency, Vanport, Beaver, PA in 1980, serving his many clients with honesty and integrity until his retirement in 2008. A man of Christian faith, Bob was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Beaver, PA.

Bob’s love of people and his community led him to serve on numerous non-profit boards where he held various leadership positions including the New Brighton Area School Board, New Brighton School Building Authority, New Brighton Business District Authority, Beaver County Traffic Safety Council, Erie Insurance Advisory Council, Rochester Lions Club, and as President of the Bridle Oaks Homeowners Association in Venice, FL, and Terrace on the Square Condo Association, Beaver, PA.  Bob’s leadership on the Beaver County Transit Authority Board was instrumental in the strategic growth of the organization during his 34 years as a committed board member.  Bob also oversaw the reorganization of the Grove Cemetery board and operations in 2008, which has allowed this valued historic legacy to be preserved and perpetuated for future generations.

Bob and his wife Joan were snowbirds, living in both Beaver, PA and Venice, FL for over 23 years. Bob enjoyed the sunshine, golfing, and hosting many visiting friends and family in Florida. As the former owner of several boats, Bob loved sitting at the South Jetty in Venice with his first mate Joan watching the boats along the intercoastal waterway, while enjoying a McDonald’s Egg McMuffin or “gourmet” Filet-of-Fish sandwich.

Over the years, Bob enjoyed traveling with Joan to numerous places and had many wonderful moments seeing the world together.  Family was everything to Bob and he and Joan brought their children and grandchildren together for special celebrations and trips including cruises and beach vacations.

Bob’s smile, sense of humor, and way of making people feel special allowed him to have many life-long friends, in particular his golf buddies from the New Brighton Wednesday golf group and annual Getaway Golf Outings, his Erie Insurance agent colleagues who became his wonderful friends, and his weekly morning coffee group at Café Kolache where much discussion took place on solving the world’s problems.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. Tracy and Thelma Lane Tracy, a sister, Margaret Ellen Snowberger, a brother, James Robert Tracy, and a beloved granddaughter Anya Elyse La Mar.

Bob is survived by his wife Joan of 36 years, and his children, daughter Kelly (Ted) Marcucilli, Harrison NY, daughter Kathy (Patrick) Bingle, Beaver PA, son Rob (Cara) Tracy, New Brighton PA, stepson David (Michele) Hardesty, Vanport PA, and stepdaughter Sandra (Bob) La Mar, Pittsburgh PA.  Grandchildren Melissa Marcucilli (Dave Stahl)-NY, Aimee (Chris) Bester-NY, Annie (Andy) Grant-MA, Lana (Mike) Yoho, Chippewa PA, Ryan (Melissa) Hardesty, Chippewa PA, Tyler (Sarah) Bingle, Emsworth PA, Ryan White (Jessica Westfall), Rochester PA, Nicole (Mike) Greiner, Center Township PA, Carrie (Alex) Hill, Freedom PA, and Caleb Tracy, New Brighton PA.  Bob has eight great grandchildren, a cousin Melba Fry-OH, and two nephews, Marc (Dana) Tracy-GA, and Matthew (Stephanie) Tracy-FL, and sister-in-law Vicki Tracy-FL.

Visitation will be from 3-7 pm on Thursday, March 7th at Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester located at 502 Adams St, Rochester, PA.  Friends will also be received from 10-11 am on Friday, March 8th, at the First Presbyterian Church, Beaver, PA, followed by a funeral service and luncheon at the church. A private burial will be held at Grove Cemetery, New Brighton.   In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory can be made to the Anya Elyse La Mar Foundation at AnyasArmy.org

Carter and Smith score late as Penguins pull away from Blue Jackets 5-3 to end 3-game skid

Pittsburgh Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin (71) returns to the bench after after scoring against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, March 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Jeff Carter and Reilly Smith scored just over a minute apart midway through the third period and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-3. The Blue Jackets tied it earlier in the period on a short-handed goal by Jack Roslovic before Carter and Smith beat rookie goaltender Jet Greaves to give the Penguins some breathing room. Evgeni Malkin, Rickard Rakell and Jesse Puljujarvi also scored for Pittsburgh. The Penguins are 10-0-1 in their last 11 games against Columbus. Johnny Gaudreau and Andrew Peeke also had goals for the Blue Jackets.

Casey Introduces Bill to Help Dual Eligible Seniors Navigate Medicare and Medicaid

FILE – U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., speaks before President Joe Biden about his infrastructure agenda while announcing funding to upgrade Philadelphia’s water facilities and replace lead pipes, Feb. 3, 2023, at Belmont Water Treatment Center in Philadelphia. Casey’s campaign said Wednesday, July 5, that he raised over $4 million in the last three months, his best fundraising quarter ever as he awaits a Republican challenger to his re-election bid in the critical battleground state of Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, introduced the Helping States Integrate Medicare and Medicaid Act. The bill would provide substantial new funding to states to help the more than 9 million Americans who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Due largely to insufficient funding for states, at present only 12 percent of seniors and people with disabilities who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are actually enrolled in programs that align their coverage, forcing millions of low-income seniors and people with disabilities to navigate two separate, complex systems on their own.

“So many older adults and people with disabilities face fragmented systems and roadblocks that prevent them from accessing the support they need,” said Chairman Casey. “This bill will help Americans who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare navigate those programs and get the health care they deserve.”

The Helping States Integrate Medicare and Medicaid Act would provide $300 million to states and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to develop and advance integrated programs. The bill would also increase the federal match that states receive to 80 percent for administrative activities to support the implementation and advancement of these integration strategies and to finance the initial costs of building an infrastructure that is reflective of the needs and preferences of the local Medicare-Medicaid population.

Chairman Casey has long led efforts in Congress to help older Americans and people with disabilities more easily access the care they need. In May 2023, Casey introduced the Beneficiary Notification Eligibility Simplification 2.0 Act, which would simplify Medicare enrollment by require the federal government to provide advance notice to people approaching Medicare eligibility about basic enrollment rules. Earlier in 2023, he introduced the Medicare and Medicaid Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act, which would allow Medicare to cover dental, vision, and hearing services and increase the federal investment in Medicaid, incentivizing more states to provide these comprehensive services.

Hinson scores 27 points to lead Pitt past Florida State 88-73

Pittsburgh’s Blake Hinson (2) reacts after hitting a 3-point shot during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Florida State Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Blake Hinson scored 27 points and Jaland Lowe scored 17 points and Pittsburgh controlled most of the way and beat Florida State 88-73. Cam Corhen scored 25 points shooting 8 for 12; 9 for 10 from the foul line for Pitt. Following Pitt’s 42-31 halftime lead, the Panthers went on a 13-4 run to start to extend their margin to 53-35 in the first three minutes of the half. Florida State closed the gap to 56-49 with a jump shot from Watkins but the Seminoles never got closer. Pitt reached the 20-win mark for the second straight season.

Guns, ammo and broken knife parts were found in the home where an Amish woman was slain, police said

FILE – A sign on the sidewalk outside an antique store in Spartansburg, Pa., on Feb. 29, 2024. Police investigating the killing of a pregnant Amish woman inside her Pennsylvania home last week recovered several firearms, bullets and spent casings as well as broken knife parts, according to an inventory made public on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, file)

Police investigating the killing of a pregnant Amish woman inside her Pennsylvania home last week recovered three firearms, bullets and two spent casings as well as broken knife parts, according to an inventory made public on Tuesday.

The state police document said the search of the house where Rebekah A. Byler was killed on Feb. 26 produced the broken orange handle of a knife, a broken knife blade and a bone-handled knife. Investigators also took a white bonnet and the contents of an ash tray, trash can and dust bin.

A man who lived about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from the Byler home in northwestern Pennsylvania was charged Saturday with criminal homicide, homicide of her unborn child, burglary and criminal trespassing. Police have not disclosed what they think may have motivated Shawn C. Cranston, 52, to kill her in the living room, where her husband and a family friend found her.

It’s unclear from the search inventory if any of the items taken belonged to Cranston or were used in the killing, which police have said involved “shooting her in the head and/or slashing her throat.” They include a .22-caliber rifle, two shotguns and a variety of ammunition. Investigators also recovered a .22-caliber cartridge case and a 6.5 Creedmoor casing, both discharged.

Cranston remains in the Crawford County Correctional Facility without bail. No defense attorney has appeared in court records, and the county public defender’s office said Monday it was not representing him. Family members have not answered phone calls seeking comment on his behalf.

Police said the 23-year-old Byler, whose two children were home but unhurt, suffered wounds to her neck and head.

Cranston’s cousin, Rebekah Cranston of Erie, said Tuesday that Cranston was a native of the Corry area and had worked as a truck driver. She said she had fallen out of touch with him in recent years and that many of his relatives knew nothing about the allegations.

“We’re just in shock and sending out prayers for the victim,” she said.

Shawn Cranston’s next-door neighbor, Chris Knight, said he was a “respectful” neighbor who often rode motorcycles. His wife is a nurse, she said.

Knight said that in recent months Cranston’s pickup truck was no longer parked at the home. The Cranstons seemed to be down to one vehicle, she said, a red Jeep.

“It seemed like he’s been home a lot but I don’t know what that situation is,” Knight said.

Local Schools competing in Bocce Regional championships today at Geneva College

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published March 6, 2024 9:14 A.M.

(Beaver Falls, Pa) The Bocce Regional championships are taking place today. Aliquippa High School’s team is the number 1 seed, they average 6.13 points per game. They are in the Beaver South division. Hopewell is a wild card team with 7.17 points. Central Valley is a wild card with 4.67 points per game in the Beaver Central division along with Freedom that has 5.25 points per game.

The regionals are being held at Geneva College’s Metheny Field House with opening ceremonies at 9:40 am and the tournament starts at 10 a.m.

United Way of Beaver County announces additional matching grant for the Alice Fund

March 5, 2024, Monaca, PA: 

The United Way of Beaver County (UWBC) and Shell Polymers, Monaca (Shell) is thrilled to announce that Shell has offered an additional $25,000 matching grant to the UWBC’s ALICE Fund! Shell gave a $50,000 Matching Grant toward The ALICE Fund in late 2023 – as of today, this initial $50,000 grant has been fully matched by companies and organizations in Beavery County. Realizing that the need is so very great, and recognizing the tremendous support of The ALICE Fund from the Beaver County community, Shell wants to spearhead the effort of helping even more of their ALICE neighbors through the UWBC through this additional grant. This means that any gifts to the UWBC’s ALICE Fund will continue to be doubled, up to $25,000, through this additional match from Shell.

 

Through The ALICE Fund, the UWBC will award mini-grants in early 2024 to Beaver County charities, not currently funded through the United Way, but which serve those in need in Beaver County, providing food, shelter, after-school programs, and other assistance. An alarming 38% of the households in Beaver County are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Restrained, Employed). ALICE populations are found in every town, borough, and municipality throughout Beaver County, with the percentages of ALICE households ranging from 17% to a distressing 73%! ALICE households are unable to afford the basics of housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and technology. (Source: www.unitedforalice.org). 

 

“I am so grateful that Shell immediately recognized the need to support The ALICE Fund as soon as they heard the alarming statistic that 38% of Beaver County Households are ALICE or in poverty. To continue to help in the way of an additional matching grant leverages other donations from Beaver County residents and from the corporate community, allowing us to extend our reach of support even further,” said Mary Lou Harju, Executive Director of the UWBC.

 

“Donating money to The ALICE Fund gives us yet another opportunity to put our words into action,” said Bill Watson, General Manager of Shell Polymers Monaca. “Our employees live in Potter Township, Monaca -throughout Beaver County – and in other communities that surround our plant. We may very well be living right next door to someone who needs the help that The ALICE Fund can provide. So, when we say we support our friends and neighbors, we literally mean it.”

 

“Additionally, an anonymous Beaver County resident donated $25,000 to be used as a matching grant for donations made by individuals to The ALICE Fund,” Harju continued. “This means that I, as an individual donor, can make my gift to the UWBC double in size just by either giving a little more this year or designating all or part of my gift to the ALICE Fund,” said Harju. “We are close to meeting that matching grant as well, but we still need help from the community to do so.” Additional large gifts to The ALICE Fund were given by The Edwin D. Hill Charitable Trust in the amount of $10,000, and by NiSource (Columbia Gas) in the amount of $5,000. 

 

The ALICE population is often overlooked when assistance is offered because they are employed. “We must see them. We must help them,” Harju said. Therefore, she is asking both Beaver County residents, companies, and small businesses to support The ALICE Fund and the 2023/2024 Annual Campaign by becoming a new UWBC donor or, if a current UWBC donor, donating a little more this year to help ALICE. 

 

She hopes that other companies and small businesses in Beaver County will also understand the need to help through The ALICE Fund and give to the UWBC.

 

“I am just overwhelmed by the amount of support that we have received for this endeavor so far,” said Harju. “The high percentage of ALICE households is not going to decrease anytime soon. We need to do what we can to help ALICE, while also trying to lower that statistic in Beaver County. We are grateful to Shell Polymers, Monaca and the many other companies in Beaver County for their generosity. Additionally, the anonymous matching grant donor and the other individuals in Beaver County who are helping us help ALICE through their tremendous support shows just how caring and compassionate Beaver County residents are, and how fortunate we are to live in such a wonderful community.”