Author: Beaver County Radio

Aliquippa Seniors receive scholarships and awards

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published May 20, 2024 1:53 P.M.

(Aliquippa, PA) Last Thursday night was the night seniors received awards and scholarships following a dinner in the Aliquippa high school cafeteria.  Several students received recognition for academic achievement, and scholarships were awarded, according to Director of Pupil Services and Athletic Director Jennifer Damico, who provided Beaver County Radio with the information following the banquet.

High Honors award attaining a 4.0 or better was Nafisa Mills. She’ll attend Howard University. She hasn’t decided what her major will be.
The seniors attaining 3.5 or better were Brandon Banks, who will be attending Yale university to study business, along with Demarkus Walker who will attend Johnson & Smith to study business. Cristiano Caseta will study mechanical and biomedical engineering. Kensy Castellano hasn’t decided what her career path will be. Teagan Wimbs hasn’t decided on a career path. Ziyah Gilliam, and Brie Auri Sims are undecided as well. Willie Simmons will study at Duquesne University. Yenifer Manchame Anton is undecided on her career path.
Seniors attaining a 3.0 grade average or better were Quentin Goode, who says he will attend Johnson & Smith to study sociology  and criminology. Makari Johnson  will attend Cheyney State to study Hospitality. Diamonds Foster, Charrish Ingram, Erich Hernandez, Rich McCracken haven’t decided on career paths. Tyshawn Kennedy will attend Johnson & Smith to  study journalism and communications. Dalyss Boyd will attend Claftin U and study biology. Cameron Linsey is already attending Pitt, and hasn’t decided on his career path. Jayace Williams will attend RMU, and hasn’t decided on a career path yet.

The Challenge Program Award went to Nafisa Mills for Academic Excellence, Community Service to Willie Simmons,  Attendance Award Janessa Cain. STEM went to Kayla Kron, and Academic Improvement winner was Danilli Dawkins.

Alumni scholarships from 1959, 1991, for $1,574  was awarded to Luryshia Cuenton. Classes of 1954, 1967, 1974 went to Dalyess Boyd. 1976 and 1983’s $1,730  was awarded to Makari Johnson. Classes of 1977, 1984, 1990, 1992, and 2010  awarded $262 to Sierra Conrad. 1978, 1981, and 2004’s $204 went to Melanie Maldonado. The 1986 scholarship was earned by Omarianna Banks. 1993 and Heads up Salon granted $501 to Braylon Cox. The Class of 1994’s $751 went to Cameron Lindsey. Tucked with Care and Class of 2007’s $2,010 was awarded to DaCari Hall. Class of 1972 scholarship went to Tyshawn Kennedy in the amount of $1,500. The Nicole Hanley Scholarship of $41,000 was awarded to Demarkus Walker.
Caroline Karmazyn recieved a pair of Memorial Scholarship’s for $2,500 each. along with Nafisa Williams and Demarcus Walker. Peter Pallas Scholarships, 2 for $2,235 each were printed to Cristiano Caserta and Willie Simmons.  The Graham and Graham scholarships, 2 for $1,750 each went to Quentin Goode and Marlourie Paul.  Graham and Graham’s $325-$350 scholarships went to Diamonique Coleman, Justin Carry, and Guadalupe lara. The Kyle B. Wilson $2,000 Scholarship was awarded to Willie Simmons.

Aliquippa Impact scholarships for $2,000 each were awarded to Makari Johnson and Luryshia Curenton. The Moderns Club of Aliquippa awarded scholarships between $200-$750 to Nafisa Mills, Willie Simmons, DaCari Hall, Mahani Johnson, Mirlourie Paul, and Diamonique Coleman.

Aliquippa Diversity Council awarded Makahi Johnson and Melanie Maldonado with    $1,000 scholarships.
The Charlie Lay Memorial Scholarship for $1,000 went to Brandon Banks. The Live Like Jordan Scholarship for $1,000 was awarded to Raymire Harma. The Stephanie K. Mills Memorial Grant for $500-$750 were awarded to Dalyss Boyd and Nina Adamson.

One arrested during SWAT standoff in Rochester

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published May 20, 2024 12:41 P.M.

(Rochester, Pa) Beaver County Emergency Services were called to a residence on Pinney Street in Rochester Monday morning. An active SWAT standoff lasted hours before a man was taken into police custody.

Witnesses and neighbors told Beaver County Radio the incident started around 7am, when they say a man was allegedly holding a female hostage. We also heard reports that a child may have been inside the home at the time of the incident.

Beaver County Radio witnessed law enforcement bring a man out in handcuffs around 11:30am and place him in a Rochester police cruiser.

We are currently working on gathering more details.

Patricia “Patty” A. Keller (December 3, 1959 – May 14, 2024)

Patricia “Patty” A. Keller, 64, left this world to join her parents and siblings in heaven on May 14, 2024, after a courageous and stubborn year long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Patty was born on December 3, 1959, and lived her entire life in her family home in Ross Township, where she graduated from North Hills High School and CCAC. Patty is proceeded in death by her parents, Delmer, and Dorthy Keller and her two siblings Delene (William) Huch and Ralph (Mary Ann) Keller. Patty is survived by her sister-in-law Mary Ann Keller, nephew Sean (Christine) Keller, niece Sharon (Kevin) Daugherty, and niece Debbie (Steve) Tucker. Patty also has three great-nieces and three great-nephews. Patty’s sister-in-law, nieces, and nephews were the joy of her life. She never missed a family birthday, holiday, or life event celebration. In addition to the family who adored her, Patty had a very special circle of lifelong friends.
Patty worked her entire 37 years for BABB Inc., on the Northside of Pittsburgh, where she was promoted through the years to Chief Information Officer. She loved her job and her work “family”. In addition to spending time with her family, her hobbies included cooking and watching cooking shows, binge watching TV series, attending Chicago concerts, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Some of Patty’s favorite times were spent with her family sitting on the deck eating appetizers and having cocktails or on a road trip from Pittsburgh to Georgia to visit her family in the South.
Family and friends will be received Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. until time of funeral service at 1:30 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, 333 Third St., Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

 

Kathleen “Tootsie” S. (Hlopek) Cymbalak (February 21, 1951 ~ May 18, 2024)

Kathleen S. “Tootsie” (Hlopek) Cymbalak, of Fair Oaks, born in Sewickley, Pa. on February 21st 1951, has passed away at home under excellent care from Good Samaritan Hospice on Saturday evening May 18th 2024. She is proceeded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Cymbalak; Her parents Kathryn and George Hlopek; her brother George (Stretch) Hlopek and her sister Judith Hlopek. Tootsie was 73 years young and battled Diabetes, Kidney Disease and Dementia/Alzheimer’s. She attended Devine Redeemer in Ambridge and Fair Oaks Elementary. She graduated in 1969 from Quaker Valley and completed Franco Beauty Academy in Ambridge PA. She was a secretary for WM. A. Cymbalak’s Disposal for 15 years. She was part owner and operator of Cymbalak’s Corner Delight in Leetsdale. From there she went on to work for Eckerd Drug in Leetsdale then ABDI warehouse in the Leetsdale Industrial Park before retiring in 1999. Although, her greatest job was being a mother which always came first. She loved relaxing in her backyard pool, camping at Moraine Family Campgrounds and her many animals throughout her years. Her biggest love besides God, her husband and children were her grandchildren: Joey(Ashlynn), Joshua (Bre), James (Alexis), Jacob, Jackson, Orion and her special granddaughter Alexis Hartley. Her great grandchildren Malcom and Lylah. She is also survived by her son William BJ Cymbalak; her daughter Jodi (James) Havens; sisters in-law Wilma Hooks and Kathy Gay; brothers in-law Jimmy Cymbalak and Mike Cymbalak; her Goddaughter Robin Mason; many nieces and nephews and a handful of special friends (they know who they are). The family would like to say a special thank you to her Good Samaritan nurses Jenn, Jess and Ashley. They were amazing, caring women who will be missed and remembered for the compassionate care they all gave. To honor her wishes there will be no funeral service.

Mom- give Dad a hug and kiss from all of us and when you find Elvis give him a great big kiss for your daughter.

Joseph Carmen Martinelli (August 24, 1927 ~ May 17, 2024)

Joseph Carmen passed away peacefully at Concordia Villa St. Joseph in Baden, PA at the age of 96. Joe was born in Dunbar, PA to Maryann Soldano Martinelli and Carmen J. Martinelli. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Tressa Jane (Simone) Martinelli, his daughter Barbara Martinelli Hax (Roy), his brother Thomas R. Martinelli, and his infant sister Baby Margie. Joe is survived by his children Joseph E. Martinelli (Lou Miller), Linda Kindelberger (Wes), John R. Martinelli, and Nancy Colie (Steve, deceased); his grandchildren, Nikki Kindelberger and Sean Colie; and his siblings Lou Schubert, Nick Martinelli, Sueann DeFurio, Kathy Martinelli-Zaun, Carmine Smith, and Maria Lambert. Also survived by a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Joe spent his childhood in the East Liberty and Morningside neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. He attended St. Raphael School and Central Catholic High School. From a young age, Joe worked many jobs, including selling newspapers on the streetcar before school for lunch money, boxing ice cream at the Heinz plant, and working for the railroad alongside his father and uncles. He joined the US Navy at age 17 and served in World War II. Joe put himself through Robert Morris business school, but he liked to say that he graduated from the School of Hard Knocks. He was a lifelong learner of many topics, especially gardening, health, and politics. Joe spent his early career in sales for Duquesne Slag Company. Later in life, he worked as Facilities Manager for the American Red Cross in Pittsburgh. Joe’s proudest accomplishment was founding the Mt. Lebanon Athletic Association track & field club to enable children of all abilities to participate in sports.
Arrangements entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC. Honoring Joe’s wishes, a Mass followed by burial in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies will be private.
The family would like to thank the loving caregivers at Villa St. Joseph and Good Samaritan Hospice.

William Barlamas (June 19, 1936 ~ May 15, 2024)

William Barlamas, 87, of Harmony Township, PA passed peacefully on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.  Born June 19, 1936 on First Street in Ambridge, PA he is the son of the late Alexander and Constance Tsacalis Barlamas. In the year 1958, he dedicated his life to working in the family business, Barlamas’ Luncheonette which later evolved into Barlamas’ Restaurant in the early 1960s.  William honed his cooking skills while serving in the Army Reserves for 1959 to 1966.   In 1967 at a GOYA Convention in Hartford, Connecticut he met his future wife Katherine who was from London, Ontario Canada.  In two short years they were married making a home in Ambridge where they raised three children.  Together 1981, William and his wife Katherine transformed Barlamas’ Restaurant into Alexander’s.  William dedicated his life to proudly serving the community of Ambridge. William was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Ambridge where he was a member of the building committee, the Beaver Valley AHEPA, and the Ambridge GAPA.  He loved to tell stores especially about growing up on First Street.   William also loved to read and had a thirst for knowledge. Surviving is his wife of 57 years, Katherine Mitches Barlamas, children Constance (Dimitri) Tsambis of Oakmont, Alexander (Angel) Barlamas of Robinson Township, and Thomas Barlamasof Harmony Township, grandchildren Georgia, Katerina, Vasili, Katherine, and Marilena step-grandchildren Yianni, Skylar, Dean and Colton, sister-in-law Constance Barlamas and many nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his brother Franzee Barlamas.

Friends and family will be received on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM at The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 2930 Beaver Road, Ambridge.  Funeral service to immediately follow officiated by Father Anastasios Athanasiou.  Burial will be at Economy Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Ambridge.

Arrangements entrusted to the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

Nicholas Maruhnich Jr. (December 4, 1939 – May 17, 2024)

Nicholas Maruhnich, Jr. 85 of Hopewell Township passed away on May 17, 2024.
He was born December 4, 1939, in Aliquippa, and is the son of the late Nicholas and Veronica (Olicky) Maruhnich, Sr. In addition to his parents Nick was preceded in death by his first wife Dolores (Zvrowicz) Maruhnich and his siblings: Butch, John, Michael, and Margie.
He was a member of Mary Queen of Saints, Our Lady of Fatima Church, Hopewell
Nick honorably served our country in the US Army. He worked as a printer throughout his life retiring from Datatel in Monaca.
Nick enjoyed spending time outdoors. He relished a good game of golf, casting his line in the water fishing waiting for that big catch or being in the woods hunting for a twelve-point buck. He was also skilled in carpentry and crafted many pieces of furniture for his home.
Nick is survived by his son and daughter-in-law: Mark and Crystal Maruhnich. Three granddaughters: Ava, Lilly and Virginia. A brother and sister-in-law: Edward and Isabelle Maruhnich and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 4: 00 pm until time of service at 7:00 pm in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001
A private burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Nicholas Maruhnich Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.

Janet Massie Fetkovich (6/18/1970 — 5/15/2024)

Janet Massie Fetkovich, 53 of Center Twp., passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 in her home.  She was born in Rochester, PA on June 18, 1970 a daughter of Raymond Fetkovich Sr. and the late Virginia Fetkovich.  Janet was a beloved caretaker and daycare provider for many years. She was a member of Mary Queen of Saints Roman Catholic Parish attending, St. Frances Cabrini Church.  She was passionate about her family, loved camping and sitting by the fire.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by a son, Bradley Massie in 2015.

She is survived by her husband William Massie, Jr., three children: Bryan Massie, Brittany (Dustin) Massie Weir, and Brandyn Massie; 3 beloved grandchildren: Alexa Massie Fleming, Meadow Weir and Mason Weir; 6 siblings: Judy (Matt) Hermes, Julie Fetkovich, Joanna Fetkovich, Raymond Fetkovich Jr.; David (Kelly) Fetkovich Sr.; and Lee Ann (Scott) Fordyce; she is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and leaves behind a dear friend, George Zilk.

Friends will be received on Wednesday from 3pm until 8pm in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester. 502 Adams St.  Where a Blessing Service will be conducted at 6:00 pm.

Ralph E. Dixon (April 30, 1958 – May 16, 2024)

Ralph E. Dixon, 66, of Coraopolis, formerly New Brighton, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Transitions Healthcare, Washington, PA.

Born on April 30, 1958, in New Brighton, he was the son of the late Gale and Kitty (Hughes) Dixon.

Ralph spent his professional career as a Dispatcher for the Beaver County 911 Center.  He was a member and past president of the Oak Hill Vets, past Fire Chief of New Brighton Fire Department, and loved going to car cruises.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 22 years, Carolyn (Ringer) Dixon; children, Kerri (Jimmy) Ventura and Jamie (Jack) Matias; six grandchildren, Jack Hartman, Marlo Matias, Vida Matias, Carmen Matias, Mila Ventura, and Malcom Ventura; a sister, Carol (Edward) Cain; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Friends will be received on Monday, May 20th from 2-8PM in GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Penn Ave., New Brighton.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 21st at 11AM at New Brighton Church of the Nazarene, 423 Penn Ave., New Brighton.  Friends will be received one hour prior to services.

Private interment will be in Concord Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ralph’s honor may be made to the New Brighton Fire Department, 610 Third Ave., New Brighton, PA 15066.

Margaret Ann “Peggy” Macey (July 07, 1949 – May 16, 2024)

Margaret Ann “Peggy” Macey, of Darlington Twp., passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024 at UPMC Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh.

Born July 7, 1949, in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of the late Peter and Agnes (Sopko) Baysura where she grew up in ‘The Run’.  Peggy was dedicated to her family and friends and was a devout member of her local churches including St. Joachim, St. Rosalia, and St. Rose of Lima.  She met the love of her life in college and Peggy and Chris (Chris & Peggy) spent just shy of 50 years happily married.

Peggy is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Mark “Chris” Macey; her sons, Justin (Kristen) Macey and Rory (Stephanie) Macey; granddaughters, Lennon and Icelyn; a sister, Susann (Mark) Seibel; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

As an alternative to flowers, donations may be made to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (michaeljfoxfoundation.org)

Visitation will be Tuesday May 21,2024 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC.- 117 Blackhawk Rd., Chippewa Twp.

Prayers will be held at the funeral home Wednesday at 9:00am, followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10am at Our Lady of the Lourdes Roman Catholic Parish-210 E. Main St., East Palestine, OH 44413