DEP releases statement on Crescent Township explosion

Beaver County Radio News Staff. Published March 14, 2024 2:34 P.M.

(Crescent Township, Pa) The Department of Environmental Protection in Pittsburgh is cooperating with the Allegheny County Fire Marshal in the investigation of the home explosion that took place Tuesday in Crescent Township that claimed the lives of a couple living in the home.

A press release was issued from Lauren Camrda from the DEP Communications Office  and they cannot speculate on the possible cause. DEP’s role in the investigation will include inspections of nearby oil and gas wells and infrastructure, including a search for unregistered home use wells in the vicinity. DEP’s investigation will establish a soil gas monitoring network to track possible methane migration through the subsurface. The nearest registered oil or gas wells are more than 2,500 feet away from the incident site, however there are two unregistered historic wells in closer proximity to the home.

Residents with home use wells are encouraged to make sure they are registered with DEP to ensure that they are being operated safely. Residents with questions about home use wells or wishing to ensure a well is registered should contact the DEP Office of Oil and Gas Management at 717-772-2199 or by email.

Biden opposes plan to sell US Steel to a Japanese firm, citing the need for ‘American steel workers’

FILE – United States Steel’s Edgar Thomson Plant in Braddock, Pa. is shown on Feb. 26, 2019. U.S. Steel, the Pittsburgh steel producer that played a key role in the nation’s industrialization, is being acquired by Nippon Steel in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $14.1 billion. The transaction is worth about $14.9 billion when including the assumption of debt. Nippon, which will pay $55 per share for U.S. Steel, said Monday, Dec. 18, 2023 that the deal will bolster its manufacturing and technology capabilities. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is opposing the planned sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel of Japan, saying the U.S. needs “strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers.” The announcement Thursday comes as the Democratic president campaigns in the Midwest and could have ripples in his race against Republican Donald Trump. Nippon Steel announced in December it plans to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel producer for $14 billion in cash. That raised concerns within the federal government about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security. Nippon Steel promises no job losses and says it’s committed to keeping U.S. Steel’s Pittsburgh headquarters.

Judith A. Fritz (1944-2024)

Judith A. Fritz, 79, of Beaver, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at PAM Health, Heritage Valley Beaver.

Born on November 20, 1944, in Morgantown, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Louise (Grubbs) Rumbaugh.

In addition to her parents, Judith was preceded in death by her loving husband of over 55 years, Ronald G. Fritz, Sr. in March of 2022.

She is survived by her son, Ronald (Sonia) Fritz, Jr.; her brother, Paul Rumbaugh; her sister, Linda Rumbaugh; her niece, Celeste Van Ness; her nephew, Craig Rumbaugh, and many friends.

Judith was a 1963 graduate of Hopewell High School. She worked at Health City Drugs of Beaver. She loved to collect Teddy Bears and Beanie Babies.

In accordance with her wishes, all services were private.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to provide care and guidance to Judith’s family during this time.

James A. Napolitan (1930-2024)

James A. Napolitan, 94, of Baden, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late James C. and Helen Napolitan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Timmy Napolitan, Jim Napolitan, and Tommy Plasko Jr. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Esther (Bombiani) Napolitan, daughters, Donna Napolitan, Lisa (Rob) Sichak, brother, Lew (Penney) Napolitan, grandchildren, Daniel (Kelly) Napolitan, Cory Campbell, great grandchild, Ava Napolitan, and daughter-in-law, Antonia Chiappini. James served our country proudly in the United States Coast Guard. He owned and operated Jim’s Tavern in Ambridge for over 40 years. He was the Baden Borough Code Enforcement Officer for several years. He was a devout member of Saint John the Baptist Church in Baden, where he volunteered as an usher and helped in making pierogis for the church.  James was a charismatic person who enjoyed being home and sitting on his porch. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, March 16, 2024, in Saint Luke the Evangelists Church (formerly Good Samaritan Church), Ambridge. Burial is private. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Concordia Villa Saint Joseph and Good Samaritan Hospice for their loving care and spiritual guidance. Arrangements entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, Ambridge.

Ronald J. Tarquinio (1955-2024)

Ronald J. Tarquinio, 68, of Moon Township, died on March 11, 2024, at his home.  He was born in Pittsburgh on September 19, 1955, the son of the late Arthur & Rose (Venneri) Tarquinio.

In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Richard Tarquinio, a sister Anita Tarquinio-Marcocci, and a brother-in-law, Jeffrey Alborn.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer (Alborn) Tarquinio and his daughter, Olivia Tarquinio.  Two brothers, Joseph Tarquinio (Mary Ann), Edward Tarquinio (Deborah) and a sister, Rosemary Tarquinio.  Mother-in-law, Kathy Abramovich, father-in-law, Charles Alborn, brother-in-law Jeremy Alborn.

Ron is a 1973 graduate of Moon Area High School. He obtained a BS in finance from Penn State University. Ron’s career in real estate began in 1974 while working for his family’s real estate company, Tarquinio Real Estate.  He worked at various firms, then created Tarquin Real Estate which later merged with CoRE Associates to form the present-day company, TARQUINCoRE.  Also, Ron was a partner in River Park Commons where he managed day-to-day operations of the facility.

Ron was a passionate family man with a generous heart. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend.  Always joking, he brought laughter wherever he went.  Ron was an avid gardener and landscaper. Ron enjoyed making and gifting, “Olivia’s Homemade Pasta Sauce.” His daughter, Olivia, was his proudest accomplishment and the light of his life.

Friends will be received on Friday, March 15 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM in The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights. Road. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in St. Philip’s Church of Moon Township.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Rhema Christian School or Eden Christian Academy.

Joann Zurga (1936-2024)

Joann Zurga, 87, of Chippewa Township, passed away Monday, March 11, 2024.
Joann was born on May 22, 1936 in Homewood to the late William and Verna (Jarrett) McKim.
Joann was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Joseph Zurga and a sister, Mary Urista.
Surviving are her four children, Matthew Zurga of Virginia Beach, VA, Karen (Don) Reeher of Big Beaver Borough, Michelle (Brian) Smith of Ridgefield, WA and Michael Zurga of College Hill; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and a sister, Janet Detka of Beaver Falls. She was a member of St. Augustine Parish.
The family would also like to thank Celebration Villa for the care Joann received while there.
Friends will be received Monday, March 18th from 11:00 am until the time of a Blessing Service at 1:00 p.m. in the HILL AND KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, 3801 Fourth Avenue, Beaver Falls. Burial will be in Rocky Springs Cemetery, New Galilee.

Dennis F. Hacker (1947-2024)

Dennis F. Hacker, 76, of Enon Valley, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at AdventHealth Waterman, Tavares, FL.

Born on October 31, 1947, in New Brighton, he was the son of the late Frederick and June (Smith) Hacker.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Patsie A. (Conti) Hacker; a daughter-in-law, Gabralee Hacker; and a brother, Richard Hacker.

He is survived by his children, Tracie Kio, Shaun Hacker, and Tara Hacker; grandchildren, Austin Zalin, Kolten Cope, Jacob Kio, Garret Kio, Storm Phillips, and Sibyl Phillips; great-granddaughter, Onavella Rodriguez; his siblings, Robert (Marlea) Hacker, Peggy Taylor, and Frances Morgan; a sister-in-law, Patricia Hacker; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dennis had retired as a Chemical Technician from NOVA Chemical following many years of service.  He was a proud Veteran, having served in the United States Army and was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler fan.

Friends will be received on Friday, March 15th from 2-4PM 7 6-8PM in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Twp., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

A Blessing Service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, March 16th at 11AM.

Private interment will be in Grandview Cemetery.

Willard M. “Tex” Harsh (1923-2024)

Willard M. “Tex” Harsh, 100, of Patterson Heights, passed away on March 7, 2024. He was born November 11, 1923 in Morning Sun, Iowa to Russell and Arminta (Allen) Harsh.

Willard was preceded in death by his siblings: Eleanor (Everett) Cummings, Grace (Larry) Coon, Robert (Betty) Harsh and Alice (Ray) Pilling.

Willard is survived by his wife of nearly 73 years, Marjorie (Hill) Harsh, his sons, Mark and wife Sandy Hienz, Russ and wife Sheila, Brian and wife Linda and Brad Harsh, and daughter Janet Harsh; grandchildren; Eric (Laura) Harsh, Kelly (Jeff) Manning, Allison (Andy) Dixon and Alex Harsh; great-grandchildren; Charlotte Manning, Peyton, Channing and Harper Harsh and Luke and Colby Dixon. Step-granddaughters; Rachel Hienz (Marty Goffenhofen) and Erin (Hayden) Lutz; Step-great-grandchildren; Bishop and Ryan Lutz. He also had one cousin, Paul Mathews and many nephews and nieces.

He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII as a tail -gunner on a B-24 Liberator, flying 30 missions in China, Burma and India, and received 4 medals, while in the service. He graduated from Geneva College and retired from B&W. Willard had been an active member of First Reformed Presbyterian Church in Patterson Township. He was known in Patterson Heights as “ the man who walked and picked-up litter”.

Rev. Matt Filbert and Rev. Bruce Backensto officiated at the private funeral service.

A favorite Bible verse was, “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me”.  Philippians 4:13

Fundraiser to be held for dog attacked with a hatchet in Aliquippa

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published March 13, 2024 2:14 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) A Pitt student has organized a fundraiser for Juan Hall’s dog Mazie  who was attacked with a hatchet causing injury to the dog’s ear and other injuries last month. The incident occurred at the corner of Main Street and Maratta Road at a school bus stop in February. David Askew, of Aliquippa is in the Beaver County Jail on felony and misdemeanor charges connected with the attack. The fundraiser will be held at the Marathon Gas Station on Brodhead Road in Aliquippa from noon to 6 pm on Saturday, March 16.