Author: Beaver County Radio

John Woods Graff, Sr. (April 30, 1947 – July 10, 2024)

John Woods Graff, Sr.

Age 77, passed away on July 10, 2024, at the home he built for, and shared with, his family for the last 39 years. John was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

He leaves behind a legacy marked by selfless service to his family, friends, community and country (Army First Lieutenant 1970-1972). As a loving husband to his wife of 53 years, Karen, and a devoted father to their three children, he was a constant source of love and encouragement. John’s family remembers him fondly as their “rock”, always there to offer support, guidance (and humor).

John was a true friend to many. His loyalty and willingness to lend a helping hand knew no bounds, and he could be relied on without hesitation. In his leisure time, John enjoyed working with his hands, restoring vintage Triumph sports cars, hosting friends at the family pool and playing tennis and pickleball.

He is survived by his beloved wife Karen, his sister Marjorie (Bill) Campbell, his children John (Hannah), Ann, and Adam (Brooke), his nephew Bruce (Margie) Campbell, niece Katie (Steve) Wright and brother-in-law John Medlin. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Tex, Theo, Ezra and Kyzer. John was preceded in death by his parents, George and Jane, his brother George, sister-in-law Maureen, his niece Wendy and brother-in-law Delyle Medlin.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation of Western Pennsylvania https://pfwpa.org.

A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at The Gathering Place at Darlington Lake, 144 New Galilee Rd. Darlington, PA 16115.

Michael “Herky” A. Hryckowian (December 11, 1937 – July 13, 2024)

Michael “Herky” A. Hryckowian, 86, of Economy passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on July 13, 2024. He was the son of the late Michael and Rose Hryckowian. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, John Hryckowian. Surviving is his wife of 53 years, Barbara Hryckowian, children, Michael (Anne) Herkov, Tamara (Cameron) Poluszek, James Hryckowian, Debby (Mark) Krokonko, sister, Lottie Besong, grandchildren, Stephen, John, Ryan, Kelsey, numerous nieces and nephews. Michael worked for Armco Steel for 30 years and was a devoted member of Saint Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He was also a proud member of the Ambridge Eagles Club. A talented contractor, he was known for his craftsmanship. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family and grandchildren, creating lasting memories that brought him immense joy. Friends will be received on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 PM at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, located at 547 8th Street, Ambridge (724-266-2549). A Parastas service will be held at 6:30 PM that evening at the funeral home. The funeral service will take place on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Saint Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 313 9th Street, Ambridge. Everyone is kindly asked to meet at the church. Burial will follow at Economy Cemetery.

Joseph (Jr.) Hyk (December 11, 1937 – July 14, 2024)

Joseph Hyk Jr., 85, of Baden, formerly of New York, passed away on July 12, 2024. He was the son of the late Joseph and Katherine Hyk. He is survived by his sister, Jennie Nelson, three nephews, Richard, Robert, and Randall Nelson, great nephews, Michael, Tyler, two longtime friends, Gabrella and Brian.  Arrangements by Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC., Ambridge.

Bonnie R. Cromie (July 13, 1951 – July 11, 2024)

Bonnie R. Cromie, 72, of Economy passed away at home on July 11, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Samuel and Jeanette Miller. She is survived by her beloved husband of 33 years, David “Casey” Cromie, her children, Bryan (Leslie) Komlos, Michelle (Jamie) Roush, Melody (Ken) Plowey, Aaron (Lindsay) Komlos, sister, Peggy (Jay) Evanko, grandchildren, Annabelle, Aiden, Jack, Adam, Mason, Madalyn, Carter, Riley, Phoebe, Mario, niece, Leah, nephew, Eric, numerous cousins and friends. Bonnie dedicated 20 years to her career at U.S. Airways. She loved traveling with her husband and had a passion for nature, often watching birds and feeding deer. Bonnie cherished her cats and had a special affection and love for her grandchildren. Everyone is welcome to attend a funeral service in memory of Bonnie on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 12:00 PM. The service will be held at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation LLC, located at 547 8th Street, Ambridge. For more information, please call 724-266-2549.

JoAnn Shaner (June 30, 1942- July 9, 2024)

JoAnn Shaner, 82, of Baden, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, in Concordia at Villa St. Joseph.

She was born June 30, 1942, in Ambridge, the daughter of the late Frank and Linda Fedance DiMarzio.

JoAnn has been a devoted wife of 63 years, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  JoAnn loved to cook.  She worked as a cook for the Baden American Legion and Quigley Catholic High School.  JoAnn worked diligently to prepare family/holiday occasions to make them special.

Surviving is her loving husband James L. Shaner of Baden, son James R. Shaner of Baden, daughters Jayme (Kirk) Anderson of Baden, Misty (David) Hooper of Baden, grandchildren Tyler (Krista) Anderson of State College, Cody Anderson of Monaca, Haley Hooper (Elijah Ko) of Rochester, Tory Hooper of Baden, great grandchildren, Zaely & Emryn Anderson of State College.

Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, was her brother, Richard DiMarzio and a daughter in law Deborah Shaner.

Friends will be received on Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, from where a funeral service will be conducted Thursday at 10:00 A.M., with Rev. James Young, Officiating.  Interment will follow in Sewickley Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the care given to JoAnn by Concordia at Villa St. Joseph and Good Samaritan Hospice.

Ann Marie (Kuzma) Katterson (May 21, 1949 – July 9, 2024)

Ann Marie Katterson (née Kuzma), 75, passed away peacefully in her home, on July 9, 2024, surrounded by her family.
Ann was born on May 21, 1949, in Spangler, PA.  Ann graduated from Ambridge Area High School, and remained a long-time resident of the area. She had careers in the retail and banking industry before dedicating 25 years to a career at Home Depot prior to retiring. Known for her kind spirit and willingness to help others, Ann made a lasting impact on her colleagues and customers alike.
Ann is remembered with love by her daughters, Melissa Katterson and Erica Siegwarth; son-in-law Mike Siegwarth; granddaughter Julia Papa and her fiancé Randy Scott; grandson Andrew Martin; and great-granddaughter Harper Papa; sister, Nancy (James) Paliani; aunts, Magdalene Sapp and Lovell Kertis; and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Katterson; parents, Andrew and Julia Kuzma; and her long-time companion, Chauncy H (Jay) Steele.
Services for Ann were private. Ann’s life was a testament to her dedication to her family. She will be remembered for her generosity, kindness, and the deep bonds she nurtured with those around her. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 404 6th Street, Ambridge, PA 15003.

Carol R. Burg (January 22, 1938 – July 13, 2024)

Carol R. Burg, 86, of Rochester, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Villa St. Joseph – Baden.

Born on January 22, 1938, in New Brighton, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Gwen (Shaof) Davis.

Carol received an associate’s degree in Nursing from Sewickley School of Nursing and had practiced as a Registered Nurse for several years at Rochester Hospital.  After those years as a nurse, Carol returned to her home to raise her children and take pleasure in the joy of spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She had a servant heart and was known to be caring for those in her family, both near and far.  Her family was her world and she supported every one of them.  Carol was Methodist by faith and had been a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eastern Star.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard W. Burg; and her siblings, Linda Davis and Charles (Lee) Davis.

Carol is survived by her children, Lori (Terry) Stevenson, Leslee (Vincent) Canzano, Richard Burg, and Frank (Stacey) Burg; grandchildren, Joshua (Elyse) Stevenson, Melissa (Tyler) Dilling, Vinny (Hollie) Canzano, Amanda (CJ) Iannini, Dallis (Brett) Gonzales, Richard Dylan Burg, and Tyler Burg; great-grandchildren, Gracelyn, Joel, Brooks, Sawyer, Noah, Brynley, Cami, Vita, Bella, Vinny, Rocco, Aleena, and Ayla; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, July 16th from 3PM until 8PM in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver.

A Remembrance Service will be held on Wednesday, July 17th at 10AM in the funeral home chapel.

Private Interment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

Carol’s family wishes to extend a heart-felt “Thank You” to the staff of Villa St. Joseph, as well as the Good Samaritan Hospice staff, especially Ashley for her personal care toward Carol.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Carol’s name may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice, 116 Browns Hill Rd., Valencia, PA 16059.

Governor Shapiro Orders US, Commonwealth Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Butler County Resident Corey Comperatore

(File Photo of Rochester Flag Park in Rochester, Pa) 

Harrisburg, PA – Today, in accordance with the United States flag code, Governor Josh Shapiro ordered United States and Commonwealth flags on all Commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to fly at half-staff immediately today, Sunday, July 14, 2024, to recognize the tragedy that occurred at a rally for former President Trump in Butler County last evening and in honor of Corey Comperatore, a Butler County husband and father who was killed while attending the event. The Governor also extends the prayers of all Pennsylvanians to the two Pennsylvanians who remain in critical condition and their families.

The flags shall be lowered to half-staff until sunset on the date of interment, which has not yet been announced.

All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.

 

Beaver County State Reps. Reactions To Attempted Trump Assassination

(File Photo)
(Story by Beaver County Radio General Manager Frank Sparks) 

(Beaver County, Pa.)- After the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on Saturday evening in Butler County Beaver County Radio reach out to our three local Pennsylvania State Representatives to get their reaction.

Rep. Jim Marshall who is a Republican that represents the 14th District in the county said via text message:
Yesterday’s assassination attempt resulted in a tragic loss of innocent life.  Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone  impacted.

Rep. Josh Kail who is a Republican that represents the 15th District in the county said via text message:
“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, President Trump, and all the great Patriots who attended Saturday’s event.
President Trump was the victim of an attempted assassination, an attendee of his rally was murdered, and others critically injured.
This attack on our democracy is utterly unacceptable and must be uniformly condemned.
Americans deserve to know how this happened, and I have confidence that we will get answers in the coming days.”

Rep. Rob Matzie who is a Democrat that represents the 16th District in the county said via text message:
“I’m deeply saddened by the attempt on former President Trump’s life, and genuinely relieved that he is ok.
I’m equally saddened for those that have been killed or that are fighting for their lives. My prayers go out to them and their families.
In addition, my most sincere appreciation goes out to federal, state, county and local law enforcement who did their best to protect the former President and to neutralize the threat as quickly as possible. As horrific as it was, without their brave and swift response, it could have been far worse.
I unconditionally condemn political violence in any way, shape, or form. We simply don’t act this way in our country. We settle our disagreements at the ballot box. That is a large part of what makes us Americans.
It’s far past the time to lower the temperature in our political discourse. It has never been my style to use inflammatory rhetoric, and never will be. I’d encourage all candidates for public office, regardless of party or ideology, to do the same.”

Pennsylvania State Police Identify Victims Shot During Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump

Butler, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police today released the names of the three attendees shot during the attempted assassination of former President Trump at yesterday’s rally in Butler County.

The deceased victim was identified as Corey Comperatore, 50, of Sarver, PA. The second victim has been identified as 57-year-old David Dutch, of New Kensington, PA, who is currently listed in stable condition. The third victim was identified as 74-year-old James Copenhaver, of Moon Township, PA. He is also listed in stable condition.

“These victims and their families are certainly in our thoughts today,” said Colonel Christopher Paris, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner. “The Pennsylvania State Police continue to work tirelessly alongside our federal, state and local partners as this investigation continues.”

Governor Shapiro ordered United States and Commonwealth flags on all Commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to fly at half-staff immediately in honor of Corey Comperatore. The Governor also extends the prayers of all Pennsylvanians to the two Pennsylvanians who remain hospitalized and their families.