Nancy (Giammaria) Urban, 83, of Upper St. Clair, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at UPMC Shadyside Campus. She was born on October 23, 1940, in Ambridge, to the late Theodore and Mary (Zawinsky) Giammaria. Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were her husband, Donald Urban and two brothers, Theodore and James Giammaria. She is survived by four children, David (Kellie) Urban of Ft. Myers, FL, Nancy (David) Dettmer of Charlotte, NC, Dr. Paul (Dr. Heather) Urban of Peters Twp., Christopher (Erin) Urban of Upper St. Clair, six grandchildren, Nicholas Urban, Anna (Keegan) Hoff, Katy Dettmer, Will Dettmer, Grace Urban and Matthew Urban and a special nephew Rocco Giammaria and niece, Marisa (Jason) Kutney. She was a member of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Good Samaritan Church, Ambridge. Nancy graduated from St. Veronica High School and received an associate degree from Robert Morris College. After various positions, Nancy retired as an administrative assistant in the admissions department at Gateway Rehabilitation Center. Nancy was married to Don for 54 years and together they had four children. In retirement, Nancy and Don moved to Friendship Village where they enjoyed making new friends and traveling. Nancy’s passion in life was spending time with her children, grandchildren and friends. She was an avid reader, wonderful cook and a valued volunteer. Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 4 to 7 PM and Friday from 11 AM until time of prayers at 12:30 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1 PM in St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Good Samaritan Catholic Church, Ambridge. Interment will follow in Good Samaritan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, bcan.org.
Author: Beaver County Radio
Red Cross Month kicks off to honor community heroes
[FEB. 27, 2024] — The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is kicking off its annual Red Cross Month celebration in March to honor local community heroes who help ensure their neighbors never face crises alone.
Red Cross Month is a national tradition that began in March 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed ever since.
“During Red Cross Month, we are proud to honor the people in our community who step up to support one another when help can’t wait during emergencies,” said Jorge Martinez, CEO, American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. “This relief and hope wouldn’t be possible without these local heroes. Please consider joining in their commitment by donating, volunteering, giving blood or platelets, or taking a lifesaving skills course.”
Join the Red Cross Month celebration by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, give blood or platelets, become a volunteer or take a lifesaving skills course. Those who donate at redcross.org/givingday on M
HELP CAN’T WAIT WHEN EMERGENCIES STRIKE Volunteers comprise 90% of the national Red Cross workforce to power its lifesaving mission, along with generous blood, platelet and financial donors; people trained in skills like first aid and CPR; and other supporters. The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is proud to have over 3,300 volunteers on our team.
In 2023, the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania:
- Responded to more than 1,500 disasters and assisted over 6,400 people
- Installed more than 9,000 free smoke alarms in local homes
- Hosted more than 5,000 local blood drives and collected over 112,000 units of blood
- Provided nearly 7,000 services to support veterans, military members and their families
- Trained more than 124,000 people in Red Cross courses
GIVE BLOOD THIS MARCH As we approach the final weeks of winter, the public is urged to book a time to donate blood or platelets now as we continue to strengthen the blood supply heading into spring. Much like pets provide comfort and support, so does the Red Cross in local communities. As a thank-you for providing comfort during Red Cross Month, all come to give blood or platelets March 1-24 will get a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice, plus automatically be entered for a chance to win a $3,000 gift card. There will be five winners. See rcblood.org/Pets for details.
AAA: Gas Prices Dip in Pennsylvania
After suddenly spiking more than a dime two weeks ago, the national average for a gallon of gas is a penny cheaper this week at $3.26. Today’s average is 16 cents more than a month ago but 10 cents lower than a year ago. The average price for a gallon of gas in Beaver County is currently $3.66.
Route 51 Coraopolis Road Gas Line Work Begins Wednesday in Allegheny County
Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing gas line work on Coraopolis Road (Route 51) in Robinson and Kennedy townships, Allegheny County will begin Wednesday, February 28 weather permitting.
Lane restrictions will occur in both directions on Coraopolis Road between Herbst Road and the I-79 interchange daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through late May. Flaggers will assist motorists through the work zone.
Crews from Banks Gas Services Company will conduct gas line replacement work.
PennDOT is not involved in this work and is providing this information as a public service announcement only. For further information contact Robert Paruolo at 860-324-5681.
Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
Officer struck by vehicle during traffic stop in Economy
Quips close to clearing 1,000 signatures for PIAA petition
Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published February 27, 2024 10:36 A.M.
(Aliquippa, Pa) One thousand signatures are required to be sent to the PIAA to help prevent the PIAA from moving the Aliquippa Quips football team to 5A next season. Many reasons have been given by those who signed the petition to let the team stay in 4A.
Susan Zeh (1938-2024)
Susan Zeh, 85, formerly of Enon Valley passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024.
Susan was born in Leetsdale, PA on September 16, 1938 to the late William McCrea Sr. and Margaret (Kost) McCrea. She graduated from Darlington High School, Darlington, PA and Franco’s Beauty Academy in Pittsburgh, PA, then she became a beautician for the former Barbara Kereste’s Salon in Beaver Falls. During the 70’s she worked at the New Castle Courthouse in the Elections office. She proudly held the position as Judge of Elections in Enon Valley for 40 years.
Susan was a devoted member of the St. Monica site of Saint Augustine Parish, where she and her husband Lee were money counters. For many years she enjoyed working the spaghetti dinners and being on the Funeral Committee for the former St. Rose of Lima Parish.
Susan is survived by her husband of 64 ½ years, Lee Zeh of Beaver Falls. Together they had three children, Sharon Zeh of East Palestine, OH, Amy Mineard and Shawn of Hopewell Twp. and the late Jeffrey Allen Zeh, 2020, and Brenda Zeh of Enon Valley; five grandchildren, Rachel and Jason Zeh, Megan DeSellem, Aaron and Andrew Mineard; five great-grandchildren, Aubrey Brophy, Alexander Zeh, Larry Rupert, Lena and Cole Zeh; a sister, Mary Ellen Fagnilli, New Castle and a brother, Jon McCrea, Negley, OH.
In addition to her son, she was preceded in death by three brothers, William, Richard and Jeff McCrea.
Family and friends will be received Wednesday, February 28, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the HILL AND KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, 3801 Fourth Avenue, Beaver Falls, where a Blessing Service will be held Thursday, February 29 at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment in Little Beaver Cemetery in Enon Valley.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Augustine Parish, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
Michael C. Soisson (1937-2024)
Michael C. Soisson, 86, of Brighton Township, passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024.
Born on April 17, 1937, in Rochester, he was the son of the late Carl and Ethal (Beamer) Soisson.
A proud Veteran of the United States Army, Michael had retired from the Steamfitters Local 47 as a plumber and pipefitter. He was an avid bowler, loved hunting and fishing, traveling with his family, and especially playing the card game Pinochle every chance he got.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Blanche A. (Ballew) Soisson; a son, Ronald Soisson; siblings, Carl Soisson Jr., Elizabeth (Rosenberger) Perischki, William D. Soisson, Patricia A. Young, Richard F. Soisson, and Harry Soisson.
He is survived by his children, Richard T. (Cindy) Sherin, Lori L. (Sherin) Newman, Robert S. (Theresa) Sherin, Michele (Thomas) Gonczi, Roger S. (Maria) Sherin, Gayle L. (Rocky) Cross, Michelle A. (Christopher) Healy, Michael C. (Mary) Soisson, Jr; his brother, Robert T. Soisson; his sisters, Margaret Miller and Amy R. Thompson; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and friends.
Friends will be received on Thursday, February 29th from 2-4PM & 6-8PM and Friday, March 1st from 10 AM until the time of funeral service at 11 AM in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver. Military honors will be accorded prior to services.
In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated following services.
Madeline Kosela (1934-2024)
Madeline Kosela, 89, passed away on February 21, 2023 at Masonic Village of Sewickley. Madeline was born on September 23, 1934 in Ambridge, to the late John and Margaret (Musserbok) Cirka. Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were husbands Lenny Kosela and Nick Tisak and siblings, John, Robert, Richard, David and Renee Charitonuk. Madeline is survived by her four daughters, Carol Kosela, Kristine Autenreith, Catherine (Tom) Tsesmelis, and Diane (Ken) Kosela Long, her four grandchildren, Danielle, Jessica (John), Matthew, and Arch (Alyssa), her five great-grandchildren, Kyle, Carson, Lillian, Jackson, and Lincoln, brother and sister-in-law, George and Rebecca Cirka, three lifelong friends, Dolores Gaudino, Margie Peterson, and Frances Kaminski. She was one of eight children. A 1952 graduate of Ambridge High School, she met the love of her life Richard “Lenny” Kosela in high school. They married in 1954 and were together until Lenny’s passing in 1978. They were the proud parents of four daughters, Carol, Kristine, Catherine and Diane. After Lenny’s passing, Madeline attended Median Allied Health School and obtained her medical transcriptionist certificate. She worked at Internal Medicine Associates in Ambridge for 18 years. During her lifetime, Madeline was a parishioner at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church and St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, both of Ambridge. She was an active participant of the ” Pirohy Project”, Padre Pio Prayer Group, and Blue Army. Madeline had a deep devotion to her Catholic faith and prayed the Rosary daily. She had a passion for sewing and making quilts for family and friends and sewed quilts to sick babies and children in need for Project Linus. Later in life, she married Nick Tisak who predeceased her. They moved from Harmony Township to Masonic Village where she lived for 17 years. As per Madeline’s request, funeral services were private followed by private interment. Madeline’s daughters would like to express their gratitude to Masonic Village and Gallagher Hospice for the compassionate care and support given by their staff to their mom. Madeline will be missed but she is now at peace and reunited with our dad, Lenny. Memorial contributions if desired may be made to The Ladle and Hearth Food Pantry c/o St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1320 Church St., Ambridge, PA 15003 to the attention of Aida Dugan or the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.
James W Schultz. Sr. (1941-2024)
James W. Schultz, Sr., 82, of Enon Valley, died peacefully in his home on Friday, February 23, 2024.
Born on November 19, 1941, in Youngstown, Ohio, he was the son of the late Lyman and Mary Jane (VanKirk) Schultz.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Rosina Marie (Swart) Schultz; 8 brothers, and 4 sisters; and his canine companion, Buddy.
He is survived by his sister, Shirley Wooley, children, James (Sarah) Schultz Jr., Darin Schultz, Tracy Schultz, and Lisa (Gary) Gailey; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, and his canine companion, Shawna.
Jim retired from the Laborer’s Local #833, following 30 years of service. He was known as the “neighborhood mechanic” as he loved working on cars and racing…even though he didn’t like to go fast. He always looked forward to Friday breakfast with Jimmy, family, and friends at Lance’s.
Friends will be received on Thursday, February 29th from 2-4PM & 6-8PM in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Twp., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. and a funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Friday, March 1st, at 11AM.
A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Friday, March 1st, at 11AM.
Interment will be in Little Beaver Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Sarah, Leah, Amanda and Danene from Vitas Hospice for their care and support for Jim.










