Author: Beaver County Radio

Pittsburgh Penguins’ Mike Sullivan named U.S. men’s hockey coach for 2026 Milan Olympics

FILE – Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan stands behind his bench during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Nashville Predators, Monday, April 15, 2024, in Pittsburgh. Sullivan has been named U.S. coach for the 2026 Milan Olympics. USA Hockey announced the long-expected decision Saturday, May 18 while also saying the Pittsburgh Penguins coach will be behind the bench for the NHL’s Four Nations Face-Off tournament next year. (AP Photo/Matt Freed, File)

Mike Sullivan was selected U.S. coach for the 2026 Milan Olympics on Saturday, an expected move that puts the two-time Stanley Cup champion in charge of the country’s bid for its first gold medal since the “Miracle On Ice” in 1980.

USA Hockey also announced the Pittsburgh Penguins coach will be behind the bench for the Four Nations Face-Off next year, a tournament the NHL will showcase in February 2025 for a taste of international competition leading up to the Olympics. Milan marks the return of NHL players to the Olympics after missing the past two.

“We’re excited to have Mike guiding our teams,” U.S. general manager Bill Guerin said. “He is one of the very best coaches in the game and his background, including with international hockey, is well-suited to help put our team in the best position to win.”

Sullivan, a native of Marshfield, Massachusetts, was an assistant at the 2006 Olympics, also in Italy in Turin. Most recently he was on John Tortorella’s staff for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Each of those events went disastrously for the U.S., which also lost to eventual champion Canada in the semifinals of the 2014 Sochi Olympics and then to Finland in the bronze-medal game.

NHL are set to be back in Milan and then France in 2030 after an agreement was reached between the league, Players’ Association, International Olympic Committee and International Ice Hockey Federation. It’s an opportunity for a generation of American stars, including Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Adam Fox, Charlie McAvoy and strong players in goal to finally compete together on the world stage.

Sullivan, who coached Pittsburgh to the Cup, will run the show. He was supposed to coach the U.S. in Beijing in 2022 before the NHL withdrew late because of pandemic scheduling issues.

“I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to coach Team USA in these two significant international events,” Sullivan said in a release. “It’s been amazing to see the progress we’ve made in hockey in our country over the course of my career. I am honored to lead our best players and I look forward to the challenge that lies ahead.”

Sullivan, 56, also previously coached the Boston Bruins during his lengthy career that began in the early 2000s. He has been with Pittsburgh since being promoted as a midseason replacement in 2015-16. As a player, he represented the U.S. at the world juniors in 1988 and the world championship in ’97.

“Mike Sullivan is not only a great coach but someone who has a strong passion for American hockey,” USA Hockey executive director Pat Kelleher said. “He’s a world-class leader and been an important part of hockey in our country for a very long time.”

McDonald’s New Grandma McFlurry Debuts Tuesday, May 21st

Whether she is your Grams, Abuela, Oma or Gigi, McDonald’s is celebrating grandmas and cherished moments they create with the Grandma McFlurry – available starting tomorrow – Tuesday, May 21 — for a limited time.

The new McFlurry is sweet – just like grandma – and features a delicious syrup and chopped, crunchy candy pieces (like the favorite treat grandma hid in her purse!) – all blended in creamy vanilla soft serve. It’s the perfect sweet treat to share with grandma.

 

“Grandmas have always held a special place in our hearts, and today they’re having a major moment influencing culture – inspiring trends in fashion, decor and now, even food with our newest McFlurry,” said Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s. “The Grandma McFlurry tastes like a trip down memory lane, and we’re excited to give our fans that experience while honoring the grandma-figure in all our lives.”

In honor of the limited-edition Grandma McFlurry, McDonald’s is giving fans another opportunity to connect with their grandmas.  Mickey D’s is partnering with two breakthrough artists to remake hit oldies reimagined with a new sound. Singer-songwriter Remi Wolf is covering the classic song “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)”. And two-time Latin GRAMMY nominee and Puerto Rican star Jay Wheeler is creating a cover of the iconic Latin song “Piel Canela.” Both will be available on all music platforms starting tomorrow.

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.

 

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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.