Author: Beaver County Radio

AAA: Gas Prices Dip in PA Ahead of July 4th Holiday

Gas prices are a penny cheaper in Western Pennsylvania this week at $3.764 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

This week’s average prices: Western Pennsylvania Average                         $3.764
Average price during the week of June 24, 2024                                              $3.778
Average price during the week of July 3, 2023                                                 $3.637

The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:      

$3.638      Altoona
$3.864      Beaver
$3.894      Bradford
$3.598      Brookville
$3.709      Butler
$3.686      Clarion
$3.677      DuBois
$3.744      Erie
$3.689      Greensburg
$3.672      Indiana
$3.803      Jeannette
$3.845      Kittanning
$3.858      Latrobe
$3.758      Meadville
$3.926      Mercer
$3.723      New Castle
$3.645      New Kensington
$3.868      Oil City
$3.765      Pittsburgh
$3.697      Sharon
$3.842      Uniontown
$3.899      Warren
$3.765      Washington

Trend Analysis:
After remaining steady for three weeks, the national average increased a nickel over the past week to $3.49. The move came as the cost of oil crossed the $80 per barrel mark, putting upward pressure on pump prices. Because oil costs account for about 54% of the cost of a gallon of gas, more expensive oil usually leads to more expensive gas.

Summer gasoline demand has been lower than last year, but with a record 60 million travelers forecast to hit the road for the July 4th holiday, demand may increase over the next ten days. Today’s national average is five cents less than a month ago and four cents less than a year ago.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand fell from 9.38 million barrels per day to 8.96 million last week. This demand level is about 240,000 barrels per day below the same week of last year. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose from 231.2 to 233.9 million barrels.

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate rose seven cents to $80.90 a barrel, up from $78.50 two weeks earlier. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 3.6 million barrels from the previous week. At 460.7 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are just 2% below the five-year average for this time of year.

Maria Elena Andrews (June 8, 1941 – June 30, 2024)

Maria Elena Papa Andrews, age 83, of Beaver, formerly of Gibsonia, passed away June 30, 2024 in Allegheny General Hospital. She was born June 8, 1941 in Rochester, PA. She was the daughter of the late Patsy A. and Mary D. [Pompa] Papa. She was a former bookkeeper with Hesse Services in Wexford. Maria was a former member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Rochester and former member of St. Ferdinand Roman Catholic Church. Maria attended and graduated from St. Cecilia Catholic School K-8 and then graduated from Rochester High School. She was a former den mother and scout leader and was known for her sense of humor, “lots of laughs” and nothing made her happier than family gatherings and her love of anything Italian. She was preceded in death by her husband William D. Andrews in 2013, and also by a sister and brother-in-law Rosalie and Robert Celio. She is survived by one daughter Michelle “Chelle” Robinson and her companion Ralph R. Pivirotto of Ohio Township and one son Kurt S. Robinson and his companion Christine Charlesworth of Evans City, two grandchildren Vanessa Pierandozzi and her husband Ty of Indian Hills, Colorado and Nickolas Robinson of Evans City, two great grandchildren Ophelia and Ruby. Maria is also survived by one brother and sister-in-law Frank G. and Cindy Papa of Patterson Township, one sister and brother-in-law Patty and Tom Kelly of Double Oak, Texas and several nieces, nephews and cousins, one aunt Antoinette “Aunt Nettie” Papa of Beaver, three stepsons William, Dan and Greg Andrews.

Maria’s wish was to be cremated. However friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM in St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Rochester. Inurnment will be in the Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

Arrangements are entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. 349 Adams St. Rochester, PA. The family wishes memorial contributions to a charity of choice.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Maria Elena Andrews please visit our Sympathy Store.

Shirley McKinnis (August 12, 1912 – June 27, 2024)

Shirley J. McKinnis, age 92, of Rochester Township, passed away peacefully on June 27th, 2024 at Villa St. Joseph, Baden. She was born August 12th, 1931 in Washington, PA. Shirley was the daughter of the late Edward and Georgia Lewis Rodgers. She was an employee of the former Kaufmann’s department store in Rochester as well as a Bell telephone operator in Washington, PA. Shirley was a member of Faith Community United Methodist church Rochester where she worked in the kitchen for various dinners. She was as also a member of MAC Sunday school class and previous president of the Rochester athletic mothers.
Shirley is survived by her husband Paul I. McKinnis. Surviving her as well are four children, Thomas E. McKinnis of Rochester Township, Timothy D. and Sandra McKinnis of Meadville, Paula S. and her favorite son-in-law Darel Pfeifer of Center Township, and Brad R. McKinnis of Beaver Falls. Shirley is also survived in life by her four grandchildren, Dirk Mckinnis, Michael Mckinnis and his companion, Nikki Smith, Matthew McKinnis, and Sydney Pfeifer, one great grandson Elyas McKinnis, and a former daughter-in-law, Arlene McKinnis.
Shirley’s wishes were to be cremated with no service. Arrangements are made entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc.
The family wishes memorial contributions to be made to the Faith Community United Methodist Church, 341 Jefferson St, Rochester, PA 15074.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Shirley McKinnis please visit our Sympathy Store.

Aliquippa man arrested and charged following domestic dispute

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published July 2, 2024 12:26 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) At 9:35pm Sunday, Aliquippa Police were dispatched to the 1800 block of Boundary Street for a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, police made contact with the victim and the defendant Anthony Vespaziani, 44, of Aliquippa, PA. The victim, according to the report, told police that Vespaziani choked her and struck her. Officers said they found marks and signs of abuse on the female.

Police said they found 2.1 grams of suspected crack cocaine, a crack pipe and other paraphernalia on a coffee table in the area where Vespaziani was seated in plain view.
Vespaziani was arrested and taken to the police station. He is charged with a felony count of strangulation. Misdemeanors of simple assault, drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, and a summary offense of harassment.

Jeffrey Scott Conner Jr. (December 19, 1988 – June 25, 2024)

Jeffrey Scott Conner Jr., 35, beloved son, brother, and father, left us too soon on June 25, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and passion for his family, basketball, mustangs, karate as a child, gaming and…his perfect credit score!
Born on December 19, 1988 in New Jersey, Jeffrey was a beacon of joy to all who knew him. His infectious smile and unwavering kindness endeared him to everyone he met.
His proudest moment was becoming a dad when his daughter, Amelia, was born.
Son of Ginny (Dale) Conner and the late Jeffrey Scott Conner, Sr. In addition to his dad, Jeffrey was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: Ronald Keith Dale and Peggy Dale, paternal grandparents: Marshall and Mabel Conner, three uncles: Paul Dale, Ronald Richardson and Peter Dale and an aunt, Kimberly Dale.
Jeffrey is survived by his loving family. His mom, Ginny Conner, his sister, Danielle Conner, his cherished daughter Amelia and her mom Kaylee McGuire. He is also survived by numerous caring aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Jeffrey was also a proud US Army veteran.
The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind.
We’ll miss you, Bud.
Visitation will be Wednesday July 3, 2024 from 12:00 – 2:00 pm in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001. Burial will immediately follow the visitation at Woodlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations to assist the family would be greatly appreciated.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jeffrey Scott Conner Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.

Stephen Umberto Crano (March 13, 1925 ~ June 26, 2024)

Stephen Umberto Crano, 99, of Ambridge, passed away at home on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, with his son Mark by his side.  Born March 13, 1925. Steve passed after a valiant battle with cancer. Our Dad put on his suite of armor and fought to the end like a true American solider. Steve was a Roman Catholic Christian by faith. A proud Veteran who served as a medic with the 14th Portable Surgical Hospital, World War II, and the Korean Conflict with the U.S. Army. Steve is survived by three sons and a daughter in-law. Steven Crano, Mark and Joann Crano, and James Sumpter, one daughter Bernadette Grimm, grandson Cameron Crano, two Great Grandchildren Brynn and Tyler Sumpter, and his special longtime lady companion, Shirley Kremer. “Shirley, Dad loved you!”    Also, two sisters, Mrs. Phyllis Hewitt of Sewickley, Pa, and Mrs. Gay DeMando of Massillon, OH.  Numerous nieces, nephews, family, friends in the Ohio and Pennsylvania area, and across the U.S. Last but not least, his two best buds, Skippy and Rocco, his mini-Poms. They went with him everywhere! Steve was proceeded in death by his beloved wife Elizabeth (Betty) Crano, parents, Antonio Crano and Annette (Tonti) Mack, sisters Eleanor Crano, Lenora Mack, Rose DeVenanzio, Marie Crano and brothers Frederick Crano and Anthony Crano. For decades Steve was an active member of the American Legion.  He was past commander of the Ambridge Post 341, Midland Post 481, Beaver County Commander, and District Commander. Steve also served on numerous National Committees with the American Legion. As a member of the American Legion, Steve was instrumental in getting special license plates for disabled veterans in Pennsylvania. He planted a garden each summer, and he loved going out whether to McDonald’s with Joann after a VA visit, or with Bernadette to a yard sale. He loved a good yard sale! If he saw something he thought you’d like, he’d buy it to surprise you. He cooked fresh dog food EVERYDAY for his two buddies. He spoke his mind and was a Patriot who loved talking’ politics. But in recent years, he was understandably frustrated about the treatment of our veterans, or lack thereof. He lived life his way. Steve will be greatly missed by those who truly loved him. Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM, in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, 724-266-2549. Departing prayers will be held at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 AM at Saint Luke the Evangelist Church, 725 Glenwood Ave, Ambridge. Burial with full military honors provided by the Beaver County Honor Guard will follow at Beaver Cemetery. Obituary can be viewed at alvarezhahnfs.com

James Dravenstott (January 19, 1939 ~ June 25, 2024)

James Dravenstott, 85, of Racoon Township, passed away on Tuesday, June 25,
2024, after an extended illness.
Jim was born and raised on a farm in Hitchens, KY. A son of the last Russell and
Juanita Dravenstott.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife Roberta
who has been waiting 5 years for him to join her, his sisters, Charlene Smith (Jim),
Phyliss Porter (June), brother John Dravenstott and brother-in-law (Joe McDavid).
He will be remembered and loved by his sister Joyce McDavid of Kentucky, son
and daughter in law Rodney and Beth Dravenstott of Chippewa and numerous
nieces and nephews.
Jim was retired from Pennsylvania Drilling where he was Vice President. He loved
to travel with Roberta, visiting almost all 50 states, enjoyed golfing with his son
and watching basketball, especially his Kentucky Wildcats.
Rod and Beth would like to thank Dr. Joseph Rooney and Dawn for their care and
support over the years. He thought the world of them.
Per Jim’s wishes, there will be no viewing. Memorial contributions may be made in
his name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Dravenstott, please visit our floral store.

Leland C. Rubino (Died June 28, 2024)

Leland “Lee” Carl Rubino, 81, of Monaca passed away on June 28, 2024. Visitation and

celebration of life for Lee will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Thursday, July 4 at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Friday, July 5 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Monaca (Please meet at the church). Private interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Lee was an avid fisherman, and he enjoyed trips to Las Vegas with friends. Lee graduated from Monaca Senior High School and enjoyed attending high school sporting events with his family. He was a lifetime member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Born in Rochester, he was the son of the late Charles W., Sr. and Frances M. (Ciccone) Rubino. He is preceded in death by his brother David F. Rubino.

Lee is survived by his children Trena (Eric) Sepos of Center Township and Darrin (Michelle) Rubino of Madison, Indiana; a grandson Christian Sepos; his brother Charles W., Jr. (Sandra) Rubino; sister-in-law Donna Rubino.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Salvatore Joseph Taormina (July 24, 1951 – June 25, 2024)

Salvatore Taormina, 72, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, in his Potter Twp home. Born on July 24, 1951, he was a graduate of Monaca High School. He traveled all over the world as a Quality Control Inspector. Salvie was a member of the Laborers and Pipefitters Unions as well as a longtime member of the Monaca Sons of Italy. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Taormina and his mother, Rafaella (Barella) Taormina, and his first wife, Terri (Best) Taormina.

Salvie is survived by his wife, Barbara (Roland) Taormina, his three loving daughters, Julie Taormina (Tim Depenhart), Jaimie Taormina, and Christine (Steven) Matiko, Brian Roland, and Laura Lonehill, his cherished grandchildren, Calista Taormina (Annamarie Difilippo), Acy Matiko (Caleb Neff), Taylor Harlow, Aidan Matiko, Bailee Harlow and Keenan Matiko- all from Beaver County, and many other grandchildren from out of state. He also leaves behind a sister, Josephine Taormina, and a brother, Frank (Kate) Taormina and his cats, Ducky, Maddie, and Sammy. Friends will be received on July 3 from 5PM-7PM followed by a prayer service at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, PA 15061 with refreshments after the service.

Salvie will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor and his kindness towards everyone. Anyone who met him immediately became part of his family. He was happiest when eating spaghetti and meatballs, surrounded by those who loved him. This obituary was lovingly prepared by his  children in his memory.

Deluzio Welcomes 2024 Art Competition Winner to Washington

Photo of the Congressman and Ms. Owens provided by the office of Congressman Chris Deluzio   

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio welcomed the winner of the Pennsylvania 17th Congressional District Art Competition to his office in Washington. Each spring, the House of Representatives sponsors a visual art competition for high school students for which young people from across the nation are invited to showcase their art and highlight their home congressional districts.

 

This year, Fox Chapel Area High School rising Junior, Mira Owens, took home first place in Congressman Deluzio’s competition. Her abstract painting, “JOY,” contains imaginative depictions of the artist’s daily life in Western Pennsylvania. She resides in Indiana Township.

 

“It was great to visit with Mira Owens in Washington today and celebrate her outstanding artistic talent,” said Congressman Deluzio. “The creative energy of the young artists in Western PA is inspiring, and I am honored to represent such creative and imaginative constituents like Mira. I can’t wait to see all they accomplish!”