Category: Obituaries

Rosetta (Ely) Baker (Passed on April 1st, 2026)

Rosetta Ely Baker, 81, a lifelong resident of Monaca, passed away on April 1st, 2026 at her residence. She was born in Beaver Falls, a daughter of the late Keith and Ella Ely. She was united in marriage to her beloved husband, William P. Baker, on April 4th, 1981. Together, they shared many years of love and companionship until his passing on August 8th, 2013. Their marriage was a lasting example of commitment and care, and the memories they created together remained close to Rosetta’s heart throughout her life.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters: Beatrice Knowlson, Barbara Vanats, Mary Lou Jeffers, and Sandy Hunter, as well as her brothers, Charles Ely, Keith Thomas Ely, and Ralph Ely. Though she experienced the loss of many loved ones, she carried their memory with grace and held her family bonds close throughout her life. She is survived by her children, Shirell Tislaretz and her husband, Frank, Sharon Molnar and her husband, Dean, LeRoy Ball and his wife, Ginger, and James Ball and his wife, Denise, her cherished ten grandchildren: Travis (Danielle)Tislaretz, Tyler (Catie) Ball, Leah Ball, Sharon (William) Gilliam, Allison Ball, Treyton Ball, Ella Ball, Frankie Fields, Selena Ball, and Matthew Berger; as well as her beloved great-grandchildren, Baker and Blake Tislaretz, as well as Jase Gilliam and William and Luca Ball, her sister, Bev Crisman, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In her leisure time, Rosetta enjoyed playing Bunko and Bingo, pastimes that brought her laughter, friendship, and fun. She was also a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan and followed the team with enthusiasm and pride. These interests were part of the personality that made her memorable to those around her. She will be remembered for her loving heart, her devotion to family, and the strength she carried throughout her life.

Friends and family will be received on Friday, April 3rd from 3 -8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where services will be held on Saturday, April 4th at 10 a.m. The Reverend James Sands, pastor of the Monaca United Methodist Church will officiate. Entombment will follow in Beaver Cemetery Mausoleum, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Rose’s memory , are asked to please consider http://roseadvocacy.org.

Edward Anthony Malack (1938-2026)

Edward Anthony Malack, 88, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home in White Township, surrounded by his loving family, on April 1st, 2026. He was born in Beaver Falls on March 29th, 1938. His parents were Anthony and Mary (Biswick) Malack. He was raised in a home filled with love, family, and faith, he carried those values throughout his life.

Edward’s earned degrees in mathematics, general engineering, and mechanical engineering from Geneva College and the University of Pittsburgh, later becoming a licensed Professional Engineer. His expertise benefited companies including Babcock & Wilcox, Chester Environmental, Baker Hughes, and McCarl’s Process Systems. His dedication and integrity left a lasting impact on colleagues and family alike. His commitment to excellence extended beyond his professional life. He dedicated time to his community by coaching Little League baseball and keeping score for the Enelow’s Pony League team during his children’s involvement. Throughout, he remained a devoted supporter of Pitt athletics and continually encouraged us to pursue our dreams and appreciate life’s simple joys. He was a proud member of the Beaver County Society of Engineering and the National Society of Professional Engineers, and his faith was central to his life as a member of Holy Trinity Parish in Beaver Falls and Holy Family Church in New Brighton, as well as Our Lady of the Valley Parish

Above all, his greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Linda (Jankowski) Malack, who stood by his side through every chapter. Heis also survived by his sons, Mark (Kylie) Malack and Edward (Andrea) Malack, and his grandchildren, Alexander “Alex” Malack, Nora Malack, and Christian Malack, who will always cherish his kindness, wisdom, and unconditional love.

Friends will be received on Monday, April 6th from 1-8 P.M. at the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered Tuesday, April 7th at 9:15AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at Holy Family Church, 521 7th Ave., New Brighton, with Fr. Howard Campbell officiating. Edward will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls.

Victor Manuel Palermo Jr. (1949-2026)

 Victor “Vic” Manuel Palermo, Jr., 76, of Beaver passed away on March 29th, 2026. He was born in New York City on October 2nd, 1949, a son of the late Delfina Lugo and Victor M. Palermo Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Tommy and Fernando. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Aracelis, his children: Colleen, Melissa, Devon, and Victoria; as well as seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, his sisters, Nelly, Nancy, and Yasmine, his brother, Wally and numerous relatives and friends.

Victor was raised in New York City and moved to Northern Virginia in the 90’s, and then to Beaver, PA in 2007. He was a proud liver transplant recipient, having received the lifesaving organ in 2009. Despite various health issues throughout his life, he was a fighter and a walking miracle. He was a tough guy who appreciated looking good and feeling good. He was a proud “Nuyorican” who loved his rice and beans and salsa music.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 4th from 12 noon-4 p.m. at the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Out of town family and friends can join virtually on zoom with this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82524688113?pwd=SuAiWZYOBjkDP38ITgtBYpx8mrmlTW.1

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Victor Manuel Palermo Jr., please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Phoenix Soleil Hale (2007-2026)

Phoenix Soleil Hale, 18, of Cranberry Township, passed away on March 18th, 2026 due to health issues stemming from her battle with ovarian cancer.

She was born on December 27th, 2007 and was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, her paternal grandmother, her baby brother, Shiloh Hale and her cousins, Aleksander Teimouri and Nicholas Debiase. She is survived by her loving parents, Marcia and Falcon Hale, her elder sister, Cheyenne Hale, her younger brother, Tacoma Hale, her maternal grandmother, Dolores Fleis, her paternal grandfather, Enoch Hale, her maternal uncles, Mark (Marianne) Fleis and Richard Fleis, her maternal aunts: Dr. Christina (Craig Debiase) Teimouri, Angela (Rick) Gatenby, and Andrea (Mauricio) Giraldo; as well as her paternal aunts: Virginia Primus, Sheryl Cross, Veronica Smith, and Brenda Hale; along with her paternal uncles: Michael Cross, Jason Hale, Rod Hale, and Derrick Hale; as well as her cherished cousins, Michael, Maci, Kiera, Evan, Aryelle, Christian, Mary, Johnny, Matthew, Katelyn, and Allison.

Phoenix will forever be remembered for her beautiful, warm, artistic, and tender soul, whose passion for creating and gifting in artwork touched so many and left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She will be fondly remembered for the kindness and generosity she shared so freely. She won multiple art contests at her Ambridge elementary school starting in kindergarten and later won the Holiday Greeting Card Contest in 2017 and 2018. She was the designer of her school’s yearbook front cover and elected president of her fifth-grade class.  She then moved to Cranberry Township school district and continued to make artistic contributions there, in the school’s yearbooks. She was the winner of the digital art award at Robert Morris University. From a young age, her fire for the arts grew stronger and brighter when she began to animate her own storylines using creative outlets, including a YouTube channel she began around the age of ten. While recovering from cancer surgery and removal of ovarian tumors, she also illustrated a published children’s book, The Alligator and His Yummy Fish Dish, leaving behind a lasting testament to her artistic talent. Pairing her artform with an interest in studying psychology, her goal was to develop her own production company comparable to Pixar, and make animated movies with inspirational messages of hope, health, and well-being.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:30 PM on Thursday, May 28th at St. Ferdinand Church, 2535 Rochester Roadd, Cranberry Township, where a Mass with Reverend Joseph Carr will immediately follow at 7:30 PM. After Mass, the family has invited everyone to enjoy an outdoor Sundae Bar as the sun sets, in honor of “our little Yum-Yum” as she was affectionately nicknamed for her love of treats, her favorite being ice cream Sundaes!

In honor of her memory, her children’s book remains available for those who wish to celebrate her creativity: The Alligator and his Yummy Fish https://a.co/d/018aOmM7

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

The family would like attendees to RSVP for the celebration of life at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoIaN1QDKEyNRF3s4te0_fFCAu-umY8sQcwOkNJj2jpLgVJw/viewform

Robert Alan “Bob” Kennelly (1970-2026)

Robert Alan “Bob” Kennelly, 55, of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on March 30th, 2026, in the comfort of his home, following a two-year battle with cancer. He was born in Sewickley on December 4th, 1970, a son of Nadine Kennelly and the late Jack Kennelly. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Krisha (Medziuch) Kennelly, their son, Evan Kennelly, his brother, John (Leah) Kennelly, his sister, Andrea Landry, his brother-in-law, Bob (Kim) Medziuch, his sister-in-law, Chris Medziuch, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Bronislaw and Emilia Medziuch and his brothers-in-law, Jim Landry and Rich Medziuch.

Robert earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting along with an MBA from Robert Morris University and was recently retired from Bridgeway as Corporate Controller. Throughout his career, he took a special interest in mentoring and guiding those he supervised. He was a member of St. Monica Church in Beaver Falls, part of St. Augustine Parish, where he had served on the parish finance council. He was quick-witted and a gifted storyteller who always brought joy and laughter to any gathering. He was always eager to lend a helping hand to anyone in need with a steady presence of commitment. He was active in the community having coached youth soccer and served as a Cub Scout leader. Most importantly, he was a devoted father to his son, Evan, supporting and encouraging him in all he did.

Friends will be received on Monday, April 6th from 4-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered on Tuesday, April 7th at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at St. Monica Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. Fr. John Naugle will serve as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Monica Catholic Academy Angel Fund, 609 10th Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Jacob Wolf (1930-2026)

Jacob Wolf, 96, of Darlington Township, passed away on March 30th, 2026 at his residence. He was born in Ruma, Serbia on February 16th, 1930. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Hilda (Bechtold) Wolf, a daughter, Corinna Lisa Wolf, and a brother, George. He is survived by his children, Ellen (Ken) Wolfe, Ron P. Wolf, and Annette (Wu) Feng, his grandchildren, Josh, Akaela, and Kai: as well as great grandchildren, Emma, Grace, and Benjamin.

In 1958, Jacob and his wife, Hilda, immigrated to the United States from then West Germany to start a new life with their young family. He worked hard to learn skills of the building trade, at first driven by the need to support his family but then by his love of the work. He was a skillful plumber who joined the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union #115 in 1969. In the 1980s, he transitioned to Plumbers & Steamfitters LU #47, then most recently to Plumbers LU #27. He will be remembered as a devoted family man whose life was rooted in love, patience, generosity, and quiet strength. He found great joy in his retirement, working outside almost every day to tend to his garden. He cherished the moments spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always looking for opportunities to share his wealth of knowledge, especially when it came to the garden.

Friends will be received on Friday, April 3rd from 3-7 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements. His wishes for cremation will be honored following the visitation.

Pastor Paul M. Strano (Passed on March 30th, 2026)

Pastor Paul M. Strano, 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 30th, 2026, at Allegheny Health Network Wexford Hospital. He was born in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and was raised in the Ambridge and Conway area, where the values of faith, family, and hard work took root in his life and remained with him always. He was a beloved son of the late George and Vee Strano. Paul was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Rebecca (Becky) Tedys Strano, his son, Dan Strano and his wife, Aubrey and his cherished granddaughter, Wynn, his brother, Andy Strano and his wife, Linda of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, his brother, Ralph Strano and his wife, Debbie Beck of Lexington, Kentucky and his sister, Susie Vandergrift and her husband, Mark of Clinton, Pennsylvania. He will be dearly missed by his cherished nieces and nephews, as well as many beloved cousins, all of whom he loved deeply.

Pastor Paul lived a life marked by devotion to God, steadfast love for his family, and a warm presence that touched the lives of many. He faithfully filled the pulpit as the pastor of the New Life Assembly of God Church in Conway. His ministry was a meaningful part of his life, and he was deeply respected for the way he shepherded his congregation with compassion, wisdom, and dedication. He loved all sports and had a special appreciation for the excitement and camaraderie they brought. One of his proudest memories was pitching a doubleheader no-hit softball game, an accomplishment that reflected both his talent and his competitive spirit. He also enjoyed hunting. Whether in the pulpit, with family, or enjoying the activities he loved, he lived with enthusiasm and purpose.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 4th from 4-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SEVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Twila J. Zendt (1952-2026)

Twila J. Zendt, 74, passed away peacefully at home in Rochester on March 30th, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones after a long and courageous battle with MDS blood cancer. She was born on November 24th, 1952, a daughter of the late Jesse Dilling and Rena Hardman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and the love of her life, Lee Snyder Zendt. She is survived by her two daughters, Twila Cox of Darlington and Hope Matos of Rochester, her beloved and “favorite” son-in-law, Jose Matos, her two sisters, Sandy Ambrose and Wanda Wright (Donald Wright), numerous nieces and nephews, nine grandchildren: Holly Altenburg (partner David Bailey), Ciera Springer (Joshua Springer), Randy, Zachary, Dennis, Katie Cox, Tiffany Cox, Joe Cox, and Travis Bratt; as well as seventeen great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy, her beloved cat, Dusty, who was always by her side, and her lifelong friends, Winnie Klink, Sherry Bishop, and Barb McBride, who stood by her through the years.

Twila was a loving mother, grandmother, and Great Grandmother, sister, and friend whose strength and devotion to her family never wavered. She had a deep love for those closest to her and found her greatest happiness in the time she spent with them. She would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to her daughter, Hope, for the compassionate and devoted care she provided during Twila’s end-of-life journey. Deep gratitude is also extended to the staff of Pinnacle Hospice: Jenna, Jessica, and Christine, for their kindness, compassion, and support during this difficult time. Her strength, love, and unwavering dedication to her family will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed and forever held in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Friends will be received on Friday, April 3rd from 4 P.M. until the time of a Memorial Service at 6 P.M. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester, 502 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of her arrangements. Interment will take place on Saturday, April 4th at 10 A.M. in Crest Haven Memorial Gardens, 6086 OH-7, New Waterford, Ohio.

Claudette “Jane” LaMantia (1943-2026)

Claudette “Jane” LaMantia, 83, of Midland, passed away peacefully on March 30th, 2026. She was born in Midland on February 17th, 1943, a daughter of the late Charles and Agnes Cirelli. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard LaMantia. She is survived by her two brothers, Chuck (Ruth) Cirelli of Ohioville and Randy (Bev) Cirelli of Valencia, her sister, Patricia (Rev. Dave) Frank of Erie and her cherished nieces and nephews: Tami (Keith) Burke, Chuck (June) Cirelli, Cristen (Rev. Will) Bridges, David (Kristen) Frank, Steven (Erica) Frank, Jared Cirelli, Caleb (Abbey) Cirelli, Karri (Richie) Hall, and Bill Parsons; along with many great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews who brought her great joy.

Claudette was a lifelong resident of the community she loved. She married Richard LaMantia on October 26th, 1985, and together they built a life rooted in faith. She dedicated 43 years of her life to working at the Beaver County Courthouse in the Data Processing Department before her retirement. She was known for her strong work ethic and kindness. She was a woman of deep faith who was a lifelong member of Christian Assembly Family Church in Ohioville, where she faithfully served as a board member, teacher, church camp counselor, and active participant in church life. Her love for the Lord and her church family was evident in everything she did. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Beaver Meadows for the excellent care and compassion they provided to Jane during her final year.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, April 8th from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. at Christian Assembly Family Church, 6241 Tuscarawas Road, Ohioville. Pastor Bill Anzevino will officiate. A private interment will follow at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christian Assembly Church or Bridges for Life Ministries, 6241 Tuscarawas Road, Industry, PA 15052.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Claudette Jane LaMantia, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Holly A. (McGaffick) Gantz (Passed on March 30th, 2026)

Holly A. (McGaffick) Gantz, 72, of Center Township, a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away on March 30th, 2026, at Heritage Valley, Beaver. She was born in New Brighton, a daughter of the late Robert D. McGaffick and Olive Grace (Boyd) Moore. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Wayne T. Eder, her brother, Robert James McGaffick, and her former fiancé, Raymond Maylone. She is survived by her daughters: Elizabeth (John) Hovan, Theresa Eder and Chris Maderia, and Amanda (Jeremy) Rodgers; as well as eight grandchildren: Elecia McGrantham (Dante), Jake and Joshua Hovan, Jeremy “JD” Rodgers, Jr., Roland Rodgers, Rylee and June Eder, and Carrie (Matt) Stumpf; along with three great-grandchildren, Decklan and Laiten Hawkins and Haven Stumpf. She is also survived by her former husband, Harry “Ted” Eder, her sisters, Linda Hall, Debbie Glass and Carol Armendariz and a brother, David McGaffick, along with many nieces, nephews, her “adopted” children such as her children’s stepsister, Ashley Lewandowski (Tim) and many special friends who will forever hold her close in their hearts.

Holly was raised in Beaver County, where she learned the values of hard work, kindness, and loyalty and was known for her smiling face and always having a positive personality. She worked for a few years at the former Geriatric Center before moving to Tucson, Arizona in 1994. There, she began a new chapter in her life and started her career as a phlebotomist. After returning home, she continued her professional life with the American Red Cross, where she served with care and commitment. Above all, she was a mother to everyone. She welcomed people into her life with open arms and a loving heart, and she was known for having many “adopted” children who found comfort, guidance, and encouragement in her presence.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, April 2nd from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where services will be held on Friday, April 3rd at 11 a.m. with her nephew, LeRoy McGee, officiating.

A special thank you is extended for the care and dedication that was received from Heritage Valley, Beaver’s nurses Craig and Doug and the hospital staff from time she entered the ER to the CCU that saw her through to the end.

The family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired in Holly’s name to Suicide Prevention or the Beaver County Heart and Cancer Association, 3582 Brodhead Road #201, Monaca, PA 15061.