Category: Obituaries

Robert T. “Pastor Bob” Singleton (1947-2026)

Robert T. Singleton, affectionately known as “Pastor Bob”, 78, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on February 8th, 2026, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa.

He was born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania on June 28th, 1947, a son of the late James and Ruth (Shaffer) Singleton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James “Jim” Singleton. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Carol A. (Hollis) Singleton, his daughters, Michelle (Kirk) Kettinger and Melissa (Tim) Zawislak, his grandchildren: Meghan, Jared (Meg), Jenna (Logan), Ryan (Lilly), and Shannon; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

Robert served most of his ministry years at the Rochester Free Methodist Church, where he also hosted his annual Pastor Bob’s Wild Game Dinner. He won many to Jesus Christ through his ministry and living example as a man of faith and family. He was an avid hunter throughout his life and took great joy in teaching hunter safety and the love of hunting to others. He served on numerous boards and committees through the years including being on the board of trustees at his alma mater, Roberts Wesleyan University.

A time of remembrance will be held on Saturday, February 28th from 3 p.m. until the time of memorial service at 4 p.m. at Rochester Free Methodist Church, 480 Jefferson Street, Rochester. A time of food and fellowship will also be held following services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rochester Free Methodist Church Food Pantry, 480 Jefferson St., Rochester, PA 15074.

The family wishes to extend a heart-felt “Thank You” to the staff at Celebration Villa of Chippewa, as well as the nurses at Gateway Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Robert and his family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Peter A. Napoli (1932-2026)

Peter A. Napoli, 93, of Daugherty Township, passed away on February 6th, 2026, in UPMC Passavant McCandless Hospital. He was born in Rochester on November 21st, 1932, the youngest child of the late Peter and Grace (Fucci) Napoli. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia in 1980, two brothers, Joseph (Rita) Napoli and Robert Napoli, four sisters: Dr. Virgina Napoli, Marian (Thomas) Boeh, Pat (Joseph) Porcelli and Grace (Theodore) Ruscitti and his very dear friend Elizabeth “Betty” Grimes. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Theresa Napoli, several cousins, nine nieces and nephews and many grand (and great grand) nieces and nephews.

Peter was a longtime member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and he frequently attended daily Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church in New Brighton. He was a graduate of the Pennsylvania Western University – California (then known as California State Teachers College), and he served as an instructor in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he worked as a teacher for 21 years in Beaver Falls, Freedom, and then finally Rochester Area School District where he retired as Principal. He held a 100-ton United States Coast Guard Master’s License and worked for several fleet services on the Pittsburgh Rivers and contributed his talents to the Carnegie (now Kamin) Science Center fleet. He was always happy to share his maritime knowledge with family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 26th, at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 521 7th Avenue, New Brighton. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Private interment will take place at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

Philip Edward Ward (1951-2026)

Philip Edward Ward, 74, of Freedom, passed away on February 7th, 2026, at Good Samaritan in Wexford. He was born on August 13th, 1951, a son of the late John Ward and Betty Reno Ward Galensky. In addition to his parents, Philip is preceded in death by his brother, John Ward Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of many years, Beverly Ward, his daughters, Heather Ward, Adelaide (Randi) Ward, and Amy Dougherty, his brother, James (Danila) Ward, his grandchildren: Oliver Ward, Briar Ward, Hannah Keblish, Connor Dougherty, and Harper Ward; as well as his special family members, Mike Dougherty and Heather Hargrove and a loving extended family.

Philip lived a life shaped by the open road and music. He was a truck driver by trade and spent years behind the wheel. Music was also his constant companion. He was a drummer in country rock bands and proudly played in the Rochester High School band, where his love for performing first took root. He remained deeply connected to music throughout his life, finding joy in the sound. He was a longtime member of the Croatian Club, where he enjoyed the sense of community and shared tradition. He was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan and he followed the team with loyalty. Some of his happiest moments were spent attending band festivals with his daughter, Heather, when they shared music and time together. Above all else, music was the thread that ran throughout his life, connecting his work, friendships, and his favorite memories.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a celebration of life which will be held at Baden Fire Hall, 47 Firehouse Lane, Baden on Saturday, February 21st, at 4 P.M. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Philip Edward Ward, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Jason Edward Spade (1971-2026)

Jason Edward Spade, 54, passed away on February 6th, 2026. He was born on October 18th, 1971, the son of Cathy D. (Kaufman) Spade and the late Edward A. Spade. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his aunts and uncles: Larry Kaufman, Linda Rachuba, Bill Kaufman, Joni Piser, John (Kimberly) Kaufman, JoAnn Martin, and Linda (Dave) Droz; as well as his nieces and nephews, Lori (Russell) Collins, Paul (Erin) Guber, Steven (Tetyana) Kaufman, Kristina (Matt) Kaufman, Amy (Ben) Krembs, Stacey Spade, Tom Rachuba, Bill (Amy) Rachuba, Adam (Denise) Kaufman, Ashley (Melissa) Kaufman, Cayla (Ricky) Perrine, David (Jessica) Kaufman, Daniel Kaufman, Amber (Steven) Campbell, Sidney (Kelly) Martin III, Robin (Terry) Holmes, James (Millie) Droz, Michelle (David) Fabricatore, Jennifer (Michael) Queen and Andrew (Laurel) Droz; along with his special cousins, Dawna and Jimmy Mike, and his best friends: Lucas Guthrie and JR and Jessica. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Lorraine Kaufman and Floyd and Gladys Spade, his step grandmother, Dorothy Kaufman, three aunts, Leah Guber, Susie Kaufman and Paula Kaufman, four uncles: Buzz Rachuba, Sidney Martin Jr., Marshall (Anne) Spade, and James W. Spade and two cousins, Sammy Spade and Jared Piser.

Jason was a loving son who brought great joy into the lives of others, and he loved his family deeply. Even in his final moments, Jason showed the depth of his caring heart by choosing to donate his organs, giving the gift of life to others. In his passing, he continues to bring hope and healing to families in need, embodying the compassion he lived by every day.

Jason was deeply loved by his family and friends. In his free time, Jason loved fishing. He had a special affection for feeding the birds, finding joy in their simple presence and the way they brightened his day. He also loved to play video games.

Friends and family are invited to join us in remembering and celebrating the life of Jason at the visitation, which will be held on Friday, February 13th from 2-8 p.m. at GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC.- 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, February 14th at 10:15 a.m. at Saint Felix Catholic Church, 450 13th Street, Freedom PA 15042.  Father Howard Campbell will officiate.

Private Interment will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery, 1101 9th Street Extension, Freedom.

Katherine A. Ciufo (1944-2026)

Katherine A. Ciufo, 81, of Beaver Falls, passed away on February 9th, 2026, at Cambridge Village. She was born in Beaver Falls on December 12th, 1944, the daughter of the late Michael and Kathryn Ridgeway Thellman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Ciufo and her son and daughter-in-law, Dion and Michelle Ciufo. She is survived by her granddaughter, Sophie Ciufo, who she called her “heart” and special friend, Terri DeChellis. Katherine was a graduate of the Beaver Falls High School with their class of 1962 and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Robert Morris University. She worked as a clerk for Clearview Federal Credit Union and then spent many years as a billing clerk for Gateway Rehab. She was a member of the St. Monica Parish, now St. Augustine Parish. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and sharing recipes with others. She was also an avid bingo player. What she valued most was spending time with her granddaughter. She will be remembered for how positive and generous she always was. Friends will be received on Friday, February 13th, from 4-7 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements. There will be a Mass on Saturday, February 14th, at 10 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.

Charlotte “Char” Ann Crider (1940-2026)

Charlotte “Char” Ann Crider, 85, passed away peacefully on February 7th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on September 11th, 1940, the daughter of the late Richard and Mable (Stephens) Beagle. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Puckett Jr., her second husband, Daniel W. Crider, her children, Teri Shafer and Jeffery Puckett and her brother, Dale Beagle. She is survived by her daughter, Roberta “Bobbie” Puckett; her sister, Beverly Morckel, her brother, Gary Beagle and her many cherished grandchildren: Richard (Suzanne) Puckett, Chasity Gorby, Brandy Reinhart, Chelsea Parks, Andrew (Margie) Shafer, and John Robert McLaughlin, a large and loving family of great-grandchildren: Madison, Richard, Gracie, Destiny, Cheyanne, Nathan, Breanna, Kenny, Kendra, Blake, Lillian, Eli, Sammy, David, Rhiannon, and Bentlee; as well as her great-great-grandchildren: Alexis, Serenity, Kinsley, Josiah, Sophia, Isabella, Anastasia, Zayden, Faith, Dominic, Janniah, Jo’Anna, Zayzon, and Preston; along with and a son-in-law, Stephen “Bubba” Shafer. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. She lived a life rooted in love, creativity, and adventure.

Charlotte was an avid baker with a true gift in the kitchen. She especially enjoyed designing beautiful wedding cakes, baking fresh bread, and creating all kinds of sweet treats. One of her proudest joys was working at Beans and Sweets in New Mexico, with her sister, where she shared her talents and love of baking with others. She was a member of the VFW in New Waterford, Ohio. She had an adventurous spirit and she loved to travel, explore national parks, and go camping whenever she could. She was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan and proudly wore black and gold and rarely missed a chance to cheer on her team. Above all else, her family meant everything to her. She also held a special place in her heart for her beloved pet, Butterball, and her fur grandbaby, Nola, who brought her constant companionship and joy. She will be remembered for her generous heart, adventurous soul, and unwavering love for her family. Her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched.

Friends and family will be received on Sunday, February 15th, from 1-4 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Charlotte’s honor to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Linda Kay Sporcic (1954-2026)

Linda Kay Sporcic, 71, of Freedom, passed away at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh on February 9th, 2026. She was born in Rochester on August 21st, 1954, the daughter of the late Ray P. and Edna Mae Black Rinehart. Linda is survived by her husband of fifty-one years, Edward C. Sporcic, as well as one daughter, Tracy L. Sporcic, one son, Michael E. Sporcic, and a grandson, Benjamin Sporcic, all of Freedom, one brother, Richard Rinehart, of Ambridge, and her k-9 companions, Maggie, Arlo, and Luna. Linda was a retired cafeteria monitor in the Freedom School District and she attended St. Felix Roman Catholic Church in Freedom.

Linda’s wishes were to be cremated with no services. All arrangements have been entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home, 349 Adams Street, Rochester, PA 15074.

The family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Carol J. Kusnir (1938-2026)

Carol J. Kusnir, 87, a loving mother of five and the adoring wife of 69 years to her husband, John Kusnir, passed away on February 8th, 2026, in the comfort of her own home. She was born on September 26th, 1938, the daughter of the late Raymond and Beverly (Funkhouser) McLaughlin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ray McLaughlin. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children: J. Michael (Jeannie) Kusnir, Frank (Kathleen) Kusnir, Carol Kusnir, R. Joseph (Lisa) Kusnir, and Margie (Tim) Brown; as well as her sister-in-law, Nancy McLaughlin, her grandchildren: Zachary (Irina) Kusnir, Alexis Kusnir, Nicholas Kusnir, Jaclyn Kusnir, Frank Kusnir Jr., Daniel Kusnir, John Kusnir, Danielle (Darnell Pringle) Kusnir, Robbie (Katie) Potts, Tracy (Ethan)Wong, Sean (Emily) Kusnir, and David (Evan) Kusnir; and lastly, her great-grandchildren: Caden, Viana, Nathan, Carly, Gia, Deora, Kya, Janie, and Everett; as well as Anthony Roberts and Rachel Mihalko, who held a special place in her heart.

Carol had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh that made anyone who heard it laugh harder. She was the best listener and gave honest advice without judgement. Above all else, family meant everything to her. She was proud of her heritage as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She also cherished her time as a Rainbow Girl faithfully keeping the secret “word” no matter how many times she was asked. She loved the Pittsburgh Steelers but also enjoyed sports of all kinds. Aruba held a special place in her heart as did Sugarcreek, Ohio. She also enjoyed shopping and reading. She enjoyed creating precious memories with her daughters. Their bond was filled with laughter, trust, and a love that shaped her life in a very meaningful way. She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness and her unwavering love towards her family. She will be greatly missed.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, February 12th, from 5 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home Inc., 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements.

A private burial will be held at Grove Cemetery, 1750 Valley Avenue, New Brighton.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at LIFE Beaver County for their kindness, compassion, and dedicated care.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carol J Kusnir, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Clay D. Wallace (1960-2026)

Clay D. Wallace, 65, of Baden, formerly of Marietta, Georgia, passed away on February 7th, 2026. He was born on August 11th, 1960, a beloved son of the late Bobby Jack and Patricia Wallace.

Clay is survived by his children, Courtney Wallace and Josh (Samantha) Wallace, his brother, Craig Wallace, his sister, Christy Wallace, his cherished grandson, Carter Jones and many dear friends who were like family to him.

Clay spent his career in the communications field before retiring, but his true passion was music. He loved traveling with bands and working in production alongside his lifelong friend, Kenny Wilker, creating memories that lasted a lifetime. After retirement, he embraced the simple joys of life, spending time outdoors, camping, sipping sweet tea, and sharing laughter and stories with friends and his beloved family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Marietta, Georgia. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Servcies and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Carolyn R. Folds (Passed on February 2nd, 2026)

Carolyn R. Folds, age 81, of Baden, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on February 2nd, 2026 after living many years with lung disease. She spent her life in Aliquippa, Center Township, and Monaca.

Carolyn was an independent free spirit who lived life on her own terms. She was known for her unmistakable sense of style, her bold clothing, eye-catching jewelry, and perfectly done hair always made a statement. Wherever she went, she brought personality and flair.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures and loved being outdoors at the lake, fishing, enjoying good company, and sipping her coffee. She had a fondness for the casino, bingo, playing cards, crafting, dressing up, and dancing to oldies music. Red convertibles held a special place in her heart, symbolizing her love of freedom and fun. Above all, she cherished the time spent laughing and sharing memories with family and friends.

While her life was filled with challenges, she was a fighter until her last breath and never let those struggles break her spirit or limit the dreams of her children. She carried burdens silently so others would not have to, consistently placing the needs of those she loved above her own. Her strength showed not in what she endured, but in how she ensured her children always felt supported, encouraged, and free to chase the lives they imagined.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, John S. Reid and Frances M. Reid, as well as her former husband and father of her children, Riley B. Folds, Jr.

She is survived by her sister, Shirley Anderson (Joe) of Arizona, her daughter, Johnene Petersen (Jaime) of Idaho, her son, Riley B. Folds III (Alfonso) of California, her beloved granddaughter, Emily Bogard, her special friend, Perry Alexander and a large extended family who will miss her dearly.

Carolyn was a woman of Catholic faith. Interment will take place with her parents at St. John the Baptist Cemeter, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2026, with details to be shared at a later time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carolyn’s memory to BreathePA, www.breathepa.org/donate.

A special thanks to the staff and caregivers at Concordia Villa St. Joseph, especially her aide Brittany, as well as her pulmonologist Dr. Benjamin Laracuente.