Category: Obituaries

Janice L. White-Faingnaert (1958-2026)

Janice L. White-Faingnaert, 67, formerly of Sewickley and Ambridge, passed away on April 29th, 2026. She was born on July 18th, 1958, a daughter of the late Lee and Ruby White. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James “JC” Faingnaert and her brother, Jimmy White. She is survived by her loving children, Josh (Nicole) Faingnaert and Jamie Faingnaert, her sisters, Barbara Swayer and Marjorie Gibson and her cherished grandchildren: Alexander Buzard, Jayce Rumbaugh, Dakota Chipman, and Aaron Aken. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Kathleen McClain and Marilyn Young, many adopted grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Janice dedicated many years to customer service, working at Red Cap Cleaners and Giant Eagle. She was a devoted homemaker and a supportive, involved mother who took pride in being a homeroom mom for her children. She enjoyed camping and listening to country and oldies music. Known for her sense of humor, she often joked that one of her grandsons would always be “stuck with her”—a sentiment made especially meaningful as she passed on his birthday.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, May 9th, from 2 P.M. until the time of a funeral service at 5 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that a single rose be purchased to accompany Janice on her final journey.

Lawrence Raftery (Passed on April 25th, 2026)

Lawrence Raftery passed away suddenly of cardiac arrest on April 25th, 2026. He was born and raised in Monaca. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clara Mihalco Raftery and Lawrence Clyde (Mike) Raftery. He is survived by his sister, Pamela Varga.

After graduating from Monaca High School, Lawrence earned a law degree from Pitt University. He worked as a law librarian at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut until he returned home to take care of his elderly parents Clara and Mike Raftery. He continued to work from home in the filed of law research. He had a great sense of humor and a kind generous nature. He enjoyed giving gifts to his friends and family and always knew just what to give them. At holiday times, he donated hundreds of dollars in gift items to the Yellow Ribbon Girls, the Monaca Presbyterian Church and other charities. He enjoyed watching Life Time movies on TV and joked about how ridiculous and predictable the plots were. Although he didn’t have much of a “green thumb,” he enjoyed gardening. He filled the backyard and front yard with shrubs, plotted plants, colorful benches and garden art. Every spring, he would tear out the many dead plants and plant more. He wanted to fill the yard so he wouldn’t have to cut grass, a task that he hated. He joked about the “evil” rabbits that would always nibble at his plantings. He also enjoyed drawing and arts and craft projects. He drew a beautiful portrait of his mother Clara that was proudly hung in the family living room. Family was the most important thing in his life. He took loving care of his parents when they grew older and assumed management of the household. He and his sister were very close and loved to tease each other. He always looked after her giving help when needed along with lots of advice about life. He is greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

Donations in his honor can be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Friends will be received on Friday, May 8th from 4-6 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where services will be held at 6 p.m.

Richard S. Hoko, Jr. (1972-2026)

Richard S. Hoko, Jr., 54, of Rochester, passed away on April 28th, 2026. He was born on January 25th, 1972, a beloved son of Margaret Hoko and the late Richard S. Hoko Sr. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Stephen Hoko, his nephew, Stephen Hoko Jr., his stepfather, James Wojcuich and the mother of his children, Stephanie Susie. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his children, Ashley and Taylor Hoko, and Joshua Kinds, his cherished grandchildren, Brayden Hoko, Kinsley Hoko-Scott and Alexandria Hoko-Hemer, his nieces, Alexandria Hoko and Marley Hoko, his nephew, JT Thompson and a close family friend, Ryan Scott.

Richard was a graduate of Freedom High School and worked for many years at Graebel Van Lines. He enjoyed flying drones, playing gambling games on his phone, camping and attending music festivals, fishing, and riding his electric scooter. He was strong-willed, generous, and always willing to help others. He had a deep love for animals and was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins. Above all, he cherished his family, especially his grandchildren.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 6th, from 3-7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a funeral service will take place on Thursday, May 7th, at 11:00 A.M., with burial to follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, 1101 9th Street Extension, Freedom,

Thomas Richard “Tom” Everett (1944-2026)

Thomas Richard “Tom” Everett, 81, of Moon Township, passed away peacefully on April 25th, 2026. He was born in Swissvale on September 22nd, 1944, a son of the late Thomas James and Rita Dolores (Voegtle) Everett. He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane (DiPietro) Everett, his sister, Betty, his brother, Jerry, 16 nieces and nephews, his three daughters and their families, Beth (Rob), Adrienne (Matthew), and Meghan (Sean), including his ten cherished grandchildren: Jonathan, Sarah, and Jacob Miller, Julia, Bridget, and Thomas McDonnell and Elliot, Adrienne, Carissa, and Peter McMillan.

Thomas’ father had been drafted during World War II and was taken prisoner of war in Germany just after Thomas’ birth. He was 8 months old when his father came home. He grew up alongside his four sisters: Patricia Pcolar, Barbara Wisniewski, Betty Roseborough, and Jaquie Topinka, and his younger brother, Jerry, whom he proudly helped name. After meeting the love of his life, he served in the U.S. Army in Germany for 18 months as a ballistics meteorologist. Following his honorable discharge, the two were married and went on to build a life together, raising their three daughters: Beth (Rob Miller), Adrienne (Matthew McMillan), and Meghan (Sean McDonnell) in Moon Township. He enjoyed a long and accomplished career as a construction project manager, working for Dick Corporation and the Hunt Corporation. He contributed to numerous major construction projects, including a nuclear power plant in Shippingport, the State Capitol East Wing and fountain in Harrisburg, the formerly known Heinz Field, the Giant Center in Harrisburg (home of the Hershey Bears), the formerly known Cleveland Browns Stadium, and Pittsburgh International Airport Midfield Terminal Project, among others. He was proud to watch people enjoying the places he helped build. He was a true do-it yourselfer who took great pride in home improvement projects, installing bathrooms, flooring, woodwork, custom shelving, etc in their home. He generously helped his daughters with countless projects from installing appliances to renovating kitchens. He was known for being the life of the party and a wonderful dancer, a reputation well-earned at his daughters’ weddings. He enthralled the crowd with his singing of “It’s Something That We Do” at his daughter’s wedding. In his free time, he loved golfing, taking his Corvette out for a drive, playing cards, listening to opera music, and, most of all, spending time with his grandchildren. A highlight for him was the time he spent with his family. They traversed the Pennsylvania turnpike many times to attend piano recitals, sporting events, performances,and other special events for grandchildren on the east end of the state. For more than 20 years, he spoiled his family with a week together at Myrtle Beach and celebrated his 50th anniversary with Diane by taking everyone to Walt Disney World. He and Diane also enjoyed vacationing together, whether it was touring America, Europe, South America, or visiting their timeshare on Marco Island.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, May 4th, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. at Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 5th, at 10 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Church, 1 Parish Place, Coraopolis, with a luncheon reception to follow.

Elizabeth Miley Latella (1949-2026)

Elizabeth Miley Latella, 77, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away, surrounded by love, while visiting family in Connecticut on April 23rd, 2026. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She dedicated her life to her family, helping others, and her passions, gardening, teaching, and philanthropy. She was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on January 20th, 1949, the daughter of the late Patrick Dubbs Miley and Frances Patrick. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by death by many more loving aunts and uncles and relatives. She is survived by her husband of almost 56 years, Donald, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, her daughter, Liza, her son-in-law, Marshall, her grandchildren, Marshall and Baker of Darien, Connecticut, her daughter, Leah Latella, her son-in-law, Alex Scott of Iowa City, Iowa, her brother, Eugene Miley of Beaver and loving nephews, nieces, and relatives.

Elizabeth spent her childhood in Brighton Township and Beaver and every summer at her grandparents’ home in Oxford, Georgia. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Emory University and received a Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Georgia. She taught Special Education in Georgia and Tennessee. She was very involved in her community throughout her life, always with joy and guided by her faith in God. She was an active member of Highland Presbyterian Church, the Women’s Circle, the Bible Study Fellowship, the Fayetteville Garden Club, the Fayetteville Symphony, and other organizations. She served as a docent at the North Carolina Governor’s Mansion and volunteered as a cuddler for premature babies in the NICU at Cape Fear Valley Hospital. She loved playing mahjong with her friends. She particularly loved holidays, entertaining, and getting the family together at the beach. She served in many leadership capacities during her husband Donald’s career in the United States Army. As a commander’s wife, she was at the forefront of family life, coordinating all officers’ wives’ activities, communications during deployments, and supporting the health and welfare of all soldier families, even conducting bread-making classes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The CARE Clinic in Fayetteville, North Carolina. For more information, visit: www.thecareclinic.org. Elizabeth will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, her bright presence, energy, and devotion to family and friends.

Elizabeth was special and will be deeply missed. A celebration of her life will take place on Friday, May 8th, at 10 a.m. at Highland Presbyterian Church, 111 Highland Avenue, Fayetteville, North Carolina, with a reception following in the fellowship hall. She will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. (and/or Arlington, Virginia) at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

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

Saundra Lee Leonard (Passed on April 27th, 2026)

Saundra Lee Leonard, 82, of Monaca, passed away after a lengthy battle with breast cancer on April 27th, 2026. Saundra (Sandy to most) was born and raised in Johnstown. Not long after earning a Master’s Degree in Music Education from IUP, she met the love of her life, John, and moved to Beaver County.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Elizabeth and Kelvan Straver, a brother, Kelvan Eugene Straver, and many aunts and uncles. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, John Leonard, two children, Noel (Rich) Shadley and Kelvan (Carrie) Leonard, five grandchildren: Dustin (Jenna) Leonard, Gage (Avery) Shadley, Tori (Zach) Miller, Kaylee Leonard, and Morgan Leonard; as well as three great-grandchildren, Amora, Ronan, and Holden Miller.

Saundra loved traveling, camping, music, and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite places to travel were Aruba and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where she would see her favorite Southern Gospel singers, The Gaither Vocal Band, perform many times. Yearly visits to Jumonville and a multitude of camping trips to Atwood Lake with her friends and family brought good times, lots of laughs, and a significant amount of mischief. She was the choir director at the United Methodist Church in Rochester for countless years, and always enjoyed showing off her exceptional skills on the piano.

Friends will be received on Monday, May 4th from 5-8 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 Tuesday, May 5th at 10 p.m. with Pastor Allen officiating.

Justin Michael Hayes (Passed on April 28th, 2026)

Justin Hayes, 40, of Monaca, passed away peacefully at home on April 28th, 2026.

He was born in Altoona, a son of the late Jacalyn Hayes and Walter Hayes.

Justin married the love of his life, Shantelle Hayes, in Gallitzin on October 17th, 2020, a day that meant everything to him. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his mother-in-law, Lynn Dashner (Sam), his stepmother, Donna Hayes (Bernie), his grandmother, Rosie Karabinos, his sister, Katrina Burick (Adam), his brother, Randy Lee, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, close friends, his gaming buddies, and his beloved cats. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Patricia and Walter Hayes, John and Stella Vocco and Michael Karabinos; along with his brothers, Scottie Lee and Shawn Hayes.

Justin was a graduate of Penn Cambria, Class of 2003, and a proud member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. He was a skilled painter and finisher who took pride in his work and the life he built with his hands. He loved being outdoors fishing, camping, and hiking whenever he could. He enjoyed gardening with his wife, always making sure her plants were cared for. He had a passion for video games and shared countless laughs and late nights with his gaming buddies. He was a huge Pittsburgh Penguins fan who rarely missed a chance to watch a game. He also had a creative spirit and found peace in painting and working on his home. More than anything, he will be remembered for being the absolute best hugger, his genuine smile, and the kindness he showed towards others. The deep love he had for his wife, family, and friends. He had a way of making people feel comfortable, understood, and cared for without needing to say much at all.

The memories he created, the love he gave, and the life he lived will continue on in the hearts of those who knew him. He was deeply loved, and his absence will be felt forever.

A celebration of Justin’s life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Mary Geraldine Drylie (1926-2026)

Mary Geraldine Drylie, 99, of Beaver, passed away at home on April 26th, 2026.

She was born in New Brighton on June 11th, 1926, in New Brighton, a daughter of the late Joseph and Clara Zubaly. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert O. Drylie Jr., her son, Robert O. Drylie III, her brother, Joseph Zubaly and her sister, Jackie Majors. She is survived by her daughters, Denise Diehl and Susan Schuller, her grandchildren: Keith Diehl, Scott Diehl, Lacy Iacano and Greg Schuller; as well as her great-grandchildren, Addison Iacano and Samantha Diehl.

Mary and her husband, Bo, lived all over the United Sates, and traveled extensively in Europe. Her favorite time was antiquing every Sunday with her daughter. The family was beginning to plan her 100th birthday celebration, which she was so looking forward to.

In accordance with Mary’s wishes, a private family service will be held.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009.

Online condolences my be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

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

Donald Alfred Zaffaroni (1943-2026)

Donald Alfred Zaffaroni, 83, of Chippewa Township, passed peacefully on April 27th, 2026, at Beaver Valley Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Beaver Falls.

A chapel service with military honors will be held on Thursday, April 30th at 1 P.M. at Williamsburg Chapel of Beaver Falls Cemetery & Mausoleum with entombment to follow.

The GABAUER-LITTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, is honored to provide care and guidance to the Zaffaroni family and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Patricia Ann (Fraser) Winkle (Passed on April 27th, 2026)

Patricia Ann (Fraser) Winkle, 82, of Industry, passed away on April 26th, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Rochester and was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a daughter of the late William and Mary Fraser and was also preceded in death by her son, William Winkle, her daughter, Mary Kay Winkle, her sister, Kay Yeager, and her brother, George Fraser. She is survived by her four children, Richard A. Winkle and his wife Cheryl, Tim Winkle and his wife, Valerie, Tom Winkle and his wife, Debbie, and Nikki Johnson and her husband, Phillip. She also leaves behind four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren who will carry forward her memory with love and gratitude.

Patricia was raised in Baden and attended Freedom Area Schools. She built her life with a strong sense of loyalty, resilience, and pride in her heritage. She was proud of her Scottish background, a part of her identity that she held close throughout her life. She worked in various places over the years, and in her later working years, she was employed as a cashier at the Monaca Walmart. Above all, she treasured her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. She found joy in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she embraced every opportunity to be part of their world. Her family brought her great happiness, and her love for them was evident in the care, encouragement, and affection she shared so freely.  She loved watching afternoon soap operas and NCIS, and she found enjoyment in the steady company of the characters and stories she followed.

Friends will be received on Saturday, May 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 Sunday, May 3rd at 2 p.m. with Pastor Randy Owens, officiating. Interment will take place on Monday, May 4th at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

In lieu of flower, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired in her memory to the Beaver County Cancer and Heart Association, 3582 Brodhead Road, Suite #201, Monaca, PA. 15061 or Children’s Hospital, Pittsburgh or St Jude Children’s Hospital.