Category: Obituaries

Leonard Alan Gustafson (1945-2026)

Leonard Alan Gustafson, 80, of Beaver Falls, passed away on June 14th, 2026, at Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born in Montclair (Glen Ridge), New Jersey on December 10th, 1945, a son of the late Robert (Torsten) and Elizabeth Gustafson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Dan Carlson of Brownsville, Texas, Paul Gustafson of West Caldwell, New Jersey, and John Gustafson of York, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Reeta and Donald Jones of Big Beaver and numerous nephews, nieces, great nieces and great nephews.

Leonard was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He worked as a driver for an Auto Parts store before retiring. He was an avid dog enthusiast who found endless joy in the companionship of his canines. He was a passionate sports fan and could always be found glued to the television when his favorite team, the New York Yankees were on. He rarely missed a Pittsburgh Pirates or Pittsburgh Steelers game.

In accoardance with his wishes, there will be no funeral service for Leonard, and a private interment will be held at Grandview Cemetery, 139 Norwood Drive, Beaver Falls.

A special thanks goes out to all those who cared for him at Providence Health and Rehab Center and at Gateway Hospice. Their kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

Pearl “Paraskevya” (Jula) Petkash (1937-2026)

Pearl “Paraskevya” (Jula) Petkash, 88, passed away peacefully on June 17th, 2026. She was born on November 2nd, 1937, the daughter of the late Helen (Rusinko) and Nestor Jula of Fair Oaks.

She was the devoted wife of her late husband, Donald Eugene Petkash and the loving mother of Dawna (the late Gregory) Beckett, Karen (James) Larrimer, and the late Michael (Maria) Petkash. She took amazing and dedicated care of her mother Helen, until she passed at the age of 101. She was also was preceded in death by her husband by her son-in-law, Gregory, and her husband’s parents, Olga and Mike Petkash. She was the youngest of twelve children. Her six brothers and seven sisters and each of their spouses preceded her in death. She is survived by her six grandchildren who she deeply loved: Christopher and Michael Beckett, Ryan (Roxie) Smart, Allison, Derek and Hayley Larrimer, two beautiful great grandchildren, Landon and Cecilia Smart, her two sister-in-laws, Ruth (Tom) Koloski and Elaine (Danny) Smith and many nieces and nephews and friends.

Pearl was a life-long active member of the Holy Ghost Russian Orthodox Church in Ambridge. She was a woman of strong faith. She was a caring and giving person who always put the needs of her family before her own. She faced every challenge in life with courage and dignity, including her over 20 months under hospice care where she had such a will to keep living. She was a source of inspiration those who knew her and she will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched. She graduated from Leetsdale High School and from Earl Wheeler Finishing School. After marrying her husband, they moved to Sunland, California and then eventually moved back “home” to Fair Oaks, where they lived for many years before moving to Economy Borough. She also enjoyed many years of going with the family to her cottage at Pymatuning Lake. She worked at the Watson Home School, American Bridge Company, Rocketdyne, and H.H. Robertson. Her most loved job, outside of caring for her family, was as a successful Avon Representative for 28 Years. She loved her customers and prided herself on being in the Presidents Club for many years.

Her family is grateful to Susan, a special private care aid, who cared for Pearl’s needs, that grew over time through 15 years as well as importantly to Jill and Carla, both personal aides who cared deeply for Pearl and helped the family immensely over the past year and a half. Her family is also grateful to the Bethany Hospice caregivers, especially Maddie and Chris, and to the caregivers at The Province of Wexford, we are so thankful. They would also like to thank Fr. Bill Evansky, who visited and prayed with Pearl regularly throughout the years she was unable to be in church in person.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 19th from 10 A.M. until the time of a funeral Service at 11 A.M. in the Holy Ghost Russian Orthodox Church, 210 Maplewood Avenue, Ambridge, PA 15003. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holy Ghost Orthodox Church in Ambridge or to Bethany Hospice, 400 Holiday Drive #101, Pittsburgh.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Pearl “Paraskevya”, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Judith Lynn Cardosi (1957-2026)

Judith Lynn Cardosi, 68, of Emsworth, passed away on June 14th, 2026, at her home.

She was born in New Brighton on June 24th, 1957, a daughter of Jean B. (Facciolio) Cardosi Eckhardt and the late Henry Cardosi. In addition to her mother, Jean B. (Facciolio) Cardosi Eckhardt, she is survived by her siblings: Christine (Tony) Rosatone, Barbara (Meric) Hume, Richard (Karen) Cardosi, and Paul (Lisa) Cardosi; along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Judith was a graduate of New Brighton High School and was a veteran of the United States Navy. She worked as the site manager of Calais Village in Ross Township for over 20 years. She enjoyed spending time with her family and loved her nieces and nephews as well as their children.

No services will be held at this time for Judith.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 1501 1st Avenue, New Brighton.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Wendy R. Groves (1979-2026)

Wendy R. Groves, 47, of Baden, tragically passed away on June 15th, 2026. She was born on April 27th, 1979, a beloved daughter of the late Jack and Beverly Groves.

She is survived by her children, Sebastian “Pimpy” Bonner and Rylee Bonner, her sisters, Ginger (Bob) Helsel and Sherry (Scott) Donvan, her aunt, Kandy (Fred Conner) Milliken, her uncle, Randy Thomson, her cousins, Mary Jo Conner and Cassie Lindmann and her former husband, J.J. Bonner.

She was a graduate of Chartiers Valley High School and she found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved spending time thrift shopping with her daughter and had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her six beloved cats. Above all else, her greatest love was her children. She was a devoted and supportive mother who cherished every moment with Sebastian and Rylee and encouraged them in all they pursued.

Services will be held at a later date and will be announced by her family.

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

Blaine E. Hepler (1939-2026)

Blaine E. Hepler, 87, of West Mayfield, formerly of Brighton Township, passed away on June 14th, 2026.

He was born in Connellsville on May 16th, 1939, the son of Orton Hepler and Jane (Beal) Hepler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Linda and two sons-in-law, Ray Hermes and Christopher Bufalini. He is survived by his sons, David (Deniece) Hepler, of Georgia, Danny (Carey) Hepler, of West Mayfield and Darin (Nicole) Hepler of Brighton Township, his daughters, Denise Hermes (Keith Burr) of Texas, Darla Hepler, of Arizona and Dawn Bufalini, of West Mayfield, his sister, Linda Rose of Jeannette, as well as 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Blaine devoted much of his career to protecting and serving others. He served the community as a police officer for 7 years with the Brighton Township Police Department and was a proud volunteer fireman with the Brighton Township Fire Department. When he was 18, he spent his Saturdays as a lifeguard at Mt. Vernon Park, Blaine worked in loss prevention at the former department store Hills, and later retired from Mac Plastics in Washington, Pennsylvania. In his free time, he was an avid outdoorsman. He found great joy while fishing and camping, especially his peanut time with his camping crew. Family members fondly recall the time when he named a calf after Renee and raised it in the fenced area of the yard, until they butchered it which was almost the end of their relationship.

Friends will be received on Sunday, June 21st from 12 noon until 4 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a service will be conducted on Monday, June 22nd at 11 a.m. Private Inurnment to take place at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver, at a late date. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Kenneth A. Sullivan (Passed on June 3rd, 2026)

Kenneth A. Sullivan, 74, passed away surrounded by his family in South Florida on June 3rd, 2026, after a brief illness.

Kenneth grew up in Industry, where he learned what it meant to be part of Steeler Nation during the heyday of the black and gold. He was a free spirit who enjoyed his youth to the fullest, made his own rules in his Camaro, and worked in the mill until moving to Plantation, Florida, where he worked at Motorola and Federal Express. However, even after moving to South Florida in the early ’80s, his heart remained in Pittsburgh. What mattered most to him was his family and friends. The absolute joy of Ken’s life was his three grandkids, Abby, Emmie, and Dax, all of whom will cherish memories of him cheering them on from the sidelines or shining with pride as each excelled and grew in individual ways.

Kenneth and his wife, Donna (Larizza) Sullivan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past September. He was a practicing member of Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Plantation, Florida, for the last 43 years.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Sullivan (Don), his mother, Ruth (McBride) Sullivan, his brother, David Sullivan, and his sister-in-law, Sue (Davis) Sullivan. In addition to his wife and three grandchildren, he is survived by his son, Dan Sullivan, his daughter-in-law, Raquel (Rodriguez) Sullivan, his sisters, Nancy Peluso (Sullivan), and Donna Sullivan and her partner, Jimmy O’Brien, his sisters-in-law, Nancy Larizza and Natalie Larizza, his brother-in-law, Gary Larizza, his nephews: Patrick and Sean Sullivan, Brian Peluso, and Brett Higgins and his nieces, Kerri Sue Fields (Sullivan), Molly Skundrich (Phillips), Devon Pinskey (Phillips), and Kylie Lane.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, June 17th from 10 a.m. until the time of a blessing service at 12 noon at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Interment will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ken, if desired, to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Carol Ann (Bonanni) Ours (1935-2026)

Carol Ann (Bonanni) Ours, 90, formerly of Patterson Heights, passed away peacefully on June 12th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver.

She was born in Beaver Falls on December 6th, 1935, a daughter of the late Angelo and Eleanora (Young) Bonanni. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Philip Ours, her daughter, Tina Getz and her siblings: Claude Bonanni, Carl Bonanni, Clarence Bonanni, Clyde Bonanni, Clair Bonanni, Delores Doyle, Fern Kosloski, and Eleanor Vavro. She is survived by her children: Mary (Chris) Manolakos, Paul (Sharon) Ours, Philip Ours, and Eleanor (Richard) Scanlon; as well as her grandchildren: Sirena Ours, Jewell Ours, Kellie Scanlon, Richard Scanlon, Eric Scanlon, and Nicholas Manolakos; along with her great-grandchildren, Nash and Richard; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Carol was a faithful member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Beaver Falls, part of St. Augustine Parish. She was also a devoted member of Patterson Heights Lady’s Auxiliary, where she enjoyed being part of her community and forming lasting friendships. She enjoyed playing bingo, reading, and playing cards. Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose heart was fullest when surrounded by those she loved. Whether attending family gatherings, sharing stories, or simply spending time together, Carol treasured every moment with her children, grandchildren, and especially her great-grandchildren.

Her family will forever remember her kindness, her unwavering love, her gentle presence, and the way she always put family first.

Her family says: “To the nurses, CNAs, and staff at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph we cannot thank you enough for the loving care you gave to Carol. Your support during her time at the Villa meant the world to us. Your kindness and compassion have truly touched our hearts during this difficult time.”

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, June 18th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered on Friday, June 19th at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. Fr. Kim Schreck will serve as celebrant.

Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Concordia Villa St. Joseph Activities Department in Carol’s memory, 1030 State Street, Baden PA 15005. Carol loved taking part in the activities and treasured the many friendships she formed along the way.

Susan Kay Fennell (1966-2026)

Susan Kay Fennell, 60, of Aliquippa, passed away unexpectedly on June 14th, 2026.
She was born on February 8th, 1966, a daughter of the late Charles and Lilian Smith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her lifelong friend, Shannon Bailey. She is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Charles Lee Fennell; her children, Ashley (Milton) Sokolovich, Clayton Fennell (Angelina Arnold), and Ean (Brittany) Fennell; her cherished grandchildren, Leighahna, Gabriel, Brandyn, Nathaniel, Rylee, and Leo; her siblings, Eddie Smith, Lennie Prough, and Carol Stuck; her brothers-in-law, Tom (Sally) Fennell and Dan (Sheila) Fennell; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and her great-niece, Breanna Lee (Jonny) White-McDaniels.
Susan trained as a mechanic and worked in the field for 10 years before later becoming a freight forwarder at DHL. She loved her grandchildren and her dogs, and she enjoyed many years as a dedicated band parent. One of her favorite sayings was, “F.R.O.G It.” She had a strong faith in God and relied on his guidance.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 18th, from 4 p.m. until time of service at 6:30 p.m. at Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc, 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Susan Kay Fennell please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anothony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Harmon Grey Kidd, Jr. (1961-2026)

Harmon Grey Kidd, Jr., 64, of Beaver Falls, passed away surrounded by his family on June 14th, 2026, at his home.

He was born in Beaver Falls on August 4th, 1961, a son of the late Harmon G. and Donna (Myers) Kidd, Sr. He is survived by his children: Crystal (Rocky) McConnell, Harmon G. (Jennifer) Kidd III, Jennifer (Andy Talfore) Kidd, Bruce (Amanda) Wallace, Scott Kidd, Amber (David Gipson) Kidd, Sandra Kidd, Alexis Kidd, Noah Hall, Anthony Hemmingway, Charles Hemmingway, Bobby Justison, and Sherri Justison; as well as numerous grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, his sisters, Deborah (Larry) Craven, Marie (George) Banko and Connie (Donnie) Schwartz, his partner, Tamara Justison, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Harmon was a hardworking self-employed contractor. He enjoyed hiking, fishing, playing pool, his guitar and singing. He was very supportive of his family, loved his kids and hanging with his grandkids.

The family would like to thank his friend, Brenda Garrett, for the loving care and help provided to their love one.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral services.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Martin Paul Shiring, Sr. (1936-2026)

Martin Paul Shiring, Sr., 90, of Illinois, formerly of Beaver, passed away on June 9th, 2026, in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

He was born in Wilmerding, Pennsylvania on January 8th, 1936, a son of the late Martin Aloysius and Mary Elizabeth Shiring. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Theresa Kovalesky, his sisters, Margaret Lukehart, Isabelle Shiring and Susan Caryl Futscher and his brother, Robert Shiring.

Martin will be missed by his loving wife of 67 years, Maryetta June Baker Shiring, his sons, Daniel Baker (Mary Lou) Shiring of Canton, Ohio, Martin Paul (Carrie) Shiring Jr . of Wheaton, Illinois and Steven Patrick (Kelly) Shiring of Glastonbury, Connecticut, his son-in-law, Jeffrey Kovalesky, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, his grandchildren: Zachary (Annette) Shiring, Stephanie (Kevin) Rudder, Kristen (Ben) McGraw, Brian Shiring, Kyle (Mary Kate) Shiring, Sarah Kovalesky, Emily (Sam) Birch, Ryan (Katelyn) Shiring, Patrick (Kelly Frank) Shiring, Maura Shiring, Megan Shiring; as well as his great grandchildren: Charles Shiring, Elena Shiring, Melody McGraw, David Shiring, Emma Shiring, Sophie Shiring and numerous nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces.

Marty graduated from Turtle Creek High School, attended St. Vincent College and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. He married Maryetta June Baker Shiring on June 6th, 1959, who was not only his wife, but his best friend. He was employed by Daniel C. Baker Engineers and later the firm of Daniel C. Baker Associates, Inc., which is where he was a principal in the firm until his retirement in 1999 after 33 years. He was registered as a Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia; and registered as a Land Surveyor in Pennsylvania. He was a member of the PA Society of Professional Engineers and the PA Society of Land Surveyors, as well as a member of the K. of C., Lion’s Club, and GCU of the USA. He was also an avid Pittsburgh Steeler and Pirate fan.

Friends will be received Friday, June 19th, from 3-7 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian burial will be conducted at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver, on Saturday, June 20th at 10:30 a.m. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Maple Glen Memory Care Community and Accord Hospice for the care and compassion they provided over the last year.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Fund for the Abramson Cancer Center at giving.apps.upenn.edu.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.