Sheila Rea Brown, 86, of Ellwood City, formerly of Beaver, passed away on June 18th, 2025, after a battle with Cancer at Creek Meadows of Zelienopole.

She was born in Bobtown, Pennsylvania on October 14th, 1938, a daughter of the late John and Beulah Hager. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Francis Brown, Sr. and her sisters, Eleanor Tressler and Joyce Wilson. She is survived by her sons, Jeffery Lynn (Amy) Brown and John Francis (Toni Celeste) Brown, her daughter, Tracy Renee (Regis) Brown Grote, her grandchildren: Jacob Samuel (Shannon) Brown, Sarah Taylor (Nicholas) Holmes, Andrew James Brown, Elizabeth Ann (Jeff) DuBar, Kathleen (RC) Dunham, Frances Marie Brown; as well as her great-grandchildren: Jace Frank Holmes, Lottie Rea Holmes, Ada Marlene Brown, Carina Ann Brown, Tyler Joseph Dunham, Noah Mathew Dunham, Sarah Rose DuBar; along with her sister, Janet Adams, several nieces and nephews and her close friend, Lori Pharshal.

Sheila was a retired secretary and a member of both Our Lady of the Valley Parish and St. Peter and Paul Church of Beaver. She was a den mother who volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Easter Seals, and the Beaver Library. In her spare time, she loved to read and do jigsaw puzzles.

Friends will be received on Saturday, June 21st, from 1 p.m. until the time of a blessing service at 3 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Private interment will take place at Sylvania Hills Cemetery, 273 PA-68, Rochester. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Carole Anne Comley, née McCaughtry, 81, of Chippewa, passed away peacefully on June 12th, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born in New Brighton on June 22nd, 1943, the daughter of the late Ralph D. and Dorothy A. McCaughtry of Chippewa. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Comley of Patterson Township. She is survived by a younger brother, Kenneth McCaughtry and his wife, Joni, sons Adam and his wife Patty, and Gary, her beloved grandchildren Adam, Ashley, and Aaron, and her great-grandchildren, Kane and Brookston.

Carole graduated from Beaver Falls High School. She grew up in West Mayfield and later in Chippewa. After some time traveling the Western and Mid-Western United States, she settled in Patterson Township. Carole served the Beaver County community for many years as a registered nurse in the Emergency Center at Heritage Valley Beaver, along with a lengthy tenure at Suburban General Hospital in Bellevue in Allegheny County.  A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 24th at 6 P.M. at Pathway Church, 239 Braun Road, Chippewa. Professional services and arrangements were entrusted to Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Diana G. (Gillin) Hopkins, 64, of Industry, passed away on June 17th, 2025 in her home surrounded by the loves of her life. She was born in Aliquippa on June 1st, 1961, the daughter of the late Paul “Jake” Gillin, Jr. and Connie L. Gillin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law and her mother-in-law, Frank and Barbara Hopkins, her sister-in-law, JoEllen Lynch, her brother-in-law, Clifford Lynch and her brother-in-law, John Hopkins. She is survived by her devoted husband, Steven D. Hopkins, her daughters, Heather (Zachary) Mamula and Hillary (Lucas) Waldeck, her grandchildren Stevie Waldeck, Wallen Waldeck and Haley Atwood, her nephews, Josh (Melissa) Hopkins and Justin (Jennifer) Lynch, her niece, Manda Lynch Kerr, many cousins, great-nephews and great-nieces that she loved dearly and her special friend, Barb Davis.

Diana graduated from Center High School with the Class of 1979 and went onto receive an associate’s degree from the Community College of Beaver County. She practiced as a hairdresser for a brief period before returning to school to become a certified lab technician. Diana married the love of her life, Steven D. Hopkins, on October 10th, 1981. Diana took a leave from her career to raise her two girls. After taking a break, she took a position at Moderne Glass in the etching department up until 2006 when she was diagnosed, and won her battle against breast cancer. Later in life, she took a position with Sensible Organics as a Quality Control Lab Tech. She retired in 2020 to become a full-time grandma.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, she enjoyed spending any free time with family, weekend trips to camp, and shopping sprees at Boscov’s. She had various talents in the crafting world. She designed and sewed various projects including Raggedy Ann dolls and costumes for her girls. She crafted various flower arrangements and enjoyed tole painting over the years. Her most recent projects were crocheting sweaters and blankets that she could finish in record time.

The family would like to express their utmost gratitude to Good Samaritan Hospice especially nurse Jessica Alberti, a loving family friend, who provided compassionate care to Diana in her final days.

In accordance with Diana’s wishes, there will be no public visitation with a private service for immediate family only. Arrangements are entrusted to Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca. Any donations can be made to Good Samaritan Hospice or The American Cancer Society on behalf of Diana Hopkins.

Robert (Bob) Joseph Parrish, 52, of Monaca, passed away on June 17th, 2025. He was raised in the town of Monaca by his parents, Wes Parrish Sr. and the late Mary Fedeles. Monaca was where he attended the schools, participated in sports, and made lifelong friends in the tightly knit community. Following his 1990 graduation from Monaca High School, he attended Garfield Business School. Prior to his health struggles, he was employed at Service Link in Moon Township. A lifelong lover of most sports, Robert had a special place in his heart for basketball. Even with all his health struggles, he continued to amaze family and friends with his knowledge of sports statistics or recalling classic matches, always with a twinkle and mischief in his baby blue eyes. In his memory, play a quick game of pickup basketball, shoot hoops, or take the time to watch a basketball game. He faced many health challenges in recent years, including complications from diabetes and a stroke he suffered at the age of 40. Through it all, he was cared for lovingly and devotedly by his father, Wes Parrish. A retired construction worker, Wes learned everything he needed to know to care for him: amazing his doctors and nurses with his knowledge. In addition to his father, he is survived by Nancy Parrish, his sister, Carla Goe (Bill Bryan), his brother, Wes Parrish Jr, his daughter, Tara Parrish, his very special nieces, Olivia (Isaac) Parrish Covert and Emma Parrish, his sister-in-law, Richelle Parrish, several aunts, uncles, and cousins, his stepfather, Lee Fedeles and his daughters, Lisa (Jim) Denkovich and Krista (Dominick) Treemarchi and family. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Evelyn Parrish Robinson & Frank Parrish, maternal grandparents Carl & Gertrude Beatty, and his aunt, several uncles, and cousins who passed before him.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue Monaca. A visitation will be held there on Sunday, June 22nd from 2 P.M. until 5 P.M. A funeral service will also be held at the funeral home on Monday, June 23rd at 11 a.m., followed by burial at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca.

Robert will be missed more than words can express and remembered forever by all who had the blessing of knowing him.

Kenneth Ray Moorhead, 83, of Kittanning, passed away on June 14th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 30, 1942, the son of the late Kenneth and Grace Moorhead, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Darlene Moorhead, three daughters and sons-in-law, Stacy and Lawrence Infantozzi, Jr., Dyan and Edwin Rachuba, Jr., and Kristen and Joshua Lewis, as well as three grandchildren, Ryan Infantozzi, Trevor Infantozzi, and MacKenna Lewis and three sisters, Luana McKee, Darla Mechling, and Cathy Seniow. He graduated from Worthington High School and then answered his call to be a United States Marine.

Keneth proudly served his country at both Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Naples, Italy. As a Marine, he presented Christmas gifts through Toys for Tots to young boys and girls at local orphanages in Italy. As Corporal, he received an Honorable Discharge with two metals, Expert in shooting accurately and Good Conduct.

Returning from service in 1963, he then married Darlene Gaiser, his wife of 62 years, and together raised three daughters. His drive to provide for his family led him to work in various organizations, including Metropolitan Life and UPS, before spending most of his career in the gas and oil drilling industry, retiring with Range Resources.

He enjoyed hunting with family during white tail deer season with a true passion for his yearly trip out West with family members and friends to hunt Elk in the snowy mountains of Colorado. His most proud hunting trip included shooting a 6 x 6 Elk at 700 yards with one shot.

He also enjoyed spending his leisure time with his wife traveling to various auctions and bidding on treasures from the past. His love for trains and the great outdoors took him on a trip to Alaska with his family where he spent the entire trip standing on the back deck of the caboose as it traveled the Skagway White Pass Summit. In his younger years, him and Darlene belonged to a Square Dance Club, Naughty Pines, in Indiana, PA, and do-si-doed in matching outfits.

As a member of the Seneca Lodge No. 805 Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania Kittanning, Pennsylvania and Elks Lodge 203 of Kittanning, Ken also had a passion for animals and was greatly involved with the Orphans of the Storm and Kittanning Kennel Club and supported the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

All loved Ken’s sense of humor, quick wit, and facial expressions. Gatherings with family and friends always included laughter, love, and smiles.

Family and friends will be invited to a service yet to be announced at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, as well as a Celebration of Life Service in Freeport, Pennsylvania. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Michaeleen P. Black, 78, of Big Beaver Borough, passed away on June 16th, 2025 at her residence. She was born in Pittsburgh on October 2nd, 1946, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Michael and Nora Soccio Benko. She is survived by her loving husband, David G. Black, two sons, David G. Black II and Jason Black and two sisters, Betty Ann Kotula and Bernadine (Dennis) Metcalf. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, John Benko. Friends will be received on Thursday, June 19th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, where a blessing service will be held on Friday, June 20th at 10 A.M. Interment will be private at Calvary Cemetery of Freedom. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Michaeleen’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Patricia “Pat” (Yoko) Louise McCracken, 82, passed away on June 16th, 2025. She wasn’t just a mother, a grandmother, a sister, or a friend. She was a presence who was tough as nails, fiercely independent, and full of heart. She taught us how to stand on our own two feet—by doing it herself every single day of her life.

She was born in Aliquippa on September 1st, 1942. She was also raised in Aliquippa, and she grew up without a father. He passed away just months after she was born, but she never let that define her. If anything, it made her stronger. From a young age, she knew struggle, and she met it head-on: with stubbornness, humor, and a whole lot of grit.

She graduated from Aliquippa High School and built a life centered around family, faith, and hard work. When our dad passed away in 1991, Mom never looked for another love. “He was the only one I ever needed,” she’d say, and she meant it. She carried his memory like a quiet fire, steady and unshakable.

Patricia worked countless jobs over the years—especially when Dad was laid off from the mill—always sacrificing so we could have more. And somehow, even with the weight of the world on her shoulders, she always made time to play with us. She loved sports, and some of our best memories are playing catch, tossing a football, or shooting hoops with her out front. She didn’t just cheer from the sidelines—she was the team.

She called BINGO at the Pulaski Fire Hall. She ruled the table at Bunco night. And she spent over 30 years at Hank’s Frozen Custard, becoming a summertime legend. Hank’s wasn’t just a job—it was family. Dozens of kids who worked there looked up to her like a second mom, and customers came back year after year to see her smiling face at the window. She had a way of making people feel seen.  She enjoyed taking bus trips and traveling with her family.

She also had a strong faith—quiet but deep. In her final days, she was surrounded by the love she gave her whole life,vand while her immediate family was by her side, we know she also carried with her the love of so many special friends—friends from every era of her life—who stayed connected over the years. Those lifelong bonds meant the world to her, and they were never forgotten.

Now, our mother has received the greatest gift of all: she is with Jesus Christ our Lord. The One she personally believed in, the One who gave her strength in her hardest moments. She never forced faith on anyone, but she lived it in a way you couldn’t miss.

She leaves behind the family she loved fiercely: her daughter Michelle (and husband Dave Dampman) of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, her sons Kenneth McCracken (and wife Bonnie) of New Brighton, Shawn McCracken (and wife Robyn) of Monaca (Center Township), and Kevin McCracken (and wife Teresa) of New Brighton.

She was also proud grandma to her grandsons: Nicholas Dampman (and wife Allison) of Harrisburg, Noah McCracken of Denver, Colorado, Cameron McCracken and Tyler McCracken, both of Monaca (Center Township), Connor McCracken and William McCracken, both of New Brighton, and her granddaughters, Brittany (McCracken) Dieter and her husband Cary Dieter of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania and Cassidy McCracken of Monaca (Center Township), her great-grandson, Liam Dieter; several nieces, nephews and their families.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Joseph Yoko, her sisters, Jeannie Rhodes and Marylee Duafala, and her mother, Margaret (Roscoe) Yoko.

Mom loved spending time with all her grandkids—watching them grow, cheering them on, and celebrating every graduation and milestone. Friday nights were for laughs with her friends, eating out and catching up like she was still in her 20s. She was involved in church, community groups, and anything where she could lend a hand or a smile.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a memorial visitation on Saturday, June 21st, at the J & J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, from 9 a.m. until the time of a Blessing service at 10:30 a.m. Fr. Kim Schreck will officiate.

Pat will be laid to rest in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum with her husband, Wayne.

Memorial contributions may be made in Pat’s name to KDKA Turkey Fund, P.O. Box Thanks, Pittsburgh, PA 15230.

Shirley Lee (Gibson) Pow, 88, passed away on June 14th, 2025. She was born on October 26th, 1936 in Clarksburg, West Virginia, a daughter of the late James F. and Pauline Primm Gibson.
Shirley loved her family, being a teacher, her Front Porch Bible Study ladies, the Steelers, and a Kretchmar’s cookie or two. In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Burn Pow, her sister, Patricia Ann (Gibson) Seaman and her step-granddaughter, Estrella Jamie Soto.
She is survived by her daughter, Paula Soto, granddaughter, Cassidy Soto, her nieces and nephews, Kathy (Tom) Fiala, Karen Allcorn and Leonard (Tami) Seaman and her great nieces and nephews: Lauren Fiala, Lindsey (Shawn) Cramer, Natalie (Dom) Musilli, Helen Allcorn, Justin (Hillary) Seaman, Brendan Seaman, Ethan Seaman, Charlotte Cramer and Gwen Musilli.
She was dedicated to bridging divides of any kind: educational, racial, economic, familial, environmental, political and cultural, but Shirley valued above all, friendship, faith, hospitality, and storytelling.
In her final years, she was a resident of the Inn at Whitewood Village in North Canton, Ohio, where her niece and nephew provided consistent care through her battle with dementia. Anyone who knows Shirley well, knows how much she disliked dying in Cleveland Browns territory: and treasured her regular visits back to the hometown of her heart, Beaver, Pennsylvania.
Shirley’s magnificent home in downtown Beaver welcomed decades of gatherings of every type: from family holidays to front porch Bible studies; weddings; storyteller dinners; political campaign events; and girls’ sleepover parties. The Beaver Tales annual storytelling festival took form from community imagination and innovation, on that sunny, graciously spacious front porch.
Shirley found her life’s purpose as a teacher and Gifted Program Coordinator for Beaver Area Schools. Generations of students remember Mrs. Pow as the teacher whose enthusiasm enriched their lives and grew them into book readers. Her educational efforts rippled throughout the community via her volunteerism with the Beaver Area Heritage Foundation – Museum, Log Cabin, Beaver Station, and Beaver Tales programs; Christy House (a tea house at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church supporting missions for women and children); Beaver Area Memorial Library; Beaver Junior Women’s Club; Phi Mu; and the Presidential Campaign of Barack Obama. Shirley loved to travel and learn. Shirley always spoke up for what she firmly believed; and she matched her words with actions – leading by example.
Shirley had great happiness in helping to raise her granddaughter, Cassidy Soto. Shirley exemplified enduring love, and great humor, as she poured her grace and grit into being a parent and grandparent.
Shirley was an active member at Beaver United Methodist Church; and later in life at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (Sewickley, PA).
To honor her memory: She would like for you to remember the Storyteller’s Creed. Additionally, as “Mrs. Pow’s Chocolate Chip Cookies” are still fondly extolled by her daughter’s elementary school friends and college dorm friends alike, her family wishes to share the recipe. Shirley would suggest that you set a lovely table, to share stories and light with friends old and new, as you enjoy them.
Storyteller’s Creed
I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge.
That myth is more potent than history
That dreams are more powerful than facts
That hope always triumphs over experience
That laughter is the only cure for grief
And I believe that love is stronger than death.
Chocolate Chip Cookies (Shirley Pow)
1 cup Crisco
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
Cream together well.
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons salt
12 oz chocolate chips
Bake 10 minutes at 375 degrees on greased cookie sheet

Friends will be received at the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, on Sunday, June 22nd from 1-3 P.M. and 5-7 P.M. Funeral services will be held at College Avenue United Methodist Church, 345 College Avenue, Beaver, on Monday, June 23rd at 10 A.M. Friends and family are welcome to join in a Celebration of Life luncheon at the Beaver Station Cultural & Event Center, 1 River Road, Beaver, following the service. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to one of these organizations, to further the positive civic impacts of Shirley’s values and life’s work: Beaver Area Heritage Foundation (Beaver Tales), 1 River Road, Beaver, PA 15009, The Shirley & Dick Pow Education Scholarship in care of Beaver Area School District Education Foundation, 1300 Fifth Street, Beaver, PA 15009 or the ACLU https://www.aclu.org/ 1-888-567-ACLU.

Joseph T. Blumling, 60, of Aliquippa, passed away surrounded by those he loved on June 14th, 2025 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, after a brave battle with Pancreatic cancer.

He was born on August 29th, 1964, a son of the late  Charles A. Blumling and Anna May (Herbert) Blumling of Robinson Township. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Robert, Theresa, and Pearl Blumling. He was the youngest of his mother’s 11 children. He is survived by his wife, Brianne (Matejka) Blumling and his two children that he was exceptionally proud of, Spencer and Abigail. He will also be forever missed by his siblings: Pauline Wetzel, Marilyn Gausto, Nicholas Blumling, Charles “Chuck” Blumling, Charlotte Easley, John Blumling and Anna Lynn Teyssier. He is also survived by hundreds of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and his extended family. Joseph was loved deeply by his Goddaughter and niece, Beckey (Blumling) Cox, and her children, Helena and DJ, who loved to shower Uncle Wizard with hugs and he would shower them back with tickles.

Joseph greatly loved his large family and sharing stories of past gatherings, and thrilling rides was a favorite topic. After school, he joined the Army and spent time serving in Germany and Georgia. He retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a Derrick Boat Operator after many years of welding on land and underwater.

He touched the lives of so many with his sense of humor, warmth, and outgoing nature. He loved taking his Harley out riding, Steeler Sundays, and numerous outdoor activities including hunting and fishing trips. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his circle of friends, in the mountains, on the river, or having a Captain at Club Ed.

A visitation will be held at Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, on Friday, June 20th from 5-8 p.m. A celebration of life will follow on Saturday, June 21st starting at 11 a.m. with lunch at 12:30 p.m. at The Fez, 2312 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa where everyone will toast to a life well lived, though cut too short. His memory and laugh, will forever live in everyone’s hearts. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society.