Category: Obituaries

Samuel “Sam” J. Bechtel (1943-2026)

Samuel “Sam” J. Bechtel, 83, formerly of Beaver, passed away on June 29th, 2026.

He was born in Rochester on March 24th, 1943, the son of the late Joseph and Laura Poole Bechtel. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Brian Kemme, of Blue Ash, Ohio, his grandson, Owen Kemme, of Blue Ash, Ohio, his former wife, Christine Bechtel of Blue Ash, Ohio, his sister, Kathy Noll, of Vanport, his brother and sister-in-law, Kurt and Debbie Bechtel, of Maryland, as well as his nieces and nephews.

Samuel was a 1961 graduate of Beaver Area High School. After attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he started his career as a Journalist at the Indiana Gazette. In February of 1971, he joined the Beaver County Times where he worked for 13 years as both a reporter and the sports department editor. He was the first Beaver County sports reporter to regularly cover the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also covered the Pittsburgh Pirates, the 1971 World Series, Super Bowl IX and Super Bowl X. In 2022, he was inducted into the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his work at the Times. He later worked from 1984 through 1992 at the Pittsburgh Press as deputy sports editor and then returned to the Indiana Gazette until he retired in 2004 ending a 37-year career. He retired to live in Cape Coral, Florida. After spending nearly 10 years in Florida, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to be closer to his daughter and grandson.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9th from 11 a.m. until the time of Memorial Service at 1 p.m. at the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Inurnment to follow in the Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

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

Charles Leroy “Buddy” Wooley (1951-2026)

Charles Leroy “Buddy” Wooley, 75, of Brighton Township, formerly of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 4th, 2026, in Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born in New Brighton on January 9th, 1951, the son of the late Charles Robert and Anna E. Giles Wooley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and her husband, Bonnie and Danny Mitchell. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy J. Bradow Wooley, two daughters and sons in law, Michelle and Dr. Joseph Kelly and Amber and Leonard Skidmore, six grandchildren, whom he could not have loved and cherished more. His life revolved around his grandkids and his love for them and special moments with them is and will be everlasting, from his early morning phone calls with Mason to evening conversations with Lex and Kam. They are: Mason Miller, Alexa Skidmore, Kamryn Kelly and Anthony Miller; as well as two great-grandchildren, Jerry Cunningham and Jensen Skidmore, two nieces and their spouses, Staci Delp and her husband, Dominic and their children, Ashlee and Alexis Delp and Kristi Nelson and her husband, Dr. Aaron Nelson, one nephew, Pastor Brad Moore and his wife, Kara, a sister in law and her husband, Marilyn and Duane Moore, and a former son in law, Keith Miller and his wife, Erica.

Charles was a former machinist for the former St. Joe Lead Company, a former Nuclear Security Manager at Shippingport, a member of Chippewa United Methodist Church and a Veteran of The United States Army where he received the “National Defense Service Medal” and also accelerated in sharpshooting and cooking. Buddy was also passionate about two more things, his family and The Pittsburgh Steelers !! He loved both fiercely which would be on display every Sunday for family, The Pittsburgh Steelers and food!

Friends will be received Tuesday, July 7th, from 3-6 p.m., in the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a service will be conducted at 6:15 p.m. by Pastor Brad Moore.

In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations be made to the Chippewa United Methodist Church, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Burial will take place at The Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 11587 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, at a later date. Full Military Honors will be provided by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #862.

Helen Gause (1928-2026)

Helen Gause, 98, of Ambridge, a beloved wife, mom, and grandma, passed away on July 4th, 2026. She was born on January 15th, 1928, and was preceded in death by her parents, John and Katherine Soltis Sokolowsky, her loving husband, Peter Gause Sr., two brothers, John and Harry Sokolowsky, and three sisters Anne Essek, Katie Boyt, and Mary Sokolowsky.

She is survived by her daughter, Katherine (Roger) Miller, two sons, Peter (Ausra) Gause III, and Gregory Gause, her two gifted grandchildren, Aaron and Elaina Miller, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was known for her cheerful and pleasant demeanor and had a spicy side that endeared her to all who knew her. Her life was a testament to faith and trust in God, guiding her through every challenge. She will be remembered as a completely selfless and very generous person who brought immense joy to everyone around her. Her laughter, smiles, and jokes were a constant source of cheer. She was blessed with the strength of Christ by her side through every challenge. She was also very loved by a very special niece who supported her throughout the years as well as many loving family members, special caregivers, and most of all her children and two grandchildren. Her life was defined by her sweetness, kindness, and selflessness. Her guiding principle was BELIEF and following God’s will. She worked hard throughout her life, especially as a mom and grandma, as well as at Westinghouse in Beaver and other jobs to help support her family. She was an active member of the Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church and choir in Ambridge in her younger years where her grandchildren continued to grow in faith as members of the youth group. Her legacy of love, laughter, strength and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of her family and friends.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 7th from 3-7 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a prayer service will be held on Wednesday, July 8th at 10 A.M. followed by a church service at 10:30 A.M. in the Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 404 6th Street, Ambridge, with Father Michael Polosky officiating.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks donations to be made to the Saints Peter and Paul Youth Group 404 6th Street, Ambridge, PA 15003 or to Veterans First.

John A. Morrow, Sr. (1938-2026)

John A. Morrow, Sr., 88, formerly of Raccoon Township, and most recently of Brighton Township, passed away on July 2nd, 2026, at St. Barnabas Beaver Meadows.
He was born on February 8th, 1938, the son of the late Lee and Helen Morrow.

John was a 1957 graduate of Hopewell High School, where he played varsity football and earned the nickname “Mouse.” He also played youth baseball for the Raccoon Boys Club.
He retired after 40 years with St. Joe Lead, later known as ZCA and Horsehead Industries. During those years, he enjoyed bowling, golfing, and playing softball with his co-workers and friends. For many years, he organized annual golf trips to South Carolina with friends. After retirement, he worked as a starter at Blackhawk Golf Course. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in New Castle. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, and trips “south” to the casino. He was a long-time baseball coach for the Raccoon Boys Club and helped develop the Raccoon Township Municipal Park, where he spent countless hours maintaining the baseball fields and cutting the grass. He rarely missed an opportunity to watch his grandson, “Nate” Angelo, play baseball for Central Valley, the Diamond Dawgs, and the Pittsburgh Fusion, often traveling out of state to attend games. He also enjoyed spending time with his faithful canine companions, Dixie and Chloe, and his dogs, Roxy, Macie, and Quesi.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved son, John A. “Kip” Morrow, Jr., M.D., his sister-in-law, Diane Van Leeuwen and his parents-in-law, Mike and Olga Briscoe. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Matilda “Tillie” Morrow, his devoted daughters, Melissa “Missy” (Brian) Angelo and Michelle “Tink” Morrow, his grandson, Nathan “Nate” Angelo, his sisters, Sue (Robert) Shemer, Nancy Lombard, and Grace Steele, his brother-in-law, Kent Van Leeuwen and many nieces and nephews from the Van Leeuwen, Shemer, Lombard, and Steele/Vogan families.
Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, July 8th, from 5:30 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 6:30 p.m. at the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa, 2345 Mill Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of his arrangements. Rev. Collene Carney of Monacrest Free Methodist Church will officiate, assisted by Chaplain Kelli Connolly of St. Barnabas.
Private interment will take place at John Anderson Cemetery in Raccoon Township.
The family would like to thank the nursing and hospice staff at St. Barnabas Beaver Meadows for their loving, compassionate care and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Colonel (Ret.) Daniel G. (“Dean”) Kniola (1948-2026)

Colonel (Ret.) Daniel G. “Dean” Kniola, 77, of Crescent, passed away peacefully on July 2nd, 2026. He was born on December 30th, 1948, and is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Judith (Schnippert), his son, Major Scott Kniola (USAF, Ret.) and his wife, Bridget, Daughter-in-Law, Maggie, and three grown grandchildren, Samuel T., Olivia R., and Maxwel T., his sisters, Mary Grace (Mike) Landrum, and Kathleen Repko, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son ,Todd and his grandson, Joseph.

Retired Colonel Dean was a 1970 graduate of the USAF Academy (AFA) and retired honorably after 28 years active duty, earning the rank of Colonel and a Master’s Degree in Engineering Physics. He served as a laser project engineer, Asst. Prof. of Mathematics at the AFA, Vice Commander of an engineering analysis center, Assoc. Dir. of the Joint Communications Engineering Center in Washington DC, Commander of a nuclear forensics laboratory, and in other technical leadership positions. When he retiring from the AFA, he worked 10 years as Director of Market Research for BNY Mellon Inc. in Pittsburgh. His interest in graphic design led to placements of his artwork in regional museum juried shows and two pieces in the AFA Art Collection, including a 64-foot “Space Age” mural at the USAF Academy. He was especially blessed to serve in various roles in the Knights of Columbus Council 2555. He also coordinated the ChristLife program at a parish in Pittsburgh’s South Hills for five years and served on parish councils.

Viewings will be held on Monday, July 6th from 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday, July 7th 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 Mass of Christian Burial will also be held on Wednesday, July 8th at 10 a.m. at St Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 1304 4th Avenue, Coraopolis.

Chase James Morack (1982-2026)

Chase James Morack, 44, of Beaver Falls, passed away on July 2nd, 2026, in Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

He was born on June 26, 1982 and was deeply loved by his family and friends. He was known for his kind heart, his loyalty and lasting friendships he cultivated throughout his life.

He is survived by his parents, Rickie and Richard Probert, his brothers, Creighton (Carol) Morack, Chris (Nikki) Probert, and Josh (Michelle) Probert, his nieces and nephews: Haley, Austin, Taylor, Lexi, and Andrew Probert; as well as his aunt and uncle, Sue and Shawn Chaplin, his cousin, Jordan Chaplin, his college friends, Jon Herbert and Mark McKillip, and Mark’s Children, Henry and Lacey.

He was preceded in death by his father, James C. Morack, his maternal grandparents, Jacqueline P. Okon and Richard Edwards, and his paternal grandparents, James and Adeline Morack.

Chase was a 2000 graduate of New Brighton High School and a 2004 graduate of Washington and Jefferson College, where he played football. He spent many years as an employment recruiter for various companies throughout the Pittsburgh area including the Port Authority of Allegheny County and most recently for Desotec.

The family wants to thank the Allegheny General Hospital nurses on floor six and nine for their excellent care and attention to Chase and the Palliative care staff for their compassion during this difficult time.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, July 7th from 2-4 P.M. & 6 P.M. until the time of a service at 8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made to Tunnels to Towers in Chase’s name, may do so online or by mail. https://t2t.org/donate/ (click here) or make your check out to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306

Marie “Mary” (Santangelo) Marsilio (1928-2026)

Marie “Mary” (Santangelo) Marsilio, 97, of Baden, passed away peacefully on July 1st, 2026. She was born on December 29th, 1928, the daughter of the late Frank and Eugenia Santangelo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lou Marsilio, her cherished daughter, Genie Mikulich, her stepmother, Maria Santangelo; and her granddaughter, Erin Holsinger.

She is survived by her loving children, Marylou (Tom) Holsinger and Anthony (Marianne) Marsilio, seven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Marie retired from J.C. Penney, where she worked for many years working at the former Baden store. She was a devoted member of the former St. John the Baptist Church and generously dedicated countless hours of service to her parish. She faithfully served as President of the Christian Mothers, was well known for pinching pierogi, and volunteered at numerous church functions and events. She also devoted her time to serving the residents of Villa St. Joseph in Baden.

Above all, she was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and loyal friend. She will be fondly remembered for her sassiness, quick wit, infectious laughter, and her love of playing bingo. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith touched the lives of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 1020 State Street, Baden, PA 15005.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, July 6th from 3-7 p.m. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7th, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

Stephanie J. Haller (1996-2026)

Stephanie J. Haller, 19, passed away on June 30th, 2026 and passed away surrounded by her loving family, who loved her deeply.

She was born in Beaver on July 3rd, 1996, a beloved daughter of Robert and Veronica Massioni. She loved and admired her parents tremendously.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Judith Marlene Horner.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her siblings, Ryan, Erika, and Shane (Megan), all of whom she loved very much. She was also a devoted aunt to her nieces, Mya and Emma, and is survived by her grandmother, Anna Mae Nicotero, as well as her grandparents, Robert and Gloria Horner, along with many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members.

Stephanie shared a special love with her fiancé, Ben Hogue, who had been her sweetheart since middle school. They were planning to be married on June 3rd of this year before her illness. Ben and his family loved her dearly. She also adored her beloved pets: Lainey, Sofia, and Lyla. She was blessed with many wonderful friends who loved her deeply. Rachel was like a sister to her, and she loved Rachel and her children, Lincoln and Cohen, as if they were family. She had a sparkling personality and a kind, loving heart. To know her was to love her. She loved everyone deeply and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Friends and family will be received on Monday, July 6th from 4 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. in the J & J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements. Pastor Gary Hilton will officiate the service.

Private burial will be in Grove Cemetery, 1750 Valley Avenue, New Brighton.

Stephanie had a special place in her heart for animals. In her memory, the family asks that donations be made to Semper Fi Felines & Mary’s Misfits, a local Facebook rescue group dedicated to helping stray cats and kittens. Thank you.

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.

Elmo J. Mariani (1926-2026)

Elmo J. Mariani, 100, passed away peacefully on June 30th, 2026. He was born in Ambridge on March 19th, 1926, a son of the late Joseph and Mary (Kepics) Mariani.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant brother, Louis Mariani. He is survived by his beloved wife of 75 years, Mary Mariani, two sons, Joseph (Trudi) Mariani and Gary (Adriana) Mariani, his twin grandchildren, Maria and Anthony Mariani and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Elmo was a barber by trade and proudly owned and operated Elmo’s Barbershop in Monaca, for more than 40 years. He was well known not only for his skill behind the barber’s chair, but also, for his warm personality and the friendships he built with generations of customers.

He was an avid dancer who met the love of his life, Mary, at a dance. Together, they shared 75 wonderful years of marriage and spent countless weekends on the dance floor, enjoying the passtime that first brought them together.

He also enjoyed traveling with Mary and their close friends, watching baseball and football, and tending to his vegetable garden, especially his tomatoes. Gardening was one of his greatest joys, and even at 100 years old, he was still planting a garden. He especially loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and took great pride in watching Maria and Anthony play.

He was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor and loved to “kid around,” share stories from the past, and bring smiles to those around him. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family and friends. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, he will be remembered for his kindness, laughter, and unwavering love for those closest to him.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation, on Sunday, July 5th, from 1-5 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and fwhere prayers will be offered on Monday, July 6th, at 10 A.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 A.M., in Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 100 Resurrection Road, Coraopolis.

William Lloyd James (Passed on June 28th, 2026)

William Lloyd James, 78, of Freedom, passed away on June 28th, 2026. He was born in Homer City, Pennsylvania, and was raised in Freedom.

William was a graduate of Freedom High School and went on to continue his education, earning an Associate degree in accounting. He honorably served his country in the U S Army during the Vietnam War, stationed in Korea.

He spent his working years with the Construction and General Laborers Local 833, from which he later retired.

He really enjoyed sports. He was a talented basketball player in both high school and college, and his love of the game remained with him throughout his life. He later continued to give back to the sport as a referee for junior and senior high school basketball games, and coaching his grandson’s youth teams. He was also an avid golfer and found great enjoyment in the friendships and time outdoors that the game provided. He loved watching sports on TV and never missed his grandchildren’s sporting events, cheering them on at every soccer game, basketball game and track meet.

Another important part of his life was his 25 years of service with the Freedom Volunteer Fire Department.

Above all, he cherished his family. He was devoted to his wife of 54 years, Eleanor. He was a proud father to his son, William (Bill) James and his wife, Autumn, and his daughter, Jessica Melvin and her husband, Jason. He found great joy in being a grandfather to Jarek, Javin, Jersee, Adlee, and Brylee, and he treasured every opportunity to follow their activities and celebrate their accomplishments. He was also blessed to know his great-grandchildren, Tessa and Levi, who brought him additional happiness and pride.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lillian James, and a brother, David James. He is survived by his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, his siblings, Charles James, Dorothy Fraser and Clair James, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received on Thursday, July 2nd from 2-5 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca where military honors will be provided by the Beaver County Special Unit and a blessing service will be held at 5 p.m.