Category: Obituaries

Joan E. Moritz (Passed on January 25th, 2026)

Joan E. Moritz, 98, passed away on January 25th, 2026 at her Monaca residence. She was born in Buffalo, New York, a daughter of the late Benjamin and Esther Perry. Her heart found its partner in Gregory L. Moritz, and they got married on December 15th, 1945, in Barker, New York. Their union was a bond that lasted until Gregory’s passing. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Marjorie Marshall, and her brothers, Robert and Harold “Skip” Perry. She is survived by her daughter, Helen Moritz and her sons, James (Debbie) Moritz and Gerald (Mary Kay) Moritz. She was the proud grandmother to five grandsons: Benjamin, Sean, Chris, James, Jr., and Mike Moritz; as well as her two great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters. Her extended family included Tammy, Rudy, Chy, and Matt Spagnola and Norma and Dan Simpson.

In 1949, Joan moved to Pennsylvania, where she would become the heart of her home. She was the longest resident of Allaire Homes and was grateful for the many friendships she formed along the way. Her commitment to her family was unwavering, as she was a homemaker who kept an immaculate home and ensured a warm meal was always on the table. Her family was her priority, a value she instilled in all those around her. As a former Cub Scout den mother of Troop 420, she touched the lives of many young individuals. Among her proudest achievements was raising her amazing grandson, Benjamin, who carries on her spirit of generosity and compassion. She was a devout Catholic who lived her faith through action. She and her late husband shared a love for fishing, a pastime that brought them closer to nature and each other. Her hands were rarely still, as she enjoyed sewing and crocheting, creating countless baby blankets that wrapped new generations in her love. She was an avid sports fan who cheered passionately for the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Her enthusiasm was steadfast, through victories and defeats.

Joan’s gratitude is extended to the care and support provided by Life Beaver. The organization was a pillar of strength for her, and she often expressed her appreciation for their unwavering dedication.

A celebration of life gathering will be held on Saturday, June 27th at noon at the John Antoline (Memorial) Park, 2500 Marshall Road, Monaca.

Dr. Vera Krokonko (1935-2026)

Dr. Vera Krokonko, 90, of Casselberry, Florida, formerly of Ambridge, Moon Township, and Cranberry Township, passed away on January 22nd, 2026, in her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Ambridge on July 18th, 1935, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Lavrinok Krokonko. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Carrie Krokonko in 2015, a grandson, Terry Foley and a great niece, Adah Grace Krokonko. She is survived by four daughters: Tarrie Buchannon of Beaver Falls, Tina (Orin) Kephart of Arizona, Trina (Ted) Hennigan of North Carolina and Carmel Bynum of Arizona; as well as 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and a brother, Joseph (Linda) Krokonko of Zainesville, Ohio.

Dr. Vera was a 1953 graduate of Ambridge High School, 1957 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and a 1961 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh Medical School.  She served her internship in medicine and pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh from 1962-1965. Following her internship, she started her practice in pediatrics in Moon Township retiring in 2000, after 34 years of dedicated service to the community.  Her passion in life was serving God as a lifelong member of the Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ambridge and she was a member of the choir there and later became the choir director in 1982.  She also served as a cantor and lector for many years.  She was a charter member of the Solidity Group for Women and was a charter member of the original parish council. She served on the Liturgical-Spiritual Committee for many years and taught CCD and adult education classes.  In 1965, she became a Secular Franciscan and in 2007 took the vows of the Consecrated Virgin in the Catholic Church. She was very proud to receive her Masters and PHD in Spiritual Formation from Duquesne University in 1997.  She took piano lessons for 9 years and loved playing the piano and painting Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Eggs).

Friends will be received on Tuesday, February 3rd from 11 A.M. until the time of a funeral service at 12 noon in the Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 404 Sixth Street, Ambridge, with Father Michael Polosky Officiating. Interment will follow in SS Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, 1691 Ridge Road Extension, #1601, Ambridge.
In lieu of flowers the family asks donations to be made to the SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 404 Sixth Street, Ambridge, PA 15003. 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 Dr. Vera Krokonko, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Karin Roberta Hudac (1970-2026)

Karina Roberta Hudac, 55, of Economy Borough, passed away on January 27th, 2026. She was born on September 4th, 1970, a beloved daughter of Valerie Kozak and the late Jerry Hudac.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Hudac, her aunts, Marlene Hudac and Maryanne Kozak, her uncle, Robert Kozak, her maternal grandparents, Michael and Eugenia Kozak and paternal grandparents, Edward and Doris Hudac. She is survived by her sisters, Sheila Albright and Tammy George, her uncle, John Kozak, her aunts, Faythe Hudac and Holly Kozak, her nieces, Sophia Albright and Kailey George, her nephews: Joshua Martz, Zackary Gill, Cody George, and Seth Albright; life partner, Scott Zbrzezny; as well as her godmother, Helena Hess, and her beloved pets, Willy and Decland.

Karina was a graduate of Ambridge High School, Class of 1988, and went on to attend nursing school, earning her bachelor’s degree. She devoted many years to her career as a nurse, caring for others with compassion and dedication. Her life revolved around her son, whom she loved deeply. Karina was a positive, selfless soul who was always willing to help anyone in need. She found peace in campfires and cherished trips to the beach, especially watching the sunrise. Above all, she loved being in the warmth of the sun.

A Visitation will be held from 12 noon to 4 P.M. on Sunday, February 1st at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Monday, February 2nd at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Church, 546 Melrose Avenue, Ambridge. Burial will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Cemetery, 1691 Ridge Road Extension, #1601, Ambridge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in care to the funeral home, Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, PA 15003.

Robert G. Dawson (1934-2026)

Robert G. Dawson, 91, of Midland, passed away on January 26th, 2026, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa surrounded by his family.

He was born in Ohioville on February 22nd, 1934, a son of the late F. Glenn and Mary Dawson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Ray Dawson, his brothers, Donald, Fred and Lloyd Dawson and sisters, Bernice May Dawson, Hazel Givens, and Janet Petz. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Virginia Dawson, his daughters, Sandra (George) Jonas of Industry, Beth (Drew) Miladin of Center Tonwship, his son, Robert (Debbie) Dawson, Jr. of West Palm Beach, Florida, jhis daughter-in-law, Patsy Dawson Pearce of Carnegie, his sister, Linda Lomagro of Industry, his sisters-in-law, Martha Dawson of Beaver Falls, Norma Dawson of Beaver, his grandchildren: Tera Turnsek, Zachary (Stacey) Jonas, Robert (Jenna) Dawson III, Paige (Jonny) Rosales, Chase (Delaney) Miladin, Ryan Dawson; as well as his great-grandchildren: Lydia and Landon Turnsek, Gracyn and Joleigh Jonas, Hunter and Brayden Dawson, Sistine and Scarlet Rosales; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Robert was a proud veteran of the U. S. Army and was a Master Carpenter with the Carpenters Local 922. He was a life-long member of Midland Volunteer Fire Deptartment. He also attended the New Salem Presbyterian Church in Ohioville.

He had a great sense of humor and was always a gentleman. He loved playing cards, especially with his brothers. He enjoyed hunting and building jigsaw puzzles. His passion was woodworking. He liked to travel to Florida and being a snowbird, but most of all, his greatest joy was his family.

Friends will be received on Friday, January 30th, from 3-7 p.m. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, where a funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, January 31st at 11 a.m. A Military burial at a later date in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at Celebration Villa, Chippewa, and Gateway Hospice for their compassionate care. The family would also like to thank all the great neighbors, friends and family for their love and support.

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

Katherine A. “Kay” (Kufel) Dzikowski (1927-2026)

Katherine A. “Kay” (Kufel) Dzikowski, 98, of Aliquippa, peacefully passed away on January 23, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Joseph Dzikowski. She was born in Poland on September 25th, 1927, a daughter of the late Joseph and Anna Kufel. In addition to her beloved husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Helen (Chuck) Burrell and joyfully reunited with her loved ones again.
She is survived by her twin daughters: Carol (John) Ort and Linda (Thomas) Kilian. Her legacy continued with four grandchildren: Kimberly (Joe) Lentz, Diane (Jeffrey) Ammerman, Michael (Alicia) Ort, Laurie (Anthony) Conti. Nine great grandchildren: Aidan, Andrew, Anthony Thomas, Meredith, Michael, Ava, Sophia, Jonathan and Samuel; as well as two special nieces JoAnne (Tom) Walsh, who was like a daughter to Katherine, her loving nieces, Romaine Jesky-Smith and Dottie (Ed) Dillion. She proudly accepted the role of grandmother to her niece Emma (Kody) Walsh. She was dedicated to her Catholic upbringing. She was an active member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish and Saint Titus Church in Aliquippa and devoted many years faithfully cleaning the church and making pierogies. She worked in the maternity ward at the former Aliquippa Hospital, a career she began in 1963 and enjoyed until her retirement in 1993. She was also proud to be a lifetime member of the Polish National Alliance.A Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30th from 3-7 p.m. at Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, January 31st in Saint Titus Church, 972 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa at 10:00 a.m. Everyone is asked to meet at the church.
Interment will follow at Mr. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.In lieu of flowers, the family would like to honor Katherine’s request and remember her by offering an act of kindness to someone.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Katherine A. “Kay” (Kufel) Dzikowski please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

June L. Hodge (Passed in January 26th, 2026)

June L. Hodge, 94, a resident of Center Township, passed away peacefully on January 26th, 2026. She leaves a legacy of love for her family and love for her friends. June was a kind and gentle soul. She was a lady. She was born in Glenwillard, Pennsylvania, and spent most of her growing up years in downtown Monaca, Pennsylvania. She was a graduate of Monaca High School. She was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Monaca. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, E. Ray Hodge, her loving parents, Arthur E. Laughner and Opal Phillips Laughner as well as two devoted brothers, Eugene Laughner and Dale Laughner. She is survived by her sons, David Hodge and Daniel (Lori) Hodge. She was cherished as well by her two granddaughters, Kayla (Tim) Denman and Megan (Tyler) Petti. She took immense pride in her two great granddaughters, Blaykely Denman and Camdyn Denman, she is also survived by her devoted niece, special confidant and travel companion, Peggy Laughner.

Friends will be received at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue in Monaca on Thursday, January 29th from 6-8 p.m., and on Friday, January 30th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A funeral service under the direction of the Reverend Beth Wierman will take place at the First Presbyterian Church of Monaca on Saturday, January 31st at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment at the Beaver Mausoleum, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

If desired, the family invites donations in June’s name to be given to the First Presbyterian Church of Monaca, 1301 Indiana Avenue, Monaca, Pennsylvania 15061.

June A. Beighley (1938-2026)

June A. Beighley, 87, of Beaver Falls, passed away on January 26th, 2026, at Concordia Villa St. Joseph in Baden. She was born in North Sewickley Township on May 15th, 1938, the daughter of the late Walter and Bessie Love Tatsch Shotsinger. In addition to her parents, June was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ronald Beighley. She is survived by her niece, Tammy Romesburg, two nephews, William (Jane) McGraw and Timothy F. (Robin) McGraw, two great-nieces, Cheryl (Chuck) McDanel and Erin (Matt) Shaffer, three great-nephews, Timothy M. McGraw, Ryan (Gabby) Brown and Eric (Marina) Brown and eleven great-great-nieces and nephewsL Hannah, Cole, Connor, Olivia, Bryce, Kellen, Leah, Evyenia, Yianni, Markella, and Thespina.

June was a proud retiree from Westinghouse where she had diligently served as an Assistant to Purchasing. Her dedication was reflective of her reliable nature, and her resilience was evident in every task she undertook. June was a woman of simple pleasures and found joy in her regular lunch dates with friends and traveling the world. Her love for her pets was unparalleled, a testament to her thoughtful and caring nature.  Friends will be received Sunday, February 1st from 2-6 P.M. at CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, where a blessing service will be held on Monday, February 2nd at 10 A.M. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls. Online condolences may be shared at www.corlessfuneralhome.com.

Joanne Louise Clark (1932-2026)

Joanne Louise Clark, 93, of Chippewa Township, passed away on January 25th, 2026. Her final weeks were spent surrounded by her devoted daughters and loving granddaughter, Katie. She was born on July 11th, 1932, a daughter of the late Paul and May Laveing. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles W. Clark, her daughters, Jo Ellen Musguire and Diane Clause, her siblings, Janet Zurga, Paul and Bob Laveing. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law: Debra Armstrong, Susan and Rob Russell, Elaine Clark, Carol Clark and Terry Marks; as well as her granddaughters: Katie, Kelly, Christina, Jennifer, Leslie, Lori; along with her grandsons, Paul and Matt, her sister and brother, June and Jack Laveing and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joanne was a homemaker for many years and later worked at CVS Pharmacy for over 20 years. She enjoyed spending time with family playing games, puzzling, bird watching and going for nightly rides through the countryside. Friends will be received on Friday, January 30th from 4 p.m. until the time of service at 6 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements. Private interment will take place at Clinton Cemetery in Wampum.

John Daniel Metzler, Sr. (1952-2026)

John Daniel Metzler, Jr., 73, of Industry, passed away on January 24th, 2026.

He was born on May 6th, 1952 and was preceded in death by his parents, John and Evelyn Metzler, and his in-laws, Howard and Dorothy Benson. John’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the community he served, and the family he loved so deeply. He will be missed beyond words. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 46 years, Cynthia L. Benson Metzler, his children, John D. Metzler III and his wife Emily of Mt. Airy, Maryland, Joshua J. Metzler and his wife Erica of Industry, PA, Cynthia F. Straile and her husband Joshua of Industry, and Joy L. Metzler and Jeffrey Snedden of Industry, and his grandchildren: Ava Metzler, John D. Metzler IV, Joshua A. Straile, Adelynn Dinsmore, and Abigail Dinsmore. He is also survived by his siblings, Richard Metzler and his wife, Joyce, Renee Curry and Darlene Kuban and her husband, Bill, Evelyn Kunkle and her husband, Mark, and Sharon Callahan and her husband, Mike, along with many nieces and nephews and their children who he loved following along with their sports and activities.

John lived a full, meaningful life rooted in faith, family, and community. He was the kind of man who showed up consistently and with his whole heart. As a child, he attended Assumption School in Pittsburgh, where he served as an altar boy, and later graduated from Avalon High School in 1971. Early in life, he followed a calling to become a Franciscan Friar. While that chapter shaped his faith and values, he ultimately chose a different path, one that included marriage to his beloved wife Cindy and later children. John worked hard his entire life. His previous employment includes a local steel mill, a truck driver, and eventually a supervisor at Neville Chemical where he worked until retirement. He dedicated over 20 years to serving on the Western Beaver School Board and spent 5 years as Western Beaver’s representative on the BCCTS board, always advocating for students and the community he loved. Family was at the center of everything he did. As his children grew, so did his involvement, coaching youth sports, serving on boards, lining fields, and making sure his kids had every opportunity to enjoy the things they loved. He coached BTB football and WLBRA baseball, proudly leading his beloved 90s Phillies team. Even when he wasn’t officially coaching, he could be found in the bleachers, on the sidelines or along the fence line, making sure his presence was known. One of his favorite roles in life was becoming a “Pappy”. He loved making his grandkids lunches, taking care of them and making sure they always had access to a sweet treat. He was always happy feeding people whether through Big John’s BBQ, his famous Thanksgiving Doughballs, Christmas Baklava or just simple dinner for his family. Nothing brought him more joy than hearing laughter around his table or his swimming pool. He loved cheering on the Steelers, playing golf, snow plowing the neighborhood during winter storms, and heading to the beach in the summer where you could find him under an umbrella. He took great pride in maintaining his swimming pool, not because he swam himself, but because he loved watching his wife, children, and grandchildren enjoy it. He also enjoyed driving the golf cart around the Western Beaver football field, setting things up for game day, a small task that perfectly captured who he was: dependable, humble, and always willing to help.

Friends will be received Friday, January 30th from 2-4:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at St. Blaise Roman Catholic Church, 772 Ohio Avenue, Midland on Saturday, January 31st at 10:30 a.m. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Daniel Metzler Jr., please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Donna Marie (Dierdorf) Powell (1937-2026)

Donna Marie (Dierdorf) Powell, 88, passed away peacefully on January 24th, 2026.

She was born on October 28th, 1937, the daughter of the late Mary Preda Deirdorf and Walter Dierdorf and granddaughter to Helen and Nicholas Preda. Donna was raised and lived in Monaca until she was married in 1959 to Herman “Red” M. Powell, who was one of the relatives that preceded her in death. Donna and Red then moved to Beaver where they raised their family. She had a wonderful work ethic. Her first job was at the majestic Oriental Theater in Rochester and then she transitioned to the Circulation Department at the Beaver County Times. After spending time as a dedicated and full-time parent, she worked at Young’s Jewelry (Rochester), Brighton Electric Steel (Beaver Falls) and from age 70-80 worked in Customer Service at Kohls Department Store (Monaca). She was involved in multiple community organizations throughout her life and was an active parent supporting all activities and sports for her children and grandchildren. Donna loved a competitive card game, a trip to the beach, sitting on the porch, watching sports and the Game Show Network, cooking, baking and hosting events for family and friends. She practiced her Catholic faith with pride and she loved her parish, Our Lady of the Valley (Sts. Peter and Paul Church) in Beaver. She is survived by her children, Greg Powell, Scott Powell, and Mary Lynn Powell, her daughters-in-law, Patti Powell and Michelle Powell, her beloved grandchildren, Meghan Sperdute, Emily (Matt) Condio, Kylie Powell, Michael (Kiana Gonzalez) Powell; as well as her twin brother, Donald Dierforf, her sister-in-law, Roberta Deirdorf and her treasured friend, Beverly Karwoski. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, God Children and special friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Donna was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Dierdorf and sister-in-law, Betty Dierdorf. Donna, also known as “Mother Powell”, will be missed by her family and many friends. Thank you mom for being a wonderful mother and grandmother. We love you! We will carry the many life lessons, fun stories and memories with us always. Appreciation goes to the staff and volunteers at the Villa St. Joseph for their care and compassion. The environment they create made Donna’s last few weeks of life enjoyable, peaceful and safe. Thank you! Friends and family will be received on Thursday, January 29th from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the NOLL FUNERAL HOME, INC. 333 THIRD STREET, BEAVER, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver, on Friday, January 30th at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please honor Donna’s memory by making a donation to Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 200 3rd Street, Beaver, PA 15009 or the Beaver Memorial Library, 100 College Ave, Beaver, PA 15009

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donna Marie (Dierdorf) Powell, please visit our flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.