Category: Obituaries

Susan Jean (Davis) Emerick (1948-2026)

Susan Jean (Davis) Emerick, 77, of New Sewickley, passed away on Monday, June 8th, after a 7-month battle with cancer. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She was born on August 31st, 1948, a daughter of the late Howard Blair and Emma Jean Davis. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Howard Blair Davis Jr (Juliann) and her sister and brother-in-law, Karen Irene Shultz (Nelson). She is survived by her husband, Carl M. Emerick, her stepmother, Dorothy Davis, her sisters, Catherine Louise Davis, Rebecca Lee Miller (Ron) and Margaret Alice Grafton (Barry), her children, Diana Lynn Nye (Donnie) and Georgia Ann Vargo (Louis), her grandchildren: Andy, Rosalyn, Heath, Niki, Courtney; as well as her great grandchildren: Kane, Frank, Koa, Stella, Keston, Goldie, and Lewis. She also had a special love for her dogs, Joe and Corky.

Susan graduated from Freedom Area High School with its class of 1966. She married Carl “Mac” Emerick, on July 15th, 1966, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rochester. Together they had two girls. She worked with Carl at Emerick’s Greenhouse for forty-three years. Over the years, they traveled to all but two of the fifty states. Susan loved to read, build puzzles, play Solitaire and Sudoku, as well as loved to bake. She was a Sunday School teacher for a number of years and was a great listener to other people’s troubles.

In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated with no viewing. Arrangements have been entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, June 13th, at 5 p.m. in Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rochester. All memorial contributions can be made to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 393 Adams Street Rochester, PA 1504, or the American Cancer Society in her name. Her family would like to give a special thank you to the Good Samaritan Hospice for their extraordinary care and comfort for Susan and the family.

Morcos Habib (1976-2026)

Morcos Habib, 50, of Gibsonia, passed away on June 9th, 2026. He was born on February 16th, 1976, a son of Wahballah Fathallah Habib and Nabila R. Kaldas. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his beloved wife, Sally Henein-Habib, his cherished children, Tiffany Habib and Matthew Habib, his brother, Moheb (Janet) Habib, his sister, Mary (Michael) Ghabour, his nephews, Fady, Marc, and Matthew, his niece, Sherry, his brothers-in-law, Maged (Brandy) Henein and Ramy Henein, as well as many extended family members and dear friends.

Morcos dedicated his life to serving others through his faith, his family, and his medical profession. He attended medical school in Cairo, Egypt, and immigrated to the United States in 2005. He completed his residency in Family Medicine at UPMC McKeesport and went on to build a distinguished career in healthcare. He served as Head of Medical Services at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital before continuing his work with UPMC Partners in Health. Throughout his career, he was deeply respected by colleagues and beloved by the countless patients whose lives he touched with his compassion, dedication, and expertise. He was also a devoted member of St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church in Ambridge. He also faithfully served as a Deacon and was an active servant within the church community. He was especially loved by the children he taught in Sunday School and was admired by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His unwavering faith, kindness, and generous spirit left a lasting impact on his family, church, patients, and friends.

A Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, June 12th, at 9 a.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 12 noon at St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, 995 Melrose Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will follow at Mount Royal Cemetery, 2700 Mt Royal Boulevard, Glenshaw.

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

Elaine H. Urda (1936-2026)

Elaine H. Urda, 89, of Ambridge, passed away on June 8th, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital. She was born in Ambridge on December 14th, 1936, a daughter of the late Steven and Ann (Micochin) Herko. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leigh W. Urda. She is survived by two daughters, Laurie A. Urda and Deborah A. (William) Kopchick, two granddaughters, Emily A. and Mary Elizabeth Kopchick, a brother, David S. Herko and a sister, Nancy H. Pravlochak.

Elaine was a member of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Ambridge. At church, she was a trustee and then a curator, and active with food preparation and sales, as well as various fundraisers and festivals. She was also a lifelong member of the Ambridge District Sportsman’s Association. She was passionate about music; especially the organ and piano. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and family, and absolutely loved spending time with them, her church family, friends and neighbors.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation on Saturday, June 13th, from 9 A.M. until the time of a service at 11 A.M., in St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 450 Glenwood Drive, Ambridge. Interment will follow, privately, in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 450 Glenwood Dr, Ambridge, PA 15003.

Arlene Ruth Marino (1940-2026)

Arlene Ruth Marino, 86, passed away peacefully on June 8th, 2026 at Masonic Village in Sewickley, surrounded by her family. She was born in Pittsburgh on May 21st, 1940, a daughter of the late Ruth and Francis Colaizzi. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Norma Collinger (Jack) & Janet Hammond, and a brother-in-law, Donald Marino. Arlene married the love of her life, Charles Marino, with whom she shared 46 devoted years of marriage. Together, they built a life and family, starting a legacy of love that has spanned generations. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three children, Charles Marino (Kathie) of Clinton, Sharon Marino (Halee Ranck) of Lawrenceville and Curt Marino (Michelle) of Moon Township, four grandchildren: Heather Marino (Scott), Curtis Marino (Emily), Taylor Marino and Dominic Marino, three great-grandchildren, Livia, Max & Charlie Marino, a brother-in-law, Jerry Hammond and a sister-in-law, Linda Marino.

Arlene was a retired registered nurse who spent her life helping others. She deeply loved her family and cherished time spent with them. She loved playing cards, shopping, and traveling. She was kind, generous, and loving. She had a way of making everyone feel special and had a gift with children and animals that had to be seen to be believed. She was a member of Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Moon Township and lived her faith in Jesus Christ. Sunday dinners were legendary with her spaghetti and meatballs. Her family is grateful for the care that was provided by Masonic Village and Gateway Hospice.

Friends will be received on Thursday, June 11th from 4-8 P.M. in The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 12th at 10 A.M. Private interment will take place at a later date.

Wanda R. Ruckert (1954-2026)

Wanda R. Ruckert, 71, of Brighton Township, passed away on June 8th, 2026 in her home. She was born in Rochester on September 20th, 1954, the daughter of the late Frank Wallace and Regina Gordon. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her special nephew, Jeff Gray, and her father-in-law, Ron Ruckert. She is survived by her husband of twenty-four years, Michael Ruckert, two daughters and one son-in-law, Wanda and Jaime Bailey and Lori Harvey, two sisters and a brother-in-law, Linda and Sam Gray, and Jane Vargo and her late husband, Louis “Butch” Vargo, three grandkids, Austin Bailey, Lauren Bailey and her fiancé, Cole Johnston, and Taylor DiMarzio and her fiancé, Dylan Goodrich, two great-grandchildren, Leiya and Jackson Johnston, her mother-in-law, Judy Ruckert, two sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Shelly Probst, and Tina and Sam Harden, two nephews, Dylan Probst and Tristan Harden, two nieces, Danika Valko and Skylie Harden, two great nieces, and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Wanda was a retired caregiver through multiple outlets across Beaver County. She was also a member of Family Bible Church in Freedom. She also loved her pets very deeply.

Friends will be received Sunday June 14th, from 1-4 p.m., with a service following at 4:30 p.m. at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of her arrangements. Officiating will be Pastor Ed and Austin Bailey.

Andrea Suzanne Dallas (1989-2026)

Andrea Suzanne Dallas, 40, passed away on June 3rd, 2026. She was born on January 5th, 1989 and is survived by her beloved son, Mekel, who was the light of her life, her devoted life partner, Meko, and Meko’s children, Meko Jr. and Mekiyah, whom she loved and cared for as her own, her mother, Linda Taylor, her father and steadfast rock, Tony Dallas and his life partner, Chrissy, her sister, Nichol, and her husband, Alex, whom she saw as a brother of her own, her brother, Brian, her sister, Jackie, her niece, Lexi and nephew, Darian, who were blessed to know her as a second mother, as well as her many beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her love. To know Andrea was to know joy. She lived life, loudly, bold, and with her whole heart. She was the kind of person whose presence filled a room. She was loud in the best way: full of life, laughter, love, and unwavering loyalty. She had a smile so genuine that every photograph captured what seemed to be a laugh in progress, and her infectious laugh brought joy to everyone around her. She was fiercely proud of her Italian heritage, and nowhere was that more evident that in her kitchen. Cooking wasn’t just something she did—it was how she loved people. Whether she was preparing a holiday feast, dropping off food for a loved one, feeding coworkers, or making her son’s favorite meal, she found joy in nourishing the people she cared about. She was fiercely loyal, nurturing and protective, and endlessly supportive. She was the person family and friends could always count on, Strong, dependable and full of heart, she made everyone around her feel safe, loved, and important. Above all else, she was a devoted mother to her beloved son, Mekel, who was the center of her world. She was his biggest supporter and loudest cheerleader, proudly filling the sidelines with her voice as she watched him play football. Her love extended equally to Meko Jr. and Mekiyah, who she treated as her own and celebrated every milestone and achievement alongside them. She shared a beautiful bond with Mekel’s father, Meko. They were best friends and life partners. Together they built a life centered around family, love, loyalty, and countless memories that will be cherished forever. Though her time here was far too short and her passing leaves an unimaginable void, the love she gave so freely with never leave those who knew her. Her family will forever remember her laughter, her beautiful smile, her unwavering loyalty, and the way she made every gathering feel like home. They will miss the meals she lovingly prepared, the cheers from the sidelines, and most of all, her hugs. Not the quick, polite hugs people often give, but her hugs were the ones that pulled you all the way in, held on a little longer, and made you feel so warm and loved. She would often leave you with a kiss on the cheek, a simple gesture that somehow said what words could not. Though her arms can no longer wrap around those she loved, the warmth, comfort, and love found in those hugs will remain in their hearts forever. To celebrate the beautiful life she lived, guests are encouraged to wear bright colors that reflect her joyful personality. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, June 12th from 3:30 P.M. until the time of a memorial service at 7 P.M. at the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a college fund for her son, Mekel, whose future was one of Andrea’s greatest hopes and dreams. Donations can be made to Mekel’s GoFundMe by clicking here https://gofund.me/f9ed90ad3

Ron “Spider” Morelli (1953-2026)

Ron “Spider” Morelli, 73, of Beaver, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on June 5th, 2026. He was born on June 2nd, 1953, a beloved son of Eraldo “Slim” Morelli and Adelina “Tillie” (Simoni) Morelli. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Ralph Romano, his sister-in-law, Angela (Roma) Lukens, his aunts and uncles, as well as cousins and special friends and his uncle and godfather, Peter P Simoni.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bernadette Roma Morelli, his beloved children: Brandon (Stephanie) Thomson, Ian (Theresa) Thomson, Pam Morelli, Anthony (Brittany) Thomson, Elyse Thomson, and Nate (Francie) Morelli; as well as his cherished grandchildren: Adia and Liam Thomson, Allison Nichol and Jonah Thomson, Maeve and Maren Thomson, and Isla and Natalie Morelli, who will forever treasure their memories of their “Nons,” his brother, Rich (Janet) Morelli; his nieces, Jessica (Joe) DeMatteis and Amanda (Justin) Morelli-Blanda; his great-nieces, Adelina DeMatteis, Carson Blanda, and Quinn Morelli; and Valentina Nero, Michael (Taylor) Lukens and Brian (Jen) Lukens, and his great-niece Sloane, who lovingly called him “Silly Nonnu.” He also leaves behind many loving members of the Roma Family: Joe Roma, Toni Romano and her children, Sylvia Roma, Beth (Eric) Lohner and Theresa (Blake) Nero and their children, with whom he shared many happy memories. He is further survived by many close cousins, friends, neighbors, and his special cat, Arlo.

Ron was a 1971 graduate of Quigley Catholic High School. He was active in the theater both during his high school years and after; he was best known for his role as Nathan Detroit in Quigley’s 1971 production of “Guys and Dolls.” He was a keeper of crazy socks, silly ties, funny jokes, and remarkable mustaches. He had enough love in his heart to heal the world, and a smile to brighten the darkest of days. He was the best hugger, a gifted optimist, a faithful servant, and his trust in God was unwavering. He faced his challenges with courage and handled his defeats with grace. There wasn’t a person that didn’t know him or know of him through his sayings, like greeting people with a smile and a “How you doin?” and responding to people asking him how he’s doing with: “If I was any better, I would be you!” He had a varied and storied career. Between high school and college, he spent summers working at A&S Railroad and LTV Steel Corporation. After he graduated in 1975 from Edinboro University with a B.A. in English, he entered the workforce as an English teacher at Quigley Catholic High School and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. While teaching at Quigley, he directed high school musicals. Following his career in education, he worked as an entertainment facilitator at Penn State Beaver, a salesperson at ComputerLand and for US Airways. He spent 27 years working at FedEx and retired as a Senior Network Analyst for FedEx Services before retirement. He continued to enjoy many deep and lasting friendships with different groups, including his childhood friends, and his “FedEx guys;” that he enjoyed going out to eat and golfing with. Whether you met him for a moment or knew him for a lifetime, you loved him just the same. He was a fierce warrior, a phenomenal singer, a calming spirit, and a solid presence. He was a thespian and he loved sharing his beautiful voice with others as a member of the Beaver Valley Choral Society. He had a powerful and unwavering faith; he grew up as a member of St. Titus Roman Catholic Church in Aliquippa and attended Mass at Saints Peter & Paul Church in Beaver, part of Our Lady of the Valley Parish. He was also a member of the Holy Name Society and Men’s Group through his Parish. He looked forward every year to his family tradition by carrying the San Rocco statue in the parade, which he did for more than 35 years. He will always be remembered for his life-long love of Spiderman; there are many who know him simply as “Spider.” He left his cape incognito, but wore his heart on his sleeve. San Rocco, countless holidays, and family traditions will never feel the same without his presence, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he’s touched. He will be forever remembered for his generous heart, sense of humor, and the love he gave so freely to those around him. All those who knew him will forever cherish every moment spent with a true superhero.

Friends and family will be received for a visitation on Wednesday, June 10th and Thursday, June 11th from 4-7 p.m. at the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. of Aliquippa, who was in charge of his arrangements. A funeral Mass will also be held on Friday, June 12th at 11 a.m. at St. Titus Roman Catholic Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa with Fr. Howard Campbell officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.

In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations to PANCAN Ron’s name (pancan.org) or to the American Diabetes Association (In Memory of Ron “Spider” Morelli – Fundraising For American Diabetes Association, https://diy-diabetes.donordrive.com/campaigns/In-Memory-of-Ron–Spider–Morelli (click here to donate)

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ron “Spider” Morelli please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Helen M. Mehalik (1940-2026)

Helen M. Mehalik, 85, of Brighton Township, passed away on June 4th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver.

She was born in Pittsburgh on July 8th, 1940, a daughter of the late Philip and Helen (Kasper) Demoratz. She was the 6th of 9 children. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, John Mehalik, her brothers: Joseph, Philip, Jr., Joseph, Steve and George; as well as her sisters, Margaret Liberatore and Ann Postich, her son-in-law, Al Colaizzi and her step-grandson, Anthony Colaizzi. She is survived by two daughters, Susan (Chris) Gubish and Mary Colaizzi and her son, John T. Mehalik, Jr., all of Brighton Township, her grandchildren, Justin (Melissa) Mehalik (Howell, Michigan) and Katherine Gubish of Carnegie, her great grandchildren, Thomas, Lucas, and Nikolas, step-grandchildren, Ben Colazzi and Amanda (Caleb Watts) of Pittsburgh, her great grandchildren, Azaela Carmichael and CJ Watts and two sisters, Mary (Frank) Aloi of Ellwood City and Diane (David) Reese of Industry and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews.

Helen was a devoted wife, loving mother, dedicated grandmother, great grandmother, and caring friend. She was kind and welcoming, making sure to never let a birthday or special event pass without letting those in her life know they were loved. She hosted many gatherings through the years. Her house was a space where friends gathered and became family. She enjoyed gambling, going out to eat, and playing cards, especially Kings Corner. To know her was to know unconditional love. She belonged to Saints Peter and Paul Church in Beaver, where she was a member of the Keenage Club and Marian Guild. She would often volunteer at the church and school. She was also a member of St. Anthony Auxillary in Midland.

Friends will be received on Thursday, June 11th, from 4-8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 12th at 10:30 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver.

The family would like to thank the staff at HVHS Beaver. The care and compassion the doctors and nurses provided in her final days was an immeasurable comfort to the family. They also thank Dr. Frank Aloi who was always available for his Aunt Helen.

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

Bonita Jean Smith McDanel (1953-2026)

Bonita Jean Smith McDanel, 73, of Beaver, passed away on June 6th, 2026. She was born on February 17th, 1953, a daughter of the late John Charles Smith and Jean Eleanora Robinson Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter S. McDanel Jr., her son, Shaun Charles Justice, lost at birth, her sister, Joyce Smith Grandstaff and her nephew, John Scott Merriman. She is survived by her son, Marc Elliot Justice and his wife, Renee Christine Justice, her daughter, Kimberly Ann Justice, her stepson, Adam McDanel and her grandchildren: Sean Mark Justice, Colin John Justice, Gabriel Alyse Baclit, and Maison Frederick Hogue.

Bonita was a graduate of Center High School, with its class of 1971, and retired from working at Atcheson Oral Surgery where she devoted many years of dedicated service. In her final years, Bonita faced Alzheimer’s disease with the quiet dignity that defined her throughout her life. Though the illness took much from her, it could not diminish the love her family held for her or the mark she left on those who knew her. All arrangements are entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074. A private interment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, 1101 9th St Extension, Freedom. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Cheryl M. Simpson (1950-2026)

Cheryl M. Simpson, 76, of Freedom, passed away on June 4th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in Rochester on May 27th, 1950, the daughter of the late William F. and Lenora Watson Baker. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Thomas A. Simpson, as well as one daughter, Lisa M. and Aaron Sipps, and one granddaughter, Ava Marie Sipps of Barrington, New Jersey.

Cheryl was a retired computer scientist with Computer Science Corporation in Falls Church, Virginia. She was a member of the Pinehurst Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Sewickley. She was a graduate of Freedom High School and received her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Spanish from Thiel College in Greenville. She loved her family and was a devoted wife and mother.

Friends will be received on Thursday June 11th, from 4-6 p.m., with a service following at 6:15pm, at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of her arrangements. Officiating will be Pastor Dale Roberts. Private interment will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery, 1101 9th Street Extension, Freedom.