Category: Obituaries

Mary Rasicci Holt (1930-2026)

Mary Rasicci Holt, 95, of Marietta, Georgia, formerly of Beaver, passed away peacefully on February 1st, 2026 from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Mary was born in Ridgeway, Pennsylvania on June 4th, 1930 and eventually married her high school sweetheart, Laurence G. Holt, in 1954. They moved to Beaver to raise their growing family and spent over 60 happy years together, sharing their love of music, theater, art, literature, and travel. During the start of the COVID epidemic, Mary moved to Marietta, Georgia to be closer to her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Isabella and Guerino Rasicci, her sister, Betty Geitner and her beloved husband, Laurence G. Holt. She is survived by their five children and spouses; Maj. Laurence D. Holt, U.S. Army (ret.) and Christine Holt of Marietta, Georgia, Elizabeth (Betsy) and Kurt Swanson of Richmond, Virginia, Christine Hughes and Scott Loehr of Ballwin, Missouri, Ellen and Andrew Reeher of St. Paul, Minnesota and James Carl and Mary Pat Holt of The Woodlands, Texas; as well as 20 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, her sister-in-law, Barbara Holt of Grove City, Pennsylvania, along with several nieces and nephews.

Mary was a lifelong learner and educator who received a BS in Education from Lock Haven State Teachers College and a MA in English from Slippery Rock University. She retired from Beaver Area Senior High School after decades of teaching and sharing her love of foreign language, international travel, and reading with her students. Many of her former students and their families will fondly remember the educational trips led by “Madame Holt” to France and England over the years. She was an enthusiastic and prolific reader who instilled her love of books in her children and grandchildren. She was a lifelong member of The Beaver Friends of the Library. She also enjoyed her time volunteering with the Beaver Area Women’s Club, Tusca Ridge Garden Club, AAUW, PSPE Auxiliary and Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Friends will be received on Friday, March 6th from 3-7 p.m. at the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 7th at 11 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver. Interment will be private. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver PA 15009. or the Beaver Area Memorial Library, 100 College Avenue, Beaver PA 15009.

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

James D. Conner (1938-2026)

James D. Conner, 87, of Beaver, passed away on January 30th, 2026 with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Rochester on March 11th, 1938, a son of the late Richard D. and Elizabeth Eaton Conner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Conner, his brother, Dick Conner, his sisters, Betsy Sullivan and Nancy Conner, his infant brother, Thomas Michael Conner and his brother-in-law, Bruce Logan.

He is survived by his son, Robert (Tracy) Conner, his step daughters, Jacquie Gomez, Elisa Lind and Michelle Shiner, his brothers, Bill (Judy) Conner, and Bob (Denise) Conner, his sister, Peggy Logan, his grandchildren, Clinton McShane and Mikayla McShane and his great grandchildren, Easton Cohen and Chance McShane.

James retired from the airlines as a supervisor with Delta Airlines and was a proud U.S. Navy veteran.

A Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21st from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. Friends are invited to gather at Kelly’s, Riverside Saloon, 1458 Riverside Drive, Beaver, after visitation. Private Interment will take place at a later date.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in James’ name may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Judith (Smith) Hampe (1939-2026)

Judith (Smith) Hampe, 86, peacefully passed away on February 12th, 2026.
She was born in South Heights, Pennsylvania on April 7th, 1939, the daughter of the late Ronald and Mildred (McCallister) Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Gustav “Gus” Hampe, her grandson, Michael Miller, and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Louise (Barry) Bunner.

She is survived by her children, Robert Hampe (Chrissy Baker), Sherry (Jim) Grady, and Lisa Hampe-Miller, with whom she lived, her sister and brother-in-law, Coralee and Michael Syrko, her sister-in-law, Marjorie Straub and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was blessed with seven grandchildren: Erin (Jake) Grossi, Megan (Nolan) Shank, Robyn Hampe (Austin Tisch), Mark (Naomi) Miller, Robert (Stephen) Beresik-Hampe, Michela Grady (Jesse Moore), Nicholas Grady (Emma Ciaramella) and Amanda (Jeff) Marsch, great-grandchildren: Robbie, Leena, Eli, Maverick, Easton, Samuel, Abigail, Grady, Maddox; as well as a joyous addition, baby Jameson, due in April.

Judith was a faithful member of New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in Aliquippa. She valued her family and appreciated spending quality time with them. She will also be remembered for her outstanding French toast that was enjoyed by everyone. A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 21st, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of a service at 10 a.m. at New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church,183 Bethlehem Church Road, Aliquippa, with Reverend Randall Clow officiating. Private interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Cemetery, 273 PA-68, Rochester. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. In place of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to either Camp Lambec (13110 Old Lake Rd, North Springfield, PA 16430) to support children’s tuition for summer camp, or to New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church (183 New Bethlehem Church Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001).

The Hampe family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Gallagher Hospice and the compassionate caregivers that took care of Judith: Patty, Dawn, Chasity, Becky, Chrysta and Patience.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Judith (Smith) Hampe please visit our Sympathy Store by clicking here.

Charles Thomas “Tom” Lesnick (1951-2026)

Charles Thomas “Tom” Lesnick, 74, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on February 13th, 2026, at Providence Health & Rehabilitation Center in Beaver Falls.

He was born in Beaver Falls on October 3rd, 1951, the son of the late Charles S. and Caroline (Juge) Lesnick. He is survived by a son, grandchildren, many special friends, and his loving Beaver Falls community.

Charles graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1969 and went on to further his education at Slippery Rock University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He later worked for Parks & Recreation in Virginia. He was a member of Soma Gathering in Beaver Falls. He was a true Beaver Falls Tiger and was very involved in local churches and many community events.

Friends will be received on Friday, February 20th from 3 P.M. until the time of services at 6 P.M. at Soma Gathering, 1401 6th Avenue, Beaver Falls and his wishes for cremation will be honored following services.

The GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton, was honored to care for Charles during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Joan H. (Klein) Gettemy (1938-2026)

Joan H. (Klein) Gettemy, 87, of Swoope, Virginia, passed away on February 11th, 2026, surrounded by family, at Augusta Health in Fishersville, Virginia.

She was born in Beaver Falls on December 12th, 1938, a daughter of the late John and Meryl (Marshall) Harlan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Hilton Klein and her sister, Carol Klein. She is survived by her husband, John William “Bill” Gettemy, her son, Steven Klein and his wife, Cecila, and their daughter, Emily, her stepchildren Hilton Klein and his wife, Charlotte and their 3 children, Rebecca Pilarski and her husband, Gary and their two children, Sam Klein and his wife, Kathy and their three children and Michael Gettemy and Melissa and their two children, three great-grandchildren; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

Joan was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School class of 1956. After graduation, she began working at Reeves Bank in Beaver Falls where she retired as Vice President following 44 years of faithful service. After retiring she enjoyed golfing, gardening, traveling, long rides in the country with her husband, Bill, and spending time with family and friends.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, February 17th from 5-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 18th in the funeral home chapel at 10:30 A.M. with Rev. Dr. Judy Angleberger officiating.

Interment will follow in Beaver Falls Cemetery, 2045 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls.

Sara Margaret “Peggy” McCartney Hostetler (1943-2026)

Sara Margaret “Peggy” McCartney Hostetler, 82, of North Sewickley Township, passed away unexpectedly on February 12th, 2026 at her home.

She was born in Freedom on October 31st, 1943, a daughter of the late John Cunningham and Genevieve (Davis) Aten. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Dale McCartney, her second husband, James “Jim” Hostetler, her stepfather, Edward Aten, a brother, John Cunningham, her sisters, Jean Brown and Barbara Cunningham; and a sister-in-law, Colleen (Henry) Phillips. She is survived by her loving children: Mark (Tina) McCartney, Scot (Jamie) McCartney, Jodi (Bryan) Marshall, and Beth (Mark) Donaldson; as well as her grandchildren: Michael (Victoria) Chufe, Landon (Nicole) Donaldson, Aaron (Michelle) Chufe, Levi (Mercedes) Donaldson, Sarabeth (Andre) Donaldson, Leah McCartney, Tyler (Emma) McCartney, Dakota Burnette, Larry (Melissa) Higley, and Matt (Jennifer) Marshall; along with her great-grandchildren: Brett, Paxton, Felicity, Brooklynn, Jackson, Sylvia, Owen, Nevaeh, Vivian, Izzy, Larry, Lauren, Dakota, Chris, and Lincoln; a brother, Jim (Lois) Cunningham; as well as a brother-in-law, Herb Brown, a life-long friend, Karen Peffer, as well as numerous extended family, nieces, nephews, church family, and friends.

Sara worked for many years as a receptionist for Dr. Jeffrey Wahl. She was a devoted member of Chippewa United Methodist Church, where she made many lasting friendships. She frequented Prayer Mountain every Wednesday and spent her free time with her family and crafting.

Friends will be received on Monday, February 16th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 17th at 11AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastors Allan Brooks and Tai Courtemanche officiating.  Friends will be received one hour prior to services on Tuesday, February 17th at 10 A.M.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chippewa United Methodist Church, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Lawrence D. Busack (Passed on February 11th, 2026)

Lawrence D. Busack, 80, of Monaca, passed away on February 11th, 2026. He was born in Rochester, New York, a son of the late Carl and Gerda (Malack) Busack. He is survived by his wife, Jean Busack whom he married in 1969, their son, Adam (Natalie) Busack and two grandchildren, Brady Busack and Stella Busack, all of Michigan, and his brother Stephen D. Busack of Rochester, New York.

Lawrence graduated from Rush- Henrietta High School in Henrietta, New York and continued his education at Clarkson College of Technology in Potsdam, New York, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He was also a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers since college. He also earned his professional engineering license in Pennsylvania. Initially, he came to Pennsylvania to work for Michael Baker Engineering. He continued his civil engineering work with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Engineering as a dams engineer for 32 years before his retirement.

Friends will be received on Monday, February 16th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 17th at 11 a.m. with Reverend James Sands officiating. Interment will follow in Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

To view online condolences, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Matthew James “Jim” Hartman (1955-2026)

Matthew James “Jim” Hartman, 70, of Beaver, passed away on February 7th, 2026, following a yearlong battle with cancer. He was born on a U.S. Army base in Stuttgart, Germany on March 9th, 1955, the eldest son of the late Matthew James and Geraldine Hartman. He is survived by his wife and friend, Anne Hartman, his daughter, Rachel, his brothers, Dave (Cyndy) Hartman and John Hartman, his sisters, Melissa Hartman and Laura (Max) Hartman, his nieces and nephews: Cory (Renee) Hartman, Troy (Leah) Hartman, Rebecca Hartman and Jack Hartman; along with five great-nieces and great-nephews.

After Matthew graduated from Beaver Area High School as a proud member of the Class of 1973, he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Penn State University. He spent much of his career as a chemist at the Beaver Valley Power Station, then operated by Duquesne Light, before working at TestAmerica, now Eurofins, until his retirement. Matthew’s real passion was numismatics. He was a lifelong collector of coins and tokens who loved “setting up” at flea markets, browsing antique stores and talking shop with fellow enthusiasts. He was a regular fixture at Rogers Flea Market and attended coin shows across the tri-state area, making friends wherever he went. He was also an avid sports fan who particularly enjoyed watching football and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Beaver Bobcats. His many interests also included genealogy, playing pinochle, and going fishing. Above all, he treasured time with his daughter, Rachael, with whom he shared his love of learning, music, and storytelling. His larger than life personality and sense of humor will be missed by all.

Friends will be received from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 7th, at the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. You can visit www.nollfuneral.com to share online condolences.

Memorial contributions in Jim’s name can be made to the Beaver Area School District Education Foundation, 1300 Fifth Street, Beaver, PA 15009 or to the American Red Cross.

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

Felix A. DeLuca, Jr. (1937-2026)

Felix A. DeLuca Jr., 88, of Palm Coast, Florida, formerly of Rochester Township, passed away on February 5th, 2026, in Daytona Beach, Florida. He was born in Beaver Falls on August 14th, 1937, the son of the late Felix A. Sr. and Helen E. Perrotta DeLuca. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Diana J. (Jackson) DeLuca in 2020, as well as one daughter, Linda DeLuca, in 1964. He is survived by one daughter, Phyllis A. DeLuca, of Palm Coast, Florida, and one son and daughter-in-law, Phillip A. and Jennifer Schroeder DeLuca of Rochester Township, four grandchildren: Brandon Boyd, Anthony J. DeLuca and his wife, Danielle, Michael DeLuca and his wife, Stephanie and Katie Schroeder, two great-grandchildren, River Gramm and Ashton DeLuca; as well as a brother-in-law, Steve Jackson and his companion, Donna, of Rochester.

Felix was a retired Sheriff of Beaver County, where he served for ten years. He was also a Rochester Borough Police Officer for 30 years, where he served as Chief for twenty of those years. He was the former owner of a TV repair shop in Rochester as well as an employee at Crucible Steel before he started his career in law enforcement. He was a 1955 graduate of Rochester Area High School and a member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Rochester, part of Our Lady of the Valley Parish. He was also a peacetime Marine Corp Veteran and a life member of the Beaver Valley Rifle and Pistol Club, a life member and former president of the F.O.P. Lodge #4, a life member of the Beaver Valley Police Chiefs Association, Western Pennsylvania Chiefs Association, and Pennsylvania State Chiefs Association, as well as the Pennsylvania and National Sheriff’s association. He was also a retired Rochester Borough volunteer fireman. He enjoyed hunting, riding his motorcycle, taking care of his cats and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers. Friends will be received on Sunday, February 15th from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m., at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements and where the F.O.P Lodge #4 will have a Police Service on Sunday, February 15th at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 16th at 10 a.m., at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, 632 Virginia Avenue, Rochester. The Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter #862 will also have full military honors for their fallen comrade on Monday, February 16th at 11:15 a.m. at the Sylvania Hills Memorial Park and Cemetery, 273 PA-68, Rochester. Entombment will take place at Sylvania Hills Mausoleum, 273 PA-68, Rochester. Felix was truly one of a kind and is going to be missed greatly. His family wishes that memorial contributions be made to the Beaver County Humane Society at 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001, or Tunnels to Towers at 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Donald Carl “Sonny” Kathary (1941-2026)

Donald Carl “Sonny” Kathary, 84, of Center Township, passed away at Heritage Valley Beaver, on February 8th, 2026, with his family by his side.

He was born in Marietta, Ohio on May 4th, 1941, a son of the late Carl and Anna Kathary. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Frances M. Kathary, his brother, Robert Kathary, his twin sister, Virginia Laughlin and his mother and father-in-law, Elizabeth and Lawrence Huffman.

He is survived by his daughters, Crystal (Gregory) Conjeski of Beaver and Tina (James) Lowman of Plum, his grandchildren, Michael (Whitney) Conjeski, Eric (Maggie) Conjeski and Colton (Cassie Wiles) Lowman, his great-grandchildren: Benjamin (Emily Szczesny) Conjeski, Alexia Conjeski, and Zackary Conjeski; his brother-in-law, Robert Laughlin, his sister, Cindy (Bryan) Scott, his faithful four-legged companion, Susie-Q, as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Donald was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, and had worked and retired from Conrail after nearly 40 years. He was a member of the Slippery Rock Camp Ground, where he enjoyed spending a majority of his summers for the past 40 years. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Friends will be received on Thursday February 12th, from 3 p.m. until the time of a service at 5:30 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Inurnment will take place at a later date with his wife at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

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