Category: Obituaries

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.

Ruth Ann Sabino (1939-2026)

Ruth Ann Sabino, 86, of Wampum, formerly of East Rochester, passed away at her home, on February 10th, 2026. She was born in Conway on May 13th, 1939, a daughter of the late Wilfred E. Sr. and Helen A. Smith Shanholtz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, to whom she was married in 1959, Joseph J. Sabino (2022), one son, Michael J. Sabino in 1991, three brothers, John, Thomas and Wilfred Shanholtz, two sisters, Nancy Johnson and Barbra David. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Joey K. (Sabino) and William Phillips of Monessen, one son and daughter-in-law, John W. and Michelle Sabino of Wampum, two granddaughters, Caitlyn Jo Phillips and her husband, Noah Quatro and Sydney R. Phillips, all of Monessen, three grandsons, John Michael Sabino of Wampum and Joseph and Nicholas Horinka of Koppel, three great-grandchildren, Bella, Octavia and Nicholas Horinka, one sister and brother-in-law, Margaret J. and James Bullock of Concorde, North Carolina and two brothers and one sister-in-law, Robert G. and Etta Shanholtz of Belmont, North Carolina and Douglas G. Shanholtz of Canonsburg, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruth was a retired Unit Clerk with the former Aliquippa Hospital and UPMC Mental Health Services. She was a member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Rochester, where she was a former member of the church choir and Resurrection Choir. She was also a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, the Conway V.F.W Auxiliary and the Conway Senior Citizen Bowling League. Friends will be received on Friday, February 13th, from 2-6 p.m., at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of her arrangements.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 14th, at 10 a.m., at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, 632 Virginia Avenue, Rochester. Interment will follow in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery, 761 Allendale Road, New Brighton. The family wishes to thank Good Samaritan Hospice, especially Pastor Thomas and Becky.

Robert T. “Pastor Bob” Singleton (1947-2026)

Robert T. Singleton, affectionately known as “Pastor Bob”, 78, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on February 8th, 2026, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa.

He was born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania on June 28th, 1947, a son of the late James and Ruth (Shaffer) Singleton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James “Jim” Singleton. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Carol A. (Hollis) Singleton, his daughters, Michelle (Kirk) Kettinger and Melissa (Tim) Zawislak, his grandchildren: Meghan, Jared (Meg), Jenna (Logan), Ryan (Lilly), and Shannon; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

Robert served most of his ministry years at the Rochester Free Methodist Church, where he also hosted his annual Pastor Bob’s Wild Game Dinner. He won many to Jesus Christ through his ministry and living example as a man of faith and family. He was an avid hunter throughout his life and took great joy in teaching hunter safety and the love of hunting to others. He served on numerous boards and committees through the years including being on the board of trustees at his alma mater, Roberts Wesleyan University.

A time of remembrance will be held on Saturday, February 28th from 3 p.m. until the time of a memorial service at 4 p.m. at Rochester Free Methodist Church, 480 Jefferson Street, Rochester. A time of food and fellowship will also be held following services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rochester Free Methodist Church Food Pantry, 480 Jefferson St., Rochester, PA 15074.

The family wishes to extend a heart-felt “Thank You” to the staff at Celebration Villa of Chippewa, as well as the nurses at Gateway Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Robert and his family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Peter A. Napoli (1932-2026)

Peter A. Napoli, 93, of Daugherty Township, passed away on February 6th, 2026, in UPMC Passavant McCandless Hospital. He was born in Rochester on November 21st, 1932, the youngest child of the late Peter and Grace (Fucci) Napoli. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia in 1980, two brothers, Joseph (Rita) Napoli and Robert Napoli, four sisters: Dr. Virgina Napoli, Marian (Thomas) Boeh, Pat (Joseph) Porcelli and Grace (Theodore) Ruscitti and his very dear friend Elizabeth “Betty” Grimes. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Theresa Napoli, several cousins, nine nieces and nephews and many grand (and great grand) nieces and nephews.

Peter was a longtime member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and he frequently attended daily Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church in New Brighton. He was a graduate of the Pennsylvania Western University – California (then known as California State Teachers College), and he served as an instructor in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he worked as a teacher for 21 years in Beaver Falls, Freedom, and then finally Rochester Area School District where he retired as Principal. He held a 100-ton United States Coast Guard Master’s License and worked for several fleet services on the Pittsburgh Rivers and contributed his talents to the Carnegie (now Kamin) Science Center fleet. He was always happy to share his maritime knowledge with family and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 26th, at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 521 7th Avenue, New Brighton. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Private interment will take place at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

Philip Edward Ward (1951-2026)

Philip Edward Ward, 74, of Freedom, passed away on February 7th, 2026, at Good Samaritan in Wexford. He was born on August 13th, 1951, a son of the late John Ward and Betty Reno Ward Galensky. In addition to his parents, Philip is preceded in death by his brother, John Ward Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of many years, Beverly Ward, his daughters, Heather Ward, Adelaide (Randi) Ward, and Amy Dougherty, his brother, James (Danila) Ward, his grandchildren: Oliver Ward, Briar Ward, Hannah Keblish, Connor Dougherty, and Harper Ward; as well as his special family members, Mike Dougherty and Heather Hargrove and a loving extended family.

Philip lived a life shaped by the open road and music. He was a truck driver by trade and spent years behind the wheel. Music was also his constant companion. He was a drummer in country rock bands and proudly played in the Rochester High School band, where his love for performing first took root. He remained deeply connected to music throughout his life, finding joy in the sound. He was a longtime member of the Croatian Club, where he enjoyed the sense of community and shared tradition. He was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan and he followed the team with loyalty. Some of his happiest moments were spent attending band festivals with his daughter, Heather, when they shared music and time together. Above all else, music was the thread that ran throughout his life, connecting his work, friendships, and his favorite memories.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a celebration of life which will be held at Baden Fire Hall, 47 Firehouse Lane, Baden on Saturday, February 21st, at 4 P.M. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Philip Edward Ward, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Jason Edward Spade (1971-2026)

Jason Edward Spade, 54, passed away on February 6th, 2026. He was born on October 18th, 1971, the son of Cathy D. (Kaufman) Spade and the late Edward A. Spade. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his aunts and uncles: Larry Kaufman, Linda Rachuba, Bill Kaufman, Joni Piser, John (Kimberly) Kaufman, JoAnn Martin, and Linda (Dave) Droz; as well as his nieces and nephews, Lori (Russell) Collins, Paul (Erin) Guber, Steven (Tetyana) Kaufman, Kristina (Matt) Kaufman, Amy (Ben) Krembs, Stacey Spade, Tom Rachuba, Bill (Amy) Rachuba, Adam (Denise) Kaufman, Ashley (Melissa) Kaufman, Cayla (Ricky) Perrine, David (Jessica) Kaufman, Daniel Kaufman, Amber (Steven) Campbell, Sidney (Kelly) Martin III, Robin (Terry) Holmes, James (Millie) Droz, Michelle (David) Fabricatore, Jennifer (Michael) Queen and Andrew (Laurel) Droz; along with his special cousins, Dawna and Jimmy Mike, and his best friends: Lucas Guthrie and JR and Jessica. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Lorraine Kaufman and Floyd and Gladys Spade, his step grandmother, Dorothy Kaufman, three aunts, Leah Guber, Susie Kaufman and Paula Kaufman, four uncles: Buzz Rachuba, Sidney Martin Jr., Marshall (Anne) Spade, and James W. Spade and two cousins, Sammy Spade and Jared Piser.

Jason was a loving son who brought great joy into the lives of others, and he loved his family deeply. Even in his final moments, Jason showed the depth of his caring heart by choosing to donate his organs, giving the gift of life to others. In his passing, he continues to bring hope and healing to families in need, embodying the compassion he lived by every day.

Jason was deeply loved by his family and friends. In his free time, Jason loved fishing. He had a special affection for feeding the birds, finding joy in their simple presence and the way they brightened his day. He also loved to play video games.

Friends and family are invited to join us in remembering and celebrating the life of Jason at the visitation, which will be held on Friday, February 13th from 2-8 p.m. at GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC.- 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, February 14th at 10:15 a.m. at Saint Felix Catholic Church, 450 13th Street, Freedom PA 15042.  Father Howard Campbell will officiate.

Private Interment will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery, 1101 9th Street Extension, Freedom.

Katherine A. Ciufo (1944-2026)

Katherine A. Ciufo, 81, of Beaver Falls, passed away on February 9th, 2026, at Cambridge Village. She was born in Beaver Falls on December 12th, 1944, the daughter of the late Michael and Kathryn Ridgeway Thellman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Ciufo and her son and daughter-in-law, Dion and Michelle Ciufo. She is survived by her granddaughter, Sophie Ciufo, who she called her “heart” and special friend, Terri DeChellis. Katherine was a graduate of the Beaver Falls High School with their class of 1962 and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Robert Morris University. She worked as a clerk for Clearview Federal Credit Union and then spent many years as a billing clerk for Gateway Rehab. She was a member of the St. Monica Parish, now St. Augustine Parish. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and sharing recipes with others. She was also an avid bingo player. What she valued most was spending time with her granddaughter. She will be remembered for how positive and generous she always was. Friends will be received on Friday, February 13th, from 4-7 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements. There will be a Mass on Saturday, February 14th, at 10 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.