Category: Obituaries

Judith Keffer Hinkle (1943-2026)

Judith Keffer Hinkle, 83, of Brighton Township, passed away on June 14, 2026, at Friendship Ridge.

She was born in Wheeling, West Virginia on June 3rd, 1943, a daughter of the late Ralph and Ruth Keffer.

During her younger years, Judith enjoyed shopping, dining at her favorite restaurants, and spending time with the dogs and cats she dearly loved. Her love for animals reflected the gentle and compassionate nature she carried throughout her life. Raised in the Presbyterian faith, Judy’s devotion to God was unwavering. Her faith was a constant source of strength, comfort, and peace and remained one of the most important foundations of her life. She also loved to travel and take road trips, embracing every opportunity to explore new places and create lasting memories. Among her favorite destinations were the majestic Grand Canyon, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the inspiring Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and the bright lights and vibrant energy of Las Vegas. She cherished the adventures, beautiful scenery, and special moments shared with family and friends along the way.

Judy is survived by her brother, Gary Keffer, her sister, Pamela (Angelo) DiLullo, her nieces and nephews, Chris DiLullo, Stacy (Nick) Custodio and Julie (Bryan) Bova; and seven great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nursing staff of Friendship Ridge for their continued care, kindness, and support shown to Judy throughout her time there.

There will be no visitation for Judith.

A brief graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd, at 10 a.m. at Grandview Cemetery, 931 Route 18 North, Burgettstown. Interment will follow alongside her parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society in honor of Judy’s love for animals, BCHS, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Gabauer Funeral Homes.

Victoria Pearl (Koplets) Suttelle (1947-2026)

Victoria Pearl (Koplets) Suttelle, 79, of Raccoon Township, passed away peacefully at home on June 15, 2026, in the loving arms of her children on her mother’s birthday. She was born in Bedford, Pennsylvania on April 4th, 1947, the daughter of the late Theodore F. and Betty N. (Horton) Koplets.

Victoria graduated from Ambridge High School and was often called “Dolly” or “Barbie,” was beautiful both inside and out. She carried herself with grace, kindness, and quiet strength, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her. She was a daughter of a coal miner and homemaker and she grew up in a home filled with love, where she never forgot her humble beginnings. She married her husband, Harry a year after graduating high school. After the closure of J&L Steel, she stepped forward outside the home to help support her family, working as a waitress. She took pride in her job at the American Serbian Club and later the Croatian Club, where she touched countless lives. She loved people and loved to make them happy. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She was a devoted member of Shannopin United Methodist Church, where she lived her beliefs through quiet acts of kindness and generosity. She gave freely and selflessly, always without seeking recognition. She enjoyed playing slot machines and taking trips to Las Vegas and Mountaineer, almost always returning with winnings that she shared and gave away. Her family was the center of her world, and her love for her children and grandchildren was boundless. Above all, her life was devoted to Jesus and defined by her commitment to family. she embodied selflessness, consistently placing the needs of others before her own as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her greatest aspiration, to build a life centered on love and family, was one she fulfilled wholeheartedly.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, and brother, Frank Koplets. She is survived by her loving children, Harry E. Suttelle III (Erica) of Raccoon Township and April Katsafanas (James) of Center Township, her four cherished granddaughters: Aubrey and Ashlyn Suttelle, and Autumn and Amber Katsafanas; as well as her twin brother, Victor Koplets (Marie) of Center Township, her sister-in-law, Joyce Koplets of Gerrardstown, West Virginia, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received on Monday, June 22nd, from 2 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 4:30 p.m. at Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa, 2345 Mill Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements. Private interment will follow at John Anderson Cemetery in Raccoon Township.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Schollaert, Dr. Woodske, and Dr. Ashfaq for their dedicated care, as well as to the compassionate nurses and staff at Amedisys Hospice. A special thank you is given to her caregivers who were angels in disguise, bringing comfort and peace during her brief illness.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shannopin United Methodist Church, 4014 Jordan Street, South Heights, PA  15081.

Naomi C. Bergwall Williams (1939-2026)

Naomi C. Bergwall Williams, 86, of Slippery Rock, passed away on June 16th, 2026. She was born in Providence Hospital in Beaver Falls on June 30th, 1939, the daughter of the late Carl and Ruth Mader Bergwall. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas E. Williams, as well as her parents-in-law, John and Bertha Williams, a sister-in-law, Donna Williams, two aunts, Josephine Weber (Ed) and Burnice McCune (Sam) and two cousins, Bill and Carl Weber. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Mary Williams, a daughter, Laurie Williams, her grandchildren, Kimberly Williams and Evan Williams (Chelsea Schmidt), two cousins, Bernice Reda and Diane Barkley and several nieces and nephews.

Naomi was a graduate of Rochester Area High School and Robert Morris Business School with an Associates degree in business. After graduating from business school, she worked at the former Beaver Trust Company and then at Mellon Bank in Bookkeeping. She then worked in Ohio for the Hartford Rubber Company Accounting Department. Upon moving back to Pennsylvania, she began working at the former Rochester General Hospital and then the Medical Center of Beaver County, now known as Heritage Valley Beaver in Accounts Payable, where she worked for thirty-three years leading into retirement. She was also a member of the Slippery Rock United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir as well as helped with auditing the books. She had many hobbies including reading, crossword, word search puzzles and taking pictures. Her favorite hobby was cross-stitching and she completed many pieces. She also made beautiful Christmas stockings for her family and was formerly a part of the Rainbow Girls and Scouting.

There will be no visitation for Naomi. However, a memorial funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 30th, at 3 p.m., at the Slippery Rock United Methodist Church, 130 Franklin Street, Slippery Rock. Naomi and her husband Thomas will be laid to rest at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park and Cemetery, 273 PA-68, Rochester, after the memorial funeral service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Slippery Rock United Methodist Church at 130 Franklin Street, Slippery Rock, PA 16057.

Leonard Alan Gustafson (1945-2026)

Leonard Alan Gustafson, 80, of Beaver Falls, passed away on June 14th, 2026, at Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born in Montclair (Glen Ridge), New Jersey on December 10th, 1945, a son of the late Robert (Torsten) and Elizabeth Gustafson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Dan Carlson of Brownsville, Texas, Paul Gustafson of West Caldwell, New Jersey, and John Gustafson of York, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Reeta and Donald Jones of Big Beaver and numerous nephews, nieces, great nieces and great nephews.

Leonard was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He worked as a driver for an Auto Parts store before retiring. He was an avid dog enthusiast who found endless joy in the companionship of his canines. He was a passionate sports fan and could always be found glued to the television when his favorite team, the New York Yankees were on. He rarely missed a Pittsburgh Pirates or Pittsburgh Steelers game.

In accoardance with his wishes, there will be no funeral service for Leonard, and a private interment will be held at Grandview Cemetery, 139 Norwood Drive, Beaver Falls.

A special thanks goes out to all those who cared for him at Providence Health and Rehab Center and at Gateway Hospice. Their kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

Pearl “Paraskevya” (Jula) Petkash (1937-2026)

Pearl “Paraskevya” (Jula) Petkash, 88, passed away peacefully on June 17th, 2026. She was born on November 2nd, 1937, the daughter of the late Helen (Rusinko) and Nestor Jula of Fair Oaks.

She was the devoted wife of her late husband, Donald Eugene Petkash and the loving mother of Dawna (the late Gregory) Beckett, Karen (James) Larrimer, and the late Michael (Maria) Petkash. She took amazing and dedicated care of her mother Helen, until she passed at the age of 101. She was also was preceded in death by her husband by her son-in-law, Gregory, and her husband’s parents, Olga and Mike Petkash. She was the youngest of twelve children. Her six brothers and seven sisters and each of their spouses preceded her in death. She is survived by her six grandchildren who she deeply loved: Christopher and Michael Beckett, Ryan (Roxie) Smart, Allison, Derek and Hayley Larrimer, two beautiful great grandchildren, Landon and Cecilia Smart, her two sister-in-laws, Ruth (Tom) Koloski and Elaine (Danny) Smith and many nieces and nephews and friends.

Pearl was a life-long active member of the Holy Ghost Russian Orthodox Church in Ambridge. She was a woman of strong faith. She was a caring and giving person who always put the needs of her family before her own. She faced every challenge in life with courage and dignity, including her over 20 months under hospice care where she had such a will to keep living. She was a source of inspiration those who knew her and she will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched. She graduated from Leetsdale High School and from Earl Wheeler Finishing School. After marrying her husband, they moved to Sunland, California and then eventually moved back “home” to Fair Oaks, where they lived for many years before moving to Economy Borough. She also enjoyed many years of going with the family to her cottage at Pymatuning Lake. She worked at the Watson Home School, American Bridge Company, Rocketdyne, and H.H. Robertson. Her most loved job, outside of caring for her family, was as a successful Avon Representative for 28 Years. She loved her customers and prided herself on being in the Presidents Club for many years.

Her family is grateful to Susan, a special private care aid, who cared for Pearl’s needs, that grew over time through 15 years as well as importantly to Jill and Carla, both personal aides who cared deeply for Pearl and helped the family immensely over the past year and a half. Her family is also grateful to the Bethany Hospice caregivers, especially Maddie and Chris, and to the caregivers at The Province of Wexford, we are so thankful. They would also like to thank Fr. Bill Evansky, who visited and prayed with Pearl regularly throughout the years she was unable to be in church in person.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 19th from 10 A.M. until the time of a funeral Service at 11 A.M. in the Holy Ghost Russian Orthodox Church, 210 Maplewood Avenue, Ambridge, PA 15003. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holy Ghost Orthodox Church in Ambridge or to Bethany Hospice, 400 Holiday Drive #101, Pittsburgh.

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 Pearl “Paraskevya”, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Judith Lynn Cardosi (1957-2026)

Judith Lynn Cardosi, 68, of Emsworth, passed away on June 14th, 2026, at her home.

She was born in New Brighton on June 24th, 1957, a daughter of Jean B. (Facciolio) Cardosi Eckhardt and the late Henry Cardosi. In addition to her mother, Jean B. (Facciolio) Cardosi Eckhardt, she is survived by her siblings: Christine (Tony) Rosatone, Barbara (Meric) Hume, Richard (Karen) Cardosi, and Paul (Lisa) Cardosi; along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Judith was a graduate of New Brighton High School and was a veteran of the United States Navy. She worked as the site manager of Calais Village in Ross Township for over 20 years. She enjoyed spending time with her family and loved her nieces and nephews as well as their children.

No services will be held at this time for Judith.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 1501 1st Avenue, New Brighton.

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.

Wendy R. Groves (1979-2026)

Wendy R. Groves, 47, of Baden, tragically passed away on June 15th, 2026. She was born on April 27th, 1979, a beloved daughter of the late Jack and Beverly Groves.

She is survived by her children, Sebastian “Pimpy” Bonner and Rylee Bonner, her sisters, Ginger (Bob) Helsel and Sherry (Scott) Donvan, her aunt, Kandy (Fred Conner) Milliken, her uncle, Randy Thomson, her cousins, Mary Jo Conner and Cassie Lindmann and her former husband, J.J. Bonner.

She was a graduate of Chartiers Valley High School and she found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved spending time thrift shopping with her daughter and had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her six beloved cats. Above all else, her greatest love was her children. She was a devoted and supportive mother who cherished every moment with Sebastian and Rylee and encouraged them in all they pursued.

Services will be held at a later date and will be announced by her family.

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

Blaine E. Hepler (1939-2026)

Blaine E. Hepler, 87, of West Mayfield, formerly of Brighton Township, passed away on June 14th, 2026.

He was born in Connellsville on May 16th, 1939, the son of the late Orton Hepler and Jane (Beal) Hepler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Linda and two sons-in-law, Ray Hermes and Christopher Bufalini. He is survived by his sons, David (Deniece) Hepler, of Georgia, Danny (Carey) Hepler, of West Mayfield and Darin (Nicole) Hepler of Brighton Township, his daughters, Denise Hermes (Keith Burr) of Texas, Darla Hepler, of Arizona and Dawn Bufalini, of West Mayfield, his sister, Linda Rose of Jeannette, as well as 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Blaine devoted much of his career to protecting and serving others. He served the community as a police officer for 7 years with the Brighton Township Police Department and was a proud volunteer fireman with the Brighton Township Fire Department. When he was 18, he spent his Saturdays as a lifeguard at Mt. Vernon Park, Blaine worked in loss prevention at the former department store Hills, and later retired from Mac Plastics in Washington, Pennsylvania. In his free time, he was an avid outdoorsman. He found great joy while fishing and camping, especially his peanut time with his camping crew. Family members fondly recall the time when he named a calf after Renee and raised it in the fenced area of the yard, until they butchered it which was almost the end of their relationship.

Friends will be received on Sunday, June 21st from 12 noon until 4 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a service will be conducted on Monday, June 22nd at 11 a.m. Private Inurnment to take place at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver, at a late date. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

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

Kenneth A. Sullivan (Passed on June 3rd, 2026)

Kenneth A. Sullivan, 74, passed away surrounded by his family in South Florida on June 3rd, 2026, after a brief illness.

Kenneth grew up in Industry, where he learned what it meant to be part of Steeler Nation during the heyday of the black and gold. He was a free spirit who enjoyed his youth to the fullest, made his own rules in his Camaro, and worked in the mill until moving to Plantation, Florida, where he worked at Motorola and Federal Express. However, even after moving to South Florida in the early ’80s, his heart remained in Pittsburgh. What mattered most to him was his family and friends. The absolute joy of Ken’s life was his three grandkids, Abby, Emmie, and Dax, all of whom will cherish memories of him cheering them on from the sidelines or shining with pride as each excelled and grew in individual ways.

Kenneth and his wife, Donna (Larizza) Sullivan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past September. He was a practicing member of Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Plantation, Florida, for the last 43 years.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Sullivan (Don), his mother, Ruth (McBride) Sullivan, his brother, David Sullivan, and his sister-in-law, Sue (Davis) Sullivan. In addition to his wife and three grandchildren, he is survived by his son, Dan Sullivan, his daughter-in-law, Raquel (Rodriguez) Sullivan, his sisters, Nancy Peluso (Sullivan), and Donna Sullivan and her partner, Jimmy O’Brien, his sisters-in-law, Nancy Larizza and Natalie Larizza, his brother-in-law, Gary Larizza, his nephews: Patrick and Sean Sullivan, Brian Peluso, and Brett Higgins and his nieces, Kerri Sue Fields (Sullivan), Molly Skundrich (Phillips), Devon Pinskey (Phillips), and Kylie Lane.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, June 17th from 10 a.m. until the time of a blessing service at 12 noon at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Interment will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ken, if desired, to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Carol Ann (Bonanni) Ours (1935-2026)

Carol Ann (Bonanni) Ours, 90, formerly of Patterson Heights, passed away peacefully on June 12th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver.

She was born in Beaver Falls on December 6th, 1935, a daughter of the late Angelo and Eleanora (Young) Bonanni. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Philip Ours, her daughter, Tina Getz and her siblings: Claude Bonanni, Carl Bonanni, Clarence Bonanni, Clyde Bonanni, Clair Bonanni, Delores Doyle, Fern Kosloski, and Eleanor Vavro. She is survived by her children: Mary (Chris) Manolakos, Paul (Sharon) Ours, Philip Ours, and Eleanor (Richard) Scanlon; as well as her grandchildren: Sirena Ours, Jewell Ours, Kellie Scanlon, Richard Scanlon, Eric Scanlon, and Nicholas Manolakos; along with her great-grandchildren, Nash and Richard; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Carol was a faithful member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Beaver Falls, part of St. Augustine Parish. She was also a devoted member of Patterson Heights Lady’s Auxiliary, where she enjoyed being part of her community and forming lasting friendships. She enjoyed playing bingo, reading, and playing cards. Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose heart was fullest when surrounded by those she loved. Whether attending family gatherings, sharing stories, or simply spending time together, Carol treasured every moment with her children, grandchildren, and especially her great-grandchildren.

Her family will forever remember her kindness, her unwavering love, her gentle presence, and the way she always put family first.

Her family says: “To the nurses, CNAs, and staff at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph we cannot thank you enough for the loving care you gave to Carol. Your support during her time at the Villa meant the world to us. Your kindness and compassion have truly touched our hearts during this difficult time.”

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, June 18th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered on Friday, June 19th at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. Fr. Kim Schreck will serve as celebrant.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Concordia Villa St. Joseph Activities Department in Carol’s memory, 1030 State Street, Baden PA 15005. Carol loved taking part in the activities and treasured the many friendships she formed along the way.