Category: Obituaries

Holden Bradley Eckman (2022-2026)

Holden Bradley Eckman, 3, lovingly known as “Holdy B,” passed away unexpectedly on April 2nd, 2026, surrounded by so much love, all his music, and more importantly, his two favorite people, Mommy and Daddy. He was born on December 28th, 2022 and is survived by his parents, Sydney and Brad Eckman, his little brother, Maddox Eckman, his maternal grandparents, John and Melissa Kaercher, his paternal grandmother, Beth Tatko (Bill Parish); his paternal grandfather, Rick Eckman, his uncle and godfather, Jon Kaercher (Jacob Longerbeam), his godmother, Ryleigh Bauer (Shane Hopkins), his maternal great-grandparents, Ronnie and Jackie Golletti, his paternal great-grandfather, Bob Tatko, his aunt, Leeanna (Will) Norman, his great-aunts: Melanie Bauer, Maryann Angeline, Bobbi Naples, Kathy Alvarez, Sue Tatko, and Jessica Tatko; as well as his great-uncles, Ryan Bauer, Ed Angeline, Sam Naples, Joe Alvarez, and John Tatko; along with his “best babysitter,” Ms. Jeri; his nenny and pay-pay, and many other loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his baby brother; his maternal great-grandparents, John and Rae Kaercher; his paternal great-grandparents, Ralph and Lela Eckman, and his paternal great-grandmother, Marge Tatko.

Holden was the most loving, kind, and caring boy you could have ever met. He stole the hearts of everyone he met with his sweet spirit, joyful heart, comical personality, unforgettable smile and contagious laugh. Though his time here was far too short, he made a lasting impact on every life he touched. He was not dealt a fair chance at life, but he never let that stop him. He loved life more than anyone we know, and made sure to live every moment to the fullest. He never backed down and always going at his own speed and was truly unstoppable. Some of his favorite things included his bb’s, pad-pad, superheroes, dressing up in his costumes, being in his pj’s, his music, Play-Doh, playing outside at the park, baking brownies with Mommy, deer hunting with Daddy, being the best big brother to Maddox, buying a new toy every single day, Donald’s, rolls and dip, tea, popcorn, and slushies, the beach, adventures anywhere, shopping, playing with friends, snuggling, Halloween, The Grinch, and just being at his most favorite place–home.

Holden had a special way of bringing people together. Through his strength, joy, and pure love for life, he touched the lives of people he never even met and taught everyone around him so much about what truly matters: how to live fully, love deeply, and cherish every single moment. Holden will be deeply missed by all those who love him.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Friehling and Dr. Piper for their compassionate care during Holden’s initial AML diagnosis.

A heartfelt and profound thank you goes out to Dr. Randy for the love and dedication he showed to Holden over the last 15 months: for playing with him, caring for him, and most importantly, being by his side throughout his final day.

The family would also like to express their deepest gratitude to all of the nurses and staff at Children’s Hospital, who became like family throughout this journey. Your compassion, love, and unwavering support will never be forgotten.

Holden’s love, laughter, and beautiful spirit will live on forever in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him and he will never be forgotten.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a Mass to celebrate the wonderful life of Holden on Tuesday, April 7th, at St. Felix Church, 450 13th Street, Freedom at 10 a.m. Following the Mass, all are invited to join the family for a luncheon at Holden’s favorite restaurant, Texas Roadhouse.

All arrangements have been entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Holden’s name to the Beaver County Cancer and Heart Association, 3582 Brodhead Road #201, Monaca, PA 15061.

Avis Maxine Flick Watt (1930-2026)

Avis Maxine Flick Watt, 96, of Beaver and Beaver Falls, passed away on April 3rd, 2026. She was born in Saxonburg on January 28th, 1930, a daughter of the late Walter and Elma Flick. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Merle Edwin Watt. They had a great life together being married 67 years until the time of his death. She was also preceded in death by her son, Edwin Lee Watt, her brothers and their spouses, Robert (Margie) Flick, Kenneth (Gertrude) Flick, her sisters and their spouses, Genevieve (Kenneth) Bauman and Pauline (Bud) Thurau and her sister-in-law, Amanda Flick. She is survived by her son, Alan (Sandra) Watt, of Smithville, Tennessee, her daughter-in-law, Janet Shaddick of Beaver, her former daughter-in-law Dixie Watt of Brentwood, Tennessee, her grandchildren: Bryan (Stephanie) Watt of Spring Hill, Tennessee, Amy Watt of Brentwood, Tennessee, Abby Watt (Patrick Woods) of Pittsburgh and Megan Watt (Jarred Gates) of Moon Township; as well as her great grandchildren, Ruby Ball, Oliver Watt, Phoenix Watt and Ramy Woods, her brother, Dale Flick and many nieces and nephews.

Avis was raised on a farm in Cherry Valley in Clinton Township of Butler County, PA. She was a bookkeeper for North Star Cheese in Bakerstown, Pennsylvania for many years. She and Merle moved to Beaver where she was a bookkeeper for Vanport Municipal Authority. She has been preparing for this day since an early age completely believing in the Christian Bible verse of John 14: 2-3 and 2 Timothy 4: 7-8. She was raised Presbyterian and over the course of her life she was a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, Pastor Search Committee Member and greeter. She loved her church immensely. She maintained active with various Presbyterian churches as her health allowed. She was also a Past Worthy Matron of Eastern Star and was an active member of the Tusca Ridge Garden Club. She enjoyed gardening, traveling and fishing on Lake Erie. She was someone that only looked for the good in people. She was also level headed and mild mannered. She’ll be in our hearts always.

The family is grateful to all the staff at Franciscan Manor for their care during the past 12 years.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 7th from 6-8 p.m., at Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 3rd Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a Funeral Service will be conducted on Wednesday, April 8th at 11 a.m.

Followed by burial at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

Roger A. Baker (1962-2026)

Roger A. Baker, 63, of Brighton Township, passed away on April 2nd, 2026. He was born in Utica, New York on February 19th, 1962, a son of the late Robert and Ada Sue (Bicker) Baker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Bill Loughman.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn Baker, his daughter, Delanie (Grant) Sills, his siblings, Robbee (Tom) Kosak, Ross (Adria) Baker and Randy Baker, his mother-in-law, Nancy Loughman, his sisters in law, Leigh (Gary) Majetic, Laurie (Karl) Ludwig and Lisa Loughman and many nieces and nephews.

Roger was a member of the Hopewell VFW post 8805. He retired from the Pittsburgh International Airport where he was an Air Traffic Controller.

There will be a celebration of life for Roger at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Rosetta (Ely) Baker (Passed on April 1st, 2026)

Rosetta (Ely) Baker, 81, a lifelong resident of Monaca, passed away on April 1st, 2026 at her residence. She was born in Beaver Falls, a daughter of the late Keith and Ella Ely. She was united in marriage to her beloved husband, William P. Baker, on April 4th, 1981. Together, they shared many years of love and companionship until his passing on August 8th, 2013. Their marriage was a lasting example of commitment and care, and the memories they created together remained close to Rosetta’s heart throughout her life.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters: Beatrice Knowlson, Barbara Vanats, Mary Lou Jeffers, and Sandy Hunter, as well as her brothers, Charles Ely, Keith Thomas Ely, and Ralph Ely. Though she experienced the loss of many loved ones, she carried their memory with grace and held her family bonds close throughout her life. She is survived by her children, Shirell Tislaretz and her husband, Frank, Sharon Molnar and her husband, Dean, LeRoy Ball and his wife, Ginger, and James Ball and his wife, Denise, her cherished ten grandchildren: Travis (Danielle)Tislaretz, Tyler (Catie) Ball, Leah Ball, Sharon (William) Gilliam, Allison Ball, Treyton Ball, Ella Ball, Frankie Fields, Selena Ball, and Matthew Berger; as well as her beloved great-grandchildren, Baker and Blake Tislaretz, as well as Jase Gilliam and William and Luca Ball, her sister, Bev Crisman, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In her leisure time, Rosetta enjoyed playing Bunko and Bingo, pastimes that brought her laughter, friendship, and fun. She was also a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan and followed the team with enthusiasm and pride. These interests were part of the personality that made her memorable to those around her. She will be remembered for her loving heart, her devotion to family, and the strength she carried throughout her life.

Friends and family will be received on Friday, April 3rd from 3 -8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where services will be held on Saturday, April 4th at 10 a.m. The Reverend James Sands, pastor of the Monaca United Methodist Church will officiate. Entombment will follow in Beaver Cemetery Mausoleum, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Rose’s memory , are asked to please consider http://roseadvocacy.org.

Edward Anthony Malack (1938-2026)

Edward Anthony Malack, 88, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home in White Township, surrounded by his loving family, on April 1st, 2026. He was born in Beaver Falls on March 29th, 1938. His parents were Anthony and Mary (Biswick) Malack. He was raised in a home filled with love, family, and faith, he carried those values throughout his life.

Edward’s earned degrees in mathematics, general engineering, and mechanical engineering from Geneva College and the University of Pittsburgh, later becoming a licensed Professional Engineer. His expertise benefited companies including Babcock & Wilcox, Chester Environmental, Baker Hughes, and McCarl’s Process Systems. His dedication and integrity left a lasting impact on colleagues and family alike. His commitment to excellence extended beyond his professional life. He dedicated time to his community by coaching Little League baseball and keeping score for the Enelow’s Pony League team during his children’s involvement. Throughout, he remained a devoted supporter of Pitt athletics and continually encouraged us to pursue our dreams and appreciate life’s simple joys. He was a proud member of the Beaver County Society of Engineering and the National Society of Professional Engineers, and his faith was central to his life as a member of Holy Trinity Parish in Beaver Falls and Holy Family Church in New Brighton, as well as Our Lady of the Valley Parish

Above all, his greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Linda (Jankowski) Malack, who stood by his side through every chapter. Heis also survived by his sons, Mark (Kylie) Malack and Edward (Andrea) Malack, and his grandchildren, Alexander “Alex” Malack, Nora Malack, and Christian Malack, who will always cherish his kindness, wisdom, and unconditional love.

Friends will be received on Monday, April 6th from 1-8 P.M. at the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered Tuesday, April 7th at 9:15AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at Holy Family Church, 521 7th Ave., New Brighton, with Fr. Howard Campbell officiating. Edward will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls.

Victor Manuel Palermo Jr. (1949-2026)

 Victor “Vic” Manuel Palermo, Jr., 76, of Beaver passed away on March 29th, 2026. He was born in New York City on October 2nd, 1949, a son of the late Delfina Lugo and Victor M. Palermo Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Tommy and Fernando. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Aracelis, his children: Colleen, Melissa, Devon, and Victoria; as well as seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, his sisters, Nelly, Nancy, and Yasmine, his brother, Wally and numerous relatives and friends.

Victor was raised in New York City and moved to Northern Virginia in the 90’s, and then to Beaver, PA in 2007. He was a proud liver transplant recipient, having received the lifesaving organ in 2009. Despite various health issues throughout his life, he was a fighter and a walking miracle. He was a tough guy who appreciated looking good and feeling good. He was a proud “Nuyorican” who loved his rice and beans and salsa music.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 4th from 12 noon-4 p.m. at the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Out of town family and friends can join virtually on zoom with this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82524688113?pwd=SuAiWZYOBjkDP38ITgtBYpx8mrmlTW.1

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

Phoenix Soleil Hale (2007-2026)

Phoenix Soleil Hale, 18, of Cranberry Township, passed away on March 18th, 2026 due to health issues stemming from her battle with ovarian cancer.

She was born on December 27th, 2007 and was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, her paternal grandmother, her baby brother, Shiloh Hale and her cousins, Aleksander Teimouri and Nicholas Debiase. She is survived by her loving parents, Marcia and Falcon Hale, her elder sister, Cheyenne Hale, her younger brother, Tacoma Hale, her maternal grandmother, Dolores Fleis, her paternal grandfather, Enoch Hale, her maternal uncles, Mark (Marianne) Fleis and Richard Fleis, her maternal aunts: Dr. Christina (Craig Debiase) Teimouri, Angela (Rick) Gatenby, and Andrea (Mauricio) Giraldo; as well as her paternal aunts: Virginia Primus, Sheryl Cross, Veronica Smith, and Brenda Hale; along with her paternal uncles: Michael Cross, Jason Hale, Rod Hale, and Derrick Hale; as well as her cherished cousins, Michael, Maci, Kiera, Evan, Aryelle, Christian, Mary, Johnny, Matthew, Katelyn, and Allison.

Phoenix will forever be remembered for her beautiful, warm, artistic, and tender soul, whose passion for creating and gifting in artwork touched so many and left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She will be fondly remembered for the kindness and generosity she shared so freely. She won multiple art contests at her Ambridge elementary school starting in kindergarten and later won the Holiday Greeting Card Contest in 2017 and 2018. She was the designer of her school’s yearbook front cover and elected president of her fifth-grade class.  She then moved to Cranberry Township school district and continued to make artistic contributions there, in the school’s yearbooks. She was the winner of the digital art award at Robert Morris University. From a young age, her fire for the arts grew stronger and brighter when she began to animate her own storylines using creative outlets, including a YouTube channel she began around the age of ten. While recovering from cancer surgery and removal of ovarian tumors, she also illustrated a published children’s book, The Alligator and His Yummy Fish Dish, leaving behind a lasting testament to her artistic talent. Pairing her artform with an interest in studying psychology, her goal was to develop her own production company comparable to Pixar, and make animated movies with inspirational messages of hope, health, and well-being.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:30 PM on Thursday, May 28th at St. Ferdinand Church, 2535 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township, where a Mass with Reverend Joseph Carr will immediately follow at 7:30 PM. After Mass, the family has invited everyone to enjoy an outdoor Sundae Bar as the sun sets, in honor of “our little Yum-Yum” as she was affectionately nicknamed for her love of treats, her favorite being ice cream Sundaes!

In honor of her memory, her children’s book remains available for those who wish to celebrate her creativity: The Alligator and his Yummy Fish https://a.co/d/018aOmM7

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

The family would like attendees to RSVP for the celebration of life at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoIaN1QDKEyNRF3s4te0_fFCAu-umY8sQcwOkNJj2jpLgVJw/viewform

Robert Alan “Bob” Kennelly (1970-2026)

Robert Alan “Bob” Kennelly, 55, of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on March 30th, 2026, in the comfort of his home, following a two-year battle with cancer. He was born in Sewickley on December 4th, 1970, a son of Nadine Kennelly and the late Jack Kennelly. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Krisha (Medziuch) Kennelly, their son, Evan Kennelly, his brother, John (Leah) Kennelly, his sister, Andrea Landry, his brother-in-law, Bob (Kim) Medziuch, his sister-in-law, Chris Medziuch, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Bronislaw and Emilia Medziuch and his brothers-in-law, Jim Landry and Rich Medziuch.

Robert earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting along with an MBA from Robert Morris University and was recently retired from Bridgeway as Corporate Controller. Throughout his career, he took a special interest in mentoring and guiding those he supervised. He was a member of St. Monica Church in Beaver Falls, part of St. Augustine Parish, where he had served on the parish finance council. He was quick-witted and a gifted storyteller who always brought joy and laughter to any gathering. He was always eager to lend a helping hand to anyone in need with a steady presence of commitment. He was active in the community having coached youth soccer and served as a Cub Scout leader. Most importantly, he was a devoted father to his son, Evan, supporting and encouraging him in all he did.

Friends will be received on Monday, April 6th from 4-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered on Tuesday, April 7th at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at St. Monica Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. Fr. John Naugle will serve as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Monica Catholic Academy Angel Fund, 609 10th Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Jacob Wolf (1930-2026)

Jacob Wolf, 96, of Darlington Township, passed away on March 30th, 2026 at his residence. He was born in Ruma, Serbia on February 16th, 1930. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Hilda (Bechtold) Wolf, a daughter, Corinna Lisa Wolf, and a brother, George. He is survived by his children, Ellen (Ken) Wolfe, Ron P. Wolf, and Annette (Wu) Feng, his grandchildren, Josh, Akaela, and Kai: as well as great grandchildren, Emma, Grace, and Benjamin.

In 1958, Jacob and his wife, Hilda, immigrated to the United States from then West Germany to start a new life with their young family. He worked hard to learn skills of the building trade, at first driven by the need to support his family but then by his love of the work. He was a skillful plumber who joined the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union #115 in 1969. In the 1980s, he transitioned to Plumbers & Steamfitters LU #47, then most recently to Plumbers LU #27. He will be remembered as a devoted family man whose life was rooted in love, patience, generosity, and quiet strength. He found great joy in his retirement, working outside almost every day to tend to his garden. He cherished the moments spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always looking for opportunities to share his wealth of knowledge, especially when it came to the garden.

Friends will be received on Friday, April 3rd from 3-7 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements. His wishes for cremation will be honored following the visitation.

Pastor Paul M. Strano (Passed on March 30th, 2026)

Pastor Paul M. Strano, 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 30th, 2026, at Allegheny Health Network Wexford Hospital. He was born in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and was raised in the Ambridge and Conway area, where the values of faith, family, and hard work took root in his life and remained with him always. He was a beloved son of the late George and Vee Strano. Paul was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Rebecca (Becky) Tedys Strano, his son, Dan Strano and his wife, Aubrey and his cherished granddaughter, Wynn, his brother, Andy Strano and his wife, Linda of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, his brother, Ralph Strano and his wife, Debbie Beck of Lexington, Kentucky and his sister, Susie Vandergrift and her husband, Mark of Clinton, Pennsylvania. He will be dearly missed by his cherished nieces and nephews, as well as many beloved cousins, all of whom he loved deeply.

Pastor Paul lived a life marked by devotion to God, steadfast love for his family, and a warm presence that touched the lives of many. He faithfully filled the pulpit as the pastor of the New Life Assembly of God Church in Conway. His ministry was a meaningful part of his life, and he was deeply respected for the way he shepherded his congregation with compassion, wisdom, and dedication. He loved all sports and had a special appreciation for the excitement and camaraderie they brought. One of his proudest memories was pitching a doubleheader no-hit softball game, an accomplishment that reflected both his talent and his competitive spirit. He also enjoyed hunting. Whether in the pulpit, with family, or enjoying the activities he loved, he lived with enthusiasm and purpose.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 4th from 4-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SEVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements.