Category: Obituaries

J. Kim December (1953-2026)

J Kim December, 73, a lifelong resident of New Brighton, passed away on July 27th, 2026. He was born in New Brighton on February 13th, 1953.

J. Kim was a Cement Mason with the OPCMIA Local 526 for fifty years, as well as a member of the NRA. He was a former member of the OakHill Vets and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was an avid boater, exotic car enthusiast, hunter, and sportsman. He would spend all summer on the boat soaking up the rays. He had a love of shooting and shared his passion with others. He would spend hours reading and watching documentaries, shows, educational, and sporting networks on TV.

He is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Mary Ann (Lagdan) December, two brothers and sisters-in-law, Kip and Debbie Andreas of Wexford and Kerry and Debra Stewart of Virginia, as well as two brothers-in-law, James Abrams of West Virginia and John Lagdan of Philadelphia, a dearest family member, Sherry Shaffer, multiple extended family members: Julie Shaffer (Robert), Ed and Amy Smartnick, Kerry and Bobbi Jo Stogsdill and his beloved pets, Teddy and Brody.

The family of J. Kim wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to his doctors, medical team and the passionate and skilled nurses of the CCU of AHN / Heritage Valley Beaver, who cared for him, and they say are indeed special with a talent only few possess.

J. Kim’s wishes were to be cremated with no services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

The family wishes in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the NRA, Tunnels to Towers, or the Wounded Warriors Foundation.

Martha A. Valo (1938-2026)

Martha A. Valo, 88, of The Villages, Florida, formerly of Aliquippa and New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 25th, 2026.
She was born on April 6th, 1938, the daughter of the late George and Susan (Pollak) Valo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her beloved husband John “Jack” Dempsey and her sister-in-law, Edith Valo. She is survived by her brother, Albert Valo; nieces, Mary Ann (Jim) Gillooly and Joanne (John) Katekovich; nephew, Albert Valo; great-niece, Rachel Katekovich; and numerous relatives in Switzerland and Slovakia.
Martha was a graduate of Carlow College and continued her education at the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her master’s degree and became a registered dietitian. She devoted her professional life to caring for others through nutrition and service, serving as the head of the dietary department at Jefferson Memorial Hospital. She and her husband made their home in New Jersey 30 years before relocating to Florida. She especially enjoyed spending time at the beach with her family during vacations, creating cherished memories with those she loved. Martha will be remembered for her dedication to her work, her thoughtful care for those around her, and the many ways she enriched the lives of family, friends, colleagues, and patients.
A private blessing service was held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Aliquippa, where Martha was laid to rest with her husband.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Martha A. Valo, please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Donna F. Mihalko (Passed on July 26th, 2026)

Donna F. Mihalko, 78, of Beaver Falls passed away on July 26th, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. She was born in the coal mining community of Coalport, Pennsylvania, in Clearfield County.

Donna was the daughter of the late John and Marcella Opina. She grew up in a household where cleanliness and hard work were emphasized, values that remained with her throughout her life. Her family maintained a garden and preserved much of what they grew through canning, a way of life that taught her the importance of self-reliance, care, and making the most of what one had.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael Mihalko, who passed away in 2018. Her family was always at the center of her world, and she took great pride in the people she loved and the life she helped build with them.

She is survived by her two sons, Michael Mihalko and Robert Mihalko, three grandchildren, Zane, Forristt, and Taylor, as well as four great-grandchildren, Charlotte, twins Sam and Liam, and Graham, her brother, Thomas Opina, and her niece, Eva.

For more than 30 years, Donna worked as a waitress, first at the Beaver Falls Eat ’n Park Restaurant and later at the Center Township Eat ’n Park. Over the course of her long career, she served countless customers and formed many lasting connections.

She enjoyed simple pleasures that brought her happiness, especially playing cards and going to the casinos. These pastimes gave her opportunities to relax, enjoy good company, and share in the excitement of the moment.

The family had a private family gathering for Donna.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Those wishing to make a memorial in Donna’s memory are asked to please consider the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa PA 15001.

Leslie Harry Champion, Jr. (1959-2026)

Leslie Harry Champion, Jr., 67, of New Brighton, passed away on July 26th, 2026 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

He was born in Beaver Falls on June 16, 1959, a son of the late Leslie Harry Champion Sr. and Catherine (Hall) Rose.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Debbie Champion.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 21 years, Louann (Betke) Champion, his son, Leslie Daniel (Courtney) Champion, his grandchildren: Crystal Flickinger, Selena Flickinger, Elizabeth Champion, Isabel Eckendahl-Champion, Glenda Champion, and Jensen Champion; as well as his siblings: Bob (Debbie) Champion, Roy (Barbara) Champion, Rob Champion, and Becky Champion, along with his three pets and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Leslie worked as a customer service representative for Fedex for many years. He was a hard worker who enjoyed NASCAR, his well earned retirement, and spending time with his grandchildren, as well as dedicating time to friendships built on decades of fellowship. He loved his truck and the joys of driving, often “getting lost” on a drive just to find new roads home.

Friends will be received on Friday, July 31st from 1-3 p.m. and 5 p.m. until the time of services at 7 p.m. in the GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 113 Penn Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements. Casual dress is preferred.

Private interment will take place at Grandview Cemetery, 149 Norwood Drive, Beaver Falls, 15010.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations to help offset funeral costs directly to them.

Elinor “Ellie” Garcia (1929-2026)

Elinor “Ellie” Garcia, passed away on July 26th, 2026, at the age of 97. She was born on March 13th, 1929.

Elinor was a faithful Christian woman who loved the Lord with all her heart. Her faith guided every aspect of her life, and she found great joy in prayer, reading God’s Word, worship, and serving others. She was a shining example of God’s love, always offering kindness, encouragement, compassion, and a listening ear to those around her.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her greatest treasures were her faith and her family. She loved unconditionally, prayed faithfully, and lived with humility and grace. Her gentle spirit, warm smile, and steadfast trust in God left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by two sons, John (Linda) Garcia and Robert (Sherry) Garcia, six grandchildren: Reeannon (Joe), Kira, Mary, Matthew (Jess), Matt, & Katelin; as well as her great grandchildren, Dakota, Violet, Ford, and Kassidy, a sister, Eileen, and numerous nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Alex Garcia Jr., her grandsons John & Corey, her sister, Naomi, and four brothers: William Jr., Raymond, John, & James.

Friends will be received on Friday, July 31st from 3-7 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Private Funeral Service and Interment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery, 450 Penn Avenue, Aliquippa, with Rev. Thomas Bonomo presiding over the service.

Janice Michelle Dally Moore (1943-2026)

Janice Michelle Dally Moore, 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Conway, on July 25th, 2026. She was born on January 15th, 1943 and was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest A. and Lillian C. Dally, her brother, Ernest Dally Jr. and her beloved husband of 50 years, Eugene C. Moore.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, and is survived by her daughter, Dawn (William) Zassick, her son, Shawn Moore, her grandson, Dylan Smith, her sister, Audrey Truax, her sister-in-law, Birdie Dally, her “adopted” daughter, Patricia (Jimmy) Cook, and her beloved nieces and nephew.

Janice dedicated 40 years of her career to Westinghouse in Beaver, where she worked as a punch press operator. Never one to slow down, she came out of retirement to work as a lunch helper at Conway Elementary School, where she enjoyed being around children, especially her grandson, and staying active in her community. She was a devout Lutheran and was an active member of New Hope Lutheran Church in Economy, where she sang in the choir and served on the church council. She had a deep love for New England and the Maritimes, and made it a family tradition to visit the lighthouses in Maine or Nova Scotia every year. Her strength was never loud: it was the quiet, steady kind that showed up every day, that kept giving even when giving was hard. She was, without question, one of the most generous people her family and friends ever knew, offering her love freely and without condition to everyone lucky enough to know her.

She will be remembered for her strong work ethic, her devotion to her family and her church, and the fifty years of love she shared with her husband, Eugene. Her legacy of quiet strength and boundless generosity will live on in all who loved her. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 1st, at 12 noon at New Hope Lutheran Church, 200 2nd Avenue, Freedom.

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

Interment will be Monday, August 3rd at 2 p.m. at The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

Ernest (Ernie) Frank Dostalik (1936-2026)

Ernest (Ernie) Frank Dostalik, 90, of Ohioville, passed away on July 26th, 2026, at Beaver Meadows in Brighton Township.

He was born in Beaver Falls on February 28th, 1936, the son of the late Ernest and Agnes Dostalik.

After graduating from Beaver Falls High School, he attended Duquesne University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. While there, he met the love of his life, Evelyn Hornick. They were united in marriage on December 26th, 1959.

He and Evelyn started their life together in Aspinwall. A short time later, they moved to Midland, when he purchased George’s Pharmacy (later renamed Ernie’s Pharmacy). His brother-in-law, Mike Hornick, joined the business in the early 70s and a second location was added in 1980: Porter’s Pharmacy in Moon Township. He loved helping customers and was well-known for his warm greetings, sense of humor and smile. After 47 years serving the Midland and Moon Township communities, he retired when both locations were sold.

In 1968, he and Evelyn built a home on the edge of Evelyn’s parent’s farm and orchard in Ohioville. There, many wonderful memories were made with their children, Ernie Jr, Theresa and Martin.

“PapPar” as his grand/great grandkids fondly called him, was a big kid at heart who could usually be found playing on the floor or out in the backyard. From board games, bedtime stories and time in the pool, to Bocce ball, tractor rides, and early morning trips to Oram’s Donut Shop, Ernie loved spending time with them.

He treasured times traveling with family and friends. Favorites included several trips to Aruba with Evelyn; a Hawaiian family vacation; four trips to Slovakia; an Alaskan cruise; and a trip to the Grand Canyon with friends. He also enjoyed frequent trips to Illinois and Iowa to attend his grand/great-grandchildren’s concerts, recitals, birthday parties and graduations.

He and Evelyn enjoyed cheering for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pirates and Steelers, as well as the Duquesne Dukes. Ernie was also active in the local Rotary Club and Knights of Columbus, and he served as a 4-H leader for several years.

He is survived by his sisters, Betty Giovanazzi (Homer Glen, Illinois,) and Aggie Mitchell (Roswell, Georgia), his children Theresa Dostalik (Monaca) and Marty (Kari) Dostalik (Urbandale, Iowa), his daughter-in-law, Becky Dostalik (Walnut, Illinois), his grandchildren: Ruth (Isaac) Vohland (Walnut, Illinois), Ben Dostalik (Walnut, Illinois), Adam Dostalik (Indianapolis, Indiana) and Haley Dostalik (Houston, Texas), his great grandchildren, Livia, Audra and Jacob Vohland (Walnut, Illinois) and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Dostalik, and son, Ernie Dostalik Jr.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 29th from 3-7 p.m. at Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of his arrangements.

A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 30th at Mary, Queen of Saints Parish, St. Frances Cabrini Church, 115 Trinity Drive, Aliquippa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed toward the Marfan Foundation (https://marfan.org/donate/) and Alzheimer’s Association (Alzheimer’s Association ).

The family would like to thank the staff at Hemsley House of McCandless and Beaver Meadows for their loving care and support.

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

Ann Frances Fennych (1928-2026)

Ann Frances Fennych, 98, of Conway, passed away on July 24th, 2026.

She was born on April 3rd, 1928, the daughter of the late Alois and Barbra Kotek Havranek.

Ann was a retired operator with Bell Telephone. She was Catholic by faith and was a member of the former Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church of Conway, where she was a Christian mother.

She is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Barbara and Alfred Kosinski and Jeanne Garuccio, of Conway, three grandchildren, Paul and Kristy Kosinski, of Georgetown, Pennsylvania, Julie Kosinski Wyant, of Lamar, Pennsylvania and Vince and Lisa Garuccio, of Industry and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one grandson, Christopher Garuccio, and two brothers, John “Whitey” and Rudy Havranek.

Ann’s wish was to be cremated with no service. A private graveside service will be held at a later date at Calvary Cemetery. All arrangements have been entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

Dorothy Morris Robinson (1928-2026)

​Dorothy Morris Robinson, 97, of Beaver Falls, passed away on July 16th, 2026, at AHN Beaver – Heritage Valley.

She was born in Conway on July 26th, 1928, a daughter of the late John and Ethel Morris.

Dorothy was a woman of exceptional wisdom, warmth, and depth. Known for her direct yet deeply loving guidance, she offered advice grounded in honesty, compassion, and a true desire to lift up everyone around her. She was also hilarious, fun-loving, and quick-witted, bringing joy and laughter to every room she entered. She was a woman of deep faith throughout her life and was baptized at the age of seventeen at Second Baptist Church in Rochester. She was Islamic by faith and was a member of the An-Nur Islamic Center in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania.

​She spent her life in service to others. Early in her career, she shared her culinary talents as a cook at the United Nations Coronation Club in New Brighton and spent five years cooking at Scrimshaw, where her wonderful meals brought joy to many. She went on to dedicate 35 years as a home health aide with Homemaker-Home Health Aide Service of Beaver County. Her extraordinary empathy and commitment to caregiving were formally recognized with multiple honors, including a 30-Year Outstanding Performance Award.

​Throughout her life, she embraced continuous learning and creativity—from earning her high school diploma to completing a certificate in furniture upholstery. Outside of work, she enjoyed bowling with friends, taking exercise classes for many years alongside her husband, Samuel, and gathering with family to watch classic Western movies. She also held a deep love for animals and nature; she was rarely without a devoted dog by her side and took immense pride in farm life, tending to her cows, chickens, and garden.

​In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Samuel “Sam” Robinson, as well as her six brothers—James, Frank, Landis, Robert Lee, Manuel, and William Morris—and her three sisters—Mabel, Elizabeth, and Nellie. As the last surviving member of her immediate family, she leaves behind an enduring legacy of faith, resilience, and compassion.

​She is survived by her devoted nieces and nephews, her dear friends: Pat Miller, Theresa Yhelka, Debbie Hubby, Katie Shablesky, Sharon Garuccio, Liz and Alfonso Tucker-Saahir, and Mike and Nancy Osman; as well as her former colleagues and the many lives she touched.

​A Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 1st from 10 A.M. until the time of a service at 11 A.M. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Moises Santiago-Rodriguez, Jr. (1974-2026)

Moises Santiago-Rodriguez, Jr. 52, of Ambridge, passed away on July 16th, 2026. He was born in Puerto Rico on May 13th, 1974 and was the beloved son of Margarita Rodriguez and the late Moises Santiago-Rodriguez, Sr.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his devoted wife, Jennifer Colon-Sierra; his children, Aixa N. Torres-Colon, Carolyn Torres-Colon, and Ediel E. Torres-Colon; his brothers, Leris (Juan) Santiago-Gordon, Guillermo Santiago-Rodriguez, and Theophille Thomas; his nieces, Lemaris and Carlos; as well as many cherished friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

Moises was known as a hardworking man who dedicated himself to a variety of occupations throughout his life. Gifted with a creative spirit, he had a passion for art and found joy in expressing himself through his talents. His faith in God was a guiding force in his life, and he remained steadfast in his beliefs through every challenge. A proud cancer survivor, Moises faced life’s obstacles with strength, courage, and determination.

In his free time, he enjoyed going to the movies, spending time with his beloved dog, Scooby, and lifting weights with his friend, Austin Warhola. Above all, he treasured the time he spent with those he loved.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a funeral service will be held on Friday, July 31th at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment at Good Samaritan Cemetery in Fair Oaks.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Moises’ memory, in care of the funeral home, Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.