Category: Obituaries

Julie Ann Vietz (1968-2026)

Julie Ann Veitz, 57, of New Brighton, passed away on June 20th, 2026, after a sudden illness. She was born on December 28th, 1968, a daughter of the late Joan Chaney and Jesse Chaney. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Amy Menges and her grandson, Donovan. She is survived by her husband, Ross Veitz, her daughters, Lauren Martsolf and Lyndsey Veitz, her grandsons: Damian, Darian, Colton, and Garrett; as well as her sister, Jennifer (Chris) McCullough, her brother, John (Ellie) McAllister and many extended family members and friends who will miss her. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Ross Veitz, and together they built a life and family over many years. She was the mother of two daughters, Lauren (Shawn) Martsolf and Lyndsey Veitz, and grandmother to Damian, Darian, Colton, and Garrett. She was also the grandmother of Donovan, who preceded her in death as an infant.

Julie loved animals, especially her beloved chihuahuas, most of all her little love bug, Winston, and had a special fondness for Mickey Mouse. She found joy in music, singing, shopping, and spending time with family. Whether gathered at camp, around a card table, or simply enjoying time together, Julie had a way of making people laugh, and her unforgettable laugh was one of the things those who knew her will remember most. She was strong-willed, spirited, and giving in the ways she knew how, and she devoted much of her life to caring for her family.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, June 26th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where additional viewing will be held at 2 p.m. until the time of a funeral service at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 27th. Reverend Angela Smith will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Julie’s memory to a local animal rescue or shelter, in honor of the love she had for her dogs and all animals or the charity of your choice.

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.

Nello Mazzoni, Jr. (1949-2026)

Nello Mazzoni, Jr., 76, of Moon Township, passed away peacefully on Saturday June 20, 2026 in his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on November 23rd, 1949 in Braddock, the son of the late Nello Mazzoni and Louise DeRiggi Mazzoni. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Marlene Kraly Mazzoni, his sons, Michael (Tiffany Beckwith) and Philip (Marta Napoleone Mazzoni) and two granddaughters, Lillian Beckwith (Ben Morris) and Ruby Beckwith.

Nello graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1971 and 1974 with a BS and MS in Mathematics and retired from Lucas Systems, Inc. in Wexford.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday June 27th from 10 A.M. until the time of a Memorial Blessing at 12 noon in the Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis. Private interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Nello’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Joshua M. Tisak (1993-2026)

Joshua M. Tisak, 32, of Economy, passed away on June 21st, 2026. He was born on September 6th, 1993, a son of Nicholas and Joanne Tisak. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Nick and Margaret Tisak, his maternal grandparents, Joseph “Digger Joe” and Mary Ann Sasinovich and his cousin, Jessica Tisak.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Nicole (John) Gehan, his twin brother, James (Julianna) Tisak, his other brother, Joseph Tisak, his cherished nieces and nephews: Ava, Ella, Ethan, Kristianna, Zane, Clara, and Lorraine; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.

Joshua was a proud graduate of Ambridge Area High School with its Class of 2012. He had a passion for cars and trucks and loved driving. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed working outdoors. He was a devoted member of Good Samaritan Catholic Church, part of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, where he faithfully served as an altar server and was actively involved in many parish activities. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, often volunteering to do odd jobs for others without ever being asked. His kindness, generosity, and selfless spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He will always be remembered for his heart of gold.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, June 25th from 2-4 P.M. and 5-7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered on Friday, June 26th, at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at Good Samaritan Catholic Church, St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Francis M. “Fran” Oakley (1939-2026)

Francis M. “Fran” Oakley, 86, formerly of Chippewa, passed away on June 21st, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Monaca on September 16th, 1939, a son of the late Walter L. and Catherine (Manning) Oakley, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Oakley, and his brothers, Walter Oakley Jr., Michael Oakley, and William Oakley. He is survived by his children, Heather (Eric) Brutout and Hope Miller, his grandchildren: Nathan (Brittany) Johnston, Natalie (Jordan) Johnston Eaton, Haley Miller and Andrew Miller; as well as his great-grandchildren: Brady and Nora Eaton, Zayne and Salem Johnston.

Francis was a graduate of Monaca High School and Robert Morris College. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of Chippewa United Methodist Church. He retired after many years as the CFO of ColFin Specialty Steel Corp. He was a former President of the Accounting Association of Washington County, and was on the board of directors for the Washington YMCA. He was an avid golfer and was a member of both Lone Pine Golf Club and Seven Oaks Country Club.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, June 24th, from 5 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 7 p.m., at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Pastor Gary Hilton will officiate the service.

Members of the Beaver County Special Unit will conduct Military Honors for their fallen comrade at 4:30pm at the funeral Home.

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.

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.