Category: Obituaries

Brent D. Smith (1965-2026)

Brent D. Smith, 61, of Daugherty Township, passed away peacefully on May 8th, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford.

He was born in Ellwood City on March 30th, 1965, a son of Sandra (Bishop) Smith and the late David J. Smith. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Janet (Cardosi) Smith, three sons, Ryan and Tyler, both of New Brighton, and Vinnie, of Aiken, South Carolina, his brother, Bruce Smith, of Ellwood City, his brother-in-law, Rob (Kelley) Cardosi of New Brighton, his sisters-in-law, Donna (Jim) Goda of Charlotte, North Carolina and Nancy Sheets of New Brighton. He was also an uncle to many nieces and nephews who loved and adored him.

Brent spent many years as a shop supervisor and was highly regarded as “the boss.” A true handyman, there wasn’t anything he could not fix! He was an avid sport fan—especially Penguins hockey—and his favorite football cheer was: “We Are (NOT) Penn State– Hail to Pitt!” He was a father who coached his sons in Little League, a husband who loved and supported his family, and a son who was always there when needed. Fishing was his passion and he loved sharing the “the one that got away” stories. He had a quick wit and a dry sense of humor. Plain and simple; he was a good man—gone too soon.

He was also an active member of Holy Family Church in New Brighton and Our Lady of the Valley Parish.

In accordance with Brent’s wishes, there will be no public viewing. However, on Saturday, May 16th, 2026, a Mass of Christian Burial will occur at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 521 7th Ave, New Brighton. Fr. Tom Kredel and Fr. Howard Campbell will concelebrate. Private interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, 1501 1st Avenue, New Brighton.

Memorial contributions may be made in Brent’s name to: KIF1A.ORG in honor of his niece Paisley who is living with this rare disease. Make checks payable to KIF1A.ORG and mail to KIF1A.ORG 1178 Broadway, 3rd Floor #3535 New York, NY 10001 or go online and donate through the website.

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

Randy. J. Hinzman (1963-2026)

Randy J. Hinzman, 62, of Ambridge, passed away at home on May 11th, 2026. He was born in Sewickley on June 16th, 1963, the son of the late James and Sally Irene (Horton) Hinzman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles W. and Madeline (Matanick) Lutz, a sister-in-law, Renee Lutz, and a nephew, Nicholas Soltis. He is survived by his loving wife, Rochelle (Lutz) Hinzman, 3 daughters, Rebecca (J.C. Reboton) Hinzman, Laura Hinzman and Ashton (David) Weatherly, his adored granddaughter, Margo Weatherly, a sister, Lisa (John) McCullough, 2 sisters-in-law, Roxanne (Jeff) Soltis and Rhonda (Gary) Lazzaretti, his nephews and nieces: Travis McCullough, Tristan (Kyleigh) McCullough, Jay McCullough, Mitchel Lazzaretti, Chanda (Max) Fallecker, Melinda (Andrew) Pisano, Breanna (Larry) Musgrave; as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Randy was a carpenter by trade for nearly 30 years. He was also a proud member of the Masonic Hall Sewickley, Lodge 630. In his spare time, he absolutely loved the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed going camping and riding around on his ATV. In the kitchen, his specialties included homemade jelly from berries that he hand-picked, jerky and his wonderful Christmas cookies, which earned him the title, “The Christmas Cookie Baker.” When it came to movies, he was fond of good-old Western classics, and music, Big Band and Blue Grass.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation on Friday, May 15th, from 4-8 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a blessing service will take place on Saturday, May 16th, commencing at 11 A.M. Interment will follow in Good Samaritan Catholic Cemetery (Ambridge).

Rebecca “Becky” Cirka (1951-2026)

Rebecca “Becky” Cirka, 74, of Conway, passed away peacefully on May 6th, 2026. She was born on December 24th, 1951, a daughter of the late John and Margaret (Musserbok) Cirka. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings: John, Robert, Richard, David, Madeline Kosela, and Renee Charitonuk.

She is survived by her loving brother, George Cirka, her son, Kevin, several grandchildren, many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members, her dear friend, Bill, and the many friends she made at Conway Towers.

Rebecca lived a life centered around family, friendship, and the simple joys she loved most. She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Ambridge, where she enjoyed volunteering and helping make pierogi for church events. She dedicated more than a decade of service to working at the Economy Walmart, where she was known for her friendly personality and hardworking spirit.

She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures — shooting pool with friends at her pool club, listening to music from the 1960s, putting together jigsaw puzzles, and playing poker games on her phone. She will be remembered for her warmth, sense of humor, and the friendships she built throughout her life.

Family and friends will be received from 9-10 A.M. on Friday, May 22nd at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 A.M. at Saint Mary’s Byzantine Church, 624 Park Road, Ambridge. Interment will take place afterward at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery,

Maria Joanne Mattson (1971-2026)

Maria Joanne Mattson, 55, of New Brighton, formerly of Erie, passed away on May 6th, 2026. She was born on April 11th, 1971, a beloved daughter of the late William and Betty Mattson, Sr.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Peggy Mattson.

She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Walter Harris Jr., her daughter and best friend, Toya Harris and her brother, William Mattson, Jr.

Maria enjoyed relaxing at home watching movies, shopping, and spending cherished time with her husband and daughter. She was known for her outgoing and social personality. She also had a love for soul and R&B music.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, May 14th, from 3-7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a Blessing Service will be held at 4 P.M.

Todd Allan Long (1971-2026)

Todd Allan Long, 54, passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 8th, 2026. He was born on May 19th, 1971, a son of Rosemarie (Stose) Sorrels and the late Paul Long, Jr. (Ruth). In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Myron Sorrels and a brother, Paul Stewart Long III. In addition to his father, he is survived by another brother, Keith “Doug” Long (Sharon), his stepbrother, Dominic “Nick” Johanningmeier, his stepsister, Deborah Devincent (Dean), his niece, Brittany Newcomb (John) and his great-niece, Aubree Newcomb. Todd’s absence will be deeply felt by his family and the many friends whose lives he touched.

Todd spent his formative years in Monaca with a brief period attending school in Beaver, before graduating from Monaca High School in 1989. After high school, he chose to honor a family tradition by joining the military, enlisting in the US Navy. Stationed in Guam, he worked as a meteorologist and took great pride in his service as a US Navy Veteran. He dedicated his professional life to caring for others, working as a Licensed Practical Nurse. He focused his compassionate energy on seniors in long-term care, particularly through his role at Asbury Heights in Pittsburgh. His devotion to his patients was evident in the dignity and professionalism with which he treated each individual.

Outside his career, he was an avid sports enthusiast in his youth, playing catcher on the baseball field. His love of music led him to play both the bass guitar and trombone. Ever resourceful and “handy,” he also pursued work in construction and enjoyed undertaking remodeling and home improvement projects. A true science fiction fan, Todd had a particular fondness for Star Wars—he enthusiastically collected memorabilia and spent countless hours building Star Wars models. His affection for animals, especially cats, was well-known; he found joy in caring for his many beloved feline companions over the years.

In accordance with Todd’s wishes, he will be cremated, and his ashes will be interred alongside his mother at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to The Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001, or to a local veterans’ charity. A celebration of his life will be held at a future date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Joseph R. Bauman, III (1941-2026)

Joseph R. Bauman, III, 84, of Patterson Township, passed away peacefully on May 8th, 2026.

He was born in Beaver Falls on November 4th, 1941, the son of Joseph R. Jr. and Elizabeth (Conrady) Bauman. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy (Verban) Bauman, a son, Jeffrey Bauman, his daughter, Kristen (Eli) Kosanovich, his cherished granddaughter, Emily Bauman, his sisters, Kristan (Jim) Henn and Bobbie Trimmer; as well as his nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Joseph spent his lifetime as owner and president of Bauman Office Equipment in downtown Beaver Falls, where he enjoyed building lasting relationships and friendships with clients. He was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Beaver Falls of St. Augustine Parish, a long time member of the Beaver County Foundation Board of Directors, and a Past President and member of the Beaver Falls Rotary Club.  In his free time, he appreciated a good game of golf, reading the newspaper in his recliner, sharing “beer-thirty” Friday afternoon with friends, and spending precious time with his family.

Friends will be received on Friday, May 15th from 4-7 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 prayers will be offered on Saturday, May 16th 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.

Entombment will be private at St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Joseph’s memory to Beaver County Foundation, PO Box 569, Beaver, PA 15009.

Richard Frankovic (1942-2026)

Richard Frankovic, 83, passed away on May 5th, 2026 at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

He was born in Passaic, New Jersey on July 11th, 1942, a son of the late Elizabeth Birish and Edward Frankovic. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Gerard Frankovic. He is survived by his wife, Loretta Frankovic, his brother, Edward J. (Beth) Frankovic, his sisters-in-law, Eleanor (John) Tomsic and Joyce (Richard) Tomsic, 11 nieces and nephews, 22 great nieces and nephews and 3 great great nieces and nephews.

Richard acquired his great love for the Lord and his religion from his family and his Catholic education; a love that he carried and exhibited throughout his life. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology and a MS in Finance from Columbia University. Both served him well in his varied career in the pharmaceutical business. While working for American Cyanamid’s Lederle division in Pearl River, New York, he met his life partner, Loretta (Lorie) Tomsic. They married in 1976 and enjoyed a blessed life together polishing their successful careers; giving of their time to religious, family, community, and environmental endeavors; traveling extensively with dear friends and growing in their faith and love.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 A.M. on Thursday, May 28th, at St. Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls, with internment to follow. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

One of the biggest joys in his life was his involvement in helping the poor through the St. Vincent de Paul Society; a giving of himself that he avidly pursued during the 25 years of his retirement.

He would want to be remembered in prayer and if you desire, through a thoughtful donation to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Conference; 24 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.

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

Jean M. Lloyd (1936-2026)

Jean M. Lloyd, 89, passed away peacefully at Franciscan Manor with family by her side on May 7th, 2026, after a long decline in health. She was born on July 15th, 1936. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gilson and Marie McClure, her brother, Gilson McClure II, her son, Jeff Lloyd II, and her grandson, Jeff Lloyd III. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Paul Jefferson Lloyd, her sister-in-law, Penny McClure, her daughter, Essie (Chris) Commers, her daughter in law, Lori Kennedy Lloyd, her grandsons, Brandon (Sam) Lloyd and Tom Commers and her great grandson, Oliver Lloyd.

Jean grew up in Brighton Township, graduating from Beaver High School and Wilson College. In 1960 she married Paul Lloyd and, after a brief time in Ohio, they returned to Beaver. She loved spending time with her family and was a kind, delightful friend and neighbor to everyone she met. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Beaver. She sang in the choir and served in Hodge Band. She worked 20 years for the Beaver County Times in Ad Service and Proofreading before retiring.

Jean was happiest outside. She was an avid gardener, growing vegetables and flowers which she shared with all. She loved all creatures and had a soft spot for cats, of which there were many. She was athletic and curious and enjoyed any adventure that took her into the wider world whether it was golfing, canoeing or strolling through a beautiful meadow. The natural world was sacred to her and she was tender toward the most vulnerable among us. She had a quick wit, loved a good laugh and wasn’t afraid to be silly. Though she was thrifty to the core, her playful, creative spirit and service to others brought a life of abundance which blessed everyone who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, May 18th from 2-4 p.m. at the Beaver Pool House in Beaver. Special thanks goes out to Franciscan Manor and Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care in the last four months of Jean’s life. Memorials preferred to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc, 333 Third Street, Beaver.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jean M. Lloyd, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Wayne H. “Buddy” Meyers, Jr. (1959-2026)

Wayne H. “Buddy” Meyers, Jr., 67, of New Brighton, passed away unexpectedly on May 6th, 2026 in his home.

He was born in Penn Hills on March 16th, 1959, the son of the late Wayne H. Meyers, Sr. and Helen Meyers. He is survived by his fiancée, Janet Nagy, his children, Rebecca (Brock Bowles) and Joseph (Mya Yates), his grandson, Bastion Bowles, his stepdaughters, Sara and Mary Nagy, his step granddaughter, Paisley Borsuk, his sisters: Barbara (Allen) Lockard, Nancy (Paul) Feight, Judy Brown and Amy (James) Seroky; along with several nieces and nephews.

Wayne lived a full life filled with family, music, outdoors, baseball, hockey, his best four-legged friend Bandit, and his newest passion for astrophotography.

There will be no visitation for Wayne. However, a celebration of life ceremony will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

Melva C. Krupa (Passed on May 4th, 2026)

Melva C. Krupa, 83, passed away on May 4th, 2026, at her residence in Potter Township, leaving behind a life that was as warm, witty, and wonderfully mischievous as anyone who ever knew her could remember.

She was born and raised in Ellwood City. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin L. and Ladydot Butler, as well as two sisters and a brother. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Stanley C. Krupa, her daughter, Suzanne Stillwagon, her son, Keith Krupa and his wife, Remilie, her grandson, Khristensen Krupa and his wife, Selena and numerous nieces and nephews who were fortunate enough to know her presence and her unforgettable personality.

After her husband Stanley’s discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966, the couple moved to Beaver County, where she started a family and a reputation for being the kind of woman who could make an ordinary day feel like a punchline with excellent timing. Melva lived with a heart that seemed to believe in kindness, laughter, and the occasional harmless prank. She was a homemaker who enjoyed crocheting and gardening, both of which suited her perfectly, because she had the patience to create something beautiful and the stubbornness to keep it alive. She also loved vacationing at the beach in Nags Head, North Carolina, a place that clearly held a special place in her heart. One of the memorable quotes associated with her was, “She will see everyone in Nags Head, N.C.,” which sounds less like a statement and more like a cheerful warning from someone who knew she had plans to keep an eye on everybody. She was also a devoted daily shopper, making regular stops at either Giant Eagle or Walmart, which is the sort of dependable routine that says a great deal about a person. Some people collect stamps. Some people collect antiques. Melva collected practical errands and turned them into a social event. She welcomed any stray animal, and she welcomed any animal her daughter Suzanne brought home, which means her household was likely one part home and one part open-door policy for creatures with no better plan. That kind of generosity was simply who she was. She gave freely, loved deeply, and never seemed to out of room for one more person, one more pet, or one more joke. Her sense of humor was tremendous. She loved to play tricks on family members. If laughter is a form of love, then she loved her people loudly.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, May 12th for a service at 1 P.M. at the Locust Grove Cemetery Chapel in Ellwood City. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.