Marie Minor (1949-2025)

Marie Minor, 76, of Ambridge, passed away on August 27th, 2025. She was born on July 29th, 1949, the daughter of the late John H. and Doris M. Minor. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Fanny and Henry Minor, her maternal grandparents, Walter and Marie Milligan, Sr., her uncle, Walter E. Milligan, Jr., and her aunt and uncle, Margaret and John Smith. She is survived by her cousins, Kathleen (George) Mendez and Suzanne (A.J. Miller) Connors; great cousins, Corey and Timothy Connors and Michael Mendez, along with her special friend, Bradley Dornish.

Marie worked for many years in the medical field, specializing in optometry. She later helped operate JDM Realty and also drove for Uber and Lyft. She had a lifelong love of animals, especially her parrots and her beloved dogs, Harley and the late Lucky. Known for her kindness and loyalty, she was a devoted friend to many.

A Celebration of Life for Marie will be held on Saturday, September 13th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 8360 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Mary Jo Nahod (1973-2025)

Mary Jo Nahod (Josapak), 52, of Fombell, passed away peacefully at her home under hospice care on August 27th, 2025. She was born in Sewickley on August 17th, 1973, a daughter of Mary Ann Persson-Josapak and the late Steven Josapak. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her devoted husband, Michael Nahod, her siblings: Donna (Dennis Ferguson) Josapak, Steve (Sandi) Josapak, David (Kim Crognale) Josapak, and James Josapak; as well as her cherished nieces and nephews, Austin, Shane, and Taylor Josapak. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her beloved pets, who held a special place in her heart.

Mary Jo was a proud graduate of Freedom High School with their Class of 1991. She went on to study at the Pittsburgh Career Institute, where she earned her credentials as a veterinary technician. She dedicated her career to caring for animals, working in several veterinary clinics before finding her home at Pets in Harmony.

Mary Jo was known for her kind and compassionate spirit. She offered advice and support to anyone in need, especially when it came to caring for their pets. Even throughout her own illness, she continued to put others first. She loved traveling and spending time with her husband, especially riding their motorcycle with their dog, Nero. She shared a close bond with her brother Jim and cherished their adventures together. Her love for animals extended to visiting zoos whenever possible, but none compared to the devotion she had for her dog, Nero, and her cat, Terra.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her mother-in-law, Mary, and her neighbor, Valerie, for the care and kindness they showed Mary Jo, as well as to Family Hospice for their exceptional support.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, September 2nd, from 4–7 p.m. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 3rd, at 10:30 a.m. at Good Samaritan Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery of New Sewickley.

Donations can be made to a local shelter or Family hospice.

David D. Dentler, Jr. (1957-2025)

David D. Dentler Jr., 68, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 24th, 2025. He was born on April 4th, 1957, a son of the late David D. Dentler, Sr. and Florence Dentler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Anne (Schaefer) Dentler and his son, Jeremy. He is survived by his siblings: Joseph (Bobbi) Dentler, Gary (Susan) Morgan, Jr., Mitchell (Sandy) Morgan and Sherree Fontenot: as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, his goddaughter, Theresa (Danielle) Landry and his lifelong friend, Dan Davis.

After David graduated from Western Beaver High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served proudly as a hardcore Marine. He later attended McNeese University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He was a wonderful caregiver, taking care of each of his parents. He was a favorite uncle! He was at every family celebration and brought fun and joy everywhere. He had the most infectious laugh. He was loved by family and will never be forgotten. His sister, Sherree loved him so much she called him Brother Dear. He lived life to the fullest not caring what other people thought of him. The people he loved could always count on him to be there for them. He will be greatly missed.

Friends will be received during a memorial visitation on Tuesday, September 2nd from 2 P.M., until the time of a service with full military honors, at 5 P.M. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of his arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Stanley (Stush) Pournaras (1953-2025)

Stanley (Stush) Pournaras, 71, of Big Beaver Borough, passed away on August 24th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, He was born in Sewickley on September 19th, 1953, a son of the late John and Susanne (Zakarian) Pournaras. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant twin sons, Anthony and Christopher Pournaras. He is survived by his loving children, Angelo Pournaras of Brooklyn, New York, Adam (Autumn) Pournaras of Beaver and Krista Pournaras of Rochester, seven grandchildren: Amelia of Brooklyn, New York, Kamryn, Braydon, Anthony, Sean of Beaver, Aiden and Kylie of Rochester, a brother, John Pournaras of Ambridge and his former wives, Sherry Cujas and Lynn Katekovich, both of Baden.

After serving the United States of America as a veteran of the United States Air Force, Stanley worked as a millwright at J&L Steel Corporation of Aliquippa. He also worked as a tax preparer at the John Pournaras Agency of Ambridge. He loved music, especially big band music and oldies music.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Stanley’s daughter-in-law, Autumn Pournaras, for the impeccable care and love she gave him, as his nurse aide, for the last several years.

Memorial contributions may be made, if desired, in Stanley’s memory to the National Kidney Foundation.

In accordance with Stanley’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. The family will have a private celebration of life for Stanley on his birthday on September 19th, 2025.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to provide care and guidance to the Pournaras family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Crystal Littell (1948-2025)

Crystal Littell, 77, of Ambridge, passed away peacefully on August 27th, 2025.
She was born on August 26th, 1948, a daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Leasha. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Robert Littell Jr., her sisters, Carol Leasha and Roberta Bean Hashman, her brothers, Elliot, Gary, and Harry Leasha and her son-in-law, David Lilley. She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Gary Besong, her children, Kimberly (Darrell) Smith, April Lilley, Kelly (William) Berry, Amy Perminter, and Gary Littell, her siblings, Joyce Grundhoffer and Donald Leasha, her cherished daughter-in-law, Misty Brutout, eighteen grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends, especially her dear companions, Virginia Swogger, Alice Harris, and Jeanie Taylor.

After she graduating from Beaver High School, Crystal became a licensed Certified Nursing Assistant and went on to work at Encompass Health (formerly Health South Health), where she later retired. She was a proud life member of the Ambridge Moose Lodge and a devoted member of Good Samaritan Church of Ambridge.

Crystal will be remembered as an avid Steelers fan who enjoyed scratch-off tickets, playing bingo, trips to the casino, cooking, and sewing. Above all, she treasured her family, especially her children and beloved grandchildren, who were the joy of her life.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, September 1st, 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 her arrangements and where departing prayers will be offered on Tuesday, September 2nd, at 10 A.M., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M., at Good Samaritan Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa.

Robert O. Brooks (Passed on August 25th, 2025)

Robert O. Brooks, 63, of Brighton Township, passed away on August 25th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Beaver with his best friend Lorri by his side. He was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania and was preceded in death by his loving mother, Shirley Brooks and his wife, Lisa Brooks. He is survived by his father, Robert W. Brooks, a special needs daughter, Shannon Brooks, a son, Joshua (Stephanie) Brooks and their children Delaney and Levi, and his brother, Shawn Brooks, who will carry forward the bond of brotherhood. Robert’s companion, Lorri Haywood, shared with him a nurturing and steadfast relationship. He is also remembered by Lorri’s daughters, Kristi Main and Lorri’s special needs daughter, Emily, and Kristi’s two daughters, Lyla and Luci.

Robert’s life was one of hard work, exemplified through his career as a sheet metal worker from Union Local #12. Robert was a man of many interests who was a life member of the National Rifle Association. His passion for the outdoors was undeniable and was an avid duck hunter and found solace in fishing. His artistic talent was another facet of his life.

In accordance with Robert’s wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Dr. David M. Schulte (1968-2025)

Dr. David M. Schulte, 57, of Midland, passed away unexpectedly on August 22nd, 2025, at Allegheny General Hospital of Pittsburgh.

He was born in Dayton, Ohio on May 20th, 1968, a son of Beatrice Marciniak Schulte with whom Dr. David and his family resided with and the late Martin V. Schulte, Sr. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his beloved wife, Yuqun Zhou Schulte, two children, Zehao Wu and Halina Yiwen Schulte, his siblings, Matthew M. Schulte, Jean L. Schulte-Tosh and Martin V. Schulte, Jr., his nephew and three nieces.

Dr. David graduated with the last graduating class of Lincoln High School of Midland. He got a BS in Biology of Marine and Environmental at Millersville University of Millersville, Pennsylvania, an MS in Marine Science from William and Mary College of Williamsburg, Virginia and a PhD in Marine Science at William and Mary College, Virginia Institute of Marine Science. For him, earning his PhD in 2024 was his crowning academic achievement. David retired from the Norfolk District Army Corps of Engineers in 2024 serving as a Regional Technical Specialist Oceanographer/Ecologist for 25 years. While employed, he received numerous awards, such as the Coastal America Award from the White House, for his work regarding oyster restoration and climate change studies. In addition, he published in the journal Science, Nature, and Frontiers in Climate on climate change affecting Tangier Island, VA and oyster restoration. Through his publications, he pioneered novel methods of reef building that massively improved reef health in the Chesapeake Bay and earned the largest oyster restoration grant in North America totaling 300 million dollars. His advocacy for climate change awareness and oyster restoration extended beyond academia. He and his work were featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Reuters, and numerous international media outlets. He was a steadfast champion for the Tangier Islanders and other Eastern Shore Communities. Furthermore, David contributed as an expert consultant for the documentary film, “Been Here, Stay Here”, which captures the way of life and climate change related to the plight of Tangier Island, VA. He was also a principal contributor in the production of another Chesapeake Bay documentary with Black Spot Films. Beyond professional achievements, he was also a professional bodybuilder and powerlifter for over 40 years, heralded as one of the strongest men in Norfolk, Virginia. He trained in various martial arts from Aikido and Kendo. He was also an excellent archer skilled at sharpshooting. At home, he enjoyed investing his energies into his Koi ponds, bonsais, vegetable and flower gardens, axolotls, and coral reef tanks. He was a talented consummate who thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors. He also enjoyed taking long walks with his family in the Botanical Gardens. He was also a beloved dog owner. His connections to his dogs, “Chief”, “Lee”, “Murphy”, “Cherry” and “Tudou,” were a central part of his life. He was an avid reader in both novels and scientific literature. For all activities, he shared his wisdom and joy with his family. He commanded respect from his colleagues and neighbors. As a young boy, David was introduced to marine biology when he attended a lecture given by Jean-Michel Cousteau. From that time forward, David pursued his passion for studying the ocean and its inhabitants. Throughout his life David’s love, honor and sense of duty was found within and beyond his beloved Midland community. His conviction to helping the environment and the people endangered by climate change always stood strong no matter the pressure and resistance. His gentle mentorship guided his children to pursue their interests and passions. His love for his family and friends was immeasurable and for that we will be forever grateful.

The family has entrusted a private family service for Dr. David to the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland who was in charge of his arrangments. Interment will follow in the Beaver Cemetery.

Matthew P. Sweeney (1959-2025)

Matthew P. Sweeney, 66, of Rochester, passed away on August 22nd, 2025.

He was born in Beaver Falls on April 1st, 1959, the son of Josephine “Jo” Donovan Sweeney and the late Thomas E. Sweeney, Sr. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Dennis W. Sweeney. In addition to his mother, he is survived by three brothers, Thomas E. Sweeney, Jr. of Pittsburgh, Timothy D. Sweeney of Virginia Beach and Daniel Sweeney, Sr. of Rochester and a sister, Mary Ann Blake of Columbia, Maryland and his nieces and nephews: Mary Watts, Kate Sweeney, Jessica Sweeney, Sara Blake, Ty Sweeney and Daniel Sweeney, Jr, William T. Sweeney, Daniel Blake and Adam Blake.

Matthew was practicing Catholic. He was a graduate of Loyola University of Chicago, Illinois and the John Marshall Law School of Chicago, Illinois. He will be remembered as a private, loving and caring person.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, August 28th, at 10 a.m. in St. Cecilia Church, 632 Virginia Avenue, Rochester with Fr. Paul Kuppe officiating.

Inurnment will follow in St. James Cemetery, 417 Water Works Road, Sewickley.

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

Gerald (Jerry) Trimble (1946-2025)

Gerald (Jerry) Trimble, 78, of Chippewa Township, passed away on August 27th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born on October 24, 1946, a son of the late Joseph C. and Helen (Kachmar) Trimble. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph L. Trimble. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, the former Marilyn Kimmel. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Alan Trimble and Nikki (Goedeker) Trimble and two grandsons, Brayden and Evan Trimble of Chippewa Township, a sister and brother-in-law, Marilynn and Mark Spellman of Amhurst, Ohio, a sister-in-law, Laurie Schepisi and her husband, Skip of Bonita Springs, Florida, a sister-in-law, Roxanne Mesesan and her husband Tom of Harmony, Pennsylvania, a sister-in-law, Joan Trimble and an aunt, Carmella Nuzzo, both of New Castle, as well as six nieces and nephews.

Gerald graduated from Shenango High School in 1964 and from Slippery Rock University in 1968 where he also earned his master’s degree in education. He went on to teach high school chemistry for 35 years, beginning in 1968 at Wilmington High School for 7 years before moving to Shenango High School for the remainder of his career.  He retired in 2003. Jerry made the most of his retirement traveling throughout the United States with his wife, Marilyn. He also enjoyed cooking, home winemaking, painting in oils, acrylics, and water colors and working on projects around the house and yard. After living most of their lives in Shenango Township, New Castle, Jerry and Marilyn moved to Chippewa Township, Beaver County, to be closer to their family.

In accordance with Gerald’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.  The family plans to have a celebration of life for Gerald at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Gabauer Funeral Homes.

Anyone wishing to make memorial contributions can do so in his name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Center Township, PA 15001.

Online condolences may be viewed or given by visiting www.gabauerfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Mary Elizabeth Kughn (1949-2025)

Mary Elizabeth Kughn, 76, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away on August 25th, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was born at Butler Hospital on April 25th, 1949, a daughter of the late Scott C. and Sarah Kane Davidson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Larry “Mr. Kughn”, and her beloved daughter, Melanie S. Kughn. Mary and her sister were raised lovingly by their grandmother, Mary Pearle (Dunlap) Kane and grandfather John Kane, both of Unionville, as well as her uncle, Sylvester “Uncie” Kane whom she was very fond of. She is survived by relatives including her sister, Sylvia L. and Ed Stedina of Conway, South Carolina, her loving daughters, Marcy R. Kughn and Evan “Coffin” Lavsa of New Sewickley Township, Missy E. and John R. Gardner III of New Sewickley Township, and her grandchildren, Caleb E. Celender and Tara E. and Cristofer Coats, also of New Sewickley and her nephew, David and her great-niece, Raegan Sayer, both of East Palestine, Ohio, two brother-in-laws, Charles “Lynn” Kughn, of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Lyle Kughn of New Sewickley.

Mary worked many years as a nurse for Dr. Nadler and associates of Beaver, and loved what she did and all of the patients she cared for. She also worked part time for Home Depot of Cranberry Township for many years. She helped coach for the New Sewickley girls’ softball teams, loved to attend ceramics classes with her friends, as well as camping, was a member of Wolf’s Den Camping Resort, an active member of Unionville United Methodist Church, of which she was in the Church Woman’s Club, and learned how to make every craft you can think of throughout the years.

Mary didn’t have a mean bone in her body, but if she wouldn’t tell you what to do and if you didn’t do it her way, you were in trouble. She had to be convinced to retire at the age of 71, but enjoyed every second of retirement when she did. She had more of a social life than anyone else in her family, and made sure you knew it. If she wasn’t at camp with her friends, she was out shopping, at the movies, or getting her nails done.

Mary liked to bake a next batch of cookies, dancing to oldies, “collecting”, planting flowers at the pearly gates, watching the Pirates game from the best seat in the house, and starting a list for everyone who needs their jeans patched.

If you can, play a round of cards for Mary this weekend, and the next.

Family and friends will received on Thursday, August 28th, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., at the William Murphy Funeral Home, 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his where a service will be held on Friday, August 27th at 11 a.m. Her pastor Reverend Barry Fowler will officiate. Interment will take place afterwards at Oak Grove Cemetery.