Category: Obituaries

Catherine Roberts (1934-2026)

Catherine Roberts, 92, of Ambridge, passed away on May 26th, 2026.

She was born on April 13th, 1934. She and her husband William Roberts moved to Ambridge in 1957, a year after the birth of their daughter, Rachelle. Once in Ambridge, she stayed living a humble and comfortable life in a home where she always welcomed friends and family. She and her family became members of St. Veronica’s Parish where she volunteered in the lunch kitchen of the school.

Catherine was born Catherine Susan Pello and her parents were Andrew Pello and Susan (Andrasik) Pello. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Pauline Kashmer, and her husband, George, and Margaret Szost and her husband, Bob, her brothers, Albert Pello and her wife, Josephine, and Steve Pello and his wife, Mary. Her siblings provided her many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

Her children, Rachelle Roberts, and partner, Dave Lewandowski, and Bill Roberts, and his wife, Carolyn reside in the Ambridge area. Her grandsons,Sean Roberts and his wife, Nicole of Dayton, Ohio, Patrick Roberts of Lawerenceburg, Kentucky and John Adams and his wife, Brandee of Baden were her joy and consumed much of her time as she prayed for their well-being and safety. Her recent great granddaughter, Millie, was a spark of joy in her heart.

Catherine was a wonderful cook and baker, and she brought joy to those around her as she would grind through those tasks that brought joy and laughter to those around her. Her friendship will certainly be missed.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, May 28th from 3 P.M. until the time of a blessing service at 5:30 P.M. at the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. Father Mike Selep will officiate the service. Interment will take place privately in the Good Samaritan Catholic Cemetery,

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Cornerstone of Beaver County by clicking here. https://cornerstonebeaver.org/

Frank Ross (1932-2026)

Frank Ross, 93, of Beaver, passed away on May 23rd, 2026, at Celebration Villa in Chippewa.

He was born in Aliquippa on October 14th, 1932, the son of the late Frank A. Ross and Sue Quadrano. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 53 years, Betty Jane Ross, his step-son, Russell Wardman Jr. and his sister, Dolores Trotta. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mark Ross and Patricia Cornet, of Santa Cruz, California, his grandchildren, Aidan, Emma, and Sophia Ross, his nephews: Vince (Donika) Trotta, Gary Trotta, David Hairhoger, Keith (Bernice) Gray, and Donny Harper; as well as his nieces, Vicki Trotta, Robin (Paul) Chiappetta, and Jody Burnett.

Frank was raised in Ellwood City and was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He was a former member of Park Presbyterian Church in Beaver, and was a current member of Christian Assembly Church in Industry. He enjoyed coin and stamp collecting, restoring antique cars, as well as hunting and fishing. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a thoughtful loving mentor – with a legendary sense of humor.

Friends will be received on Saturday, May 30th from 10 a.m. until the time of a service at 12 noon at Christian Assembly Church, 6241 Tuscarawas Road, Industry. Online condolences may be shared at http://www.nollfuneral.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in his name to Christian Assembly Church, 6241 Tuscarawas Road, Industry PA 15052.

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

James Stanley “Jimmy” Hostetler (1928-2026)

James Stanley “Jimmy” Hostetler, 98, formerly of Crescent Township, passed away on May 24th, 2026 in Riverview Manor, Ashbury Senior Living in Lewisburg. He was born in Glenwillard on January 4th, 1928, the son of the late Darl & Jane (McCarrier) Hostetler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Emma (Blackford) Hostetler, his granddaughter, Evan Hostetler and his son, James D. Hostetler (Darcie). He is survived by his three sons, Richard G. Hostetler (Reni) of Washington, Gary L. Hostetler (Lorie) of North Carolina and Gregg A. Hostetler (Linda) of Maryland, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

After graduating high school, James enlisted in the U.S Marine Corps, serving in the Marine Air Wing as WWII was winding down. Not long after joining the Marine Reserves, the Korean War began and he was called up to serve his country a second time (Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines). He was part of the Chosin Reservoir campaign where Marines, cut off behind enemy lines and in bitterly cold temperatures, fought off a much larger enemy force and he became one of a revered group of Marines known as “The Frozen Chosen.” After recovering from his wounds and severe frostbite, he worked 42 years for Jones and Laughlin (J&L) Steel Corporation. He was a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoyed fishing, camping, exercise, music, dancing, and his extended family. He and his wife Mary spent many retirement years wintering in Florida, where they made a host of new friends. He was a practicing Christian who enjoyed sharing his faith and inspiration with others.

Friends will be received on Friday, May 29th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 30th at 10 a.m. Interment and Military Honors will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Carol B. Lancos (1943-2026)

Carol B. Lancos, 82, of Midland, passed away on May 25th, 2026, with her daughter and her husband by her side.

She was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on June 21st, 1943, a daughter of the late Michael and Irene Novak Balint. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her companion & partner, Kenny Sowers, her brothers, John “Sonny” Balint, Robert Balint, her sisters, Elizabeth “Bette” Chapman, Patricia Balser, Lenore “Lennie” Miller and her former husband and friend, Bob Lancos. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Susan Miller, and her husband, Robert Reilly of Brighton Township, her grandson and the love of her life, Matthew Miller, and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Carol was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. She retired after many years as a bank teller at Beaver Trust in Midland and later helped the elderly by working at the Beaver Valley Geriatric Center. She was a member of St. Augustine Parish and St. Blaise Church in Midland. She had been a resident of Midland her entire life.

Friends will be received on Thursday, May 28th from 5-8 P.M. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 629 Midland Ave., Midland, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 29th, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Blaise Church, 772 Ohio Avenue, Midland. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Memorial contributions may be made in Carol’s name to Open Arms Healthcare, 805 4th Ave Coraopolis, PA 15108.

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

Alma Arlene “Peg” Canonaco (1933-2026)

Alma Arlene “Peg” Canonaco, 92, of South Beaver Township, passed away on May 24th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Health System – Beaver Campus.

She was born in Beaver Falls on October 20th, 1933, a daughter of the late Steve and Josephine West. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her children, Ken, Keith, and Bruce Humphrey and a sister, Merle. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Ralph Canonaco, her grandchildren: Chris, Aaron, Matt, Lauren, Nicole, and Keith; as well as eight great-grandchildren, her sisters, Dorothy, June, and Elsie, along with numerous extended family members, and friends.

Alma spent her life as a homemaker and was extremely fond of her grandchildren.  She enjoyed traveling with her husband and reading.

In accordance with Alma’s wishes, she will be cremated and no services are being planned.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to provide care and guidance to Alma’s family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of her arrangements.

Joan Marie Lapic (1952-2026)

Joan Marie Lapic, 74, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on May 23rd, 2026, at Cedar Hill Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Moon. She was born in New Castle on May 10th, 1952, a daughter of Agnes (O’Connor) and Carl Oswald. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her four children: Jeremiah (Ermida) Lapic, Jacob Lapic, Justin Lapic, and Jessica (Chris) Brown; as well as two brothers, Martin and Tom Oswald, her sister, Carleen Rainey and four beloved grandchildren, Connor, Aiden, Elise, and Sofia.

Joan graduated from New Castle High School with its Class of 1970 and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a double major in English and Environmental Studies. She began her career as a writer at several newspapers in Michigan before returning to Pennsylvania, where she continued working in journalism while spending every free moment on the river. She devoted her life to nurturing growth — in gardens, in people, and in the hearts of those around her. During her formative years, she explored the wilds of the upper Allegheny River around her father’s river cabin in Emlenton, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for nature. She later renewed her faith and embraced a strong belief in natural living, giving birth to all four of her children at home. She envisioned and helped build a passive solar home in the country, where she homeschooled her four children while mastering raised-bed gardening, beekeeping, raising small animals, growing orchids, and maintaining a greenhouse. She was also a Penn State Master Gardener and herb specialist, Joan volunteered at the local Grange and youth home before becoming the Therapeutic Horticulture Program Coordinator at Glade Run Lutheran Services. There, her lifetime of passions truly bloomed as she combined compassion, knowledge, and reverence for the natural world in her work as a therapist. She was a gifted herbalist and educator who found immense joy in plants, flowers, and the outdoors, and loved teaching others about their healing properties through presentations and hands-on learning. Through her work and gentle spirit, she inspired many to discover the beauty, comfort, and connection found in nature.

A memorial gathering will be held for friends and family on Friday, May 29th from 4 p.m. until the time of a Memorial Service at 6 p.m. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements.

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

Timothy E. Ralston (1974-2026)

Timothy E. Ralston, 51, of Glenwillard, passed away on May 19th, 2026 at his residence. He was born in Burgettstown on September 11th, 1974, a son of Jane Smith Ralston and the late Elwood T. Ralston. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Laura Gable, two daughters, Lydia Gable and Meadow Ralston, his brother, Thomas R. Ralston and his in-laws, Richard Eberle and Kerrin Powers.

Timothy crafted a name as a remarkable chef, especially when it came to his chicken wings. However, he was more than just an expert in the kitchen. He loved the simple pleasures of life: fishing, spending time with his children, being with his family, and cheering on his favorite teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Pirates. His love for wrestling was matched only by his passion for music. Friends will be received on Wednesday, May 27th from 2 P.M. until the time of service at 5:30 P.M. at the CORLESS-MATTER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, LLC, 1133 Church Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Hierodeacon Joseph Wirag (1956-2026)

Hierodeacon Joseph Wirag, 69, of Ambridge, passed away unexpectedly on May 21st, 2026.

He was born on August 26th, 1956. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Geri Szabo. He is survived by his best friend of 40 years, Father Frank Mitolo, his nephews, Jeff (Kim) Szabo, and Gary Szabo, all of Pittsburgh, and many friends.

Hierodeacon Joseph was a member of St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ambridge. He joined the community of Brothers of the Holy Spirit when he joined the Ukrainian Catholic Rite and was designated a Heirodeacon in 2014.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, May 26th from 3-6 p.m. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of his arrangements. Hierodeacon Joseph will lay in state on Wednesday, May 27th from 11 a.m. until the time of a service at 1 p.m. at the St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 404 6th Street, Ambridge.

Interment to follow in Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

Shirley A. Spaniel (1943-2026)

Shirley A. Spaniel, 82, of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully on May 22nd, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.

She was born in Ellwood City on December 26th, 1943, the daughter of the late Louis and Norma (French) Shinsky. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Darryl Eimer and a brother, Donald Shinsky. She is survived by her daughters, Lori Eimer and Lisa (Christian) Scherer, her grandchildren: Dr. Robert Scherer, Nicole Scherer, Michael Scherer, and Sydney Scherer; as well as her brother, Ray (Margie) Shinsky, and her nieces, nephews, and friends.

Shirley was a graduate of the Community College of Beaver County and went on to work as a Registered Nurse. She was extremely proud of her work as a registered nurse and retired with over 30 years of service from Ellwood City Hospital. She was part of the Nurses Study at the University of Michigan and took great pride in knowing her contributions to the study may help others. In her free time, she enjoyed trips to the casino, playing bingo, and lounging with her dogs.

Shirley’s wishes for cremation will be honored and no services are being planned, in accordance with her wishes.

The family wishes to extend a heart-felt “Thank You” to the LVAD Team at AGH, especially Dr. Hadi, Dr. Raina, Patty, and Erin for their care and support over the years.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be directed to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Shirley’s family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of her arrangements.

Carole Rita Semonik (1942-2026)

Carole Rita Semonik, 84, of Harmony Township, passed away on May 23rd, 2026, at Sewickley Valley Hospital, following a courageous three-month battle with MDS, with her loving family by her bedside. She was born in Ambridge on May 21st, 1942, the second daughter of the late William Stanley and Elizabeth “Betty” (Knorr) Antkiewicz. She married John “Puka” Semonik in 1972, and together they shared 31 years of marriage and raised two children, Paul Andrew Semonik (Johanna Semonik) and James Edward Semonik (Emily Kirkpatrick). In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her oldest brother, Leroy J. “Lee” Antkiewicz. In addition to her children, she is also survived by her two grandsons, Zachary Thomas and John Nicholas Semonik, a sister, Ruth Ann Nardo (Daniel), her brothers, William Antkiewicz (Kathy) and Ronald Antkiewicz (Mary Ellen), a sister-in-law, Patricia Yeager (John), a brother-in-law, Gerald E. Semonik (Ellen), along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Carole was a loving wife and mother who enjoyed the simplicity of life. She cherished raising her family, making the world’s most amazing pierogies, doing puzzles with family, fishing at Pymatuning with her brother, William, and caring for her log house — which was her dream come true. She attended St. Veronica’s Catholic High School and was a lifelong member of Good Samaritan Catholic Church in Ambridge. Before the arrival of her sons, she worked as an assistant manager at the Isaly’s Dairy Store in Ambridge.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, May 27th, from 3 P.M. until the time of a blessing service at 6:30 P.M. at the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. Internment will take place privately in Economy Cemetery, 1691 Ridge Rd Extension #1601, Ambridge.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carole, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.