Category: Obituaries

Ricky C. French (1953-2025)

Ricky C. French, 72, of Rochester Township, passed away on December 18th, 2025, at his home. He was born in Rochester on May 4th, 1953, a son of the late Jack L. Sr. and Jean Jordan French. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jack L. French Jr. He is survived by his wife of forty years, Lisa M. (Frank) French, two sons and a daughter-in-law, Jason L. French and his wife, Renae, Jordan R. French, and two daughters and a son-in-law, Kylie R. French and her husband, Damarcus Cleckley and Katelyn R. French, five grandchildren: Chase French and his companion, Sapphire Brown, Karter French, Presley French, Damian and Dominik Cleckley; as well as four great-grandchildren, one sister and brother-in-law, Linda R. and Craig Robert, two brothers-in-law, Dan and Mike Frank and two sisters-in-law, Linda Coyne and Jan Frank, as well as several nieces, nephews, and many friends. Ricky was a retired groundskeeper with Rochester Area High School and a former member of the Rochester B.P.O.E Lodge 283. A private visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 23rd, from 4-6 p.m. at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

Sharon Marie Antoline (Brandt) (1956-2025)

Sharon Marie Antoline (Brandt), 69, passed away on December 13th, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was born on December 9th, 1956, a daughter of Marian and the late Warren Brandt. She is survived by her loving husband, Donald P. Antoline, with whom she recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. She is also survived by her three children, Matthew (Morissa) Antoline, Andrea (Eric) Edmister and Paul (Jill) Antoline, four very beloved grandchildren: Jeffrey, Clare, Lucy and Teresa; as well as her siblings, Joyce (Michael) Cain and Larry (Karen) Brandt, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as numerous close friends and church family. Sharon held many roles over the course of her life that allowed her to share her love of Jesus with those around her. One of those roles was as a teacher and then director of Precious Beginnings Preschool where she spent many years entwining her love of Jesus with her love of teaching. Three of her favorite pastimes were gardening, sewing and history. Sharon’s involvement with Old Economy Village as the manager of the Friend’s Group allowed her to work in a place that fed those passions. The gardens surrounding her house are a testament to her skill and dedication; she never met a plant that she couldn’t grow. She loved sewing and working with her hands. She was part of a hand sewing group that will feel her absence deeply. Sharon laughed easily, loved fiercely and will be missed tremendously. Viewings and a service will be held at Three Rivers Grace Church, 8713 Harmony Parkway, Pittsburgh. Viewings will be held on Friday December 19th from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday December 20th from 11 a.m.-12 noon with a service following Saturday’s viewing. In lieu of flowers, if desired, the family asks for donations to Allegheny Health Cancer Center or your cancer organization of choice. All arrangements are entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sharon, please visit the floral store of the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Mary Spagnola (1927-2025)

Mary Spagnola, 98, of Beaver, passed away on December 16th, 2025.

She was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 25th, 1927, a daughter of the late Louis and Concetta Didio. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Spagnola and her brother, John Didio. She is survived by her son, Joe (Cheryl) Spagnola, her daughter, Maria (Albert) Torrence, her grandchildren: Drew (Samantha) Spagnola, Ali Spagnola, Albert (Elizabeth) Torrence, Liza (Josef) DiPietrantonio; as well as her great-grandchildren, Zoe Spagnola, Colton Spagnola and Concetta DiPietrantonio.

Mary was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and Saints Peter & Paul Church in Beaver. She was a partner in the Didio Family Restaurant in Rochester. She and her husband also owned Silverman’s Beer Distributor in Beaver.

Friends will be received Monday, December 22nd, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, December 23rd at 10 a.m. in Saints Peter & Paul Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver. Private interment will take place at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s name to Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Saints Peter & Paul Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver, PA 15009 and St. Jude.

The family would like to thank the staff at Franciscan Manor and Fox Home Health for the excellent care given to Mary during her time in their care.

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

JoAnne M. Bish (1942-2025)

JoAnne M. Bish, 83, of Patterson Township, passed away peacefully on December 18th, 2025, in the comfort of her home.

She was born in Sewickley on December 3rd, 1942, the daughter of the late Frank Michalski and Amelia Nelson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred L. Bish, Jr. She is survived by her loving children, Tracy (Rick) Heiges and Scott Bish, her grandchildren, Orion, Riley, and Torin as well as her church family and many friends.

JoAnne had worked for many years as a teacher for Riverside and Ellwood City School Districts, as well as the former Divine Mercy Parish. She was a devoted and active member of St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish, where she was instrumental in Christian Mothers and the baptism committee. JoAnne was a fervent volunteer with many local organizations.  She served on the ladies’ auxiliary and as chaplain at Heritage Valley Beaver and enjoyed spending time with patients and their families.  In her free time, she enjoyed reading a good book and reminiscing with old students.

Friends will be received on Saturday, December 20th from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Following visitation, JoAnne will be cremated and a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the coming weeks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to St. Monica Catholic Academy Angel Fund, c/o St. Monica Catholic Academy, 609 10th Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Martha Munk (1937-2025)

Martha Munk, 88, of Mars, Pennsylvania, formerly of Ambridge, passed away peacefully on December 15th, 2025, at St. John’s Specialty Care in Mars, Pennsylvania. She was born in Sewickley on July 1st, 1937, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mildred (Kerzan). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Loretta (Ronald) Kopriva. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Edward Munk, her children, Elizabeth (James) Shiperly and Louis (Patricia) Munk and her five grandsons: Christian Holowchak (Morgan), Trenton Munk (Katie), Evan Holowchak, Jonathan Munk (Mackenzie) and Cameron Holowchak.

Martha had a way of lighting up a room the moment she entered, with her beautiful eyes, impeccable style, and a playful, knowing grin. It took only moments for strangers to realize what those closest to her always knew: Martha was a warm, loving soul who would do anything for anyone. She had a true flair for fashion, always perfectly put together and proud of her appearance. Whether dressed for a special occasion or an everyday outing, Martha carried herself with elegance, confidence, and timeless style, a reflection of the care and joy she brought to every part of her life. Martha and her beloved husband, Edward, shared a deep love of travel, especially trips to the beach. They often dreamed of visiting Germany, where Edward had served in the Army. While that particular journey remained a dream, they were fortunate to travel to many wonderful destinations, creating lasting memories alongside their family. To say Martha loved her family would be an understatement. Her heart belonged to them completely until the very end. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she rarely missed one of their sporting events. Martha and Ed joyfully hosted legendary summer sleepover marathons for their five grandsons, spoiling them endlessly, including cherished annual trips to Cedar Point that became treasured family traditions. Martha was also a gifted cook and baker, best known for her cookies and pies. She had a special love for Christmas, delighting in decorating her home, baking for others, and pouring her heart into unforgettable holiday meals and Sunday family dinners.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for visitation on Thursday, December 18th, from 3–7 p.m. at John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a Blessing Service will be held on Friday, December 19th, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

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

Patricia Anne (Nee Raymus) Butwinski (1958-2025)

Patricia Anne (Nee Raymus) Butwinski, 67, of Rochester Township, passed away on December 14th, 2025 in her home after a long illness. She was born in Passaic, New Jersey on August 1st, 1958, a daughter of the late Donald and Helen Raymus of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. She is survived by her beloved husband of 36 years, Russ Butwinski, four siblings: Kathi & Marshall Shord of Ocean Pines, Maryland, Ed & Sandy Raymus of White Haven, Pennsylvania, Donald & Judy Raymus of Cranberry Township and Mary Raymus of Camphill, Pennsylvania, numerous nieces, nephews, great nephews, great great nieces and nephews.

Patricia worked for 24 years with Conway E&S as an assistant Vice President and underwriter. She loved to spend her free time sewing, baking and reading.

In accordance with Patricia’s wishes, all services are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the City Rescue Mission at cityrescuemission.org by clicking here.

Timothy A. Baker, Sr. (1949-2025)

Timothy A. Baker, Sr., 76, of Beaver, passed away peacefully on December 16th, 2025, in the comfort of his home.

He was born in Sewickley on October 10th, 1949, a son of the late Gerald Sr. and Jean (Bradley) Baker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Mark Fadik. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Patricia (Wharrey) Baker, his children, Juliane (Ronald) Leindecker and Timothy Jr. (Amber) Baker, his grandchildren: Ryan Leindecker, Nicholas (Shyann Pearce) Leindecker, Ruby, Lucy, and Penny Baker, his brother, Gerald Jr. (Linda) Baker, his sister, Rebecca Fadik, as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Timothy retired as the President of Giltspur, an exhibition display company, after many years of faithful service. He was a true American patriot and a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. In his free time, he enjoyed taking care of family and treasured the precious time he spent with them. He was also an avid gun enthusiast and collector.

Timothy’s wishes for cremation will be honored and no services are planned at this time.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to a Humane Society of your choice.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to care for the Baker family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Ruth Ann Mrusek (1942-2025)

Ruth Ann Mrusek, 83, of Brighton Township, passed away on December 10th, 2025, after a brief illness, at AHN West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh.

She was born in New Brighton on May 8th, 1942, the daughter of the late Joseph Henry “Skip” and Lavina “Viny” Craig. She is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Bernd A. Mrusek, her son and daughter-in-law, Craig A. Mrusek and Laura W. Adams and her grandson, Adam A. Mrusek.

Ruth Ann graduated from Beaver Area High School in 1960. After graduating, she went on to attend and graduate from Western Pennsylvania School of Nursing. She continued on after that graduation as a Registered Nurse to start her career at Rochester Hospital. After working there for a number of years, she started working for United Airlines, as a stewardess, having flown the Los Angeles to Honolulu route. In 1966 she married her beloved husband, Bernd. She decided to become a stay at home mom for their son, Craig, in 1970. After 10 years of raising her son, she decided to go back to school for a “refresher” course in nursing, and worked for Aliquippa Hospital. Before entering retirement with her husband, she finished her working career in the practice of Carey and Dugan Neurology. Ruth Ann will be remembered by many as a “Parrot Head”, having attended many Jimmy Buffet tailgates and concerts, locally and in Key West, Florida, with her husband, family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling on Caribbean Cruises with her husband, hosting dinner gatherings for family and friends and baking cookies, especially for Christmas.

Professional Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in Ruth Ann’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

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

Antoinette “Chubby” Zupsic (Passed on December 15th, 2025)

Antoinette “Chubby” Zupsic, 98, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 15th, 2025, at her residence in Monaca, surrounded by the love and warmth of her family.

She was born in Freedom and was the last surviving member of her immediate family.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Matthew M. Zupsic, her parents, Antonio and Evelyn Anne (DiGiamaco) DiSanzo, her brothers, Edward, Eugene and Anthony DiSanzo, and her sisters, Esther Denney, Phyllis DiSanzo and Frances Osbun. She is survived by her loving daughters, Marilyn Chesko and Linda (Arnold) Liberatore, her adoring grandchildren, Mark (Jennifer) Liberatore and Tracy (Brad) Shields, her treasured great-grandchildren, Christian and Andrew Liberatore and Zachary and Hannah Shields, her sister in law, Rosemarie DiSanzo and an “adopted” granddaughter, Cara Hoshauer.

Antoinette was the heart of her home throughout her life, dedicating her life to her family as a homemaker. She also shared her meticulousness and warmth in the workforce as a bookkeeper at the East Rochester K-Mart and at J & J Enterprises in Freedom, where she contributed to catering and fundraisers until the remarkable age of eighty-four. Her strong work ethic and genuine love for helping others were evident in everything she did. She was a faithful member of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish, and a founding member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church’s Christian Mothers at the church located in Monaca. She was a skilled cook and baker who was known for her delightful dishes that brought people together. Her friends and family often found joy in her company during her occasional trips to the casino, her membership at a neighborhood card club where they often played pinocle and her enthusiastic participation in bingo nights. She was also an avid sports fan, loyally supporting all the Pittsburgh teams with fervor. These past twenty plus years were especially precious to Antoinette, as she delighted in the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Each moment with them was cherished, and her legacy of love, laughter and kindness will continue to flourish in their lives. Her warmth extended beyond her family, as she received special care from Lori Smith and Marla Liberatore, who both held a special place in her heart. The family also wishes to thank Concordia Visiting Nurses and Good Samaritan Hospice for their outstanding care.

Friends will be received on Thursday, December 18th from 3-7 p.m. at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements and where prayers will be offered on Friday, December 19th at 9:45 a.m. followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. at St Felix Catholic Church, 450 13th Street, Freedom. Burial will follow in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca.

Rather than flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made in her memory to the Our Lady of Fatima Angel Fund.

To share online condolences or view Antoinette’s video tribute, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Sallie Joan Lutz (1961-2025)

Sallie Joan Lutz, 64, of Beaver, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her sisters, on the morning of December 3rd, 2025.

She was born in Rochester on March 20th, 1961, a daughter of the lateLucille and Raymond Lutz, of Vanport.

Sallie took up residence with her father after her mother passed away in 1990. She happily retired from a retail position. Sallie participated in basketball at BSHS and had a great passion for softball in her younger years, she played on a softball team for Robert’s Roadside Inn. Sallie was formerly a member of the Vanport Presbyterian Church.Sallie enjoyed her beautiful flower garden, which she also nurtured for her father’s enjoyment as well. She found peace in relaxing at the lake or on the riverbank with her fishing pole, this was also where she enjoyed spending time with Jesus. When Sallie entered a new season in her life, her joy was found with her family, watching the Steelers and the Bucs each season. Sallie was a “black and gold” fanatic, she loved cheering on all the Pittsburgh sports teams. After moving to Brighton Twp., God blessed Sallie with a good friend and neighbor, Jeannie Bischcoff. Jeannie was often found bringing a hot meal for the two of them to enjoy while cheering on “The Fever” together.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Carol Gray and her great nephew, Scott Smith.

She is survived by her big, loving family, including her sisters, Marilyn (Larry) White, Debbie Dugan, and Donna (Tom) Jackson, her nephews, Vincent Schuller, Jim Jackson and Tom Dugan Jr., her nieces: Wendy Pander, Dawn Goosby, Leah Jackson, Terri Deem, Tracy Smith, Mindy Smiley, Tina Utterback; as well as her great nephews, Eric Ree, Isaac Ree, Rashaud Goosby and Jacob Wakefield; along with her great nieces: Siera Goosby, Paige Deem, Lindsey Dugan, Alexis Dugan, Sara Grymes, Jenna, Alaksin, and Briana Wakefield; as well as her great great nephews and a niece.

A special thank you goes out to Sallie’s brother-in-law’s, Larry White and Tom Jackson, for always being there for her in her times of need. A special thank you also goes out to Jeannie Bischcoff, for being a caring friend and neighbor to Sallie. A special thank you also goes out to Good Samaritan Hospice for bringing comfort to Sallie.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sallie’s name may be made to the American Heart Association and the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

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