Joseph (Joe) Harry Sidora (1949-2025)

Joseph (Joe) Harry Sidora, 75, of Vanport, passed away on February 25th, 2025 with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Kittaning, Pennsylvania on August 30th, 1949, the son of the late Harry and Gertrude Sidora. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Christine Bailey Sidora, brother-in-law, Nicholas Odrey; and sister-in-law, Penny Hipkiss Sidora. He is survived by his son, Andrew Sidora of West Mayfield, daughters, Christie (Theodore) Pham of Wexford, Shelley (Richard Hockensmith Jr.) Sidora of Williamsfield, Ohio, brothers, James Sidora and Thomas (Judith) Sidora, sisters, Saundra Odrey and Kathleen (Jeffrey) Pompe, grandchildren: Callie and Emma Sidora, Madeline and Harrison Pham and Richmond Hockensmith; as well as his loving companion for the past 30 years, Judith Small.

Joseph was a veteran of the US Coast Guard and a member of the American Legion. He formerly owned and operated Sidora Motors in Apollo, Pennsylvania and later worked as a radiation protection technician for RAD Services and Bartlett Nuclear. He had been a resident of Vanport for the past 30 years and was well known for cruising around Beaver in his motorized wheelchair. He also loved golf and was a car enthusiast.

Friends will be received Saturday, March 1st, from 3-5 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Private interment will take place at a later date at the Beaver Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, you can make memorial donations in Joseph’s name to the American Legion, Post 580 of Monaca.

Mary (Murga) ReKasie (1923-2025)

Mary (Murga) ReKasie, 101, of Edgeworth, Pennsylvania, passed away on February 20th, 2025. She was born in Ambridge on May 20th, 1923, the daughter of the late Vasil and Mary (Suchy) Murga. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, John W. ReKasie and her beloved brothers, Sgt. John Murga and William (Hilda) Murga. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Lee (Rick) Darbut and Gloria (Bill) Pulkowski, a granddaughter and grandson-in-law, two cherished great-grandsons, three nieces, Carol (Tom) Britton, Janet (Tom) Smith and Mary Anne (Scott) Michigan, along with several great-nieces and a great-nephew.

Mary was a long-time resident of the area. She recently resided in South Carolina and Virginia. After graduating from Ambridge High School, Mary worked as a beautician before taking on the role of caregiver for her husband, a WWII veteran, who was disabled. She was a deeply committed member of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, and her faith provided her with strength, comfort, and a sense of peace throughout her 101 years. Mary was known for her loving and generous nature. She was always making pierogies, decorating Easter eggs, and baking for church festivals.

She took immense joy in spending time with her children, granddaughter, and great-grandchildren. In addition to her family, Mary enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including bingo and hunting for bargains. She lived her life with grace, always putting others first, and her faith, love, and generosity will be remembered fondly by all who were blessed to know her. Her memory will live in the hearts of her family and friends.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation on Friday, February 28th from 4 P.M. until the time of service at 7:30 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge. Translation to the church will take place at 8 P.M. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 1st at 10 A.M., in the St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 450 Glenwood Drive, Ambridge. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to, St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church.

Larry Ray Barkfelt, Sr. (1944-2025)

Larry Ray Barkfelt Sr., 80, of Brighton Township, formerly of Fallston, passed away unexpectedly on February 25th, 2025 at home.

He was born in Fallston on November 7th, 1944, a son of the late Ray T. and Margaretta (Hall) Barkfelt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Carol “Tootsie” McGafffic, sister, Dorothy Symonak and brothers, Richard and LeMoyne Barkfelt. He is survived by his children: Melzina (Miles Clark) Barkfelt, Teresa (Mark Brown) Barkfelt, Terry (Jim) McGaffic-Westfall, Lisa McGaffic-Markley, Melissa McGaffic, Larry (Sonja) Barkfelt II and Michael (Vicki) McGaffic: many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, sister, Leatrice Donovan and many nieces and nephews.

Larry retired as a machine operator from Adams Manufacturing. He was a member of the Croatian Club and Eagles of New Brighton.  He loved dancing with his wife “Tootsie” and loved his family.

In accordance with Larry’s wishes, no services will be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J & J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

Private burial will be held at St Joseph Catholic Cemetery of New Brighton.

Debra M. (Cancelliere) Rodriguez (1958-2025)

Debra M. (Cancelliere) Rodriguez, 66, of Baden, passed away on February 25th, 2025. She was born on August 27th, 1958, a daughter of the late Angelo and Dorothy Cancelliere.

Debra is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Joseph Rodriguez, her children, Timothy (Jennifer) Rodriguez and Matthew (Lindsey) Rodriguez, her siblings: Joseph (Mary) Cancelliere, Angelo (Donna) Cancelliere, Renee Guerrieri, and Robert Cancelliere; as well as her cherished grandchildren: Cameron, Jackson, Rylee and Myles Rodriguez.

Debra was a devoted wife, mother and Mimi who will be deeply missed. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Gregory Walter Heidel (Passed on February 25th, 2025)

Gregory Walter Heidel, 57, a lifelong resident of Monaca, passed away on February 25th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver surrounded by his family.

He was the son of the late George Joseph and Barbara Sue (Dotson) Heidel. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter W. and Violet A. Dotson and Uncle Jerry Dotson and Uncle Raymond Mancheff. He is survived by a son, Jonathan (Sara) Heidel, a granddaughter, Ellie Heidel as well as his brother, George Jeffrey (Tanya) Heidel and his beloved Aunt, Ann Mancheff who was like a second mother to him.

Gregory graduated from Monaca High School with the class of 1985. He earned an Associate Degree from CCBC and was a dedicated employee of the Rochester Giant Eagle store for over 35 years.

He was known for his love of bicycling having traveled over 10,000 miles in one year and also found pleasure in white water rafting.

He was a devout member of St John the Baptist Catholic Church of Monaca.

Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

I Ye “Judy” Hunter (1941-2025)

I Ye “Judy” Hunter, 84, of Daugherty Township, passed away on February 26th, 2025 in her residence.

She was born in South Korea on January 5th, 1941. She was preceded in death by her husband, David J. Hunter and her daughter, Sherri Lynn Hunter.

She is survived by four children: Brenda (Alan) Miller, Tina Galbraith, David J. (Michelle) Hunter II and Linda (Dave) Habrle; six grandchildren: James Dietz II, Ashley Dietz, Amanda Galbraith, Thomas Galbraith II, Nicholas Habrle and Nathan Habrle; as well as three great-grandchildren, Liam, Oriyah and Arlo.

Friends will be received on Saturday, March 1st from 10 A.M. until the time of services at 1 P.M. in the Gabauer Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton.

Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery of Big Beaver Borough.

Loren Francis Mosholder, Jr. (1941-2025)

Loren Francis Mosholder, Jr., 83, of Freedom, passed away on February 22nd, 2025 in Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born in Aliquippa on July 1st, 1941, a son of the late Loren F. Mosholder, Sr. and Martha (Kohler) Mosholder. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Sandra Mosholder Fash, the mother of his only son, his second wife, Florence Mosholder, who was his devoted partner for 38 years and a daughter-in-law, Cynthia A Mosholder. He is survived by his beloved son, Loren H. Mosholder of Fombell, two adored granddaughters, Hannah and Kayla, two great-granddaughters, Katana and Cadence Owens, his stepdaughter, Nancy Wichryk of Beaver Falls, stepdaughter-in-law Tammy Skiles of Monaca, his brother, Robert (Sue) Mosholder of Hopewell Township, his loving companion, Nancy Van Fossan, a special cousin Sissy Smith and an extended family who will miss him dearly.

Loren dedicated 32 years to the East Rochester K Mart, where he retired as a manager. Loren’s faith played a role in his life. He was a longtime member of the Redeemer Trinity Lutheran Church in Monaca. He actively participated in the church community, serving on the church council and as an usher, roles in which he demonstrated his dedication to his faith and his church family. His involvement with the church was a testament to his belief in service, community, and fellowship.

He volunteered for over 14 years at Meals on Wheels in Rochester, where he contributed to the well-being of countless individuals by ensuring they received nutritious meals and a friendly visit.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 3rd from 2–4 p.m. and 5–8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 4th at 10 a.m. at the Redeemer Trinity Lutheran Church, 819 Washington Avenue, Monaca with his pastor, Reverend Angela Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester. A luncheon will follow at 11:15 a.m. at the Freedom Fraternal Order of Eagles, Main Street, Freedom.

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

Frank A. Suffoletta (1956-2025)

Frank A. Suffoletta, 68, passed away on February 16th, 2025.

He was born in Rochester on February 19th, 1956, a son of the late Frank and Rose Marie Suffoletta. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel, his sister, Cara Marie and his niece, Cara Marie Crosby. He is survived by his wife, Keri, a daughter, Laura, a son, Frankie, a sister, Carmella Suffoletta, three nephews, Carlton Eli Crosby, Dana Crosby, (Heidi Wade) and Daniel Suffoletta and one niece, Kate Lynn Fedorko.

Frank graduated from Lincoln High School, Carnegie Mellon University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, followed by a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from UCLA. His illustrious career in Los Angeles spanned over four decades working for Boeing, Hughes Aircraft/Lockheed Martin, and Thin-Com Solutions, Inc. Family and friends were important to Frank.

Frank never forgot his Midland roots and the friendships of his lifelong friends. He will be sadly missed.

Both funeral arrangements and a memorial are incomplete. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Hone, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Contributions in Frank’s memory may be made to the Carnegie Free Library, 61 Ninth Street, Midland, or on-line at http:// www.midlandlibrary.org/

Joseph Patrick Graham Hamilton, Sr. (1937-2025)

Joseph Patrick Graham Hamilton Sr, 87, of Hopewell, affectionately known throughout the community as “Pappy Jake,” passed away on February 21st, 2025. He was born on December 4th, 1937, the son of the late Charles A. Sr. and Rosella (Graham) Hamilton.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 51 years, Gayle A. (Goettman) Hamilton, who he shared a beautiful life with and their cherished sons and family. He found his second love, Frances (Ungarean) Hamilton, who also preceded him in death.
He is also preceded in death by brother and sister-in-law, Charles A. Jr. and Betty Hamilton and brothers-in-law, Howard Hayes, Thomas R. Goettman, Jr. and Frank Opalinisky. He is survived by two devoted sons and their wives who were like daughters to him, Joseph Patrick Graham “Joe” and June Hamilton Jr. and John T. and Lisa Hamilton Sr, his grandchildren: Joseph T. (Valerie) Hamilton, Shane Hamilton, John T. Hamilton Jr., Alex Hamilton and Lauren Hamilton; his great- grandchildren: Scout, Wyatt, Chase, Jacob, Kaylee, Graham, Lilliann, Leah, Avery, and Miles; a sister, Sally Hayes, sister-in-law, Suzanne (Goettman) Opalinsky, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
Joseph was a devout member of Our Lady of Fatima Church where he faithfully attended mass on Sunday and assisted with church activities.
For many years, Joseph and his wife Gayle were the owners of Ham’s bar, in Rochester where fun was had by all. He was a founding member of Beaver Valley Boys Inc., of Marienville, Pennsylvania, a camp and club he was very proud of. He built many lifelong relationships with family and friends while constructing the camp from the ground up.
Joseph was a graduate of New Brighton High School. After high school, he went on to attend and graduate from Geneva College where he obtained his Master’s Degree. He pursued his love of knowledge as a teacher at Quaker Valley School District until his retirement. He was a member of the Rochester Volunteer Fireman’s Department and a member of The Knights of Columbus, demonstrating his love and passion for connecting with his community.
He enjoyed travelling all over the United States. He especially loved his fishing trips to Canada with his two sons, hunting, and spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews at camp.
He will always be remembered for his infectious and fun-loving personality, always sharing a smile and his love with whomever he met.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 2nd from 3-7 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 3rd. Everyone is asked to meet in the church. He will be laid to rest with his wife Gayle at Beaver Cemetery.

 

Brandon Michael Langsdale (1999-2025)

Brandon Michael Langsdale, 25, of Hampton Township, Pennsylvania, passed away on February 23rd, 2025 after yet another courageous battle against Vascular Ehler’s Danlos Type IV. Brandon was surrounded by a roomful of the people closest to him and an immense amount of love.

He was born in Sewickley, on April 1st, 1999, the son of Paula Langsdale Shook (Brinzer) and the late Kevin Michael Langsdale. He is survived by his mother, his second father, Jeffrey Shook and his siblings, Matthew (21), Sarah Kate (19), and Lily Grace Shook (4).  He is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Linda Brinzer, maternal great aunt, Paula (Lance) Gordon, paternal step grandfather, Howard McClellan, uncles, Ray and Bill (Emily) Brinzer, aunt Chris (Will) Parish and cousins: Johannes and Astrid Brinzer (Aunt Felabi), Jared Brinzer and Henry Batiz. He is also survived by his step grandfather, Mel Shook and step uncles, Dave and Mike (Lola) Shook; as well as many extended Langsdale relatives who always supported Brandon from afar.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Roger Langsdale and Ruth McClellan, his maternal grandfather, Raymond Brinzer (Jinglan), his step grandmother, Cecilia Shook, and his much adored (and also gone much too soon) cousin Katie Parish.

Brandon loved technology and exotic cars. He was fascinated with how things worked, and was always thinking of what new possibilities they presented.  Holidays and gatherings were favorites for Brandon; especially when they included lots of food, family, and fun! Brandon loved music as well, particularly techno-rap, and often handed people his headphones to listen to a song.  Brandon also enjoyed, and is already greatly missed by the family’s two Goldens, Jack and Camper.

Brandon would regularly talk about hypercars with his good friend “Mr. Mark” and anything and everything else with our close family friend “Miss Brenda” – both who traveled across the country to visit with Brandon during his last days.  Brandon enjoyed vacations to the beach, camping trips; especially to Kelleys Island or anything involving his Aunt Chris and Uncle Will, or pretty much anywhere else where his family and honorary family members gathered (who were affectionately referred to as “his people”). He also loved his many “Monte Cello’s lunch dates” with his grandma, Aunt Paula, Uncle Lance, Miss Patty, and her husband Carl.

Brandon was quick to tell you he loved you and always showed he cared through quality time spent talking, and talking, and talking some more. While always loving, caring, and sharing, Brandon often also had something snarky to add to almost any conversation, much to the delight of his siblings and cousins and often the annoyance (and sometimes secret amusement) of his parents. He will be deeply missed, and always remembered, by those who knew him best.

Brandon’s whole family owes a deep debt of gratitude to the doctors and other staff at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, who worked long and tirelessly to treat Brandon.  Of particular note is Dr. Raquel Forsythe, who took a personal interest in Brandon for years, and who once came in to operate on Brandon on her day off because she knew she was his best chance.  Truly, some superheroes wear doctor’s coats, not capes.  Brandon had some amazing doctors and nurses too; especially those from Presby Unit “6FG”.

Memorial donations may be sent to BELOvEDS, an organization that provides college scholarships to students who are living with vEDS or who have family members with vEDS.  Brandon’s sister, Sarah Kate (an avid scholarship hunter), received a very much appreciated scholarship from them in the fall to help her with her educational expenses, and this scholarship was very meaningful to her for all of the right reasons (A vEDS diagnosis affects entire families in unmeasurable ways).  Checks can be mailed to: BELOvEDS, A Nania Foundation Inc., 50 Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Suite 501, Uniondale, NY 11553; https://belovedsfoundation.org/donate.  Kindly send any pictures that you may happen to have of Brandon to: langsdaleshook@gmail.com, 3142 Westwind Drive Allison Park, PA 15101).

A private family celebration of life will be held later for Brandon. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Those will all work to honor his life and legacy throughout the rest of our own lives.