Thomas R. Gaona, Sr., 87, of Ambridge, passed away on June 26th, 2025, in Providence Health and Rehab Center of Beaver Falls.

He was born in Sewickley on March 8th, 1938, the son of the late Jose and Francis Gaona. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Gaona. He is survived by his three sons, Thomas (Debbie) Gaona Jr., Terry (Brenda) Gaona and Troy (Amy) Gaona, his daughter, Kimberly (Donald) Spencer, five grandchildren: Athena (David) Jasinski, Alicia (Willie) Weisser, Ashley Spencer, Tyler (Alexis) Gaona,  Lauren (Trevor) Rapchak and three great grandchildren, Madelyn & Savannah Weisser & Ezra Gaona.

Thomas was a retired employee of J & L Steel Manufacturing.  He was a very hard worker and was a jack of all trades. He could build anything. He also enjoyed relaxing and sipping on Jim Beam.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, July 2nd from 3-7 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where a blessing service will be conducted on Thursday, July 3rd at 10 A.M. Interment will follow in Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery, 1691 Ridge Road Extension, #1601, Ambridge.

Zoanne Elaine Chirico, 65, of Rochester Township, passed away on June 26th, 2025 in Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in Rochester on March 1st, 1960, a daughter of the late Ralph and Emma Weyand. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Weyand. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dominic Chirico, three children, Chuck (Joanne) Chirico, Chrissy (fiancé Pat Nichol) and Nick (Erin) Chirico, three granddaughters, Kayla (fiancé Ray Cutrona) Porupsky, Zoey Chirico and Isla Chirico, two sisters, Linda (Rich) Stolar and Jean Eckles and numerous nieces and nephews. Zoanne loved to be outside and she always enjoyed camping, fishing, spending time on her pontoon, and riding quads. She also loved animals of all kinds, especially her dogs. Most of all, Zoanne loved her family and hanging out with her granddaughters.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

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

Annette Zoiti (née Montini), 88, of Hopewell Township, passed away surrounded by her loved ones on June 25th, 2025, at Franciscan Manor in Patterson Township.

She was born in Aliquippa on July 29th, 1936, a daughter of the late Sylvester “Silver” and Adeline “Lena” Montini. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Zoiti, her parents-in-law, Antonio and Carmela Zoiti, her brother, Anthony Montini, her brother and sister-in-law, Louis and Clara Montini, her sister, Shirley Diecks, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nancy and Vince Bozza, her sisters-in-law: Helen Zoiti, Rosie Lulevitch, Frances Dionisio, and Clara Montini; as well as her nephews, Jackie Bozza and Robert Montini and her life-long friend Carol Unis.

She is survived by her son, Anthony (Crystal) Zoiti, her daughter, Sylvia (Tony) Guy, her four grandchildren: Cody Zoiti, Sean Zoiti, Logan Zoiti, and Marissa (Zack) Hayward; as well as her four great-grandchildren: Eli Zoiti, Cooper Hayward, Noah Hayward and Adeline Hayward, her brother, Michael Montini, her brother-in-law, Ronald “Lefty” Dionisio; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Annette was a proud graduate of Aliquippa High School with the Class of 1954. She was the former general manager of The Airport Hotel located at the old Pittsburgh International Airport. Upon “retiring”, she spent over 25 years working at Kaufman’s, then later Macy’s as a sales associate at the Beaver Valley Mall. What started as a retirement job quickly became one of her greatest joys. Annette loved getting to know her customers and took pride in making each person feel welcome and valued.

On November 7th, 1959, Annette married the love of her life, the late Joseph “Weiners” Zoiti. They were blessed with 2 children and built their family on the values of faith and love.

Annette was gifted with the natural ability of being a caretaker. Lovingly referred to by her family as “Dr. Montini”, she had a way of making people feel special, loved and at ease. Taking care of others brought her genuine joy, and she did so with grace and kindness. She was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Aliquippa, part of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish.

In her free time, Annette enjoyed going to “the track” to play the slots, she was always chasing her big win.

Friends will be received on Monday, June 30^th from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES- 340 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 1^st at 10 a.m. at St. Titus Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa. The family is requesting that everyone meet directly at the church.  Father Howard Campbell will officiate.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Timothy Jackson for the many years of devoted compassion and care for Annette, and the staff at Franciscan Manor for the love and care during her time spent there.

Larry Bohannon, 73, of New Brighton’s McGuire Memorial, formerly of Youngstown, Ohio, passed away on June 23rd, 2025.

He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on September 28th, 1951, a son of the late James S. and Jane (Carter) Bohannon.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Bohannon.

He is survived by his siblings: Mary Jane Moss of Youngstown, Ohio, Sandra Gardner of Arizona, Sherry Moss of Virginia, Nathaniel Bohannon, and Vaughn (Linda) Robinson of Mansfield, Ohio; as well as several nieces and great nieces, several nephews, and great nephews and their families. He is also survived by his McGuire Memorial family.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 3rd at 11 a.m. in Tod Homestead Cemetery, 2200 Belmont Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio. Carolyn North-McTush (Cousin) will officiate.

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

Karen E. Porter, age 64 of Independence Township, passed away on June 23rd, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospice House, after her long, courageous five-year battle with breast cancer. She was a daughter of the late Joseph and Irene (Kohar) Debiec. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Rochelle Catherine Porter, a sister, Rochelle Debiec, and numerous aunts and uncles. She is survived by her husband, Jack Porter, with whom she celebrated her 29th wedding anniversary on June 7th of this year, her loving son John Joseph (J.J.) Porter, with whom she resided, a step son, Brian (Kathy) Hans of Hookstown, her brother and sister in law, Joseph and Janelle Debiec of Chippewa, a niece, Jessie Debeic-Sargent and her husband Ryan of Patterson Township, a nephew, Joey Debiec and his wife Megan of Chippewa, four great nieces, an uncle, Edward (Marie) Kohar Sr. of Baden, a cousin and also Karen’s lifelong friend, Patricia Kohar of Sewickley, who cared for her during her illness in so many ways right until her death, her caregiver and a loving friend, Becky Dixon with whom she resided, numerous other cousins, her second family, the Sisters of St. Joseph Baden, six cats and a loving dog, Troy. Karen was a devout Christian of the Catholic faith who attended St. Titus grade school in Aliquippa and graduated from Quigley Catholic High School in 1979. She graduated from Marquette University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and Political Science. While at Marquette University, she interned for Senator William Proxmire in his Milwaukee and Washington, D.C. offices. After graduating, she was the director of Weight Loss Clinics of America. Karen then started her own nursing home care agency (Alternative Home Care), and later on expanded to hospice care, serving the greater Milwaukee area. She was a member of Divine Redeemer Parish and St. James Catholic Church in Sewickley. She served on the board of LTV Steel Credit Union in  Aliquippa. Karen lived out one of her many passions in life within the confines of her kitchen, which contains three ovens and a stove to bake and cook simultaneously. Her culinary creations, which were passed down to her from Grandma Kohar and her mother Irene, were unsurpassed. Not only did she spend countless hours preparing the best homemade meals for her family and friends, she also loved the holidays and made them very special, whether it was a dinner or a holiday feast. Everyone left with styrofoam takeout containers filled to the top and carefully packed full of leftovers. She would not let anyone near her Weber Charcoal Grill, where she was the grill master of steak, shrimp, hot dogs, and chicken that was done to perfection every single time. She began baking her Christmas cookies shortly after Thanksgiving and bought a separate freezer to hold them all. Karen loved the beach and enjoyed her family vacations to Destin, Florida, and would never miss a good Tom Petty concert, rain or shine. Friends will be received from 3-7 P.M. on Thursday, June 26th in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements and where prayers will be offered Friday, June 27th at 10 A.M., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. at St. James Catholic Church, 200 Walnut Street, Sewickley. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Hopewell Township. Her family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Alleghney General Hospital, oncologist, Dr. Robert Schillo and his entire staff at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, radiologist, Dr. Rosenstein and staff for their dedication towards Karen’s pain management, Concordia Visiting Nurses of Baden, Good Samaritan Hospice and Good Samaritan Hospice House, Wexford, for their wonderful and compassionate care in her last few days, In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested in Karens memory to the American Cancer Society.

Helen Ruth (Capenos) Pedaline, 95, formally of Rochester, passed away on June 23, 2025, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She was born on March 23rd, 1930, a daughter of the late George and Vella (Barnes) Capenos. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Pedaline and her siblings, Blane Capenos, Marie Gutch, Ethel Beatley and Augusta Nieman. She is survived by her daughters, Frances Pedaline, Bonnie (Bill) Isley and Penny (Joe) Froehlich. She is survived by five grandchildren: William (Ana Chen) Isley III, Danielle (Nicholas) Tamburrino, Kaitlyn (Owen) Sandoval, Renee Froehlich and Anna Froehlich; as well as three great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Winston Isley and Liam Tamburrino.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Helen’s name to Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Avenue, Windber, PA 15963.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, June 29th from 3–7 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. of Rochester, 502 Adams Street, Rochester, where a funeral service will be held on Monday, June 30th at 10 a.m. Private interment will be held at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68.

Joan Watson, 88, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford on June 23rd, 2025.
She was born in Ambridge on June 16th, 1937, a daughter of the late John and Anelia Halaico and the beloved wife of the late William Watson. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her two sisters, Helen Burnell and Genevieve Mutz. She is survived by her daughter, Becky Sperduti (Ron), her stepson, Bill Watson (Judy), several nieces and nephews and her precious granddog, Gabby.
Joan was an excellent cook and baker who loved making delicious food for family, friends and church events. Beyond her cooking skills, she was also an excellent seamstress. She loved reading mystery books and doing crossword puzzles in her spare time.
Her family extends their eternal gratitude to the exceptional team at Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford. Their compassion, dedication, and unwavering support during Joan’s final journey were a true blessing. Her family is also deeply grateful for the professionalism and kindness of Economy Ambulance who assisted Joan on many occasions.
Her family respects Joan’s wishes that no service or gathering take place. Instead, they encourage loved ones to remember and celebrate the cherished moments. Services are private and arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Tammy J. Miller, 65, formerly of Northwood, North Dakota, passed away on June 22nd, 2025 at her residence in Monaca.

She was born in Northwood, North Dakota, on June 8th, 1960, a daughter of the late Medard and Gladys (Olson) Schultz. Tammy is survived by her fiancé of 24 years, Robert Mizenko, a daughter, Barbra J. (Laura) Miller, a grandchild, Seth (Mia Scalamogna) Ellefson, her sisters: Thersa (Steve) Walker, Virginia Breeden, Janice Oswalt, Brenda (George) Robbie, Carol Sather and Jacky Jurasko; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, June 25th from 1 P.M. until the time of services at 4 P.M. in the GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton. Pastor Sonny Blucher will officiate.

Reverend Paul C. Householder, 82, a devoted priest, cherished brother, and beloved member of the community, passed away on June 21st, 2025.

He was born in Beaver Falls on May 20th, 1943, a son of the late Clifford and Elizabeth (Eichholz) Householder. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by a brother, Roy “Bucky” Householder. He is survived by his loving sister, Dianne E. Householder, numerous cousins, many special friends and countless lives he touched throughout his ministry.

Reverend Paul graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1961 and continued his education at Saint Pius X Seminary in Erlanger, Kentucky in 1969, where he received a bachelor’s degree. He also earned a Master of Divinity from Saint Francis Seminary in Loretto, Pennsylvania in 1973. He was ordained on May 5th, 1973. His first assignment was at Saint Columbkille Parish in Imperial (1973-1978), followed by Philip Parish in Crafton (1978-1983) and Saint Angela Merici Parish of White Oak (1983-1990). From 1990-1993, he was administrator of Saint Mary Help of Christians Parish in McKees Rocks. He continued there after a merger into Saint John of God Parish, first in team ministry and then as pastor (1993-2005). He was also the pastor of Saint Titus Parish in Aliquippa (2005-2016) and retired in 2016. He served on the Priests’ Benefit Plan Board (2017-2022). He dedicated his life to the service of God and His people. As a priest, he was a shepherd to his congregation, guiding them with kindness, wisdom, and an open heart. His sermons were not only filled with profound spiritual insights but also reflected his deep understanding of the human soul. He had a remarkable talent for bringing beauty and joy to the spaces around him. Known for his love of decorating, he transformed his church into a reflection of the seasons, each display resonating with a sense of reverence and splendor. Whether it was the vibrant colors of Easter lilies, the warm glow of Advent wreaths, or the solemn simplicity of Lenten décor, his artistry created a place where faith could flourish. His home, too, was a testament to his creative spirit, adorned with heartfelt touches that celebrated life and the blessings of each moment. Faithful to God until his final days, he exemplified a life of dedication, humility, and love. His unwavering belief in the goodness of the Lord and his commitment to spreading that love to others will remain an enduring source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.

A visitation will be on Thursday, June 26th from 2-6 p.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. An additional visitation will be held on Friday, June 27th at Saint Titus Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa, from 10 a.m. until a Mass of Christian burial begins at 11 a.m.

Private interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sisters of Saint Joseph, 1020 W. State Street, Baden, PA 15005 or Beaver County Symphonic Wind Ensemble, P.O. Box 5, Beaver, PA 15009