John R. Zelechowski, 74, of Patterson Township, passed away on February 15th, 2025 in the comfort of his home with his loving wife by his side.

He was born in Sewickley, on December 12th, 1950, the son of the late Stanely and Deloris (Hart) Zelechowski. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 53 years, Constance “Connie” Zelechowski, his children, Diana (Scott) Feth and grandson, Cameron, and Joseph (Michelle) Zelechowski and granddaughter, Valerie, four brothers: Richard (MaryAnn), Steve (Jackie), Stanley (Sherri) and Thomas (Cheryl); as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

John was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He served honorably in Vietnam, stationed at Long Bien Army base.

In accordance with John’s wishes, he will be cremated.

A celebration of his life will be planned for a time in the summer months at the convenience of the family.

The Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for John and his family during this time.

Lawrence Kent Parkhill, 78, passed away surrounded by loved ones on February 13th, 2025 at his home in Chippewa Township. He was known to his family and friends as Kent.

He was born in New Brighton on June 16th, 1946, the son of Lawrence Lusk Jr. and Jennie Clara Parkhill. Kent was raised in his hometown and graduated from New Brighton High School in 1964. He attended Geneva College, where he majored in English literature while working at the New Brighton YMCA. His commitment to the “Y” continued after graduation, where he first became the youth director and led the Y-camp program at Camp Kon-O-Kwee and was then promoted to executive director. After his time with the YMCA, Kent pursued his passion for leadership and communication by launching his own business in corporate training and motivational speaking. Through this work, he inspired and guided countless professionals, sharing his expertise in personal and organizational development. Later in his career, he also worked with Duquesne Light before returning to self-employment, continuing to impact others through his coaching and mentorship. In addition to his professional work, he was passionate about education and served as an adjunct professor in Geneva College’s degree completion program, where he shared his knowledge and love of learning with adult students pursuing their degrees.

He married Marcia Lee Ruch on June 26, 1971. Together, Kent and Marcia raised three children, Lawrence Jason (Angela), Brett Edward (Trish), and Brooke Susanne Graff (Adam). Kent was a devoted and loving father, always encouraging his children to follow their passions. His joy grew with the arrival of his grandchildren: Tristan and Jennie (children of Jason and Angela), Carson, Reese, and Keenan (children of Brett and Trish) and Ezra and Kyzer (children of Brooke and Adam). He is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Joan Ruch, and a host of friends and wonderful neighbors that he considered family.

Kent will be remembered for his dedication to his family, church, and community. A man of integrity and compassion, he shared his wisdom and faith by teaching Sunday school for over 40 years, touching countless lives with his kindness and insight. His commitment to service included an appointment to the Chippewa Township Recreation Board where he worked to build community programs and outdoor spaces. He had a special talent for bringing joy to others, not only through his warm presence and quick wit but also through his love of magic. He delighted in performing tricks for family, friends, and even strangers, always eager to share a moment of wonder and laughter as a skilled magician. His presence brought comfort and joy to those around him, and his love for the outdoors, storytelling, a good joke, and a well-crafted book will be cherished by all who knew him.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 22nd at 11 A.M. at Chippewa United Methodist Church, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the McGuire Memorial Foundation, 545 Moon Clinton Road, Moon Township, PA 15108 or Chippewa United Methodist Church, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Professional services were entrusted to Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

 

Theresa ‘Terri’ Pizzuti Burnett, 80, of Monaca passed away on February 14th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

She was born in Rochester, Pennsylvania. She was a beacon of kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity throughout her life. Theresa grew up in a close-knit family and was a graduate of Monaca High School, class of 1962. She carried the values instilled in her by her late parents, John and Rose (Guantonio) Pizzuti, throughout her life. Terri’s love and respect for her family were evident in the way she spoke of her late sister, Rose Marie Pizzuti Patterson and her husband, Jack, as well as her brother Tom Pizzuti.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Burnett, who was the apple of her eye. She is also survived by her dear sister, Toni (George) Haller, brother, John (Denise) Pizzuti, sister-in-law, Michele Pizzuti, several nieces and nephews: Terri (Paul) Specht, Jack (Suellen) Patterson, Kathy (Barry) Reznick, Chris (Dana) Haller, Sara Ball, Michael Pizzuti, Tony (Katrina) Pizzuti and Katy (Jerry) Bryan; will remember her fondly. She is also survived by numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Professionally, Theresa was an administrative assistant at the Community College of Beaver County, where she retired after years of committed service.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was an incredibly talented seamstress, often fashioning beautiful garments for her daughter Susan throughout her school years. Her creativity was boundless, and she found joy in crafting, transforming discarded items into treasures. Terri’s garden was a testament to her love for nature.

She was an enthusiastic visitor to the local casinos. Her social gatherings were incomplete without her presence, especially the lunches she so enjoyed with friends and co-workers. She was also known for her dedication in helping to organize her high school class of 1962’s reunions that brought joy and reconnection to her classmates.

She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca and her kindness reached not only those closest to her but also those who came across her path.

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 17th from 5 -8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 19th at 10 am at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1409 Pennsylvania Avenue, Monaca.

Sara L. Reft Alexander, 88, of Monaca, passed away on February 13th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Melvina Reft. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Reft. She is survived by her children, Jay (Marilee) Alexander, Jeff (Lorie) Alexander and Kim Alexander, her five grandchildren and her fur babies, Tiger and Boots.

Sara was a graduate of Monaca High School with the class of 1954, where she not only received her education but also cultivated lifelong friendships. Her commitment to her alma mater was evident as she actively participated in their class reunions.

Sara was well-known for her love of playing bingo, with the Vanport Fire Department as her favorite venue. In addition to her love for bingo, Sara found solace and pleasure in the great outdoors. Camping in Mercer was one of her most cherished activities.

Sara possessed a talent for crocheting. She lovingly crafted hats and scarves which she then generously gave to children. This simple, yet profound act of giving was a testament to her kind-hearted and altruistic nature.

A private family viewing was held at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Florence (Lecce) Lasky, 94, passed away on February 14th, 2025.
She was born in Aliquippa on May 19th, 1930, the daughter of the late Chiara and Giovanni Lecce. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Lasky, her brother, Orazio Antonio Lecce and her nephew, Richard Ralph Lecce.
She is survived by a multitude of nephews and nieces, including her nephew, John Lecce, her niece, Denise Lecce Ward, as well as several great-nephews, nieces, great great-nieces and great-great nephews.

Florence was a lifelong member of St. Titus Catholic Church, part of Mary Queen of Saints Parish where she was baptized, confirmed, and married.
Florence was an intelligent woman with an entrepreneurial spirit. Despite never receiving a college degree, her natural ambition inspired her to own and manage a business, serve as a bank manager at numerous banks and prepare taxes for family and friends. Her niece, Denise, frequently mentioned, “Florence was born ahead of her time!” Along with all the hats she wore, the most important was that of a good friend and doting aunt. It was like her house had a revolving door, and her many friends and family were always welcome. If you were close to Florence, you
knew what it meant when she said, “I am going to therapy.” Playing slots and video poker were her favorite pastimes.
Visitation will be on Monday, February 17th from 10 a.m. until the time of departing prayers at 11:30 a.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 12 noon at St. Titus Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa. Her final resting place will be next to her loving husband at Mount Olivet.

Norma Jean Castelucci, 94, of Beaver Falls, passed away on February 15th, 2025, with her loving family by her side at Providence Care Center of Beaver Falls.

She was born in New Brighton on June 5th, 1930,  a daughter of the late George and Florence (Norris) Boren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by by her husband of sixty-two years, M. Niel Castelucci, daughter, Nancy, a sister, Marion Wolfe and a granddaughter. She is survived by her children and spouses, Niel W. and Ruth Castelucci, David and Becky Castelucci and Brenda and Regis Stief, eleven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, sister, Eleanor Dick, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Norma was born and raised in New Brighton.  She was a long-time member of the New Brighton Free Methodist Church.  She stayed at home to raise her four children.  She loved to read Amish books and do word search puzzles.  She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Norma loved dogs and enjoyed when the therapy dogs came to visit.  She loved giving gifts and sending cards.

Friends will be welcomed on Monday, February 17, from 2 p.m. until the time of service at 6 p.m., at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, with Pastor Gary Hilton officiating.

A very special thank you goes out to the caring third floor staff at Providence Care Center.

Darlene Jane Gaus, 75, passed away on February 13th, 2025, at Rochester Manor & Villa with her husband at her side.

She was born in Beaver Falls on May 20th, 1949, a daughter of the late Leslie and Blanche Roeder. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Shirley Fosnaught and her siblings: Oliver “Bud” Roeder, Charles “Butch” Roeder, Leslie “Pickle” Roeder and Dale Roeder. She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Glenn “Jack” Gaus Sr., her children, Glenn (Joy) Gaus Jr., Lisa Jones and Tammy Gaus, grandchildren: Jordan Gaus, Ashley Gaus, Brittany Jahoda, and Christina Happ; two great grandchildren, Elli and Gemma, an aunt, Madelyn Bosworth, sister-in-law, Janice Roeder, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Darlene was a Quality Control Specialist at Phoenix Glass in Monaca for over 30 years before her retirement. In her free time, you would find her playing bingo faithfully with her true love Jack, who was always at her side. They were inseparable, whether it was at work, home, a restaurant, a casino or a bingo hall.

There will be a celebration of life announced at a later date.

Inurnment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park & Mausoleum.

All arrangements were entrusted to the Gabauer-Todd Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 340 Third Street, Beaver, who was honored to care for Darlene and her family. A special thank you goes out to the staff at Rochester Manor & Villa, especially Courtney, for the kindness and care that Darlene was given during her time there.

Michelle L. Kennedy, 53, of Ambridge, passed away on February 15th, 2025 with her loving family by her side after a long, hard fought battle with liver disease. She was born on August 25th, 1971, the daughter of Marsha (Charlie) Calderone and the late Robert Glotzbach. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert D. Glotzbach and her son-in-law, Jarrod Hoo. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 37 years, Ronald Kennedy, daughters: Heather (Russell) McKenzie, Amy (Kenny) Carlisle, Shannon (Javonte) Kennedy and Jennifer (Brandon) Hoo; grandchildren: Kyleigh, Camry, Dominic, Jayce, Noah, Javon, Elliana, Ace, and Mila; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Michelle’s life was centered around her family. She was a caring wife to Ronald, with loving commitment throughout their 37 years of marriage. As a mother, she was deeply involved in the lives of her four daughters, always offering guidance, comfort, and love. Her greatest joy was being a grandmother, cherishing each moment spent with her grandchildren, and creating lasting memories with them. Michelle found fulfillment putting their needs before her own, and ensuring they were always surrounded by love and care. Her devotion to her loved ones was a testament to her selflessness, and her legacy of love will live on in their hearts.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, February 18th, from 4 P.M. until the time of the funeral service at 6:30 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge. For more information, please call (724) 266-2549.