James Dravenstott (January 19, 1939 ~ June 25, 2024)

James Dravenstott, 85, of Racoon Township, passed away on Tuesday, June 25,
2024, after an extended illness.
Jim was born and raised on a farm in Hitchens, KY. A son of the last Russell and
Juanita Dravenstott.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife Roberta
who has been waiting 5 years for him to join her, his sisters, Charlene Smith (Jim),
Phyliss Porter (June), brother John Dravenstott and brother-in-law (Joe McDavid).
He will be remembered and loved by his sister Joyce McDavid of Kentucky, son
and daughter in law Rodney and Beth Dravenstott of Chippewa and numerous
nieces and nephews.
Jim was retired from Pennsylvania Drilling where he was Vice President. He loved
to travel with Roberta, visiting almost all 50 states, enjoyed golfing with his son
and watching basketball, especially his Kentucky Wildcats.
Rod and Beth would like to thank Dr. Joseph Rooney and Dawn for their care and
support over the years. He thought the world of them.
Per Jim’s wishes, there will be no viewing. Memorial contributions may be made in
his name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Dravenstott, please visit our floral store.

Leland C. Rubino (Died June 28, 2024)

Leland “Lee” Carl Rubino, 81, of Monaca passed away on June 28, 2024. Visitation and

celebration of life for Lee will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Thursday, July 4 at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Friday, July 5 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Monaca (Please meet at the church). Private interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Lee was an avid fisherman, and he enjoyed trips to Las Vegas with friends. Lee graduated from Monaca Senior High School and enjoyed attending high school sporting events with his family. He was a lifetime member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Born in Rochester, he was the son of the late Charles W., Sr. and Frances M. (Ciccone) Rubino. He is preceded in death by his brother David F. Rubino.

Lee is survived by his children Trena (Eric) Sepos of Center Township and Darrin (Michelle) Rubino of Madison, Indiana; a grandson Christian Sepos; his brother Charles W., Jr. (Sandra) Rubino; sister-in-law Donna Rubino.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Salvatore Joseph Taormina (July 24, 1951 – June 25, 2024)

Salvatore Taormina, 72, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, in his Potter Twp home. Born on July 24, 1951, he was a graduate of Monaca High School. He traveled all over the world as a Quality Control Inspector. Salvie was a member of the Laborers and Pipefitters Unions as well as a longtime member of the Monaca Sons of Italy. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Taormina and his mother, Rafaella (Barella) Taormina, and his first wife, Terri (Best) Taormina.

Salvie is survived by his wife, Barbara (Roland) Taormina, his three loving daughters, Julie Taormina (Tim Depenhart), Jaimie Taormina, and Christine (Steven) Matiko, Brian Roland, and Laura Lonehill, his cherished grandchildren, Calista Taormina (Annamarie Difilippo), Acy Matiko (Caleb Neff), Taylor Harlow, Aidan Matiko, Bailee Harlow and Keenan Matiko- all from Beaver County, and many other grandchildren from out of state. He also leaves behind a sister, Josephine Taormina, and a brother, Frank (Kate) Taormina and his cats, Ducky, Maddie, and Sammy. Friends will be received on July 3 from 5PM-7PM followed by a prayer service at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, PA 15061 with refreshments after the service.

Salvie will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor and his kindness towards everyone. Anyone who met him immediately became part of his family. He was happiest when eating spaghetti and meatballs, surrounded by those who loved him. This obituary was lovingly prepared by his  children in his memory.

Margaret Shaw (January 16, 1927-June 26, 2024)

Margaret “Peggy” Shaw, 97 of Beaver passed away peacefully in the early evening hours of Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at Beaver Meadows, Beaver with her family by her side.
Born January 16, 1927 in New Brighton, PA, she was the daughter of the late Lewis and Eleanor Powell. Peggy was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church, Beaver and was very active in a myriad of local lady’s athletic clubs.
She is survived by her son Leslie (Denise) Shaw, Beaver, a daughter, Sidney L. (Bill Haniotes) Shaw, Beaver, cherished grandchildren, Harmony (Matthew) Stewart, Dr. Heather (Dr. Frank) Grisafi, Stephanie (Allen) Johnson, Kacie (Joshua) Eckelberger, Leslie (Frank) Klutka, great grandchildren, Mia and Lucca Grisafi, Sawyer Sisk, Jack Stewart, Crew Stewart, Bronson and Bryar Eckelberger, Haven Scott, Lily Klutka, Evangeline Klutka, and Adriana Margaret Klutka. She is also survived by her beloved Yorkie, Maggie Mae.
Peggy lived her life with kindness, dignity, and class and that resulted in many beautiful friends- new and old- whom she cherished and loved. Of special note, Beverly and Carl Merriman; and faithful friend and “honorary daughter” Cindy Nardelli.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loyal and beloved husband of 67 years, Richard L. Shaw, and brother Brad Powell.
Friends are welcome to attend a funeral service which will be held Monday, July 1 at 11:00am at the First Presbyterian Church, Beaver by her pastor, Reverend Jeffrey A. Arnold. Private interment will take place at the Beaver Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shaw Family Trust at the Pittsburgh Foundation, 5 PPG Place, Suite 250, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 to provide college scholarships for Beaver County students; the Beaver County Foundation- Shaw Park Project, P.O. Box 569, Beaver, PA 15009 to rebuild the community pool/parks and recreation; or The Beaver County Humane Society (BCBH) 3394 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Rev. Donald W. MacNeil (January 27, 1932 ~ June 28, 2024)

Pastor Donald W. MacNeil, 92, of Beaver, formerly of New Brighton, passed away peacefully Friday, June 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at Heritage Valley, Beaver.

Born January 27, 1932, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, he was a son of the late James P and Mabel (Trussell) MacNeil. A true man of God, he served in the ministry for over 70 years at five churches. After serving 40 years at New Brighton Church of the Nazarene, he was currently serving as the minister at the First Congregational Church of Beaver Falls.

Pastor’s journey led him to many places, serving countless people all over Beaver County. A special place in his heart was the Beaver Medical Center, where you could find him walking the halls, holding court in the lobby or visiting those in need. If you didn’t catch him at the hospital, you were sure to find him sitting outside of Kretchmar’s, enjoying a lemon pocket. Though he could always share a childhood story of his New England years, including his love of sailing and ‘chowdah’, more than anything he loved getting to know all of you. Although he initially thought he was destined to be a forest ranger, he truly adored being the people’s pastor.

Pastor is survived by his children, Greg (Melissa) MacNeil, Kathleen (Frank) Kusnir, and Janet (Tom) Roberts; grandchildren, Brandi Fry-MacNeil, Jaclyn, Frank Jr., Daniel and John Kusnir, Jimmy and Gabrielle Nero; Great-grandchildren, Nathan and Carly Ruthann. We as a family would like to include all of you as well, his church family and the community that he served.

He was predeceased by his parents, wife, Ruth Ann MacNeil, and daughter-in-law, Kerrie MacNeil.

Friends will be welcomed Monday and Tuesday from 2 to 4pm & 6 to 8pm at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Ave, New Brighton, and Wednesday from 10am until the time of the service at 11am, at the New Brighton Church of the Nazarene, 423 Penn Ave, New Brighton, with Reverend Randy Owens officiating.

Private family interment will follow at Grove Cemetery, New Brighton.

We would like to thank the staff of Heritage Valley Beaver for their compassionate care of our father in his final days.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald W. MacNeil, please visit our floral store.

Alice Marie Taylor (May 08, 1938 – June 26, 2024)

Alice Marie Taylor, 86, of South Beaver Twp., passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at Heritage Valley-Beaver, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on May 8, 1938 in Pittsburgh, PA, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Rita (Hyland) Friedel.

As a young girl living in South Beaver, Alice loved spending time on her horse “Cookie” and later worked at the Black Hawk Golf Course lunch counter. She graduated from Beaver Falls High School and went on to work as a secretary for Paul Brooks and Sons. Alice had a passion for social events including dances and parties. In April of 1959, she married the love of her life and devoted herself to being a wife and loving mother of three sons.

Alice was a woman of faith and served as a Bible school teacher at the First Presbyterian Church in Darlington, PA. She was involved in various community activities such as being a Den Mother for troop 409, participating in the Blackhawk PTA, and supporting her children in baseball and football. She also volunteered on the election board for South Beaver Township for many years.

A significant and meaningful part of Alice’s life was working alongside her husband and two sons in their family business, where she served as Secretary for Carl Taylor and Sons. She loved flying with her eldest son, anytime and to any destination.

Alice adored the holidays and dressing for every occasion. She loved traveling, spending time with all of her family and her dear friends, and participating in activities over the years such as bowling and card clubs.

Alice was a deeply cherished mother-in-law.  She was a warm, treasured grandmother and great-grandmother, relishing the opportunity to spoil her grandchildren, including a recent shopping trip with her great-granddaughter Lilly.

She was a loving person, full of life, never wanting to miss out on any moment. She often commented on how blessed she was to live such a full and wonderful life. She will be dearly missed by many.

In addition to her parents, Alice was preceded in death by a son, Daniel L. Taylor, two brothers, Lloyd and Raymond Schmeltz, and a sister Lorraine (Schmeltz) Coon.

Alice is survived by her loving husband of 65 years H. Carl Taylor; two sons, Greg (Jamie) Taylor and John (Cheryl) Taylor; six grandchildren, Gregory, Justin, Tom, Ashley, Jake, Kelsey; five great- grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Donna Taylor.

Friends will be received on Friday, June 28th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME- 117 Blackhawk Rd., Beaver Falls PA 15010 where a service will be held on Saturday, June 29th at 11am. Rev. Lee Bittner will officiate.

Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

Contributions may be made in Alice’s name to the Wounded Warriors Project- 600 River Ave Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.

Juliann Lematte (May 3, 1992 – June 23, 2024)

Juliann Lematte, age 32, of New Brighton formerly of Conway, passed away on June 23rd, 2024, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. She was born May 3rd, 1992 in Kaliningrad Region, Russia. She is the daughter of Christian M. Lematte of New Brighton, and the late Patricia Ann Giannette Lematte. Juliann loved being at home with family, and had a strong love for any animal. In addition to her father, she is survived by one brother, Christian A. Lematte of Conway, and her best friend Ciera. In addition to her mother, Patricia, Juliann was also preceded in death by her grandmother, Helen Giannette.
Friends will be received Monday from 2-4 P.M. in The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. 349 Adams Street, Rochester, PA 15074. Private Interment will be Tuesday at Calvary Cemetery, Freedom PA. The family wishes memorial contributions be made to Animal Rescues such as Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh https://humaneanimalrescue.org/

Shirley M. Spence (April 17, 1939 – June 25,2024)

Shirley M. Spence, 85, from Baden, peacefully passed away on June 25, 2024. She was born to the late Frank and Mary Triska. Shirley was preceded in death by her sister, Rebecca Triska. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, John Everett Spence, her daughter Pam (Jack) Spencer, her brother Brad (Linda) Triska, niece Tawny (Hunter) Pollard, and numerous cousins. Shirley’s love for shopping and planting flowers brought joy to her life, complemented by the joy of planning grand events with her husband at their property in Marshall Township. Her beautiful soul touched the lives of many, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved her. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC., located at 547 8th Street, Ambridge, where visitation will take place on Friday, June 28, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. A funeral service honoring Shirley’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the funeral home. Following the service, Shirley will be laid to rest at Beaver Cemetery.

Anthony J. Chiodo (October 19, 1944 – June 23, 2024)

Anthony (Tony) Joseph Chiodo, 79, of Conway, passed away Sunday June 23rd surrounded by his family following a long and hard-fought battle with cancer.  Son of the late Anthony and Beatrice Chiodo, he was born October 19th, 1944, in Aliquippa.  He was a 1963 graduate of Quaker Valley High School, and began working at Taylor’s Milk Co. in Ambridge, for which he later retired. In 1967, he married the love of his life, Kathy, for whom he had longed to reunite with since her passing in 2017. In the 70’s they welcomed 3 children. Tony was a dedicated family man. He attended all his children’s activities and volunteered in coaching both baseball and football. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, only giving it up in the last couple years due to failing health. Tony loved the outdoors.  He especially loved his garden and was still gardening up until his final days. He always called it his labor of love and was known to randomly drop off his tomatoes to family, friends, and neighbors all the time. Tony was deeply dedicated to his catholic faith, attending church every week, saying his prayers every morning before starting the day, and going to visit our mom at the cemetery daily since her passing to say prayers for her, stopping at Shop and Save in Ambridge for his coffee, donuts, lottery tickets, and to see many friends he met there over the years on the way.  While we lost our most beloved Dad and Grandpa, many have lost a true friend, and loved one in him. He has been a rock to many, a man known for his hilarious sense of humor, and wit to all. No matter how you knew him, if you were important to him, he was loyal to you, and dedicated to help you if you ever needed anything. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Kathy in 2017, and his precious baby great grandson Rashaud in January of this year.  Surviving is his two daughters Angela of Conway, and Tamara (Charles Pope) of Monaca, son Joseph of Pittsburgh, Grandchildren Mariah Moreland, Noah Searfoss, Damion Chiodo, and Dannika Chiodo, and great granddaughter Ka’Ori Dawkins, his sister Andrea Chiodo, and numerous extended family members.  Friends will be received on Sunday from 1-5 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge where a prayer will be offered Monday at 10:00 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. in the Good Samaritan Catholic Church-St Luke the Evangelist Parish. Interment will follow in the Good Samaritan Catholic Cemetery.