James “Jim” Wilson McTaggart, 78, of Bridgewater, Pennsylvania, passed away Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Providence Health Care Center.

Born July 12, 1945, in Rochester, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late James C. and Elizabeth (Wilson) McTaggart.

He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth McTaggart Vesilind, and by his three nephews, Andrew David Endy, Christopher Stewart Endy, and Stephen Patrick Endy.

Jim served in the US Navy from October 11, 1965, through October 11, 1969. His intent was to be a Medic in the Navy, but due to a color blindness condition, he was unable to. He instead became a firefighter. Initially stationed at the Philadelphia Naval Yard, he joined the first “Class A” Intensive Fire School the Navy conducted. His love for firefighting was a skill he didn’t even know he had. He ended up assisting the instructors in the Intensive Fire School for six months. Out of the 28 Navy firefighting trainees, only four went overseas. He was one of them.

Jim served on the Polaris Nuclear Submarines known as “Boomers.” His tours of duty took place during the Cold War with Russia and included deployment under the Strait of Gibraltar in the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Arab-Israeli Six-Day War in 1967. He spent two years in Squadron 16 based in Rota, Spain.

Having 18 months to go in his commitment, he transferred from Sub Squadron to an Aircraft Carrier in the Atlantic Fleet. He was stationed in Pensacola, Florida, aboard the busiest pilot training carrier. Pilot training for all branches of the military was conducted aboard this carrier. Training occurred around the clock, exceeding 250,000 training flights. He was one of 35-40 firemen on the carrier.

He earned five promotions. At the conclusion of his Navy commitment in 1969, he was an E5 Enlisted NCO.

Once he returned home to Beaver, Pennsylvania, he was hired by Washington Ambulance in Washington County. He worked there roughly one year before returning home to Beaver. Around 1971, he returned to Pensacola, Florida and was hired by the Pensacola Fire Department as a career firefighter. Living just outside the city, he also belonged to the Warrington VFD, which had an area larger than the city, and he stayed quite busy with his volunteer firefighter friends he knew from the Navy days. He was named the Warrington Volunteer Fire Department’s “Jack Hertz” Fireman of the Year in 1971.

During his early firefighting career, he developed melanoma and malignant cancers. Scared and only 26 years of age, he wanted to be near his family. His return home was meant to be.

Jim was a pioneer for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Beaver County. In the early to mid 1970s, he was singularly responsible for moving EMS from funeral home hearses to state-of-the art ambulances staffed by EMTs. He used his own money to build the organization – no grants or subsidies. He also established Beaver County’s first EMS dispatch office. According to a friend who served with him, he instilled “firefighter pride” into the crew, and the ambulances were spotless inside and out.

He joined the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department in 1974 and served in Beaver until 1991, including time as Captain.

He then joined the Bridgewater VFD on June 19, 1995. He served faithfully as a firefighter, trainer, mentor, 2nd Assistant Chief, and 1st Assistant Chief, and retired as Deputy Chief. During the early 2000’s, he was instrumental in reaching out to various contractors and vendors to assist in the construction of their award-winning firehouse. Jim transitioned to Life Member of the Bridgewater VFD on May 8, 2017. He continued to support the Fire Department any way he could. They were in fact his family.

As a staple of the Bridgewater community, he always made every attempt to “look after” the town. People near and far knew of his attention to detail.

Jim also worked as a funeral director’s assistant and founded Mayfair Livery. As owner of Mayfair, he provided limousine and hearse service with his characteristic professionalism and good cheer.

As “Uncle Jimmy,” he specialized in hauling his nephews through the streets of Beaver in the back of his red pickup.

Friends will be received on Sunday, March 3rd from 1:00 pm till the time of service at 5:00 pm in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES located at 340 3rd Street, Beaver, PA 15009. Members of the Vietnam Veteran’s of America Chapter 862 will conduct full military honors prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. Private interment will take place in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Washington County, Pennsylvania.

To honor Jim’s memory, memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department, 619 Market Street, Bridgewater, PA 15009 or to the Beaver Area Memorial Library, 100 College Avenue, Beaver, PA 15009.

A private luncheon for the family and close friends will be held immediately following the funeral service at Vanport VFD Social Hall.

Michael F. Welsh, 82, of Hopewell Township, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.

Born on December 24, 1941, in Sewickley, Michael was the son of the late James and Agnes (Muha) Welsh. He retired from US Airways.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother James Welsh and a sister Bonnie Dickson.

Survived by his wife Kay L. (Heidler) Welsh whom he married May 27, 1967. Three children Michael Welsh, Jennifer (Monte) Buckins, and Jason (Mallika) Welsh; siblings Jayne (Joe) Wilhelm, Daniel Welsh, and Timothy (Cheryl) Welsh; four grandchildren Shae Conley, Siara Conley, Camryn Welsh and Sloan Buckins; as well as several nieces and nephews.

As per his wishes there will be no viewing or services.

A private inurnment will take place in Hopewell-Hebron Cemetery.

The Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Chippewa, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to provide care and guidance to Mike’s family during this time. www.gabauerfamilyfuneralhomes.com

John Scott MacMillan, 65, of White Twp., passed away Friday, February 23, 2024, in Heritage Valley-Beaver.

Born October 1, 1958 in South Bend, Indiana, he was the son of John (Darlene) MacMillan and the late Charlotte (Morris) MacMillan.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Rothey; and an aunt, Patricia (Troy) Wilhelm.

In addition to his father, he is survived by his wife, Kimberly Sodders; his children, Sarah MacMillan, Rachel (Monica) MacMillan, Brandon McDaniels and Autumn (Henry) Potts; his grandchildren, Matthew Nunn, Jr., Aden Clark, Adeline Clark and Samuel Stephenson; his sisters, Shelly (Bruce) Miller and Mila Mason; his brothers, Eric (Danielle) Beasley and Mike (Kim) MacMillan; nieces and nephews, April, Kipp, Zelphia, Mary Grace, Garrett, Rainey, Delaney, Nolan, Scarlett Rose, and Madeline; cousins, Tracy Wilhelm, Karla Martin, and David Tur-Beville; and his two closest friends, Dave Gibson and Derek Fairley; countless friends, colleagues, and associates too vast to name.

Scott was one of a kind and loved by every soul he touched.

A Memorial Service honoring Scott’s life will be held on Saturday, March 9^th at 11AM at North Way Christian Community, 300 Brighton Ave., Suite 101, Rochester, PA 15074, above Giant Eagle.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in John’s name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation- 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to provide care and guidance to Scott’s family during this time.

Maude Williams, 97, of Hopewell Twp., passed away on February 25, 2024. She was born in Aliquippa on November 11, 1926, a daughter of the late Henry and Cecilia (Lockhart) Williams.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond C. Williams (2006), her siblings, Harry, John and Mary, and a grandson, Garrett Williams.

She is survived by her children, Deborah Calderone, Scott Williams (Teresa) and James Williams; her grandchildren, Adam Calderone (Carissa) and Sabrina Williams; great grandchildren, Violet, Luke and Landyn.

After a brief employment, Maude became a devoted mother. Family first was most important to her. Over the years she attended many games, and events her children participated in. She also enjoyed playing cards, bowling, trips to Florida and her beloved dog, Abbey. Maude was a loyal member of the Ohio U.P. church for over 70 years.

All services will be private. Arrangements by the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc of Aliquippa (2345 Mill St.)

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ohio U.P. Church or to the Shriners Hospital.

Frederick “Fred” Dettinger (Pap), 89, of Beaver Falls, passed away in his home on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.  The proud son of a coal miner, Fred was 3 days shy of his 90^th birthday.

Born on March 2, 1934, in North Sewickley Township, he was the son of the late Bill and Martha (Beck) Dettinger.  In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his brother, Chalmers “Shorty” Dettinger, an infant sister, and his wife, Joyce (Ostrom) Dettinger, whom he was married for 66 years.

Fred is survived by his daughters, Dawn (Jack) Reda, Debbie (Ron) Atkinson; son, Bill (Devonna) Dettinger; grandchildren, Lori Reda, Brant Dettinger, Jamie (Mike) DeMarco, Jon (Cara) Atkinson, and Dane Dettinger; great-grandchildren, Elli DeMarco, Mikey DeMarco, Jace Atkinson, and Cooper Atkinson; brothers-in-law, Bob (Pam) Ostrom and Dave Ostrom; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Fred loved Pittsburgh sports, especially the Steelers.  He had a strong work ethic, having worked in construction, steel mills, and hauling coal for the family business, Dettinger Coal Yard, which he owned and operated until the age of 85.  Fred never really retired.  Staying busy was his passion and something he instilled in others.  He always found something to do; from gardening, remodeling, to helping anyone that needed a hand.  He belonged to the Local Union 833.

Friends will be received on Sunday, March 3^rd, from 1PM until the time of services at 3PM in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Ann Morrison Au, 84, of Brighton Township, passed away February 26th, 2024 in the Good Samaritan Hospice Beaver. She was born September 26, 1939, in Easton, PA. Ann is the daughter of the late Harry and Grace Remaley Morrison. She was a retired employee with the Crayola Crayon Company, Easton, Pa. Anne is survived by her husband, John P. Au, one daughter and son in law, Linda M. and Wayne Parker, New Brighton, PA, and one son and daughter in law, Michael J. and Cynthia Au, of Bethlehem, PA, seven grandchildren; Christopher, Jeremy, Grace, Hope, Jonathan, Shayna, Amanda, and nine great grandchildren.
Ann’s wish was to be cremated. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. 349 Adam St. Rochester, PA 15074. The family wishes memorial contribution be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Donna L. (Goss) Turner, of Coraopolis, passed away on February 25, 2024 in Good Samaritan Hospice at Heritage Valley Beaver.  She was born in Sewickley, the daughter of the late Merle “Peck” & Helen (Moy) Goss.

She is survived by her two daughters:  Tracey Turner Corso (Tim), Moon Twp. and Shannon Turner, FL.  She is also survived by her sister Beverly Hinzman (Dave), many nieces and nephews, cousins, her ex-husband John Turner, and many dear friends.

Donna worked at her daughter’s dental office for 27 years.  She loved to walk and do aerobics. She was a founding member of Abundant Grace Church West Hills, where her daughter is the Pastor.  She started a homeless ministry over 15 years ago, which serves those on the fringes in downtown Pittsburgh. She loved her daughters, her family, her friends, and her church family with a passion.  But more than that, she loved Jesus with her whole heart.  She lived her life for Him, like Him, and with Him.

Friends will be received on Friday, March 8 from 4-7 pm at Abundant Grace Church West Hills—1798 Brodhead Road, Crescent, PA 15046. The funeral will be Saturday, March 9 at 10:30 am, also at Abundant Grace Church. Private interment at Sharon Community Presbyterian Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Abundant Grace Church West Hills.

The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Twp. is in charge of arrangements.

Delbert O. Hague Jr., 80 of Rochester Township, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024 in Alleghany General Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was born September 4th, 1943 in Rochester and is the son of the late Delbert O. Hague, Sr., and Edith Erickson Hague. He was a retired financial manager with Washington Financial Bank for 23 years in Washington, PA. Delbert worked in banking for over 50 years. He was a member of Oak Grove Lutheran Church, Sewickley Township, and loved restoring classic cars.
Delbert was preceded in death by his brother, Joe Hague and a nephew, Brian Hague.
Delbert is survived by his wife of 32 years, Janice K. Cypher Hague. Delbert is also survived by 3 sons and 2 daughters. Delbert J. Hague of Verona, PA, Darin Hague of Monaca, Andrew Leist of Hopewell, Kim Marshal of New Brighton, Dawna Leist, Rochester Township, 7 grandchildren; Christopher DeCanio, Cayleona Anderson both of New Brighton, John Leport and his wife Heather, Brandon Laport, all of Ohioville, Brooke Ann Leport of Rochester Township, Lance List of South Hills, Jason Leist of Ambridge, 2 great grandchildren, Aspen and Alayna, one brother, Ralph, and his wife Judy, a brother in law and sister in law Richard and Karen Cypher, three nieces, Tauna- Lynn, Mendi, Jodi, nephew Jason, and his canine companion, Alli.
Delbert’s wishes were to be cremated. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service which will be held at Oak Grove Lutheran church on Thursday, March 7th, 2024 at 11 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Steve.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc.,
349 Adams Street, Rochester, PA.

 

Terri Mable Cozart, 72, of White Township, died on Monday, February 26, 2024 in her home.

Born on March 26, 1951, in Buckhannon, WV, she was the daughter of the late George and Kathern (Freeman) Hinkle.

Terri had worked as a housekeeper at Heritage Valley – Beaver for many years.

She is survived by her children, Tawnya (John) Bonnett, Matthew Cozart, and Amanda Cozart; siblings, Martha (Robert) Dancer, Barbara Stewart, Larry Hinkle, Georgenia (Doug) Jones, and Estelle Hinkle; grandchildren, Emily Shafer, Nicholas Shafer, and Skylar Tharp; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Doris Hinkle, Nancy Brown, Karen Zombeck, and Ernest Hinkle.

In accordance with Terri’s wishes, she will be cremated and no services are being planned.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Twp., was honored to provide care and guidance to Terri’s family.

Deanna L. Shingleton, 54, of Economy Borough, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, at UPMC, North Hills Passavant, McCandless Township, after a hard fought battle with cancer. She was born on July 21, 1969, in Charleroi, PA to Cheryl (Huber) Blair of Charleroi and the late Timothy Blair. A 1987 graduate of Ringgold High School, Deanna furthered her education receiving her BS Degree in Chemistry from Duquesne University and went on to recieve her Masters Degree in Environmental Science. She was a former member of the Donora Golden Tamburitzans and performed locally, statewide and traveled worldwide to perform in many countries. Her passions in life, next to spending time with her husband and children, were riding motorcycles with the free spirit of the wind blowing in her hair and sitting around the campfire at Rocky Springs Campground in Mercer, PA. She loved the outdoors and traveling in her RV. Preceding her in death in addition to her father were her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Russell and Shirley Shingleton of Harmony Twp. and special aunt, Jodele Vandernitte. She leaves behind in addition to her mother, a loving husband of 26 years, William “Mike” Shingleton, two children, Elias Shingleton of Pittsburgh and Kyla Shingleton who lives at home and is a senior studying Regional Planning at IUP in Indiana, PA, stepchildren, Sara (George) Portoulas and Rebecca Shingleton and her husband, Jon Sciaretta, all of Baden, two grandchildren, Felicity Portoulas and Samuel Wawrykow, a sister, Kristin Blair, a brother, Timothy Blair, both of Charleroi, nephew, Declan Blair, her loving faithful four legged companion and friend, “Orbit” along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Visitation will take place on Friday from 2 PM until time of Celebration of Life Service at 7:30 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. 833 Kennedy Dr. Ambridge. Interment will be private.