Category: Obituaries

James S. Lipan (Passed on September 21st, 2025)

James S. Lipan, 90, a longtime resident of Baden, and most recently of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on September 21st, 2025.

He was born in Beaver Falls, the youngest son of the late John and Mary (Mazza) Lipan, both of Hungarian descent.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Joseph, John, and William, and sisters Mary and Betty, as his passing marks the end of an era for the Lipan family. He is survived by his grandchildren: Georgina (Joe Fucci) Beatty, James Beatty, Thomas (Lauren) Mazzant, and Tyler (Meghan) Mazzant; as well as his great-grandchildren: Victoria Dettore, Jacob (Mei Li Bucoe) Fucci, Tyler James, Juliette, and Grayson Mazzant. James’ early years were shaped by the close-knit community of Beaver Falls, where he attended and graduated from Beaver Falls High School. In March of 1953, as the Korean War neared its end, he answered the call of duty and entered the U.S. Air Force. His four years of honorable service to his country were a source of great pride throughout his life. Upon returning to civilian life, he pursued further education at a trade school, which paved the way for a successful career as a draftsman with Babcock and Wilcox in Beaver Falls. He dedicated many years to the company before his well-earned retirement. In 1955, he married his soulmate, Margaret (Lawrence) Lipan, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories until her passing on September 27th, 2023. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Dawn (Terry) Beatty and Barbara (Thomas) Mazzant, who also survive him, and who remember their father as a beacon of guidance and support. He was also a devout Catholic.

Friends will be received on Friday, September 26th from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where prayers will be offered on Saturday, September 27th at 9 a.m. followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls (Chippewa).

Interment with military honors will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

The family has suggested those wishing to make a memorial contribution to please consider the Beaver County Cancer and Heart Association, 3582 Broadhead Road, Suite #201, Monaca, PA 15061.

Beverly A. Broadie (1937-2025)

Beverly A. Broadie, 88, of East Rochester, passed away on September 23rd, 2025 at Villa St. Joseph of Baden. She was born in Midland on February 17th, 1937, a daughter of the late Alfred and Ila M. Woodson Alston. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Auburn A. Broadie (1966), as well as two sons, Kevin and Kenneth Anthony Broadie and one brother, Alfred Alston. She is survived by her two sisters, Donna M. Hubbard of East Rochester and Shawna M. Alston and her companion, Johnnie Smith, of Rochester, as well as several nieces and nephews. Beverly was a retired bankteller with the former Beaver Trust Company, Sky Bank, and West Aircomm Federal Credit Union. She was also a member of the Beaver Falls Tabernacle Baptist Church, a graduate of the former Lincoln Highschool of Midland. She also attended the Detroit Institute of Commerce for Business Administration.  Friends will be received on Monday, September 29th, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon, at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a service will begin at 12:30 p.m. Interment will follow in Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. Family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Tabernacle Baptist Church, 630 3rd Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15074. The family would also like to thank the staff at Villa St. Joseph and Good Samaritan for their compassionate care.

David G. Muders (1954-2025)

David G. Muders, 71, of Sewickley, passed away on September 21st, 2025, at Allegheny General Hospital of Pittsburgh. He was born on March 25th, 1954, a son of the late Harry “Buzz” and Helen “Gail” (Perris) Muders. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James Willgruber, Jr. and two sisters, Donna Cymbalack and Linda Coombs. David is survived by his wife, Kelly (Dalesandro) Muders, his daughters, Christy (Justin Macurak) Sexton and Dina (Harry) Johns, three granddaughters, Haylee, Layni and Peytyn Johns, two grandsons, Jakob Jones and William Sexton, two brothers, Harry (the late Garnett) Muders and Robert (Donna) Muders.

David was a life-long resident of the Sewickley area and a graduate of Quaker Valley High School.  He worked as a salesman for Baden Steel, Bar and Bolt during the weekdays, and delivered caskets for Batesville on the weekends. He was also a very dedicated firefighter for station 258 the Cochran Hose Company in Sewickley and proudly served his community for 50 years. He loved driving the 1927 truck “triple” in parades and he loved going to the parades. He also liked going to car cruises. David would help anyone if he could. He enjoyed life and above all, he truly loved his grandchildren and would do absolutely anything for them.

All are welcome to gather for a visitation on Monday, September 29th, from 4-8 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge,who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 30th at 10 A.M.  Interment will take place privately in St. James Catholic Cemetery, 417 Water Works Road, Sewickley.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David G. Muders, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funerl Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Robert Louis Grimes (1957-2025)

Robert Louis Grimes, 68, of Beaver Falls, passed away on September 18th, 2025 at his residence.

He was born in New Brighton on August 19th, 1957, a son of the late Howard Louis and Evelyn J. (Porter) Grimes. In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by his siblings, Paul Wayne Grimes and Connie Grimes and his brothers-in-law, Ernie Owens and Michael McBride.

Robert is survived by his sisters, Sandra McBride and Pam (Jerome) Simpson; niece and nephew, Carrie (Billy) Owen and Mark (Felcia) Owen; along with his good friend, Terry Beatty.

Robert worked in construction for most of his life. He loved to walk up town Beaver Falls to get his coffee from McDonald’s almost every day. He also enjoyed playing his lottery numbers.

All services for Robert were private. All arrangements were entrusted to the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc. 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was honored to care for Robert and his family during this most difficult time.

Shelva Jean Hood (1937-2025)

Shelva Jean Hood, 87, of Beaver, affectionately known as Jeannie, passed away unexpectedly on September 22nd, 2025.

She was born in North Sewickley on November 17th, 1937 in North Sewickley, a daughter of the late Harry and Frances (Partington) Wallis. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Frank Brooks, her granddaughter, Jennifer Hood and her son-in-law, George Ketterer. She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, John (Jack) Hood, her son, John (Susan) Hood of Monaca, her daughters, Barbara Hood of Ellwood City, Judy Ketterer of Baden and Patti (Greg) Powell of Beaver, her grand-children: John Jr. (Ashley) Hood, Jimmy Hood, Meghan Sperdute, Emily (Matt) Condio, Brittany (Austin) Leasha, Daniel (Baylea) Ketterer; as well as her great-grandchildren, Jordyn Freshkorn, Braxton Leasha and Logan Ketterer. Shelva loved baking, cooking for her family especially on holidays and doing cross stitch. Before her retirement, she worked in the cafeteria for the Beaver Area School District for 20 years.

Friends will be received Thursday, September 25th, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc, 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 26th at 11 a.m.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Shelva’s name to the Beaver County Cancer Association, 3582 Brodhead Rd., Suite 201, Monaca PA 15061.

Shirley Jean Strobel (1935-2025)

Shirley Jean Strobel, 90, of New Sewickley Township, formerly of Economy Borough, passed away on September 21st, 2025, in New Sewickley Township at her daughter’s home. She was born in Duff City, Pennsylvania on April 2nd, 1935, a daughter of the late Robert E. and Eliza M. Ford Wolff. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert N. Strobel, one grand daughter, Michelle Kelly, a great grand daughter, Cheryl Strobel, two brothers, Eugene R. and Harold G. Wolff, three sisters, Gladys Lias, Louis Beck and Eliza Janosik and a sister in law, Shirley Rose. She is survived by a daughter and son in law, Linda and Charles Kelly of New Sewickley Township, two sons and one daughter in law, Barney N. Strobel of Conway, Alan S. and Karen Strobel of Rockmart, Georgia, three grandsons and their spouses: Bronson and Jodi Strobel of New Sewickley Township, Shawn Kelly of New Sewickley Township, Nicholas and Lauren Strobel of Buchanan, Georgia; along with one grand daughter and her spouse, Alyssa and A.J. Streetman of Rock Mart, Georgia, five great grandsons: Travis Strobel of New Sewickley Township, Adam Strobel and his spouse, Brook of New Brighton, Gabe Kelly of New Sewickley Township, Wyatt Strobel and Gatlin Strobel, both of Rock Mart, Georgia; as well as her great grand daughters, Bristol, Piper, Finley and Wrenley Strobel and a great great grand daughter Ellie Strobel, New Sewickley Township, one brother, Robert Wolff of Economy Borough, three sisters, Willa Varner of Oregon, Joyce Phillips of Buckhanon, West Virginia, Beverly Grant and her spouse, Larry of Economy Borough and numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley was a retired production assistant with Mailing Services of Pittsburgh. She was also a member of the former St. Matthews Lutheran Church of Economy Borough. Friends will be received on Thursday, September 25th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a service will be held on Friday, September 26th at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Rehoboth Lutheran Cemetery, Conway Walrose Road, Economy. Family wishes memorial contributions be made to Advance Hospice Care, 100 Ryan Court, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15206.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley, please click here to visit the floral store of the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc.

Atty. Peter P. Simoni (1930-2025)

Atty. Peter P. Simoni, 94, of Aliquippa, passed away on September 21st, 2025, at Heritage Valley Sewickley. He was born on November 27th, 1930, the youngest child of the late Luigi and Valterina (Refice) Simoni. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Albert (Bea) Simoni, Maria Simoni, Tillie (Slim) Morelli, Relly Simoni, Anthony (Sarah) Simoni, Ann Simoni, Joseph (Liz) Simoni and Mario Simoni.
Precocious and bright, Peter would often tag along with his older brothers to the library, reading as many books as he could. In addition to crediting the support of his family, Pete attributed his early success to his Principal Elizabeth Skeehan and later to teacher Caroline Theil. One of “The ’49’er’s”, he excelled both in and out of the classroom, graduating second in his high school class. He also played on the football team and was Sports Editor of the Quip Script. In years to follow he was often the Master of Ceremonies at many of the 1949 reunions. Peter was a 1953 honors graduate of Duquesne University who was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and served his country in the United States Army. Stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, he coached the base football team to attain championship status. Returning to Aliquippa, Pete obtained his Juris Doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh in 1958. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1959 and  was elected to or asked to take part in many Pennsylvania Legislative and Democratic committees. He was proud to be a lifelong Democrat. In private practice, he would serve the community as Solicitor of the Aliquippa School Board, and as an Assistant District Attorney of Beaver County. He kept his Practice of Law for fifty years. His Italian heritage was center to his family life. He and his secretary, his sister, Ann, served many Italian families with legal matters in both Italy and the US. Honoring his roots and his Patrican parents, from his First Holy Communion to this year, Pete participated in eighty-three San Rocco Celebrations and processions. Along with other family members, he was a San Rocco statue carrier and later served as Parade Marshall. Growing up on Plan 7, all the Simoni children worked in the family store, “The League of Nations,” as he called it. Plan 7 instilled in him a great sense of community. Throughout the years, he belonged to many local clubs and community organizations and had the innate ability to bring people together. Peter always helped others, whether it was writing a school recommendation, finding someone a job, or providing legal assistance, he was always there. When neighbors threatened to put a stop to the San Rocco fireworks, Pete, then School Solicitor arranged for the fireworks to be set off from the football field. He was a devoted Aliquippa fan and lifelong sports enthusiast who announced High School games for WMBA. He was dear to the kids in the community as “Playground Pete”. He would play 5 on 5 with high school and college hoopsters with players from surrounding towns coming to Laughlin School for a game. He was not only a sports enthusiast because he loved history, good movies, Opera and the Broadway stage. His many trips to New York were among his fondest memories. From “Turandot” to “Barefoot in the Park”, he knew the actors, the performance and the theatre staging each production. His collection of movies is endless. Throughout the years, he remained engaged in current events and politics, relishing news from friends and associates, especially from longtime friend, Sharon Danovich Lupone and her husband, John. He remained interested in Quip basketball and football scores, and was kept informed of Beaver County’s news and events through Sharon’s faithful daily phone calls.
Friends and family will be received for a visitation on Wednesday, September 24th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of his arrangements and where departing prayers will begin on Thursday, September 25th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Titus Roman Catholic Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa, which is where he was both a lifetime member and served as an usher. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, immediately following the service.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Atty. Peter P. Simoni please click here to visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony MastroFrancesco Funeral Home, Inc.

Donna Marie (King) Semega (1948-2025)

Donna Marie (King) Semega, 77, formerly of Radcliff, Kentucky, passed away with her loving family by her side on September 21st, 2025. She was born on May 10th, 1948, a daughter of the late Walter and Elizabeth King. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving partner, Tim Cyrus and a brother, Butch King. She is survived by her devoted children: Lori (Ron) Mace, Denise Semega (John Flory), Nicole Freeman (Leonard Ishman) and L.J Semega (Erica Medin), ; as well as her six grandchildren: Bill Blonski (Sara Perciavalle), Rachel (Ryan) McKee, Tyler Freeman (Skylar Zavarella), Olivia (Nate) Hodges, Grace Semega and Madison Semega; along with five great-grandchildren: Alex and Caroline Blonski, Mia Zavarella, Kaylee and Hunter McKee. She is also survived by her two siblings and their spouses, Connie (Robert) McMichael and Michael (Lori) King and numerous nieces, nephews, and several dear friends. Donna had a deep love for reading and found joy in sewing, often creating items for those she cared about. She especially treasured spending time playing games with her family, making lasting memories with those she loved most. Donna was devoted to her grandchildren and was always present at their activities and sporting events, showing unwavering support and pride in all that they did. The family of Donna wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the E.R staff at Heritage Valley Beaver Hospital for the exceptional care provided to her.

Friends and family will be received for a visitation on Thursday, September 25th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donna Marie (King) Semega please click here to visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc.

Mary Agnes VanDyke (1941-2025)

Mary Agnes VanDyke, 84, of Baden, passed away on September 22nd, 2025, at Rochester Manor and Villa. She was born in Sewickley on August 3rd, 1941, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Veronica Mutz Modrack. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Kenneth L. VanDyke, two sisters, Norma McClain and Margaret Barnes, two sisters-in-law, Clara (John) Amoroso and Olive (Elden) Channell. She is survived by her two children, Kenneth A. (Leslie) VanDyke and Valerie (John) Stablow, two brothers-in-law, Walt (Eileen) VanDyke and Bill McClain and four grandchildren: Nicholas VanDyke, Christian VanDyke, Emma VanDyke and Anthony Cvitkovic. Mary lived a vibrant life where she touched countless lives with her caring nature and dedication to service. She served as a crossing guard for Phillips Street School and a member of the Baden Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Her commitment to service did not stop there. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mary was also a familiar face to many from the little stores throughout Baden.  Friends will be received on Thursday, September 25th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 PM in the CORLESS-MATTER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, LLC, 1133 Church Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. A service will also be held on Friday, Septmber 26th at 11 A.M. at Christ Lutheran Church, 399 State Street, Baden. Online Condolences may be shared at www.corlessfuneralhomes.com. Interment will be private at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

Gina L. Sluder (1952-2025)

Gina L. Sluder, 73, of Richfield, Ohio, formerly of Dunnellon, Florida and New Sewickley Township, passed away in Ohio on September 19th, 2025. She was born in Rochester on April 9th, 1952, the daughter of the late Omar Glenn Shroyer and Dolores Steeb Shroyer Harding. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Sluder Sr. and two brothers, Jerry L. and Mark L. Shroyer. Gina is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Robert L. Sluder Jr., and his wife Sheryl, of Medina, OH, and one daughter and son-in-law, Janine L. Nist, and her husband Erin, of New Sewickley Township, as well as six grandchildren, Matthew, Ryan, and Benjamin Sluder, Medina, OH, and Ethan, Gavin, and Elizabeth Nist, New Sewickley Township. Gina was employed by Lumber Star and Building Materials Company in Evans City. She was formerly a Pharmacy Tech with the Medicine Shoppe of East Rochester. She had received an Associate’s Degree from Penn State in Computer Courses. Gina was a life member of the H.O.G. Harley Owners Group, with which she held various chapter offices such as Secretary for nine years and Webmaster for two years. Gina loved riding Harley Davidson Motorcycles and traveling. Gina’s wish was to have no viewing or service. Private interment will be in Burns Cemetery of New Sewickley Township. Arrangements have been entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. The family wishes for memorial contributions to be sent to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at, 28 W 44th St #609, New York, NY 10036.