Donna Louise Reich, 90, of Brighton Township, passed away on March 11th, 2025 in Rochester Manor.  She was born in Rochester on July 27th, 1934, a daughter of the late Paul Dewey Triance & Rena Triance. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by both of her husbands: George Bosworth and Charles Reich, a son, Dennis Bosworth and four sisters: Eunice Beardshaw, June Langnecker, Patricia Waters and Joan Triance.She is survived by three children, Terry & Anthony Kordecki, Charles & Joyce Reich, and Scott & Mary Reich, a sister, Peggy George, eleven grandchildren: Tony (Chelsea) Kordecki, Todd (Leah) Kordecki, Christopher Bosworth, Jennifer (Tim Hannahs) Reich, Kevin (Ashton) Yurkiw, Karen (Codi) Jackson, Bryce (Lyndsey) Reich, Chelsea Reich, Shane (Stacy) Reich, Taylor (Brayden Veres) Reich, and Megan Reich; as well as eighteen great grandchildren.

Donna worked as an office clerk for the Credit Bureau of Beaver County, AmeriGas and the Penn Beaver Hotel. She loved her family and especially loved to cook for them on holidays. She was a great cook and baker. She was also well known for her fudge. She was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, attending Saints Peter and Paul Church in Beaver.

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 18th at 10 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver. Memorial contributions may be made to McGuire Memorial. https://mcguirememorial.org/mcguire-memorial-foundation/

Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Jeffrey J. Kypta, 53, of Independence Township, passed away unexpectedly on March 10th, 2025.

He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his dearly loved maternal grandparents, Dolores and Earl Johnson, Norton Krovitsky, and his in-laws, George and Louise Summerville. He is survived by his wife, Raeleen, his children, Chad and Kelly, his Aunt Debbie whom he dearly loved, his sister-in-law, Becky (Ken) Villella of Ambridge, dear friends, Chad Lane and Greg Congdon, and his forever sister-in-law, Tammi Rock Marshall. Jeffrey’s early life was marked by achievement and camaraderie. Jeffrey was a 1989 graduate of Hopewell High School, where he exhibited both athletic prowess and leadership, lettering in football and track. His passion for teamwork and excellence carried over to his college years at Clarion University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing in 1993 and forged lifelong friendships as a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

On February 5th, 2000, Jeffrey was united in marriage to Raeleen L. Summerville Kypta. Together, their love blossomed with the birth of their two children, Chad and Kelly, who were his pride and joy. He instilled in them the values of hard work, integrity and the importance of family.

His professional life was characterized by dedication and innovation. His early years saw him shine as a youth model, gracing runways and print commercials with his charisma. Later, he served at Eaton Corporation in Moon Township for 17 years with distinction before bringing his expertise to Columbia Gas as an Information Technology Manager.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Jeffrey was a man of diverse interests and talents. His love for the outdoors was evident in his barrel races with his horse Freedom, and in the quiet patience of his fishing expeditions. He was a certified rescue scuba diver master and instructor at Pitt who shared his knowledge and passion for the underwater world with many aspiring divers. He was also an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan who never missed a game.

His resourcefulness and skill were also on display in the home he proudly constructed with his own hands, which was a testament to his craftsmanship and the warmth and stability he provided for his family. His love for animals shone through in the care he gave to his Golden Retriever, Cooper, his cat, Rufus, and his feathered friends; six chickens and two turkeys, who all brought additional joy and laughter to his household.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 14th from 2- 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where services will be held on Saturday, March 15th at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Philip Bottomley of the Prince of Peace Anglican Church of Hopewell Township officiating. Private interment will take place at John Anderson Memorial Cemetery.

To share online condolences, view Jeff’s video tribute, or add photos and get directions, please www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Susan Davis, 73, of Monaca, passed away with her sisters at her side on March 7th, 2025.

She was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on July 9th, 1951, a daughter of the late Peter and Mary Naneff Madish. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles “Chi” Davis, son, Paul Davis, sisters, Nancy Cindrich and Ruth Stirling and brothers, Peter Madish, Jr., John Madish and Nick Madish. She is survived by her son, Kevin Davis, sisters: Rosemary Barker of Tennessee, Shirley Shaffer of Beaver Falls, Diane Chirico of Brighton Township and Julie Gibson of Chippewa Township; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Susan was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She was also a longtime employee at Citizens Bank of Ambridge.

In accordance with Susan’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. A private burial will take place at Beaver Cemetery. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Dorothy Mae Pierson Wilson, 101, of Beaver, passed away on March 6th, 2025.

She was born in Wilmington, Deleware on July 18th, 1923, a daughter of the late Ellis C. and Alverda Talley Pierson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, H. Hazen Wilson Jr., son and daughter-in-law, Charles E. and Claudette Ranshaw III, sister, Mary Wagner and brother, Ellis C. Pierson Jr. She is survived by her son, Richard E. Ranshaw of Brighton Township, sister, June Pierson of Little Creek, Delaware, grandson, Corey E. (Mallory) Ranshaw of Tustin, California, step-children, H. Hazen (Connie) Wilson III of Berryville, Virginia, and Nancy (John) Falcone of Port St. Lucie, Florida, as well as seven step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.

Dorothy was known as the “Butterfly Lady,” and will be remembered as a devoted wife, caring mother, and proud grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved to bowl, line dance, and play cards, having had a very happy life with her beloved husband, H. Hazen Wilson Jr. Dorothy was Presbyterian by faith.

In accordance with Dorothy’s wishes, all services were private. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Crystal Day Lilley, 79, of Monaca, passed away at her residence on March 10th, 2025.

She was born in Aliquippa on April 22nd, 1945, the daughter of the late Matthew and Mary (Loncar) Babic. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Ralph Paich and her sister Marlene. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dennis Lilley, granddaughter, Nicole Paich, great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Dominik Shuflay, brothers, Michael (Bonnie) Burman and David (Hope) Krogh, sisters, Kate Schumate and Debra Oravitz and her brother-in-law, Richard (Kim) Lilley.

Crystal’s love for her dogs provided her with support during her battle with cancer.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to care for Crystal and her family during this time.

Steven J. Stuban, 61, of Baden, passed away at home on March 10th, 2025. He was born on July 25th, 1963, the son of Mike Stuban and the late Mildred “Mikie” Stuban. He is survived by his brothers, Michael L. and David Stuban, as well as numerous cousins.

Steven graduated from Ambridge High School. He worked as a draftsman at MS Consultants. He was an active member of the Anthony Wayne Terrace Board of Directors and Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish (formerly Saint John) in Ambridge.

Steven was known for his kind heart and willingness to help others. He regularly assisted his neighbors by mowing their lawns, shoveling snow and driving them to appointments. His sense of humor was cherished by all who knew him. Steven lovingly cared for his aging father for the past five years.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to a charity in Steven’s name or an act of kindness for a neighbor or stranger.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 14th from 2 P.M. until the time of the blessing service at 6 P.M. at the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Robert J. Cercone, 91, passed away on March 10th, 2025. He was born in Conway on September 19th, 1933, a son of the late Romeo and Mary (Renzo) Cercone and a brother of the late Raymond Cercone. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Wanda (Orlowski) Cercone. Throughout their marriage, Wanda was a steady source of love and support alongside Robert. Her unwavering commitment was evident during times of health as well as sickness, when she served not only as a spouse but also a devoted caregiver. He is also survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Laura and Juan Contreras of Frisco, Texas; Renee and Dr. Horacio Rilo of Long Island, New York, a son and daughter-in-law, John and Cristina Cercone of Economy, six grandchildren: Nathan Contreras of Seattle, Washington and Luke Contreras of Chicago, Illinois, Horacio Rilo of Austin, Texas and Zachary Rilo of New York City, New York, Giovanna and Mario Cercone of Economy; as well as his brother, Eugene Cercone and wife Donna of Conway, Pennsylvania.

Robert was a member of St. Felix Catholic Church in Freedom, where he served as Eucharistic Minister and a member of the church finance committee.

Robert was a life-long resident of Freedom who earned distinction as a student, an athlete, and a member of the community. As a high school student in the 1950s, Robert lettered in three varsity sports and won acclaim as a record-setting athlete. When he left Freedom for Youngstown State University on an athletic scholarship, he held the WPIAL single-game basketball scoring record with 52 points.

At Youngstown State University, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and three varsity letters in basketball. He received his master’s degree in education at the University of Pittsburgh, where he completed his Superintendent’s certification during his doctoral studies.

Robert served as an Engineering Specialist with the U.S. Army Engineers in Newbury, England and Special Service Coordinator at 928 Group Headquarters in Zweibrucken, Germany from 1956-1958.

Most significantly, Robert was a dominant and influential force in Freedom public education in a career that served the district for over half a century. From the beginning of his career, he served the Freedom district in many capacities, including as a business teacher, where the Pennsylvania Department of Education recognized him for his excellence in teaching where he participated in a competency-based teaching study with Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He served as junior high principal, curriculum director, Assistant Superintendent, and ultimately Superintendent of schools. After retirement, Robert served as a financial consultant for the Freedom Area School District. He was instrumental in advancing the district’s PlanCon initiative to a successful outcome, bringing millions of dollars to the district.

Robert earned the Freedom superintendency through an unorthodox “interview,” a position paper delivered to the school board meeting, just one example of how he “thought outside the box” well before the term became popular.

He assumed his position as Superintendent in 1971 and retired in 2002, making him one of the longest-tenured Superintendents in the state. During those years, he spearheaded numerous education reforms, won countless awards and commendations, and served on boards and committees at the local, regional, and state levels. Robert believed in and supported his staff. He was a champion of education labor relations and emphasized both collective and individual achievement and recognition. Through the years, it was evident that he never lost sight of the students, as he was an active supporter of athletic programs for boys and girls and promoted innovative curriculum programs, such as his early adoption of cutting-edge technology at all grade levels. He encouraged initiatives in special education and school-to-career programs, which were recognized by the U.S. Office of Education’s “Great Schools” program. Because of him, Freedom was among fifteen school districts chosen for its bargaining “win-win” negotiations by Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for Labor Studies.

An early proponent of racial equity and developing untapped potential, Robert steered the district safely through the tumultuous era of the 1960s. He entered the Harrisburg political arena when he championed and successfully fought several times to change the state funding formula for small and urban schools. He guided the district through a large-scale construction program and safely through grave uncertainty after mine subsidence damaged school buildings.

He served or held admission in the American Association of School Administrators, PARSS, PASA, PASC, and PBSA. He served as chairman of the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit’s legislative/school subsidy and medical insurance committees. He dedicated his life to education. His more than 40 years in education, including 31 years as superintendent in the same school district, make him one of the longest-serving superintendents in the state.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, March 13th, from 3-8 P.M. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 502 Adams Street, Rochester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 14th at 10 A.M. at St. Felix Catholic Church, 450 13th Street, Freedom. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery of Freedom, where the Beaver County Special Unit will conduct military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: http://freedomareaeducationalfoundation.org/scholarships

Hattie L. Gitts, 96, of Monaca, affectionately known to many as “Aunt Hattie,” passed away at the Good Samaritan Hospice at Wexford on March 5th, 2025.

She was born in Monaca and was the last surviving child of the late Lewis W. and Harriet K. (Haller) Smith. She grew up surrounded by six siblings. Her life was marked by a devotion to her family, including her two sons, Jack (Cheryl) Wheeler and James E. Gitts, Jr. (Sue), her grandchildren, Traci, Travis, Jeff (Ashley) and the late Otto, with whom she shared a special bond. She was also a proud great-grandmother to six great-grandchildren: Maykayla, Kara, Kylie, Jaden, Jaelyn, and Audrey. She was blessed to see the birth of three great-great-grandchildren. Hattie is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Hattie was a dedicated employee at Phoenix Glass Company in Monaca for 40 years, where she retired as a highlighter in the decorating department. Hattie’s generosity extended beyond her immediate family, as she was known for babysitting countless children over the years, earning her the affectionate title of “Aunt Hattie.”

Hattie not only cared for the young, but also was known for her delicious meatloaf. Her bond with her late sister June was particularly strong. Living next door to each other in the Stephen Phillips Homes years ago, Hattie and June’s families would get together nightly with Hattie acting like a second mother to June’s children and grandchildren.

The special relationships in Hattie’s life were numerous. This includes the one with her niece Pat and her husband Tom Johnson, who regularly checked in on her and often brought her food, ensuring she was well cared for. Anoter one was with her nieces, Susan and Barb and great nieces, Ashley and Jenelle. Hattie’s neighbor, Sherri Snyder Weber, also played a compassionate role in her life, looking after her and exemplifying the tight-knit community spirit that Hattie herself helped foster.

Hattie was a longtime member of the American Legion Post #580 Auxiliary, where she contributed her time and energy to support veterans and their families. Hattie was a true country music fan who had the privilege of meeting Johnny Cash and seeing Evil Knievel fly. Even though Hattie never flew herself, her travels were done on the motorcycle. She also saved her pennies for Bingo games. Her greatest enjoyment was hosting family and friends on Christmas Eve and also during the hot summers. She also loaded family and friends in the car heading to Sandy Beach /Rock Bottom for a day of fun in the cool water.

A memorial gathering celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, March 22nd from 3-6 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Victor W. “Bill” Smith, Jr., 82, of New Sewickley Township, passed away on March 8th, 2025, in Allegheny Health Network, Wexford. He was born in Rochester on August 20th, 1942, the son of the late Victor W. Sr. and Vivien B. Carr Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Eleanor A. Bargo Smith and his second wife, Lois R. Walker Smith, one son, Mark Grant, a son-in-law, David Kemp and a sister, Sherry Cholewiak. He is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Tammie Sue Kemp of Rochester and Trisha J. and Mark Lawless of Mars, Pennsylvania, three sons and a daughter-in-law, Darren P. and Tammy Smith of Daugherty Township, Jeffrey F. Grant of Clarksville, Tennessee and Matthew J. Grant of Ambridge, sixteen grandchildren: Josh, Jessica, Kelsey, Audrey, Jill, Megan, Elaina, Jonathan, Jenna, Kenny, Ashley, Alex, Alyssa, Kaitlyn, Jordan and Harrison, nineteen great-grandchildren, one brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Linda Smith of New Sewickley Township and his feline companion, Missie.

Victor was a retired independent real estate agent with Berkshire & Hathaway of Beaver. He was a member and former President of the Beaver County Association of Realtors. He was a member of Oak Grove Evangelical Lutheran Church of Zelienople where he was a former council member and served on various church committees. He spent 70 years with the Boy Scouts of America where he had been a cub pack leader and troop master with Troop 444. He was a district commissioner and a district chairman for 5 years and most recently served as a district member at large with the Beaver Valley District that he served for 25 years. Victor was a life-long advocate of Scouting in Beaver County. He was also a member and line officer with the Big Knob Fire Department. Friends will be received on Wednesday, March 12th from 3-7 P.M. in the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. Services will be held on Thursday, March 13th at 11 A.M. in the Oak Grove Evangelical Lutheran Church, 432 Harkins Mill Road, Zelienople. Officiating will be his pastor, Rev. Steve Slepecki. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. The family wishes memorial contributions by made to the Oak Grove Lutheran Church. The Boy Scouts of America ceremony will be held Wednesday, March 12th at 6 P.M. in the funeral home. The family would like to thank Concordia at Villa St. Joseph for the excellent care that he received.

Josephine (Josie/Jo) S. Hregdovic (Sozynski), 80, of Brighton Township, formerly of Shaler/Millvale, passed away with family by her side on March 7th, 2025. She was born in Lawrenceville on June 19th, 1944. She was preceded in death by her husband John Hregdovic, Sr., her parents Vincent and Sabina, her brothers Lenny and Walter, her sisters Trudy and Theresa, and her grandson Mike.She is survived by her children: Patty (Bob), Jackie (Jim), John Jr. (Rachel) and Pam; as well as her brother John and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Josephine enjoyed a passion for food, her Polish heritage and dancing.
Family and friends will be recieved on Thursday, March 13th, from 2 p.m. until the time of a Blessing Service at 6 p.m. at the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 3rd Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor her life can make a donation in her name to Wings 4 Vets, PO Box 255, Beaver, PA, 15009 (https://wings4vets.net).