Category: Obituaries

Dorine Ann (DiCiccio) LaValle (1930-2026)

Dorine Ann (DiCiccio) LaValle, 96, of Industry, passed away on March 4th, 2026, in the comfort of her home. She was born in Midland on January 29th, 1930, a daughter of the late Alex and Anna (DeMatteis) DiCiccio. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Vincent LaValle, Sr., five brothers: Ralph Bernabie, Orland, Edmund, Anthony, and Louis DiCiccio; as well as two sisters, Carmella Granito and Rita DiMarzio. She is survived by her children: Cynthia Kaletz, Lorraine (Francis) Barthold, Vincent LaValle, Chuck (Carol) LaValle and Shari (Tony) Birocco; along with seven grandchildren: Carie (Ken) Michell, Kristopher (Rebekah) Kaletz, Nicole (Matt) Schmidt, Matthew (Madeline) LaValle, Craig (Lindsay) Barthold, Lauren (Tom) Mazzant and A.J. (Amanda) Birocco; as well as eight great-grandchildren: Tyler (Lauren), Drew, Carter, Austin, Ryan, Barron, Kennedy and Niko; along with a sister-in-law, Sandra (Saya) DiCiccio.

Dorine was a devoted mother and wife who loved cooking large meals for her family on Sundays, holidays, and family gatherings. She was a member of St. Blaise Church in Midland, St. Augustine Parish, and the St. Anthony’s Club Auxiliary.

Friends will be received on Friday, March 6th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. Departing Prayers will be offered on Saturday, March 7th at 9:45 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Blaise Church of St. Augustine Parish, 772 Ohio Avenue, Midland. Fr. Kim J. Schreck will serve as celebrant. Interment will follow in Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

Memorial contributions in Dorine’s honor may be made to St. Blaise Church Parish Share, 772 Ohio Avenue, Midland, PA 15059.

Dorine’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to Three Oaks Hospice, especially her nurses, Theresa and Rachel, as well as her caregivers who showed compassion and love, Lisa, Alexis, Deb, Kelly, and Heather.  A special thank you also goes out to Darla.

Myrtle R. Reed (1929-2026)

Myrtle R. Reed, 96, of Villa St. Joseph in Baden, formerly of East Rochester, passed away on March 4th, 2026, in Villa St. Joseph. She was born in Rochester on August 28th, 1929, a daughter of the late Harry M. Sr. and Mary Zubryk Reed. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters and brother-in-law, Mabel Reed, Mary Ann and Robert Amos and Guy Dille, three brothers and sisters-in-law, Harry M. Jr. and Dolores Reed, Herbert and Nancy Reed, and Edward and Eleanor Reed. She is survived by one sister, Dorthy R. Dille, of Valencia, Pennsylvania, and one brother and sister-in-law, Elmer and Josephine Reed of Monaca, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Myrtle was a retired clerical worker with the Greater Pittsburgh International Airport and a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rochester. Myrtle’s wishes were to have no viewing or service. Private interment will be held in Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. All arrangements are entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. The family wishes to thank the staff at Concordia Villa St. Joseph, Baden, for the care and comfort provided to Myrtle.

Michael “Mike” Samuel Radella (1943-2026)

Michael “Mike” Samuel Radella, 83, of New Sewickley Township, passed away at Passavant Hospital Hospice in McCandless, on March 2nd, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ethel (Perenovich), his son, Mitchell (Brenda) Radella of Cranberry Township, his daughter, Marjorie Radella and his beloved granddaughter, Trinity Metts of Greenville, Sotuh Carolina, his sister, Millie (Neil) Downing, of Medfield, Massachusetts, his sister-in-law, Linda Radella of O’Fallon, Illinois, his nephews, Michael Alexander Downing and Christopher Allan (Emily) Downing and his cousins, David Nicholson, Janice Darnell, Mary Kay Kersey, and Donna Love.

Michael was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on January 13th, 1943, a son of the late Mike and Anna Tonkovich Radella of Midland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved younger brother, Allan Radella. He was a member of St. Ferdinand Church in Cranberry Township and Divine Grace Parish, and a lifelong member of the Croatian Fraternal Union. She was among the children inoculated in the famed 1954 Pittsburgh Salk polio vaccine field trials. He graduated from Midland High School, where he was a percussionist in band and played pickup baseball and basketball. He worked for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) collecting data for federal publications including the Consumer Price Index. By the end of his first 10 years for BLS in Washington, D.C., during the tumultuous ’60s, he was supervising over a dozen statistical clerks. He then moved back to Pittsburgh, working for BLS another 26 years surveying the tristate area and retiring as a trainer of surveyor trainers. In his early DC years, he also worked part-time at Hecht Company department store. After retirement, he worked for several years at Office Max. He stayed in touch with many friends from high school, DC, and BLS. He was a daily newspaper reader, as is known by several local journalists with whom he shared his opinions. He was a lover of original rock-and-roll and beyond with a large and wide collection of records, tapes, and CDs; an avid fan of all Pittsburgh sports (also known by several local journalists); and a history enthusiast. He was a collector of stamps and coins, glassware, lighthouse memorabilia, and the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. He enjoyed bowling and had a mean diagonal strike ball. He also enjoyed taking and sharing photos. He called himself a supervisor, and anyone who knew him would agree.

In accordance with Michael’s request, no services will be held. Private interment to take place at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Noll Funeral Home, 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

The family thanks the ICU and hospice at Passavant McCandless for their care given to Mike.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michael S. “Mike” Radella, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

John Richard “Rick” Harvey (1951-2026)

John Richard “Rick” Harvey, 74, passed away on March 3rd, 2026.

He was born in Philippi, West Virginia on October 7th, 1951, and he was adopted at birth by the late Louise V. and M.O. “Slim” Harvey. He is survived by his three children, Leigh Anne (Ricky) Holman of Economy Borough, Tricia (Dorian) Douds of Economy Borough, and Evan Harvey of Ambridge. He was a proud Pap Pap to Alyson Matthews, Joel Matthews, Haylee Holman, Tyler Holman and Bryce Douds. Although both were originally from West Virginia, they took him home to the house they had built in Sewickley Hills. Later, he would buy his family home and bring home three children of his own. They also had property in Deep Creek, Maryland, where he spent one school year and countless summers. It was much later in life that he would sell his family home and move to Beaver County. John had attended Quaker Valley Schools and was a graduate of Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. He worked at Bethlehem Steel and later ended up at J&L Steel in Aliquippa. After the collapse of the mills in the early 80’s our father found a new career being a long-haul truck driver.  Because he was a man of many talents, he also worked over the years as a mechanic, an electrician, and ended his career working back in the mills as a machinery mechanic. He also enjoyed hunting, camping and especially fishing with his lifelong friend who he referred to as his brother, Dave (Lee) Barngrover of Economy Borough.

A celebration of life for John will occur on Saturday, March 28th from 10 a.m. until 12 noon in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John “Rick” Harvey, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Joan M. Enke (1930-2026)

Joan M. Enke, 95, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on March 1st, 2026. She was born in New Brighton on July 15th, 1930, a daughter of the late Jesse B. and Edith P. (Keller) Enke. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Don Enke and her brother-in-law, Gordon Buffington. She is survived by her sister, Alyce Buffington of La Mirada, California and her sister-in-law, Lee Enke, Manassas, Virginia, her nephews, Brett Buffington of Rancho Cucamonga, California, Lance (Kathy) Buffington of San Clemente, California, Scott (Cyndy) Enke of Garner, North Carolina and David (Cindy) Enke of Ruther Glen, Virginia, and nieces, Lisa (Enke) Kasher of Porter, Texas and Lori (Enke) Paulson of Manassas, Virginia and cousins, Paul Bruce Keller of New Brighton and Debbie (John) Fogg of New Brighton and all of their many children and grandchildren.

Joan was always grateful to have been born into a loving and caring family and community, a foundation that shaped her kind and generous spirit throughout her life. She devoted 31 years of faithful service as the church secretary at Grace Lutheran Church in Rochester where she was known for her dedication and warm presence. She was a woman of deep Lutheran faith and she was a lifelong member of the former Trinity Lutheran Church in New Brighton. She was a proud and lifelong resident of New Brighton and she  was a devoted supporter and contributor to the New Brighton Historical Society. She was an avid student of local history and possessed a remarkable knowledge of her hometown. She also enjoyed frequent trips with friends to Pittsburgh for sightseeing and entertainment and especially loved attending high school musicals throughout Beaver County. She was a member of the Beaver County Blind Association and Lighthouse for the Blind. She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her for her signature hats and the ever-present smile on her face. Her life was enriched by a loving and supportive family and a close circle of dear friends whose visits and phone calls she cherished. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

In accordance with Joan’s request, her remains were cremated and interred at Sylvania Hills Cemetery, 273 PA-68, Rochester, without funeral services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff of Good Samaritan Hospice House, Wexford, for the excellent care and comfort provided during her final days.

Donations may be made in memory of Joan to The Lighthouse for the Blind, 720 3rd Ave, New Brighton, PA 15066, The New Brighton Historical Society or the New Brighton Public Library, 1021 3rd Ave, New Brighton, PA 15066.

Elizabeth (Betty) Polito Ostrander Christopher (1938-2026)

Elizabeth (Betty) Polito Ostrander Christopher, 87, of Baden, passed away peacefully on March 3rd, 2026. She spent her last 10 days under wonderful care, surrounded by family and friends who came to say goodbye and tell stories at the Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford.

Betty was born in Ambridge on October 14th, 1938, a daughter of the late Arthur and Elizabeth Polito. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James (Marianne) Christiana, her brother, Russell (Lucille) Christiana, her sister, Catherine (Sam) Lashuk, her special sister of the heart, Theresa (Daniel) Wozniak and her husbands, Walter Ostrander and Bill Christopher.

She is survived by 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Julie & Alan Auble and Elizabeth & Michael Steinmetz and the grandchildren who adored her: Matthew & Allison Auble, Mitchell & Brittany Auble, Steven Dobbins, Megan (Dobbins) & Kody Kocol. She had three great-grandchildren, Magnolia, Jace and Montgomery Auble. She also loved her step children and their families who came into her life as adults, Adam Christopher & his daughter, Sara and Lisa Harding, & her son, Adam. She will be forever cherished by a large extended family of nieces and nephews and cousins, and so many friends of all ages.

Elizabeth was raised in Ambridge and formed many lifelong friendships there. She raised her family in Cranberry Township, adding many more long-time friends, and eventually returned to Baden where she lived and spent many years with family and friends around her. From her earliest years, three things stood out about Betty. She loved people and people loved her. She surrounded herself with loyal friends and could turn a stranger into a friend in just a few moments with them. Her laughter and love of life drew people in and her loyalty kept them in her life. Everyone knew they could stop at her house day or night and be met with food for the body and the soul. She loved music. She had a beautiful voice and a great memory for music. She knew the lyrics of thousands of songs and used music to reach out when words might fail. From Broadway to pop to country to rock, music was a part of her and she never missed a chance to see a live show or concert, especially if it was at a casino. She loved animals. Her big heart extended to all of God’s creatures. She always took care of her cats, stray animals, and wildlife, no matter where she lived. In her later years, caring for her beloved cats and the poor abandoned animals in the area gave her purpose and filled her heart.

In accordance with Elizabeth’s request, there will be no funeral or viewing. Instead, she wanted everyone to remember her being full of life and love. Her family will gather at a later date for a final farewell. Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

Donations in her name can be sent to Rainbow Veterinary Hospital, 129 State Route 168, Darlington, PA 16115, or Good Samaritan Hospice House, 146 Neely School Rd, Wexford, PA 15090.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth “Betty” Christopher, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Judith Ann Lewis (Passed on March 3rd, 2026)

Judith Ann Lewis, 82, of Beaver, passed away on March 3rd, 2026. She was born in Sewickley, a daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Bell Bull. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Les Bull. She is survived by her brother, Pat Bull and her sister, Janice Bull, along with many nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Judith graduated from Aliquippa School of Cosmetology and worked as a beautician for over 30 years. She worked in Naples, Florida and when she came home, worked in a management position for Shears of Sears. She was strong and deeply private and was also wonderfully funny. She was also a lung cancer survivor who met life’s hardships with quiet courage and a sense of humor that never left her. She also loved arts and crafts, gardening, and her family very much.

To share online condolences, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

There are no services at this time for Judith. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Paige L. (Porter) Thompson (1946-2026)

Paige L. Thompson, 79, formerly of Ellwood City, passed away on March 4th, 2026, at Concordia Villa St. Joseph in Baden.

She was born in Canonsburg on June 30th, 1946, a daughter of the late Perry and Burney (Kauffeld) Porter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Thompson, her sister-in-law; Joyce Porter and her brother-in-law; Fred Oberg. She is survived by three daughters, Kim (Vic) Rangel, Kristin (Eric) Oberg and Jamie (Steve) Floyd, seven grandchildren: Giana Dillan (Rangel) and Trey Dillan and Bella Roberts (Rangel) and Ryan Roberts, Hannah Oberg-Eum (Oberg) and Jaejin Eum, Emma and Porter Oberg, Gavin and Liam Floyd; as well as two brothers, Terry (Sue) Porter and Rick Porter and a sister, Jeanne Oberg.

Paige was a past member of the Westminster United Presbyterian Church in New Brighton. She lived the life of the ideal 1950’s housewife. She married the love of her life, junior high sweetheart, Jim. A few years later, they welcomed their 1st daughter, Kim, while she and Jim lived in Germany. Once the Army sent them back to the US, the family grew to a party of 5 with the births of Kristin and Jamie. When her role as wife and mother took full effect, she was content to be the stay-at-home domestic engineer who always knew where dad’s black socks were, ironed our favorite jeans before we needed to get to school, and made sure she scrapbooked our every accomplishment! She was her family’s biggest cheerleader at all times! Her devotion to her husband and her girls would have made even June Cleaver take notes on how to be a caring wife and mother. She had an unwavering sense of pride in her family and everything they achieved. Brownie Day Camp Queen may have been her claim to fame at one point, but being “Mimi” was certainly her favorite title. Once we, her girls, started families of our own, her wholehearted love of her grandkids was palpable. Becoming a “Mimi” was such a thrill to her. She enjoyed shopping and spending time with her family. She was always up for a detailed conversation about what was going on in everyone’s day. Her early love of “All My Children” was replaced by the Hallmark Channel in later years. She loved a good romance—and she lived a real one with Jim for over 50 years! She was polite and proper. She never complained, except if there was “thick meat,” something yellow, or swiss cheese, her “#1 most hated cheese.” She was content to sit and watch her beautiful family dance, sing, play sports, and be silly. She just soaked it all in. In the end, her family surrounded her constantly, reminding her of how much they loved her and how much they knew she loved them. She taught her family to love the Lord, and now HE has called her home. She is together again with Jim, probably slow dancing to Motown music right now.

Friends will be received on Friday, March 6th from 4-7 p.m. in the J & J Spratt Funeral Home Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where an additional viewing will be held on Saturday, March 7th, from 10 a.m. until the time of a service at 11 a.m. Her nephew, Austin Oberg, will be the celebrant.

Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Paige L. (Porter) Thompson, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc.

Ann G. (Gooley) Larson (1932-2026)

Ann G. (Gooley) Larson, 93, of Moon Township, passed away on February 27th, 2026 at Apple Blossom Senior Living in Moon Township. She was born in Jackson Heights, New York on May 11th, 1932, a daughter of the late Valentine Gooley and Anne (Klein) Gooley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, James M. Larson, as well as her siblings, Valentine, Andrew, Elizabeth, and Virginia. She is survived by her seven children: Christopher Larson (Christine) of Connecticut, Mary Beth Jackson (Matthew) of Illinois, Robert Larson (Darlene) of Minnesota, Lisa Larson of Connecticut, Laura Lowen of Pennsylvania, John Larson (Vanessa) of Moon Township, Virginia Korzilius and Moon Township; as well as twenty grandchildren: Colin, Tierney, Shannon, Riley, Brendan & Partick Larson, Madeline, Graham & Charlie Jackson, Reed, Grace & Matthew Larson, Justin & Candy Lowen, Bailey, Tristan & Gabby Larson, Viktor, Anna & Eliza Korzilius; as well as one great grandchild, Miller Larson.

Ann attended Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica and in Queens, New York graduating from High School in 1950. She went on to attend Fordham University graduating in 1954 and was an elementary education teacher in New York City for three years before marrying James (Jim) Larson in 1957. She devoted herself to raising seven children, along with the dogs and cats who were always part of the family. While caring for her busy household, she still found time to enjoy her bridge club and bowling league. Most of all, he cherished time spent with her family and friends, who were the center of her life.

Friends will be received on Saturday March 7th from 1 p.m. until the time of a Blessing service at 3 p.m. in The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis, who was in charge of her arrangements. Interment at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 100 Resurrection Road, Coraopolis will take place at a later date.

Jeffrey Conte (1960-2026)

Jeffrey Conte, 65, of Moon Township, passed away unexpectedly on February 27th, 2026. He was born in Ellwood City on October 27th, 1960, a son of the late Louis and Sally Conte. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ethan Conte, and his sister in law, Patricia Aulgur. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jill Conte, his daughter and son in law, Kallie and Zachary Kelly, his brothers, Louis (Mary) Conte Jr., Randall Conte, and Kevin (Sandy) Conte, four brothers in law: William (Tracy) Coolidge, Scott (Joda) Coolidge, Jeff (Shirlee) Coolidge, and Todd (Missy) Coolidge; as well as his sister in law, Pamela (Jay) Murphy, and many cherished nieces and nephews: Jacqlyn, Jenna, Allaire, Grace, Patrick, Lyndsey, Zeke, Brad, Megan, Blake, Matt, Kate, Timmy, Todd, Anna, Jake, Tyler, Lauren, and Anna Marie. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Molly.

Jeffrey was a proud graduate of Ellwood City High School and Lock Haven University. After earning his B.A. in Education, he began his teaching career in Elkland, Pennsylvania, and later joined the South Side School District, where he dedicated 34 years to teaching students with special needs. During his time at South Side, he also coached basketball and baseball, sharing his love of sports and positively influencing countless students. He was a devoted Pittsburgh sports fan who never missed the Pirates’ Home Opener and loved cheering on the Steelers and Penguins. He was also deeply involved with Special Olympics for many years, an experience made especially meaningful because he shared it with his brother Ethan. Some of his happiest times were spent cheering on his daughter and her friends during their soccer games: he never missed one. He loved being outdoors: working in the yard, landscaping, boating, and fishing, and he especially cherished family trips to Rehoboth Beach. Music was always a part of his life. His favorite song, “I’m Not Here for a Long Time, I’m Here for a Good Time,” captured his outlook perfectly. He was always dancing, singing confidently (and often off key), and bringing joy everywhere he went. Above all else, he loved his family and friends deeply. His huge, unforgettable hugs and his big, radiant smile will be profoundly missed. His warmth, humor, and loyal heart touched everyone who knew him.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, March 14th from 1–4 p.m. at Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis, who was in charge of his arrangements, with a celebration of his life to follow at that funeral home.