Rita J. Sims (1937-2025)

Rita J. Sims, 87, of Vanport Township, passed away in the comfort of her home on February 26th, 2025 surrounded by her family after a brief illness.

She was born in Beaver Falls on December 26th, 1937, the daughter of the late John and Rosal Namath. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Franklin Namath, Robert Namath and John “Sonny” Namath and her grandson, Zachary DeDominicis. She is survived by her children: Thomas Sims, Joey Sims, Kelli (Mike}Pingley, Dana (Larry) Simpson, Janet (Jeff) DeDominicis and Greg (Chris) Sims; her grandchildren: TJ Sims, Kyle Sims, Casey Sims, Kaidy (Vitus) Janelt, Chanin Simpson, Matt Simpson, Madison (Ethan) Conti, Kenzie DeDominicis, Logan DeDominicis, Noah Sims and Riley Sims; great-grandchildren, Navy, Lincoln and Amelia, a brother, Joseph Namath, sisters-in-law, Edith Namath and Sharon Namath, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends and her pet, Buddy.

In accordance with Rita’s wishes, there will be no visitation.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 6th at 10 a.m. at St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.

Inurnment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Gallagher Home Health and Hospice for the care provided during Rita’s illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rita’s name to Brady’s Run Veterinary Hospital- 443 Constitution Boulevard, New Brighton PA 15066.

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

Ann Gorsuch Hilton (1928-2025)

Ann Gorsuch Hilton, 96, of Beaver Falls passed away on February 28th, 2025 at UPMC Jameson.

She was born in Ganister, Pennsylvania on November 17th, 1928, the daughter of the late John Wapner, Jr. and Helen (Pich) Wapner. She was one of their eight children. In addition to her parents and siblings, she was preceded in death by a former husband, Ralph Gorsuch. She is survived by her two children, Mark W. (Angie) Gorsuch of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Carol A. (Richard) Martucci of Ellwood City, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Ashley and Dave Dobbins and their three children, Ethan, Austin and Caroline, all of Landsdale, Pennsylvania, as well as Rikki Mravintz and her son, Lane of Ellwood City.

Ann was a devoted member of St. John the Evangelist Orthodox Church in Beaver Falls and was a retired Secretary and Bookkeeper for the former Caplan Scrap Company in Big Beaver Borough. She also loved Ballroom Dancing.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, March 4th from 12 Noon until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. in St. John the Evangelist Orthodox Church, 1501 Eighth Avenue, Beaver Falls, with Father Seraphim Moslener officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to be made in Ann’s name to the church.

Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Cemetery of Daugherty Township.

A special thank you goes out to the staff at Avalon Nursing Home and UPMC Jameson Hospital for their kind and compassionate care.

Stephanie Ann Mitchell (1989-2025)

Stephanie Ann Mitchell, 35, of White Township, passed away surrounded by family on February 28th, 2025 at Good Samaritan Hospice, Wexford.

She was born in Beaver on September 11th, 1989, the daughter of Paul and Kristine Zack Jasinski. She was preceded in death by her uncle, Dan Zack II. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her brother, Matthew Jasinski, three sisters, Ashley Chapman, Aleasa (William) Valentine and Alexis (Elliott) Fisher, grandparents, Daniel and Judy Zack, two uncles, Ken (Amy) Zack and Keith (Sandi) Zack, three special aunts, Diana, Cindy and Krissy, as well as six nieces and nephews: Kylee Podunavac, Emma Foster, James Podunavac, Hailey Long, Anna Podunavac, and Devin Fisher.

Stephanie loved swimming and spending time with her beloved dog, Rugar.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, all services were private.

Professional Services were handled by the CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Good Samaritan Hospice, Wexford for their outstanding care.

Joseph (Joe) Harry Sidora (1949-2025)

Joseph (Joe) Harry Sidora, 75, of Vanport, passed away on February 25th, 2025 with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Kittaning, Pennsylvania on August 30th, 1949, the son of the late Harry and Gertrude Sidora. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Christine Bailey Sidora, brother-in-law, Nicholas Odrey; and sister-in-law, Penny Hipkiss Sidora. He is survived by his son, Andrew Sidora of West Mayfield, daughters, Christie (Theodore) Pham of Wexford, Shelley (Richard Hockensmith Jr.) Sidora of Williamsfield, Ohio, brothers, James Sidora and Thomas (Judith) Sidora, sisters, Saundra Odrey and Kathleen (Jeffrey) Pompe, grandchildren: Callie and Emma Sidora, Madeline and Harrison Pham and Richmond Hockensmith; as well as his loving companion for the past 30 years, Judith Small.

Joseph was a veteran of the US Coast Guard and a member of the American Legion. He formerly owned and operated Sidora Motors in Apollo, Pennsylvania and later worked as a radiation protection technician for RAD Services and Bartlett Nuclear. He had been a resident of Vanport for the past 30 years and was well known for cruising around Beaver in his motorized wheelchair. He also loved golf and was a car enthusiast.

Friends will be received Saturday, March 1st, from 3-5 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Private interment will take place at a later date at the Beaver Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, you can make memorial donations in Joseph’s name to the American Legion, Post 580 of Monaca.

Mary (Murga) ReKasie (1923-2025)

Mary (Murga) ReKasie, 101, of Edgeworth, Pennsylvania, passed away on February 20th, 2025. She was born in Ambridge on May 20th, 1923, the daughter of the late Vasil and Mary (Suchy) Murga. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, John W. ReKasie and her beloved brothers, Sgt. John Murga and William (Hilda) Murga. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Lee (Rick) Darbut and Gloria (Bill) Pulkowski, a granddaughter and grandson-in-law, two cherished great-grandsons, three nieces, Carol (Tom) Britton, Janet (Tom) Smith and Mary Anne (Scott) Michigan, along with several great-nieces and a great-nephew.

Mary was a long-time resident of the area. She recently resided in South Carolina and Virginia. After graduating from Ambridge High School, Mary worked as a beautician before taking on the role of caregiver for her husband, a WWII veteran, who was disabled. She was a deeply committed member of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, and her faith provided her with strength, comfort, and a sense of peace throughout her 101 years. Mary was known for her loving and generous nature. She was always making pierogies, decorating Easter eggs, and baking for church festivals.

She took immense joy in spending time with her children, granddaughter, and great-grandchildren. In addition to her family, Mary enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including bingo and hunting for bargains. She lived her life with grace, always putting others first, and her faith, love, and generosity will be remembered fondly by all who were blessed to know her. Her memory will live in the hearts of her family and friends.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation on Friday, February 28th from 4 P.M. until the time of service at 7:30 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge. Translation to the church will take place at 8 P.M. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 1st at 10 A.M., in the St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, 450 Glenwood Drive, Ambridge. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to, St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church.

Larry Ray Barkfelt, Sr. (1944-2025)

Larry Ray Barkfelt Sr., 80, of Brighton Township, formerly of Fallston, passed away unexpectedly on February 25th, 2025 at home.

He was born in Fallston on November 7th, 1944, a son of the late Ray T. and Margaretta (Hall) Barkfelt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Carol “Tootsie” McGafffic, sister, Dorothy Symonak and brothers, Richard and LeMoyne Barkfelt. He is survived by his children: Melzina (Miles Clark) Barkfelt, Teresa (Mark Brown) Barkfelt, Terry (Jim) McGaffic-Westfall, Lisa McGaffic-Markley, Melissa McGaffic, Larry (Sonja) Barkfelt II and Michael (Vicki) McGaffic: many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, sister, Leatrice Donovan and many nieces and nephews.

Larry retired as a machine operator from Adams Manufacturing. He was a member of the Croatian Club and Eagles of New Brighton.  He loved dancing with his wife “Tootsie” and loved his family.

In accordance with Larry’s wishes, no services will be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J & J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

Private burial will be held at St Joseph Catholic Cemetery of New Brighton.

Debra M. (Cancelliere) Rodriguez (1958-2025)

Debra M. (Cancelliere) Rodriguez, 66, of Baden, passed away on February 25th, 2025. She was born on August 27th, 1958, a daughter of the late Angelo and Dorothy Cancelliere.

Debra is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Joseph Rodriguez, her children, Timothy (Jennifer) Rodriguez and Matthew (Lindsey) Rodriguez, her siblings: Joseph (Mary) Cancelliere, Angelo (Donna) Cancelliere, Renee Guerrieri, and Robert Cancelliere; as well as her cherished grandchildren: Cameron, Jackson, Rylee and Myles Rodriguez.

Debra was a devoted wife, mother and Mimi who will be deeply missed. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Gregory Walter Heidel (Passed on February 25th, 2025)

Gregory Walter Heidel, 57, a lifelong resident of Monaca, passed away on February 25th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver surrounded by his family.

He was the son of the late George Joseph and Barbara Sue (Dotson) Heidel. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter W. and Violet A. Dotson and Uncle Jerry Dotson and Uncle Raymond Mancheff. He is survived by a son, Jonathan (Sara) Heidel, a granddaughter, Ellie Heidel as well as his brother, George Jeffrey (Tanya) Heidel and his beloved Aunt, Ann Mancheff who was like a second mother to him.

Gregory graduated from Monaca High School with the class of 1985. He earned an Associate Degree from CCBC and was a dedicated employee of the Rochester Giant Eagle store for over 35 years.

He was known for his love of bicycling having traveled over 10,000 miles in one year and also found pleasure in white water rafting.

He was a devout member of St John the Baptist Catholic Church of Monaca.

Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

I Ye “Judy” Hunter (1941-2025)

I Ye “Judy” Hunter, 84, of Daugherty Township, passed away on February 26th, 2025 in her residence.

She was born in South Korea on January 5th, 1941. She was preceded in death by her husband, David J. Hunter and her daughter, Sherri Lynn Hunter.

She is survived by four children: Brenda (Alan) Miller, Tina Galbraith, David J. (Michelle) Hunter II and Linda (Dave) Habrle; six grandchildren: James Dietz II, Ashley Dietz, Amanda Galbraith, Thomas Galbraith II, Nicholas Habrle and Nathan Habrle; as well as three great-grandchildren, Liam, Oriyah and Arlo.

Friends will be received on Saturday, March 1st from 10 A.M. until the time of services at 1 P.M. in the Gabauer Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton.

Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery of Big Beaver Borough.

Loren Francis Mosholder, Jr. (1941-2025)

Loren Francis Mosholder, Jr., 83, of Freedom, passed away on February 22nd, 2025 in Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born in Aliquippa on July 1st, 1941, a son of the late Loren F. Mosholder, Sr. and Martha (Kohler) Mosholder. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Sandra Mosholder Fash, the mother of his only son, his second wife, Florence Mosholder, who was his devoted partner for 38 years and a daughter-in-law, Cynthia A Mosholder. He is survived by his beloved son, Loren H. Mosholder of Fombell, two adored granddaughters, Hannah and Kayla, two great-granddaughters, Katana and Cadence Owens, his stepdaughter, Nancy Wichryk of Beaver Falls, stepdaughter-in-law Tammy Skiles of Monaca, his brother, Robert (Sue) Mosholder of Hopewell Township, his loving companion, Nancy Van Fossan, a special cousin Sissy Smith and an extended family who will miss him dearly.

Loren dedicated 32 years to the East Rochester K Mart, where he retired as a manager. Loren’s faith played a role in his life. He was a longtime member of the Redeemer Trinity Lutheran Church in Monaca. He actively participated in the church community, serving on the church council and as an usher, roles in which he demonstrated his dedication to his faith and his church family. His involvement with the church was a testament to his belief in service, community, and fellowship.

He volunteered for over 14 years at Meals on Wheels in Rochester, where he contributed to the well-being of countless individuals by ensuring they received nutritious meals and a friendly visit.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 3rd from 2–4 p.m. and 5–8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 4th at 10 a.m. at the Redeemer Trinity Lutheran Church, 819 Washington Avenue, Monaca with his pastor, Reverend Angela Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester. A luncheon will follow at 11:15 a.m. at the Freedom Fraternal Order of Eagles, Main Street, Freedom.

To share online condolences, view Loren’s video tribute or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.