Frank A. Suffoletta, 68, passed away on February 16th, 2025.

He was born in Rochester on February 19th, 1956, a son of the late Frank and Rose Marie Suffoletta. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel, his sister, Cara Marie and his niece, Cara Marie Crosby. He is survived by his wife, Keri, a daughter, Laura, a son, Frankie, a sister, Carmella Suffoletta, three nephews, Carlton Eli Crosby, Dana Crosby, (Heidi Wade) and Daniel Suffoletta and one niece, Kate Lynn Fedorko.

Frank graduated from Lincoln High School, Carnegie Mellon University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, followed by a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from UCLA. His illustrious career in Los Angeles spanned over four decades working for Boeing, Hughes Aircraft/Lockheed Martin, and Thin-Com Solutions, Inc. Family and friends were important to Frank.

Frank never forgot his Midland roots and the friendships of his lifelong friends. He will be sadly missed.

Both funeral arrangements and a memorial are incomplete. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Hone, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Contributions in Frank’s memory may be made to the Carnegie Free Library, 61 Ninth Street, Midland, or on-line at http:// www.midlandlibrary.org/

 

Brandon Michael Langsdale, 25, of Hampton Township, Pennsylvania, passed away on February 23rd, 2025 after yet another courageous battle against Vascular Ehler’s Danlos Type IV. Brandon was surrounded by a roomful of the people closest to him and an immense amount of love.

He was born in Sewickley, on April 1st, 1999, the son of Paula Langsdale Shook (Brinzer) and the late Kevin Michael Langsdale. He is survived by his mother, his second father, Jeffrey Shook and his siblings, Matthew (21), Sarah Kate (19), and Lily Grace Shook (4).  He is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Linda Brinzer, maternal great aunt, Paula (Lance) Gordon, paternal step grandfather, Howard McClellan, uncles, Ray and Bill (Emily) Brinzer, aunt Chris (Will) Parish and cousins: Johannes and Astrid Brinzer (Aunt Felabi), Jared Brinzer and Henry Batiz. He is also survived by his step grandfather, Mel Shook and step uncles, Dave and Mike (Lola) Shook; as well as many extended Langsdale relatives who always supported Brandon from afar.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Roger Langsdale and Ruth McClellan, his maternal grandfather, Raymond Brinzer (Jinglan), his step grandmother, Cecilia Shook, and his much adored (and also gone much too soon) cousin Katie Parish.

Brandon loved technology and exotic cars. He was fascinated with how things worked, and was always thinking of what new possibilities they presented.  Holidays and gatherings were favorites for Brandon; especially when they included lots of food, family, and fun! Brandon loved music as well, particularly techno-rap, and often handed people his headphones to listen to a song.  Brandon also enjoyed, and is already greatly missed by the family’s two Goldens, Jack and Camper.

Brandon would regularly talk about hypercars with his good friend “Mr. Mark” and anything and everything else with our close family friend “Miss Brenda” – both who traveled across the country to visit with Brandon during his last days.  Brandon enjoyed vacations to the beach, camping trips; especially to Kelleys Island or anything involving his Aunt Chris and Uncle Will, or pretty much anywhere else where his family and honorary family members gathered (who were affectionately referred to as “his people”). He also loved his many “Monte Cello’s lunch dates” with his grandma, Aunt Paula, Uncle Lance, Miss Patty, and her husband Carl.

Brandon was quick to tell you he loved you and always showed he cared through quality time spent talking, and talking, and talking some more. While always loving, caring, and sharing, Brandon often also had something snarky to add to almost any conversation, much to the delight of his siblings and cousins and often the annoyance (and sometimes secret amusement) of his parents. He will be deeply missed, and always remembered, by those who knew him best.

Brandon’s whole family owes a deep debt of gratitude to the doctors and other staff at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, who worked long and tirelessly to treat Brandon.  Of particular note is Dr. Raquel Forsythe, who took a personal interest in Brandon for years, and who once came in to operate on Brandon on her day off because she knew she was his best chance.  Truly, some superheroes wear doctor’s coats, not capes.  Brandon had some amazing doctors and nurses too; especially those from Presby Unit “6FG”.

Memorial donations may be sent to BELOvEDS, an organization that provides college scholarships to students who are living with vEDS or who have family members with vEDS.  Brandon’s sister, Sarah Kate (an avid scholarship hunter), received a very much appreciated scholarship from them in the fall to help her with her educational expenses, and this scholarship was very meaningful to her for all of the right reasons (A vEDS diagnosis affects entire families in unmeasurable ways).  Checks can be mailed to: BELOvEDS, A Nania Foundation Inc., 50 Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Suite 501, Uniondale, NY 11553; https://belovedsfoundation.org/donate.  Kindly send any pictures that you may happen to have of Brandon to: langsdaleshook@gmail.com, 3142 Westwind Drive Allison Park, PA 15101).

A private family celebration of life will be held later for Brandon. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Those will all work to honor his life and legacy throughout the rest of our own lives.

Eugene “Gene” Vallecorsa, 92, of Baden, passed away on February 25th, 2025, in Concordia at Villa St. Joseph.

He was born in Ambridge on December 28th, 1932, a son of the late Ernest and Louise Lolli Vallecorsa. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Loretta Vallecorsa, son, Paul E. Vallecorsa, brother, Ernest Vallecorsa Jr. and sister, Gloria Palma. He is survived by his three daughters, Cynthia Witowich, Laurie (Dave) Sutton and Dana (Nick) Lundquist, seven grandchildren: Kristin (Chris) Novic, William P. (Hilary) Witowich, Jacob (Natalie) Sutton, Katie (Jeff) Salopek, Anna Lundquist, Sarah Lundquist and her fiancé Dominic Casasanta and Erik Lundquist; nine great grandchildren: Katerina, Lindsay, Johnathan Novic, Kendyl, Caroline, Kelsey Witowich, Lillianna, Amelia, Nolan Salopek; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews.

Eugene was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during the Korean War, a member of American Legion Post 641 & The Holy Name Society. He was the choir director of the American Legion Women’s Choir and the St. John the Baptist Church.  He loved was an avid reader who enjoyed spending time with his loving family and listening to music on his iPod.

Friends will be received on Sunday, March 2nd from 1-5 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where prayers will be offered Monday, March 3rd at 10 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. in Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will follow in Good Samaritan Catholic Cemetery with the Beaver County Special Unit providing full military honors.

The family would like to thank the staff at Villa St. Joseph Personal Care for the loving and compassionate care given to Gene.

Jonathan “Jon” Paul Elliott, 54, of Big Beaver Borough, formerly of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away at Heritage Valley Beaver on February 24th, 2025.

He was born in Pittsburgh on June 14th, 1970, the son of Sharon Elliott. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lawrence “Duck” and Betty A. (Baer) Malkoch, his uncle, Wilbert Elliott and his aunt, Karon Fox. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his three daughters, Ashley (Larry “Chip”) Stambol, Chelsey (Cameron Bonomo) Elliott and Brooke Elliott, grandchildren, Caleb Bonomo, Colson Bonomo and Sutton Stambol, his aunt, Ronda (Malkoch) Little, his cousins: Megan Brown, Maura Chick, Melissa McCarl, Matthew Little and Philip Little; as well as many friends.

Jonathan was a dedicated steelworker, enjoyed turning wrenches, and was always tinkering.  He enjoyed going to the rifle range and had a passion for fixing cars.  Most treasured was his need for speed. Whether it was motorcycles, dune buggies or four-wheelers, he was ready for adventure.

Friends will be received on Sunday, March 2^nd from 2 P.M. until the time of services at 3 P.M. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. Pastor Allan Brooks will officiate.

Private interment will take place in Beaver Cemetery.

Jean A. Lokey, 87, passed away on February 22nd, 2025, surrounded by the arms of her loving family.

She was born in Monaca on July 18th, 1937, a daughter of the late George and Anna Winkle. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Joseph Lokey and William Andrew Bruce. Jean was one of ten children and was preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters. She is survived by her twin sister, Jane Davis.

Jean was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in New Brighton, where she served in the choir, Bible studies and Ladies Guild. In her later years, she became a faithful member of Church of the Redeemed in Conway. She was also a former employee of McCarter’s Bus Transit, who found great joy in driving children to school, field trips, and sports charters. Jean was a huge fan of her New Brighton sports teams and knew the students by name. She loved cheering them on to victory!

To know Jean was to love her. She had the kindest and loving heart and shared it with all of her family and friends. Her two favorite phrases were, “Thank you” and “I love you”. Even in her extended and eventually debilitating illness, she never failed to speak those words.

Jean was a woman of many talents including baking, sewing, ceramics, and a multitude of crafts. She often gifted her ceramic masterpieces to family and friends. Jean was quite the cook and her Christmas ham, cinnamon rolls and cookies were her specialties.

Most of all, Jean leaves a legacy of her faith in God. She was bold and courageous, even during CO-VID, to hold Bible studies in her apartment. She knew and loved the Lord with all of her heart. She passed this deep love of the Lord to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jean was the loving mother of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by her daughters and sons; Trudy Bellan, Penny Bruce, Michael (Candace)Lokey, and David Lokey.

Her grandchildren loved and adored her. She is survived by her grandchildren: Justin (Beth) Bellan, Jared (Melissa) Bellan, Anna Marie (Tim) Bishop, Joseph (Kim) Bruce, Michael Bruce, and Lee Ann Lokey. She was tickled to become the great grandmother to Jayden, Max, Jacob Bellan, Ezra and Emery Bishop and Cadence Hartnett.

Friends will be received on Friday, February 28th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where a service will be held on Saturday, March 1st at 11:00 a.m.

The family extends their thanks and gratitude to her caregivers Renee, Stephanie, Sherita and Anita from various agencies including BC Homemakers, Anointed Wings and Genesis. Also, many thanks are given out to Good Samaritan Hospice.

Memorial contributions can be made, if desired, to St. Jude’s Hospital.

Roger Karl Gregory, 84, of Center Township, passed away unexpectedly on February 21st, 2025. He was born in Norwalk, Connecticut on October 23rd, 1940, the son of the late Karl and Edna Gregory. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marilynn, his sons, Donald (Diane) Gregory, Michael (Elizabeth) Gregory and David Gregory, grandchildren: Marc Gregory, Jacob (Melody) Gregory, Mary Gregory, Lucas Gregory, Chenoa Gregory, Clayton Allias, Chloe (Josh Potter) Gregory, and Jettie Gregory; as well as four great-grandchildren.

Roger was a member of St Francis Cabrini Church, part of Mary Queen of Saints Parish. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, having earned a Fourth Degree, and was a past Faithful Navigator. Roger was a 1959 graduate of Norwalk High School, and went on to attend and graduate from Lehigh University in 1964 with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering. He owned and operated his own engineering firm in Norwalk, and later went on to work and retire as an engineer for the city of Cleveland.

Friends will be received on Monday, March 3rd from 6-8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Tuesday March 4th at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Cabrini Church, 115 Trinity Drive, Aliquippa. The Mass wil be followed by a short internment prayer service at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 100 Resurrection Road, Coraopolis. A luncheon will be provided for all who wish to attend following all services. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in Roger’s name to St. Francis Cabrini Church, 115 Trinity Drive, Aliquippa.

Kenneth “Ken” Lionel Goddard, 81, of Economy, passed away on February 22nd, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 1st, 1943, a son of the late Margaret and Lionel Goddard, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Goddard, his brother, Walt DuRussel, his sister, Jan Goddard and his brother-in-law and best friend, Bruce Adams.

He is survived by his children, Teresa Keith and Melissa (Eric) DeWitt, his brother, Lionel (Abby) Goddard Jr., grandchildren: Elizabeth and Alexander Keith, Quintin, Zachary, Morgan, and Olivia DeWitt; nieces and nephews: Lucas (Amy) Adams, Molly (Eric) Johnson, Hillary (Jake) Bannasch, Jan (Brad) Dicola, and Ellie Goddard; as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Kenneth was a proud graduate of Otsego High School in Michigan who retired from Kop-Coat Corporation. He had a passion for hunting, woodworking, and gardening. Above all, he cherished spoiling his family and loved them deeply.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 22nd from 12 noon-2 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Barbara Jean Vanats, 84, of Monaca, passed away on February 23rd, 2025, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa. Her last two days were filled with celebration, joy, and the loving presence of her family.

She was born in New Castle and lived the majority of her life in Monaca. Barbara was a daughter of the late Keith Thomas and Ella Gertrude (Locke) Ely. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands Stephen Phillips and Carl Vanats, her brothers, Chuck (Rita) Ely, Keith Thomas ‘Tom’ (Barb) Ely and Ralph Ely, and her sisters: Pearl Louise Ely, Beatrice (William) Knowlson, Mary Lou (Jack) Jeffers, and Sandy Hunter.

Barbara was a devoted mother and is survived by her loving children: Deborah (Mike) McDonald, Stephen Phillips, Alex (Lonnie) Phillips, Daniel (Tammie) Phillips, and William (Teresa) Phillips; as well as sisters Rosetta Baker and Beverly Crisman. She was a proud grandmother to 11 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy and pride to her life.

After dedicating her life to raising her five children, Barbara entered the workforce, taking on various part-time jobs. It was in these roles that she continued to touch the lives of many, making friends wherever she went. Her radiant smile, kindness, generosity, humor, and loving nature were her trademarks, and she was always ready to welcome new friends into her life.

She had a passion for playing cards and games, and she cherished the time spent with her family above all else. These activities were not merely hobbies for Barbara; they were extensions of her warm, inviting personality and her way of nurturing the bonds she held so dear.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 26th from 2-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where services will be held on Thursday, February 27th at 10 a.m. with Reverend Dr. Richard Herbster officiating. Interment will follow in St John the Baptist Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Pinnacle Hospice and Celebration Villa of Chippewa for the kindness and compassion that was shown to Barbara and her family.

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