James Allen Ockerman, 77, of Center Township, passed away on September 16th, 2025, at UPMC Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on June 20th, 1948, a son of the late Myron and Alice Ockerman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Raymond LaRue and his siblings, Robert Ockerman, Myron (Tom) Ockerman, and Patricia Zellers. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Katherine, his daughters Jennifer (James) Bogardus of Roaming Shores, Ohio, and Amy (James) DiBenedetto of Hopewell Township, his grandchildren, Maxwell Bogardus and Christian and Eva DiBenedetto, as well as many nieces and nephews.
James was a graduate of Canfield High School in 1966 and received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Grove City College in 1970. He was the District Manager for AC and S, Inc. and was later a commercial insulation contractor for Burnham Industrial Contractors, Inc.
James enjoyed listening to music, watching his favorite sports teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Penguins, and most of all spending time with his family and friends.
A private celebration of life for James will be held at a future date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Adolf H. Zirkler, 94, of Moon Township, passed away on September 6th, 2025 in his home in Moon Township. He was born in Neckargroningen, Germany on November 6th, 1930, the son of the late Hermann and Emilie (Doerrer) Zirkler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marguerite (Lamoureux) Zirkler and a sister, Waltraud Ledbetter. He is survived by his three children, Dieter Zirkler (Mary Browning) of Oregon, Andre Zirkler of New Jersey and Krista Salera (Jim) of Florida, five grandchildren: Estelle, Adrienne, Emma, Jim, and Gabrielle; as well as four great grandchildren, Nora, Desmond, Robin, and Enzo; along with a sister, Margot Zirkler of Alabama.

Adolf met his wife, Marguerite, on a ship from Europe to the United States in 1956. he was immigrating to the United States for work while Marguerite was returning home to Quebec, Canada from a vacation in Europe. They stayed in touch after meeting and were married a year later and initially made their home in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended night school at the University of Alabama to become a mechanical engineer while working as a machinist. After graduating, he accepted a job at Dravo on Neville Isand. He and the family moved to Moon Township in the late 1960s. He and Marguerite remained residents of Moon Township until their respective deaths. Adolf was a proud mechanical engineer, avid cyclist, and enthusiastic chef.  For over three decades, Adolf spent June cycling in France, tackling the major climbs in the Alps, Provence, and the Pyrenees. Adolf was happiest chatting, eating good food and drinking good wine after a long ride with Marguerite and their European friends. Adolf embraced the family and culture of Marguerite, in Quebec. He and Marguerite spent many long summer evenings enjoying a good meal and (several) bottles of wine with Pierre, Therese, Josette, Jacques and their children. Memorial contributions can be made to WQED. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Brittany N. Smith, 38, formerly of Industry, passed away surrounded by her family on September 13th, 2025 at Allegheny Health Network Wexford.

She was born in Beaver on February 13th, 1987, a beloved daughter of the late Randy and Karen (Davis) Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents: George and Francey Davis and Bob and Joanne Smith; as well as her uncle, Jack Smith. She is survived by her son, Cayden Parker and his father, Brett Parker, her brother, Brian Smith, her sister, Kristen (Lozzi) Donnelly, her aunts and uncles: Diane and Dan Kennedy, George and Marnie Davis, Lynn and Gary Shahen, Gary and Virginia Smith; along with her nephews, Cory and Brady Earhart, and many cousins.

Brittany’s legacy will live on through the lives she touched, especially through her selfless act of an organ donation. This final act of generosity has given new hope and life to several families, demonstrating the profound impact one person can have. Though Brittany’s life was marked by many challenges, it is this act of giving that will define how she is remembered.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Eva (Mrkonja) Silvestri, 97, a lifelong resident of Aliquippa, lovingly known as “Mama Tootsie,” passed away peacefully on September 15th, 2025. She was born on December 20th, 1927, a daughter of the late Mike and Margaret Mrkonja. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Silvestri and several siblings: Marie (Frank) Battalini, Ann (Anthony) Marcello, Lil (Joseph) Taormina, Joan Mrkonja, Milan (Stella) Mrkonja, Joseph (Elizabeth) Mrkonja, George Mrkonja, Nicholas (MaryAnn) Mrkonja; along with two infant siblings, Rudolph and Rosemary. She is survived by her brothers, Louis Mrkonja, with whom she had a close relationship with, as well as John Mrkonja. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She maintained a close relationship with her devoted nieces, Valerie Battalini (Rick Cropper ) and Vicki (Martin) Thomas, her nephew, Tony Marcello, and her great nieces and nephews: Martin Thomas, Austa (Kevin) McDanel and their children, Urban and Una and Quinn Thomas, whom she cared for with great dedication as if they were her own children.

Eva will be remembered and cherished for her wit, enduring strength and snappy sense of humor. She was the eldest sister of 13 siblings who lived a life that was full of care and devotion to her family. Her greatest joy was spending time with her closest nieces and nephews. One would never see her without her two sisters. The trio of Eva, Marie and Joann would go gallivanting around town and Joann was the chauffeur. The only thing better for her was the luck of good scratch ticket. She enjoyed the simple pleasure of good company and lunch at her local McDonald’s. She was full of quick humor who was proud of her Serbian heritage and was an overall joy to be around.

Eva will be buried with her husband at St. Elijah Serbian Cemetery of Aliquippa.
The family would like to thank Dr. Gandhe and staff at the staff Gateway Hospice for the care that was extended to Tootsie. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Jennie M. Straile, 97, of Rochester Township, passed away on September 15th, 2025 at her home. She was born in Beaver on May 27th, 1928, a daughter of the late Anthony and Concetta Rivezzi Ezzo. In addition to her parents, she preceded in death by her husband, Robert H. Straile Sr., one son, Paul F. Straile, a son-in-law, William E. Wright, two brothers, Marion and Michael Ezzo, a sister, Carrie Ezzo, and a sister-in-law, Agnes Ezzo. She is survived by one daughter, Sandra M. Wright of Rochester Township, three sons and daughters-in-law, John R. and Kellie Straile of Conway, Richard J. and Kathy Straile of Brighton Township, Robert H. “Robbie” Straile Jr. of Rochester Township and Rebecca Straile of Daugherty Township, as well as ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a beloved special grandson, Drew Wright of Chippewa, a special niece Linda Knott of Vanport, two nephews and numerous other nieces. Jennie was a retired cafeteria worker with the Rochester Area School District and a member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Rochester, part of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, where she was a Christian Mother. She had previously worked with the former Woolworth Company in the Beaver Valley Mall. She was also a member of the Beaver County YMCA who enjoyed craftwork and painting. Jennie’s wish was to be cremated with no service. All arrangements have been entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

William “Bill” James Persin, 89, passed away peacefully on September 10th, 2025. He was born in Imperial, Pennsylvania on July 20th, 1936, a son of the late Anthony and Annette Persin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Rose Marie and his brother, Robert. He is survived by his children, Leslie, Daniel (Beth), Jill, Gail (Rick) and Jeffrey; as well as his sister, Dorothy Esia, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry forward his legacy of service, hard work, and love. After graduating from high school, William proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. Upon his honorable discharge, he attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a degree in engineering and went on to complete his master’s in mechanical engineering. William was a man of many talents who pursued both engineering and his lifelong passion for aviation. He attended flight school, became a skilled pilot, and co-owned Stensin Aviation at the Beaver County Airport, where countless students began their journeys in flight. He also shared this love with his two sons, teaching them to fly and passing down his enthusiasm for aviation. In August of 1962, Bill married the love of his life, Rose Marie (Anthony) Persin. Together, they raised five children in Moon Township and shared nearly 63 years of marriage. For almost five decades, they also owned and operated Persin’s Tavern in Clinton, Pennsylvania, a beloved family business passed down from his mother and a cherished gathering place for the community.

In accordance with William’s wishes, arrangements are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge. His family takes comfort in knowing that his memory will live on through all whose lives he touched.

Joanne D’Itri Fantone, 69, of Midland, passed away on September 13th, 2025 surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on December 3rd, 1955, a daughter of the late Joseph A. D’Itri and Mary Ann (Zuppe) D’Itri. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant brother, Patrick D’Itri. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Frank Fantone, her children, and grandchildren, as well as her siblings: Anthony (Tammy Grim), Dominic (Ruth Postich), Mary Catherine (Patton), Joseph Jr. (Ranee Dishler), Salvador (Natalie Thompson), and Virginia (Alan Lopata). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who adored her: Caitlin and Brianna D’Itri, Emily, Aaron, and Alex D’Itri, MaryAnn Patton, Megan, Morgan, and Joseph G. D’Itri, Katrine, Gabriel, and Anna D’Itri.Joanne was a lifelong resident of Midland and a proud graduate of Midland Lincoln High School, Class of 1974. She shared 46 wonderful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Frank Fantone. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, love, and family, raising three children, Laura (Bryan Baca), Mary (John Paul Dickey), and Michael (Angela Galik), and cherishing five grandchildren: Bee Dickey, Isabel Dickey, Ethan Baca, Max Fantone, and Madison Fantone. Joanne found her greatest joy in family gatherings, holidays, and especially their treasured vacations together.
Joanne was a woman of deep Catholic faith and service who was actively involved in her parish and the Girl Scouts, first as a scout herself and later as a dedicated leader with her daughters’ troops. Her commitment to service and community was matched only by her enthusiasm for life. She was a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers fan who rarely missed a game and attended many over the years, cheering with unwavering loyalty. She delighted in concerts and embraced a wide range of musical genres, and her love for the arts extended to the theater, where she found joy in live performances at the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center in Midland, among other venues, and enjoyed the storytelling they offered.
Joanne was known for her sharp wit and infectious sense of humor: she could light up a room with a well-timed quip and always knew how to make others laugh, even in difficult moments. Beneath her warmth was a woman of remarkable strength, who faced adversity with grace and determination. She was a champion of truth, never afraid to speak up for what she believed in, and a fierce ally to those in need. Her voice was steady, her heart generous, and her presence a source of comfort and courage to many.
She also found great joy behind the lens of a camera, capturing candid moments of family gatherings, holidays, and vacations with a keen eye and loving heart. Her photographs told stories of connection and joy, and she had a special gift for finding beauty in nature—from blooming flowers to quiet sunsets. Just as she preserved memories through photography, Joanne also expressed her love through baking, especially her intricately decorated cookies made for weddings, holidays, and birthdays. Each batch was crafted with care and creativity, becoming a sweet centerpiece of celebration and tradition. Through both her lens and her oven, Joanne left behind a legacy of warmth, artistry, and the world as she saw it: full of wonder, grace, and love. Joanne’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, fierce love for her family, and a joyful spirit that touched everyone she met. Her warmth, laughter, and devotion will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Family and friends will be received on Thursday, September 18th from 3-6 p.m. at the SCHWERHA-NOLL FUNERAL HOME, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Blaise Roman Catholic Church, 772 Ohio Avenue, Midland, at 10:30am on Friday, September 19th. Burial will take place at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Margaret Stella Woolslayer, 91, of West Creek in Stafford Township, New Jersey, formerly of Rochester, where she resided most of her life, passed away on September 9th, 2025, in Terrace of Seacrest Village in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey. She was born in Aliquippa on September 10th, 1933, a daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret Hildebrand Williams. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald E. Woolslayer Sr., as well as eleven siblings and one grand-daughter, Sophie Hannah Woolslayer. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Janet L. and Gerard McHugh, of West Creek, New Jersey, and Lori Ann and Philip Bock, of Hebron, Maryland, two sons and daughters-in-law, Donald E. Jr. and Heather Woolslayer, of Linwood, New Jersey, and Robert A. and Amanda Woolslayer, of Northampton, Pennsylvania, ten grandchildren, a sister, Dorothy Wilhelm of Cranberry Township, a sister-in-law, Evelyn Williams of San Diego, California, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was a retired cook who worked at Quigley Catholic High School of Baden. Margaret was a devout Catholic and faithfully attended mass for many years at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Rochester, part of Our Lady Of The Valley Parish, where she was a Christian Mother. Once she moved to New Jersey, she became a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Barnegat. Throughout her years, Faith was central to Margaret’s life. Margaret cherished time with her grandchildren above all else. She loved to play games, build puzzles, and attend many of their extracurricular activities. She regularly attended BINGO at the local churches and loved to travel to Atlantic City and Las Vegas with her sisters which she did annually for many years. Margie was a talented cross stitcher who created numerous treasures for her family. She lovingly stitched detailed works of art such as “The Last Supper” for each of her children which are displayed in their dining rooms. Margaret’s love poured out in her kitchen as well. She was an avid baker who was locally famous for her Christmas cookies which she shared with family and friends across the country. Her Danish pastry apple pie and whoopie pies were a staple and enjoyed by many. She was a true Pittsburgher being a lifelong Penguins and Steelers fan proudly wearing the black and gold. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 20th, at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, 632 Virginia Avenue, Rochester from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester. All arrangements are entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home Inc. 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

Joseph Thomas Ondrusek, 47, of Center Township, formerly of Beaver Falls, passed away on September 10th, 2025 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital of Pittsburgh after a brief battle with lung cancer.

He was born in Beaver on August 16th, 1978, a son of Doris Elaine Ondrusek and the late Thomas Lee Ondrusek. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 20 years, Emily Lynne Ondrusek, his sons, Tyler Michael Ondrusek and Ethan Thomas Ondrusek, his brother, Jeffrey Michael (Carrie) Ondrusek and his sister, Christin Pauline (Efrain) Barron.

Joseph worked as a Project Manager with Aethon for over 20 years. His greatest passion was his family and the love he had for his wife and boys was apparent. He loved watching Tyler and Ethan play sports filling him with endless pride. He volunteered countless hours coaching youth sports and loved every second. He was an avid sports fan of the Michigan Wolverines and a phenomenal cook. To know Joseph was to love him.

In accordance with Joseph’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.

Emilio John “Willie” Frank, 96, of Rochester Township, passed away in Rochester Manor on September 12th, 2025. He was born in Rochester on January 27th, 1929, a son of the late James V. and Rose C. Floccari Frank. He is survived by his sister, Rose Cecilia Frank of Rochester Township, with whom Willie resided with for many years, as well as one sister-in-law, Janice Frank McConaughy of Oakdale, Pennsylvania, a beloved cousin, Joseph Emmanuel of Export, Pennsylvania and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers: Andrew, Robert S. “Spot”, Sylvester, Vincent and Alfred Frank; as well as four sisters: Olga M. Frank, Eileen P. Miller, Dolores J. “DeeDee” Frank and Virginia M. DeBarge Fox; along with five brothers-in-law: Walter Miller, John DeBarge, James Fox, Frank Mavero and Robert McConaughy; as well as four sisters-in-law: Marilyn Frank, Juanita Frank Mavero, Agnes Frank Kathleen Frank: along with three nephews, David G. Frank, Joey Miller, David A. Frank and one great-niece, Falisha Frank.

Emilio was a retired employee of the former Westinghouse Corporation, which is currently known as Eaton Corporation. He was also a member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Rochester, part of Our Lady Of The Valley Parish, where he had been an usher for many years. He was a 1946 graduate of Rochester Area High School who went on to receive his B.S degree in Business Administration in 1957 from Geneva College on Beaver Falls. He was also a former member of the Rochester Turners who loved his garden. He also loved baseball and he pitched for many years. He was also very well known for the wine that he made. Friends will be received on Wednesday, September 17th, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc. 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, September 18th at 10 a.m., in St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, 632 Virginia Avenue, Rochester. Father Christopher Mannerino will be the celebrant of the Mass. Interment will follow in St. Cecilia Cemetery, 761 Allendale Road, New Brighton. The family wishes memorial contributions be made to St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, 628 Virginia Avenue, Rochester, PA, 15074, or a charity of your choice.