Robert A. Rich, Sr., 84, of Beaver, passed away on August 20th, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Beaver Falls on November 14th, 1940, a son of the late Robert H. and Kathryn Koehler Rich. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ann Banyas, and a brother, Michael Rich. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jo Johnson, a son, Robert A. Rich Jr., and his fiance, Kim Tolin, a daughter, Suzette M. and Ed Morrissey, a grandson, Nicholas Mathlage and his wife Aubrey, his granddaughters, Alexis Mathlage and her fiance, Brandon Rusnock and Lauren Mathlage, a great-grandson, Grayson Smith and great-granddaughters, Gia and Gemma Rusnock and Brooke Mathlage, two sisters, Joan Rowe and Diana Tatsch, as well as many loving nieces and nephews, his previous wife and friend Sandra Rich, his best friend Eddie and his beloved beagles, Ella and Lucy. Robert is a graduate of Freedom High School, Penn State University and LaRoche University. After proudly serving four years in the United States Air Force at the 7505th Hospital in Swindon, England, he then worked at St. Joe Minerals for fourty-one years as an engineering assistant followed by twenty years as a part-time Tipstaff for the Court of Common Pleas of Beaver County. He was also a faithful member of the New Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church of Freedom and over the years he served on the church council, as church treasurer, participated in several mission trips, and was a member of the choir. He had a deep passion for supporting world hunger and through his love for animals, the prevention of animal abuse. As a Master Gardener, he loved planting his vegetable garden as well as enjoying and sharing the bounty with others. Family dinners, and birthday celebrations were always special to him and family times will never be the same without him. As a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he always had the ability to make anyone smile or laugh and will forever be in the hearts of those who knew him. The family will be receiving friends on Monday, August 25th, from 2-4 p.m., and from 6-8 p.m., at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangments. Friends will be also received on Tuesday, August 26th from 9:30 a.m., until the time of a service at 10:30 a.m., in the New Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, 200 2nd Avenue, Freedom. Officiating will be his pastor Martin Galbraith. A private family interment will be in the Beaver Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, 200 2nd Avenue, Freedom, PA 15042, or to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001. The Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter #862 will provide full military honors at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 26th at the New Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church of Freedom for their fallen comrade.
Category: Obituaries
Wendy S. Dugan (1968-2025)
Wendy S. Dugan, 57, of New Brighton, passed away on August 20th, 2025.
She was born in New Brighton on March 15th, 1968, a daughter of Eileen (Beitsch) Garmen and the late Jack George. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Edward J. Dugan, Jr., three children, Maranda (Ryan) Stack of Grove City, Derek (Jaelyn) McClintock of New Brighton and Patrick (Morgan) Dugan of New Brighton, five grandchildren: Finn, Lucy, Bryson, Teagan, Sunny, Brynlie; along with two sisters, Marlynn Gibson of Lakeland, Florida and Terri (Dave) Baker of New Brighton, two step sisters, Tracy Del Vecchio and Joy Ashurst, three step brothers, Robert, Ronnie and Korry Ashurst and several nieces, nephews and their families.
Wendy was a true lover of the outdoors who found great peace in nature, especially during her cherished camping trips to Bear Run. She had a lifelong passion for crafting and needlepoint, often creating beautiful, handmade pieces that reflected her warmth and creativity. Her talents brought joy to many and left lasting impressions in every stitch. More than anything, Wendy loved being a grandma. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she treasured every moment spent with them. She also found deep friendship and community through her time at the Rochester Turners and the New Brighton Eagles, where she built lasting relationships and shared many laughs.
A gathering will be held to celebrate Wendy’s life on Sunday, August 24th from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Rochester Turners, 338 Pennsylvania Avenue, Rochester. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.
Donations may be made to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, PA 15066.
Jeanne H. (Tritschler) Thomas (1930-2025)
Jeanne H. (Tritschler) Thomas, 95, of Patterson Township, passed away on August 21st, 2025 at Cambridge Village of Beaver Falls. She was born on March 2nf, 1930 in College Hill in Beaver Falls, the eldest child of the late Ellen E. (Campbell) and Andrew Hays. She is survived by her sister, Linda H. Niedra and was preceded in death by their brother, Richard Hays. She was also preceded in death by her second husband, Robert E. Thomas, Sr. her daughter, Jill A. McDowell and her son-in-law, Robert E. (Ginny) Thomas, Jr. She is survived by their children, Daniel (Agneta) Thomas, Sweden; Michael (Joyce) Thomas, Illinois; Julie (Greg) Klecker, Michigan.She is survived by five of her six biological children: Drs. Joseph P. (Sarah Melissa Witiak) Tritschler II of Virginia, Jeffrey H. (Faith) Tritschler of Beaver, Jamey L. (Stephen) Porto of New Galilee, Jan M. (Sean) Livingston of Patterson Heights and John M. (Kelly) Tritschler of Summerfield, North Carolina. Jeanne worked as an executive secretary at B&W Steel and Duquesne Light Company. She was a member of Pathway Church in Beaver Falls. Jeanne was very passionate about her faith and ministry. She exemplified a true Woman of God in kindness and grace. She and her late husband, Robert, would have bible studies at their house for the students at Geneva College. In her free time, Jeanne found joy in cross-stitching. She was known for her quick wit and being kind to a fault. Jeanne played a wicked game of UNO, showing no mercy on family or friends. She was a caring and beautiful soul. Jeanne is also survived by her puppy dog, Oscar and many grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Friends will be received on Monday, August 25th from 10 A.M. until time of services at 11 A.M. in PATHWAY CHURCH, 239 Braun Road, Beaver Falls. Interment will follow at Concord Cemetery, 275 Concord Church Road, Beaver Falls. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Gabauer Funeral Homes.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeanne’s name can be made to a ministry of choice.
Debra L. Davis (1961-2025)
Debra L. Davis, 63, passed away on August 19th, 2025. She was born on November 8th, 1961. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gregg Davis, her son, Nathan Davis, her granddaughter, Sheylee Young-Davis, her sister, Shellee Hamrick and her mother, Charlotte Hamrick. She is survived by her children: Amanda (A.J.) Vazquez, Amie (Eric) Custer, and Gregg Davis II, her cherished grandchildren, Brea and A.J. Vazquez, Aiden Davis, and Gracen Custer, her father: Rufus Hamrick and her siblings: David Samovoski, Kimberly Guillen, and Renee MacDonald. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Debra had a creative spirit and a curious mind. She loved crafting and had a knack for turning simple things into something special. She was a passionate fan of crime shows, mystery novels, and anything that involved a good puzzle. Whether solving fictional cases or sharing theories about true crime documentaries, she had a sharp wit and loved a good mystery. Most of all, she loved her family. She was a proud mother, devoted grandmother, and loving sister who found happiness in the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. Her love was unconditional and her presence a comforting constant in all our lives.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.
Kenneth J. McCaughtry (1948-2025)
Kenneth J. McCaughtry, 77, of Chippewa Township, passed away surrounded by family on August 19th, 2025, at PAM Health at Heritage Valley Beaver. He was born on July 24th, 1948, the son of the late Ralph D. and Dorothy A. Cable McCaughtry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carole Comley. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Joni McCaughtry, five children: Erin (Mark) Kilpatrick, Tim (Kelly) Mittica, Beth (Matt) Harris, Shannon McCaughtry, and Colleen (Robb) Currie; as well as nine grandchildren: Leigh (Jon) Hill, Ian Kilpatrick, Dominic Mittica, Michael Mittica, Christian Harris, Lucas Harris, Rayeanne Johnston, Jillian Athelia McCaughtry-Popp and Genevieve Currie; along with his first great-grandchild on the way, Baby Hill, his nieces and nephews,his great-nieces and great-nephews, one great-great-nephew, as well as his beloved dog, Stella and many extended family and friends. Kenneth lived a life marked by service, faith, and an undeniable love for the simple pleasures. He served in the National Guard, worked as a life insurance agent, and later safeguarded the halls of Geneva College as a security guard. He was also an active member of the Chippewa United Methodist Church for many years, he guided countless Sunday services as a liturgist and usher, his devotion and spirit radiating in every word and gesture. Beyond his formal roles, Kenneth was a proud Eagle Scout, a testament to his lifelong commitment to service and community. His joys were simple but profound. Nothing brought him more happiness than walking his beloved dog, Stella. All services for Kenneth will be private. Professional services and arrangements were entrusted to CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.
Roberta Nahas (1961-2025)
Roberta Nahas, 64, of Chippewa Township, passed away on August 18th, 2025. She died from cancer, after being home on hospice for over a month.
She was born on March 29th, 1961, a daughter of the late Rose Ann (Bittner) and Robert Highberger. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jim Highberger (Toni Highberger-Grimes). She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Dean Nahas, her daughters, Dana Dillaman (Amber) and Laura Lora (Jhoan), her son, Kevin Nahas, four grandchildren, Shahia, Natalia, Elizabeth and Gabriela; along with three sisters, Wendy Graser (Phil), Penny Bowser (Scott) and Ardy Skidmore; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Roberta was first and foremost a Christian and active member of her church. She was a former librarian at Beaver County Christian School after volunteering there for years. She was passionate about volunteering with Operation Christmas Child by Samaritan’s Purse and various other charities. She was also a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator for twenty years, through which she enjoyed fellowship, creativity, a ministry with which to share her faith.
Friends will be received for a visitation on Friday, August 22nd, from 4-8 p.m. and on Saturday, August 23rd, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon followed by a memorial service from 12 noon to 1 p.m., officiated by Pastor Dan Muir at the Chippewa Alliance Church, 3629 37th Street Extension, Beaver Falls. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Gabauer Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers, Roberta requests that donations be made to Samaritan’s Purse.
Michelle S. (Lindsey) Wallace (1962-2025)
Michelle S. (Lindsey) Wallace, 63, of Darlington, passed away on August 19th, 2025 at her residence.
She was born in North Creek, New York on May 29th, 1962, a daughter of the late George and Gloria (VanDerwarker) Lindsey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Kathy Lindsey. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Gregory A. Wallace, her children: Brian (Erica) Wallace, Zach Wallace, Ashley (Jim) Zito, and Paige Wallace; as well as her grandchildren, Gibson, Ava and Greyson, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Michelle was a graduate of Johnsburg Central Highschool in North Creek, New York. She found joy in raising her four children, crafting, and listening to her favorite band, Aerosmith, while glamping with her friends and loving husband.
Friends will be received on Tuesday, August 26th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.
Alice Lillian Phillips (1930-2025)
Alice Lillian Phillips, 94, formerly of New Sewickley Township, passed away on August 19th, 2025 in St. Barnabas, Beaver Meadows of Beaver. She was born on November 20th, 1930, a daughter of the late John and Alice Phillips. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, James and Harry Phillips and a sister whom she was very close with, Mary Phillips. She is survived by her niece, Carol (Roland) McClinton, two great nephews: Roland (Colleen) McClinton Jr. and Randy McClinton, a great niece, Denise (Thomas) McKenzie, five great great nieces and nephews: Brooke McClinton, Tyler McKenzie, Morgan Brody, Lauren McClinton, and Austin McClinton; as well as two great great great nephews: Cormic and Sylus. Alice was a retired phone operator working for Bell Telephone and then Verizon for many years. She was a devout Catholic. She attended Our Lady of the Valley Parish with St. Felix Church in Freedom and Divine Redeemer Parish with St. James Church in Sewickley. She loved being active in her church. She was constantly a caretaker who would happily help any of her family, friends and church members.
Friends will be received on Monday, August 25th from 10 a.m. until the time of a Blessing Service at Noon in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester. 502 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of her arrangements.
Private interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery of Freedom, Pennsylvania.
Deborah Lewandowski Dzikowski (1956-2025)
Deborah Lewandowski Dzikowski, 69, of Ambridge, passed away on August 18th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Sewickley.
She was born in Sewickley on May 7th, 1956, a daughter of the late Henry and Mary (Volosh) Lewandowski. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Dzikowski, a brother-in-law, James Ridjaneck and a sister-in-law, Deborah Lewandowski. She is survived by her siblings, David Lewandowski and Cheryl Ridjaneck, her nieces and nephews, Nicole (Chris) Starkey, David J. Lewandowski and Katelyn (Jacob Anderson) Ridjaneck and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Deborah was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Ambridge who liked to read in her free time.
A memorial service for Deborah will be held at a later date.
GABAUER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton was honored to care for Deborah’s family during this difficult time.
The family would like to thank LIFE Beaver for the support and care they provided to Deborah.
Rebecca Raye Finch (1954-2025)
Rebecca Raye Finch, 71, of Rochester, passed away on August 14th, 2025, at UPMC Montifiore Hospital of Pittsburgh.
She was born in Rochester on November 8th, 1954, a daughter of the late Donald and Beatrice (Persaul) Finch. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her partner, Gary Van Winkle and her sisters, Lorraine Mahany and Jayne Berrisford.
She is survived by her brother, Donald Finch, her sister, Vivian Finch, along with her nieces, nephews and friends.
Rebecca had worked at Diamond Cargo Company for many years and was very artistic. She enjoyed painting and spending time with her cat, Quigley.
In accordance with Rebecca’s wishes, she will be cremated and no services will be held.
The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Rebecca and her family during this time.