Charles Figley Capper, 89, of Beaver, dearly known as “Brub”, passed away in his sleep on August 15, 2024. He was born to Charles and Margaret Capper in April of 1935. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sally Buffington. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen, his five children, Pamela Capper, Chad (Wendy) Capper, Susan Capper, Debbie (Greg) Koepke, Gretchen (Peter) Lang, twelve grandchildren, Nicholas Marks, Chandler Lupo, Allison Capper Falconer (Wiley), Charles Capper (Ava), Spencer Lupo, Andrew Capper, Sally DeVera, Colin DeVera, Jack Lupo, Charlie Lupo, William Koepke, Montgomery Lang, and three great-grandchildren, William, Luke and Matilda Falconer. After graduating from Choate boarding school in Wallingford, Connecticut, he went on to attend Middlebury and Babson Colleges before becoming the President of Damascus Steel Casting Company in New Brighton. Charles was a leader in the community and served on multiple boards, including the United Way of New Brighton, CASA, YMCA of New Brighton, and the Standard Horsenail Company. He was a longtime member of Park Presbyterian church in Beaver, where he also served as a Deacon and Elder. A passionate fan, Charles was a season ticket holder of the Steelers since 1960 and a member of Beaver Valley and Seven Oaks Country Clubs where he loved spending time with his father and friends on the golf course and the 19th hole.
Charles lived his life and faced his mortality on his own terms: steadfast, determined and humble. He was a gentle soul, always a gentleman, a man of few words – but thoughtful with them, and made those around him feel his kind aura. Charles enjoyed fine dining, was a jazz connoisseur and avid drummer – sometimes finagling to join a jazz trio just for a set. Charles spent his final days surrounded by the love of his wife and daughters, Debbie and Gretchen, eating his beloved oysters, listening to his favorite jazz standards while sitting in the sunshine on his last day, even belting out Frank’s famous lyrics “it’s the good life to be free and explore the unknown” and “I did it my way”.
Charles was a most loving father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. on Friday, August 23 at Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 3rd Street, Beaver. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 24 at 11a.m. at Park Presbyterian Church, 275 Commerce Street, Beaver. Private family internment will follow the funeral service. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Merrick Art Gallery, 1100 5th Avenue, New Brighton, or Park Presbyterian Church, 275 Commerce Street, Beaver.

 

Nelia Rushman (Drilon), 59, of Ambridge, passed away on August 15th, 2024. She was born on October 31, 1964, the daughter of Lea and Narcisco Drilon of the Philippines. Nelia is survived by her beloved children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless friends who cherished her as family. Nelia’s journey from her native Philippines to Ambridge marked the beginning of a life dedicated to caring for others. As a devoted mother and grandmother, she watched with joy as her family grew and flourished. In her adopted community, Nelia became a pillar, known for her entrepreneurial spirit, her role as a certified Zumba instructor, and her passion for karaoke. Her home was always open, offering warmth, hospitality, and a place at the table for anyone in need. Friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, August 21, at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, from 12-2 P.M. and 4-6 P.M. Nelia’s legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

David J. Piole, 73, of Robinson Township, passed away on August 13, 2024 in Allegheny General Hospital.  He was born in Pittsburgh on August 28, 1950, the son of the late Joseph C. & Bertha Marie (Giger) Piole. He is survived by his wife, Gail (Youngworth) Piole, three brothers, Michael Piole (Pam) of South Park, Dan Piole of Millvale, Joe Piole, Pittsburgh, and his dog, Brody.

David was a 1968 graduate of North Hills High School. He then earned his Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University in Marketing, 1972. His career consisted of sales with Heavy Equipment for various companies including Machinery Rental, Metaris, D-A Lubricants, & Woodings Industrial Company.

Friends will be received on Monday August 19^th from 12 P.M. until time of Memorial Service at 5 P.M. in The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road. Private interment will take place at a later date.

Janice “Kathy” Park, 73, of Brighton Township, passed away on August 14, 2024, with her husband and sister by her side.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Darren and brother Terry Perza. She is survived by her husband of nearly 53 years, Ronald Park; brothers, James (Jan) Perza, Mark (Jodi) Perza; sister, Linda (Mike) Blankenship; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was born on October 5, 1950 in Rochester,  a daughter of the late Nick and Betty Perza. Kathy devoted her life to caring for her beloved son, Darren. She also enjoyed the outdoors, boating and attending car cruises.

Friends will be received Monday, August 19, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, with burial following at Beaver Cemetery with her son.

John Clark Garmen, 81, formerly of North Sewickley Township, passed away on August 14, 2024 at Passavant Retirement Community of Zelienople surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.

He was born on January 2, 1943, in New Brighton, the son of the late Robert C. and Thelma Dixon Garmen. John was preceded in death by his three brothers Robert, Burton, and Richard, and sister-in-law Janet Garmen.

John retired from B&W Steel Mill in Koppel where he was an electrician. Many people and businesses respected his expertise, and John never hesitated to take care of the electrical needs of others, day or night. John loved his Lord and his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Evelyn E. “Betsy” Buck Garmen, his two daughters, Patricia (James) Schaffer, of West Sunbury, and Terri Brown (Josh Winschel), of Ellwood City, six grandchildren: Brian (Ashley) Schaffer, Joanna (Layne) Kriebel, Curtis (Leanne) Brown, Nick (Aubree) Brown, Alex (Maria) Brown, and Emma Brown, fourteen great-grandchildren: Lilly, Carter, Sydnee, Aubrey, Ryan, Myah, Nolan, Abeni, Curtis Jr., Avery, Colton, Kevin “Scott” II, Nathan, and Bearett, one great-great-grandson, Atlas, three sisters-in-law, Mary Garmen, Eileen Garmen, and Gertrude (Mark) Hutchinson, as well as several nieces and nephews, also survive.

Friends and family will be received Saturday, August 17, from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. at the Sylvania Hills Baptist Church of Rochester. His pastor, Rev. Michael L. Bailey, will officiate.

Private interment will follow in Grove Cemetery of New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Sylvania Hills Baptist Church—Children’s Ministries, 567 Pittsburgh Road, Rochester, PA 15074.

Edith Rodriguez, 86, of Ambridge, passed away at Cambridge Pointe on August 14, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Rodriguez. Edith is survived by her two children, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. As per her wishes, Funeral services will be held privately and they are entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC., Ambridge.

Charles J. Mitsak, passed away August 11, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona after a long illness.

He was born on October 11, 1946, a son of the late Dimitri & Julia Mitsak. He was born and raised in Sewickley. He is survived by his loving son, Ezra Michael Mitsak of Austin, Texas, grieving siblings Michael Mitsak, Stanwell Park of Australia, Carole Bucklin of Livingston, Montana, John Mitsak of Towson, Maryland and was preceded in death by infant Julie Lynn. He is also survived by 8 nieces and nephews and numerous grand nephews and nieces. His marriage to Jean Dickason ended in divorce.

Charles graduated with a BS Degree in chemistry from The College of the Holy Cross. Cee taught in western Pennsylvania, Australia, Northern Virginia, Cyprus on a Fulbright Exchange Program, several overseas posts for the Department of Defense Schools, including Bahrain and the Naval Station Rota, Spain. He was the first physics teacher at Cholla High School in Tucson and was very proud of his students’ accomplishments.

Charles, known as Cee to his many friends, loved being an educator and was proud to have taught for over 50 years.  Starting out at his high school alma mater, Cee taught chemistry, physics, and philosophy, including courses in the International Baccalaureate Program.

Charles was very much a part of the ‘60s generation. He loved all kinds of music and was constantly finding interesting artists to enjoy. He loved reading science fiction of all kinds and was quick to engage in lively conversations.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, August 21 at 11 A.M. in the SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church Cemetery Chapel of Ambridge.

In lieu of flowers, Cee suggests offering a prayer for someone in need.

Edward “Edgemo” Klak, 93, of Ambridge passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 12, 2024. He was born in Sewickley on November 13, 1930, to the late Vincent and Pauline Klak. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Shirley (Massoud) Klak, his sisters Sophie and Dorothy, and brother, Henry. He is survived by his daughters, Debra (Stan) Darpino and Kathy (Troy) Erwin, his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly, Paige (John) Full, Edward Erwin, and Natalie Erwin, his great-granddaughter, Vivian, and one on the way. He is also survived by his sisters, Joann (Joe) Barna and Florence Jula, many loving members of the Massoud family, Anthony (Lee) Massoud, Liz (Nick) Williams, Marie Venanzio, John (MaryAnn) Massoud and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Edward honorably served his country in the U.S. Army. After his service, he continued his commitment to public service by joining the police force. He went on to serve for the Ambridge Police Department for over 30 years. He was a pillar of the community and known for his integrity, compassion, and dedication to helping others. Throughout the years, Edward made countless friends with his colleagues and the residents he served, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him. Edward was a member of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Good Samaritan Church of Ambridge. He was a true Pittsburgh sports fan and loved to watch the Steelers and Pirate games. His enthusiasm was contagious while often watching with his family and friends. He took great joy in sharing his love for sports, his Polish heritage and listening to polkas on Sundays, passing on traditions that will be cherished for generations. A memorial visitation will be held at the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation LLC, 547 8th Street Ambridge, for both Edward and his late wife Shirley on Monday, August 26th, from 9-11 A.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 A.M. in the Saint Luke/Good Samaritan Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Entombment will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies of Bridgeville.

Norma (Winkler) Murphy, 91, of Chippewa Township, passed away on August 12, 2024 at Celebration Villa of Chippewa.

Born on September 19, 1932, in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Marie (Huber) Winkler. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Edward Murphy, granddaughter, Heather Murphy, brothers Michael and William Winkler; and four sisters, Elsie Bennett, Elma Fulford, Hilda Gentzel, and Dorothy Moskal. She is survived by daughters, Sally (Kraig) Diehl of Chippewa Township; Nancy Udstuen of Spanaway, Washington; Cynthia Hall of Mesa, Arizona, brother, Robert Winkler, of California; grandchildren, Jessica (Robert) Cramer, Jennifer Weidman, Danielle (Aaron) Sweet, Alexis Udstuen, Erik Udstuen, Russell (Kirstie) Diehl, Rachel (Taylor) Killen, and Roger (Courtney) Diehl and 5 great grandchildren.

She graduated from Beaver Valley General Hospital School of Nursing in 1953.  She was a passionate and dedicated registered nurse for 41 years at New Brighton and Medical Center of Beaver County (now Heritage Valley).

Friends will be received on Thursday, August 15 from 6 P.M. until time of blessing service at 7 P.M. in the HILL AND KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, INC.- 3801 4TH Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Entombment will take place in Beaver Falls Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, contributions can be made to the Blackhawk School District Educational Foundation, 500 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, PA  15010 in memory of Norma Murphy.  To honor her passion for nursing care, a scholarship will be set up in her name for any student attending a four-year college to pursue a career in nursing.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of Celebration Villa and Gateway Hospice, Fox Rehab (Brittany & Megan) and Gallagher Home Health Services (Jenn) for the outstanding care given to our mother over the past several years.  There is a special place in heaven for her caregivers.