Joann Zurga, 87, of Chippewa Township, passed away Monday, March 11, 2024.
Joann was born on May 22, 1936 in Homewood to the late William and Verna (Jarrett) McKim.
Joann was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Joseph Zurga and a sister, Mary Urista.
Surviving are her four children, Matthew Zurga of Virginia Beach, VA, Karen (Don) Reeher of Big Beaver Borough, Michelle (Brian) Smith of Ridgefield, WA and Michael Zurga of College Hill; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and a sister, Janet Detka of Beaver Falls. She was a member of St. Augustine Parish.
The family would also like to thank Celebration Villa for the care Joann received while there.
Friends will be received Monday, March 18th from 11:00 am until the time of a Blessing Service at 1:00 p.m. in the HILL AND KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, 3801 Fourth Avenue, Beaver Falls. Burial will be in Rocky Springs Cemetery, New Galilee.

Dennis F. Hacker, 76, of Enon Valley, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at AdventHealth Waterman, Tavares, FL.

Born on October 31, 1947, in New Brighton, he was the son of the late Frederick and June (Smith) Hacker.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Patsie A. (Conti) Hacker; a daughter-in-law, Gabralee Hacker; and a brother, Richard Hacker.

He is survived by his children, Tracie Kio, Shaun Hacker, and Tara Hacker; grandchildren, Austin Zalin, Kolten Cope, Jacob Kio, Garret Kio, Storm Phillips, and Sibyl Phillips; great-granddaughter, Onavella Rodriguez; his siblings, Robert (Marlea) Hacker, Peggy Taylor, and Frances Morgan; a sister-in-law, Patricia Hacker; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dennis had retired as a Chemical Technician from NOVA Chemical following many years of service.  He was a proud Veteran, having served in the United States Army and was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler fan.

Friends will be received on Friday, March 15^th from 2-4PM 7 6-8PM in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Twp., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

A Blessing Service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, March 16^th at 11AM.

Private interment will be in Grandview Cemetery.

Willard M. “Tex” Harsh, 100, of Patterson Heights, passed away on March 7, 2024. He was born November 11, 1923 in Morning Sun, Iowa to Russell and Arminta (Allen) Harsh.

Willard was preceded in death by his siblings: Eleanor (Everett) Cummings, Grace (Larry) Coon, Robert (Betty) Harsh and Alice (Ray) Pilling.

Willard is survived by his wife of nearly 73 years, Marjorie (Hill) Harsh, his sons, Mark and wife Sandy Hienz, Russ and wife Sheila, Brian and wife Linda and Brad Harsh, and daughter Janet Harsh; grandchildren; Eric (Laura) Harsh, Kelly (Jeff) Manning, Allison (Andy) Dixon and Alex Harsh; great-grandchildren; Charlotte Manning, Peyton, Channing and Harper Harsh and Luke and Colby Dixon. Step-granddaughters; Rachel Hienz (Marty Goffenhofen) and Erin (Hayden) Lutz; Step-great-grandchildren; Bishop and Ryan Lutz. He also had one cousin, Paul Mathews and many nephews and nieces.

He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII as a tail -gunner on a B-24 Liberator, flying 30 missions in China, Burma and India, and received 4 medals, while in the service. He graduated from Geneva College and retired from B&W. Willard had been an active member of First Reformed Presbyterian Church in Patterson Township. He was known in Patterson Heights as “ the man who walked and picked-up litter”.

Rev. Matt Filbert and Rev. Bruce Backensto officiated at the private funeral service.

A favorite Bible verse was, “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me”.  Philippians 4:13

Janet Ann Emge, 85, of Chippewa Township, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

Born October 9, 1938, in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Mildred (Brandt) Schmidt.  A graduate of Parkville High School in Baltimore, MD, she married James G. Emge, Jr., on October 6, 1957, and they had three sons.  She worked at Geneva College for 20 years before retiring. Janet attended Hope Lutheran Church in Brighton Twp. and was a social member of the Fort McIntosh Club in Beaver.  Janet loved to entertain, spend time with her family and friends, travel, and play cards.   She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She will be deeply missed.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James G. Emge Jr. on November 23, 2015; and a brother, Theodore Schmidt. Jr.

She is survived by her sons and their spouses, Jeff and Myra Emge, Mike and Kelly Emge, and Barry and Ann Emge; her grandchildren, Casey and Andrew Johnson, Carly Emge and Nick Wells, Jamie and Christian Balaski, Tyler Emge, Luke Emge, Josh Emge, Sam Emge, Matt and Sarah Emge, Jake and Kayla Emge and Emily and Matt Rosowski; her great-granddaughters, Eve Emge and Parker Balaski; her sister, Lois Schammel; her brother-in-law, Ronald, Emge; her sister-in-law, Beverly Schmidt; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received on Saturday,  March 16^th from 4pm until the time of services at 6pm in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC- 117 Blackhawk Rd., Chippewa Twp.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Janet’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association- 2835 E Carson St Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 or Champion Life Church- 3357 Constitution Blvd, Darlington, PA 16115.

Patricia Ann (Tullis) Mason, 71, of North Sewickley Township, died Friday, March 8, 2024, at her home with her husband of 50 years by her side.

Born September 1, 1952, in Beaver Falls, she was the daughter of the late Edward Leroy and Myrtle Daisy (Richeal) Tullis.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, the love of her life, whom she married on May 12, 1971, Dr. Richard D. Mason; a son and daughter-in-law, Joel and Sara Mason, of Darlington Township; four grandchildren, Jocelyn, Luke, Noah, and Sadie Mason; a brother, David Tullis, of New Galilee; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Billie and Russell Fink of Patterson Township, Scott and Cherie Mason of Butler, and Curtis and Mary Mason of Mathews of Virginia. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Jeanette Tullis.

Patricia was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School and the United Hospital School of Nursing. Her nursing career was spent in service to people and included a broad range of experiences. She worked two years in physical rehabilitation, returning to critical care nursing for several years before leaving the clinical area to work as a case manager at Cigna for many years. At age 52 she returned to the clinical area and discovered her true nursing passion when she began work as a home care nurse for Progressive Home Health. She cared for patients in their homes for 5 years and for the last 8 years of her career, she became a supervisor, eventually becoming responsible for all aspects of training from new hire orientation to writing training materials to precepting and annual training. She retired from Progressive in October of 2017.

She was a member of Hope Community Reformed Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon through the time of her death. Before this, she was a longtime member of College Hill Reformed Presbyterian Church, where she also served as a deacon for over 20 years. She served on the board and various committees at Beaver County Christian School, from which her son graduated and where her grandchildren still attend.

Patricia loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She could often be found on the sidelines or in the audience, cheering on her grandchildren during their athletic competitions or musical performances. She cherished her church family and the lasting friendships that she cultivated over decades. Always ready to lend a helping hand, she remained actively involved in serving others until the end of her life. Patricia loved sailing and birdwatching and cherished the friendships that blossomed from these activities. Each year, she, her family, and a group of lifelong friends embarked on annual sailing trips on the Chesapeake Bay. Over the years, they enjoyed over 40 of these trips together, creating some of the most cherished memories.

Though she leaves this earthly life, she was steadfast in her knowledge that she was joining her Lord and Savior in Heaven. She spent much of her last week sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those around her. This truly was her comfort in life and in death.

Friends will be received Friday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home, www.hillandkunselman.com, located at 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. The family will receive friends on Saturday at Hope Community Reformed Presbyterian Church, located at 3400 5th Avenue, Beaver Falls, from 10:00 AM until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 AM, with Rev. George Gregory officiating.

Private interment will be in the Reformed Presbyterian Cemetery, New Galilee.

Memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to Hope Community Reformed Presbyterian Church or Beaver County Christian School.

Robert M. Nicol Sr., 80, of Vanport, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2024, in Good Samaritan Hospice at Heritage Valley Beaver.
Born on May 21, 1943, in New Brighton, he was the son of the late Ellsworth and Anna Nicol. Along with his parents, Robert is preceded in death by two brothers, Thomas and Les Nicol. Robert will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 42 years, Jackie; his children, Robert Nicol Jr, Amy Beth (Ken) Zack, and Travis Nicol; sisters, Priscilla Marie (Ron) Pander, and Mona Lisa Ann Nicol; two grandsons, one great-granddaughter, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Robert was a proud veteran of the United States Army, a member of the Vanport VFW, and a lifetime member of the Midland Sportsman Club. He had worked at BCRC and Westinghouse, and was a former member of the Big Brother Program.
Friends will be received in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009, from 5pm until the time of service at 7pm on Tuesday March 12, 2024. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Private interment will take place at Beaver Cemetery.

Theodore L. “Ted” McClaren, 83, of Patterson Township, passed away peacefully March 6, 2024, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born October 9, 1940, in Beaver Falls, Ted was the son of the late Harry and Frances Kennedy McClaren. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Janet Buckenheimer McClaren, a son, Keith, of New York City, a granddaughter, Camile E. McClaren of New York City, and grandson, Kevin, of Boston, Massachusetts. Ted was a retired employee of the former Babcock and Wilcox Company, of Beaver Falls, PA., where he worked for nineteen years and later worked for Penn Pavilion, New Brighton, PA.
Ted was a peacetime Navy Veteran, after graduating from Beaver Falls High School in 1958. He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church, Beaver Falls, where he had a video ministry for several years. He was a former member of the Presbyterian Church, where he was a deacon and an elder, and most recently attending Faith on 68 Church. Ted enjoyed traveling and camping where he put to use his photography and videography skills. He also enjoyed good music and was an avid reader.
Ted was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed.
Per his wishes there will be no viewing, but a private committal service will be held Tuesday at 1pm in The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, PA., with Pastor Luke Whipple officiating. Internment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Rochester. The family wishes memorial contributions be made to First Assembly Church, Beaver Falls or Riverview Methodist Church.

James Stephen Myak of Erie, PA, formerly of Beaver, passed away following an unexpected medical incident on March 4, 2024.

Jim, 67, was born in Scranton, PA on February 20, 1957. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Stephen Myak Jr. Jim will be greatly missed by his brothers, Robert (Gayle) Myak of Ohio, Kenneth Myak of Utah, and Thomas Myak of California; sisters, Judith (Larry) Parker of Virginia, and Karen Myak of Pennsylvania; brother-in-law, Dave Karaban; nephews, Robert and Greg Myak; and nieces, God-child Rachael and Jessica Myak, and Michelle Parker.

As a graduate of Beaver High School, Jim always came home for reunions. He was a man with a big heart. His friends can attest that he really loved socializing, always bringing family and friends together. Even in death, he provides an opportunity again to bring loved ones together to celebrate his larger than life spirt. Jim enjoyed an exciting career for more than 30 years as an Air Traffic Controller Supervisor with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration before retiring December 3, 2012. Jim had a real passion for music with an eclectic taste but undoubtedly had one favorite musician, Bruce Springsteen, in which he attended over 75 performances. More recently, Jim picked up a guitar and was hooked on learning all his favorite classic songs. Jim’s home was the focal point for friends and family events in which Jim was the most generous host including his Friday night gamers, his Tall Ship and Polish Festival weekends. Sitting around the campfire at his house, sipping on one of his rare bourbons, he loved reminiscing about his adventures, the glory days. He loved to travel to visit family, and his favorite place to go especially with his friends was Pigeon Forge. Jim’s other passion was working and supporting his friend’s local bar, Lefty’s in which he considered them as part of his family. The holiday spirit was large in Jim carrying on his Dad’s tradition of over-the-top decorations, generous gift giving and binge-watching all the Hallmark Holiday specials. He even dressed as Santa for his friends’ grandchildren and charity events.

Friends and family will be received Monday, March 11, 2024, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver, 15009. A brief prayer service will be conducted at 4 p.m. A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date in Erie, PA. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Jim was deeply saddened by the loss of friends due to suicide. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to support the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.

Janet Marie Paxton, 70, of Rochester, passed away Thursday, February 29, 2024, in Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born March 18, 1953, in Geneseo, Illinois and was the daughter of the late Edward E. and Marjorie Bouwins Paxton. Janet was preceded in death by her fiance, Paul R. Buttermore. Janet is survived by one brother and sister in law, David E. and Monica Paxton, Geneseo, Illinois and very special friend Linda Mohr. She was a retired hairdresser and a member of the Women of the Moose, Lodge 990. Janet was Catholic by faith.
Janet’s wishes were to be cremated with no services.
Arrangements are being entrusted to The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, PA.

Joyce A. Barr, 73, of New Brighton, formerly of Rochester, passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Brighton Rehab and Wellness. Born July 7, 1950, in Rochester. Joyce was the daughter of the late James F. Sr., and Anna Mae Walker Barr and Joyce’s step-mother Naomi Smith Barr. Joyce was preceded in death by two brothers, David G. Barr in 2011 and James F. Barr, Jr. in 2022. Joyce is survived by one son and daughter in law, Frederick D. and Kimberly Shegog, of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by a granddaughter, Megan Riley, of Florida, one brother and two sisters in law, Mychal W. and Amy Barr, of Lansdale, PA., Elaine Barr, of Beaver Falls, nephew Mychal Barr, of Glenside, PA., great nephew Myles B. Barr, great niece Layla Jade Barr, of Glenside, PA., Joyce’s best friend Caryl J. Sheffield, of Florida and numerous cousins.
She was a retired social worker in Beaver County, a member of the Second Baptist Church, Rochester, where she was a member of the church choir. Joyce was a 1968 graduate of Rochester High School and was a member of the band. She received her B.S. Degree in Sociology from Cheyney State College in 1974. Joyce was a strong advocate for mental health awareness. Joyce was also a “Friend of Bill”, being in AA for a number of years.
Friends will be received Wednesday March 13, 2024 from 10 AM until 12 noon at the Second Baptist Church, Rochester, PA. A service will follow at 12:15 P.M., and officiating will be Pastor Cicero Lassiter. Interment will follow at Beaver Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., Rochester, PA.
The family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Beaver County Mental Health Association, 105 Brighton Avenue, Rochester, PA.