Category: Obituaries

Richard J. Smith (Died – July 24, 2024)

Our beloved, Richard J. Smith, 70, of Imperial, left us on July 24, 2024.

A son of the late Charles W. and Irene R. (Alexander) Smith, Richard grew up in Monaca and was a graduate of Monaca High School Class of 1972. He attended cosmetology school and had a lifelong career in the industry, which included his own salon, Richards Creative Hair Styling.

Richard, an extraordinary hairdresser, left a lasting impact on everyone he met. With a vibrant personality and a sharp sense of humor, he not only brightened the lives of his clients but also brought joy to countless people. Over his career, he created thousands of stunning hairstyles, each one a testament to his remarkable talent and passion for his craft. His ability to transform and uplift others through his work will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

Beyond his professional achievements, he was a wonderful friend to many. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering support touched the hearts of all who knew him. Richard will be deeply missed and forever loved by his friends, family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Kathy Smith Moore; a brother, Charles Smith; and his precious dog, Bella.

Richard is survived by a special niece, Heidi Smith and her children, Brittany (Justin) Garay and Cody Baxa; his great nephew, Dominic Garay; a special nephew, Todd (Amy) Smith and his children Grace, Brenden, and Marina; his nephew, Shaun Moore; his aunts Hattie Gitts and June Stalnecker; numerous cousins; and many very special friends.

Friends will be received Saturday, August 3rd from 2- 4pm at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca (724) 728 4000.

To share online condolences, view his video tribute, add phots and get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard, please visit our floral store.

Jerome “Snoop” Clark (December 17, 1979 – July 25, 2024)

Jerome “Snoop” Clark Jr., 44, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully at home on July 25, 2024. He was the beloved son of the late Jerome Clark Sr. and Lydia Villella. Jerome is survived by his siblings: Melinda Clark and her partner Jon Minor, Brian (Jermissa) Clark, Trista Clark, and Lamont Clark, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jerome worked as a cook at Mario’s Restaurant in Bridgewater and was known for his artistic talents. He was a passionate Pittsburgh sports fan and deeply cherished his family. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024, from 4:00 PM until the funeral service at 7:00 PM at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC., located at 547 8th Street, Ambridge. For more information, call 724-266-2549.

Kerry L. (Safreed) Kamenski (September 19, 1962 ~ July 24, 2024)

Kerry L. Kamenski, 61, of Patterson Township, died Tuesday, July 24, 2024, at AHN Wexford.

Born September 19, 1962, she was the daughter of the late Alan C. and Barbara Allen Safreed. Kerry had a passion for planting flowers and creating beautiful gardens that attracted hummingbirds with their vibrant colors. She found peace and happiness in the quiet moments spent camping under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Kerry also cherished the daily walks she took with her loyal canine companions, finding solace in their unconditional love and companionship.

Surviving is her loving husband, Wayne E. Kamenski; and brother and sister-in-law, David and Pamela Safreed.

Friends will be received on Tuesday from 6-8 PM in the HILL AND KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, www.hillandkunselman.com, 3801 Fourth Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Interment will be private at Beaver Cemetery

Memorial contributions may be made in Kerry’s name to the American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 2174.

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kerry L. (Safreed) Kamenski, please visit our floral stor

Aureilo Vallecorsa (February 7, 1951 – July 26, 2024)

Aurelio Vallecorsa “Ralph/Sonny”, 73 of Ambridge, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospice House.

He was born February 7, 1951, in Ambridge.  Son of the late Aurelio (Rally) and Alice (Buffalini) Vallecorsa.  By trade, he worked as a Purchasing Agent for Penn Dot for 32 years.  He thoroughly enjoyed hunting with his kids, nephews and nieces; loved going to the casino with his wife, brother, Sam, and sister-in-law, Millie; he also enjoyed spending time with his sister, Anita (Mike).

Aurelio is survived by his son, A.J. (Desiree) Vallecorsa; daughter, Maggie (Bill) Faltenovich; son, Anthony Vallecorsa; son, Chris (Bekah) Vallecorsa; grand-daughters, Haley and Peyton Faltenovich, and Khloe Vallecorsa.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were his loving wife of 47 years, Margaret (Putnam) Vallecorsa; 2 sisters, Blanche Vallecorsa and Anna DeCanio; niece, Diane DeCanio; and grandson, Nathan Faltenovich.

Friends will be received on Monday, from 10 A.M – 12 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.  A funeral service and interment will be held immediately following in the Mars Cemetery, with Pastor Rick Thornhill, Officiating.

Margaret Marnhout (December 30, 1933 – July 25, 2024)

Margaret (Tierney) Marnhout, 90 of Clinton peacefully passed away with her family by her side on July 25, 2024. She was born December 30, 1933, in Beaver Falls, PA as the daughter of the Clement and Mary (Brown) Tierney.
In addition to her parents, Margaret was joyfully reunited with her beloved husband, Desire “Dee” Marnhout, Jr. their cherished daughter, Lynn (Marnhout) Garner, and their granddaughter Melissa Margaret Garner. She was also preceded in death by two brothers and a sister-in-law: Terry Tierney and Paul (LaVerne) Tierney.
Margaret was a faithful member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish, Our Lady of Fatima Church, Hopewell Twp. where over the years she has been a eucharistic minister as well as a member of the music ministry, Christian Mothers and Faith Sharing Group. She graduated from Ohio Valley General Hospital(OVGH) School of Nursing. The entirety of her registered nurse career was at OVGH until she retired from a supervisor position. Margaret remained engaged through the OVGH Nurse’ Alumni where she has been the President Pro Tem and a member of the MB girls.
Margaret loved a good card game.
Margaret is survived by her devoted children: Randy (Carole) Marnhout, Diane (Keith) Corsi, Sue Bucklen and Jeff Seik and a son-in-law, Ken Garner.
Her loving grandchildren: Sarah (Marnhout) Ronosky, Joshua Marnhout, Dan Marnhout, Greg Garner, Matt Mastrofrancesco, Chelsea (Bucklen) McWilliams, Kara (Bucklen) Noyes. She was blessed with numerous great-grandchildren.
Margaret has two sister-in-laws: Nancy Tierney and Jean O’Neil as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Special friends are Marcia Naderer and June Ziegler.
Visitation will be Monday from 4-7 pm in the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL
HOME, INC., 2026 McMinn St., Aliquippa, PA 15001. Departing Prayers will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the OVGH Nurses Alumni c/o Mary Ellen Mackey 209 North Vireo Drive McKees Rocks, PA 15136

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Margaret Marnhout please visit our Sympathy Store.

John C. Galzarano (Died-July 25, 2024)

On July 25, 2024, Jesus called His good and faithful servant, John Galzarano, 85, to his heavenly home. He was reunited with his son, Shawn and his parents, Angelo and Esther (Pratt) Galzarano-DeSantis, along with his brothers and sisters-in-law, Dominick (Margaret) and Angelo (Shirley) Galzarano and mother-in-law, Yolanda Rizzo.

John loved God, his family and his country. He was a committed Christian, who strove to live a life which honored the Lord, and was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, for decades. John was devoted to his family, sharing 55 years of marriage with his wife, Marie. The two were inseparable and the love and respect they had for one another, was inspiring. They were truly a team and worked together, along with their friends, et. al., to help establish a kindergarten at St. John the Baptist School, to honor the son they lost as a little boy. Their daughter, Sharon, was John’s pride and joy; his love and support for her was evident in his volunteering his time when she was a Girl Scout, as a Center band parent and at Duquesne University. John often said one of his happiest moments was seeing Sharon graduate from Duquesne’s School of Pharmacy. Their admiration was mutual; she frequently expressed that God had blessed her with the “best Dad.” In her acceptance speech of an Alumni award, she thanked her Dad and Mom for the positive impact they had in her life and shared “While I am so grateful for this award, nothing I could achieve professionally, could surpass the pride I feel, in being your daughter.” When she asked her parents to rise, to be recognized, they were met with a standing ovation.

In addition to Marie, Sharon and her special friend, Michael Laughlin, John was also deeply loved by his surviving sisters, Doris (Jack) Meany and Gloria (Jeff) McKinney and his sister-in-law, Eileen Rizzo, and was a caring uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was a loyal friend to many, and although he was a man of few words, when John spoke, his advice was filled with wisdom and delivered in love.

As a man who felt grateful to be an American, he honorably served his country in the US Army, which earned him the nickname “Army John” at work; given his disciplined nature and strong work ethic, it was not surprising he received several medals, during his service. His career included many years at LTV Steel’s welded tube department and at St. Catherine of Sienna Church, where he leveraged his exceptional gardening skills to create a serene area, for people to pray. An avid swimmer since his youth, he once risked his own life, to help save a child from drowning in the ocean.

John was a compassionate gentleman with a generous spirit, who quietly shared his time and resources, to live with purpose; his life was a testament to his favorite verse, Romans 8:28.

Visitation will be from 4-7pm on Monday, July 29th, 2024 at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services in Monaca, with a blessing service and military honors at 11am, July 30th. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude.

The family would like to thank Sharon’s friends, Dr. Cynthia Sanoski and Richard Work for their love, support and thoughtfulness.

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John , please visit our floral store.

Ciscoy Lea “Angel” Brown August 26, 1972 ~ July 21, 2024

July 21st 8:35 A.m. Was the start of a new chapter for Ciscoy Lēa “Angel”Brown. Angel, the nickname given to her at birth by her mother, Ella “Bernice Tillman” King and late grandmother, Hester Tillman. Angel was born August 26, 1972, in New Brighton, PA by her mother Ella “Bernice”, and father, Mack Brown.

In youth, she attended New Brighton School District and then later graduated from Beaver Falls High School, in 1990. She then attended the University of Slippery Rock, to pursue a degree in Social Services. Which blended perfectly with the compassionate soul she was during her time with us. Angel worked as an office manager and advocate for Casa of Beaver County. Then as a behavioral specialist with B.C. Scores. And also, an I.E.P. specialist at Riverside School District. All jobs shining the acts of her heart, hospitality, and love for all.

Throughout Angels life, she went out her way to cast light on people, to make them feel loved, especially at their lowest points. She had a great interest in creating crafts, decorative art, doing hair, and leading projects. Angel also had a deep praise and joy for any talent you may have, if she felt passion was involved. God truly bestowed his love through Angel to us, in ways we will forever miss her. She loved novels, thriller movies, and more than anything food. Angel’s giant glowing smile, laugh and voice always took the room. With the true definition of mother’s touch, Angel’s hug, voice, and aura made you feel a sense of security like no other, to her wittiness, to her laugh, and ability to enjoy anyone’s company. Angel was also Intelligent in every way and one of the prettiest women you will ever see, a true goddess she was.

Angel left more than just an emotional footprint on this Earth, but 5 beautiful children. Her oldest being Indesia Tian Brown. Then following, Israel Brown, Jordan Foust, Kambria Foust, and a nephew whom she cared and loved for as one of her own, Kenyan Bell.  And to mention her step son, Mark Foust jr. Son to Mark Foust, former partner and her kid’s father. Outside of her own children, Angel found a new calling and purpose in her life, as the grandmother/ mimi to her 4 most precious treasures,
Journe Brown, Jordan Brown, Brielle Eady, and Cilea Brown. Angel is the oldest to her five siblings, who she would trade the world for. Her little sister, being Tamika Brown, and four little brothers, Paul King, Jermaine King, Tywon Good, and Samson King. Throughout her life, she was truly adored by her aunts, Merry Nell Mobley, Alice Tillman, Eunice Tillman, Barbara “Tillman” Short, and her uncle Bobby Short, and many nieces, nephews, friends and cousins.

Angel was a follower of Jesus Christ. All her life she worshipped and praised God with Christian belief and values instilled in her as a small child by her late grandmother Hester. whom Angel shared a special connection with. Angel was baptized once as a child and again as an adult. She was preceded in passing by her late grandparents Arrie and Hester Tillman, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Angel was surrounded by nothing but prayers and love from her entire family, and all who knew her. And her loved ones truly would like to thank the clergy, the doctors, the medical staff, and other healthcare providers, who provided care for Angel during the last four years.
God bless,
And if your faith is in God, then God is where our beloved Ciscoy Lea Angel Brown is.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ciscoy Lea “Angel” Brown, please visit our floral store.

James Laszczynski (January 10, 1942 – July 22, 2024)

James “Jim” Laszczynski, 82, of Ohioville passed away Monday, July 22, 2024 at Heritage Valley, Sewickley surrounded by his loving family.
Born January 10, 1942, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of Sylvester and Gertrude (Wozniak) Laszczynski. Jim was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War. Prior to his retirement he was an IT Programmer and attended St. Blaise Church.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife Joann D. Laszczynski in 2019.
He will be greatly missed by his two daughters, Renee (Chuck) Saly, Scott Twp., Sharon (Keith Kraus) Laszczynski, College Hill; grandchildren, Brianna (Jon) Mullen, Center Twp., Todd, Jr. (Melinda Mowad) Kolodziej, Monaca; and great grandchildren, Ryleigh & Jay Spratt, Noah Mullen, Scarlett and Penelope Kolodziej; brother Russ, Laszczynski, Pittsburgh; nephew, Russell Paul Laszczynski.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 10:30, at St. Blaise Catholic Church, 772 Ohio Ave. Midland, PA 15059. Interment will follow at the Beaver Cemetery graveside with full military honors. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in James’ name to Footsteps of the Fallen c/o Jessica Davis, PO Box 589 Koppel, PA 16136.

Gregory W. McWilliams (Died – July 23, 2024)

Gregory W. McWilliams, 78 of Center Township passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Pittsburgh was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lucy (Fabian) McWilliams.

Greg is survived by his devoted wife, Jacque Lynn Galas McWilliams, and his children, Shannon (Shawn Maughan), Kerry, Greg, and Corie McWilliams. His step-children Nicole Snyder, Mindy (Josh) Chiappetta, and Jeremy (Emily) Snyder, as well as his grandchildren Brendan, Gavin, Ella, Elijah, Madi, Mason, Landon, Paisley and Peyton will remember him as a loving and playful grandfather. Greg also leaves his brother, Mark (Pam) McWilliams, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

After honorably serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, where he demonstrated bravery and a deep love for his country, Greg was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, and Rifle Sharpshooter Qualification Badge. His patriotism was unwavering, and he carried the values of the Corps throughout his life.

Following his military service, Greg dedicated over 26 years to the Pittsburgh Port Authority as a bus driver.

Greg’s passion for life was evident in his hobbies and interests. He was an avid golfer, enjoying many rounds and the camaraderie of his friends from the Port Authority on the greens. His love for the open road was fulfilled by riding his Harley Davidson, a pastime that brought him immense joy, and led him to participate in Bike Week at Myrtle Beach for several years.

As we bid farewell to Gregory W. McWilliams, we celebrate a life marked by dedication and service.

Friends will be received on Friday, July 26th from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca (724 728 4000) and on Saturday, July 27th at the Aliquippa Christian Assembly Church, 166 W. Shaffer Road, Center Township from 10 am until the time of services at 11 AM. with Pastor Jack Robison, officiating.

Inurnment will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

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

 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gregory, please visit our floral sto

Lori A. Besong (February 22, 1963 ~ July 23, 2024)

Lori A. Besong, 61, of Fair Oaks, passed away on July 23, 2024 at UPMC Shadyside. Born to the late Arthur and Dolores Fisher, she is survived by her  husband, Jay Besong, her children Winter Mason (Byron), Shanie Besong (Jacob), Heather (Steve) Painter, and her grandchildren Carter, Chance, Cash, Aba, Emerson, Stephen, Vincent, Lorenzo, with another grandchild on the way, as well as those she loved. Her daughters remember her as a beacon of strength and love, demonstrating resilience and devotion to her family. Your memory will endure forever in our hearts. Funeral services will be held privately, entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC., Ambridge.
“Unforgettable in every way, and forever more that’s how you’ll stay.”