Judith A. Sosack, 86, of Rochester, passed away on January 26th, 2025 at Providence Care Center of Beaver Falls.

She was born on March 21st, 1938, a daughter of the late Joseph and Ann Birge. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph M. Sosack and a son, Joseph M. Sosack, Jr. She is survived by her children, Keith E. Sosack, Jackie M. Bogani and Theresa R. Sosack, grandchildren, Jimmy and Crystal, three great-grandchildren, a sister, Harriett Culizma, her K9 companion, Nala, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Judith was a homemaker who loved animals.

All services were private.

Interment was in Oak Grove Cemetery of Industry.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to assist Judith’s family.

Scott E. Kokoski, 47, of Ambridge, passed away at home on January 28th, 2025. He was born on April 11th, 1977. He is survived by his devoted father, Henry “Koke” Kokoski, who was also his “taxi”, his brothers Darren and Christopher, his sister Raubyn and her husband Brian, his mother Darlene and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Scott graduated from Ambridge High School as a member of the class of 1997.  He was the starting goalie for the Ambridge High School ice hockey team during its inaugural season in 1993 and was honored as a WPHIL All-Star. He worked at Shop and Save in Harmony Township for twenty-one years. He was also an active member of the Polish Falcons where he held numerous positions. Scott was passionate about playing darts and loved cheering for his favorite Pittsburgh sports teams. In accordance with his wishes, services will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in care of the funeral home.

John Stephen Watson, Jr., 86, passed away at home on January 24th, 2025.

He was born on September 1st, 1938, in the family home of John and Anabel (Dyson) Watson.He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Jacqueline McAlister, Norman Watson, Lois Freed, Patricia Glass and Michael Watson. He is survived by his wife, Judith Watson, his beloved daughter, Deirdre Holobinko, son-in-law Scott Holobinko of Monaca, three stepsons, Eric and Tammy Beers of Alabama, Gordon and Valerie Beers and David and Brandi Beers of Pennsylvania, two grandchildren, Sean and Sara Mathews of Chippewa Township and Amanda (Mathews) and Justin Weismantle of New Brighton, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

“Steve,” as he was known to his family, loved to go hunting and fishing. He served in the Army in South Korea and was most proud of his time in the Beaver/Lawrence County Honor Guard honoring deceased veterans. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the VFW of West Mayfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beaver/Lawrence County Honor Guard. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Jennine DeGori, 69, of Edgeworth, passed away on January 22nd, 2025 in Shadyside Hospital. She was born in Pittsburgh on March 3rd, 1955, a daughter of the late James and Mildred (Shaw) Amato. Jennine is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, James DeGori, a son, James (Megan) DeGori, a daughter, Adrian (John DiNapoli) DeGori, two grandsons, James and Gianni DeGori, four granddaughters, Isabella and Natalie DeGori and Vivia and Vienna DiNapoli, a step-grandson, Johnny DiNapoli, a brother, James (Lynne) Amato, two sisters, Ruth (the late Gary) Werb and Donna Amato, a brother-in-law and a sister-in-law, Leo and Cindy DeGori; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Jennine was known by her grandchildren as “Bee Bee,” and her grandchildren were the joy of her life. When they were in her company, Jennine would garden and plant flowers with them. She also baked cookies with them. She was extremely artistic and creative and had a keen eye for taking beautiful photographs. Jennine enjoyed the holidays and enjoyed decorating for them. She absolutely loved to travel and took yearly trips to Wildwood Crest, New Jersey. Jennine was a huge New York Yankees fan and was over-the-top passionate about all things “Bee.” Jennine was undeniably a selfless woman and the best mom to her children, James and Adrian. She will be deeply loved and missed.

In accordance with the family’s request, services are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

Ernst Humer, 96, of Beaver, passed away unexpectedly on January 21st, 2025 at home.

He was born in Pinsdorf, Austria on August 26th, 1928, a son of the late Ernst and Franziska Humer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Anneliese Rothberger and a grandson, Matthew Hajduk. He is survived by his three loving daughters, Brigitte (Frank) Hajduk of Cranberry Township, Susan (David)
Peluso of Patterson Township and Kristina (Thomas) Kissick of Beaver,
seven cherished grandchildren: Mandy (John) Borys, Eric (Chrissy) Hajduk and Alex (Sami) Hajduk, Emily (Mike) McGovern and Megan (Nolan) Moffett and Wills and Sammy Kissick; and six cherished great-grandchildren, Hailey, Ava, and Sophie Borys, Anneliese Hajduk, Mila and Violet McGovern.

Ernst graduated from Voecklabruck High School and TGM Engineering in Vienna, Austria. He married Anneliese Rothberger in August of 1956 and
in 1958, they immigrated to the United States of America. Ernst had a 32-year career with Duquesne Light Company as the Director of Construction at Beaver Valley Power Station, Unit #2.

All services were private. Arrangements have been entrusted to
the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver. Online
condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

 

Bruce Edward Whipple, 76, of Chippewa Township, passed away on January 25th, 2025 at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh.

He was born in Rochester on May 30th, 1948, a son of the late Clarence and Hilda (Belvin) Whipple. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Clarence “Pete” Whipple and Ronald Whipple. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Marlene A. (Verrico) Whipple, two sons, Bryan Whipple and Bradley Whipple, his beloved granddaughter, Lindsay Whipple (Matthew Bedekovich), siblings: Gary (Janet) Whipple, Keith Whipple, Robert (Crystal) Whipple and Shirley (Tom) Germer; in-laws, Cindy (Jim) Swaoger and Jody (Rich) McCarty, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Bruce was a master carpenter in his professional career where he owned his own business, Whipple Contracting. He was also an expert pool player and participated in two leagues.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation in Bruce’s memory. In accordance with Bruce’s request, all services were private.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

 

Ly Thi Ha, 87, of Pittsburgh, passed away in Beaver on January 23rd, 2025.

She was born in Vietnam on December 31st, 1937, the daughter of the late Ha Van Quyen and Vu (Thieu) Thi. She is survived by her five children: Nguyen Thi Loan, Nguyen Thi Phone Lan, Nguyen Hong Thao, Diana Ha and Thi My; fifteen grandchildren: Nguyen Lam Thanh, Vo Nguyen Tan, Nguyen Hoang Tuah, Nguyen Hoang, Nguyen Michael, Sarver Hannah, Biava Tina, Biava Dennis Scott, Nguyen Jimmy, Khuu Kathy, Khuu Kevin, Nguyen Marie Lynn, Pham Quang Vinh, Nguyen Yen Victoria and Nguyen Dat Jayden; six great-grandchildren: Nguyen Tuan Natha, Nguyen Tuan Jacob, Nguyen Thi Layla, Biava Banae Penelope, Biava Scott Nolan and Walker Kiomi Noa; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Ly worked in sales for her professional career where she was able to sell anything. She was a hard worker in the rice fields when living in Vietnam. Ly loved to care for her children. She was known to be very easy to get along with. She was also Catholic by faith.

All services for Ly were private. Both her care and arrangements were entrusted to Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home and & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. The Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. was honored to take care of Ly and her family.

Gary Basil Paul Marten, 82, of Coraopolis, passed away peacefully on January 19th, 2025, from complications associated with lung cancer he suffered with for two years. Gary passed away alongside his wife, his sons, and his brother.

He was born February 7, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of the late Milton and Loreen (Cimaglio) Marten. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Barbara McAfee Jackson Marten, Scott Marten (wife Liz) in Geneva, Illinois, Chad Marten in Aurora, Illinois, and stepson Keith Jackson in Toronto, Ohio, eight grandchildren: Marco, Matteo and Luca Marten, sons of Scott (Liz) Marten, Madison Lonzrick and Peyton Marten, daughters of Chad Marten, Calvin Jackson, Gracie Jackson and Amanda White, children of Keith Jackson, five Great Grandchildren: Viv Lonzrick, daughter of Madison Lonzrick, Liam Marten, son of Peyton Marten, Remmington White, Roman White and Racquel White, children of Amanda White and Gary’s brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Karla (Kate) Marten in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Being part of a close-knit family, his early years were spent around his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends for Sunday dinners, birthdays, milestone celebrations and holidays. Even after moving the short distance to Valparaiso, Indiana in 1948, the families still gathered. Valparaiso was home until moving to Bloomington, IN, for the completion of his father Milton’s doctorate degree in education. While attending University High School in Bloomington, Indiana, Gary played and developed his love for football. In 1958, the family returned to Valparaíso, Indiana where Gary continued playing football for Valparaiso High School until his graduation in 1960. This is where he met and married Lana Dygert, the mother of his sons Scott and Chad. Gary enrolled in Valparaiso University where he continued to play football while pursuing his education. He graduated in 1964 with a BA in Marketing.

After college, Gary spent a year with US Steel before beginning his employment with The Burrows Company, where he spent most of his work career. Burrows, a Chicago based medical supply company, outfitting hospitals with all the necessary equipment and supplies for full daily operations. Gary’s 40-year career with The Burrows Company started by his servicing the Chicagoland area before moving to Ohio and Pennsylvania to become Regional Vice President. In 1997 Gary married Barbara McAfee Jackson. They bought their current home on a golf course in Coraopolis. Here they enjoyed their 28 years of marriage with family and friends. They traveled the world and enjoyed escaping the cold of Pennsylvania by visiting Florida.

Second only to his love for football was his love and pursuit of golf. This led to his part time job after retirement with Dick’s Sporting Goods in the golf department. That led to his final career with Golf Galaxy as the expert fitter for custom golf clubs. For almost 20 years Gary organized an annual three-day golf outing for fourteen to sixteen of his high school friends and classmates. Gathering in the Toledo, Ohio region, they played six different golf courses, two courses a day, before retiring to evening dinners to reminisce about the day’s golf and good times together in high school.

Gary loved all sports but religiously followed all Valparaiso University sports teams, as he watched sports in his classic “man cave” at home, he was surrounded by memorabilia of golf courses he had played, football memorabilia of his favorite team,’ Da Bears,’ and photos of sports in which he participated.

Gary had a profound sense of humor and was always the first to tell a joke, all will miss him.

A memorial service in Gary’s honor will take place on February 22^nd at 11:00 Central Standard Time, 12:00 Eastern Standard Time at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 Division Street, River Forest, Illinois, 60305 with Pastor David Lyle officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

In leu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made in Gary’s name to the Valparaiso University Athletics Department, by going online and entering “Valpo Victory Fund” naming your gift in the honor of “Gary Basil Paul Marten – Alumni 1964”.

Paul R. Rankin, 67, of Chippewa Township, passed away surrounded by his beloved family on January 24th, 2025.

He was born in McKeesport on April 2nd, 1957. He was preceded in death by his parents William L. Rankin and Doris Payne Rankin Chojnacki (Bernard Chojnacki), his sister, Karen L. Rankin, brother, William “Bill” L. Rankin (Ruth Rankin and son Paul), and his stepbrother, Michael S. Chojnacki. He is survived by his wife Rhonda J. (Lutz) Rankin, and his four children: Rob (Cailin) Rankin, Natalie (Andrew Berwyn) Rankin, Dylan (Katie Lane) Rankin and Megan (Matt Deighton) Rankin, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Paul was a retired employee of the Duquesne Light/First Energy company, where he worked in the Mechanical Maintenance Department for 40 years. He was an exceptionally hard worker and forged strong friendships with a supportive crew.

He enjoyed each day with his family, whether on camping adventures, fishing trips, or simply cooking comfort foods in the warmth of his kitchen or grilling on a sunny day. Paul was happiest surrounded by his wife and children, and overjoyed when he became the best PopPop to his granddaughters Aria M. Berwyn and Georgia J. Rankin.

Known for his dry sense of humor and quick wit, Paul’s booming laugh could be heard all around. He provided well for his family, was never afraid of a hard day’s work, and instilled that devotion and love in his children. He had a kind heart and was an animal lover. He found companionship with his three cats, Auggie, Ollie and Ralphie, and often perused animal rescue websites in order to find a new friend.

Paul built a wonderful life and created an incredible family who will carry on his traditions, recipes, jokes, legacy, and his name.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial visitation on Thursday, January 30th from 4 p.m. until the time of services at 7 p.m. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. Pastor Allan Brooks will officiate.

Paul has asked that in lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Beaver County Humane Society or Animal Friends where he adopted two of his feline best friends.