Michelle (Creese) Lawson (1967-2025)

Michelle (Creese) Lawson, 58, formerly of Freedom, passed away on August 17th, 2025. She was born on April 15th, 1967, the daughter of the late John and Delores Creese. She was born and raised with a warm heart and an infectious sense of humor and lived a life devoted to her family and to the people around her. She was the beloved wife of Jerry Lawson and the proud mother of Cassandra Budrick and her late son, William Fortuna, Jr. and her daughter-in-law, Shanda Shillingburg. Michelle’s devotion extended deeply to her grandchildren: Kylie Fortuna, Aaliyah Budrick, Aubrey Sepella, Emma Fortuna and Jace Fortuna, who brought immeasurable joy and purpose to her days. She is also survived by her brother, Donald (Darla) Creese, her brother-in-law, Gary (Lisa) Lawson, her sister-in-law, Tracy (Hector) Chavez, her niece, Lisa (Christopher) Jones, and her nephew, John (Kaylee) Creese, of whom all cherished her.

Michelle worked as a hairstylist where her talent was matched only by her kindness. Clients quickly became friends, drawn not only by her skill but by her warmth, humor, and genuine care for others. Beyond her work, Michelle filled her home with love and beauty, especially around the holidays, when her passion for decorating turned every gathering into a celebration. She enjoyed cooking for her family, shopping, cheering on her favorite football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and spending time with her faithful dog, Cotton, who was always by her side. Her family will remember her as their rock, their source of comfort, and the person who could make any room brighter just by being in it. Though Michelle’s passing leaves a space that can never truly be filled, her memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved and in the countless ways she made the world a better, more beautiful place.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 23rd, from 12 noon until the time of the funeral service at 2 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Elede “Lala” Montini Rivetti (1931-2025)

Elede “Lala” Montini Rivetti, 94, of Aliquippa, who was a beautiful mother, wife grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, passed away peacefully in her home on August 19th, 2025. She was born in Aliquippa on May 31st, 1931, a daughter of the late Pietro and Maria (Baldesarre) Montini and the beloved wife of the late Patsy Rivetti. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son Michael Rivetti, her sisters, Norma (Beansy) Weigel and Joann (Robert) Shultz, her brothers Stelio (Valerie) Montini and Harry “Babe” (Joanne) Montini and many special cousins, family and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Denise Rivetti-Moccia, her granddaughter, Kaitlyn Moccia, her grandson, Matthew Rivetti, her dog, Bella, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and friends whom she loved with all her heart. She is also survived by her lifelong friend, Mary Barbato Piccolo and her family.

Elede was a lifelong resident of Aliquippa who was a generous and kind woman. She lived her life to help others. She worked at Gem Jewelers in Aliquippa for many years, then continued at Thomas Jewelers until she retired. She and her husband Patsy owned Quality Meat Markets in Rochester.  She was also a member of St. Titus Church of Aliquippa, part of Mary Queen of Saints Parish. After retirement, she continued to serve her community by cooking at the St. Titus Church kitchen. She loved to cook, do crafts and spend time with her family and friends that were like family. She never knew a stranger. Elede’s family extends their sincere gratitude to Dr. Sniezek and staff of Three Oaks Hospice and a special thanks to Amanda and her nurse, Donna for their help and support during this difficult time.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 20th from 4-7 p.m. at the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where departing prayers will begin on Thursday, August 21st at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am in St Titus Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the B.F. Jones Memorial Library, 663 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Eleanor L. Snyder (1939-2025)

Eleanor L. Snyder, 86, of Kennedy Township, passed away on August 16th, 2025 in Carnegie Park Post Acute of Pittsburgh. She was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia on May 8th, 1939, a daughter of the late Kenneth F. & Virginia L. (Conwell) Snyder. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara A. Snyder. She is survived by her siblings, Margaret J. Balakier, John K. Snyder (Patricia) and Jane S. Snyder and her nephew, Robert Snyder.

Eleanor graduated from Aliquippa High School in 1957. She went on to obtain a certificate in nursing at the Beaver Valley School of Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Duquesne University, and a Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh. She was an accomplished Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist. She began her nursing career at Aliquippa Hospital and Suburban Hospital. She then worked in Geriatric Psychiatric nursing at Dixmont State Hospital, Western Psychiatric Hospital, and Western Pennsylvania Hospital. The last few decades of her nursing career were spent at Intercare Psychiatric Services where she provided individual psychiatric therapy to her patients. She was committed to providing safe and compassionate care to all of her patients. Eleanor was a kind, caring, and intelligent woman and nurse, and she was held in high esteem by all who met or worked with her. She loved reading, various types of music, going to lunch or dinner with friends, traveling throughout the United States and Europe. Eleanor will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her.

All services for Eleanor are private at this time. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Moon Township. Private interment for Eleanor will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park of Aliquippa.

Howard A. “Bud” Waxler, Jr. (1936-2025)

Howard A. “Bud” Waxler Jr., 89, of New Sewickley Township, passed away on August 15th, 2025, in Heritage Valley Beaver. He was born in Zanesville, Ohio on May 5th, 1936, a son of the late Howard A. Sr., and Ruth Viola Mohr Waxler. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Davis Waxler, two sisters, Clara Lou Copsy and Viola Hill, and four brothers, Wayne, Ted, William and Chuck Waxler. He is survived by his wife, Catherine “Cathy” B. Senules Waxler, one daughter, Nancy Murtaugh of Center Township, three sons and a daughter-in-law, Lucas A. Waxler of Pittsburgh, Douglas E. and Georgia Waxler of Clinton and Darrin E. Waxler of Hookstown, two step-daughters, Tara V. Sherman and her husband Todd of Ambridge, and Veronica A. Slagle and her husband Gary, of Rimersburg, Pennsylvania, one sister, May Hill of Hopewell and one brother Gary Waxler of Hookstown, numerous grandchildren, several great-grandchildren as well as his nieces and nephews. Howard was a retired employee with Teledyne Pittsburgh Tool and Dye Company of Monaca. He was also a member of the New Sewickley Presbyterian Church, where he was a former trustee. He was a peacetime Army Veteran and was an Army Band leader when stationed in Germany. he was also known for his guitar playing as well as being an avid golfer and an avid motorcyclist. Friends will be received on Thursday August 21st, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., with a service following at 7:15 p.m., at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements. Officiating the service will be his pastor, Reverend Dr. Beth Weirman.

Donald J. Andrews (1942-2025)

Donald J. Andrews, 83, of Moon Township, passed away in Sewickley on August 15th, 2025. He was born in Washington, D.C., on May 23rd, 1942, a son of the late Boyd P. & Dorothy (Gebro) Andrews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Paul L. Andrews & Joseph B. Andrews. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Alice L. (Lostetter) Andrews, a daughter, Teresa Shomo (Milton), his granddaughters, Nicole Huynh (Calvin) and Allison Brown (Tyreek), four great grandchildren: Rileigh & Carson Huynh and Kaiden & Caleb Brown; as well as his sister, Mary A. Frye and his brother, Steve L. Andrews.

Donald can be described in so many ways, as a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, veteran, gardener and friend. He enlisted in the United States Air Force serving in California and Turkey. After returning stateside, he received his Bachelor’s Degree at Virginia Tech, later receiving a Master’s Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He also enjoyed working with his hands and became a master carpenter and superintendent in the construction industry. He was also very involved in his carpenter’s union. He had a passion for gardening anytime of the day or night, at times he would be spotted in the dark of night with a head lamp to tend his garden so he would not have to deal with the heat of the day. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family and his last adventure was an Alaskan cruise.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday August 20th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. at the Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1152 Coraopolis Heights Road, who was in charge of his arrangments. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, August 21st at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 1 Parish Place, Coraopolis. Interment and military honors will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

Antonietta Cerilli DeSantis (1933-2025)

Antonietta Cerilli DeSantis, 92, passed on August 17th, 2025, in their family home. She had many challenges in her life but handled them with perseverance and grace. She was an inspiration to many, and her helpful kindness never ceased.
She was born on March 17th, 1933, in Supino, in the Provence of Frosinone of the Lazio Region of Italy, a daughter of the late Casimiro and Filomena Pietrandrea Cerilli, and the late Artemesia Boni, her stepmother. Antonietta has estranged paternal siblings, Valentino Antonio (Alberta Zuccaro) Cerilli of Michigan and estranged Nalena Cerilli of Supino, Italy. Antonietta lost her mother, Filomena, at the age of two to a mosquito bite. She was raised by the nuns of Supino, her late loving paternal grandmother, Luisa Giuseppina Tomei Cerilli (Nonna Peppina), her late maternal grandparents Mamma Rosa Schietroma and Filippo (Nonno Peppo) Pietrandrea whom she adored with a heavy heart.

Antonietta, as a young child, worked tirelessly in her father’s butcher shop. She enjoyed, loved interacting with people of Supino. Her legacy she left behind in Supino is still today talked about. Antonietta was the beloved wife of 52 years to the late husband Rocco who had returned to Supino to marry Antonietta on December 5th, 1955. She immigrated June 1956. She is thankful to her now heavenly long-time life-line sisters Mary D’Ottavio and Dorothy Dalesio who had helped Antonietta receive her US citizenship and shared good and bad life experiences throughout their lifetime together. Antonietta was bonded for life with Mary and with Dorothy.
Antonietta returned to Supino for the first time in June of 1977 because her father was gravely ill. Upon her immediate return to Supino, she saved her father’s life with her husband blood bank membership. Many who knew Antonietta always praised her for working hard like no one else in Supino and many were also very excited to see her again. She sponsored so many in Confirmation. She had more Patena’s and Cumara’s in every corner of Supino.
Since 1956, every October she joined a pilgrimage group to Our Lady of Lourdes in Euclid, Ohio. In the mid 60’s, Antonietta became a pilgrimage leader and was entrusted with the Blessed Mother Mary banner. The pilgrimage group continued every year up to 2016. She made and had so many genuine friends she was proud of, so proud, “I have lots of good friends.” Antonietta was always known for leading religious Italian hymns.
Antonietta was devoted to her pilgrimage trips, the Madonna and San Cataldo since childhood. She was honored in 2011 as Daughter of Supino by the Supinesi San Cataldo. She dreamed of San Cataldo during trouble times, and he guided her with courage. Antonietta is and will always be known as “the only master” at baking ciambelli, nobody could ever bake them like her. She enjoyed planting an abundance of flowers around the family home. Her husband Rocco enjoyed the passerby’s compliments and took great pride in her gardening. Antonietta continued growing her husband’s vegetable garden every year and when she could not herself, her daughter continued the family tradition.
Antonietta was a devoted, loving wife to her husband and children, very dedicated, while still providing for their wellbeing and higher education. Her guidance, love and patience were a constant source of strength, unconditional, endless love, and support for her family. Antonietta anchored the family together and surpassed many years of illnesses and hardships.
Antonietta is preceded in death by her husband, Rocco DeSantis on August 4th, 2007, whom she shared 52 years of love in sickness and in health together forever. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Marian, her son, Joseph, her estranged daughter, Joann and her estranged son, Richard, her grandchildren Anthony, Danielle, and Julia, her special friend, Sheri McWilliams, RN, MSN. She is also survived by her special loving nieces: Guiseppina (Pina) Cerilli Spaziani in Supino, Elouise (Alice) Bernola Skelly and Lora Corsi Coco in Michigan, dearly loved Zia Maria Boni, Cugini Marisa Pagani, Luigi Boni and Papinella and Alberto Arduini in Toronto, Canada, Filomena Simoni in Windsor, Amedeo and Linda Tomei, Gino and Domenca Paossi, Paolo and Laura Paluzzi in Montreal, Canada, Melania Martini in Supino Italy, Rosina Pietrandrea Compton in Michigan, Jane Cerilli, Camille Cerilli Stevenson, Felix and Maria Magnotta, Carla Tucci-Lytle Cordova, Rose Ann Boni, Luisa DeSantis, Erminia DeSantis Palmieri, Luigi Pietrandrea, and Romano Rossi; along with exceptional, devoted friends who were loving, respectful, and supportive, Rita Ceccarelli, James DeSantis, Enrico and Denise D’Ottavio Francani and her Eucharistic Minister, Dave Knight and loving friend, Ethel “Squeaky” Babinec, who Antonietta would call “Bella” has been a wonderful, heartfelt companion.
Antonietta was separated from her loyal forever childhood friend, Layah, to Argentina.
A Heartfelt thanks goes out to St. Titus Ministry of Caring and the elementary catholic school children for their beautiful handmade cards for the past years. Most importantly, thank you Dr. Michael Oliver and Racey B Keister, RN, for all your attention and exceptional care provided.
Antonietta requests love, respect, and embrace the saints who bless us with miracles every day and the children who have lost their mother in early childhood. Honor your mother and father. Her motto for a long marriage, she would always say, “Put up and shut up” and “it’s only one argument.”
Ti amo sempre mia mamma, bella sempre, sarai per sempre la tua macchia nei nostril cuori.
A million times I will miss you ~ A million times I will cry
If love alone could have saved you
You would have never died.
In life I loved you dearly, in death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place ~ No other one can fill
The Golden gates stood open, God saw you needed rest.
He gently took you to a life ~ Of peace and happiness eternally.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 19th from 3-7 p.m. at the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where departing prayers will take place on Wednesday, August 20th at 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. Titus Roman Catholic Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa. A service will also be held for Antonietta at Mt. Olivet Cemtery, 2186 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa on Wednesday, August 20th from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

George Charles “Chuck” Neely, Jr. (Passed on August 14th, 2025)

George Charles “Chuck” Neely, Jr. of Aliquippa, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025. He was the son of George C. Neely Sr. and Helen Levy Neely.

George was a 1970 graduate of Hopewell High School, he also attended Findlay College, Ohio University and Robert Morris University.

Goerge spent a majority of his life in California working in the film industry as a very accomplished sound effects editor. During that time, he received many awards. A highlight for him was an Oscar for his work with Steven Spielberg on the film E.T. He also worked on both Back to the Future films. He also has credits on approximately 25 other films and TV shows.

He is survived by his sister, Ruth, his niece, Janice, his nephew, Steve, a great-nephew and niece and several cousins. A very dear friend Carol was a great help to him as his health declined.

In accordance with George’s wishes, no service or viewing will be held.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Mary Emma Horgan (1947-2025)

Mary Emma Horgan, 78, of Beaver Falls, passed away at home surrounded by her family on August 14th, 2025. She was born in Beaver Falls on May 6th, 1947, a daughter of the late Clarence and Hughannie J. (Gehring) Young. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew J. Horgan, her brothers, Junior, Ronald, Thomas Young and Melvin Parsons; as well as her sisters, Betty Jean Udell, Veda Senior and Susan Hickman, two grandchildren, Burton W. Claypool and Andrew B. Harris and a great granddaughter, Amilya J. Young. She is survived by a son, John (Linda) McKenzie, Sr., her daughters: Lisa DeBaker, Kellie (Russell) Claypool, Dana (Larry) Norman, Krista (Fred) Brandenburg; as well as her brothers: Robert Young, Louis “Butch” Young and Maryann Dreyer, John (Dianna) Young, David (Sandy) Parsons, Jay (Karen) Parsons; her sister, Ardell (Bill) Watson, her grandchildren: John, Britni, Cody, Jesse, Kory McKenzie, Brandon (Erin) Young, Shyanne (Jason) Adams, Eli DeBaker, Robert Harris, Mary Claypool, William(Leeanna) Norman, Ian and Lake Brandenburg; along with her great grandchildren: Remington McKenzie, Ryden and Renson Soppick, Isabelle Young, Finn Adams, Bryson and Brooke Harris, Hope Davis, Robert, Shawna, and Sophie Claypool, Ethan Herschbach, Koda Riffle, Raylan Norman and two more coming in 2026, a host of nieces and nephews, her special nieces, Shenandoah Hoskinson and Penny Clawson and her longtime friends, Gerri Brown and Gloria Parsons.

Mary attended Beaver Falls High School and was known for her warmth, devotion to family, and her quiet joy in life’s simple pleasures. She retired from Armstrong World Industries, which was where she worked as an inspector for more than 30 years. She was a proud member of the New Brighton Croatian Club and Eagles, where she cherished the friendships and camaraderie shared there. She had a love for bingo and the familiar faces it brought together, often finding joy in the games and the stories exchanged. Her true happiness, however, was found at home and around the table. Family dinners were sacred to Mary: especially during the holidays and on Thursday nights, which became a tradition of laughter, conversation, and love.

Friends will be received on Thursday, August 21st from 2 -4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where an additional viewing will be held on Friday, August 22nd from 10 a.m. until the time of her Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. Chaplain Thomas Whipple will officiate.

A luncheon of fellowship at the New Brighton Croatian Club, 820 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, will follow.

Patricia Susa-Cottage (1950-2025)

Patricia Susa-Cottage, 75, passed away peacefully on August 16th, 2025, in St. Barnabas, Beaver Meadows of Beaver surrounded by her loving family. She was born in New Brighton on April 27th, 1950, the daughter of the late George and Ann Katherine Novosel Susa. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Donald Cottage. She is survived by her brother, Thomas (Marilyn) Susa of Beaver Falls, a very special nephew, Matthew (Amanda) Susa of Hubbardston, Massachusetts, and their twin daughters Emersyn and Raelynn, along with numerous cousins and several dear friends from South Lyon, Michigan.

Patricia taught Spanish and French for 7 years upon graduating college. She then entered the business environment upon receiving her master’s degree in wage and salary administration. She worked at the LTV Steel Corp in Aliquippa and Canton, Ohio in human resource development. She held similar positions at Michigan Consolidated Gas and the Governor’s office in the State of Michigan. She enjoyed volunteering at her Parish Church St. Joes in South Lyon, Michigan and the local library. She loved to travel and visited many countries throughout her early retirement years. Her true passion was St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, a passion that both Patricia and her late husband shared.

Friends will be received on Thursday, August 21st from 3-7 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements and where prayers will be offered on Friday, August 22nd at 10 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. in St. James Catholic Church, 200 Walnut Street, Sewickley, with Father Brian Noel officiating.

Interment will follow in St. James Catholic Cemetery, 470 Water Works Road, Sewickley.

The family would like to thank the staff at Beaver Meadows, for their loving and compassionate care given to Pat during her stay. A special thank you also goes out to her friends and neighbors in South Lyon, Michigan for all their care and support.  In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested in Patricia’s name to the St. Jude Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Anthony “Tony” Zaccagnini (1958-2025)

Anthony “Tony” Zaccagnini, 67, of Ambridge, passed away on August 15th, 2025. He was born on June 18th, 1958, a beloved son of the late Frank and Phyllis (Brunone) Zaccagnini. He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Norma (Russo) Zaccagnini; his children, Anthony Zaccagnini and Angela Zaccagnini (fiancé, Evan Fullerton), his brother, Frank Zaccagnini and his cherished grandchildren: Santino and Stella Zaccagnini, Jack Fullerton, and Shauna Smith.

Anthony was a 1976 graduate of Ambridge Area High School who dedicated most of his life to owning and operating A.Z. Nursery, where he was well known and respected as a landscaper. He had a deep love for Italian music, wine, and spending time with family and his many friends (“the coom’s”). He especially enjoyed Halloween, and those who knew him fondly looked forward to his annual celebrations and elaborate decorations.

He faced early onset dementia at a young age. Through the unwavering love and care of his wife, Norma, along with the support of family, friends, Life Beaver, Dr. Michael Karp and Good Samaritan Hospice, he was able to enjoy many birthdays, holidays, and special moments with his grandchildren from the comfort of home.

Friends were received on Sunday, August 17th from 1–4 p.m. and 5–7 p.m. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where blessing service will be held on Monday, August 18th, at 11 a.m. followed by interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa.