Sameh R. Rafla, 60, of Sewickley, peacefully passed away at home on August 22, 2024. He was born on December 14, 1963. He is survived by his devoted wife of 22 years, Cherine Rafla; his children, John and Julie Rafla, his brother, Hany Rafla, and his wife, Suzanne; and his sister, Mona and her husband Father Bishoy Mikhail. Funeral services were held at Saint Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church of Ambridge, at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 24 and burial followed at Resurrection Cemetery in Moon Township. Arrangements were entrusted to Alvarez Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8^th Street, Ambridge.

Dolores Voskuhl, 86, of New Brighton, passed away unexpectedly on August 20, 2024.

She was born on January 2, 1938 in Rochester, the daughter of the late Thomas and Evelyn (Pratte) Crawford. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph D. Voskuhl and a son, Ralph Voskuhl, Jr.

She is survived by three sons, Thomas (Mary) Voskuhl and their children, Eryn and Emily of Fort Myers, Florida, Leroy (Bobbi) Voskuhl of Fort Myers, Florida, Timothy (Tracy) Voskuhl of New Brighton, a daughter, Victoria Hostutler of New Brighton; five grandchildren, Mindy, Ashley, David and Gregory Voskuhl and Justin (Britney) Voskuhl, four great grandchildren, and a sister, Betty (John) Mammone.

Dee loved her family, playing bingo, and playing cards. She was a member of Holy Family Church in New Brighton, part of Our Lady of the Valley Parish.

A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, August 30, at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, New Brighton with Fr. Paul Kuppe officiating.

Dolores will be laid to rest beside her husband, Ralph in St. Joseph Cemetery of New Brighton.

Carolyn E. Yannachione, 82, of Freedom passed away on August 18, 2024. She was born in Rochester, the daughter of the late Charles A. and Caroline E. Espey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard F. Yannachione, Sr., and her son, Richard F. Yannachione. She is survived by her stepson, Joshua Kolich.

Carolyn was a graduate of Ambridge High School and furthered her education by completing her studies at a Practical Nursing School.

Carolyn’s career was marked by a commitment to healthcare. In 1960, she began her journey as a pharmacist technologist at Rochester Hospital and continued to serve the community until her retirement in 1999 from The Medical Center, Beaver. Following her retirement, Carolyn dedicated herself to volunteering at The Medical Center. Her efforts were recognized when she was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2024 by the Beaver County Office on Aging.

A woman of faith, Carolyn was a member of St. Felix Catholic Church in Freedom and found joy in playing bingo at Holy Family Church Social Hall in New Brighton.

Carolyn had requested no viewing and for any memorial contributions be given to the Beaver County Humane Society in her memory.

Private burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery of Freedom. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Norman A. Fletcher, 70, passed away on August 18, 2024. He was born on April 1, 1954 to Dorothy and Norman Fletcher in Monaca, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by a cousin Harry Kirchner. He was a graduate of Monaca High School and attended Slippery Rock College. He is survived by his wife, Amy Fletcher and her parents Irmajean and Butch McKelvey of New Brighton, his sister Peggy Fletcher Cottrill (husband Michael, deceased) of Boston and Annapolis, nephew Alischer A. Cottrill, of DC, three stepchildren Matthew Zeiber of Monaca, Jennifer (husband Andrew) Wistuk of Beaver Falls and Hunter (fiancée Alysa) Zeiber of Freedom, and four grandchildren Alexandra Skye Zeiber and Matthew Zeiber, Jr. of New Brighton and Aubree Faith Wistuk and Daizee Jay Wistuk of Beaver Falls and two special cousins Elaine Milligan (husband Dan) and Kathi Householder (husband David).

Norman spent many years working as a printer in Seattle, North Carolina, Maryland and Pennsylvania. He spent his later years working at the American Legion in Monaca. Most of his time was spent enjoying his grandchildren and attending all of their events. They gave him such joy and love.

He will be remembered at a celebration of his life at the Legion in Monaca at a later date yet to be determined. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Blanche Gilberg, 98, of Economy, passed away on August 18, 2024.  She was born on April 27, 1926, in Harts, West Virginia, to the late Charles and Georgia (Farley) Spry.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband, Harold; sisters, Clara Robinson, Bammie Alexa, Rachel Wingo, Marie Figley, and Dorothy Kertesz; and brothers, Joseph, John, and Charles Spry.

She is survived by her son Donald (Nicole) Gilberg of Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania; daughter Judy (Jay) Obreza of Mercer, Pennsylvania; and grandchildren Emily (Sam) Kramen, Matthew, Paige, Bailey, and Mallory Gilberg, and Joy and Jared Obreza.

Blanche came to Beaver County during World War II to work as a welder at American Bridge, then J&L Steel and Russell Burdsall & Ward Bolt and Nut in Coraopolis.  She later worked at Nicholas Grill in Ambridge where she met her late husband, Harold “Gil” Gilberg.  The two married on August 19, 1950.  Blanche eventually became involved with remodeling old houses and had been a landlady for over 40 years. Additionally, Blanche was an avid reader, a gardener with an amazing green thumb, and a yard sale lover.  Most of all, she enjoyed visiting with her seven grandchildren – especially at Christmas.  She was a member of the Economy Senior Citizens and the Baden Methodist Church.  Blanche was a true believer in God, and her faith carried her through all of life’s difficult times.  Her favorite words were, “God has been good to me.”

As per Blanche’s request, all services are private.  She will be laid to rest with her husband in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum. Contributions in her memory may be made to: Habitat for Humanity in Beaver Falls, or the Salvation Army in Rochester. Arrangements have been entrusted to John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

Edward James Schneider passed away on August 16, 2024. He was born on August 1, 1953. He was preceded in death by his parents and several other relatives. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lynn, 2 sons, Tim and Ed, daughter in law, Rachell, grandchildren, Eddie, Paige, Cassidy, Ava, Alliha, Ellie, and his dog, Zoey. Edward was a Navy veteran, a steel mill worker, auto mechanic and truck driver, and a true fan of Pittsburgh sports especially the Steelers of the 70s. He was also a great turkey carver who really loved golf and Elvis Presley.
The viewing and the funeral are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC of Ambridge.

Glenn M. Mussey, 97, of Beaver Falls, formerly of East Palestine, Ohio, passed away on August 18, 2024 at Franciscan Manor.

He was born on August 28, 1926, the son of the late Milton and Rose Ramella Mussey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ethelberta Smith Mussey; second wife, Beatrice Mussey; uncle, Frank Ramella; two sons, Robert Glenn Mussey, and Gale Joseph Mussey; daughter, Glenna Jean Dripps; two sisters, Jean Curtis, and Ruth Cook; son-in-law, Michael Wickline; and daughter-in-law, Jocelyn Mussey.

Glenn was a veteran of the US Navy and served during WWII. He later retired as a Union Plumber from Local Union 115 and 47.

He is survived by seven children, Guy James (Barbara) Mussey, Gary John (Kelly) Mussey, Gregory Jay (Lynda) Mussi, Garth Jeffrey (Joanne) Mussey, Gretchen June Wickline, Ginger Joan Geizura, and Gerard Jason Mussey; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received Saturday August 24 from 3 P.M. until the time of service at 7 P.M. in the Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Interment will be private at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Suellen Koerner, 79, of New Brighton, passed away unexpectedly on August 14, 2024 at her home.

She was born on May 19, 1945, in Pontiac, Michigan, a daughter of the late Donald R. and Marjorie (Miller) Textor. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Baugher. She is survived by her siblings, Kathy Lynn Krieger, Antoinette Lipe, Timothy Pappas, and Kerry Baugher, many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

After high school and college, she started a career as a teacher in the Buffalo, New York.  Later she became an executive housekeeper for various hotels.  She more recently enjoyed spending time at the Senior Center at the Beaver Valley Mall.  She loved her neighborhood and her neighbors.  She also loved her dogs, sewing, and needle work.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

John R. Lash, 89, of Brighton Township, passed away on August 15, 2024 at Lakeview Personal Care Center.

He was born on November 26, 1934, in Beaver Falls, the son of the late Jack Lloyd and Beatrice Robinson Lash.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Gary and Jack Lash.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Norma Jean Lash; son, David Bruce Lash; daughter, Bonnie Sue DeMaria; grandchildren, Krysta, Jennifer, John, and Jessica; and great-grandchildren, Hazel, Layla, and Sawyer.

John was a beloved figure known for his unwavering devotion to family, his love for nature, and his dedication to his community and faith. A man of many talents, John’s life was marked by a keen sense of adventure, an insatiable curiosity, and a profound love for the outdoors. He was a draftsman, and production controller, spending the majority of his career in the steel industry with B&W.
Upon retirement, John worked at a local Christmas tree farm, and pursued his lifelong pastimes of bird watching, hunting, fishing, and canoeing at Lake Arthur. His most cherished moments were trips with Norma Jean, family gatherings, and the tranquil solitude of his bicycle rides.

John’s life was deeply intertwined with his community, with his services extending from his professional life to his spiritual journey. He was a committed member and former deacon of the 1st Reformed Presbyterian Church, and an active participant in the Audubon Society. John’s life was a testament to his values and the things he held dear: faith, family, and nature.

Visitation will take place on Friday, August 23 from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in the CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, where a service will be held on Saturday August 24 at 10:00 a.m.

Interment will be private at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.