Category: Obituaries

Maria Elena Andrews (June 8, 1941 – June 30, 2024)

Maria Elena Papa Andrews, age 83, of Beaver, formerly of Gibsonia, passed away June 30, 2024 in Allegheny General Hospital. She was born June 8, 1941 in Rochester, PA. She was the daughter of the late Patsy A. and Mary D. [Pompa] Papa. She was a former bookkeeper with Hesse Services in Wexford. Maria was a former member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Rochester and former member of St. Ferdinand Roman Catholic Church. Maria attended and graduated from St. Cecilia Catholic School K-8 and then graduated from Rochester High School. She was a former den mother and scout leader and was known for her sense of humor, “lots of laughs” and nothing made her happier than family gatherings and her love of anything Italian. She was preceded in death by her husband William D. Andrews in 2013, and also by a sister and brother-in-law Rosalie and Robert Celio. She is survived by one daughter Michelle “Chelle” Robinson and her companion Ralph R. Pivirotto of Ohio Township and one son Kurt S. Robinson and his companion Christine Charlesworth of Evans City, two grandchildren Vanessa Pierandozzi and her husband Ty of Indian Hills, Colorado and Nickolas Robinson of Evans City, two great grandchildren Ophelia and Ruby. Maria is also survived by one brother and sister-in-law Frank G. and Cindy Papa of Patterson Township, one sister and brother-in-law Patty and Tom Kelly of Double Oak, Texas and several nieces, nephews and cousins, one aunt Antoinette “Aunt Nettie” Papa of Beaver, three stepsons William, Dan and Greg Andrews.

Maria’s wish was to be cremated. However friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM in St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Rochester. Inurnment will be in the Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

Arrangements are entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. 349 Adams St. Rochester, PA. The family wishes memorial contributions to a charity of choice.

 

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Shirley McKinnis (August 12, 1912 – June 27, 2024)

Shirley J. McKinnis, age 92, of Rochester Township, passed away peacefully on June 27th, 2024 at Villa St. Joseph, Baden. She was born August 12th, 1931 in Washington, PA. Shirley was the daughter of the late Edward and Georgia Lewis Rodgers. She was an employee of the former Kaufmann’s department store in Rochester as well as a Bell telephone operator in Washington, PA. Shirley was a member of Faith Community United Methodist church Rochester where she worked in the kitchen for various dinners. She was as also a member of MAC Sunday school class and previous president of the Rochester athletic mothers.
Shirley is survived by her husband Paul I. McKinnis. Surviving her as well are four children, Thomas E. McKinnis of Rochester Township, Timothy D. and Sandra McKinnis of Meadville, Paula S. and her favorite son-in-law Darel Pfeifer of Center Township, and Brad R. McKinnis of Beaver Falls. Shirley is also survived in life by her four grandchildren, Dirk Mckinnis, Michael Mckinnis and his companion, Nikki Smith, Matthew McKinnis, and Sydney Pfeifer, one great grandson Elyas McKinnis, and a former daughter-in-law, Arlene McKinnis.
Shirley’s wishes were to be cremated with no service. Arrangements are made entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc.
The family wishes memorial contributions to be made to the Faith Community United Methodist Church, 341 Jefferson St, Rochester, PA 15074.

 

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Jeffrey Scott Conner Jr. (December 19, 1988 – June 25, 2024)

Jeffrey Scott Conner Jr., 35, beloved son, brother, and father, left us too soon on June 25, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and passion for his family, basketball, mustangs, karate as a child, gaming and…his perfect credit score!
Born on December 19, 1988 in New Jersey, Jeffrey was a beacon of joy to all who knew him. His infectious smile and unwavering kindness endeared him to everyone he met.
His proudest moment was becoming a dad when his daughter, Amelia, was born.
Son of Ginny (Dale) Conner and the late Jeffrey Scott Conner, Sr. In addition to his dad, Jeffrey was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: Ronald Keith Dale and Peggy Dale, paternal grandparents: Marshall and Mabel Conner, three uncles: Paul Dale, Ronald Richardson and Peter Dale and an aunt, Kimberly Dale.
Jeffrey is survived by his loving family. His mom, Ginny Conner, his sister, Danielle Conner, his cherished daughter Amelia and her mom Kaylee McGuire. He is also survived by numerous caring aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Jeffrey was also a proud US Army veteran.
The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind.
We’ll miss you, Bud.
Visitation will be Wednesday July 3, 2024 from 12:00 – 2:00 pm in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001. Burial will immediately follow the visitation at Woodlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations to assist the family would be greatly appreciated.

 

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Stephen Umberto Crano (March 13, 1925 ~ June 26, 2024)

Stephen Umberto Crano, 99, of Ambridge, passed away at home on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, with his son Mark by his side.  Born March 13, 1925. Steve passed after a valiant battle with cancer. Our Dad put on his suite of armor and fought to the end like a true American solider. Steve was a Roman Catholic Christian by faith. A proud Veteran who served as a medic with the 14th Portable Surgical Hospital, World War II, and the Korean Conflict with the U.S. Army. Steve is survived by three sons and a daughter in-law. Steven Crano, Mark and Joann Crano, and James Sumpter, one daughter Bernadette Grimm, grandson Cameron Crano, two Great Grandchildren Brynn and Tyler Sumpter, and his special longtime lady companion, Shirley Kremer. “Shirley, Dad loved you!”    Also, two sisters, Mrs. Phyllis Hewitt of Sewickley, Pa, and Mrs. Gay DeMando of Massillon, OH.  Numerous nieces, nephews, family, friends in the Ohio and Pennsylvania area, and across the U.S. Last but not least, his two best buds, Skippy and Rocco, his mini-Poms. They went with him everywhere! Steve was proceeded in death by his beloved wife Elizabeth (Betty) Crano, parents, Antonio Crano and Annette (Tonti) Mack, sisters Eleanor Crano, Lenora Mack, Rose DeVenanzio, Marie Crano and brothers Frederick Crano and Anthony Crano. For decades Steve was an active member of the American Legion.  He was past commander of the Ambridge Post 341, Midland Post 481, Beaver County Commander, and District Commander. Steve also served on numerous National Committees with the American Legion. As a member of the American Legion, Steve was instrumental in getting special license plates for disabled veterans in Pennsylvania. He planted a garden each summer, and he loved going out whether to McDonald’s with Joann after a VA visit, or with Bernadette to a yard sale. He loved a good yard sale! If he saw something he thought you’d like, he’d buy it to surprise you. He cooked fresh dog food EVERYDAY for his two buddies. He spoke his mind and was a Patriot who loved talking’ politics. But in recent years, he was understandably frustrated about the treatment of our veterans, or lack thereof. He lived life his way. Steve will be greatly missed by those who truly loved him. Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM, in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, 724-266-2549. Departing prayers will be held at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 AM at Saint Luke the Evangelist Church, 725 Glenwood Ave, Ambridge. Burial with full military honors provided by the Beaver County Honor Guard will follow at Beaver Cemetery. Obituary can be viewed at alvarezhahnfs.com

James Dravenstott (January 19, 1939 ~ June 25, 2024)

James Dravenstott, 85, of Racoon Township, passed away on Tuesday, June 25,
2024, after an extended illness.
Jim was born and raised on a farm in Hitchens, KY. A son of the last Russell and
Juanita Dravenstott.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife Roberta
who has been waiting 5 years for him to join her, his sisters, Charlene Smith (Jim),
Phyliss Porter (June), brother John Dravenstott and brother-in-law (Joe McDavid).
He will be remembered and loved by his sister Joyce McDavid of Kentucky, son
and daughter in law Rodney and Beth Dravenstott of Chippewa and numerous
nieces and nephews.
Jim was retired from Pennsylvania Drilling where he was Vice President. He loved
to travel with Roberta, visiting almost all 50 states, enjoyed golfing with his son
and watching basketball, especially his Kentucky Wildcats.
Rod and Beth would like to thank Dr. Joseph Rooney and Dawn for their care and
support over the years. He thought the world of them.
Per Jim’s wishes, there will be no viewing. Memorial contributions may be made in
his name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001

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

Leland C. Rubino (Died June 28, 2024)

Leland “Lee” Carl Rubino, 81, of Monaca passed away on June 28, 2024. Visitation and

celebration of life for Lee will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Thursday, July 4 at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Friday, July 5 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Monaca (Please meet at the church). Private interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Lee was an avid fisherman, and he enjoyed trips to Las Vegas with friends. Lee graduated from Monaca Senior High School and enjoyed attending high school sporting events with his family. He was a lifetime member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Born in Rochester, he was the son of the late Charles W., Sr. and Frances M. (Ciccone) Rubino. He is preceded in death by his brother David F. Rubino.

Lee is survived by his children Trena (Eric) Sepos of Center Township and Darrin (Michelle) Rubino of Madison, Indiana; a grandson Christian Sepos; his brother Charles W., Jr. (Sandra) Rubino; sister-in-law Donna Rubino.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Salvatore Joseph Taormina (July 24, 1951 – June 25, 2024)

Salvatore Taormina, 72, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, in his Potter Twp home. Born on July 24, 1951, he was a graduate of Monaca High School. He traveled all over the world as a Quality Control Inspector. Salvie was a member of the Laborers and Pipefitters Unions as well as a longtime member of the Monaca Sons of Italy. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Taormina and his mother, Rafaella (Barella) Taormina, and his first wife, Terri (Best) Taormina.

Salvie is survived by his wife, Barbara (Roland) Taormina, his three loving daughters, Julie Taormina (Tim Depenhart), Jaimie Taormina, and Christine (Steven) Matiko, Brian Roland, and Laura Lonehill, his cherished grandchildren, Calista Taormina (Annamarie Difilippo), Acy Matiko (Caleb Neff), Taylor Harlow, Aidan Matiko, Bailee Harlow and Keenan Matiko- all from Beaver County, and many other grandchildren from out of state. He also leaves behind a sister, Josephine Taormina, and a brother, Frank (Kate) Taormina and his cats, Ducky, Maddie, and Sammy. Friends will be received on July 3 from 5PM-7PM followed by a prayer service at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, PA 15061 with refreshments after the service.

Salvie will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor and his kindness towards everyone. Anyone who met him immediately became part of his family. He was happiest when eating spaghetti and meatballs, surrounded by those who loved him. This obituary was lovingly prepared by his  children in his memory.

Margaret Shaw (January 16, 1927-June 26, 2024)

Margaret “Peggy” Shaw, 97 of Beaver passed away peacefully in the early evening hours of Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at Beaver Meadows, Beaver with her family by her side.
Born January 16, 1927 in New Brighton, PA, she was the daughter of the late Lewis and Eleanor Powell. Peggy was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church, Beaver and was very active in a myriad of local lady’s athletic clubs.
She is survived by her son Leslie (Denise) Shaw, Beaver, a daughter, Sidney L. (Bill Haniotes) Shaw, Beaver, cherished grandchildren, Harmony (Matthew) Stewart, Dr. Heather (Dr. Frank) Grisafi, Stephanie (Allen) Johnson, Kacie (Joshua) Eckelberger, Leslie (Frank) Klutka, great grandchildren, Mia and Lucca Grisafi, Sawyer Sisk, Jack Stewart, Crew Stewart, Bronson and Bryar Eckelberger, Haven Scott, Lily Klutka, Evangeline Klutka, and Adriana Margaret Klutka. She is also survived by her beloved Yorkie, Maggie Mae.
Peggy lived her life with kindness, dignity, and class and that resulted in many beautiful friends- new and old- whom she cherished and loved. Of special note, Beverly and Carl Merriman; and faithful friend and “honorary daughter” Cindy Nardelli.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loyal and beloved husband of 67 years, Richard L. Shaw, and brother Brad Powell.
Friends are welcome to attend a funeral service which will be held Monday, July 1 at 11:00am at the First Presbyterian Church, Beaver by her pastor, Reverend Jeffrey A. Arnold. Private interment will take place at the Beaver Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shaw Family Trust at the Pittsburgh Foundation, 5 PPG Place, Suite 250, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 to provide college scholarships for Beaver County students; the Beaver County Foundation- Shaw Park Project, P.O. Box 569, Beaver, PA 15009 to rebuild the community pool/parks and recreation; or The Beaver County Humane Society (BCBH) 3394 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Rev. Donald W. MacNeil (January 27, 1932 ~ June 28, 2024)

Pastor Donald W. MacNeil, 92, of Beaver, formerly of New Brighton, passed away peacefully Friday, June 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at Heritage Valley, Beaver.

Born January 27, 1932, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, he was a son of the late James P and Mabel (Trussell) MacNeil. A true man of God, he served in the ministry for over 70 years at five churches. After serving 40 years at New Brighton Church of the Nazarene, he was currently serving as the minister at the First Congregational Church of Beaver Falls.

Pastor’s journey led him to many places, serving countless people all over Beaver County. A special place in his heart was the Beaver Medical Center, where you could find him walking the halls, holding court in the lobby or visiting those in need. If you didn’t catch him at the hospital, you were sure to find him sitting outside of Kretchmar’s, enjoying a lemon pocket. Though he could always share a childhood story of his New England years, including his love of sailing and ‘chowdah’, more than anything he loved getting to know all of you. Although he initially thought he was destined to be a forest ranger, he truly adored being the people’s pastor.

Pastor is survived by his children, Greg (Melissa) MacNeil, Kathleen (Frank) Kusnir, and Janet (Tom) Roberts; grandchildren, Brandi Fry-MacNeil, Jaclyn, Frank Jr., Daniel and John Kusnir, Jimmy and Gabrielle Nero; Great-grandchildren, Nathan and Carly Ruthann. We as a family would like to include all of you as well, his church family and the community that he served.

He was predeceased by his parents, wife, Ruth Ann MacNeil, and daughter-in-law, Kerrie MacNeil.

Friends will be welcomed Monday and Tuesday from 2 to 4pm & 6 to 8pm at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Ave, New Brighton, and Wednesday from 10am until the time of the service at 11am, at the New Brighton Church of the Nazarene, 423 Penn Ave, New Brighton, with Reverend Randy Owens officiating.

Private family interment will follow at Grove Cemetery, New Brighton.

We would like to thank the staff of Heritage Valley Beaver for their compassionate care of our father in his final days.

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

Alice Marie Taylor (May 08, 1938 – June 26, 2024)

Alice Marie Taylor, 86, of South Beaver Twp., passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at Heritage Valley-Beaver, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on May 8, 1938 in Pittsburgh, PA, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Rita (Hyland) Friedel.

As a young girl living in South Beaver, Alice loved spending time on her horse “Cookie” and later worked at the Black Hawk Golf Course lunch counter. She graduated from Beaver Falls High School and went on to work as a secretary for Paul Brooks and Sons. Alice had a passion for social events including dances and parties. In April of 1959, she married the love of her life and devoted herself to being a wife and loving mother of three sons.

Alice was a woman of faith and served as a Bible school teacher at the First Presbyterian Church in Darlington, PA. She was involved in various community activities such as being a Den Mother for troop 409, participating in the Blackhawk PTA, and supporting her children in baseball and football. She also volunteered on the election board for South Beaver Township for many years.

A significant and meaningful part of Alice’s life was working alongside her husband and two sons in their family business, where she served as Secretary for Carl Taylor and Sons. She loved flying with her eldest son, anytime and to any destination.

Alice adored the holidays and dressing for every occasion. She loved traveling, spending time with all of her family and her dear friends, and participating in activities over the years such as bowling and card clubs.

Alice was a deeply cherished mother-in-law.  She was a warm, treasured grandmother and great-grandmother, relishing the opportunity to spoil her grandchildren, including a recent shopping trip with her great-granddaughter Lilly.

She was a loving person, full of life, never wanting to miss out on any moment. She often commented on how blessed she was to live such a full and wonderful life. She will be dearly missed by many.

In addition to her parents, Alice was preceded in death by a son, Daniel L. Taylor, two brothers, Lloyd and Raymond Schmeltz, and a sister Lorraine (Schmeltz) Coon.

Alice is survived by her loving husband of 65 years H. Carl Taylor; two sons, Greg (Jamie) Taylor and John (Cheryl) Taylor; six grandchildren, Gregory, Justin, Tom, Ashley, Jake, Kelsey; five great- grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Donna Taylor.

Friends will be received on Friday, June 28th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME- 117 Blackhawk Rd., Beaver Falls PA 15010 where a service will be held on Saturday, June 29th at 11am. Rev. Lee Bittner will officiate.

Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

Contributions may be made in Alice’s name to the Wounded Warriors Project- 600 River Ave Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.