Category: Obituaries

Laurie C. Morrison (1959-2025)

Laurie C. Morrison, 65, of South Beaver Township, passed away on August 9th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Health System: Beaver Campus.

She was born in Ellwood City on November 1st, 1959, the daughter of the late Ronald and Charlene (Roberts) Cogley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law and sister in-law, Armando Martinez and Barbara (Morrison) Martinez, and sister-in-law, Andrea Morrison. She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 44 years, Neil Morrison, her sons, Joshua (Alanda) Morrison and Ryan (Abbey) Morrison, eight grandchildren: Connor, Bradley, Evan, Adelyn, Ainsley, Gavin, Gunner, and Anniston; as well as her brother, Andrew Jr. (Nanette) Cogley and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Laurie held many positions throughout her professional life including working for Duquesne Light Company at the Beaver Valley Power Station. She was a member of New Salem Presbyterian Church of Midland. She was also a devoted grandmother. Laurie was very artistic and received an award from the Merrick Art Gallery, formed a political group called “The Twisters” with her girlfriends, and enjoyed many trips to the Outer Banks.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, August 13th from 2-4PM & 6-8PM in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

A funeral service will also be held on Thursday, August 14th at 11AM at CUP Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 530 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls with Pastor Jeff Marquis officiating. Friends will be received one hour prior to services at CUP Evangelical Presbyterian Church at 10 A.M on Thursday, August 14th.

Private interment will be in Seceder Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, or the New Salem Presbyterian Church building fund.

Peggy W. Kistler (1951-2025)

Peggy W. Kistler, 73, of Freedom, passed away August 8th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Hospital, Beaver. She was born in Rochester on August 24th, 1951. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Sarah Levis Glassburner, her husband, Robert B. Kistler, a daughter, April L. Norris, a son in law, Josh Norris, a brother, Paul Glassburner and a sister in law, Robin Phillips. She is survived by two daughters and sons in law, Verna L. and Mark Ferrari of Mohnton, Pennsylvania, Heather J. and James Fortunato of Kittanning, Pennsylvania, five grandchildren: Brandon (Caitrin), Josh (Amanda), Bethany (Cole), Kelsie and Abigail, 4 step-grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, 2 sisters and a brother in law, Sharon Woodman of Bell Acres, Pennsylvania, Marijane and Rich Tucker, two brothers, Bruce Glassburner and David and Cathy Glassburner, a sister in law and brother in law, Georgia and Marlin Robinson of Rochester Township, a brother in law, Lyle Phillips of Georgia and numerous nieces and nephews, along with special friends, Sharon Felton and Jackie Leasha.

Peggy was a retired employee with 35 years of service to J&J Catering of Freedom. She was Methodist by faith.

Friends will be received on Thursday, August 14th from 2-7 P.M. in the William Murphy funeral Home, Inc., 348 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a service will be held Friday, August 15 at 10 a.m. Officiating the service will be Reverend Dr. Judy Angleberger.

Darlene “Lene” Thomas (Passed on August 10th, 2025)

Darlene “Lene” Thomas, 84, passed away on August 10th, 2025 at her Monaca residence. She was born at the family homestead in Center Township and Darlene’s life was a testament to the values of love, faith and community that she held dear. She was a daughter of the late Fred and June Rambo, and the devoted wife of the late Robert “Bob” Thomas, with whom she shared a beautiful union beginning on November 14th, 1960, until his passing on June 11th, 2017. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Benjamin Robert Thomas and her sister, Rose Coulter. She is survived by her family, including her three children, Chuck and Norma Thomas, Bob and Darlene Thomas, and Stacey and Daron Arnott; along with her grandchildren, Joshua (Shannon), Matthew, Alaina (fiancé Sean) and Sean; as well as her treasured great-grandchildren, Layla, Kai, Declan, and Ruby. Her life was further enriched by the companionship of her sisters, Mary Lou Carpenter and Janet (Frank) Zawislak.

Darlene was a woman of strong faith who faithfully attended the Rochester Free Methodist Church of Rochester, where her son serves as the pastor. Her commitment to the church’s mission was evident in her tireless efforts to support the food pantry, both through generous donations and countless hours of volunteering. Her spirit of giving and her passion for helping those in need were cornerstones of her character that touched many lives within her community.

Beyond her service to the church, she possessed a love for nature, often spending time watching and feeding the birds and squirrels that frequented her home.

Her journey on this earth may have concluded, but the memories she created will continue to resonate with warmth and affection through generations.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 13th from 12 noon until the time of a service at 12:30 p.m. at the Rochester Free Methodist Church, 480 Jefferson Street, Rochester.

The family wishes to extend a note of gratitude to Gallagher Hospice for the compassionate care and kindness that was given to Darlene.

Memorial contributions may be made if desired in Darlene’s memory to the Rochester Free Methodist Church Food Pantry, c/o the church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Charles “Chooch” J. Calderone (1944-2025)

Charles “Chooch” J. Calderone, 81, of Ambridge, passed away on August 10th, 2025. He was born on April 8th, 1944, a son of the late Santo and Florence Calderone. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Kennedy, his sons, Robert Glotzbach and Michael Calderone, his brother, Joseph Calderone, his first wife, Margaret Calderone-Isenbreg and his great-grandson, Jacob Thompson.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Marsha Calderone, his children, Danielle (Evan) Hrelec and Charles J. Calderone, Jr., his brother, Frank (Josie) Calderone, eleven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Charles had a lifelong passion for restoring old cars: taking them apart piece by piece and rebuilding them with care. He also enjoyed collecting model cars, watching classic western TV shows and listening to Elvis Presley, whose music was a constant in his life. He cherished time spent with friends, often meeting them at McDonald’s, and above all, treasured every moment with his beloved wife and large, loving family.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, August 13th, from 2–4 P.M. and from 5 P.M. until the time of the funeral service at 7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements. Interment will be private.

Walter Keith Burau (1943-2025)

Walter Keith Burau, 82, of Beaver Falls, passed away on August 8th, 2025, at UPMC Passavant in McCandless Township, Pennsylvania, with his loving family surrounding him. He was born on March 16th, 1943, a son of the late Walter R. and Bessie (Smith) Burau. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Barbara L. Burau, his stepmother, Bertha Burau, a sister, Margaret Huffman, several step-brothers and brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law, three nephews, along with others who were dear to him. He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Christopher (Patricia) Burau of Ventura, Calif., and Adam (Cherise) Burau of Murrysville, PA; his sister, Shirley Schmidt; a sister-in-law, Mary Lou Phillips; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and kind neighbors.Keith was a 1961 graduate of Beaver Falls High School. After graduation, Walter went to work at Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) Steel in Beaver Falls. He was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War, serving in Germany as a clerk with a Top Secret security clearance at a nuclear missile site. After being honorably discharged, he returned home and resumed working at B&W, serving in numerous departments involved in making and shipping steel. Keith often worked overtime hours to buy extra gifts that his children wanted for Christmas. He loved sports, particularly basketball and baseball, playing on local recreational teams while growing up and in pick-up games as an adult. He followed the Pittsburgh Pirates closely, and reveled in retelling exactly where he was for Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, watching with friends as Bill Mazeroski hit the series-ending home run. He also was a rabid Pitt basketball fan, following the team for likely 40+ years and attending games later in life with his friend, Paul. Keith also was a great bowler, playing in local leagues for many years. He once missed rolling a perfect 300 game by only one frame: getting a spare in the first frame and then rolling 11 strikes in a row. After the scoresheet was official, at the urging of the gathering crowd, He rolled one last ball that didn’t count, and it was a strike. That game earned him a commemorative plaque and wristwatch that he prized dearly. Keith enjoyed recalling the “glory days” of growing up in the 1950s in Patterson Township, Beaver County: hanging out with his teenage friends at Waite’s ice cream shop and Taylor’s Pennzoil station (making him an official member of the famed “Taylor’s Bums” crew), and, speaking of ice cream, he should have owned stock in Bruster’s and Handel’s. He was known for eating half his weight in butter pecan and chocolate, always breaking out his special multi-quart stash to share with family during get-togethers. (“Hey, Keith, Bruster’s called. They need to get some ice cream back!!”) He was a dedicated husband, father, and father-in-law who always put family first and was fiercely loyal to them even to the end. When his sons, Chris and Adam, were growing up, he helped coach their West Mayfield youth recreational baseball teams, including some that won league championships in the 1970s and early 1980s. He was one of several beloved “old school” fathers and father figures who punched out of their shifts at the local steel mills and spent their spring and summer evenings on the sandlot: not only teaching baseball fundamentals and sportsmanship, but also instilling character, grit, and a strong, blue-collar work ethic in their sons and young boys from the neighborhood. In the yard of the family’s home, he installed a home run fence around his sons’ Wiffle Ball diamond, making the field a magnet for neighborhood boys and girls. He played and umpired thousands of innings for them, and who could forget Keith’s flat-out diving catch to win that one marathon championship game as the late-summer sun was setting over Burau Field: his team jumping for joy while the losers literally hit their knees in disbelief. Keith had a deep and abiding love of music and instilled it into his sons, making groups like The Eagles, The Doobie Brothers, Billy Joel, and other artists the soundtrack of their youth.  The three loved recording “mix tapes” and playing their 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records. For years, neighbors likely considered calling the police to report how loud he and his sons blasted their stereos (often shaking the dishes in the china cabinet, much to his wife, Barbara’s dismay). Chris fondly remembers the days when he, Adam, their friends, and other parents would ride in Walter’s famous brown and beige 1979 Chevy van and turn the music up on 10. They would sing along to their favorite tunes as they drove to their baseball teams’ away games or to Pirates games. And, even in his 70s, Walter invited Adam to rock concerts to see bands like ZZ Top (Adam brought ear plugs. Walter didn’t). But quieter times with him also were special too. One of Adam’s fondest childhood memories with his dad, shrouded in blinding sunshine, blue sky, and windblown clouds, was flying kites on a 1970s spring day for what seemed like forever atop a hillside at a local school. After breaking for lunch and hot tea from Walter’s work Thermos in the big bucket seats of Walter’s navy blue 1967 Pontiac LeMans convertible, the two grabbed their kites and seized the wind again until daylight was fading and it was time to go home. That memory of Keith will be framed in sunshine forever. There will be no public visitation, in keeping with Walter’s wishes. Interment will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. Memorial contributions may be made to your local recreational youth baseball or other sports league or the charity of your choice or just turn on your favorite music, scoop some ice cream and be with the ones you love, treasuring the time as Walter always did.

Alice M. Krivac (1930-2025)

Alice M. “Alice in Wonderland” Krivac, 94, of Beaver, formerly of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, passed away on August 3rd, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on August 16th, 1930, a daughter of the late George and Anna Solich. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her only son, Arthur Tagnosky, her grandson, Michael Tagnosky and her siblings: Mary, Mike, Frank, MIllie, Stella, Annie and George. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Gloria Tagnosky, her granddaughters, Joanne (John) McDermitt and Jessica Kovacs, her great-grandchildren, Rachel and Zachary McDermitt and Rebecca and Katherine Kovacs, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Alice was very proud to be Catholic by faith, having been a former member of St. Clement Church in Johnstown and then later at Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Beaver of Beaver County.

A Memorial Mass will be conducted on Thursday, August 14th at 11 a.m. at St. Clement Church, 114 Lindberg Avenue, Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Inurnment to take place at a later date at Grandview Cemetery, 801 Millcreek Road, Johnstown, Pennsylvania with her family.

Professional Services and arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in Alice’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Dana R. Hewitt (1975-2025)

Dana R. Hewitt, 50, of Beaver Falls, passed away on August 7th, 2025 at Covington Skilled Nursing and Rehab in East Palestine, Ohio following her courageous battle with Huntington’s Disease.

She was born on April 7th, 1975, a daughter of the late Dwayne and Barbara (Mihalko) Hewitt. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her former partner, Robert Vail, Jr. She is survived by her children, Patience Karan and Curry Hewitt, her step-mother, Ruthann (Large) Sanor, her sisters, Melissa Stout and Amanda Hewitt, her brothers, William (Shalee) Hewitt and Jason (Chelsea) Hewitt, as well as her former partner ’s sister, Kathie Longmire.

Dana was a 1993 graduate of Riverside Highschool, as a part of their cheerleading squad. She was a lovingly devoted and caring nurse’s aide with the Beaver Valley Geriatric Center/Friendship Ridge for many years. She was a kind, gentle and loving young lady. There was a softness to her spirit that made you feel safe just being around her. Even in her pain and suffering she never lost the faith, and that beautiful smile and laugh that made her so special and warmed your heart.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, August 13th from 3 P.M. until the time of services at 7 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMA TION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dana’s name can be made to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 1402. New York, NY 10018 (www .hdsa.org).

Thomas Paul Ellis (1952-2025)

Thomas Paul Ellis, 73, of Baden, passed away on August 8th, 2025 at Allegheny General Hospital of Pittsburgh. He was born on April 5th, 1952, the youngest son of the late John and Ann Ellis of New Brighton. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane, his children, Ashley (Dustin) Spencer and Thomas (Wessam) Ellis, his grandchildren, Aiden, Eli, Lily and Scarlet, his brother, John (Kris) Ellis, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews and his Aunt Goldie.

Thomas worked for J & L Steel until lay-offs caused him to search for a new career. He got his foot in the door as a mail carrier for the post office and soon became a front desk clerk. He worked for the postal service for 35 years. He was a people person who enjoyed his job and the connections he made within the community. When he was not working or playing music, he could be found on the golf course. He loved all music, but tambura music most of all. It is hard to say what he enjoyed more, playing or teaching tambura. He taught tambura to anyone he had the opportunity to teach (his count had to be in the hundreds) and had “the patience of a saint.” Even up to the day before his passing, Thomas talked about songs and arrangements he thought would be a good fit to play. He traveled the country and Eastern Europe and meant so much to many people. Now he is on to his next grand adventure. “I put up a good fight, and I love everybody. Dovidjenja.”

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 from 2-4 P.M. and 5 P.M. until the time of a blessing service at 7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC., 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements. Burial will be private.

Thomas A. Rally (1938-2025)

Thomas A. Rally, 87, of Hopewell Township, passed away on August 5th, 2025 in his home surrounded by family. He was born in Sewickley on June 16th, 1938, a son of the late Anthony & Thomasina (Aiello) Rally. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Rally, his brothers, Donny Rally & Richard Rally and a brother-in-law, Ted Williams. He is survived by his sister, Shirley Williams and his four children: Lisa Cruthers (Paul), Thomas Rally (Ruth), Julie Humeniuk and Daniel Rally; as well as eight grandchildren: Thomas Rally (Linnea), Dylan Mospan (Helen), Alexander Rally (Kaitlyn), Morgan Johnson (D’Aundre), Brittany Mospan, Anthony Rally (Jenna Hansman), Madison Humeniuk and Sydney Rally; along with three great grandchildren: Audrey, Giovanna and Eleni.

Thomas was raised in Coraopolis and built a home in Hopewell where he resided for the past 50 years. He was a meat cutter by trade. However, his true calling was music. He was a drummer and vocalist for the oldies bands The Hi-Beams and Gingerbread, playing all about the Pittsburgh area for decades.

Friends will be received on Monday, August 11th from 6-8 P.M. at the Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Aliquippa, 2345 Mill Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Committal Blessing and interment will take place on Tuesday, August 12th at 11:30 A.M. at Allegheny County Memorial Park, 1600 Duncan Avenue, Allison Park.

Friends and family are welcome to the family home at Temple Road on Tuesday, August 12th after the memorial service for a reception to celebrate the life of Thomas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org

George William Ralish, Jr. (1935-2025)

George William Ralish, Jr., 89, of Monaca, passed away peacefully on August 2nd, 2025, concluding a life rich in hard work, service, and love for his family. He was born on August 30th, 1935, the son of the late George William Ralish, Sr. and Anna Belsky.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Martha Emert and his sisters, Jane (Charles) Merriman, Sophie (Leo) Donovan and Elaine (Jerry) Templeton.

He is survived by his three children, George, Shari, and Vicki (Ron), and by two cherished grandsons, Shea Beaumont and Alekzander Windham. He is also survived by his sisters, Dolly (Harold) Smith, Virginia (Paul) Horan and Catherine Shemer.

George proudly served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960 as part of the 1st Armored Division stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. He loved playing fast-pitch softball for the Sokol Club. He was employed at the former St. Joe Lead and later BASF, from where he retired. Even in retirement, George remained active, working with Budget Lawn Care and generously volunteering his time. He was also a dedicated volunteer driver for the Veterans Association, logging over 5,000 miles transporting veterans from Beaver County to Pittsburgh and back. He also served as a volunteer driver for Simpson’s Funeral Home, always willing to lend a helping hand. George was an avid gardener and a devoted Penn State fan who enjoyed attending countless football games over the years. He cherished time with his grandsons and would travel anywhere to support them in their activities, especially sporting events. He also took great pride in maintaining his vehicles, always keeping them in excellent condition.

A memorial service will be held at a later date to honor and celebrate George’s life. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.