Edward C. Howarth, 88, of Chippewa Township, passed away on April 10th, 2025, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. He was born on New Brighton on July 28th, 1936, the son of the late James and Mary Helen (Southwick) Howarth. Edward graduated from Beaver Falls High School with the class of 1954 and went on to graduate from Geneva College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was a veteran of the United States Army where he served in the Korean War. Edward was a retired accountant for Globe Refractories in Newell, West Virginia who also worked as a learning support aide for the Blackhawk School District. He was a member of many different organizations including being a member of the Knights of Columbus #604, treasurer for St. Vincent DePaul Society, life member of the BF Elks B.P.O.E #348, member of St. Monica Catholic Church of Saint Augustine Parish, member of the Board of Directors for Chippewa Riviera, past president of the Institute of Management Accounts, and treasurer for the Blackhawk Quarterback Club. He wasn’t just a Blackhawk Football Fan, he was family. He bled Green and Gold in either rain, snow, or heat. He showed up and was a constant presence at games, QB Club meetings and events, always supporting, always believing, always there. Whether he was rallying the community, grilling at booster events, or just showing love to every kid who put on a jersey, his made a lasting impact. His dedication to the program and the people in it was unmatched. He didn’t just love Blackhawk Football he lived it. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Irene C. (Mukanus) Howarth. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Edward C. II and Cindy Howarth of Aurora, Colorado. Friends will be received on Thursday, April 17th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, where full military honors will be held at 3 P.M. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. Private inurnment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Category: Obituaries
George J. Sipe (1937-2025)
George J. Sipe, 88, of Bell Acres, passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 12th, 2025. He was born in Hall, West Virginia, a son of the late Ralph Sipe and Iris Harvey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by nine siblings and a great-grandson, Atlas.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Winifred “Winnie” Sipe, his children, Julia (John) Charko, Tina Meanor and Stephen (Bettina) Sipe, brothers, James (Sandy) Sipe, Kenneth (Donna) Sipe and David Sipe, grandchildren, Nicole (Matthew) Erickson, Matthew Meanor, Daniel Charko, Connor Sipe and Trevor Sipe, great-grandchildren, Aidan, Rylee, Gavin, and Baylee Erickson and Irina Meanor; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and dear friends that turned into his Bluegrass family.
George worked hard throughout his life, holding positions with McGaughey Brothers Trucking where he hauled steel, Jones and Laughlin Steel Company/LTV Steel (where he served for 23 years), a truck driver at Valley Steel and the U.S. Postal Service as a tractor-trailer mail hauler transporting mail between Pittsburgh and Johnstown. He was also a skilled autobody repairman and car painter.
George was a lifelong lover of Bluegrass music who played the resonator Dobro guitar in several bands, building a second family within the Bluegrass community. He was a familiar face and performer at numerous festivals, where he formed lasting friendships. His love of vintage cars was another passion—he especially treasured restoring his 1948 Chrysler Windsor with his son and driving his Little Red Express and Warlock Red Express in the Leetsdale parade.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 21st from 3-7 P.M. in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC 547 8th Street, Ambridge. Burial will be private.
George was born with a cleft palate, a cause that remained close to his heart throughout his life. In honor of that and in lieu of flowers, he wished for donations to be made to Smile Train https://www.smiletrain.org/ or Operation Smile https://www.operationsmile.org/ in his memory.
Matthew Louis Frederick, Jr. (1939-2025)
Matthew Louis Frederick, Jr., 85, of Hopewell Township, passed away on April 12th, 2025, in the VA Hospital- H J Heinz Campus.
He was born in Aliquippa on July 1st, 1939, a son of the late Matthew L. and Helen (Yeskovich) Frederick, Sr.
He was a Christian by faith. Matthew was an avid gardener and loved spending time with his family.
Matthew is survived by his children, Mark Frederick, Jason (Heather Juth-Frederick) Frederick and Robin (Jack Norris) Frederick, two sisters, Helen Frederick and Mary Jane Ward, his grandchildren, Jack Norris III, Skylar Juth, Melissa Juth, a special niece, Ava Prest; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Edward Frederick, Richard Frederick and Carol Cain.
Interment will be at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville on Wednesday, April 23rd at 10:30 A.M.
The Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home was honored to provide services to the Frederick Family.
Carol Jean Krugle (Passed on April 13th, 2025)
Carol Jean Krugle, 76, a lifelong resident of Monaca, passed away on April 13th, 2025 at Providence Care Center of Beaver Falls.
Carol Jean was a daughter of the late Elizabeth Ann (Zupsic) Palombo and her amazing stepfather, John Palombo. Carol was also preceded in death by her sister, Maryann Warchol and father, Andrew A. Calafactor. She is survived by four daughters: Debbie (Ted) Valko, Denice (Eddie) Elmer, Dawn Lynette (Larry) Holly and Bobbi Jean (Scott) McIlvain. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren and a nephew, John Warchol.
All services will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.
Thomas Sutton Liberty (1942-2025)
Thomas Sutton Liberty, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on April 11th, 2025, at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph.
He was born in New Brighton on July 7th, 1942, a son of the late Ralph Liberty and Evelyn T. Liberty.
He attended Beaver Falls High School and later earned his GED from the Community College of Beaver County. He worked for many years at Moltrup Steel in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.
Thomas was an avid fisherman and hunter, but his greatest joy came from spending summer days at Holiday Camplands, fishing and riding the golf cart with his beloved grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Patricia L. Liberty and three brothers, Ralph, Andrew and Alfred Liberty.
He is survived by his children, Thomas A. (Kimberly) Liberty and Lisa L. (Mark) Kohlmann and his cherished grandchildren, Michael (Jessie), Matthew and Victoria Kohlmann, his brother, Daniel (Carolyn) Liberty, his wife, Shirley Liberty, several brothers and sisters-in-law, many loving nieces and nephews, including Kelly McCormick, Jennifer Artiaga and Brianna Diaz, all of Florida, as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.
The J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, was in charge of both his services and his arrangements.
The family would like to extend a thank you to Josh, Kim, Brianna, Megan, Tosh, and Brittany and all the caregivers in the Fontbonne unit at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph.
Interment was private and was held in Beaver Falls Cemetery.
Robert Walter Currie (1943-2025)
Robert Walter Currie, 81, of Moon Township, passed away on April 8th, 2025 in his home. He was born in Aliquippa on April 28th, 1943, the son of the late Robert & Esther Currie.
Robert was a graduate of Aliquippa High School, Youngstown University, and Robert Morris University. His interests included fishing, shooting and cars.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah L. (Wilkie) Currie.
Robert is survived by his son, Robert Thomas Currie (Colleen) of Moon Township & daughter, Desiree Currie of Jamaica and two granddaughters, Genevieve Marie Currie & Jillian McCaughtry-Popp.
All services are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township.
Interment will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies of Bridgeville.
Rose E. Scally (1951-2025)
Rose E. Scally, 73, of New Brighton, passed away on April 12th, 2025, at Heritage Valley, Beaver, surrounded by family.
She was born in Beaver Falls on December 15th, 1951, in Beaver Falls, a daughter of the late Paul K. and Eleanor E. (Skillenger) Scally. Rose worked as an Administrator in the offices of New Brighton School District for 35 years prior to retirement. She had a love for rock music, especially Def Leopard. She also had a great love for animals.
Rose is survived by a sister, Paula Chapman, her niece and Goddaughter, Katie (Dan) Eudy, her nephew, Davy Chapman, her great-niece, Nicole (Bradley) Rossi, her great-nephews, Joey Durr and Davie Chapman, and her great-great-niece, Kaylee Rossi, and numerous friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant sister, Elizabeth Scally and her brother-in-law, Dave Chapman.
Friends will be welcomed on Tuesday, April 15th from 4 p.m. until the time of the Blessing Service at 7 p.m., at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avene, New Brighton.
Private interment will take place at St Joseph Catholic Cemetery of New Brighton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to The Beaver County Humane Society.
Felicia N. (Gizzi) Cleaver (1930-2025)
Felicia N. (Gizzi) Cleaver, 94, of Chippewa Township, passed away on April 12th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Beaver.
She was born in Homewood, Pennsylvania on December 29th, 1930, a daughter of the late James and Frances (Trozzi) Gizzi.
Felicia was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church of St. Augustine Parish. She had a deep passion for cooking and baking and loved exploring new destinations with her husband, David. She also enjoyed bowling and cherished many moments with her family.
Felicia is survived by her beloved husband, David W. Cleaver; her daughter, Darlene (David) Coates; a sister, Norma Pavlinch; a granddaughter, Chelsea (Gregory) Powell; two great-grandchildren, Emma and Gavin Powell; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded by a brother, Nickolas (Nancy) Gizzi, and a brother-in-law, Robert Pavlinch.
Friends will be received on Tuesday, April 15th from 4-7 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 16th at the funeral home from 9 A.M. until the time of the blessing service at 10 A.M. Father Kim Schreck will officiate.
A private interment will take place at Beaver Falls Cemetery.
In lieu of the flowers, donations in Felicia’s name can be made to the Saint Monica Angel Fund, 609 10th St Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
Felicia’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to the staff of Celebration Villa of Chippewa, as well as Gallagher and Fox Home Health for their loving care.
Darlas Marie (Catherman) Bango (Passed on April 11th, 2025)
Darlas Marie (Catherman) Bango passed away peacefully at home in Center Township on April 11th, 2025.
Darlas was born at her family home on College Hill in Beaver Falls and was a daughter of the late Roy and Nina (Corl) Catherman. She worked at the Youth Center, and married Blackie (John) Bango on September 10th, 1950. Together, they traveled to Boston, Niagara Falls and Las Vegas, and arranged frequent family trips to Wildwood, New Jersey and Geneva on The Lake. Together, they owned 3 popular local bars-the Bama Inn and The Hideout in New Brighton, and the 19th Hole in Chippewa. She also worked for many years at the One Stop Shopper in Darlington. During their years in Beaver Falls, Darlas and Blackie loved to entertain. Summer was “pool time”, and on any given weekend, one phone call brought 50 people for a pool party, with enough food to feed all of College Hill.
In 1984, they moved to Jensen Beach, Florida. There they sold decorator pillows at the B&A Flea market, where they became known as the “Pillow People”. Following the death of Blackie, Darlas became a Home Health Aide, working almost exclusive with hospice and ALS patients. In 2004, Darlas came back to the Pittsburgh area to live with her daughter and son-in-law, settling in Center Township in 2011.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Blackie, her sister, Miriam and her brother-in-law Butch (Clarence) Newton, her brother, Harold (Sara Caughey) Catherman and her oldest son, Terry Roy (Martha Thompson) Bango of Stuart, Florida.
She is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Debbie) Bango of Poland, Ohio, her daughter, Tami Sue (David) Seretti, who she lived with, grandchildren, John (Ellen) Bango of Port St Lucie, Florida, and Jamie (Patrick) McNealy of Jensen Beach, Florida, Great grandchildren, Addison Bango, and Colin and Genevieve McNealy. She is also survived many special nieces, nephews and cousins that meant so much to her, and will carry on her stories.
Darlas was unapologetically herself-nebby, funny, opinionated, a rabid fan of reading and The Lettermen, a generous lover of the outdoors and flowers, sometimes without tact, but always with a great story. Many of the family conversations start with “So, I’ve got a story,” followed by the most ridiculous thing that ever happened to them.
In accordance with Darlas’ wishes, there will be no funeral. The family will hold a Celebration of Life in her honor in the summer.
Arrangements have been entrusted to SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.
The family would like to thank Dr. Gregg Zernich and his staff for their wonderful care over the years, and Amedicus Hospice for their compassion and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Psoriasis Foundation or the Beaver County Humane Society.
Vincent G. “Butch” Galas, Jr. (Passed on April 9th, 2025)
Vincent G. “Butch” Galas, Jr., 81, of Center Township, passed away on April 9th, 2025, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital.
He was a son of the late Vincent G. Galas, Sr. and Beatrice Galas Satterfield, Butch grew up in Monaca where he was a graduate of Monaca High School.
After graduation, Vincent’s career began with a brief period as a barber. His path took a significant turn when he answered the call to serve his country. Vincent joined the U.S. Navy and served honorably during the Vietnam War from 1965 until 1967.
Upon his return from military service, Vincent’s industrious spirit led him to further his education in welding. This decision paved the way for a long career with Nova Chemical.
It was at the First Presbyterian Church of Monaca in 1968 that Vincent married the love of his life, Patricia Wolfe Galas. Their union was blessed with two children, Amy Claypoole and Vincent Galas, and further enriched by the joy of their two grandchildren, Gabriella and Jacob Claypoole.
Vincent’s life was complemented by the support of his siblings, Karen (Dave) Smith, Jacque (late Gregory) McWilliams, and Robert (Diane) Satterfield, along with several nieces and nephews.
Vincent was an active member of the Monaca American Legion Post #580 and a former trustee. He was also a man of many interests. Vincent’s love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for golfing with his buddies on Tuesdays and Thursdays, tending to his vegetable garden and riding his quad across his property.
Friends will be received on Monday, April 14th from 1-4 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where military honors will be presented by the U.S. Navy at 4 p.m., which is the time of the service for Vincent.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired to the National Diabetes Foundation. 888 234 9055.