Robert D. “Bob” Dietz, 79, of Daugherty Twp passed away Friday May 3, 2024, in his residence.

Born July 22,1944 in Rochester, Pa, he was the son of the late Joseph F. and Mabel A. (Seaburn) Dietz. Bob was a graduate of New Brighton High School Class of 62.

Upon graduation he went to work for the Pittsburgh Tube Co. working in the water treatment facility, retiring in 1996 after 32 years of service.

He proudly served his community in various positions including coaching stints with the NB Little Lions football program and NB Bantam Basketball. Bob was the scorekeeper for the NB Men’s Varsity Basketball team during the glory years of the ‘90s. He was a former firefighter with the Daugherty Twp VFD and a frequent volunteer at Grove Cemetery.

A member and trustee of the New Brighton Eagles for over 30 years, he was the driving force behind the infamous “Kitchen Crew” that served countless banquets, weddings, graduations, and community events such as team feeds for the youth and high school sports teams. Those steaks, eagle beans and buffets were world famous!

Bob was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and had a passion for the game of softball where he held the titles of Beaver County Men’s Commissioner and ASA District 9 Deputy Commissioner working alongside the great Guy DeMaio. They helped transform what tournament softball is all about here in our region. He played on various local teams including Babe’s Bar, The Hideout, Joey’s, NB Eagles, JJ’s Lounge, Suburban Lounge, Scoreboard Lounge and Corbin’s to name a few. His Blatz teams in the ‘70s and ‘80s were a dynasty loaded with local talent. His teams set the standard for the way the game was to be played and resulted in multiple championships and a runner up finish in the ASA Class A open division. He was also a player/coach for the Pittsburgh Hardhats, who played in the American Professional Slow Pitch League. Bob is by far the winningest coach in Beaver County Men’s Softball history.

His favorite hobbies were tending to his pool (which included an ever-standing open door policy), riding his John Deere tractor, listening to Pink Floyd, attending his grandkids sporting events, vacationing on Hilton Head Island and fondueing with the family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Judith Anderson and Louise Hartsuff. Brothers William Hartsuff, Hiram Hartsuff, William Dietz, Roger Dietz, Joseph Dietz. Uncles Paul, Mike Dietz and his parents-in-law E. Benton and Helen Early

Bob is survived by his loving wife Sandra (Early) Dietz, with whom he would have shared a 60^th wedding anniversary on October 3, 2024. His children Rob (Sue) Dietz of New Brighton, PA, Tracy (Matt) Peterson of East Palestine, OH, and Mike (Beth) Dietz of Portersville, PA.

11 Grandchildren Matt (Tiaira) Dietz, Chelsea (Puff) Razo, Drew (Lindsey) Dietz, Lindsey (Ethan) Brown, Ashley Peterson, Zach (Marissa) Peterson, Meghan, Briana, Rachel, Abigail and Ryan Dietz.

8 Great Grandchildren Gianni Dietz, Twins Ava & Aza, Auni and Ledger Razo, Skylar and Hadley Peterson, Bryson Brown

He is also survived by his twin brother and partner in crime Paul D. Dietz. Sisters-in-law Sue Hansen, Toni (Don) Tustin, Terri McNaughton and Colleen (Ron) Fabritius, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Per Bob’s wishes there will be no visitation. Interment will be private. The family would like to extend an invitation to attend a celebration of his life on Sunday July 21, 2024, from 2-6pm at the Oak Hill Vets Association located at 1 Laurel Ave New Brighton, PA 15066

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to Grove Cemetery 1750 Valley Ave PO Box 46 New Brighton, PA 15066. Online condolences may be shared at Gabauerfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

In closing… Bob was our hero. He instilled the values that remain with us today. How to be kind, compassionate and caring towards people. To respect the things that you have and always offer help to others. His door was always open, and he would share countless stories and advice about life in general. He was the kindest man we knew. Rest easy dear Father. We Love You!

The GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Penn Ave., New Brighton, was honored to provide care and guidance to Bob’s family during this difficult time.

 

 

Bennie W. Riley, 63, of Ambridge passed away at home on May 3, 2024. He was the youngest son of Perline Knox and the late Henry C. Riley. He was preceded in death by a brother, David Hardman, paternal grandmother, Momma Riley. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 15 years, Tracey L. Riley, oldest son, William Anderson and fiancé, Amber Sabella, siblings, Mike (Jeanette) Riley, grandchildren Kiara Marie Anderson, Sophia Ellen Anderson, nieces, Macy Riley, Stephanie Hardman, Maria Hardman-Lanier, nephews, Kyle Riley, Matt Cawthon, Ben Cawthon, Darren Hardman, Cameron Hardman, Cody Hardman, Dalton Hardman, DJ Hardman, and numerous great nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 4-6 PM in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC., 547 8th Street, Ambridge, 724-266-2549.

Michael Guy Schmidt, 72, of Baden, passed away on May 4, 2024, at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center.

Born on November 21, 1951 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Howard and Dorothy (McChesney) Schmidt. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen (Butt) Schmidt, children, Kristen (Jeff) Ninehouser, Bryan Mazzetti, Timothy Mazzetti, and Daniel (Christine) Mazzetti, grandchildren, Dominic, Brooklynn, Bentley, Christopher, Emily, Shawn, Logan, Olivia, Allison, Luca and Lena, sister, Dorsey Faix, and brothers, Peter and Mark Schmidt, along with several nieces and nephews. Michael was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp, having served in Vietnam.  He was retired from the former Penn Pavilion and was a member of the American Legion Post 641.  He loved trains and living life to the fullest.  More than anything else, he loved his family, especially his beloved grandchildren.

Friends will be welcomed Wednesday May 8, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, and Thursday May 9, 2024 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Disabled American Veterans at https://help.dav.org/donate.

John Arthur Karas, 95, of Brighton Township passed away on May 3, 2024.

Born on March 29, 1929 in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, John was the son of Anna (Novak) Karas and John F. Karas and brother of Delores A. Karas (Mulvaney) and Francis S. Karas.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife Norma, and by his brother Frank.

John is survived by his son, Jay W. Brandenberger and his wife, Mary Fran (Heberlein) of South Bend, Indiana, two granddaughters, Ellen C. Brandenberger of Brooklyn, New York and Rachel E. Brandenberger (John Garry), also of Brooklyn, along with many nephews and nieces, including Debbie (Gilkey) Jones who was a rock of support for him in his later years.

After graduating from Stowe High School in 1947, John served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. Afterward discharge in 1953, he wasted no time, earning a degree in business from the University of Pittsburgh in three years while working full time.

A position at Westinghouse Electric in Vanport drew him to Beaver Valley, where he met the love of his life Norma Gilkey Karas of Beaver Falls. There were married for 48 years, living in Brighton Township where John, an avid gardener, brought life to their acre of land. Norma and John were a great team, complementing each other’s strengths and passions.

John served over 25 years in various supervisory capacities at Westinghouse before retiring in 1987. He was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Beaver, served on the Brighton Township planning commission, and lent a hand to many. He loved the outdoors, shared vegetables and fruit he grew with countless neighbors, and kept his house of 55 years in great order. He was a good—though not always patient—Pittsburgh sports fan, played cards shrewdly, and enjoyed golf, fishing, and hunting. Perhaps more than anything, he was known for his keen, sharp mind which was active until his final days. He smiled most around his granddaughters Ellen and Rachel who he liked to spoil (early) and learn from (later).

Friends will be received on Wednesday, May 8th from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. at Noll Funeral Home, 333 Third St., Beaver. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on May 8th 2024 at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver. A private Interment will take place at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park of Rochester. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s name may be made to Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009, to Saint Barnabas Hospice Care (https://stbarnabashealthsystem.com/charities/donate-now/), or to a charity of your choice.

 

Shirley Stewart McMillan, 99, formerly of Beaver Falls, passed away on May 2, 2024.

She was born in Providence, Rhode Island on December 1, 1925 to T. Gordon and Ada (West) Stewart. She was preceded in death by her husband Willard McMillan and granddaughter Anna Wright. She is survived by daughters Katharine Dennis (Doug) and Marty Wright (Jonathan), and sons Scott McMillan (Jennifer) and Stewart McMillan as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Shirley was only 4 years old when her mother was confined for many years to a tuberculosis sanatorium in New Brunswick, Canada. Shirley then lived with her paternal grandparents on their farm not far away.

Later on, Shirley’s stepmother, Katharine Stewart, suggested that Shirley consider attending Geneva College in Beaver Falls, which she did, graduating with a BA in Economics in 1947. She appreciated her college years very much, making lifelong friends, including one named Willard McMillan. They married in 1948, beginning a 55 year life of love and friendship together.

In their early marriage, they lived briefly in Edinburgh, Scotland where Katharine was born, then they moved to western Pennsylvania where Martha, Scott and Stewart were born. Shirley devoted herself to caring for her family, but was also active in the life of Geneva College and the Geneva RP church. She served in other settings including the board of the RP Home in Pittsburgh and several charities in the area. Shirley’s mother Ada, came to live with their family in the last years of her life.

Their home on College Hill was a lively place and countless Geneva alumni and others, young and old, will remember her home cooked meals, great conversation and advice. She helped many in need with her generosity and love. Despite many significant challenges, Shirley enjoyed life, and she was quick to laugh and could see the humor in just about everything. Her faith in Jesus and her prayer life were central to her strength throughout. When asked one time about how she handled all the difficulties, she said God had told her he would be with her around every corner.

Funeral service will be at Hill and Kunselman Funeral Home of Beaver Falls on Thursday May 9th, 2024 and visitation will be at 10 a.m. with the service starting at 11 a.m.

Burial will follow at the Reformed Presbyterian Church Cemetery of New Galilee, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Willard and Shirley Stewart McMillan Scholarship Fund at Geneva College or the Reformed Presbyterian Home in Pittsburgh.

Karen Rainey, 69, of Daugherty Township and McGuire Memorial, passed away on May 2, 2024 at Heritage Valley, Beaver.

Karen was born on May 31, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio. She is survived by her guardians, Doris and Drew Grivna and her McGuire Memorial family.

Friends will be received Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.  A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 a.m. in McGuire Memorial, 2119 Mercer Road, New Brighton.

She will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia Cemetery.

Bradley J. Focer, 67, of Harmony Township, passed away on May 1, 2024 at Wexford Health Care Center. He was born on June 24, 1956 in Pittsburgh to the late Albert and Dorothy (Taylor) Focer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gina (DeMailo) Focer, in-laws, Samuel and Anita (Mazzetti) DeMailo, sister-in-law, Cheryl Focer, brother-in-laws, Willard Schauer and Norvel Bollingmo. He is survived by two children, Jessica (Greg) Holloway of New Sewickey, Sam Focer of Las Vegas, Nevada, two grandchildren, Salvatore and Anna Maria Holloway, brother, Robert C. Focer of Cookeville, Tennessee, sister, Pamela Schauer of Whitehall, sister-in-law, Judith (DeMailo) Bollingmo of Freedom, nephew, Dennis Schauer, three nieces, Tracy (Jason) LaGamba, Melissa (Nate) Mainord, Rebecca (Josh) Brown and several great nieces and great nephews. Bradley was a Level Three Weld Inspector having worked at various nuclear sites retiring from United Research Services. He had a passion for baseball and softball playing well into his fifties and enjoyed playing poker. Brad was an avid Pittsburgh sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching old westerns and ghost stories. Friends are being received on Wednesday from 1-7 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where a blessing service will be held on Thursday at 11 A.M. Interment will follow in Economy Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

John T. Holiday, 97, of North Sewickley Township, passed away in his home on April 27th, 2024. Born on August 23, 1936, in Mckees Rocks, John was the son of the late John T. and Mary Delach Holiday. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his beloved wife JoAnn S. Zajac Holiday in 2006, his sisters and brothers-in-law, Eleanor Holiday Coleman and her husband Robert, and Marie Holiday Joyce and her husband Lee, as well as a brother, Steve Holliday. John is survived by his niece Michele Coleman Colandene and her husband Thomas, grandniece Elizabeth Colandene and grandnephew Coleman Colandene. A sister-in-law Karen (Zajac) Giles and her husband Arthur with her children Matthew Zajac and Megan (Zajac) Maier, and JoAnn’s nephew Joseph Zajac. For 37 years, John served as a powerhouse repair and pump man for J&L Steel, later known as LTV Steel of Aliquippa. Upon retirement John became caretaker for St. Cecilia’s Cemetery, where he would spend two decades proudly maintaining upkeep of the grounds. He was also a member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Rochester. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Rochester Township. Entombment will follow in Sylvania Hills Mausoleum. Arrangements have been entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

A loving wife, mother, sister and friend, Janyce C. Genevie Coe, 87, of Vanport, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on April 27, 2024, surrounded by her beloved family and friends. She was born on April 21, 1937 in Rochester, to the late James G. Genevie and Elizabeth Blobner Genevie. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Teddy along with many brothers and sisters in law. Janyce is survived by her wonderful children, Bruce and Terri (Levato) Coe , Susan Coe and Melissa (Missy) Watkins; 5 grandchildren Natalie, Maya, Nathan, Michaela, and Melina; one great-grandchild, Emery; sisters Betty Lee Forrester, Emogene and Dave Buckenheimer; along with many brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who she adored. She was a member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Rochester. Janyce was a graduate of Rochester High School. She was retired from the former Beaver Trust Bank (currently Huntington Bank). Janyce loved playing cards and still played with women from a card club that she joined in the 1960’s. She was extremely active throughout her life and committed many hours devoting her time to things sports related to include officiating high school volleyball, playing tennis and swimming. She loved her children and grandchildren and supported their interests by attending countless sporting events, recitals and concerts. Janyce was a social butterfly. She was blessed to have many amazing friends, both old and new.
Janyce was blessed to have had the good fortune of being surrounded by so many loved ones each and every day over the past few months. The family would like to offer a special thank you to the remarkable rotation of visitors. A thank you goes out to Judy, Sandi, Beverly, Rose, Mimi, Shirley, Marie, and our amazing Auntie Betty along with many others. We have eternal gratitude for your love and support.
Janyces’ wishes were to be cremated with a Mass of Christian Burial to be held Monday, May 6, 2024, in St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Rochester at 10 a.m.
Arrangements were entrusted to The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

Kathy D. Ash, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on April 3rd, 2024 in Life Beaver County. Kathy was born October 8th, 1946, in Rochester. Kathy was the daughter of the late Robert and Eva Cain Herman. In addition to her parents, Kathy was preceded in death by a grandson, Nathaniel Ash, a brother, Ralph Herman and former husband, Donald A. Ash, Sr. Kathy is survived by one son and daughter in law, Donald A. Jr. and Tiffany Ash of Rochester, two grandchildren, Amber J. Ash of New Castle, and Deven C. Ash and his fiance Katy Hoenig of Chippewa, two great grandchildren, Milah and Zoey Russell of New Castle, two sisters and one brother in law, Beverly and Robert Messick, Sue Ellen Covalt, all of New Brighton, numerous nieces and nephews and three beloved friends, Donna, Mae and Judy. Kathy was a graduate of Rochester High School, a former waitress at the former Isaly’s Restaurant, The Hilltop Restaurant and also Dorothy’s Lunch in Rochester. Kathy had also been a caregiver for various families throughout Beaver County. She was an avid baker who also loved to play bingo and watch game shows. Most of all, Kathy loved her family and going to My Hero’s Sub Shop of Rochester.
Kathy’s wishes were to be cremated with a Celebration of Life Service on Sunday, May, 5, 2024 at 2 P.M, at the Rochester Free Methodist Church, with Robert Messick officiating.
Kathy’s family is extremely grateful for the nurses who stood by her side during her time with Life Beaver County, Kyona, Frannie, Icis, Sweetie and Mark for all the comfort and care they provided Kathy.
Arrangements are entrusted to The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.