Lillian B. Corbin (1930-2025)

Lillian B. Corbin, 94, of Rochester, passed away on April 10th, 2025 in her home. She was born in Rochester on November 21st, 1930, a daughter of the late Harold & Ida McKnight. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Corbin and seven brothers: Ronald, Donald, Keith, Richard, Stewart, Raymond and Gail McKnight. She is survived by her four children: Brenda Lee McGaffic, Richard McGaffic, Pastor Kenneth McGaffic & Linda McGaffic and Terry & Iris McGaffic; along with four grandchildren: Erin (Chad) Rupp, Kelly (Josh) Mesko, Amber (Tom) Woodring and Jesse (Ann) McGaffic; as well as six great grandchildren: Caleb & Tanner Rupp, Tristan Woodring, Archer McGaffic, Jackson & Grayson Mesko and a sister, Janet Yokoyama

Lillian graduated from Monaca High School. She worked as a Unit Secretary and Monitor Technician at the University General Hospital in Seminole, Florida from 1979 to 1995. She was the also the University General Hospital’s 1993 employee of the year.  She loved to volunteer for the Beaver Area Memorial Library. She was head of circulation at the Beaver Area Memorial Library from 1996 to 2007. She was also a member of Wildwood Chapel in Hopewell Township.

Friends will be received on Sunday, April 13th from 2 p.m. until the time of a funeral service at 4 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester. The service will be conducted by her son, Pastor Kenneth McGaffic.

Private interment will take place in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beaver Area Memorial Library, 100 College Avenue, Beaver, PA 15009, or to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Justin D. Ventresca (1982-2025)

Justin D. Ventresca, 42, of Chippewa Township, formerly of Monaca, passed away on March 28th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born in Brighton Township on April 9th, 1982, the son of Cathy (Woodring) Kunzmann and the late Don Ventresca. In addition to his mother, he is survived by two brothers, Tyler and Joshua Kunzmann, a half-brother, Danny Ventresca, a half sister, Alyssa Ventresca, along with his aunts, uncles, and cousins.

For 42 years, his mother, Cathy, devoted herself to raising him with the utmost love and care, ensuring that every day was filled with support, warmth and encouragement. Together, they faced the challenges of life with unwavering strength and determination.  Although Justin spent the majority of his life under his mother’s nurturing care, his time at McGuire Memorial Community Home marked a new chapter where he was surrounded by compassionate caregivers who provided him with dignity and comfort during his final days. His journey was one filled with courage, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.

The family would like to thank Ashley Shewak for the loving care that was given to Justin.

Private family services were held for Justin in the J &J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton on Tuesday, April 8th. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

Debra Ann (Fairbanks) Heitger (1958-2025)

Debra Ann (Fairbanks) Heitger, 66, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on April 8th, 2025, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

She was born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on July 2nd, 1958, the beloved daughter of Capitola Parker (formerly Cox/ Fairbanks) and the late Richard Fairbanks. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Keith Heitger, with whom she shared many cherished years. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her devoted children, Ashley (Michael Davis) Heitger and Orrin “OP” (Nichole) Heitger, her adoring grandchildren, Makayla and Maximus Heitger and Tyler, Olivia, and Elana Davis, her sister, Dianna Fairbanks, as well as many dear family members in South Carolina.

Debra will be fondly remembered as a hardworking and kind-hearted woman, known for her infectious smile and her ability to brighten any room. She had a playful spirit, often doodling in her free time and she delighted in making people laugh. After retirement, Debra found immense joy working part-time at Foodland, where she not only enjoyed serving her community but also formed deep, lasting bonds with her coworkers, who became like a second family to her.

Her greatest pride and joy were her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, who brought endless happiness to her life. She cherished every moment spent with them and embraced her role as their biggest cheerleader.

In accordance with Debra’s wishes, a cremation will take place and no formal services will be held. The family will honor her memory with a Celebration of Life in South Carolina at a later date, where her joyful spirit and love will be remembered and celebrated. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

Elizabeth “Betty” C. Wright (1938-2025)

Elizabeth “Betty” C. Wright, 87, of Beaver, passed away on April 7th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

She was born in Rochester on April 4th, 1938, the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Chambers) Griffin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Marilyn Wright and two brothers, Bill and Bob Griffin. She is survived by her children: Michael A. (Elise) Wright, Gail (Jim) Fristik, Deborah Berardelli and Mark (Brenda) Wright; nine grandchildren: Michael D. Wright, Kyle (Michelle) Wright, James Fristik, Kayla (Michael) Estermyer, Samantha (Mark) Casper), Anthony Beradelli, Sarah Beradelli, Tyler Wright and Zachary Wright; as well as eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Elizabeth was a graduate of Beaver High School and worked as a Dietary Supervisor at Providence Care Center. She was also a member of Jaimmie Jammers Square Dancing Club, who enjoyed sewing and making items for her grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be announced by Elizabeth’s family at a later date.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to provide care and guidance to Elizabeth’s family during this time.

Thomas “Tommy” K. Brantner III (2001-2025)

Thomas “Tommy” K. Brantner III, 23, of Ambridge, passed away at home on April 8th, 2025. He was born on July 15th, 2001, the beloved son of Thomas K. Brantner Jr. and Tammy Brantner. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Thomas K. Brantner Sr., his aunt, Nicole Brantner; and his uncle, Matthew Nichol.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his cherished children, Trey, Tate, and Malakai Brantner. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Jack and Sondra Ricker, paternal grandparents, Lori and Robert Nichol, his stepmother, Melissa Ford, and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Thomas was a passionate Pittsburgh sports fan and enjoyed watching the Los Angeles Lakers. In his younger years, he shared a special bond with his father through their love of golf. Above all, he deeply loved and adored his children.

Family and friends will be received for a visitation on Saturday, April 12th from 12 noon to 1 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

John D. Fedunok (1936-2025)

John D. Fedunok, 89, of Baden, passed away on April 7th, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Pittsburgh on February 2nd, 1936 in Pittsburgh, the son of the late Alex and Florence Kubishak Fedunok. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Margaret C. Fedunok. He is survived by three sons, John (Sherri) Fedunok Jr., James K. (Toni) Fedunok and Kenneth A. (Adriana) Fedunok, two daughters, Connie (Rich) Takacs and Donna (Leslie) Isles, eight grandchildren: Steven, Jessica, Chelsea, Andrew, Kristen, Morgan, Mackenzie, and Natalie; as well as nine  nine great-grandchildren, Izabella, Niko, Ella, Deven, Brooklyn, Easton, Lincoln, Jace, and Emerson. John was a veteran of the US Army. He served our country during the Korean War. He was very active within the community. He was a member of the American Legion and participated in many church activities, such as fish frys and pierogi sales. The CORLESS-MATTER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, LLC, 1133 Church Street, Ambridge held his services. The CORLESS-MATTER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, LLC is where full military honors will be held on Thursday, April 10th at 9:45 AM, followed by Catholic prayers. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 10th at 10:30 AM at Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will be private in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Corless Funeral Homes.

Daniel “Danny” Lee Zajac, Sr. (Passed on April 6th, 2025)

Daniel “Danny” Lee Zajac, Sr., 67, a lifelong resident of Monaca, passed away on April 6th, 2025 in his Monaca residence. Daniel was also known by his nicknames ZA and Bugman.

He was born in Rochester and is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline Hiwiller Zajac, with whom he shared nearly five decades of marriage after tying the knot on June 22th, 1980 in New Castle. Their love story began when Jackie was just 14 years old, and it blossomed into a partnership that was a testament to their devotion to each other. He is also survived by two proud sons, Daniel Lee Zajac, Jr. and Ryan Michael Zajac, and his cherished granddaughter, Danica Leigh Zajac, who brought him immeasurable joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William George and Eleanor Louise (Zayak) Zajac, his sister, Tammy Shively, his in laws, Blaine and Florence Hiwiller and his brother in-law, Larry Hiwiller. His memory will be honored by his surviving siblings, Donny Zajac (Annette), Sharon Strickler, Bill Zajac (Lissa), and Susan Claney (John). His extended family includes his brother-in-law, Tom Hiwiller (Patty), and sister-in-law, Penny (Clark) Pugh, as well as numerous nieces and nephews: Joey, Jesse, Elie, Raelene, Rachel, Shawna, Travis, Dustin, Abby, Lee, Larry (Amanda) Hiwiller, Jennifer (George) Thomas, Tom (Katrina) Hiwiller and Paul (Abbey) Pugh; as well as numerous great nieces and great nephews.

Daniel was a graduate of Monaca High School’s class of 1976 and was the co-captain of the 1975 WPIAL Championship Football Team, a role that foreshadowed his lifelong passion for sports. His career began at Rentokil Pest Control, where he earned the nickname “Bugman,” a name that stuck with him through his subsequent positions at Horsehead Inc. as a furnace operator attendant, with the labor union at the Shell Oil’s ‘cracker’ plant, and finally at Hussey Copper in the storeroom.

Daniel’s commitment to his community shone through with his love of sports as he coached the Mighty Mites and Midget Football teams and the Turners’ Little League Baseball Team, leading them to six consecutive championships. His leadership on and off the field was recognized by his membership in the Monaca Quarterback Club, Laborers’ Union #833, and the former Steelworkers Union.

He was an avid Michigan State University Football fan and his enthusiasm for sports was matched by his love for the outdoors. Deer hunting and fishing were among his favorite pastimes, offering him moments of tranquility and a connection to nature that he deeply treasured.

Friends will be received on Thursday, April 10th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where services will be held on Friday, April 11th at 11 a.m.

To share online condolences, add photos and get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Harry Myers (1940-2025)

Harry Myers, 85, of Darlington Township, passed away on April 7th, 2025 at Hospice of the Valley in Poland, Ohio.

He was born in Imperial, Pennsylvania, on January 28th, 1940, a son of the late Nicholas James and Anna (Hertzer) Myers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Duane Myers, his daughter-in-law, Sonya Myers, four brothers and one sister. Harry is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Rosalie Joan (Smolich) Myers, his children: Teresa (Rick) Mucha, Denise (Ron) Peters, Harry Lee Myers, Kevin (Stacey) Myers and Monica Gross; his grandchildren: Amanda (Tim) Birnesser, Duane (Ashley) Myers, Christian (Brandi) Myers, Michelle (Nate) Musselman, Nicholas Myers, Delena Myers, Gianna Myers, Sienna Myers and Kain Myers; his great-grandchildren, Georgiana Birnesser, Addlyn Birnesser, Graysen Myers, Brooklyn Myers, Roman Myers, Cash Myers and Scarlet Musselman, and one on the way.

Harry was a restaurant owner for many years. He started his career at Enon Valley Inn until he purchased his own restaurant in Darlington, called Harry’s Place.

Friends will be received on Thursday, April 10th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road Beaver Falls, where prayers will be held on Friday, April 11th at 9:30 A.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 A.M. at Saint Monica Catholic Church of St. Augustine Parish, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. Father Kim Schreck will officiate.

A private entombment will take place at Saint Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of the flowers, donations in Harry’s name can be made to the Saint Monica Angel Fund, 609 10th St Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Margaret “Peggy” (Carney) Andrews (1941-2025)

Margaret S. “Peggy” (Carney) Andrews, 83, of Aliquippa, passed away peacefully on April 7th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Rochester on July 15th, 1941, a daughter of the late Edward “Bud” and Matilda Carney. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harry Andrews and her brother-in-law, David Biskup. She is survived by her two children. They are her son, Harry Andrews and his wife Jo, and a daughter, Christine Cordero. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Zachary Andrews, Nicholas Andrews, and Aidan Cordero, as well as her three great-grandchildren, whom she adored.
She is also survived by her twin sister, Patricia “Patty” Biskup, and her sister and brother-in-law, Mary Kay and George Patterson. She will be greatly missed by her nieces, Kathleen (John) Fogg, and their daughter, Colleen Patterson and her niece, Molly Patterson, in addition to many loving relatives from the Andrews family.

Margaret was a dedicated member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish at Saint Titus Church of Aliquippa, where she was an active participant in the Confraternity of Christian Mothers. Throughout her life, she found joy in the simple pleasures, including her love of playing bingo and her employment as a pharmacy tech assistant at The Medicine Shoppe in Aliquippa. Above all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 10th from 3-6 p.m. at the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. Departing prayers will be held on Friday, April 11th at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. Titus Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

James P. “Jimmy” Dietz (1968-2025)

James P. “Jimmy” Dietz, 56, of New Brighton, passed away on April 3rd, 2025 peacefully in his sleep. He was born on June 11th, 1968 and was raised in New Brighton, the son of Mrs. Janice (2013) and Paul Dietz. He loved his father and was so thankful for his years of wisdom and love. Jimmy was a man of many layers. He was stubborn and difficult at times, but deeply caring and loving to those who truly knew him. He had a big personality, a bigger heart, and a deep love for the simple joys in life. James was a skilled butcher by trade and was passionate about good food. He loved to cook and eat, and always had something sizzling or simmering in the kitchen. He was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan and never missed a game. Nothing brought him more joy than his grandson, Liam. He loved Liam beyond measure. Every year, Jimmy looked forward to the opening day of trout season. It was his favorite day of the year, a tradition that brought him peace and happiness. He is survived by his family and friends who will remember him for his humor, grit, and undeniable love he had for those closest to him. A private memorial will be held to celebrate James’ life. In his honor, we ask that you share a good meal with someone you love, cheer on the Steelers, or cast a line on a quiet morning, just as he would have liked. Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.