James H. “Jim” Shahen, 63, of South Beaver Township, passed away unexpectedly on May 19th, 2025.

He was born in Aliquippa on August 18th, 1961, a son of the late John “Jim” and Maxine (Close) Shahen. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 39 years, Dana (Chiodo) Shahen, his sons, Nicholas Shahen, Andre Shahen and Daniel Shahen, his brother, “Hab” Shahen, his sister, Mary Jean (Monicah) Shahen, his sisters-in-law, Beverly (Gary) Shields, Ellen (Rob) Goehring and Julia (Tom) Kerr, a special cousin, Dawn Marie, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

James Shahen was a man of exceptional strength, wisdom and compassion, who lived a life defined by hard work, dedication, and a deep commitment to his family and those around him. He was a successful electrician and entrepreneur who built multiple businesses, one being Silver Shine Car Wash, which his close friend (Rich) made his dream of owning a wash come true. His work ethic was unmatched not only running businesses, but around the house. He never stopped creating new projects and staying busy with work even when he was retired. Everything he built in his life was dedicated to his family and he always had others in his mind when doing any task in life.

Beyond his accomplishments in business, it was his faith that he had in God that made him the great father and husband that he was. James was very open to talking about his strong faith and beliefs to others. His faith made him into the loving hard working man that he was. Every thought James ever had was about helping others. Whether it was helping a family member, a stranger, or even an animal, he was always there to help in any situation.

Some of his main enjoyments in life include: hiking, biking, working on cars, shooting at the range with his boys, going with family & friends to wineries and breweries and cutting the grass on his John Deere.

He never stopped staying busy, even in his final moments, in which he had to finish his pickle ball court for his wife. Although he had many unfinished projects in life, he had left a detailed plan for his family to get through any situation and continue to further his legacy.

James dedicated his support to others and mainly his family, and to his children, he was a role model of strength and kindness, and of course love. He taught people everything they needed to know, mainly how to prep and protect the family. Jim prepped for any situation in life. Even with his own passing, he has set a foundation for his family and friends to continue life the way he would have wanted. With all of his hard work, and the power of kindness, his legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the lessons he passed on.

Friends will be received on Thursday, May 22^nd from 1 P.M. until the time of services at 4 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Interment will be private at the Beaver Cemetery.

Junior Lee Fordyce, 84, of Brighton Township, passed away on May 18th, 2025, at Beaver Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation.

He was born on June 20th, 1940 in Wadestown, West Virginia, a son of the late Arthur Lee and Laura Mae (Hendershot) Fordyce. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anna (Wilson) Fordyce; and his sister, Floriene Dulaney. He is survived by his daughters: Barbara (Paul) Kofalt, Laura Everett, and Theresa (Don) Boots, his grandchildren: Michelle (Omar Khemiri) Kofalt, Sharon (Tyler) Clark, and Nathan (April Willem) Kofalt; as well as his great-grandchildren: Kenyon Brandon, Peyton Brandon, Trenton Brandon, TJ Clark, Carter Clark, Zain Khemiri, Mohamed Khemiri, and Ibrahim Khemiri; along with his step-grandchildren, Jessica Lyn Rich, Taylor Boots and Destiny McCune, his siblings: Gareald, Paul, Clyde, Hartzel, Earl, Anna Pearl, and Carolyn Jo; as well as his beloved brother-in-law and his wife, Dave and Carolyn Wilson and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Junior retired from Phoenix Glass as the Maintenance Supervisor. He was never one to sit idle and then went to work in the saw department at Traco for five years. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, canning, and woodworking. Junior was well known for sharing his homemade beef jerky and pizzelles. He and his wife spent several wonderful years enjoying a well-earned retirement in Florida. In the most recent years, you could find Junior on his porch chatting with his dear neighbors, Dutch and Bev Triplett. He never knew a stranger and enjoyed making people smile.

Friends will be received on Friday, May 23^rd from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 340 Third Street, Beaver.

A brief prayer service will follow at 8 P.M. in the funeral home on Friday, May 23rd.

In accordance with Junior’s wishes, he will be cremated following the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, www.parkinson.org

Gregory K. Douglass, 72, of North Sewickley Township, passed away unexpectedly on May 19th, 2025.

He was born in New Brighton on November 23rd, 1952, a son of the late Kenneth and Glenda (Hammond) Douglass. He met the love of his life, Janice (Trozzo) Douglass and they were married in 1980. Together they built a loving family, including his children: Alison (Christopher) Hutchins, Benjamin (Emily) Douglass and Andrew Douglass; as well as his grandchildren: Nicholas (Alyssa) Hutchins, Mason Hutchins, Nolan McKinney, Connor McKinney, Gavin Douglass, Blaire Douglass, Elijah Douglass, and Samuel Douglass, his brother, Robert Douglass, his sister, Mary Ellen Douglass, as well as numerous in-laws and extended family, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Gregory loved his family more than anything, and his grandchildren were the light of his life. He spent countless hours camping, fishing, and hiking with them. He was always laughing and making sure his family and friends were having a good time, often entertaining them with renditions of his favorite songs and dancing along to get a few extra laughs.

He was a member of Concord Church for many years as a faithful servant who was active in church activities like teaching Sunday School, serving on the Board of Trustees and serving in many other capacities across the congregation.

After he graduated from Riverside High School in 1970, Gregory attended Dickinson College in 1974 for his undergrad, then earned his J.D. from Santa Clara University in 1977. He returned to Beaver County to practice law for over 40 years, always advocating for justice and fairness for his clients and using his professional skills to serve the community.

Friends will be received on Thursday, May 22^nd from 6-8 P.M. and on Friday, May 23^rd from 1-3 P.M. & 5-7 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 24^th at 12 Noon at Concord Church, A Global Methodist Congregation, 285 Concord Church Road, Beaver Falls. Friends will be received one hour prior to services at 11 A.M. on Friday, May 23rd.

Interment will be private in the Concord Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Concord Church Memorial Fund.

Robert L. “Bob” “Boomer” Morris, 91, of Vanport Township, passed away at home surrounded by his family on May 18th, 2025.
He was born in Rochester on January 20th,1934, a son of the late Thomas J. and Ada Brewer-Morris-Mathews -Falk. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death after 54 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Ethel (Leist) Morris, his daughter, Peggy Lee (Joe) Pillar, his brothers, Thomas (Nina) Morris and Rickie Mathews and his mother and father-in-law, Marshal and Lillian-Beighey-Leist-Killian. He is survived by his sons, Robert (Linda) Morris Jr. and Thomas Morris, his daughters, Bonita (Neely – Wise – Priddy) Morris and Erin (Fluharty- Cochran-Berry) Morris and a sister, Terry Mathews Craft, fifteen grandchildren: Penny (Justin) Baker, Joseph (Angela) Pillar. Summer (Mario) Lockett, Heidi (Tony) Edwards, Robert (Lindsey) Morris, Jamie (Nadine) Morris, Carissa (Ronnie) Morris, Tina and Jamilyn Morris, Kendra (Ryan) Werner, Josh Fluharty and Shawn (Katrina) Cochran, as well as 22 great grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces and special neighbors: Dot (Gene) Quigley, Mark and Linda Evans and Roy Hall, and longtime faithful dogs, Bear and Wrinkle. He worked at St, Joe Lead (Horsehead) for 44 years retiring as shift Foreman in 1996. While at St. Joe, he innovated many new designs and practices to improve plant operations. In 1983 he was assigned to St. Joe’s El Indio copper mine and smelter in the Andes mountains in Chile, S.A. to help get their new smelting roaster on line. He returned in 1984 to help smooth out operations. In 1985 he was assigned to Casa Grande, Arizona to trouble-shoot a restart of a copper smelter after a 10-year shutdown. He was also the owner of Patent # 429,678 for an R/V attachment. He was an avid bowler for 65 years he bowled a “300” game in 1991 and is in the bowling hall of fame in St. Louis, Missouri. His proudest moments were serving on The American Red Cross disaster team on 911 at Shanksville, Pennsylvania and numerous tornados and floods in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Virginia and Tennessee. His real passion was restoring mustangs. He and Ethel started the Vanport car cruise in 2004. In May 2019, Bob and his daughter began delivering Meals on Wheels every Tuesday, continuing for the past six years.

Friends will be received on Thursday, May 22nd, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A funeral service will take place on Friday, May 23rd, at 11 a.m. at Vanport Presbyterian Church, 289 Georgetown Lane, Beaver. Bob will be privately interred at Beaver Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to the Red Cross of Beaver County.

Grace Naomi (McClure) Crosby, 94, of Vanport Township, passed away of natural causes on May 18th, 2025 at the Stone Pear Pavillion in Chester, West Virginia.

She was born in Rochester on November 4th, 1930 in Rochester, a daughter of the late John and Hazel McClure. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons: William, David, Gerald and Dennis Crosby; as well as her daughter, Marcia Mineard, her grandsons, Jon Robert and Kenneth Crosby, her sister, Alice Barnes and her brothers, Larry and Jerry McClure.

She is survived by her daughter, Anne Steinbring-Busch, two sisters, Carol Reid and Shirley Henley and 89 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Grace was a resident of Vanport Township who will be remembered as a caring mother and proud grandmother. She was a faithful member of Vanport Presbyterian Church.

Friends will be received on Friday, May 23rd from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, May 24th at 11 a.m. at Vanport Presbyterian Church, 289 Georgetown Lane, Beaver. Interment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, 1101 9th Street Extension, Freedom. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Vanport Presbyterian Church in Grace’s memory.

A special thank you goes out to the nurses and staff at Stone Pear Pavillion for the exceptional care and attention they gave Grace over the past 2 years while in their care.

Peggy Anne (Lutz) Marecic, 84, passed away peacefully in the loving comfort of her daughter Michelle in the early morning of May 19th, 2025. She was born on October 28th, 1940, the daughter of the late Roy and Betty (Fleeson) Lutz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, David Lutz and Michael Lutz and her husband of 58 years, Charles “Lunk” Marecic. Her and her husband dedicated their lives to raising their family together. She is survived by her brother, Thomas Lutz.

Peggy graduated from New Brighton High School and worked at the New Brighton Hospital. She was also a lifetime member of the North Sewickley Ladies’ Auxiliary and Beaver County Women’s Auxiliary who proudly served her community and made lifelong friendships. Peggy also enjoyed quilting and embroidery, as well as playing cards and games with family and friends. Her porch was always an important gathering place in any neighborhood she lived.

Peggy dedicated her life to raising her four children: Patrick Marecic (Courtney Brown) of Kansas, Chris (Mara) Marecic of New Brighton, Michelle (Tom) Woods of Ohioville and Lynda (Andrew) Marecic-Leckie of St Louis, Missouri. She also has 10 grandchildren and many granddogs she has poured her love into over the years. She was also an important caregiver to many throughout her life.

A Special thanks goes out from the family to Crossroads Assisted Living and Celebration Villa. A personal thank you goes out to Amanda from Transitions Hospice for making her last days peaceful and comfortable.

Friends and family will be received on Friday, May 23rd from 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m., with a memorial service following at 7 p.m. in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton. A memorial service will be officiated by chaplain Drew von Arx from Transitions Hospice.

Floyd Gerald “Jerry” Fry, 87, of Aliquippa, passed away on May 14th, 2025 in his home with his family by his side. He was born in New Brighton on June 13th, 1937, the son of the late Floyd and Rhoda Fry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Gladys June (Robert) Albaugh and Marilyn “Jeannie” (Louis) McPherson. He is survived by his wife: Susan “Sue” Fry, two children, Michael Ryan (Kelly Wheat) Fry and Jennifer Leigh (Chuck) Gibbons, four grandchildren:Joshua Michael Fry, Kyra Jeanette Fry, Olivia Grace Gibbons and Owen Charles Gibbons. Floyd was a graduate of New Brighton High School and Geneva College. After college, he was sent to the Army and was stationed at Ft. Lee. After his military service, he began his career as a Strategic Consultant working in multiple industries. A few of the companies he worked with were: Gulf Oil, Dickerson, US Steel, Planning Dynamics, and Roma Color. After 40 plus years in consulting, he started working as a Caseworker with the Department of Welfare, where he was known as “The Gov” and always happy to help those in need. In his free time, he loved flying, going bowling, riding roller coasters and attending the Beaver County Maple Syrup Festival. Most of all he enjoyed hanging out with his beloved family, friends and his high school buddies. He always wanted to be on the cutting edge of technology. He was also a long-time member of New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church of Aliquippa where he was an Elder.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, May 28th at 11 a.m. in New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 183 New Bethlehem Church Road, Aliquippa, followed by a graveside service in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church 183 New Bethlehem Church Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Gallagher Home Health and Hospice for the tremendous care they took of Floyd.

Leon K. Betlyn, Sr., 89, passed away on May 19th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 16th, 1936 and was preceded in death by his wife, Lilian Betlyn and his daughter, Ruth Betlyn.
He is survived by his 5 children: Leon Betlyn Jr., Janet (Richard) Rump, Susan Welder, Sandra (Ken) Hunter and Mary (Scott) Hashman, 17 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22nd from 3 p.m. until the time of service at 6 p.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. A private burial will take place on Tuesday, May 27th at Coraopolis Cemetery, 1121 Main Street, Coraopolis.

Madaline Karnavas, 93 of Moon Township, passed away peacefully on May 18th, 2025.

She was born on December 1st, 1931, a daughter of the late John and Aphrodite Niaros. She was also the sister of her surviving siblings: Visilli (Bill) Vasilakis, Dimetri (Jimmy) Niaros and Isabel Capatides. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, the love of her life. They met in 9th grade in Ambridge High School and were married on June 12, 1955.  She lived an idyllic life with Jack in Harmony Township. Madaline was a proud and dedicated homemaker, making her children’s upbringing a priority, and filling her home with love.In addition to her siblings, she is survived by her 4 children: Andrea Schriver-Barksby (Nigel) of Moon Township, Nicholas (Karen) Karnavas of Shaler Township, Andrew Z. Karnavas of Moon Township and Sophia (Victor) Tonino, of Floral Park, New York: as well as six grandchildren: Zachary (Lauren) Schriver, Stephen Schriver, Eli and Eleni Karnavas, Norman Barksby and Kathryn (Donald) Noel; along with 3 great grandchildren, Xavier Barksby, Aidy Kathryn Noel, and Ava Madaline Noel.

Madaline was a longtime member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Ambridge as well as the Greek American Progressive Association. She also volunteered for over 20 years at Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, formerly Friendship Ridge.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 21st from 4-8 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge. An additional visitation will take place on Thursday, May 22nd from 9-10 A.M. in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 2930 Beaver Road, Ambridge, where a Funeral Service will take place at 10 A.M. Entombment will take place privately in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.