James Fronko, 61, of Monaca passed away on April 17th, 2025 following an extended illness. He was born in Sewickley on August 18th, 1963, a son of the late Paul and Angeline (Melchiorre) Fronko. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Paul. James is survived by his brother John of Monaca, along with many cousins and friends. He is also survived by a very special cousin, Stephanie Hall Wright of Chippewa, who was his living liver donor. Her gift of life made it possible for James to be around these past several years. Stephanie truly was his angel here on earth.

James grew up in Monaca and graduated from Monaca High School. He spent his entire professional career in the restaurant industry. His love of the business gave him the opportunity to oversee businesses in western and central Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Texas, and finally Georgia before his retirement.

James was a member of Saint John the Baptist Church of Monaca, part of Mary Queen of Saints Parish. He was a volunteer with the American Cancer Society for over 20 years. He also chaired their first Relay for Life in Kingwood, Texas.

The family would like to thank Dr. James Tatum, Dr. William Ferri, Dr. Abhinav Humar, and Dr. Moon Fenton for their compassionate care given over the years.

In accordance with James’ wishes, there will be no public service. A private graveside service will be held and he will be laid to rest with his parents.

Memorial donations, if desired, can be made to The Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Glenn E. Wilson Jr., 93, of Patterson Township, passed away peacefully on April 16th, 2025, in the comfort of his own home with his son Mark by his side.

He was born in New Brighton on July 31st, 1931, a son of the late Glenn E. and Iva (Folk) Wilson Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Louise (Field) Wilson, his brothers, Bernard and Dale Wilson, his sisters, Martha Wilson and Joann Jerome and his in-laws, Ray (Donna) Field and Dorothy (John) Dzan. He is survived by his sons, Mark (Debbie) Wilson and Brian (Marybeth) Wilson, his grandchildren, Brisa Wilson and Luken Wilson and several relatives and friends.

As the youngest in the family, they all called him “Bug”. At ten years old, he received his first guitar from his parents, and he started to learn how to play. He had been playing guitar and singing ever since. When he was in high schoo,l he was at an assembly and when he was done playing, the students would not go back to class. The principal had to come and plead with them, asking if he played one more and would you go back to class. From there and a few years later, he joined the United States Navy in 1952. As his career kept going, he used to play music at the officers’ functions. While in the service he was stationed in Boston, Massachusetts, and he met up with Wheeling Jamboree Star, Toby Stroud. He continued to gig with him during his stay in Boston. He then was stationed down in Norfolk, Virginia where he was a lifeguard and continued playing at night. During this time, in 1955, he married Mary Louise. On his tour, they both decided to go to California where he hung out at the Palomino club in Bakersfield, there he met up with Wynn Stewart and Buck Owens, who were nobody at the time and sat waiting get called up to sing a song with the band. He later left California to go back to Beaver County to be with family and start one himself. He played for multiple country bands in the Beaver Valley. Throughout his years after the service, he worked as a steel worker at B&W. Most recently, we got together with Wes Hommer and recorded some old songs that he has been playing for years, lovingly known as the “Kitchen Tapes”.

In accordance with Glenn’s request, all services were private.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Glenn and his family.

Mary Lou Turek, 89, of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully on April 16th, 2025. She was born in North Belle Vernon on May 5th, 1935, a daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Kinder) Kruppa. Mary Lou was married to her husband, the late Damon Turek, for 57 years. Together, they shared a deep love for travel and nature, spending many cherished summers in West Yellowstone, Montana, where they enjoyed fishing, exploring, and capturing the beauty of the west through the lens of their photography hobby. 

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Joanna Kruppa and her brother, John Kruppa. 

She is survived by her devoted nephew and niece, Scott and Gloria Kennedy, as well as her loving great niece and nephew, Brooke and Kevin Kocher, several nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, as well as her dear cousin, Mary Ann Gratty and many caring attentive friends who loved her dearly. 

Mary Lou was a dedicated educator who graduated from California State Teachers College and taught English and Journalism in the Blackhawk School District for 30 years. She made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students through her passion for teaching, her encouragement, her creativity, and her keen editorial eye. 

Mary Lou was an avid reader with deep insights. She had a sharp sense of humor, a gift for conversation and a true love of learning that she generously shared with others. She was also a proud sports fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Steelers, and the Blackhawk Cougars. She was a faithful member of St. Monica Catholic Church of Beaver Falls, part of St. Augustine Parish and was an active member of the VSP group, having served as their secretary. Mary Lou also belonged to the Outlook Club and was a 56-year member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a society of women educators. Her life was enriched by the many friendships she cultivated, including with former students who remained in touch and fondly remembered her guidance and warmth. 

Mary Lou will be remembered for her loyalty to those she loved, her love of language, and the joy she brought into the lives of all who knew her. 

Friends will be received on Tuesday, April 22nd 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 Wednesday, April 23rd at 9:30 A.M. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 10 A.M. in Saint Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. Father John Naugle will officiate. 

A Rosary service will be recited on Tuesday, April 22nd at 7:30 P.M. in the funeral home. 

Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Mausoleum, 2827 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. 

Robert J. “Rob” Taylor, 55, of Brighton Township, passed away on April 16th, 2025 in the comfort of his home, following a seven-year battle with cancer.

She was born in Rochester on December 2nd, 1969, in Rochester, the son of Robert E. “Bob” Taylor and the late Carol (Baxter) Taylor. In addition to his father, he is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Jodi (Gulbrandsen) Taylor, his children, Cody (Beth) Taylor and Ilyssa (Zac) Cogar, his granddaughter, Athena, his mother-in-law, Patricia Valles, a brother-in-law, Jason Gulbrandsen and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Robert was a certified airline mechanic for United Airlines for nearly 29 years, most recently working at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.  In his spare time, Rob thoroughly enjoyed cutting his grass and keeping the yard in pristine condition, watching Bluey with his precious granddaughter, Athena, and working on tractors with his father and best friend. He had a special love for his canine companion, Hercules “Herky”, who is known as his favorite child.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, April 22^nd from 5 P.M. until the time of Committal Prayers at 8PM in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver.

Robert’s wishes for cremation will be honored following visitation.

His family wishes to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to Dr. Rahim Remtulla as well as the nurses and staff of UPMC.

Lucy H. Moussa, 65, passed away on April 13th, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Cairo, Egypt on August 29th, 1959, a daughter of the late Hafazalla Rafla Hafazalla and Laila Tawfek Abdelmalek. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her son, Dr. John Moussa. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Samir Moussa, her beloved daughter, Monica (Michael) Walaan, her precious grandsons, Gabriel and Noah Walaan, her sisters, Suzan Rafla and Violet Rafla, and her cherished nieces and nephews.

Lucy spent her entire career of over 30 years, with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. She served as an Environmental Engineer, where she ensured the quality and safety of our drinking water.

Lucy lived a life dedicated to God. She served faithfully in the church and loved sharing the love of Christ with everyone she encountered. She always exemplified grace, gentleness, and thanksgiving in all of her circumstances.

A funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 23rd at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church of Pittsburgh, 995 Melrose Avenue, Ambridge. The burial will take place immediately following at Mount Royal Cemetery, 2700 Mount Royal Boulevard, Glenshaw, Pennsylvania. The family will share in a fellowship meal at St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church following the burial. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Larry Mengel, 71, of Rochester Township, passed away on April 15th, 2025.

Larry was the youngest child of the late Leroy and Emma (Cordes) Mengel of New Sewickley Township. He is survived by his devoted wife, Jane (Mundell) Mengel, his children, Joan Mengel of Beaver Falls and Heather (Tom) Hartle of Wake Forest, North Carolina and her grandchildren, Aaron and Zoey Mengel and Tommy, Mason and Brooklyn Hartle. He is also survived by his two sisters, Carol (Denny) DeLauter and Kathy (Lenny) Rudar, both of New Sewickley, his sister-in-law, Nanette Mundell of Chippewa Township, and his brother-in-law, Jack W. (Leigh) Mundell of Gettysburg. In addition, he is survived by a large and boisterous Mengel/Cordes-related clan of cousins, nieces, nephews, and others who held him very dear.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Richard A. and Margaret Mundell of Chippewa, and his brother-in-law, Richard S. (Misook) Mundell of South Korea.

Larry graduated from Freedom Area High School. He followed his father and grandfather to work in the Conway Yards, and did so as a railroad conductor for decades. He was a member of Rochester VFW Post 128 and Rochester Turners, where he had many friends.

He was a rambunctious kid who participated in hunting, adventuring and Boy Scouting who enjoyed racing his pony while wearing a cape like a superhero.

He was a fun-loving adult with a close circle of like-minded friends who had more fun than was probably legal. He was a green-thumb gardener and avid biker. He loved being outdoors, and he shared it with beloved labradors, especially Sarah Lee. He could always find the sassafras root for tea.

He was generous in his time with his family, always there to lend a hand or take you out for your 21st birthday. He was funny and liked to tease and laugh, especially with his “Punkin.”

He was so handsome that his daughters and nieces got nasty looks from admirers who thought they were competition. He was clever with mechanics, meticulous with his truck, and ornery when need be. He is deeply missed.

Larry didn’t want to have any services, public or otherwise. He would have loved everyone to have a drink in his memory.

He’d also want, and the family wants as well, to thank the doctors, nurses and all of the staff at AHN Cancer Institute in Center Township for their wonderful care. Some were so appreciated that they got nicknames too.

Over the last few years, Larry gave Jane a new nickname, his “angel.” Now, she calls him her angel. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Kathleen Ann Kendrew, 65, of Rochester, passed away April 13th, 2025 in Providence Health Care Center of Beaver Falls. She was born in Rochester on November 12th, 1959, the daughter of the late William A. and Anna Hogan Kendrew. Kathleen was a retired Registered Nurse. Throughout her nursing career she worked in various trauma and intensive care units. She had also been a case worker for insurance companies, the last being Aetna. Mostly, she was in travel nursing and home hospice care. She was a member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Rochester, part of Our Lady of the Valley Parish. Carol is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Kate M. Kendrew and her husband, Mitchell Fishman of Seattle, Washington and a granddaughter, Katherine Fishman, also of Seattle. She is also survived by one sister and brother-in-law, Kimberly J. and Douglas Wory of Rochester, several nephews and nieces: Joshua Wory and his wife, Diadra of North Sewickley Township,Jeremiah Wory and his wife, Jennifer of Brighton Township, Jesse Wory and his wife, Samantha of Georgetown, Kelsey Seesee and her husband, Michael of New Bern, North Carolina; along with several great nieces and nephews: Lydia, Kayleigh, Emmett, Emilia, Anna, Wyatt, Joella, Arlen and Ada.

Friends will be received on Friday, April 25th from 4-7 p.m. in The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 26th at 10 A.M. in St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Rochester. Inurnment will be in St. Cecilia Cemetery. The family asks that memorial contributions be made in Kathleen’s name to the Beaver County Cancer and Heart Association, 3582 Brodhead Road #201, Monaca, PA 15061.

Ethel Mae Copenhaver, 87, of Economy Borough, passed away at home on April 15th, 2025, with her loving family by her side. She was born in Patterson, New Jersey, on January 28th, 1938, the daughter of the late Charles and Mildred (Holt) Blixt. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Clarence Copenhaver. She is survived by her son, Glenn (Colleen) Copenhaver, three granddaughters, Crystal, Breanna and Jessica Copenhaver, two nieces, Marylin Guard and Cindy Santangelo, along with four special friends and neighbors, Dean, Pauline, Richard and Becky.

Ethel worked as a Supervisor at Merck Pharmaceuticals for 40 years. In her younger days, she thoroughly enjoyed “the camping life” and traveling around to various destinations.  In her spare time, Ethel enjoyed making crafts and had a passion for birds.  She was the type of woman that would do anything for anybody. Ethel will truly be loved and missed by all who knew her.

In accordance with the family’s request, no services are being held. Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

Beatrice M. Mahnick, 78, of Economy Borough, passed away on April 16th, 2025. She was born in Sewickley on April 19th, 1946, a daughter of the late Anthony and Katherine (Smith) Corvia. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Peter Mahnick and her siblings, Anthony Corvia and Paul Corvia.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Mahnick and her brother, Richard Corvia.

There will not be any services for Beatrice, according to the family’s wishes.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Lois Palitti, 87, passed away on April 14th, 2025. She was born on October 20th, 1937, the daughter of the late Claire and Eva (Farrell) Ritchie of College Hill. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, her son, Terry Johnke, and her sister and brother-in-law, Nancy (Thomas) Simmons. She is survived by four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, her daughter-in-law, Deane Johnke, a very special and dear friend, Jeannie Biehls, along with special nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. Lois was a member of the 1955 Class of Beaver Falls High School, the Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, and the “Morado Gang” of childhood friends. She was also a member of Big Beaver. She worked in Ford Service for over thirty years. Friends will be received on Monday, April 21st from 3-7 P.M. at CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. A service will be held on Tuesday, April 22nd at 11 A.M. at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 1154 Shenango Road Beaver Falls, with Pastor Paul Cwynar officiating. Interment will be private in the Williamsburg Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, it was Lois’ wish to have contributions go to the Mt. Olive Lutheran Church.