Keith Edward Speerhas (1937-2024)

Keith Edward Speerhas, 87, of Enon Valley, passed away on December 17th, 2024 in the comfort of his home. 

He was born in New Brighton on April 10th, 1937, the son of the late Henry and Ruth (Hocanson) Speerhas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce (Thomas) Seiter and a sister-in-law, Marge Speerhas. 

Keith is survived by his lovely wife of 64 years, Elizabeth “Betsy” (McRoberts) Speerhas, his daughters, Lisa (Paul) Fernandez, Amy Speerhas, and Beth (Phil) McClymonds, grandchildren: Luke Fernandez, Jacob (Rebecca) Fernandez, Hannah (Paul) Bowers, Andy (Maggie Moore) McClymonds, Ryan (Devyn Moye) McClymonds, and Olivia McClymonds; a great granddaughter, Ella Fernandez, his brother, Dean Speerhas, a sister, Marsha (Steve) Palyash, “unofficial daughter”, Barb Rowe, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Keith was a machinist for his professional life and worked for Babcock & Wilcox Co. as well as Sekely Industries. He was a seventy-five year member of the Enon Presbyterian Church, where he served in various positions and was a proud Veteran of the United States Army.  In his free time, Keith could be found meticulously maintaining his lawn, garden, and vehicles.  He was an avid sports enthusiast and was fond of attending his grandchildren’s events. 

Friends will be received on Friday, December 20th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. 

Military Honors will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, December 21st at 11 A.M. followed by a funeral service in the funeral home chapel.  Dr. Darrell Knopp will officiate. 

Keith’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to his aide, Misty Evans, as well as Good Samaritan Hospice for their care and compassion. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Josh Gumbert Memorial Scholarship, c/o Blackhawk High School, 500 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. 

Kathleen A. Francis (1949-2024)

Kathleen A. Francis, 75, of Koppel, passed away on Saturday December 14th, 2024, in her home surrounded by her family. She was born on November 25th, 1949, in Conneaut, Ohio, a daughter of the late Theodore and Zenobia (Komorowski) Grubke. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Richard K. Francis, a brother, Theodore Grubke Jr., a sister, Delores Marker, and a sister-in-law Judy Grubke. She is survived by her children: Kelli Leavens (Ron Mcintyre) of Pittsburgh, Stephani (Robert Sr.) Guidice of New Brighton, Cheri (Cliff) LeCrone of Petersburgh, Ohio, John (Tammy Myers) Toikkania, Kimberly Brim of Fenelton, Pennsylvania, Marcie Freed of Deltona, Florida, and Richard (Motoyo) Franis Jr. of San Diego, California; twelve grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, a brother, Richard Grubke of Conneaut, Ohio, a sister-in-law, Nancy Grubke and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Kathleen was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish in Ellwood City and was a booster for the Big Beaver Fire Company. She loved both her pets and her family, as well as shooting pool. She also loved being outside, fishing, gardening, and found a passion for horses.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Richie Massioni for all his care over the last several years, along with Three Oaks Hospice.

Friends will be received on Thursday, December 19th from 11 A.M. until the time of a Blessing Service at 1 P.M. in the Gabauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton.

Ethel Lorraine Joines (1934-2024)

Ethel Lorraine “Lorrai” Joines, 90, of Sewickley, formerly of New Brighton, passed away on December 13th, 2024.
She was born in Bishop, Virginia on September 25th, 1934, the daughter of the late Vance and Gladys Joines. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Carrie Ellen Moore and her brother, James Franklin Joines. She is survived by her nephews and niece: Tim (Patricia) Moore, Tracy George, Tedd Moore, J. Bryan Joines, and Scott (Wendy) Joines; as well as numerous great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

Ethel attended Christ Church at Grove Farm. She had worked for many years as an executive secretary for Alcoa Corporation, and then went on to work for her mother’s business, Joines Answering Service and Communication. She later finished her working career with a branch location of the answering service in Gibsonia. After retiring, Ethel enjoyed attending craft shows and selling her one-of-a-kind creations. She also enjoyed traveling the world, especially with her close friend, Jane Haney.

In accordance with Ethel’s wishes, no public services were held. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc, 333 Third Street, Beaver.
Private inurnment will take place at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park of Rochester at a later date.

 

Joshua James Antoon (1981-2024)

Joshua James Antoon, 43, of Aliquippa, passed away unexpectedly on December 16th, 2024 in his home.

He was born in Mayfield Heights, Ohio on April 2nd, 1981, the son of Joseph and Sally Antoon. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Adam Antoon, his sister, Heather Pisano (Jason), his nephews, Jacob Antoon and Bryce Dougherty, his niece, Madison Dougherty, his girlfriend Michelle Bryson, as well as many uncles, aunts and cousins. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Michelle Bryson, along with her daughters, Sydney Zapsic (Jimmy) and Cali Zapsic and his granddaughter Charlotte.

Joshua had a large and bright personality that will be missed by all that knew him. He was an extremely accomplished individual. Throughout his time, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English at Washington & Jefferson, along with a Masters in Theatre Education at Emerson College. He recently was very proud to have earned his Executive Master of Business Administration – Healthcare from the University of Pittsburgh. He pursued his interest in theatre by gracing the stage as countless memorable characters and growing to be the former President of the Board of the Bobcat Players Community Theater. Throughout his career at McGuire Memorial, Joshua held many positions, most recently as the Director of Risk Management. He made a positive impact and touched many lives during his tenure, he will be greatly missed by his McGuire Family.

Family and friends will be received Friday, December 20th from 3-8 P.M. at J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton. An additional viewing will be held there on Saturday, December 21st at 9:00 A.M. until the time of prayers at 9:30 A.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Holy Family Church, 521 7th Avenue, New Brighton.

Interment will follow at Saint Joseph’s Cemetery of New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, we are kindly asking that you donate to the educational trust fund dedicated to Joshua’s niece and nephews.

Thomas F. “Tom” Lodovico (1938-2024)

Thomas F. “Tom” Lodovico, Sr., 86, of Beaver, passed away on December 16th, 2024, at Franciscan Manor.
He was born in Rochester on October 3rd, 1938, the son of the late Nicholas and Relva Lodovico. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, David Lodovico, nephew, David Lodovico Jr., great-niece, Sophia Lodovico, and three brothers-in-law, William M. Flynn, Jack (Kathryn) Flynn and Robert Flynn. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Beverly Lodovico, his children: Thomas F. (Kelly) Lodovico Jr. of Beaver, Steven W. (Dana Soltis) Lodovico of Pittsburgh, Elaine M. (Bill) DiCioccio of Center Township, and Robert J. Lodovico of Beaver, sisters-in-law, Betty Lodovico, Sarah Katis and Jayme Flynn, grandchildren: Morgan (Dylan Seamans) Lodovico, Ashley (Jacob) Morrison, Courtney Lodovico, Alexis DiCiccio, and Aidan Poindexter; great-grandchildren, Lilah Kline and Mason Morrison, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Thomas was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in the Vietnam War. He worked for nearly 30 years at the former Westinghouse, now Eaton Corporation, enjoying a well deserved early retirement. He was an active former member of the Steel City Boogie Dance Club. Thomas will not only be remembered for his intense love of travel every chance he got, but for his master carpentry skills. He was not your average sports enthusiast. He often created extra long lunches and made excuses to steal time away from work to watch his children, and grandchildren play in all their sporting events. He will be remembered for his collection of beautiful, extravagant sweaters that he collected over his travels, but also in the home movies he created.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, December 18th from 4-8pm in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Thursday, December 19th at 10:30 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Military Rites will be conducted immediately following Mass.
Private entombment will take place at Beaver Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009, or the Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz.org.

Kenneth Lechner (1959-2024)

Kenneth Lechner, 65, of Chippewa Township, passed away on December 15th, 2024. He was born in New Eagle, Pennsylvania on June 29th, 1959, a son of the late Harvey and Evelyn (Centennial) Lechner, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three brothers, Harvey Jr., William, and Edward; and three sisters, Rosemary, Diane, and Cathy.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 44 years, Colleen L. (Donahue) Lechner, two daughters, Jennifer (Brandon Collins) Patton and Alicia (Don Stewart) Paraside and five grandchildren: Jeremy, Jacob, Ethan, Chevy, and Gracie; and a sister, Barbara Lechner.

Kenneth was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to golf, bowl, hunt and watch football. He has bowled a perfect game and got a hole in one. He was a big Steelers fan. Kenneth was a truck driver for Sysco Food Company where he retired after 33 years.

There will be a celebration of life announced at a later date.

The Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to help Kenneth’s Family during this time.

Karen S. Hendricks (1957-2024)

Karen Hendricks, 67, of Fair Oaks, passed away on December 13th, 2024, in her residence.

She was born in Ambridge on June 10th, 1957, a daughter of the late Joseph and Shirley Archer Hendricks. She is survived by numerous cousins and good friends Karen (Ed) Pierson and Beverly Robey.

Karen worked for CJ Banks, Brooks Clothing, and ended her career working at H&R Block. She enjoyed shopping and going on vacation to Florida.

In accordance with Karen’s wishes, there were no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to a charity of your choice.

Janet A. Colalella (1939-2024)

Janet A. Colalella, 85, passed away on December 14th, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was born on May 16th, 1939, the daughter of the late Wilfred and Gertrude Bradley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Michael Bradley and Robert Bradley, husbands, George Kaufman, William Yakish, Robert Colalella and a son, Daniel Kaufman. She is survived by her daughters, Kathy Manetta of Upper Saint Clair and Christy Kaufman of Aliquippa, her granddaughter, Leigh (Adam) and a grandson, Joe (Alyssa). She was also excitedly waiting for the birth of her first great -grandchild, due in May 2025. She was a long-time resident of Hopewell Township.

Janet was a faithful member of Our Lady of Fatima Church of Aliquippa. She volunteered her time helping with Bingo Bash, Nifty 50, Christian Mother, the annual flee market, Meals on Wheels, and the Beaver County Humane Society. She worked at Sears in the Beaver Valley and Allegheny Center Mall until her retirement.
The family would like to thank Dr. H. Kenneth Williams, his staff, and the employees of Allegheny General Hospital for the care she received during her multiple stays there. The family also wishes to thank Bridges Hospice for their compassion and care during her final journey, Highmark Peggy for her guidance and help with the insurance maze, and her dear friends, Char and Theresa for their continued friendship, support, and unwavering love.
The family respectfully requests donations be made to the Beaver County Humane Society in memory of Janet.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 18th from 2-6 P.M. in the Anthony Mastrofransesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. Departing prayers will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, December 19th at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 2270 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa. Interment will immediately follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Fern Lois Corradi (1928-2024)

Fern Lois Corradi, 96, of Midland, passed away on December 15th, 2024 at the Calcutta Health Care Facility in Calcutta, Ohio surrounded by her children. She was born in Rochester on January 31st, 1928, a daughter of the late Bertha Ammen Deem and Andrew Jackson Deem. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of thirty three years, Homer L. Corradi, brothers; Ed, Ralph, Clarence (Rube) and Charles (Chuck), her sister, Bertha Hohenshell and her son in law Bernard (Bernie) Komara. She is survived by her children: Robert Corradi (Donna) of Midland, Valerie Komara, Crystal River, Florida, Richard Corradi (Nanette), of Midland and Karen Francis (Michael) of Lincolnton, North Carolina, eleven grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, a special sister-in-law, Lorene Deem of Center Township, two special Godchildren, Lisa Simmons Green and John Simmons of Midland, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Fern was both a Christian and Methodist by Faith. She went to Midland schools and worked in the Crucible Steel Mill restaurant with her mother.
In her lifetime, she worked at the Martinetti and Castelli Clover Farm store in Midland for many years until its closing. She worked as a waitress at the Willows Motel and Banquet center in Ohioview and Rocca’s Pasta in Midland.
She was known for the love of serving people. She also loved to travel. She was passionate about her love for animals, especially her dachshund dogs that she had throughout her life. She loved to garden, shop and decorate her home. She loved to read books and cook for her family. She was famous for her Hoopie noodles, Serbian sarma, bread pudding, rice pudding and her sheet pies that will be missed by all that was lucky enough to indulge in these dishes.
Friends will be received at the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, on Thursday, December 19th from 3 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. by Pastor Bill Anzevino. A private burial will take place at Beaver Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Fern’s memory to the Humane Society of Beaver County, the Midland Library or the Midland Volunteer Fire Department.
A heartfelt thank you to family, caregivers and hospice staff at Calcutta Health Care for the extraordinary kindness and loving care given to our mom.

Barbara J. Ryhal (1940-2024)

Barbara J. Ryhal, 84, of New Sewickley Township, passed away on December 7th, 2024 in Allegheny General Hospital. She was born in Rochester on May 7th, 1940, a daughter of the late Joseph Johnson and Beatrice J. Eiffler. She is survived by her loving husband, Gene A. Ryhal, four children: Mandy May, Bradley (Jessie) Scheidmantel, Rick Ryhal, and Dick (Jodi) Ryhal; three grandchildren, Matthew (Amanda) May, Elsa Scheidmantel, and Richard Ryhal, as well as four great grandchildren: Mila May and Maddox, Avery, and Colson Ryhal.

Barbara was a retired registered nurse loving her work at Heritage Valley Beaver for many years.  She enjoyed working outside, planting flowers, cooking and baking, and taking care of the home she truly appreciated.  Barbara was very independent, brave, and fiercely loved her family.  She was a great wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

All services were private.

Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester were entrusted with her arrangements.