Barb Johnson, 80, of Crafton Heights, formerly of Rochester, passed away on January 20th, 2025 in St. Clair Hospital. She was born on November 27, 1944, a daughter of the late Ruby Lee and John Crawford. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Ed Bender. She is survived by her three children, Curt (Heather) Murray, Greg Murray and Heather (Steve) Styer, four grandchildren: Courtney (Ben) Hacker, Claire Murray, Ruby Styer and Jordan Styer; a brother and sister-in-law, John & Anita Crawford and numerous nieces and nephews.

Barb worked as a nurse, and then she retired as a case manager with Highmark/Blue Cross Blue Shield. She was a member of Allegheny General Alliance Church where she enjoyed volunteering for the kids programs and Urban Impact.  Barb loved football, she was an avid Rochester Ram and Steelers fan. She was a member of the Highmark/Blue Cross choir and she also volunteered to escort the company mascot.  Her group of friends turned into a Red Hat Society, as a group they traveled which Barb really enjoyed.  She also loved to see theater productions, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and drinking tea.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 24th at 11 a.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester, 502 Adams Street.

Private interment will take place in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

James “Jim” L. Wojcuich, 80, of New Sewickley Township, passed away at his residence on January 19th, 2025.

He was born in Cecil Township, Pennsylvania on May 19th, 1944, a son of the late Rudolph Wojcuich. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his son, Stevie Hoko, a great-grandchild, Stephen Hoko Jr. and his brother, Thomas Wojcuich. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Hoko, two daughters, Michele (Ed) Sutton and Denise (Vic) Martin, a son, Richard Hoko, sister-in-law, Janet Wojcuich, six grandchildren: Ashley (Ryan Scott) Hoko, Taylor (Leo Scarsellone) Hoko, Madalynne Martin, Max Martin, Abigail Sutton, and Zak Sutton; two great-grandchildren, Brayden and Kinsley and a special cousin, Patti (Sis) Meyer.

James was a self-employed mechanic as well as a machinist at American Machining & Fabrication. He was a member of the Saxon Club, Rochester Eagles, and the VFW in Unionville. He spent much of his life near the water, as he was an avid fisherman. Once you made a friend in James, you had a friend for life.

Friends will be received on Thursday, January 23rd from 1 P.M. until the time of services at 4 P.M. in the Gabauer Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton. Pastor Bill Beatty will officiate.

John Everett Spence, 83, of Baden, passed away at home on January 19th, 2025. He was born on March 29th, 1941, the son of the late John and Viola Spence. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Triska-Spence, sister-in-law, Becky Triska and cousin, Ronnie Triska.

He is survived by his stepdaughter and her husband, Pam and Jack Spence, brother-in-law, Brad Triska, sister-in-law, Linda Triska, niece, Tawny (Hunter) Triska-Pollard, as well as many cousins and friends.

John was a dedicated steam fitter technician and also owned the House of Elegance beauty shop in Beaver. He had a deep love for his and Shirley’s farm in Marshall Township where they hosted many gatherings. A proud member of Steam Fitters Local 449, John also cherished spending time with his furry friends, especially enjoying visits to his stepdaughter’s home where he played with her cats.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23rd, from 4-7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC., 547 8th Street, Ambridge. A funeral service will take place at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, January 24th at the funeral home, followed by burial at Beaver Cemetery.

Matthew “Matt” John Varley, 48, of Castle Shannon passed away on January 17th, 2025, in UPMC Mercy Hospital. He was born in Pittsburgh on November 27th, 1976, the son of the late John Mark and Patricia Ann (Smith) Varley. He is survived by his brother, Mark Patrick Varley, and his wife, Rebecca (Cramer) Varley, of Winter Garden, Florida.

Matt was a graduate of Moon Area High School class of 1994 and of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He was last employed at UPMC, where he found comfort in the job’s enjoyable routine and in the good friends, he made there over the years.

He always tried to have as much fun as possible by occasionally living life on the edge and in the moment. He had many plans, dreams and goals that were cut short.

Matt’s brother, Mark, would like to extend a final thanks to Matt for the time he spent caring for their mother, Patricia, before her passing. Mark is eternally grateful for the patience and grace Matt put forth to care for her when needed.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, January 22nd from 2–8 P.M. in the Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church of Moon Township on Thursday, January 23rd at 10 A.M. (Everyone please meet at the church.) Interment will follow at Sewickley Cemetery, where Matt will be interred next to his mother in the Varley family plot.

We also want to extend a special thanks to the 8th floor ICU staff at Mercy Hospital, who cared for Matt in his final days, and to Steven A. Scott of The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE), who assisted with the organ donation process. While Matt’s life was cut short unexpectedly, Steven’s hard work and long hours helped two people with organ transplants in their time of need.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to CORE at core.org. Condolences can be posted on the funeral home website, (www.huntsmanfuneralhomes.com).

Linda K. Pavkovich, 75, of Chippewa Township, passed away on January 18th, 2025, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa.

She was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, on April 30th, 1949, the daughter of the late Marvin Shrader and Lula Shrader Lawler. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 43 years, Nicholas G. Pavkovich. She is survived by her son, Doug (Kathy) Pavkovich, two grandchildren, Emily and Ryan Pavkovich, brother, Donald F. (Sandra) Shrader, two nephews, Travis (Alissa) Shrader, Troy (Michele) Shrader and their families.

Linda devoted 32 years of her life teaching students within the New Brighton Area School District. Her passion for education was surpassed only by her love for her family and her faith. Linda was an avid reader and enjoyed reading about her faith, a lover of good music, and an admirer of dogs. She greatly enjoyed old movies and westerns. Most of all, she treasured the moments spent with her grandchildren, each one a precious memory.

Linda’s family would like to thank the staff at Celebration Villa, Providence Rehabilitation, and Transitions Hospice for their wonderful and thoughtful care.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, January 22nd from 2-4 P.M. and 6 P.M. until the time of service at 8 P.M. in Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. Pastor Gary Hilton will officiate.

Interment will be private at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Linda’s name to the Chippewa Area Lions Club, 123 Samuel Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Ida Masone Comparin, 96, of Blacksburg, Virginia passed away in Beaver Falls on January 15th, 2025. She was born in Jamaica, New York on Oct. 20th, 1928. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Fannie Masone, two sisters, Mae and Eleanor, two brothers, Michael and Dominic, and her husband of 59 years, Robert Anton Comparin of Blacksburg, Virginia. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law Robert and Leesa of Camden, Ohio, daughter and son-in-law, Evelyn and George Lee Gower, of Beaver Falls, son and daughter in-law, Thomas and Carol Conyers of Schenectady, New York, son and daughter-in-law, James and Rhonda of Niceville, Florida, daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Rick Fondriest of Alexandria, Virginia, eight grandchildren: Arianne, Virginia and Benjamin Gower; William Comparin, Blake Henderson, Jacob, Joseph and Joshua Fondriest, her devoted niece, Carolann Masone, and many other loving nieces and nephews and their spouses.

Ida always had a love of reading and aspired to be a librarian.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Queens College, New York and a Master of Library Science from Columbia University.  After graduation in 1953, she went to Japan for two years as a Special Services Librarian. Her career later included reference librarian at Purdue University, co-director of Montgomery Regional Library, and acting director of Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library. Ida retired in 1994 but continued to support the library as a volunteer. She remained an avid reader and was a member of a book club in Blacksburg for over 50 years.

Throughout her life, Ida enjoyed experiencing new places.  She treasured her time working in Japan, exploring European cities when she and Bob lived in Switzerland, and later traveling to China with Bob for a university trip. She made wonderful homes for the family in each of the six states where they lived.  She enjoyed traveling in the United States, especially her trips to Alaska and the Grand Canyon.

Ida fell in love with the theatre as a young woman in New York City and passed along that passion to all her children. She was a champion of the arts and supported many professional theatre groups. In her final years at both Warm Hearth Village in Virginia and Cambridge Village in Pennsylvania, Ida appreciated the performances the facilities hosted.

Ida valued community. She developed lasting relationships with her neighbors, went out for coffee with her aerobics buddies each week, played bridge into her 90s, and was part of a group that prayed the rosary together. Ida was known for her cooking from the many dinner parties she and Bob hosted. Her transition into assisted living was easy because of the welcoming and active communities she found there.

A constant strength throughout Ida’s life was her faith in God and being a member of the Catholic church. She was a daily communicant for 10 years before she got married.  Near the end of her life, she no longer read books or magazines, but she still read a Catholic devotional every day. Her favorite Bible verse was, “And now these three remain, faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

Ida said that she could not have succeeded in life without the help of others. Foremost was her family, who encouraged and supported her to be the first in her family to go to college. In gratitude, Ida made it a point to encourage others. She often said, “It’s important to compliment people and let them know they’re doing a good job.” She also gave of her time and resources to enable others to succeed as she had.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ida’s name to the Montgomery Floyd Regional Library, 125 Sheltman Street, Christiansburg, VA 24073, or by giving of yourself to help someone else succeed.  A memorial service will be held, at a date to be announced later, at McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, Blacksburg, Virginia. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

Irene F. Romanchak, 79, of New Brighton, passed away on January 19th, 2025 in the comfort of her home.

She was born in New Brighton on February 17th, 1945 and was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, John Romanchak, a daughter Patty Stefanosky, and a great-grandson Austin Stefanosky.

She is survived by her loving daughters and son in-laws: Kathy and Dirk Walsh, Renee Romanchak, and Jonalyn and Kent McDermott, all of New Brighton; five grandchildren, Jon and Sarah Romanchak, Peyton Walsh, Elyse Stefanosky, Delaney and Noah McDermott; six great-grandchildren, Parker, Ethan, Owen, Mylah, Thadd, Titan; a sister, Rose Sutter, a sister-in-law, Gaynel Romanchak and several nieces and nephews.

All services are private.

The family would like to thank the staff at Friendship Commons and Beaver Life for the care of Irene.

Arrangements were entrusted to Gabauer Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc.

Clifford ‘Bill’ W. Hunt, 51, passed away on January 12th, 2025 in North Sewickley. He was born in New Brighton on November 7th, 1973, the son of Clifford “Butch” and Debra (Bieble) Hunt.

Bill was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He currently worked as a maintenance mechanic at Gypsum where his strong work ethic left a lasting impression on many. Known for his beautiful smile and kindness, Bill had a gift for making friends wherever he went.

Bill had a strong love for the outdoors. He found peace and happiness in fishing and hunting. In addition, he had a passion for speed and raced motorcycles, embracing the thrill and freedom of the open road.

Bill will be remembered as a man with a big heart who lived life fully and cared deeply for his family and friends. He was held dear by his loving wife Michelle (Tomecsko) Hunt, sons Clifford James and Cody William Hunt, along with his parents he is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who will forever cherish the memories of his warmth and unwavering love.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, January 22nd, from 2-8 P.M, in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton.

A funeral service will be private for the family.

Private interment will be held at Grove Cemetery, New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to either, First Church of God, 605 9th St New Brighton, PA 15066, or Washington Area Humane Society, 1527 PA-136, Eighty Four, PA 15330.

Michelle Marie (Tomecsko) Hunt, 48, passed away on January 12th, 2025, in North Sewickley. She was born in Washington on October 11th, 1976, the daughter of Michael “Iron” and Peggy (Hampson) Tomecsko. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford “Bill” Hunt. In addition to her parents, she is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends who were fortunate enough to know her.

Michelle was a very talented nail technician known for her creativity. Her passion for history and aviation led her to serve as a secretary at the Air Heritage Museum, where her dedication and warm personality made her an integral part of the organization. She was also a member of SNPJ Lodge 138.

Michelle’s love for animals was unparalleled. She cared for them with compassion and tenderness. Whether spending time outdoors fishing or just enjoying the beauty of nature, she found a piece of mind in the simple joys of life.

Her kindness, vibrant spirit, and endless love left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Michelle had a way of making those around her feel seen, valued, and loved. Her absence left a void that cannot be filled.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, January 22nd, from 2-8 P.M, in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton.

A funeral service will be private for the family.

Private interment will be held at Grove Cemetery of New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either, First Church of God, 605 9th St New Brighton, PA 15066, or Washington Area Humane Society, 1527 PA-136, Eighty Four, PA 15330.

Clifford James “C.J.” Hunt, 18, passed away on January 13th, 2025 in North Sewickley. He was born in Beaver on March 26th, 2006, a son of the late Clifford “Bill” and Michelle (Tomecsko) Hunt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Cody Hunt. He is survived by his grandparents, Michael “Iron” and Peggy Tomecsko, along with many cousins and friends who will forever cherish the love he brought into their lives.

From a young age, he developed a love for the land. As a dedicated agricultural farmer, he worked tirelessly with his hands nurturing the Earth and providing for his family and community. CJ was a graduate from Riverside High School.

He had a rare gift for encouraging others. CJ’s words inspired those around him to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. Always ready to lend a helping hand, he brought comfort to anyone in need. He approached each day with purpose and pride. CJ’s respect for the United States flag and the ideals it represents was profound, and he carried his patriotism with quiet dignity.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, January 22nd, from 2-8 P.M, in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton.

A funeral service will be private for the family.

Private interment will be held at Grove Cemetery of New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either, First Church of God, 605 9th St New Brighton, PA 15066, or Washington Area Humane Society, 1527 PA-136, Eighty Four, PA 15330.