Category: Obituaries

Noble Jay Stone (1941-2026)

Noble Jay Stone, 84, of Aliquippa, passed away peacefully on May 26th, 2026 with his son and daughter-in-law by his side.

He was born on October 7th, 1941, a son of the late Donald and Maude (Fisher) Stone. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia K. (Warzynski) Stone, a sister and two brothers-in-law, Betty (Joe) Cady and Eddie Edwards, and a sister-in-law, Betsy L. Stone. He is survived by his devoted son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey (Jessica) Stone, his grandchildren: Melissa Manzella, Laurel Stone, Bryson Helon (Liz Thomas-Wright), and Bailee Helon; as well as a great granddaughter, Violet Helon, a sister, Esther Edwards, and his brother, Donald N. Stone and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Noble was a faithful member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish and St John the Baptist Church in Monaca. He honorably served our country in the US Army and was proud to be a veteran. He retired from the former US Airways as a plant mechanic. He enjoyed numerous fishing trips with his son Jeff, spending peaceful days on the water waiting for the next big catch. Noble shared a special bond with his brother Don. They spent many outings together including walking at the mall. He also treasured time with his family during vacations to the beaches of Florida. Noble was an avid football and hockey fan, particularly the Steelers and Penguins. He cherished the pets that were in his home, three dogs, Coco, Ellie and Pixie, two cats, Leo and Tilly. He loved all animals.

A visitation will be on Friday, May 29th from 3-7 p.m. in the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of his arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 30th at 10 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Church in Monaca. Everyone is asked to meet at the church. Private burial will follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

The Beaver County Special Unit will provide military honors to Noble at the church.

Donations can be made in memory of Noble to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road Aliquippa PA 15001 and to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who helped with Noble’s care and for the love that was extended to him and his family.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Noble Jay Stone please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Doris E. Swiontek (1932-2026)

Doris E. Swiontek, 93, of Aliquippa, (Independence Township) passed away on May 26th, 2026 at UPMC Mercy Hospital. She was born in Aliquippa on June 3rd, 1932, a daughter of the late James A & Florence (Cain) Miller. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by by her husband Thomas Swiontek, Sr., her brothers: E. Reid, J. Lee, Keith and Dean Miller; as well as her son, Bob Swiontek and her grandson, Brad Swiontek. She is survived by her sons, Thomas Jr. (Marcia) Swiontek and Scott (Jan) Swiontek and their wives, her sisters, Anna Mae Shane and Janice Coon, her brother and sister-in-law Richard (Kay) Miller, her grandchildren: Brad Swiontek (deceased), Jamie (Dave) Davis II, Jim (Stephanie) Swiontek, Jena (Brad) Cunningham and Jackie (Jared) Kramer; along with her 15 great grandchildren and her special niece, Betty (Brunton) Downing.

Doris was a lifelong member of Mt. Olivet Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Aliquippa.

Family and friends will be received on Friday May 29th from 11 a.m., until the time of a service at 1 p.m. in the Mt. Olivet Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 4128 PA-151, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

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

Her Pastor, the Rev. Kevin Neal, will officiate. She will be laid to rest in the Mt. Olivet Evangelical Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Aliquippa.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Memorial Fund at Mt. Olivet Evangelical Presbyterian Church 4128 PA-151, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Walter E. Chludzinski (1942-2026)

Walter E. Chludzinski, 84, of Brighton Township, passed away peacefully in the home he and his family have cherished for 55 years. He always said he spent his life making that house a home, applying skills of electrical wiring, plumbing, framing, roofing, plastering and more. He could build or fix anything, and he did it well. When asked if he and his wife would move to a smaller home as empty nesters, he always said, “They can take me out of here feet first,” He passed away on May 26th, 2026. He was born on February 14th, 1942, a son of the late Walter and Laura Chludzinski of Brighton Township. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his siblings: Wanda, Dorothy, Bill, Joe and Martha. He is survived by a sister, Donna, his wife, Karen Montgomery Chludzinski, who he married on July 31st, 1965, along with their children, Tammie (Dean) Chevalier, Wallie (Kathy) Chludzinski III and Julie (Dave) Kirik and his grandchildren: Elissa, Evan Jacob, Simon, Ethan, Donnie, Michael, and Elizabeth.

With the exception of his family and his home, Walter was most proud of his service in the U.S. Navy, most of which was spent traveling the world onboard the USS Harry E. Yarnell in the early 60s. He was proud to serve as a Machinist Mate, graduating at the top of his class. He remained a true patriot throughout his life, saying he would serve his country again in a heartbeat. The skills and knowledge he gained in the Navy formed a firm foundation for his career as a Millwright Rigger Welder with St. Joe, B&W and Hussey Copper. During the 80s when mills folded and downsized, he adapted quickly and provided for his family as a roofer, handyman, carpenter, painter and contractor. As a child, he knew what it meant to go without, and he made sure his family had everything they needed to thrive. He was a tireless worker, who expected the same dedication and effort from those around him. He was honest, generous and kind, with a quick sense of humor. Whether you knew him as a parent, coworker, gardener, avid fisherman, friend, farm hand or prolific producer of sauerkraut, you know he put his best into everything he did. He lived a life of service to his family, friends and Jesus Christ. His family thanks God for the privilege of having known him.

A thank you goes out to the Pinnacle Hospice Team for their support.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30th from 3 P.M. until the time of a service at 6 P.M. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Walter E. Chludzinski, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Catherine Roberts (1934-2026)

Catherine Roberts, 92, of Ambridge, passed away on May 26th, 2026.

She was born on April 13th, 1934. She and her husband William Roberts moved to Ambridge in 1957, a year after the birth of their daughter, Rachelle. Once in Ambridge, she stayed living a humble and comfortable life in a home where she always welcomed friends and family. She and her family became members of St. Veronica’s Parish where she volunteered in the lunch kitchen of the school.

Catherine was born Catherine Susan Pello and her parents were Andrew Pello and Susan (Andrasik) Pello. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Pauline Kashmer, and her husband, George, and Margaret Szost and her husband, Bob, her brothers, Albert Pello and her wife, Josephine, and Steve Pello and his wife, Mary. Her siblings provided her many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

Her children, Rachelle Roberts, and partner, Dave Lewandowski, and Bill Roberts, and his wife, Carolyn reside in the Ambridge area. Her grandsons,Sean Roberts and his wife, Nicole of Dayton, Ohio, Patrick Roberts of Lawerenceburg, Kentucky and John Adams and his wife, Brandee of Baden were her joy and consumed much of her time as she prayed for their well-being and safety. Her recent great granddaughter, Millie, was a spark of joy in her heart.

Catherine was a wonderful cook and baker, and she brought joy to those around her as she would grind through those tasks that brought joy and laughter to those around her. Her friendship will certainly be missed.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, May 28th from 3 P.M. until the time of a blessing service at 5:30 P.M. at the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. Father Mike Selep will officiate the service. Interment will take place privately in the Good Samaritan Catholic Cemetery,

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Cornerstone of Beaver County by clicking here. https://cornerstonebeaver.org/

Frank Ross (1932-2026)

Frank Ross, 93, of Beaver, passed away on May 23rd, 2026, at Celebration Villa in Chippewa.

He was born in Aliquippa on October 14th, 1932, the son of the late Frank A. Ross and Sue Quadrano. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 53 years, Betty Jane Ross, his step-son, Russell Wardman Jr. and his sister, Dolores Trotta. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mark Ross and Patricia Cornet, of Santa Cruz, California, his grandchildren, Aidan, Emma, and Sophia Ross, his nephews: Vince (Donika) Trotta, Gary Trotta, David Hairhoger, Keith (Bernice) Gray, and Donny Harper; as well as his nieces, Vicki Trotta, Robin (Paul) Chiappetta, and Jody Burnett.

Frank was raised in Ellwood City and was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He was a former member of Park Presbyterian Church in Beaver, and was a current member of Christian Assembly Church in Industry. He enjoyed coin and stamp collecting, restoring antique cars, as well as hunting and fishing. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a thoughtful loving mentor – with a legendary sense of humor.

Friends will be received on Saturday, May 30th from 10 a.m. until the time of a service at 12 noon at Christian Assembly Church, 6241 Tuscarawas Road, Industry. Online condolences may be shared at http://www.nollfuneral.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in his name to Christian Assembly Church, 6241 Tuscarawas Road, Industry PA 15052.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Frank Ross, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

James Stanley “Jimmy” Hostetler (1928-2026)

James Stanley “Jimmy” Hostetler, 98, formerly of Crescent Township, passed away on May 24th, 2026 in Riverview Manor, Ashbury Senior Living in Lewisburg. He was born in Glenwillard on January 4th, 1928, the son of the late Darl & Jane (McCarrier) Hostetler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Emma (Blackford) Hostetler, his granddaughter, Evan Hostetler and his son, James D. Hostetler (Darcie). He is survived by his three sons, Richard G. Hostetler (Reni) of Washington, Gary L. Hostetler (Lorie) of North Carolina and Gregg A. Hostetler (Linda) of Maryland, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

After graduating high school, James enlisted in the U.S Marine Corps, serving in the Marine Air Wing as WWII was winding down. Not long after joining the Marine Reserves, the Korean War began and he was called up to serve his country a second time (Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines). He was part of the Chosin Reservoir campaign where Marines, cut off behind enemy lines and in bitterly cold temperatures, fought off a much larger enemy force and he became one of a revered group of Marines known as “The Frozen Chosen.” After recovering from his wounds and severe frostbite, he worked 42 years for Jones and Laughlin (J&L) Steel Corporation. He was a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoyed fishing, camping, exercise, music, dancing, and his extended family. He and his wife Mary spent many retirement years wintering in Florida, where they made a host of new friends. He was a practicing Christian who enjoyed sharing his faith and inspiration with others.

Friends will be received on Friday, May 29th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 30th at 10 a.m. Interment and Military Honors will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Carol B. Lancos (1943-2026)

Carol B. Lancos, 82, of Midland, passed away on May 25th, 2026, with her daughter and her husband by her side.

She was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on June 21st, 1943, a daughter of the late Michael and Irene Novak Balint. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her companion & partner, Kenny Sowers, her brothers, John “Sonny” Balint, Robert Balint, her sisters, Elizabeth “Bette” Chapman, Patricia Balser, Lenore “Lennie” Miller and her former husband and friend, Bob Lancos. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Susan Miller, and her husband, Robert Reilly of Brighton Township, her grandson and the love of her life, Matthew Miller, and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Carol was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. She retired after many years as a bank teller at Beaver Trust in Midland and later helped the elderly by working at the Beaver Valley Geriatric Center. She was a member of St. Augustine Parish and St. Blaise Church in Midland. She had been a resident of Midland her entire life.

Friends will be received on Thursday, May 28th from 5-8 P.M. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 629 Midland Ave., Midland, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 29th, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Blaise Church, 772 Ohio Avenue, Midland. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Memorial contributions may be made in Carol’s name to Open Arms Healthcare, 805 4th Ave Coraopolis, PA 15108.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carol Lancos, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Alma Arlene “Peg” Canonaco (1933-2026)

Alma Arlene “Peg” Canonaco, 92, of South Beaver Township, passed away on May 24th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Health System – Beaver Campus.

She was born in Beaver Falls on October 20th, 1933, a daughter of the late Steve and Josephine West. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her children, Ken, Keith, and Bruce Humphrey and a sister, Merle. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Ralph Canonaco, her grandchildren: Chris, Aaron, Matt, Lauren, Nicole, and Keith; as well as eight great-grandchildren, her sisters, Dorothy, June, and Elsie, along with numerous extended family members, and friends.

Alma spent her life as a homemaker and was extremely fond of her grandchildren.  She enjoyed traveling with her husband and reading.

In accordance with Alma’s wishes, she will be cremated and no services are being planned.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to provide care and guidance to Alma’s family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of her arrangements.

Joan Marie Lapic (1952-2026)

Joan Marie Lapic, 74, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on May 23rd, 2026, at Cedar Hill Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Moon. She was born in New Castle on May 10th, 1952, a daughter of Agnes (O’Connor) and Carl Oswald. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her four children: Jeremiah (Ermida) Lapic, Jacob Lapic, Justin Lapic, and Jessica (Chris) Brown; as well as two brothers, Martin and Tom Oswald, her sister, Carleen Rainey and four beloved grandchildren, Connor, Aiden, Elise, and Sofia.

Joan graduated from New Castle High School with its Class of 1970 and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a double major in English and Environmental Studies. She began her career as a writer at several newspapers in Michigan before returning to Pennsylvania, where she continued working in journalism while spending every free moment on the river. She devoted her life to nurturing growth — in gardens, in people, and in the hearts of those around her. During her formative years, she explored the wilds of the upper Allegheny River around her father’s river cabin in Emlenton, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for nature. She later renewed her faith and embraced a strong belief in natural living, giving birth to all four of her children at home. She envisioned and helped build a passive solar home in the country, where she homeschooled her four children while mastering raised-bed gardening, beekeeping, raising small animals, growing orchids, and maintaining a greenhouse. She was also a Penn State Master Gardener and herb specialist, Joan volunteered at the local Grange and youth home before becoming the Therapeutic Horticulture Program Coordinator at Glade Run Lutheran Services. There, her lifetime of passions truly bloomed as she combined compassion, knowledge, and reverence for the natural world in her work as a therapist. She was a gifted herbalist and educator who found immense joy in plants, flowers, and the outdoors, and loved teaching others about their healing properties through presentations and hands-on learning. Through her work and gentle spirit, she inspired many to discover the beauty, comfort, and connection found in nature.

A memorial gathering will be held for friends and family on Friday, May 29th from 4 p.m. until the time of a Memorial Service at 6 p.m. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joan Marie Lapic, please visit our flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Timothy E. Ralston (1974-2026)

Timothy E. Ralston, 51, of Glenwillard, passed away on May 19th, 2026 at his residence. He was born in Burgettstown on September 11th, 1974, a son of Jane Smith Ralston and the late Elwood T. Ralston. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Laura Gable, two daughters, Lydia Gable and Meadow Ralston, his brother, Thomas R. Ralston and his in-laws, Richard Eberle and Kerrin Powers.

Timothy crafted a name as a remarkable chef, especially when it came to his chicken wings. However, he was more than just an expert in the kitchen. He loved the simple pleasures of life: fishing, spending time with his children, being with his family, and cheering on his favorite teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Pirates. His love for wrestling was matched only by his passion for music. Friends will be received on Wednesday, May 27th from 2 P.M. until the time of service at 5:30 P.M. at the CORLESS-MATTER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, LLC, 1133 Church Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements.