Joseph Jahoda, 64, of Ambridge, passed away on January 17th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Sewickley. He was born on November 19th, 1960, the son of the late Ruth (Hare) and Stephen Jahoda. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Robert “Bucky” Jahoda, Martin Jahoda, William “Bill” Jahoda and Stephen Jahoda Jr.; his sisters: Donna Sharek, Carol Jahoda, Kathy Prokurat, Mary Lou Jahoda, and Sandra “Pete” Jahoda; along with his brother-in-law, David Sharek.

He is survived by his sons, Brent (Mary Frances) Jahoda and Aaron (Allison) Jahoda, daughter, Lauren Jahoda, brothers, James Jahoda, Jerome Jahoda and Michael Jahoda, sisters: Karen (James) Prince, Susan Jahoda, Roxanne (Barry) Fitzgerald and Kim (Charles) Dworchak; brother-in-law, Michael Huppenthal, sister-in-law, Eva Jahoda and numerous nieces and nephews.

A man of many talents, Joseph was a skilled craftsman who enjoyed working with his hands. He spent many years building houses in the Sewickley area. Joseph also coached baseball and was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan.

Services will be private and arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Thelma M. Kauffman, 82, of Beaver, passed away on January 15th, 2025.

She was born in McKeesport on August 7th, 1942, the younger daughter of the late Albert and Felicia Cellerini. In addition to her parents, Thelma was preceded in death by her sister, Virginia Kovalyak.  She is survived by her husband George, her daughter Marie (John) Hellgoth of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, her son Matthew (Tandy) Kauffman of Apex, North Carolina, four grandsons: Nicholas and Christopher Hellgoth and Nathan and Michael Kauffman; a brother-in-law, Frederick Kovalyak of Ellicott City, Maryland, two nieces, Kimberley (Edward) Valaer of Ashburn, Virginia and Christine Kovalyak of Columbia, Maryland, a nephew, Gregory (Donna) Kovalyak of Leesburg, Virginia and two great-nieces, Julie and Amanda Kovalyak.

Their family moved to Beaver in 1948. She graduated from Beaver High School in 1960 and Geneva College in 1964. Thelma married her college sweetheart, George E. Kauffman of West Bridgewater on October 10th, 1964. Thelma was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

After leaving Beaver in 1965, the Kauffmans lived in Morgantown, West Virginia, Schwetzingen, Germany, Olean, New York, Pittsburgh, Tel Aviv, Israel and Columbia, Maryland. After retiring, they returned to Beaver in 2006.

The family is especially grateful to the Allegheny Heath Network Staff, who enabled Thelma to stay in her home during her later years.

In accordance with Thelma’s wishes, there will be no viewing or visitation.

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

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 20th at 10 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver. Burial will follow in Beaver Cemetery.

Judith “Judy” DeChicko, 67, of Beaver Falls, passed away on January 13th, 2025 at her residence. She was born in Beaver Falls on December 9th, 1957, a daughter of the late Eugene and Jane (MacDonald) DeChicko. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph DeChicko. She is survived by her sister, Joyce (Chester) Ciccozzi and her two nephews, Cole and Blake Ciccozzi.

Judith retired from Cigna Insurance as a transplant case manager. She also worked as an RN at the Medical Center in Beaver for many years. She enjoyed going to yard sales, thrift stores and flea markets with her sister. She especially liked going to Mountaineer playing the slot machines, and hanging out at Pier 19 with her friends.

In accordance with Judith’s wishes, there will be no viewing or services.

The family would like to thank her neighbor, Mrs. Edie Boxen, for always looking out for her.

Arrangements were taken care of by Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Somesh C. Bose, 84, of Moon Township, passed away on December 25th, 2024.  He was born in Patna, India on July 23rd, 1940, a son of the late Amaresh Bose and Renuka (née Sen) Bose. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Pompa (née Roy Chowdhury) Bose, their two sons, Rajesh Bose and his companion Scanlynn Daniel, Neilesh Bose and his wife Melia, beloved granddaughter Chandni Joya Belli Bose, sister Mani M. Majumdar, brother Samiresh C. Bose and his companion Vlasta Stastna.

Somesh had a long and successful career as a civil and structural engineer. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from the Bengal College of Engineering and Technology (B.E. College) in West Bengal, India.  He left India as a young man to pursue higher education in the U.K., and then established his career in the United States. He holds a Master of Science from the University of Southampton in Civil Engineering as well as a Master of Business Administration from Robert Morris University.  His meticulous nature, relentless work ethic and wry humor served him well in his career and helped him navigate life with adventure and determination. He was dedicated and selfless in service to his family. His family will cherish the enduring values and guidance he imparted to them. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Palma P. (Pollice) Simonette, 95, of Ingram, passed away on January 15th, 2025 in The Willows of Oakmont. She was born in Coraopolis on July 7th, 1929, the daughter of the late Dr. Adelmo & Mary (DeJuliis) Pollice. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Joseph N. Simonette, a great-grandson Jeremiah Simonette and brothers, Philip Pollice MD, Felix Pollice, & Eugene Pollice MD. She is survived by her son Joseph Felix Simonette (Chris) of Ross Township, four grandchildren: Amber Myers, Joseph Simonette, Sabrina Simonette & Santino Simonette, four great grandchildren: Ameira, Maisie, Joseph & Olive; along with her sister Jill Mowry.

Friends will be received on Sunday, January 19th from 1-5 P.M. in the Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, where a funeral service will be held on Monday, January 20th at 10 A.M.  Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery of Pittsburgh.

Dona L. Eckman, 87, of Beaver Falls, passed away on January 13th, 2025 at Providence Health and Rehab Center. She was born in Beaver Falls on November 15th, 1937, the daugther of the late Raymond and Eleanor Eckman. She is survived by her three children, son, Scott (Doreen) Hezlep, daughters Cheryl (Richard) Winkle and Susan (Joseph) Kantz, six grandchildren: James (Cassie) Hezlep, Kevin (Stephanie) Hezlep, Jason (Heather) Winkle, Lynnsey (Tony) Savina, Abigail (Benjamin) Helmick and Adam Kantz and eight great-grandchildren: Emma, Scarlett, Sophie, Aubree, Ryleigh, Jameson, Jaxson, Eliana and one on the way.

Dona was a very loving daughter, cousin, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She always put everyone before herself. She was a woman of many talents. Dona was the head majorette throughout high school in Beaver Falls, a bank teller, worked for Schmuckers Jelly, a cashier supervisor at K-Mart, and an entrepreneur, who owned and operated her own business for 20 years as a dog groomer.

In her retirement, she became an avid puzzle builder, enjoyed making crafts, but most of all, Dona loved spending quality time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A public visitation will be held on Sunday, January 19th at 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and on Monday, January 20th at 10-11 a.m. with a funeral service at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dr. David S. Oyler officiating at Corless-Kunselman Fruneral Services, LLC 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, followed with a private interment at Grandview Cemetery.

Carol Ann Robinson, 87, of Center Township, passed away at her residence surrounded by her family on January 9th, 2025.

She was born in Sewickley on December 23rd, 1937, the daughter of the late Steven and Catherine (Gregarus) Hettish. She is survived by her husband, Lesley C. Robinson, two sons, Timothy (Cynthia) Robinson and Ronald (Monica) Robinson, four grandchildren: Amy Robinson, Abigail Robinson, Sean (Renee) Robinson, and Ryan Robinson; along with two great-grandchildren, Connor and Chace.

Carol was a sales associate at Sears and a member of St. Frances Cabrini Church, part of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish. Carol fiercely loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. Her humor and quick wit always lit up a room. She will be deeply missed.

All services for Carol were private along with an entombment at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Gabauer Funeral Homes.

Roberta Jean “Jitters” Blackwood, 83, of Chippewa Township, passed away on January 12th, 2025 at Franciscan Manor. She was born in Beaver Falls on April 8th, 1941, a daughter of the late Robert and Dorothy (Koehler) Scranton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved brothers, Michael Scranton and Patrick Scranton, who remained forever in her heart. She is survived by her sons, Richard Blackwood and Michael (Shelley) Blackwood, grandchildren: Zinnia Blackwood, Dahlia Blackwood, Brett (Heather) Blackwood, and Abigail (Derek) Kenniston; and great-grandchildren: Gianrocco Santucci, Giovanna Santucci, Olive Blackwood, Karter Kenniston, and Layton Kenniston; her brother, Robert (Gaye) Scranton, sisters, Lila (Wayne) Bober and Robin (Tim) McGraw, sisters-in-law, Sandra Scranton and Cheryl Scranton, her dear and lifelong friend Kathy Topper and the father of her sons, W. Richard Blackwood.

Roberta lived a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to her family.
Affectionately known as “Jitters” for her boundless energy and vibrant personality, Roberta was celebrated for her quick wit and clever comebacks, bringing laughter to every situation. Her humor was matched only by her kindness and resilience, making her an unforgettable presence in the lives of those who knew her. A woman of deep faith, she was a devoted member of the Chippewa United Presbyterian Church and took comfort in the promise of being reunited with her loved ones and her Heavenly Father.
Roberta graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1959 and later attended the Community College of Beaver County, where she studied accounting and bookkeeping and was employed in that regard with various companies in the area.
She had a flair for decorating and a keen eye for antiques, hobbies that brought her great joy. She also enjoyed vacationing in Florida and in recent years, wintering in Las Vegas alongside her late companion, David Reda.
Roberta’s family will remember her for her unwavering tenacity, infectious laughter, and the joy she brought to their lives. In honor of her wishes, no formal services will be held. A Celebration of Life will take place at a future date.
The Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to assist Roberta’s family during this time.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness in Roberta’s memory, celebrating the compassion and warmth she shared with everyone she met.

Belva Herrmann, 92, of North Sewickley Township, passed away on January 12th, 2025 at Cambridge Village.

She was born in Economy Township on January 23rd, 1932, a daughter of the late Harry Paul and Ethel Pearl Stange. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Herrmann, grandson Arthur Herrmann, and sister Annabelle Kelley. She is survived by her son Fred (Patricia) Herrmann, daughters, Carol (Frank) Kunkel, and Sandy (Andrew) Sprankle, grandchildren: Katherine (David Tockman) Kunkel, Robert (Mickey) Kunkel, Samantha (Devin) Walsh, Joetta (Benjamin) Vroman, Tabitha (Travis) LeTourneau, Annette (Austin) Percy; along with nine great-grandchildren.

Belva spent her life taking care of her three children. She was a devoted mother and enjoyed quality time with her children as they grew up, making wonderful memories along the way.

A public visitation will be held on Thursday, January 16th, from 7-9 p.m. and Friday January 17th at 10 a.m. followed by services at 11 a.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, followed by a private interment at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park of Rochester.

The family would like to thank Alyssa Crispeno and Beth Britton from Heartland Hospice for their compassion and care. The family would also like to express gratitude to the entire staff of the Cambridge Village Memory Care Unit during her time there.