Darryl Paul Zdenek (1942-2025)

Darryl Paul Zdenek, 82, passed away on January 7th, 2025.
He was born in Nyack, New York on May 18th, 1942, the son of the late Ola and Otto Zdenek. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his older sister Barbara Aventuro. He is survived by two sons, Eric (Lisa) Zdenek and Michael (Erika) Zdenek, two grandchildren, Miles and Ava, two younger sisters, Karen (Paul) Neilson and Melissa (Dennis) Danewalski and their spouses.
Darryl was a graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy and received an Honorable Discharge from service in the United States Navy. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofransesco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Virginia Ann Wolf (1963-2025)

Virginia Ann Wolf, 61, of New Castle, passed away on January 13th, 2025, at Edison Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of New Castle.

She was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina on September 22nd, 1963, a daughter of the late Robert and Wilma (Wright) Coburn. She is survived by her children, Joshua and Cody Gault, Lynn Adams, Megan (Joseph) McGovern, her sister, Donna Gumpf, caregiver, Shawn Stimmill, many grandchildren, a great-grandchild and numerous cousins. Virginia was a wife, a loving mother and a devoted homemaker.

In accordance with Virginia’s wishes, no services will be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

James P. “Jim” McGinnis (1959-2025)

James P. “Jim” McGinnis, 65, of Beaver, passed away at home unexpectedly on January 9th, 2025. 
He was born in Pittsburgh on December 14th, 1959, the son of Mary and the late Michael L. McGinnis. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Keith DeVaughn. Jim was married in 1991 to his wife of 33 years, Jan, serving and traveling with her in their work in Covenant Players. In addition to his wife and his mother, he is survived by his brother, Tom (Laura) McGinnis, sisters, Mary DeVaughn, Eileen (Robert) Frankel and Rosemary McGinnis, three goddaughters and numerous nieces and nephews. 
James attended Quigley Catholic High School, graduating in 1978, and received degrees in speech communications and business administration from Geneva College in 1982. During his high school and college years he was involved in numerous school and community play productions, and created and performed magic shows in various venues. 
His career path took him to Covenant Players, a Christian drama ministry, where he served in a number of capacities for nearly 40 years. As an actor, he performed in small- and large-cast plays throughout the U.S. and Canada. As a graphic artist, he created, by hand, scores of posters for the ministry’s training productions. As a leader, he led individual touring teams and served for over three years as Regional Director for work in the UK and Ireland. After retirement from Covenant Players, James worked as a driver for two different organizations, delivering pharmacy orders and, later, delivering people to healthcare appointments. 
He was a notorious cinephile, loving films from a wide variety of eras and genres. With a keen memory, he could recall and share lines from favorite movies with ease. Additionally, he loved to read, was quick with all types of trivia, and in 2018 fulfilled a lifelong dream of being invited to compete on Jeopardy! 
 
Friends will be received from 4 p.m. until the time of a memorial service at 6 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, on Friday, January 17th. Gentlemen are invited to wear bow ties in in Jim’s honor. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com. 
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Jim’s name to Beaver County Cancer and Heart Association, 3582 Brodhead Rd #201, Monaca, PA 15061, or Animal Friends Animal Shelter, 562 Camp Horne Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. 

Patricia A. Nardick (1956-2024)

Patricia A. Nardick (Wilson), 68, of Aliquippa, passed away unexpectedly at Hermitage Valley Medical Center on December 10th, 2024. She was born on May 29th, 1956, a daughter of the late Bill and Rose Nardick. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, David “Cowboy” Nardick, two grandsons, Jacob Pack and Michael Hoover, and her long-time best friend (sister) Shirley Deluigi. She is survived by her three daughers, Jennifer (Jay) Wilson of Erie, Heather Wilson of Springfield, Tennessee and Natalie Wilson of Ellwood City, six grandchildren, Corey (Sydney) Pack, Joshua (Harlee) Pack of Springfield, Tennessee, Jared Lee of Ellwood City, Jocelyn Hoover, Caleb Hoover of Erie and Hayden Tesnovich of Ellwood City, a step grandson Daniel Podskalny, two great-grandchildren, Maelynn Pack and Gabriel Pack of Springfield, Tennessee, a sister, Norma Stanhope, a long friend and companion, Joseph Roma, two amazing friends (sisters), Leah Piroli and Lesia Razzano Dobo, with whom her family will be forever grateful for all of their care and support over the years, along with many nieces and nephews, that she loved and adored, as well as many family members and friends that she missed with all her heart. 

Patricia was known for her strong love for others, her giving heart, her strong will, her love for family and friends and her amazing love for the Lord. She graduated from Aliquippa Senior High School in 1974 to be employed in careers that served the public.

Patricia’s pride and joy was her children’s successes in life and watching her grandchildren grow. She wanted everyone to be happy and loved. She loved to make sure everyone was fed. No matter the table size, there was always enough food for everyone.
Family and friends are welcome to attend visitation on Saturday, January 18th from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at 11:00 A.M. at Wildwood Chapel of Aliquippa. Arrangements have beene entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofransesco Funeral Home Inc, 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Eleanor Roberta Cater (1945-2025)

Eleanor Roberta (Marocco) Cater, 79, formerly of Aliquippa, passed away January 14th, 2025, after a brief illness.
She was born in Rochester on December 8th, 1945, a daughter of the late Eleuterio and Maria Marocco. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles E. Cater and her siblings: Dominic, Bobby, Danny, James, Elmer, Christina, Margaret, Dora, Gloria, Maria, and Eleanor. She is survived by her devoted son and daughter: Eliot E. Cater (Bobbi Jo) and Maria Carpenter (Antwan Burton), five grandchildren who Eleanor adored: Demetri, Cole Olivia, Joseph and Mila, her brother Frank Marocco and numerous nieces and nephews.
Eleanor was a former member of St. Titus Church, part of Mary Queen of Saints Parish.
One may remember Eleanor as a cashier at various local grocery stores. She later became employed with Aliquippa Schools District as a lunch lady at the elementary school.
In her later years, Eleanor enjoyed watching TV and shopping online. Her greatest joy was spending time with her treasured grandchildren.
Visitation will be on Friday, January 17th from 11:00 a.m. until the time of a blessing service at 12 noon in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Anthony Battaglini (1945-2025)

Anthony Battaglini, 79, a lifelong resident of West Aliquippa passed away with his family by his side on January 12th, 2025.
He was born in West Aliquippa on May 13th, 1945, the son of the late Guiseppe and Helen (Marchionda) Marsolo. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter: Maria Grazia, four brothers: Frank (Marie) Battalini, Joseph “Jr.” Battaglini, Christy Marsolo, Louis Carl Battaglini, a sister and two brothers-in-law: Anna Jane Palombo Buckoske, Aldolph Palombo and John “Red” Buckoske.He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years: Angelina Louise Battaglini, four devoted sons and three daughters-in-law: Aaron and Jackie Battaglini, Chris and Sarah Battaglini, Justin and Karra Battalini, and Marc Battalini, six grandchildren: Francesca, Luciano, Carlo, Lilia, Livia, Octavia; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Paul and Sherry Marsolo and Ronald Marsolo, three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Louise and Jesse Corsi, Madelyn Marsolo, Lucille and David Wytiaz and numerous nieces and nephews
Anthony was faithful member of St. Joseph Church in West Aliquippa until it was closed. His deep catholic faith continued at St. Titus Church of Aliquippa, part of Mary Queen of Saints Parish. Anthony and his wife also enjoyed attending Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Church.
Anthony had a special devotion to Saint Anthony. He and his wife Louise joined the Saint Anthony Congregation where Anthony was elected president of the group and has been in office for the past 40 years. They spent numerous years with their fellow worshipers giving reverence to Saint Anthony and supporting local causes.
He was a member of Aliquippa Council from 1998-2002. Anthony was proudly appointed as Acting Mayor in 2003. He was elected Mayor of his cherished town from January 5, 2004, serving the residents of Aliquippa until 2011.
Anthony was a hard worker. He worked several jobs throughout his life beginning with the Tin Mill at LTV Steel works, Local 1211 USWA, with over 40 years of service. Upon retirement he gained employment with Local 833 Laborers Union where he worked as a Laborer. Anthony later worked for Aliquippa School District as the director of transportation until his retirement. In addition to the previous positions he worked, Anthony was the owner and operator of Battaglini’s Lounge and several other businesses within the community.
Anthony was immensely devoted to his family and was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 16th from 4-7 P.M. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.
Departing prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, January 17th in the funeral home followed by a
A Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. in St.Titus Church. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Louise M. Torres (1927-2025)

Louise M. Torres, 97, of Midland, passed away on January 12th, 2025.
She was born on September 3rd, 1927, a daughter of the late Jose and Irene Vitela Torres. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers: Ernest, Roselios, Jose, Hank, Richard and Jessie; as well as her sisters, Irene Trevino, Sara Mureles and Julia Maloney. She is survived by her two sisters and one brother-in-law, Cecilia Torres, Eleanor and Stan Olash, as well as adored by her nieces and nephews. Louise was a longtime and faithful member of St. Blaise Roman Catholic Church of Midland and also was a member of the Christian Mothers.

Friends will be received on Thursday, January 16th from 2–7 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Friday, January 17th at 12:30 p.m. at St. Blaise Roman Catholic Church, 772 Ohio Avenue, Midland. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Robert J. “Bob” Murphy (1941-2025)

Robert J. “Bob” Murphy, 83, of Chippewa Township, passed away on January 10th, 2025 in his home.

He was born in Beaver Falls on August 9th, 1941, the son of the late Mendel and Virginia (Lee) Murphy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Beth Anne Chinn, a sister-in-law, Nancy Murphy and his beloved canine companion, Maggie. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Ruth Anne (Snyder) Murphy, his children, Kimberley Phillips, Mendel “Brian” (Heather Metheny) Murphy and Glenn Murphy, grandchildren: Ariel Murphy, Paul Solano, Victoria Cider, Brienna Phillips, Cherish Cobert, and Christopher Murphy; step-grandchildren Amber Sopko and Gary Phillips, Jr., great-grandchildren, Joey, Luke, and Eli, his brother, Lee Murphy, a former daughter-in-law, Tina Marie Murphy, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Robert was a steelworker the majority of his professional life, having worked for Babcock & Wilcox Company, Koppel Steel, McDermott Steel, and Michael Baker.  He was a member and past deacon of the former United Presbyterian Church of Ambridge, now known as Two Congregations in One Christ Church. Robert was known as the Jack-of-all-trades and could always be found offering help and giving advice.  In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, riding ATVs, and spending time with his family.

Friends will be received on Thursday, January 16th from 5-8 P.M. with a funeral service at 8 P.M. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Private interment will be in Beaver Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital- 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.

Robert Dennis Downes (1950-2025)

Robert Dennis Downes, 74, of Rochester, passed away unexpectedly on January 10th, 2025. He was born in Dover, New Jersey on May 8th, 1950, a son of the late James and Beatrice Mosher Downes. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister Jean Downes. He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Alexander) Downes, children Jeff and Liz Downes, Stephanie (Donnie) Fazenbaker and Dana (Austin) Carr, brothers Harold (Nancy) Downes and Walter Downes, sisters Barbara (John) McLaughlin and Beatrice (Larry) Smith, grandchildren: Travis, Madison, Belle and Brooke; great-grandchildren Nikolai, Gary, Cooper and Kellan; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Robert retired as a crew chief from American Airlines and also had worked for USAir. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving in Vietnam. He was a member of  St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Rochester. He loved history and traveling to historical battlefields such as Gettysburg. However, aviation was his favorite hobby as he flew planes with his close friends in his spare time. He enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife, Barbara, as they visited numerous countries. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Friends will be received Thursday, January 16th from 2-6 P.M. at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday at 10:00 A.M. at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Rochester. Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park of Rochester. Members of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 862 will provide full military honors at the cemetery.

Patricia Ann Hummel (1951-2025)

Patricia Ann Hummel, 73, of Rochester passed away on January 11th, 2025 at her home. She was born in Sewickley on March 29th, 1951, a daughter of the late Chester and Catherine Crites Bailey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Ronald Hummel and a sister Darlene. She is survived by one daughter, Brenda Mae Milligan of New Brighton, two sons, Michael L. Bailey of Rochester and Gordon W. Milligan of New Sewickley Township, grandchildren: Paige, Kordell, Camron, Emily and Dylan; great-grandchildren Anthony, Paislee and Hope, four sisters and three brothers, Brenda, Kim, Sherry, and Charlotte Bailey, Eddie, David and Charles Bailey; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was a retired employee with Walmart in Dayton, Ohio. Friends will be received Wednesday, January 15th from 6-8 P.M. in the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester with services following at 8:15 P.M. Officiating will be Rev. Bill Blume of Faith 2 Faith Ministries of Rochester. Interment will be in Burry’s Church Cemetery.