Stephen J. Bednar, 91, of Daugherty Township, passed away Monday, March 4, 2024, at Celebration Villa, Chippewa.

Born August 7, 1932, in New Brighton he was a son of the late Louis and Anna (Procovich) Bednar.  Stephen was a member of New Brighton High School’s class of 1950.  He went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Geneva College.  He was a veteran of the United States Army.  He was a retired Science and Math teacher from Big Beaver Falls School District.  While teaching he took night school at the University of Pittsburgh to get a Master’s degree.  Catholic by faith, he was a former member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Holy Family.

Surviving Stephen are his nieces, Wilma (Frank) Farkas, Eileen Fritz, Goddaughter, Judy Lutz, friends, Deric and Chelsea Bolland, and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Amy Malichky, Sophie Kirchel, Mary Kuberski, and Anna Rossa, brothers, John, William, and Louis Bednar, and special friends, Theresa and John Matotek.

Friends are welcome Saturday from 930am until the time of prayers at 11:30am, in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Ave, New Brighton, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at, Our Lady of the Valley, Holy Family, at Noon.

Entombment will follow at Beaver Cemetery.

Bernard “Bernie” A. Catalucci passed peacefully into the waiting arms of Jesus surrounded by his loving family at the home of his daughter Lisa and her husband, Wendell on 03/05/2024.
Bernie was born March 2, 1929, at his boyhood home in Conway, PA and had just celebrated his 95th birthday on Saturday 03/02/24.
He was preceded in death by his wife Hilda (Montini), and his parents, Domenick and Rosanna (Cuda) Catalucci, and his ten siblings including an infant brother, Anthony, as well as Louis (Catalina), Mike, Gilbert, Teresa (DeStefano), Florence (Celio), Pearl (Guy), Christine (Campbell), Mary (Parretta), and Adeline “Cookie” (Lange).
Bernie and his wife Hilda were blessed with five children who survive him: Brian (Lise) Catalucci (Denver, CO), Norman (Laura) Catalucci (Aliquippa, PA), Jeffery (Becky) Catalucci (Aurora, OH), Elisea (Wendell) Hill (New Galilee, PA), and Jeannine (Mark) Lefebvre (Denver, CO).
Bernie and Hilda also had eight grandchildren: Melissa, Jessica, Michael, Amadeus, Travis, Desiree, Ciera, and Trinity, and seven great-grandchildren: Dakota, Tallon, Ayla, Wyatt, Walker, Daniele, and Katalina, with another one on the way, due in April.
Bernie was an industrious, resourceful, and hard-working man who started at an early age. He held many different jobs through the years, including being an Usher at the Ambridge Movie Theater, and babysitting for a neighbor’s family, (which was where he met his future wife Hilda while she was visiting her aunt and uncle.) He also worked at Conway Airport where he serviced and tended airplanes. When working at the airport Bernie would often go “joy-riding” with older friends who could fly. Amazingly, Bernie walked away from two separate airplane crashes.
Bernie graduated from Ambridge High school in 1948. During high school and after graduation, he often worked for his brothers, Mike and Gilbert, at their local beer distributor, the ‘Catalucci Brothers’ in Conway. Bernie made deliveries to local bars, taverns, and restaurants, driving the beer delivery truck despite not possessing a driver’s license at the time.
It was during this period, Bernie began courting his future wife, Hilda (Montini) and they were married in 1950. Bernie and Hilda spent the next 68 years together until she passed away in 2018. Bernie also joined the Army Air Corp (Air Force) in 1951 where he served as a Staff Seargent and a senior cook, preparing delicious food for the troops who were serving in Okinawa during the Korean Conflict. In 1954, Bernie was discharged and returned home to continue his diverse career path. He worked at American Bridge as a
laborer, and also at the U.S. Post Office as a letter carrier.
During this time, while continuing to support his wife and young family, Bernie attended and successfully completed night classes at Geneva College for eight years to obtain his teaching degree. Bernie eventually fulfilled his true ambition and dream to become a grade school teacher. Bernie taught 4th, 5th and 6th grades for the Monaca School District where he taught his favorite subject, history, in addition to science
and math. His many students affectionately referred to Bernie as “Mr. C”.
Bernie held many other jobs and volunteer positions including being a Boy Scout Cub Master, a Eureka Vacuum salesman, a Security Guard for a small airline company, and Driver for Avis Car Rental. Bernie’s love of history had him working at many local historical sights and Indian dig sites as an amateur archeologist. Bernie was an enthusiastic member of the local Amokowi Chapter of the
Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology and was particularly involved with the Beaver County and Western Pennsylvania Historic Society, and he has served on the Board of Directors for the Vicary House Mansion for more than two decades. He was also intricately involved with the Beaver County Historic Research & Landmarks Foundation where Bernie was responsible for the creation and installation of many of the prominent blue cast Landmark plaques on so many local historic sites in and around Beaver
County. Bernie was also intimately involved with the excavating of Ft. MacIntosh archaeological site in Beaver, PA.
Bernie was a devout Catholic who loved everyone, who always turned the other cheek, and who always forgave everyone. He faithfully attended the local Catholic church in whatever area he was living, including Our Lady of Peace in Conway, and St. Titus in Aliquippa. Bernie was one of the original founding members of St. Francis Cabrini Church in Center Township.
Visitation will be Thursday from 3 to 7 pm in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, 2026 McMinn St., Aliquippa, PA 15001 (724) 375-0496.
Departing prayers will begin Friday at 9:30 AM in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Mary Queen of Saints Parish, Saint Francis Cabrini Church at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Saint James cemetery in Sewickley.
The Beaver County Special Unit will conduct full military honors at the cemetery.
Bernie will be sadly missed by his many friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the Beaver County Historical Research & Landmarks Foundation, c/o The William Vicary Mansion 1235 Third Ave, Freedom, PA 15042. (724) 775-1848.
Bernie will be sadly missed by his many friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the Beaver
County Historical Research & Landmarks Foundation, c/o The William Vicary Mansion 1235 Third Ave Freedom, PA 15042. (724) 775-
1848.

James David Kennedy, 94, of South Beaver Township, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Providence Care Center, Beaver Falls.

Born on December 2, 1929, in Morgantown, WV, he was the son of the late Nora (Henderson) Kennedy.

James enlisted into the US Army at the age of 14 with a heart to serve. Upon completion of bootcamp, the US Army discovered his true age, and elected to have James repeat the basic training over from day one, until the paperwork required for release could be processed. On his third completion of basic training, he was honorably discharged from the United States Army.  He then enlisted in the US Marine Corps the moment he was of age and served 2 tours. Beyond the uniform, James was a devoted family man and strong believer in Jesus Christ. Semper Fidelis is the Marine Corps motto, meaning “Always Faithful” and that was clearly written into his heart from birth as he displayed the character of a man who would always persevere, always stand on what’s right, and always choose to follow the steps of his Faithful God. A member of Chippewa Alliance Church, he served as an Elder and Sunday School teacher for many years. James was a humble servant who also had a heart to minister to the elderly and hospitalized.

His unwavering commitment to both his faith in Jesus and his sacrificial love for others will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. As we bid an earthly farewell to this truly remarkable man, may the memories of his love, faith, and sacrifice continue to bring comfort to those who mourn his passing from this life. Let us rejoice, however, as his soul now rests eternally in the presence of the Most High God whose love endures forever.

In addition to his mother, James was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Treva (Hart) Kennedy; a daughter, Judtih Kennedy; and two brothers, Frederick and Richard Kennedy.

He is survived by his children, James (Bonnie) Kennedy and Alice “Sue” (Richard) Riley; five grandchildren, David (Denise), James (Brigette), Matthew, Kyle, and Cullen; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 9^th at 11AM at Chippewa Alliance Church, 3629 37^th Street Ext., Beaver Falls, PA.  The Beaver County Special Unit will accord military honors prior to the service.

Private interment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in James’ name to Chippewa Alliance Church.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Twp., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, is honored to be caring for Jim and his family.

Timothy C. Smith, 75, of Sewickley, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospice House, Marshall Twp. Tim was born on September 10, 1948, in Sewickley, to the late Charles H. and Eleanor (Jones) Smith. He was a member of Baden Methodist Church for many years and retired from FedEx in 2010 after 21 years of service. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were brothers-in-law, George Bell, Nick Woodham, Paul Sandrock, George Woodham, sister-in-law, Ann Kuharsky and nephew, Stephen Woodham. He is survived by his wife Alice (Woodham) Smith and son, Brandon T. Smith, both of Sewickley, PA, a sister, Patricia Bell of Beaver Falls, PA, numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Friends will be received on Sunday, from 1-5 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge. Family and friends will meet on Monday, at Little Hill United Methodist Church, Magee Road Extension, Sewickley, where a funeral service will be held at 11 AM. Interment will full military honors provided by the Beaver County Special Unit and the United States Navy will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Good Samaritan Hospice, 146 Neely School Road, Wexford, PA 15090.

Robert “Bob” E. Tracy Jr., a loving, caring, and advice-giving husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully at home on Sunday, March 3^rd surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Born on December 12, 1937, in New Brighton, PA, Bob enjoyed his childhood on “Oak Hill” and graduated from New Brighton High School. He started his career at the Beaver-Lawrence County AAA Motor Club where he worked from 1956-1976 as the Business Manager. Bob then founded the Bob Tracy Insurance Agency, Vanport, Beaver, PA in 1980, serving his many clients with honesty and integrity until his retirement in 2008. A man of Christian faith, Bob was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Beaver, PA.

Bob’s love of people and his community led him to serve on numerous non-profit boards where he held various leadership positions including the New Brighton Area School Board, New Brighton School Building Authority, New Brighton Business District Authority, Beaver County Traffic Safety Council, Erie Insurance Advisory Council, Rochester Lions Club, and as President of the Bridle Oaks Homeowners Association in Venice, FL, and Terrace on the Square Condo Association, Beaver, PA.  Bob’s leadership on the Beaver County Transit Authority Board was instrumental in the strategic growth of the organization during his 34 years as a committed board member.  Bob also oversaw the reorganization of the Grove Cemetery board and operations in 2008, which has allowed this valued historic legacy to be preserved and perpetuated for future generations.

Bob and his wife Joan were snowbirds, living in both Beaver, PA and Venice, FL for over 23 years. Bob enjoyed the sunshine, golfing, and hosting many visiting friends and family in Florida. As the former owner of several boats, Bob loved sitting at the South Jetty in Venice with his first mate Joan watching the boats along the intercoastal waterway, while enjoying a McDonald’s Egg McMuffin or “gourmet” Filet-of-Fish sandwich.

Over the years, Bob enjoyed traveling with Joan to numerous places and had many wonderful moments seeing the world together.  Family was everything to Bob and he and Joan brought their children and grandchildren together for special celebrations and trips including cruises and beach vacations.

Bob’s smile, sense of humor, and way of making people feel special allowed him to have many life-long friends, in particular his golf buddies from the New Brighton Wednesday golf group and annual Getaway Golf Outings, his Erie Insurance agent colleagues who became his wonderful friends, and his weekly morning coffee group at Café Kolache where much discussion took place on solving the world’s problems.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. Tracy and Thelma Lane Tracy, a sister, Margaret Ellen Snowberger, a brother, James Robert Tracy, and a beloved granddaughter Anya Elyse La Mar.

Bob is survived by his wife Joan of 36 years, and his children, daughter Kelly (Ted) Marcucilli, Harrison NY, daughter Kathy (Patrick) Bingle, Beaver PA, son Rob (Cara) Tracy, New Brighton PA, stepson David (Michele) Hardesty, Vanport PA, and stepdaughter Sandra (Bob) La Mar, Pittsburgh PA.  Grandchildren Melissa Marcucilli (Dave Stahl)-NY, Aimee (Chris) Bester-NY, Annie (Andy) Grant-MA, Lana (Mike) Yoho, Chippewa PA, Ryan (Melissa) Hardesty, Chippewa PA, Tyler (Sarah) Bingle, Emsworth PA, Ryan White (Jessica Westfall), Rochester PA, Nicole (Mike) Greiner, Center Township PA, Carrie (Alex) Hill, Freedom PA, and Caleb Tracy, New Brighton PA.  Bob has eight great grandchildren, a cousin Melba Fry-OH, and two nephews, Marc (Dana) Tracy-GA, and Matthew (Stephanie) Tracy-FL, and sister-in-law Vicki Tracy-FL.

Visitation will be from 3-7 pm on Thursday, March 7^th at Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester located at 502 Adams St, Rochester, PA.  Friends will also be received from 10-11 am on Friday, March 8^th, at the First Presbyterian Church, Beaver, PA, followed by a funeral service and luncheon at the church. A private burial will be held at Grove Cemetery, New Brighton.   In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory can be made to the Anya Elyse La Mar Foundation at AnyasArmy.org

Ann (Manolovich) Smith, 76, of McCandless Township, passed away on March 3, 2024 at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. She was born in Sewickley on October, 23, 1947, a daughter of the late Morris “Ace” & June Manolovich. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Rade “Ace” & June Manolovich and her beloved grandparents, “Bubba” and “Jedo” Rade and Jubica Manolovich.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Walter R. Smith; her daughter Annie & D.R. Cupka; two sons, Walter Smith and Matthew & Kacey Smith; two grandchildren, Aden and Samantha Cupka; two sisters, Nancy and Mary, and her brother Rade & Karen Manolovich, and her nephews and cousins.

Ann was a librarian all of her life from the time she graduated high school. Her first and most favored job was at BF Jones Memorial Library, and she also worked at North Allegheny High School and Robert Morris College as a librarian. She enjoyed reading a great deal and read her Bible every day.

Friends will be received on Friday, March 8th, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa, 2345 Mill Street. A Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 10am in House of Prayer Lutheran Church, 2100 W Irwin Street, Aliquippa.

Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to B.F. Jones Memorial Library 633 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Adele Marie Crognale, 83, a longtime resident of Beaver Falls, passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Celebration Villa in Chippewa surrounded by loved ones. Adele was born on September 8, 1940, in Isabella PA, the daughter of Richard Coughenour and Laura Coughenour Stevenson. She was preceded in death by her husband Alfred Crognale and son Fred Crognale. She was the youngest of four sisters, Pat Beeles, Laura Robison, and Shirley Triance, who have all preceded Adele in death. She is survived by her daughter, Lori Martin (Robert), daughter-in-law, Aleene Crognale, granddaughters Megan Crognale (Aron Alber), Jennifer Sproull (Scott) and grandson David Alfred Sproull.

It is because of her maiden name that many who were close to her called her “Cokie,” even her husband.  She was known to her many nieces and nephews as “Aunt Cokie.”  Adele was beloved as a kind, caring woman who was always concerned about others and would help however she could.

At the age of 19, she married Alfred, and they soon moved to White Township in Beaver Falls, where they lived until Alfred’s passing in 2022.  For many years, Adele ran a beauty shop in the basement where regular clients would come to have their hair done, have a cup of coffee, and catch up on the latest goings on in and around Beaver Falls.  This allowed her to be at home while Fred and Lori were growing up. Later, her kindness would lead her to become a caregiver for mentally challenged adults, an occupation she held until retirement.

Adele was also known as a wonderful cook.  Her specialty was homemade spaghetti.  She would labor long and hard over the homemade pasta and the sauce.  This was a treat for many special occasions.  She also baked world class pies.  Two rules in the Crognale home were, one, that meals had to be homemade, and two, no leftovers.  She was also a legendary storyteller, and laughter was part of any dinner with Adele.  Her sense of humor was among her most endearing qualities.

Her family is very grateful to the staff of Celebration Villa Chippewa and Gateway Hospice for their loving care.

Friends will be received on Thursday, March 7 from 4pm-8pm at Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road Beaver Falls, PA. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 8 at 11am at Pathway Church at 239 Braun Road, Beaver Falls, PA.

 

Curtis Y. Frank of Meadville, PA, formerly of Beaver, passed away on March 2, 2024. He was born May 30, 1944 in Canton, OH, to Rev. Howard F. and Edith (Wilt) Yeager; adopted by Rev. Dr. James N. Frank in 1953. He was preceded in death by his parents, a dear grandmother Elsie Wilt and other grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 59 years, Sally; beloved children – James Dale (Christina) Frank and Susan Jane (Kevin) Dellicker; grandsons Willard, Jacob, and Elijah; and a special nephew Matthew Clarke; two sisters – Barbara (Louis) Frischkorn and Kathleen Bacik; and a dear brother & sister-in-law – James & Rosemary Clarke; surrogate daughter Gesine (Thomas) Kutter, dear friends and cousins in Germany; and many nieces and nephews.

Curt was valedictorian and president of New Brighton Pennsylvania High School class of 1962. He earned degrees in chemistry from Wittenberg University and Bowling Green State University, both in Ohio. He married Sally Jane Clarke of Beaver in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Beaver in 1965. He taught Chemistry for 43 years in Beaver Area HS, Community College of Beaver County, Geneva College and Thiel College, all in western Pennsylvania. He also coached football and track at Beaver Area High School. Curt was active in professional education associations, worked for Beaver Borough, and served on the Beaver Area School Board.

He was a long-time active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, New Brighton and Trinity Lutheran Church, Meadville. He served on congregation council, taught adult Sunday School, and sang in the chancel choir in both parishes.

Curt loved to read, teach, garden, watch sports, and do crosswords and sudoku.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to ROBERT W. WAID FUNERAL HOME, INC. 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville.

Friends will be received at Trinity Lutheran Church of Meadville on Friday, March 8 from 4:00-6:00pm and Saturday from 10:00-11:00 am. Funeral services will be Saturday, March 9 at 11:00 am. A receiving line will be held at Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver PA 15009 on Sunday, March 10 from 3:00-6:00 pm. Interment will be at Beaver Cemetery and Mausoleum of Beaver in a private family ceremony on Monday, March 11. In lieu of flowers, Curt asks that donations be made to either the Beaver Area Education Foundation: 1500 5th Street Extension, Beaver, PA 15009; to Camp Lutherlyn; PO Box 355, Prospect, PA 16052; Trinity Lutheran Church: 649 Park Ave, Meadville, PA 16335; or The Wesbury Foundation: 31 North Park Ave, Meadville, PA 16335.

Elsie Pichelli Bruno, 89, of Midland, PA, formerly of Industry, PA, passed away on March 2, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on April 7, 1934, in Midland, PA, she was the daughter of the late Domenic and Rosa Presutti. Along with her parents, Elsie is preceded in death by her first husband, Louis Pichelli, 1980 and her second husband, Rudy Bruno, 1996; and her 3 brothers, Anthony, Rudy and Victor Presutti.
Elsie will be sadly missed by her children and their spouses, Joseph and Cindy Pichelli, Gloriann and
Albert Modany, and Lisa and Vince Sanfilippo; her grandchildren, Carrie (Josh) Kale, Sara (Curt) McMillen,
Alex (Brittany) Modany, Jason(Stephanie Chirumbolo) Modany, Laura (Leon Ward) Modany, Matthew Sanfilippo, and Jenna Sanfilippo; her great-grandchildren, Averie and Hadlee Kale, Madelyn and Nora McMillen, Lily Modany, and LJ Ward; brother Raymond (Lucy) Presutti, sister-in-law, Mary Castelli, and brother-in-law Ovidio Pichelli; and numerous nieces and nephews, including special niece, Karen Piccirilli. She had been a faithful member of Saint Blaise Church, of Midland, part of St. Augustine Parish, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Anthony Club, and the St. Blaise Guild. Elsie worked as an usher at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center.
Friends will be received on Wednesday March 6, 2024, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 600 Beaver Avenue, Midland, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Blaise Church of St. Augustine Parish, 772 Ohio Avenue, Midland, PA. A private Interment will take place at Beaver Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Elsie’s name to St. Blaise Church, St. Augustine Parish 772 Ohio Avenue, Midland PA 15059; St. Vincent de Paul Society, 772 Ohio Avenue, Midland PA 15059, or the Carnegie Library of Midland, 61 9th Street, Midland, PA 15059.
The family would like to thank Gallagher Hospice Nurses, Andrea and Josalyn, for the compassionate care given to Elsie.

 

Patricia “Pat” A. Casbourne, 87, of Beaver, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born October 13, 1936, in Beaver Falls, PA, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Lillian Weagly, who preceded her in death. Pat will be sadly missed by her husband of 65 years, Charles Casbourne; her two daughters and one son-in-law, Beth and Dave Scheffler, of Brighton Township, and Cathy Casbourne, of Beaver; and her grandsons, Garrett and Brandon Scheffler. She had been a longtime resident of Beaver, as well as a faithful member of College Avenue United Methodist Church, Beaver. Pat enjoyed spending time in her yard, feeding her birds, and with her knowledge of many flowers, she planted and meticulously kept beautiful kinds.
As per Pat’s wishes, all services were private.
Private entombment took place at Beaver Cemetery Mausoleum.
Professional Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA.