Category: Obituaries

Peggy E. Rodriguez Skidmore (1960-2025)

Peggy E. Rodriguez Skidmore, 65, of Baden, passed away on October 6th, 2025 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Augsburg, Germany on May 24th, 1960, a daughter of the late Joseph and Edith Kaube Rodriguez. She is survived by her two children, Jeffrey Allen (Romona) Skidmore Jr. and Alisha Key, her sister, Maria Lee, five grandchildren: Malik Strickland, Jalissa Strickland, Justin Burchell-Skidmore, Rebecca Stewart, and Liam Stewart; as well as two nephews, Matthew Robert Lee and Robert Donald Lee and many more family members and friends.

Peggy was a social butterfly who was always at the center of laughter and fun, whether at a party, a bingo game, or during her travels with her girlfriends. Her love for cooking and baking reflected her nurturing nature, providing comfort and happiness through a well-cooked meal or a freshly baked pastry. She had an exceptional talent for painting ceramics, a hobby that showcased her creativity and eye for beauty. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 12th from 1-4 P.M. at the Baden Borough Building, 149 State Street, Baden. Professional services and arrangements were entrusted to CORLESS-MATTER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, LLC, 1133 Church Street, Ambridge. You can leave your memories of Peggy and upload photos to her memorial page by clicking here.

Skye Lynne Sheetz (March 19th, 2025-October 5th, 2025)

Skye Lynne Sheetz was born in Brighton Township on March 19th, 2025 and passed away on October 5th, 2025. She is survived by her loving parents, Marissa and Robert Sheetz, her maternal grandparents, Ronda and Mark Magness, her paternal great grandmother, Bette Magness, her uncles: Randy (Sarah) Neely, William Kislingbury, Benjamin Allman, and Damien Collins; as well as her great uncle, Dana Hoffman and her cousins, Nolyn and Hayden. She was preceded in death by her half-sister, Sabrina Piccirilli, her paternal grandfather, Albert Sheetz, and her maternal great grandparents, Rose Mary and Ronald Hoffman, and W Woodrow.

Even though her time on this Earth was brief, Skye will be remembered as the sweet baby girl with radiant blue eyes and a gentle spirit. She touched the hearts of all that met her. Her beautiful smile, soft coos, and presence alone brought nothing but pure joy and comfort to her family in ways words cannot fully express. Her life was filled with love and tenderness. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her, and her spirit will always be remembered as a precious angel.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 10th, from 12:30 P.M. until the time of a service at 1:30 P.M at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements. Pastor Gary Hilton will officiate the service.

Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Skye Lynne Sheetz, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton by clicking here.

Dorothy (Eckroate) Zagorski (1933-2025)

Dorothy (Eckroate) Zagorski, 91, formerly of Beaver, passed away on October 6th, 2025 at Franciscan Manor in Patterson Township.

She was born in Beaver Falls on November 25th, 1933, a daughter of the late Edward P. and Marie C. (Willenbacher) Eckroate. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, her sister, Mary Augusta, her sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and John Majcher, her sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Edward Grundza, her sister-in-law, Yvonne Eckroate and a daughter-in-law, Lisa Zagorski. She is survived are her 6 children and their spouses; Joseph M. Zagorski of South Beaver Township, James (Rose Mary) Zagorski of Center Township, Paula (Stephen) Miller of Grove City, Keith (Liz) Zagorski of Beaver, Jon (Cindy) Zagorski of Beaver and Aimee (Frank) Palakovich of Freedom; as well as eleven grandchildren: Tricia (Ben) Holland, Mike (Lydia) Zagorski , Emily (Nick) Morelli, Ryan (Bekah) and Chelsea Zagorski, Katie Miller, Megan Zagorski, Breanna and Kayleigh Zagorski, Jessica (David) McKenna and Sydney Palakovich; along with seven great-grandchildren, her brother, Edward Eckroate of Montgomery, Alabama, her sister-in-law, Veronica Stante of Tampa Bay, Florida, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was a former secretary at Babcock & Wilcox of Beaver Falls. Her greatest accomplishments were tied to her marriage and the life she built raising her family with Joseph, her husband of 64 years. Her best times were wrapped around her husband, kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren and school events, life events, holidays, vacations at the beach were all opportunities to be with her family. She loved reading, traveling with Joseph, her monthly card club with friends in Center Township and occasional day trips to the casino with her sisters, Phyllis and Shirley. She was also member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and Saints Peter and Paul Church of Beaver.

There will be a Mass of Christian burial on Friday, October 10th at 11 A.M. at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver. Interment will follow at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Beaver Area Memorial Library, 100 College Avenue, Beaver PA 15009 or Our Lady of the Valley (St. Vincent DePaul) Food Pantry in memory of Dorothy.

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

Shawn Thomas Ratkovich (1974-2025)

Shawn Thomas Ratkovich, 50, formerly of Industry, passed away unexpectedly on September 4th, 2025.

He was born in Rochester on October 16th, 1974, he was the beloved son of Marcietta Ratkovich of Zephyrhills, Florida. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Marko Sr. and Sueanne Ratkovich and his uncles, Marko Ratkovich and Matthew Ratkovich. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his aunt, Susan (John) Minehart of Industry, his cousins: Chelsea (Kevin) Kester, Jace, Wyatt, Avery Kester of New Brighton, Mallory (Bobby) VranJes of Calcutta, Ohio, Nicole White, Landon & McKenzie Wilkonson of Midland, his companion, Pam Presutti of Baden, his god-parents, Nick Ratkovich Sr and Rose Young and many other family and friends.

Shawn graduated from Western Beaver High School and then went on to get his commercial driver’s license to drive over the road. He was known for his kindness, dedication, laughter and his light touched everyone he met. Shawn was also very giving and his world was caring about his mom; they had a very close bond. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

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

Robert L. Poland (1949-2025)

Robert L. Poland, 76, of Hopewell, passed away on October 5th, 2025. He was born on January 27th, 1949, a son of the late Raymond and Evelyn Poland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Robert L. Poland Jr., his brothers, Raymond Jr. and Gary Poland and his life partner, Debbie McAdams. He is survived by his son, Timothy (Trisha) Poland, his granddaughters, Taylor and Torie Poland, his brother, Barry (Wanda) Poland, his sisters, Cindy Spiker and Lynn (Charles) Muir, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Robert was a 1966 graduate of Hopewell High School who went on to earn an associate degree in electronics from a college in Champaign, Illinois. He later retired from Cemex Concrete in Wampum after many years of dedicated service. He was an avid fisherman who loved trips to Lake Erie with his grandchildren, his partner, Debbie, and his loyal dog, Lucy. He had a contagious zest for life and enjoyed playing the lottery and scratch-off tickets. He was a devoted Atlanta Braves fan who cherished every moment spent with his son and grandchildren.

Family and friends will be received for a funeral service on Thursday, October 9th, at 11 A.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements and memorial contributions may be made directly to the funeral home. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, 450 Penn Avenue, Aliquippa.

Randy Waxler, Sr. (1962-2025)

Randy Waxler, Sr., 63, of Baden, passed away on October 5th, 2025, in his home.

He was born in Aliquippa on June 19th, 1962, a son of the late Louis and Lena Jones Waxler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Novella Waxler. He is survived by his son, Randy (Michelle) Waxler, Jr., his daughter, Melissa Waxler, his stepson, Bobby Jones, his granddaughter, Rylee Waxler, his grandson, Jamarious Rudolph, his step grandson, Bradyn Burr, his sister, Louann Waxler, his brother, Richard (Tamara) Waxler, as well as numerous nieces & nephews.

Randy was a garbage slinger for 38 years and spent 36 of them working with Waste Management, which is where he retired. He was an avid golfer who loved motorcycles, enjoyed shooting pool, playing darts, watching TV, spending time with his family and frequenting local bars.

Friends will be received on Thursday, October 9th from 6-8 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Randy L. Waxler Sr., please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Brian Novak (Passed on October 4th, 2025)

Brian Novak, 63, of Chippewa Township, passed away on October 4th, 2025 after an extended illness.

In accordance with Brian’s request, there were no services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Gabauer Fueral Homes.

Memorial donations may be made in Brian’s name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital- 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, which was a cause close to his heart.

Edith “Jean” Basinger Milkovich (1940-2025)

Edith “Jean” Basinger Milkovich, 85, of Midland, passed away on October 1st, 2025, at home with family at her side.

She was born in Midland on May 3rd, 1940, a daughter of the late Beryl “Red” and Roberta Adkins Basinger. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her spouse of 41 years, John “Shakey” Milkovich, a daughter, Melissa Ann Milkovich, and three brothers, Robert, Richard and Beryl. She is survived by three children and their spouses, Robin and Doug Birchard of St. Petersburg, Florida, Cheryl and Scott Portonova, with whom she resided, and John and Sherry White of Severn, Maryland, a sister, Carol McFarlane, five grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

Edith was a member of the Christian Assembly Church. She was a retired caregiver who spent over 30 years taking care of the loved ones of many area residents. She lived out her beliefs through quiet strength, compassion, and service to others. She loved to bake and cook and was known for her famous coffee cakes and pizzelles. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

In accordance with Edith’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Carnegie Library of Midland, 61 Ninth Street, Midland, PA 15059.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Edith “Jean” Milkovich, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Glen L. Kennedy (1952-2025)

Glen L. Kennedy, 73, of Freedom, passed away on October 1st, 2025. He was born on August 9th, 1952, the son of the late Glen R. and Martha C. Kennedy. He survived by his wife of 54 years, Beverly Jane. He is the father of two surviving daughters, Rachel (Mike) Dierdorf and Nicole (Shawn) Kohler. He is also survived by his sister, Marjorie Kennedy-Pantaleo (Richard Pantaleo), his niece, Katrina (Sean) his great-nephew, Bodhi Ritter, his grandchildren, Brandon Harper and his fiance, Liz Small, Brittany (Bryan) Graebing, Darrick (Emily) Kohler and Cassie Kohler and his fiance, Joey Kuntzmann and his great-grandchildren: Aria, Braxton, Kaleb, Brooklyn, and Lydia.

Glen was a 1970 graduate of Freedom High School, a retiree of Norfolk & Southern Railroad after working there and a lifetime member of the Freedom S.O.I., Conway Croatian Club and Rochester V.F.W. Glen lived life to the fullest, with a deep love for the outdoors, a passion for hunting and a special place in his heart for his Harley, but above all, Glen’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted father, the coolest “Pap” to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a cherished uncle to his nieces and nephews, and a beloved cousin to many. His love for life was infectious: his smile could light up any room, and his presence brought warmth, laughter, and comfort wherever he went.

Glen found true happiness in the simple moments, especially when he was surrounded by family out by his pool. He made it his mission to ensure his family felt safe, happy, and deeply loved. His strength, his laughter, and his unwavering love will live on in all who had the blessing of knowing him.

To those who loved him, Glen wasn’t just a great man: he was the best person you ever knew.

The family will receive visitors on Monday, October 6th, from 2–4 P.M. and 6–8 P.M. at Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Rochester, 502 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements.

A memorial service honoring Glen’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 7th, at 11 A.M., followed by a luncheon at the Croatian Club, 1412 2nd Avenue, Conway.

Michelle Renee Adams (1977-2025)

Michelle Renee Adams, 48, of Cranberry, formerly of Manassas, Virginia, passed away on October 3rd, 2025. She was born on February 21st, 1977, the daughter of Thomas and Karen Hanson.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her devoted husband of 17 years, Beau Adams, her daughter, Kaitlyn Martin, her sister, Angie (Pat) Lundy, her brother, Sean Hanson, four grandchildren, four nieces and nephews and many dear friends who loved her deeply.

Michelle found her greatest joy in spending time with her husband: no matter what they were doing, being together was all that mattered. She was also an avid fan of the Washington Redskins (now, Washington Commanders) and loved cheering them on.

A Celebration of Life for Michelle will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.