Category: Obituaries

Theresa Jo Krawchyk (1935-2025)

Theresa Jo Krawchyk, 90, of Koppel, passed away surrounded by her loving family on March 24th, 2025 at UPMC Jameson.

She was born in Hillsville on February 10th, 1935, a daughter of the late Frank and Angeline (Martarelli) Petrella. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Krawchyk, her brothers, Peter Petrella, Antonio Petrella, Joseph Petrella and John Petrella and sisters, Rose Schweikert, Gina Vivelo, Adeline Castellano and Frances. Theresa is survived by her son, James (Susan) Krawchyk, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Theresa worked as a waitress and was a member of Holy Redeemer Church in Ellwood.

Visitation will be private. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 27th, at 10:30 A.M. in the Holy Redeemer Church, 415 4th Street, Ellwood City.

The Gabauer-Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of New Brighton, was honored to care for Theresa and her family.

Nancy Trautvetter (Passed on March 25th, 2025)

Nancy Trautvetter, 86, passed away on March 25th, 2025 following a battle with dementia. She was a daughter of Bernard and Emma Jean (Pickrell) Everly and was a graduate of Monaca High School. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Mervyn Trautvetter and her sister, Jeanne Rarick. She is survived by her children, Gary Householder (Terri), Jill Gagnon (Mathieu) and Randy (Janette) Householder and her grandchildren: Rachel Householder, Kaylee Householder, Leah Gagnon, Alec Gagnon, Madison Hickey, Lucas Householder and Sonya Householder.

She married Franklin (Zeke) Householder and together, they had three children. Later in life, she remarried Mervyn Trautvetter of South Beaver.

Friends will be received on Friday, March 28th at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M.

A service will take place on Saturday, March 29th at 10 A.M. followed by interment at Seceder Cemetery in South Beaver Township.

The family would like to thank the staff at Providence Care Center in Beaver Falls for the care of their mother during her struggles with dementia.

To share online condolences, add photos and get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Anita L. Mancinetti (1942-2025)

Anita Mancinetti, 82, passed away on March 23rd, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Hospice. She was born in Sewickley on June 13th, 1942, the third precious daughter of the late Samuel and Louise (Napolitan) Mancinetti. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Darrell Kennedy and her nephew, Mike Kennedy. She is survived by her sisters, Patricia Kosis (Don) of Tempe, Arizona, Mary Lou Kennedy of Raccoon Township and Leah Lesak (Gerald) of Ambridge, her nieces and nephews: Karen Hanson (Jim), Donna Kosis, Donald Kosis, Jr. (LaNelle) and Susan Onofrey, Jeffrey Kennedy (Joni), Timothy Kennedy(Dana) and Christopher Kennedy (Dijah), Matthew Lesak(Samantha) and Zachary Lesak, and many great nieces and nephews, many lifelong friends: Mary, Blanche, Donna, Carolyn and Ron, Marie, Rosemary, Marsha, Catherine, Mimi and Greg, Pat, Karen, and many others too numerous to mention. She resided in Ambridge for most of her life. As a child, Anita was determined in many ways. Once she set her mind to something, it was her way or the highway.

Anita attended St. Veronica Schools and graduated from the High School in 1960. Following graduation, she decided to attend Sewickley Valley Hospital School of Nursing (oops…wrong career choice.) After that experience, came her career in finance.  She worked at Andy Guard Plastics and from there moved on to Mellon Bank. Starting as a teller, she eventually worked her way up to the “Platform”. Anita was at Mellon for 30 years. During her entire time at Mellon, she balanced to the penny, more days than not!

Anita’s post Mellon career began as a volunteer for the Sisters of St. Joseph doing data entry. She was then hired to work in the finance office.  She was a member of St Veronica Catholic Church (now Good Samaritan) in Ambridge and a lifelong volunteer there. She started as a Sunday and Strawberry Festival Money Counter who served on both the Parish Finance and Parish Councils as well as a Eucharistic Minister and Folk Group Member. When the Ambridge parishes merged, Anita continued to volunteer wherever she was needed. After retiring, Anita traveled to visit friends and family (with a side trip to Vegas.)

She was an avid reader. In her “library” there were over two thousand novels of her favorite authors, all lined up alphabetically by author and date of publication. Before she passed, she invited her friends to select novels that they liked and enjoyed, telling them to bring a bag to “take some home.” She loved tennis, bowling, and racquetball until her illnesses prevented her from enjoying those activities. When the Pittsburgh Steelers played, wherever you were, you could hear her scream at the loss or cheer for the win. A good friend to all, Anita was an attendant in 9 plus weddings and she loved to dance.  Anita inherited her dad’s math and card playing skills: Bridge, Canasta, Pinochle, May I, 500, and Gin Rummy were her games, but she also enjoyed the challenge of Sudoku and backgammon. She baked, sparingly……her masterpieces included Italian Wine Cookies, Pizzelles and a delicious Lemon Cake.

The family is deeply grateful to her neighbor, June Musi for all of the care and many kindnesses she showed to Anita during her illness. Gratitude also goes out to Good Samaritan Hospice for the gentle and loving care afforded her in her last hours.

There will be no viewing. Her request is no flowers, but to treat yourself to something that makes you happy. If by chance you come across a $2 bill, think of her.

Family will greet mourners before the Mass of Christian Burial that will be held at St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge, with Fr. Michael Roche as the celebrant on a date to be determined.

Arrangements are entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Jack Preston Reich (1943-2025)

Jack Preston Reich, 81, a lifelong resident of Beaver, passed away at home after an extensive fight with Multiple Myeloma on March 23rd, 2025.

He was born on August 24, 1943, a son of the late Grover and Mabel Reich. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carol Sue (Fike) Reich, grandmother, Florence Frank and grandfather, Milton Stroupe. He is survived by his brother, David (Martha) Reich, three loving daughters, Lindy (John) Crnovic, Jackie Reich and Debbie (Randy) Alexander, three grandchildren, Michael Preston Lang, Anthony Sims and Adeline (Jon Conley) Cobb, a nephew, Edward Reich, a niece, Ashley Reich, a great-grandson, Jack Conley and his loving kitty, Callie.

Jack graduated in 1961 from Beaver Area High School. Jack served in the United States Navy on the USS Sangri – La (CVS 38) from 1962 through 1968. He earned a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. He retired after 46 years of dedicated service from Eaton-Cutler Hammer-Westinghouse in Vanport.

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

The family would like to say a special thank you to the Hillman Cancer Center (Dr. Rossetti), AHN Cancer Center (Dr. Haq and team), AHN Palliative Care team and AHN Hospice team.

If desired, memorial donations in Jack’s name may be made to the Hillman Cancer Center, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (mmrf.org) or the Beaver County Humane Society.

 

Denise Marie (Wayne) Duplechian (1959-2025)

Denise Marie (Wayne) Duplechian, 66, of Hopewell Township, formerly of Hermitage, Pennsylvania passed away after a battle with cancer on March 21st, 2025.
She was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania on January 23, 1959. She was preceded in death by her mother, Dolores (Messere) Wayne, her grandparents, Louis and Antoinetta Messere, and her beloved dog, Blue. She is survived by her father, David Wayne, a loving sister, Brenda Van Wyhe, a cherished niece, Mackenzie Van Wyhe, her aunt and uncle, Donna and Edward John Gallagher, cousins Kathy Walko and Ed Gallagher and his wife, Carol. Denise was a graduate of Hickory High School. She worked previously in the Shenango Valley at the A&W Restaurant and D’Onofrio’s Food Center. In the Pittsburgh area, she was a former manager at Sam’s Club for many years and most recently worked at Mortgage Connect.

She was an avid Steelers fan who enjoyed traveling, going to concerts and the casino and spending time with neighbors and friends on her deck. Denise made lifelong friends wherever she went and was a favorite of many.

In accordance with Denise’s request, there were no services, but there will be a celebration of her life to be scheduled in the near future. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Gladys Marie (Mutkus) McGuire (1937-2025)

Gladys Marie (Mutkus) McGuire, 88, of Aliquippa, passed away unexpectedly on March 21st, 2025.

She was born in Aliquippa on January 20th, 1937, a daughter of the late John and Helene (Pushinsky) Mutkus.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald McGuire, her twin sister, Gloria, who died as an infant, a brother and sister-in-law, John (Janie) Mutkus and a son-in-law, Mark Serecin. She is survived by her loving children and grandchildren, a son, John McGuire, a daughter, Kimberlee Serecin and two grandchildren who Gladys adored, Blake Serecin and Markee Serecin and her special grand dogs: Mya, Skylar, Gilligan and Cash.

Gladys was a devoted mother and grandmother who brought joy to her cherished family.

They will forever remember those times each of them shared with her playing bingo or taking a trip to the casino.

Gladys was a wonderful baker. She would share her special treats with her family and friends, and everything she baked was scrumptious. Her kitchen was always filled with the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies, cakes, and pies, which she lovingly prepared for gatherings and celebrations. Her culinary skills were admired by all and her recipes became cherished family heirlooms passed down to her family.

In accordance with Gladys’ wishes, all services were private. She was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery of Aliquippa. Arrangements were entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Nicholas F. Semonik (1945-2025)

Nicholas F. Semonik, 79, of Baden, passed away on March 23rd, 2025 in Concordia Villa St. Joseph.  He was born in Sewickley on July 20th, 1945, the son of the late Nicholas and Frances (Jarnecic) Semonik of Economy Borough. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Margaret F. (Peterson) Semonik of Baden and his son, Christopher N. Semonik of Moon Township.

Nicholas was a graduate of Ambridge High School. He was a U.S. Army Veteran who served during the Vietnam War. He worked for LTV Steel for 35 years up until his retirement. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was also a member of the Baden Legion and a lifetime member of the Ambridge District Sportsmen’s Association.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation on Wednesday, March 26th from 2-6 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where a funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 27th at 10 A.M. with Father Marc Wisnosky, Officiating.  Interment will follow in the Economy Cemetery.

Nicholas J. DeCanio (1969-2025)

Nicholas J. DeCanio, 55, of Ambridge, passed away peacefully on March 22nd, 2025, at Heritage Valley Sewickley Hospital. He was born on September 8th, 1969, the son of Gayle L. Price, her husband, William “Bill” Price, and the late Nicholas P. DeCanio.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his five children: Zachory, Tighlor, Sheylor, Teeghon and Foxxdon DeCanio, his sister, Victoria (Keith) Young, his grandchildren, Obelisk DeCanio, London DeCanio, Apollo DeCanio and Mercury DeCanio; as well as his nephew, Brandon (Jessica) Conley.

Nicholas was a free-spirited soul who embraced the hippie lifestyle and expressed himself through his artistic talents, especially drawing. His love for music, particularly The Grateful Dead, was a constant source of joy. He also cherished the time spent with friends.

A celebration of  life for Nicholas will be held at a later date. Services and arrangements are entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

William “Bill” J. McCartney, Jr. (1967-2025)

William “Bill” J. McCartney, Jr., 57, of Harmony Township, passed away peacefully at home on March 13th, 2025. He was born on August 13th, 1967, the beloved son of the late Sarah and William J. McCartney Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Diane McCartney-Cerra. He is survived by his wife, Debbie McCartney, his daughter, Abby McCartney and her fiancé, Hunter Menear, his sister, Pamela McCartney, his nephew, Patrick Smith and his nieces, Kayla Camp and Chelsea McCartney. 

A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, March 29th, at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge with visitation beginning at 12 noon, followed by a service at 2:00 PM.

Howard M. Blinn, Jr. (Passed on March 15th, 2025)

Howard M. Blinn, Jr., 88, of Monaca, passed away on March 15th, 2025 at his home with his loving family at his side. Howard had an extended illness and his three grandchildren, Brandon Wrublesky, Mollie Dean, and Amanda Dean stood by his side every day and took great care of him. He was preceded in death by his loving daughter, Lynda Miller and his first grand-child, Crystal Klein. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Rosalinde, his children, Howard Blinn III (Leigh) and Sandy Dean (Ed), eleven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren, and his sisters Norma Jean Valent and Katheryn Alberti. 

Howard’s passion was his family and his yard. He enjoyed working with his hands and being out taking care of his yard and garden with his grandson Brandon always by his side working right beside his pap. Howard’s presence was strong and he was respected by all who knew him. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His family meant the world to him, and he always put his wife first. 

A Mass will be held on Monday, March 31st at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 1409 Pennsylvania Avenue, Monaca. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.