Crystal Day Lilley, 79, of Monaca, passed away at her residence on March 10th, 2025.

She was born in Aliquippa on April 22nd, 1945, the daughter of the late Matthew and Mary (Loncar) Babic. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Ralph Paich and her sister Marlene. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dennis Lilley, granddaughter, Nicole Paich, great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Dominik Shuflay, brothers, Michael (Bonnie) Burman and David (Hope) Krogh, sisters, Kate Schumate and Debra Oravitz and her brother-in-law, Richard (Kim) Lilley.

Crystal’s love for her dogs provided her with support during her battle with cancer.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to care for Crystal and her family during this time.

Steven J. Stuban, 61, of Baden, passed away at home on March 10th, 2025. He was born on July 25th, 1963, the son of Mike Stuban and the late Mildred “Mikie” Stuban. He is survived by his brothers, Michael L. and David Stuban, as well as numerous cousins.

Steven graduated from Ambridge High School. He worked as a draftsman at MS Consultants. He was an active member of the Anthony Wayne Terrace Board of Directors and Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish (formerly Saint John) in Ambridge.

Steven was known for his kind heart and willingness to help others. He regularly assisted his neighbors by mowing their lawns, shoveling snow and driving them to appointments. His sense of humor was cherished by all who knew him. Steven lovingly cared for his aging father for the past five years.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to a charity in Steven’s name or an act of kindness for a neighbor or stranger.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 14th from 2 P.M. until the time of the blessing service at 6 P.M. at the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Robert J. Cercone, 91, passed away on March 10th, 2025. He was born in Conway on September 19th, 1933, a son of the late Romeo and Mary (Renzo) Cercone and a brother of the late Raymond Cercone. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Wanda (Orlowski) Cercone. Throughout their marriage, Wanda was a steady source of love and support alongside Robert. Her unwavering commitment was evident during times of health as well as sickness, when she served not only as a spouse but also a devoted caregiver. He is also survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Laura and Juan Contreras of Frisco, Texas; Renee and Dr. Horacio Rilo of Long Island, New York, a son and daughter-in-law, John and Cristina Cercone of Economy, six grandchildren: Nathan Contreras of Seattle, Washington and Luke Contreras of Chicago, Illinois, Horacio Rilo of Austin, Texas and Zachary Rilo of New York City, New York, Giovanna and Mario Cercone of Economy; as well as his brother, Eugene Cercone and wife Donna of Conway, Pennsylvania.

Robert was a member of St. Felix Catholic Church in Freedom, where he served as Eucharistic Minister and a member of the church finance committee.

Robert was a life-long resident of Freedom who earned distinction as a student, an athlete, and a member of the community. As a high school student in the 1950s, Robert lettered in three varsity sports and won acclaim as a record-setting athlete. When he left Freedom for Youngstown State University on an athletic scholarship, he held the WPIAL single-game basketball scoring record with 52 points.

At Youngstown State University, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and three varsity letters in basketball. He received his master’s degree in education at the University of Pittsburgh, where he completed his Superintendent’s certification during his doctoral studies.

Robert served as an Engineering Specialist with the U.S. Army Engineers in Newbury, England and Special Service Coordinator at 928 Group Headquarters in Zweibrucken, Germany from 1956-1958.

Most significantly, Robert was a dominant and influential force in Freedom public education in a career that served the district for over half a century. From the beginning of his career, he served the Freedom district in many capacities, including as a business teacher, where the Pennsylvania Department of Education recognized him for his excellence in teaching where he participated in a competency-based teaching study with Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He served as junior high principal, curriculum director, Assistant Superintendent, and ultimately Superintendent of schools. After retirement, Robert served as a financial consultant for the Freedom Area School District. He was instrumental in advancing the district’s PlanCon initiative to a successful outcome, bringing millions of dollars to the district.

Robert earned the Freedom superintendency through an unorthodox “interview,” a position paper delivered to the school board meeting, just one example of how he “thought outside the box” well before the term became popular.

He assumed his position as Superintendent in 1971 and retired in 2002, making him one of the longest-tenured Superintendents in the state. During those years, he spearheaded numerous education reforms, won countless awards and commendations, and served on boards and committees at the local, regional, and state levels. Robert believed in and supported his staff. He was a champion of education labor relations and emphasized both collective and individual achievement and recognition. Through the years, it was evident that he never lost sight of the students, as he was an active supporter of athletic programs for boys and girls and promoted innovative curriculum programs, such as his early adoption of cutting-edge technology at all grade levels. He encouraged initiatives in special education and school-to-career programs, which were recognized by the U.S. Office of Education’s “Great Schools” program. Because of him, Freedom was among fifteen school districts chosen for its bargaining “win-win” negotiations by Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for Labor Studies.

An early proponent of racial equity and developing untapped potential, Robert steered the district safely through the tumultuous era of the 1960s. He entered the Harrisburg political arena when he championed and successfully fought several times to change the state funding formula for small and urban schools. He guided the district through a large-scale construction program and safely through grave uncertainty after mine subsidence damaged school buildings.

He served or held admission in the American Association of School Administrators, PARSS, PASA, PASC, and PBSA. He served as chairman of the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit’s legislative/school subsidy and medical insurance committees. He dedicated his life to education. His more than 40 years in education, including 31 years as superintendent in the same school district, make him one of the longest-serving superintendents in the state.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, March 13th, from 3-8 P.M. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 502 Adams Street, Rochester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 14th at 10 A.M. at St. Felix Catholic Church, 450 13th Street, Freedom. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery of Freedom, where the Beaver County Special Unit will conduct military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: http://freedomareaeducationalfoundation.org/scholarships

Hattie L. Gitts, 96, of Monaca, affectionately known to many as “Aunt Hattie,” passed away at the Good Samaritan Hospice at Wexford on March 5th, 2025.

She was born in Monaca and was the last surviving child of the late Lewis W. and Harriet K. (Haller) Smith. She grew up surrounded by six siblings. Her life was marked by a devotion to her family, including her two sons, Jack (Cheryl) Wheeler and James E. Gitts, Jr. (Sue), her grandchildren, Traci, Travis, Jeff (Ashley) and the late Otto, with whom she shared a special bond. She was also a proud great-grandmother to six great-grandchildren: Maykayla, Kara, Kylie, Jaden, Jaelyn, and Audrey. She was blessed to see the birth of three great-great-grandchildren. Hattie is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Hattie was a dedicated employee at Phoenix Glass Company in Monaca for 40 years, where she retired as a highlighter in the decorating department. Hattie’s generosity extended beyond her immediate family, as she was known for babysitting countless children over the years, earning her the affectionate title of “Aunt Hattie.”

Hattie not only cared for the young, but also was known for her delicious meatloaf. Her bond with her late sister June was particularly strong. Living next door to each other in the Stephen Phillips Homes years ago, Hattie and June’s families would get together nightly with Hattie acting like a second mother to June’s children and grandchildren.

The special relationships in Hattie’s life were numerous. This includes the one with her niece Pat and her husband Tom Johnson, who regularly checked in on her and often brought her food, ensuring she was well cared for. Anoter one was with her nieces, Susan and Barb and great nieces, Ashley and Jenelle. Hattie’s neighbor, Sherri Snyder Weber, also played a compassionate role in her life, looking after her and exemplifying the tight-knit community spirit that Hattie herself helped foster.

Hattie was a longtime member of the American Legion Post #580 Auxiliary, where she contributed her time and energy to support veterans and their families. Hattie was a true country music fan who had the privilege of meeting Johnny Cash and seeing Evil Knievel fly. Even though Hattie never flew herself, her travels were done on the motorcycle. She also saved her pennies for Bingo games. Her greatest enjoyment was hosting family and friends on Christmas Eve and also during the hot summers. She also loaded family and friends in the car heading to Sandy Beach /Rock Bottom for a day of fun in the cool water.

A memorial gathering celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, March 22nd from 3-6 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Victor W. “Bill” Smith, Jr., 82, of New Sewickley Township, passed away on March 8th, 2025, in Allegheny Health Network, Wexford. He was born in Rochester on August 20th, 1942, the son of the late Victor W. Sr. and Vivien B. Carr Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Eleanor A. Bargo Smith and his second wife, Lois R. Walker Smith, one son, Mark Grant, a son-in-law, David Kemp and a sister, Sherry Cholewiak. He is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Tammie Sue Kemp of Rochester and Trisha J. and Mark Lawless of Mars, Pennsylvania, three sons and a daughter-in-law, Darren P. and Tammy Smith of Daugherty Township, Jeffrey F. Grant of Clarksville, Tennessee and Matthew J. Grant of Ambridge, sixteen grandchildren: Josh, Jessica, Kelsey, Audrey, Jill, Megan, Elaina, Jonathan, Jenna, Kenny, Ashley, Alex, Alyssa, Kaitlyn, Jordan and Harrison, nineteen great-grandchildren, one brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Linda Smith of New Sewickley Township and his feline companion, Missie.

Victor was a retired independent real estate agent with Berkshire & Hathaway of Beaver. He was a member and former President of the Beaver County Association of Realtors. He was a member of Oak Grove Evangelical Lutheran Church of Zelienople where he was a former council member and served on various church committees. He spent 70 years with the Boy Scouts of America where he had been a cub pack leader and troop master with Troop 444. He was a district commissioner and a district chairman for 5 years and most recently served as a district member at large with the Beaver Valley District that he served for 25 years. Victor was a life-long advocate of Scouting in Beaver County. He was also a member and line officer with the Big Knob Fire Department. Friends will be received on Wednesday, March 12th from 3-7 P.M. in the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. Services will be held on Thursday, March 13th at 11 A.M. in the Oak Grove Evangelical Lutheran Church, 432 Harkins Mill Road, Zelienople. Officiating will be his pastor, Rev. Steve Slepecki. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. The family wishes memorial contributions by made to the Oak Grove Lutheran Church. The Boy Scouts of America ceremony will be held Wednesday, March 12th at 6 P.M. in the funeral home. The family would like to thank Concordia at Villa St. Joseph for the excellent care that he received.

Josephine (Josie/Jo) S. Hregdovic (Sozynski), 80, of Brighton Township, formerly of Shaler/Millvale, passed away with family by her side on March 7th, 2025. She was born in Lawrenceville on June 19th, 1944. She was preceded in death by her husband John Hregdovic, Sr., her parents Vincent and Sabina, her brothers Lenny and Walter, her sisters Trudy and Theresa, and her grandson Mike.She is survived by her children: Patty (Bob), Jackie (Jim), John Jr. (Rachel) and Pam; as well as her brother John and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Josephine enjoyed a passion for food, her Polish heritage and dancing.
Family and friends will be recieved on Thursday, March 13th, from 2 p.m. until the time of a Blessing Service at 6 p.m. at the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 3rd Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor her life can make a donation in her name to Wings 4 Vets, PO Box 255, Beaver, PA, 15009 (https://wings4vets.net).

Shelda E. Rudich, 75, of Economy Borough, passed away on March 5th, 2025.  She was born in Rochester on May 20th, 1949, a daughter of the late Earl and Joyce (Wilson) Lint.

She is survived by her loving husband, Charles Rudich, Sr., her children, Chaz, Christopher, Eric and Sarah Rudich, her daughter-in-law, Liz Rudich, her beloved grandchildren, Isaiah Rudich and Hannah Bella Yohe, her siblings: Linda Spratley, Earl Lint Jr., Cindy Tetrick, Ed Lint and Jeff Lint, their spouses, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Shelda was a caring, kind and loving woman who was deeply devoted to her family and to her faith.

In accordance with Shelda’s wishes, no services are being held. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Shelda’s name may be made to Concord Presbyterian Church at www.concordpreschurch.org

Wan Chun Shek, 80, passed away on March 7th, 2025 at her home in Pittsburgh. She was born in Jakarta, Indonesia on December 13th, 1944.

She is survived by her two daughters, Renee Tai Hsu (Albert) of Moon Township & Tammy Tai Lau (Joseph), Australia and three grandchildren, Jaiden Lau, Joshua Lau & Ashley Hsu.

Friends will be received on Friday March 14^th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in the Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road. Private interment will take place at a later date.

Edna Emma (Primo) Davis, 94, formerly of Monaca, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025, at the Arbors of St. Barnabas in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania.

Edna was born on May 8, 1930 in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Frank and Rosina (Castrone) Primo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John, her two brothers, Anthony (Clara) Primo and Robert (Anna) Primo, and infant brother John, and her five sisters: Mary (Vincent) DeBacco, Avelia (Matthew) Fronko, Julia (Eugene) Zigerelli, Evelyn (Allen) Swain and infant sister Elisa, as well as her in-laws Robert and Fannie Davis.

Edna is survived by her three sons, Mark Davis, Michael (Bianca Russo) Davis, and Jeffrey (Renee Grandchamp) Davis. She was a proud and loving grandmother to five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and four step-great-granddaughters.

The Primo family eventually settled in Monaca, where Edna graduated from Monaca High School as a member of the class of 1948. She then attended the Providence Hospital School of Nursing in Beaver Falls, where she graduated in 1951 and became a Registered Nurse.

Not long after her graduation, Edna, her sister Evelyn, and their good friend Theresa Susa, moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she embarked on her nursing career at St. Luke’s Hospital. It was there that Edna met a young man named John Davis, who soon became the love of her life. John and Edna were married on February 19th, 1955, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca, and began their more than 60 years of life together in an apartment on the southwest side of Chicago. One by one, they welcomed three sons into the family, Mark, Michael, and Jeffrey, and soon they had outgrown their small two-bedroom apartment. The family moved to Woodridge, Illinois, to a new home that John and Edna shared for almost 50 years. They raised their three children together and Edna dedicated herself to her home and family, as well as continuing to work part-time as a nurse at Edward Hospital in Naperville, Illinois. She was a parishioner of St. Scholastica Church, where she was an active member of the Joliet Diocese Council of Catholic Women, serving a term as President of that organization. She was named “Parish Woman of the Year” by the Council, an honor for which she was very proud. In addition, she was a founding member of the Woodridge Garden Club, where she also served a term as President.

Soon after they retired, Edna and John began to spend their winters in Clearwater, Florida, sharing a condominium at Imperial Cove with Edna’s sister Evelyn and her brother-in-law, Allen Swain. They eventually chose to live there year-round, and while there, they traveled, enjoyed many social activities, and welcomed visits from their children and new grandchildren, with whom they swam in the pool and took to the many attractions in the area. They remained in Clearwater until John passed away in 2016. During her time in Clearwater, Edna was a parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church.

Following John’s passing, Edna returned to western Pennsylvania, residing at the Village of St. Barnabas in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of the St. Barnabas Red Hat Society and enjoyed many social activities with new friends and enjoyed frequent visits from her children and grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 13th from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca where parting prayers will be offered on Friday, March 14th at 9:30 a.m., followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Monaca. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

The family has suggested rather than flowers that memorial gifs be given in Edna’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

To share online condolences, view Edna’s video tribute, get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.