Fred J. Totera (1948-2025)

Fred J. Totera, 76, of Patterson Township, passed away on February 10th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born in Beaver Falls on August 17th, 1948, the son of the late Margaret (Barile) and Fred Totera. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Totera and in-laws, Kay and Paul Stevens. He is survived by his daughter, Tiffany (Ben) Diaz, three brother-in-laws, Mark (Bonnie) Stevens, Bruce (Eileen) Stevens and Craig (Mary) Stevens, a nephew, Brad (Cari) Stevens, a great-nephew, Lukas Stevens, a great-niece, Hailee Stevens, as well as many cousins.

Fred graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1966 and from Geneva College in 1970. He owned and operated Fred Totera Vending for many decades.

He was a loyal husband, father and friend. Fred had a larger than life personality and was a friend to everyone he met. He enjoyed golfing, the Steelers and his Harley. He loved sharing drinks and laughs with friends at the Owls and Turners clubs.

The family would like to thank Franciscan Manor and Rochester Manor for their compassionate care. The family would also like give special thanks to Yvette Cavallo for her love and dedication to the “old man.”

In accordance with Fred’s request, a private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements were handled by Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society:https://beavercountyhumanesociety.org/online-donation/

Deborah A. Ledford (1950-2025)

Deborah A. Ledford, 74, passed away on February 6th, 2025 at home after an extended illness with her loving and devoted husband, James, and two children, Rachel and James by her side. She was born on June 7th, 1950. She was the beloved daughter of the late Robert (Jack) and Lorraine (Romesburg) Hudson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law Jack and Barb Hudson, brother-in-law, Robert Ledford and her infant son, Richard Ledford. She is survived by her husband, James Ledford, two brothers, Dave (Karen) Hudson and Lou (Janet) Hudson, four sisters-in-law: Nancy Tuck, Carol Lancia, Susan Arsevich and Jeannie (Mark) Devich; her children, Rachel (Mike) Whitlatch, James Ledford and Angela Day, her grandchildren: Melanie and Veronica Gullison, Desmond, Rocky and Eliza Ledford; Desirae, Sierra, Araya, Aiyana, Delmarco, Amon, Siu, Taheton Peake; as well as two great-grandchildren and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Deborah attended Western Beaver High School and her heart found its forever love in James Ledford, whom she married March 18, 1972. They had a close-knit family and enjoyed raising their children in the custom home built by Jim.  Deborah (Dee) enjoyed life and loved being a wife and mother.  She was happiest when spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She loved planting and tending to her flowers. She was an excellent seamstress and canned the bounties of the vegetable garden that she and Jim planted. She enjoyed conversation, coffee and porch sitting on her swing. She hosted large family dinners and as the family grew, the table grew into the living room. There was always room for one more. Her home’s walls are adorned with all the children’s photos that she loved and cared for.  She was the mother of many children and her loss is immeasurable in their hearts.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Huntsman Funeral Home, 502 Adams Street, Rochester. Deborah requested no public viewing. A private family viewing was held on February 7th, 2025, followed by an intimate family gathering at their residence in Ohioville.

In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest that you hug your loved ones and do something special for them.

Joanne Mattie (1937-2025)

Joanne Mattie, 87, of Economy, passed away on February 10th, 2025, in UPMC McCandless.  She was born in South Heights on March 10th, 1937, a son of the late John and Mary (Bachor) Slappo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Mattie, Sr., three brothers, John Slappo, Jr., Ernest “Ernie” Slappo and Gerald “Jerry” Slappo, two sisters, Elizabeth “Betty” Cipolla and Antoinette “Toni” Bader and a brother-in-law, Vince Cipolla. She is survived by two daughters, Lori “Lo–Lo” Miller and Susan Nelson, a son, Joseph Mattie Jr., three grandsons, Charlie (Mehgan) Miller, Tyler Miller and Daniel Nelson, four great-grandsons, Jayce Miller, Jesse James Nelson and Bricyn and Carson Young, and two great-granddaughters, Addilyn Miller and Koi Psalm, two sisters, MaryRose (William) Slezak and Frances (the late Michael) Ciamacco, two brothers, Harry (Lynn) Slappo and Richard “Dickie” Slappo, a sister-in-law, Roxeen Slappo; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Joanne was the best authentic Polish cook and known for her stuffed cabbage.  She was also an incredible baker, with her apple pie coming in at #1. Joanne was strong in her faith, had a huge heart and handled everything with grace.  When faced with life’s challenges, her mantra was “Give it to the Lord.”  She truly believed and practiced her faith by taking care of the things she could and knowing when to trust and give the rest to God.  She loved her family, dearly, especially her three children.  Joanne will be loved and missed by all who knew her and had the privilege to share so many special times.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation on Thursday, February 13th from 3 P.M. until the time of the funeral service at 7 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, with Father Joe Carr officiating.  Interment will be held at noon on Friday, February 14, in Good Samaritan Cemetery, Big Sewickley Creek Road, Bell Acres, Pennsylvania.  Everyone is asked to please meet at the cemetery.

James R. Chewning (1934-2025)

James R. Chewning, 90, of Conway, passed away on February 10th, 2025 in Sewickley Hospital. He was born in Cassity, West Virginia, on August 1, 1934, a son the late Orvil and Mamie (Pennington) Chewning. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death, by a daughter, Karen Durst, two brothers, Orvil C. Chewning and Robert Chewning and four sisters, Betty Herron, Arabelle Thomason, Colleen Husslein and Tomi Zickefoose.

He is survived by his loving wife, Olive (Blume) Chewning, two sons, James A. (Kandy) Chewning and Daniel R. (Connie Decker) Chewning, four grandsons: Jimmy Chewning, Daniel J. Chewning, Trevor Smith and R.J. Durst; four granddaughters: Dottie Bradel, Rebecca Gorman, Amanda Chewning and Courtney Durst; as well as a sister, Sheila Hodges.

James’ work life was spent as a Steel Worker, where he worked for J & L Steel for 35 years. James was a devoted member of the Sewickley United Methodist Church as his faith was important to him. He was an avid gardener and kept his lawn pristine.  James loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he was a collector of guns and cars; one being a 1978 Mercury, and another, a 1967 Ford Galaxy 500.

Local arrangements were entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge. James will be laid to rest in West Virginia.

John C. Terosky, Jr. (1941-2025)

John C. Terosky, Jr., 83, a resident of Fair Oaks for over 60 years, passed away on February 11th, 2025, at Allegheny General Hospital. He was born on June 9th, 1941, the son of the late Frieda and John C. Terosky Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved furry companions, Chelsea and Sadie. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Kathryn Rose Terosky, his children, John C. (Sharalyn) Terosky III, Jason (Tammy) Terosky and Jeffrey (Aimee) Terosky, two stepchildren, John Holman and Kristen (Dennis) McClure, his sister, Frieda Dolde, grandchildren: Jack, Sonora, Cole, Rebecca, Justin, Ava, Caitlin, Kyle, Nicole, Katelyn and John; as well as his nephew, Keith.

John was a proud graduate of Quaker Valley High School with the class of 1959. Throughout his life, he dedicated much of his time to coaching youth baseball for various teams in the Quaker Valley community. Professionally, he worked as a mechanical draftsman for U.S. Steel and later at Maronda Homes until his retirement. In his free time, John enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He was also a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins. Above all, John loved his grandchildren.

Please consider a donation in John’s memory to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or Sewickley Valley YMCA Faith in Action program. In accordance with his wishes, services will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Jeffrey Shipley (1953-2025)

Jeffrey Lee Shipley, 71, of Beaver Falls, formerly of New Brighton, passed away on Monday, February 10th, 2025 after a battle with a lengthy illness.

He was born in Rochester on February 15th, 1953,  a son of the late James and Shirley Shipley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bernie Shipley. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn, sons, James (Sharon) Shipley, John Shipley and Ryan Shipley, daughter, Megan (Kelly) Corak, sister, Chris (Larry) Seidler, grandchildren: Jordyn (Kevin) Pettigrew, Robert, Josef, Caris Shipley and Jaxson Corak; as well as his great-grandson, Carson Pettigrew. Jeffrey was a plumber and steelworker.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

JoAnn M. Lako (1949-2025)

JoAnn M. Lako, 75, passed away on February 9th, 2025 surrounded by family.

She was born in Pittsburgh on June 24th, 1949, the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret (Fallucco) Lako. In addition to her parents, JoAnn was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Faye Ann Lako; nephew, Jimmy Whitlatch; and her best friend, Lainey Mickail. She is survived by her brothers: Bill Lako, Mickey (Cheryl) Lako, Richard Lako and John (Lynn) Lako; sister, Terry Thomas, nieces, Marsha Whitlatch and Melissa (Mike) Koehler, nephew, Stevie (Steph) Siget, great-nephews: Jimmy and Chase Whitlatch, Sully Siget and Mason and Wyatt Koehler, step-nephew, Dave Freeman and step-niece, Mandy Kozora.

JoAnn was Catholic by faith and loved all things Christmas, especially cute snowmen that decorated her home year-round. She loved attending craft shows and taking fun vacations. Her generosity, positivity, and love for her family was beyond compare.

Friends will be received on Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 12 noon until the time of Blessing Service at 2 P.M. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Wayne E. Guy (1933-2025)

Wayne E. Guy, 91, of Aliquippa, passed away on February 9th, 2025. Wayne happily answered with “Lord, thank You for all Your love and blessings.”
He was born on October 13th, 1933, the seventh of eight children to Emanuel George and Garnet (Ripper) Guy of Freedom. He was preceded in death by his dear daughter, Mary Catherine Brodzeller, sisters, Mamie Rice and Helen Retzer and brothers, George, Harry and Wilbur. He is survived by his wife, Liz, two daughters, Bernadette Guy-Marshall (Robert) and Lisa Ann Marchionda (Pete), a son, Anthony (Sylvia) Guy, son-in-law, Ray Brodzeller, grandchildren: Marissa Jo Hayward (Zachary), Justin Michael Marchionda, Christopher Guy Marchionda and Vanessa Rae Marchionda (Elijah Mihalik), great-grandchildren: Cooper Guy Hayward, Noah Paul Hayward, Archer Wayne Mihalik, Adeline Jo Hayward and Callahan Ray Mihalik, two sisters, Gene Cline, and Alice Dyminski, a brother-in-law, Gregory Harding, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wayne was a graduate of Freedom High School with the Class of 1951. He felt the call to help our nation, and volunteered to the United States Army. He was sent to the 38th Parallel (DMZ), South Korea, as a member of an Artillery Unit, upon the signing of the Armistice Agreement. Wayne was exceedingly proud to be a veteran of the U.S. Military. Upon returning to the States, he followed in his father and brothers’ footsteps, and began a long career working for the Pennsylvania Railroad, as a freight conductor, and retiring from Conrail in 1996. He was a very active member of St. Titus Church, part of Mary Queen of Saints Parish. Wayne was a member of the Holy Name Society, St. Vincent DePaul. He also volunteered to help in the kitchen during fish fries and spaghetti dinners.
Wayne met his wife, Elizabeth Harding on New Year’s Eve of 1956, and they married on June 20th, 1959, at St. Titus Church in Aliquippa. They enjoyed 65 years of being married.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 12th from 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, February 13th from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, February 14th at 10 a.m. in St. Titus Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa. Everyone is asked to meet at the church for the Mass. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery where the Beaver County Special Unit will provide military honors for Wayne.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Mary Queen of Saints Parish in memory of Wayne.
A rosary service will be held Thursday, February 13th at 5:50 p.m. in the funeral home by the former St. Titus Holy Name Society, Saint Vincent DePaul Society and current members of St. Titus Fellowship Group.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, please visit the link below:

Linda Marie Ritchie (1953-2025)

Linda Marie Ritchie, 71, of Aliquippa, formerly of California, passed away with her family by her side on February 6th, 2025 at Sewickley Valley Hospital.

She was born in San Francisco, California on October 10th, 1953, a daughter of the late Marie Eloise Estrada and Forest Wayne Ritchie. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Richard Espana and Eddie Joyner and her sister, Tina Joyner. She is survived by her loving husband of forty years, Kenneth Overton, three daughters, Latonia M. Avalos, Natalie M. Mack and Keneisha M. Overton, her grandchildren: Anthony, Raymond, Darrin Jr., Cheyanne, Jaya, Ashantae, Rhylee, Aliyah, and Nina; nine great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Linda was an aspiring cosmetologist as a young woman before she fulfilled her greatest joy of becoming a mother to her daughters. She immensely cherished her family and loved having a good time. She was always the life of the party.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses and staff at Sewickley Valley Hospital who took care of Linda.

In accordance with Linda’s wishes, she will be laid to rest with her mother at the Live Oak Cemetery in Monrovia, California. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Michael Vuckovich (1950-2025)

Michael Vuckovich, 74, of Industry, passed away at home on February 7th, 2025.

He was born in East Liverpool, Ohio, on May 27th, 1950, a son of the late Pete and Kathryn Torbica Vuckovich. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Pam McDade Vuckovich, his sons, Ryan (Casey) Vuckovich and Mark Smith, his brother, David (Vickie) Vuckovich, his grandchildren: Kira Vuckovich, Ashley Smith, Evin Smith and Nicole Acon; as well as his great-granddaughters, Kelsey and Evelyn.

Michael retired following a long career at Koppel Steel. He was a resident of Industry all of his life. He was a member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church of Midland.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, February 12th from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland. A Pomen Service will be conducted on Wednesday evening at 7:30 P.M. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, February 13th at 11 a.m. at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 30 10th Street, Midland. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Memorial donations in Michael’s name may be made to St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 30 10th Street, Midland.