Category: Obituaries

Jason Edward Spade (1971-2026)

Jason Edward Spade, 54, passed away on February 6th, 2026. He was born on October 18th, 1971, the son of Cathy D. (Kaufman) Spade and the late Edward A. Spade. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his aunts and uncles: Larry Kaufman, Linda Rachuba, Bill Kaufman, Joni Piser, John (Kimberly) Kaufman, JoAnn Martin, and Linda (Dave) Droz; as well as his nieces and nephews, Lori (Russell) Collins, Paul (Erin) Guber, Steven (Tetyana) Kaufman, Kristina (Matt) Kaufman, Amy (Ben) Krembs, Stacey Spade, Tom Rachuba, Bill (Amy) Rachuba, Adam (Denise) Kaufman, Ashley (Melissa) Kaufman, Cayla (Ricky) Perrine, David (Jessica) Kaufman, Daniel Kaufman, Amber (Steven) Campbell, Sidney (Kelly) Martin III, Robin (Terry) Holmes, James (Millie) Droz, Michelle (David) Fabricatore, Jennifer (Michael) Queen and Andrew (Laurel) Droz; along with his special cousins, Dawna and Jimmy Mike, and his best friends: Lucas Guthrie and JR and Jessica. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Lorraine Kaufman and Floyd and Gladys Spade, his step grandmother, Dorothy Kaufman, three aunts, Leah Guber, Susie Kaufman and Paula Kaufman, four uncles: Buzz Rachuba, Sidney Martin Jr., Marshall (Anne) Spade, and James W. Spade and two cousins, Sammy Spade and Jared Piser.

Jason was a loving son who brought great joy into the lives of others, and he loved his family deeply. Even in his final moments, Jason showed the depth of his caring heart by choosing to donate his organs, giving the gift of life to others. In his passing, he continues to bring hope and healing to families in need, embodying the compassion he lived by every day.

Jason was deeply loved by his family and friends. In his free time, Jason loved fishing. He had a special affection for feeding the birds, finding joy in their simple presence and the way they brightened his day. He also loved to play video games.

Friends and family are invited to join us in remembering and celebrating the life of Jason at the visitation, which will be held on Friday, February 13th from 2-8 p.m. at GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC.- 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, February 14th at 10:15 a.m. at Saint Felix Catholic Church, 450 13th Street, Freedom PA 15042.  Father Howard Campbell will officiate.

Private Interment will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery, 1101 9th Street Extension, Freedom.

Katherine A. Ciufo (1944-2026)

Katherine A. Ciufo, 81, of Beaver Falls, passed away on February 9th, 2026, at Cambridge Village. She was born in Beaver Falls on December 12th, 1944, the daughter of the late Michael and Kathryn Ridgeway Thellman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Ciufo and her son and daughter-in-law, Dion and Michelle Ciufo. She is survived by her granddaughter, Sophie Ciufo, who she called her “heart” and special friend, Terri DeChellis. Katherine was a graduate of the Beaver Falls High School with their class of 1962 and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Robert Morris University. She worked as a clerk for Clearview Federal Credit Union and then spent many years as a billing clerk for Gateway Rehab. She was a member of the St. Monica Parish, now St. Augustine Parish. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and sharing recipes with others. She was also an avid bingo player. What she valued most was spending time with her granddaughter. She will be remembered for how positive and generous she always was. Friends will be received on Friday, February 13th, from 4-7 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements. There will be a Mass on Saturday, February 14th, at 10 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.

Charlotte “Char” Ann Crider (1940-2026)

Charlotte “Char” Ann Crider, 85, passed away peacefully on February 7th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on September 11th, 1940, the daughter of the late Richard and Mable (Stephens) Beagle. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Puckett Jr., her second husband, Daniel W. Crider, her children, Teri Shafer and Jeffery Puckett and her brother, Dale Beagle. She is survived by her daughter, Roberta “Bobbie” Puckett; her sister, Beverly Morckel, her brother, Gary Beagle and her many cherished grandchildren: Richard (Suzanne) Puckett, Chasity Gorby, Brandy Reinhart, Chelsea Parks, Andrew (Margie) Shafer, and John Robert McLaughlin, a large and loving family of great-grandchildren: Madison, Richard, Gracie, Destiny, Cheyanne, Nathan, Breanna, Kenny, Kendra, Blake, Lillian, Eli, Sammy, David, Rhiannon, and Bentlee; as well as her great-great-grandchildren: Alexis, Serenity, Kinsley, Josiah, Sophia, Isabella, Anastasia, Zayden, Faith, Dominic, Janniah, Jo’Anna, Zayzon, and Preston; along with and a son-in-law, Stephen “Bubba” Shafer. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. She lived a life rooted in love, creativity, and adventure.

Charlotte was an avid baker with a true gift in the kitchen. She especially enjoyed designing beautiful wedding cakes, baking fresh bread, and creating all kinds of sweet treats. One of her proudest joys was working at Beans and Sweets in New Mexico, with her sister, where she shared her talents and love of baking with others. She was a member of the VFW in New Waterford, Ohio. She had an adventurous spirit and she loved to travel, explore national parks, and go camping whenever she could. She was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan and proudly wore black and gold and rarely missed a chance to cheer on her team. Above all else, her family meant everything to her. She also held a special place in her heart for her beloved pet, Butterball, and her fur grandbaby, Nola, who brought her constant companionship and joy. She will be remembered for her generous heart, adventurous soul, and unwavering love for her family. Her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched.

Friends and family will be received on Sunday, February 15th, from 1-4 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Charlotte’s honor to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Linda Kay Sporcic (1954-2026)

Linda Kay Sporcic, 71, of Freedom, passed away at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh on February 9th, 2026. She was born in Rochester on August 21st, 1954, the daughter of the late Ray P. and Edna Mae Black Rinehart. Linda is survived by her husband of fifty-one years, Edward C. Sporcic, as well as one daughter, Tracy L. Sporcic, one son, Michael E. Sporcic, and a grandson, Benjamin Sporcic, all of Freedom, one brother, Richard Rinehart, of Ambridge, and her k-9 companions, Maggie, Arlo, and Luna. Linda was a retired cafeteria monitor in the Freedom School District and she attended St. Felix Roman Catholic Church in Freedom.

Linda’s wishes were to be cremated with no services. All arrangements have been entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home, 349 Adams Street, Rochester, PA 15074.

The family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Carol J. Kusnir (1938-2026)

Carol J. Kusnir, 87, a loving mother of five and the adoring wife of 69 years to her husband, John Kusnir, passed away on February 8th, 2026, in the comfort of her own home. She was born on September 26th, 1938, the daughter of the late Raymond and Beverly (Funkhouser) McLaughlin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ray McLaughlin. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children: J. Michael (Jeannie) Kusnir, Frank (Kathleen) Kusnir, Carol Kusnir, R. Joseph (Lisa) Kusnir, and Margie (Tim) Brown; as well as her sister-in-law, Nancy McLaughlin, her grandchildren: Zachary (Irina) Kusnir, Alexis Kusnir, Nicholas Kusnir, Jaclyn Kusnir, Frank Kusnir Jr., Daniel Kusnir, John Kusnir, Danielle (Darnell Pringle) Kusnir, Robbie (Katie) Potts, Tracy (Ethan)Wong, Sean (Emily) Kusnir, and David (Evan) Kusnir; and lastly, her great-grandchildren: Caden, Viana, Nathan, Carly, Gia, Deora, Kya, Janie, and Everett; as well as Anthony Roberts and Rachel Mihalko, who held a special place in her heart.

Carol had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh that made anyone who heard it laugh harder. She was the best listener and gave honest advice without judgement. Above all else, family meant everything to her. She was proud of her heritage as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She also cherished her time as a Rainbow Girl faithfully keeping the secret “word” no matter how many times she was asked. She loved the Pittsburgh Steelers but also enjoyed sports of all kinds. Aruba held a special place in her heart as did Sugarcreek, Ohio. She also enjoyed shopping and reading. She enjoyed creating precious memories with her daughters. Their bond was filled with laughter, trust, and a love that shaped her life in a very meaningful way. She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness and her unwavering love towards her family. She will be greatly missed.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, February 12th, from 5 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home Inc., 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements.

A private burial will be held at Grove Cemetery, 1750 Valley Avenue, New Brighton.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at LIFE Beaver County for their kindness, compassion, and dedicated care.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carol J Kusnir, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Clay D. Wallace (1960-2026)

Clay D. Wallace, 65, of Baden, formerly of Marietta, Georgia, passed away on February 7th, 2026. He was born on August 11th, 1960, a beloved son of the late Bobby Jack and Patricia Wallace.

Clay is survived by his children, Courtney Wallace and Josh (Samantha) Wallace, his brother, Craig Wallace, his sister, Christy Wallace, his cherished grandson, Carter Jones and many dear friends who were like family to him.

Clay spent his career in the communications field before retiring, but his true passion was music. He loved traveling with bands and working in production alongside his lifelong friend, Kenny Wilker, creating memories that lasted a lifetime. After retirement, he embraced the simple joys of life, spending time outdoors, camping, sipping sweet tea, and sharing laughter and stories with friends and his beloved family.

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

Carolyn R. Folds (Passed on February 2nd, 2026)

Carolyn R. Folds, age 81, of Baden, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on February 2nd, 2026 after living many years with lung disease. She spent her life in Aliquippa, Center Township, and Monaca.

Carolyn was an independent free spirit who lived life on her own terms. She was known for her unmistakable sense of style, her bold clothing, eye-catching jewelry, and perfectly done hair always made a statement. Wherever she went, she brought personality and flair.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures and loved being outdoors at the lake, fishing, enjoying good company, and sipping her coffee. She had a fondness for the casino, bingo, playing cards, crafting, dressing up, and dancing to oldies music. Red convertibles held a special place in her heart, symbolizing her love of freedom and fun. Above all, she cherished the time spent laughing and sharing memories with family and friends.

While her life was filled with challenges, she was a fighter until her last breath and never let those struggles break her spirit or limit the dreams of her children. She carried burdens silently so others would not have to, consistently placing the needs of those she loved above her own. Her strength showed not in what she endured, but in how she ensured her children always felt supported, encouraged, and free to chase the lives they imagined.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, John S. Reid and Frances M. Reid, as well as her former husband and father of her children, Riley B. Folds, Jr.

She is survived by her sister, Shirley Anderson (Joe) of Arizona, her daughter, Johnene Petersen (Jaime) of Idaho, her son, Riley B. Folds III (Alfonso) of California, her beloved granddaughter, Emily Bogard, her special friend, Perry Alexander and a large extended family who will miss her dearly.

Carolyn was a woman of Catholic faith. Interment will take place with her parents at St. John the Baptist Cemeter, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2026, with details to be shared at a later time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carolyn’s memory to BreathePA, www.breathepa.org/donate.

A special thanks to the staff and caregivers at Concordia Villa St. Joseph, especially her aide Brittany, as well as her pulmonologist Dr. Benjamin Laracuente.

Donald W. Campbell, Sr. (Passed on February 5th, 2026)

Donald W. Campbell, Sr.,73 of Potter Township went to be with the Lord and Savior after a courageous, but brief battle with cancer, on February 5th, 2026.

He was born in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania and was raised in Center Township, a son of the late James and Cora Campbell, both of whom preceded him in death, as did his son, Donald W. Campbell, Jr. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Marge Kovach Campbell, his loving daughter, Marissa Campbell and her husband, Russ Kovacic, and his three adored grandchildren, Lillian, Brody, and Lance Campbell. He is also survived by his sister, Delores (Terry) Malekovic, and his two brothers, James (Diane) Campbell and Richard (Joyce) Campbell. His feline companion, Katie, will miss his presence, as he was a friend to his pets, both present and past, including the late Cotton and Snowball.

He was raised in Center Township who attended Center Area High School and soon after took a brave step to serve his nation. In 1971, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served with aboard the USS J.F. Kennedy during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he pursued further education at CCBC, where he honed his skills in auto body repair, a trade that would define much of his professional life. For 31 years, he applied his expertise as an auto body technician with a craftsman’s touch and an eye for detail. His career took a new track when he joined Norfolk and Southern Railroad, where he began as a conductor and concluded his tenure as a railroad engineer. Fishing and hunting were among Don’s favorite pursuits, activities that reflected his love for the outdoors. Never one to sit idle, he was perpetually engaged in tinkering and various projects, finding solace and satisfaction in the act of creation and repair.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, February 10th from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca who was in charge of his arrangements, and where services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Interment will be in John Anderson Memorial Cemetery, Aliquippa.

LaVerne Schraf (1931-2026)

LaVerne Schraf, 94, formerly of Beaver Falls and Columbiana, Ohio, passed away peacefully surronded  by family on February 3rd, 2026, at her home in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.  LaVerne was the fifth of seven children and she was born on September 8th, 1931, in Cresson, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Leo and Pauline (Garrett) Criste. LaVerne was a member of St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Shallotte, North Carolina. In addition to her parents, she was preceded  in death by her husband of 70 years, Paul J. Schraf. Together they raised eight children: Karen (Bob) Botte of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Anita Miller of Gulfport, Florida, Dave (Karin) Schraf of Webster, New York,  Linda (Greg) Hildebrand  of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Betsy (Jim) Pence of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, Paula (Jim) Brown of Canfield, Ohio, Mike (Susan) Schraf of Harrisburg and Rick (Jody) Schraf  of State College. They were blessed with 24 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. After graduating high school, LaVerne studied at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania where she earned her Associate Degree as a Laboratory Technician. She and Paul married on June 6, 1953, moved to Beaver Falls, and immediately started their family. Paul worked long hours as a flooring installer for over 40 years, while LaVerne raised the family, kept the house, made the meals, and always ensured that there were homemade desserts on hand. Paul and LaVerne retired to Calabash, NC in 1994 where they lived for over 12 years. During these years in North Carolina, all 8 children, their spouses and their children traveled to Ocean Isle Beach for a week-long vacation every July. So many wonderful memories were made during those beach trips, and LaVerne cherished the time spent together with her children and grandchildren. After her children were grown and out of the house, LaVerne continued to keep herself busy by doing various crafts. She made numerous hand painted ceramic pieces, including nativity sets and village houses, which are proudly displayed in the homes of her children and grandchildren. She was also a prolific knitter, specializing in her famous dish rags. Several years ago she found a new “crafting” passion – Diamond Dotz. This meticulous craft involves applying variously colored tiny plastic beads to a sticky pattern to create breathtaking artwork. The results are truly amazing and beautiful. LaVerne was even featured in the local South Brunswick Magazine for her creations – imagine, a celebrity at age 94! To commemorate the second anniversary of Paul’s passing, all eight of LaVerne and Paul’s children gathered in Ocean Isle Beach on January 29th, 2026. LaVerne spent a wonderful weekend with her family, including a memorial Mass for Paul on January 31. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 3. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, February 11th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls,  who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 12th at 10 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery,  2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Patriot Hospice, who took such wonderful care of her beloved Paul. https://patriotathome.org/services/patriot-hospice.

Louise Carey Kylander (1932-2026)

Louise Carey Kylander, 93, of Lake Mary, Florida passed away on February 5th, 2026. She was born in Sewickley on July 15th, 1932, a daughter of the late Claudia Heard Carey and Hampson Carey and was a graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walt, her sister, Catharine Murdock (“Petey” and her husband Jim) and her brother, James Carey and his wife, Florence (“Flossie”).

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Keith Lorenz of Lake Mary, FL, a son and daughter-in-law, Carl and Marcy Kylander of The Woodlands, Texas, and five grandchildren: Liz (Lew) Robbins, Ed (Jen) Lorenz, Chris (Jessica) Lorenz, Claire Kylander and Evelyn Kylander. She was also an adoring Gigi to six great grandchildren, Vivienne, Isaac, Jack, Chloe, Emmy and Brooke.

Louise then attended The Pennsylvania State University where she earned a BS in Psychology. She was married for 60 years to Dr. Walter C. Kylander Jr. She and Walt raised their two children in Beaver and then moved to Naples, Florida in retirement. He was active in the community and in her church, where she served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. She was an avid golfer and bridge player. When age would no longer let her play a competitive golf game, she pursued Duplicate Bridge and earned the level of Grand Master. Louise was a life-long learner and enjoyed technology and trying new things. After moving to Lake Mary, to be nearer to family and discovering that there wasn’t a competitive bridge game available, she moved to online bridge and then took up Pinochle to stay social.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, February 11th from 4-6 p.m. at the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. 333 Third Street, Beaver. A Celebration of Life will follow on Thursday, February 12th at 11:45 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, College Avenue, Beaver. Interment will be in the Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver, prior to the service.

Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to one of her favorite charities, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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