Category: Obituaries

John “Jack” E. Laveing, Sr. (1933-2026)

John “Jack” E. Laveing, Sr., 92, of Beaver, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 23rd, 2026, at HJ Heinz VA Medical Center in Pittsburgh.

He was born in Darlington on October 4th, 1933, a son of the late Paul August and May Eleanor (Hocanson) Laveing.

John was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean Conflict. Following his discharge, he worked as a laborer at construction companies and steel mills, and he was also a bricklayer. He built beautiful homes for his family. He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed every moment he could in hunting, fishing, shooting guns, and walking in nature. He enjoyed countless hours driving the countryside enjoying the sights and open road. He also cherished time he spent with family and friends.

He is survived by his children: Michael (Shari) Laveing, Steven (Andrea) Laveing, Julie (Brian) Lasher, and Loree (Lee) Maloney; as well as his grandchildren: Joseph (Vanessa) Laveing, Cara (Kirt) Laveing, Chloe Laveing, Sasha Laveing, Giselle (Nick Fall) Main, Miranda Dennis, Ariel Main, Connor Maloney and Duncan Maloney. He is survived by many great-grandchildren and a sister, Kathryn June Laveing, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his eldest son, John E. Laveing Jr., who passed away in 2014, and his siblings: Paul Laveing, Joanne Clarke, Janet Zurga and Robert Laveing.

In accordance with his wishes, Jack will be cremated and a private memorial service will be held for family and friends.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to care for John and his family during this difficult time.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Gabauer Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Nick Marovich (1960-2026)

Nick Marovich, 65, of West Aliquippa, passed away on September 24th, 2026 in his home. He was born in Sewickley on November 25th, a son of the late Milo and Mildred Marovich.

Nick worked as a brick and block layer all around the area for many years. He was a member of the Brick Layers Union and the Laborer Union. He was also a member of many clubs, including the Serbian, Croation, Ukrainian, and Celtic clubs. He also enjoyed hanging out with his buddies at P&G Lounge. When he was younger, he loved to go bowling, play softball and watch the Andy Griffith Show.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Louann “Poovie” Marovich, four siblings: Alex (Amy) Marovich, Donna (Gary) McClymonds, Daniel Marovich, and Michael (Sue) Marovich; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and other loving family members.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Tuesday, September 29th from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa, 2345 Mill Street,
Aliquippa, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Carol Ann Colella (1961-2026)

Carol Ann Colella, 64, of Harmony Township, passed away in the early morning hours of September 25th, 2026, with her loving family at her side. She was born on October 11th, 1961, a daughter of the late Rudy and Mary Ann Colella. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Elena Zunic, and her brother, Rudy Colella, Jr.

She is survived by her sisters, Theresa, Rita, and Amy Colella, all of Harmony Township, her brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael and Colleen Colella of Chippewa Township and Joe and Nancy Colella of Harmony Township and her brother-in-law, Bob Zunic of Economy Borough.

Carol had a generous heart and would help wherever needed. She was active in her church, St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in Ambridge, and particularly enjoyed volunteering at the annual parish festival. She also volunteered at the church fish fries, preparing the baked fish, her specialty. She loved music and sang in the church choir for over 45 years. She was also a member of the Beaver Valley Choral Society for many years and enjoyed giving praise in song at their annual Lenten and Christmas concerts.

Her family extends sincere thanks to her care teams at Allegheny General Hospital, AHN Wexford Hospital, and AHN Healthcare@Home for their compassionate care of Carol during her struggle with cancer.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Luke the Evangelist Music Ministry, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge, PA 15003; Beaver Valley Choral Society, PO Box 750, Rochester, PA 15074; or a charity of your choice.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 28th, from 3 P.M.-7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. Departing prayers will take place at 10 A.M. on Tuesday, September 29th, at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. at Saint Luke the Evangelist/Good Samaritan Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Burial will follow at Economy Cemetery, 1691 Ridge Road Ext #1601, Ambridge.

George Allen Bennett (1951-2026)

George Allen Bennett, 75, of Economy Borough, passed away on September 23rd, 2026 in Allegheny General Hospital.

He was born in New Brighton on June 27th, 1951, the son of the late Margaret Elizabeth Bennett & Samuel George Bennett.

George had numerous jobs throughout his life, including working as a Janitor at the YMCA at Conway Yards. He was a member of Economy United Methodist Church and was a lifelong member of Baden Volunteer Fire Department.

He is survived by his three sisters, Margaret Newell, Nancy Bennett, and Patricia and John Dulap, with whom he lived.

He is also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received on Monday, September 28th from 6 p.m. until the time of a Funeral Service at 7 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester, 502 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements. The funeral service will be conducted by his pastor, Rev. Thomas Bonomo.

Private interment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery, 450 Penn Avenue, Aliquippa.

John Kuharsky, Jr. (1926-2026)

John Kuharsky Jr, 100, of Rochester, passed away peacefully at his home on September 25th, 2026. He grew rowing up on Valley Road in Ambridge with his beloved parents, the late John and Catharine Yanyk Kuharsky, Sr., who taught him to value the things that made him a wealthy man: someone to love and spend a lifetime with and family and friends. He waited until his forties to find his beloved Michelene (Mike) Jula. Their love inspired the gift of a beautiful daughter, Diane Kuharsky Handwerger and a loving son-in-law, Durrell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters: Betty Sheehan, Rose Melnick, Ann Opriska, Helen Kazil and a brother, William Kuharsky. John leaves behind many nieces and nephews of whom he was proud.

John was born on May 10th, 1926. He was a proud Navy WW2 veteran of the Pacific Theatre serving on the destroyer John W. Weeks as a Fire Controlman 3rd class. He served his country with honor and carried that sense of dedication and pride throughout his life.

After the war, John worked various jobs including on the Cleveland-Cliffs fleet Ore Boats across the Great Lakes, and the Kodak company. He ultimately graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and became a Draftsman, contributing to the design of many notable bridges including the Verazano-Narrows bridge in New York City. He worked for various engineering firms including American Bridge Company, Swindell-Dressler and Pittsburgh Bridge and Iron Works. John retired at age 73 but continued doing renovation projects in the house he built and lived in for 57 years.

Music was a great joy in his life, and he especially loved playing the accordion, bringing music and happiness to family gatherings. Among other dishes he liked to bake delicious potato pie and breads. His music and his baking, like his spirit, brought people together and created memories that will be cherished by all his loved ones. John was timeless and loved by all generations of his family as a devoted husband, father and friend. John also enjoyed reading about many subjects, especially history and science. His mind was sharp and he enjoyed sharing stories with others bringing history to life for all those privileged to hear them. They will always remember the laughter he brought, the knowledge he shared and the love that he bestowed on all he met.

John had an abundance of great friends that he enjoyed throughout his life.  His greatest devotion, however, was always to his family. John treasured every moment spent with them and was a steady source of wisdom, quick wit, and unconditional love.  Though he is deeply missed, his legacy will live on through his family and the awesome memories he created throughout his extraordinary century of life.

Friends will be received on Monday, September 28th from 10 A.M. until the time of a funeral service at 11 A.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements. Interment will follow the service at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery, with the Beaver County Special Unit providing full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity in John’s honor.

Mary Devlin McCaffrey (Passed on September 23rd, 2026)

Mary Devlin McCaffrey, 74 passed away peacefully on September 23rd, 2026, at her home in Brighton Township, Pennsylvania.

She was born in Philadelphia and was raised in Roslyn (Montgomery County), Mary was a daughter of the late John and Mary Devlin.

Mary was a graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School in Wyncote and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, majoring in history. She later received her teaching certificate from Geneva College. She shared a long and loving marriage with her husband, Michael D. McCaffrey. She was a devoted mother to her son, Michael, and his wife, Kelly, and to her daughter, Marisa. She was a cherished grandmother to Summer and Jax.

She is also survived by her siblings, Frank Devlin, John Devlin, and Kathleen Pinto; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Devlin and brother, Charles Devlin. Mary was deeply connected to her family throughout her life, and those bonds remained central to who she was.

Mary began her professional life as a homemaker, where she created a loving and welcoming home for her family. Later, she gained employment with the Beaver School District as a substitute teacher and eventually managed the school’s cafeteria program. Her life was also enriched by her love of the outdoors and time spent with her family. She and her family loved to camp and visited the majority of the Pennsylvania State Parks, creating many cherished memories along the way. Whether gathered around a campsite or spending time at home, Mary found happiness in the company of those she loved. She was a member of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Beaver and Our Lady of the Valley Parish.

Mary had requested that no public services would be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Ann Elizabeth (Bango Cook) Layne (1951-2026)

Ann Elizabeth (Bango Cook) Layne, 75, of Industry, passed away on September 14th, 2026, following an intensely brave, private, and often stubborn 4.5-year battle with colorectal cancer, refusing to let it define who she was. She was much stronger than we could imagine or wanted her to be.

She was born in Rochester on March 19th, 1951, a daughter of the late James Joseph and Coral Louise (Bailey) Bango. She was raised in Rochester and later married Terry Cook. They moved to Freedom and raised their 5 children.

Ann dedicated her younger years to working as a stay-at-home mom. She then opened her own business, “Ann’s Anything’s Possible,” and truly anything was possible! From specialty cakes, fresh baked snacks, and homemade meals to craft shows, gorgeously tailored clothing, and home remodeling; she had a vivid imagination to bring dreams to life. She retired from the Monaca Walmart after dedicating 30 years to the fabric department. During that time, she remarried to James Layne leading her heart and family to grow bigger by 2 daughters.

She loved to share time, meals, a game, or a story, as well as teaching her hobbies to family and her many friends. She welcomed her neighborhood as if they were her own family. The house was always full of laughter, neighborhood kids, and the aroma of homemade meals. She had a lifelong love of God, fishing, canoeing, the northern lights, shooting stars, and marveling at all of God’s creations. She was a beautiful (or “bootiful” as Eli says), strong independent, talented, loving, and sometimes hard-headed and obstinate. She had “adopted” many of her friends into her family. She developed many deep friendships which makes it impossible to list all who loved her and she loved back. They include: Donna Cain, Karen Sutkovich, Linda, Rick, Ricky, Chelsea and children (Chovan), Sue and Bob Mortimer and family, Monica, Anna, her Walmart family, as well as too many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles to name.

When we were young, she would always say she wanted to have a commune for her family to live alongside her. Despite family growing up, moving away, and all the complications that come with life, Ann spent the last weeks of her life with her commune while sharing a deep love and healing that can only come from a loving God. She would hope and ask for all to tell someone you love them today, pray for each other, forgive, and spend time with loved ones; “Life is the longest, shortest adventure you will have.”

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her second husband, James Layne and her step granddaughter, Corrina Layne.

She is survived by her sons: Aaron (Brandi) Cook, TJ (Michelle) Cook, and Matt Cook; daughters, Joanna (Jesse Burkert) Sampson, Jessica Cook, Laura (Robert) Probst, Amanda (Donald) Layne; as well as her brothers, James Bango and Thomas Bango, her sisters, Mary Kutzko and Jessica Bango, her grandchildren: Forrest (Leslie) Sampson, Phoenix Sampson, Ashley (Brett) Gallo, Kirstin Neely, Sumir (Jericho) Dobritz, Isabelle Mattie Cook, Brittney (Ryan) Hottenfeller, Brandon (Samie) Childers, Gemma Cook, Elise Propst, Angelina Probst, Stephen Layne; and great grandchildren, Auroa Sampson, Ryker Gallo, Maddox Gallo, Elijah Gallo, Cohen Hottenfeller, Benjamin Dobritz.

The family would like to thank AHN healthcare providers, Concordia visiting Nurses, and Good Samaritan Hospice for the compassionate care, love, and respect they provided. Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Hospice House, https://concordialm.org/donate/ (click here).

A celebration of life will be arranged at a later date. Private inurnment is to take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, 379 Engle Road, Industry.

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

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Donald George Hanshaw (1948-2026)

Donald George Hanshaw, 77, of Vanport, passed away, surrounded by his loving family, on September 22nd, 2026.

He was born in Rochester on November 20th, 1948, a son of the late Ray and Irene (Curry) Hanshaw.

Donald worked for PTC Alliance and Snyder’s Flowers. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Beaver and Our Lady of the Valley Parish. He was a part of many organizations including as a Vanport Township Commissioner and a member of the Vanport Township Fire Department. He also served as president of Saints Peter and Paul Keenage. He found great joy in being a greeter and usher at the church, an extra ordinary minister, a second-grade religion teacher, and Keenage Elder, as well as a youth sports coach for many teams for his son and grandsons.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, a brother, Carl Hanshaw and his great-niece, Reese Hanshaw.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce (Hawkey) Hanshaw, his sons, Jim (Ivy) Hanshaw and Michael (Diana) Hanshaw, his daughters, Tammy (Johnny) Wakefield and Dawn Ann (Ray) Thompson, his brother, Wilbert (Betty) Hanshaw, his sisters, Caroline (Ron) Stone and Linda Stephens, his grandchildren: Austin (Dianna) Hanshaw, Noah Hanshaw, Bonny and Johnny Jr. Wakefield, Breanna and Jason Hanshaw, Timothy, Chris, and Grace Thompson, and Wesley and Kelci Yeager; as well as his great-grandchildren: Mary Jane, Lily, Eleanor, Sapphire and Daemon; along with numerous nieces and nephews, church members, Keenagers SSPP neighbors and bingo friends.

Friends will be received from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., on Friday, September 25th in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Chrisitan Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 26th, at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Private inurnment will take place at a later date.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Therese Ciancone (1943-2026)

Therese Ciancone, 83, of Midland, passed away peacefully on September 23rd, 2026.

She was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on September 22nd, 1943, a daughter of the late Sabatino “Sam” and Mary Ciancone.

Therese was a lifelong resident of Midland, and was a faithful member of St. Blaise Catholic Church in Midland and St. Augustine Parish. She was also a bank teller for many years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Joe, Rocco, Margaret, Laura, and Anna Marie; as well as her nephew, Martin.

She is survived by her nephew, David Wilson and his great-nephews, Drew and Riley Wilson.

Friends will be received on Sunday, September 27th from 12 noon-4 p.m. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Monday, September 28th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Blaise Catholic Church, 772 Ohio Avenue, Midland.

Private Inurnment to take place at Beaver Mausoleum, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Herbert E. Corey (1933-2026)

Herbert E. Corey, 93, of Beaver Falls, passed away on September 22nd, 2026, at Cambridge Village. He was born in Hopkinton, Rhode Island on January 24th, 1933, a son of the late Frederick and Gwendolyn Corey. He was a proud veteran and served in the military for the Korean War. He worked as a Crew Foreman for the Beaver Falls Municipal Authority until his retirement. He was a simple man who valued his work and spending time outdoors. He is survived by his wife, Helen Corey, his daughters, Rebecca Cable, Brenda (Dennis) Palmer and Lisa (Paul) Guerrera, his grandchildren: Jason Berresford, Joshua Berresford, Danielle Jackson, Tonya Johnston, Shannon See, Morgan Richard, Ashley Hudson and Angelina Guerrera; as well as eight great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah See and his siblings, John and Nelly Corey. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, September 30th from 2-4 p.m. and 5 p.m. until the time of a service to start at 7 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.