Felicia N. (Gizzi) Cleaver, 94, of Chippewa Township, passed away on April 12th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Beaver.

She was born in Homewood, Pennsylvania on December 29th, 1930, a daughter of the late James and Frances (Trozzi) Gizzi.

Felicia was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church of St. Augustine Parish. She had a deep passion for cooking and baking and loved exploring new destinations with her husband, David. She also enjoyed bowling and cherished many moments with her family.

Felicia is survived by her beloved husband, David W. Cleaver; her daughter, Darlene (David) Coates; a sister, Norma Pavlinch; a granddaughter, Chelsea (Gregory) Powell; two great-grandchildren, Emma and Gavin Powell; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded by a brother, Nickolas (Nancy) Gizzi, and a brother-in-law, Robert Pavlinch.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, April 15th from 4-7 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 16th at the funeral home from 9 A.M. until the time of the blessing service at 10 A.M. Father Kim Schreck will officiate.

A private interment will take place at Beaver Falls Cemetery.

In lieu of the flowers, donations in Felicia’s name can be made to the Saint Monica Angel Fund, 609 10th St Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Felicia’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to the staff of Celebration Villa of Chippewa, as well as Gallagher and Fox Home Health for their loving care.

Darlas Marie (Catherman) Bango passed away peacefully at home in Center Township on April 11th, 2025.

Darlas was born at her family home on College Hill in Beaver Falls and was a daughter of the late Roy and Nina (Corl) Catherman. She worked at the Youth Center, and married Blackie (John) Bango on September 10th, 1950. Together, they traveled to Boston, Niagara Falls and Las Vegas, and arranged frequent family trips to Wildwood, New Jersey and Geneva on The Lake. Together, they owned 3 popular local bars-the Bama Inn and The Hideout in New Brighton, and the 19th Hole in Chippewa. She also worked for many years at the One Stop Shopper in Darlington. During their years in Beaver Falls, Darlas and Blackie loved to entertain. Summer was “pool time”, and on any given weekend, one phone call brought 50 people for a pool party, with enough food to feed all of College Hill.

In 1984, they moved to Jensen Beach, Florida. There they sold decorator pillows at the B&A Flea market, where they became known as the “Pillow People”. Following the death of Blackie, Darlas became a Home Health Aide, working almost exclusive with hospice and ALS patients. In 2004, Darlas came back to the Pittsburgh area to live with her daughter and son-in-law, settling in Center Township in 2011.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Blackie, her sister, Miriam and her brother-in-law Butch (Clarence) Newton, her brother, Harold (Sara Caughey) Catherman and her oldest son, Terry Roy (Martha Thompson) Bango of Stuart, Florida.

She is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Debbie) Bango of Poland, Ohio, her daughter, Tami Sue (David) Seretti, who she lived with, grandchildren, John (Ellen) Bango of Port St Lucie, Florida, and Jamie (Patrick) McNealy of Jensen Beach, Florida, Great grandchildren, Addison Bango, and Colin and Genevieve McNealy. She is also survived many special nieces, nephews and cousins that meant so much to her, and will carry on her stories.

Darlas was unapologetically herself-nebby, funny, opinionated, a rabid fan of reading and The Lettermen, a generous lover of the outdoors and flowers, sometimes without tact, but always with a great story. Many of the family conversations start with “So, I’ve got a story,” followed by the most ridiculous thing that ever happened to them.

In accordance with Darlas’ wishes, there will be no funeral. The family will hold a Celebration of Life in her honor in the summer.

Arrangements have been entrusted to SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

The family would like to thank Dr. Gregg Zernich and his staff for their wonderful care over the years, and Amedicus Hospice for their compassion and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Psoriasis Foundation or the Beaver County Humane Society.

Vincent G. “Butch” Galas, Jr., 81, of Center Township, passed away on April 9th, 2025, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital.

He was a son of the late Vincent G. Galas, Sr. and Beatrice Galas Satterfield, Butch grew up in Monaca where he was a graduate of Monaca High School.

After graduation, Vincent’s career began with a brief period as a barber. His path took a significant turn when he answered the call to serve his country. Vincent joined the U.S. Navy and served honorably during the Vietnam War from 1965 until 1967.

Upon his return from military service, Vincent’s industrious spirit led him to further his education in welding. This decision paved the way for a long career with Nova Chemical.

It was at the First Presbyterian Church of Monaca in 1968 that Vincent married the love of his life, Patricia Wolfe Galas. Their union was blessed with two children, Amy Claypoole and Vincent Galas, and further enriched by the joy of their two grandchildren, Gabriella and Jacob Claypoole.

Vincent’s life was complemented by the support of his siblings, Karen (Dave) Smith, Jacque (late Gregory) McWilliams, and Robert (Diane) Satterfield, along with several nieces and nephews.

Vincent was an active member of the Monaca American Legion Post #580 and a former trustee. He was also a man of many interests. Vincent’s love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for golfing with his buddies on Tuesdays and Thursdays, tending to his vegetable garden and riding his quad across his property.

Friends will be received on Monday, April 14th from 1-4 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where military honors will be presented by the U.S. Navy at 4 p.m., which is the time of the service for Vincent.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired to the National Diabetes Foundation. 888 234 9055.

Lillian B. Corbin, 94, of Rochester, passed away on April 10th, 2025 in her home. She was born in Rochester on November 21st, 1930, a daughter of the late Harold & Ida McKnight. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Corbin and seven brothers: Ronald, Donald, Keith, Richard, Stewart, Raymond and Gail McKnight. She is survived by her four children: Brenda Lee McGaffic, Richard McGaffic, Pastor Kenneth McGaffic & Linda McGaffic and Terry & Iris McGaffic; along with four grandchildren: Erin (Chad) Rupp, Kelly (Josh) Mesko, Amber (Tom) Woodring and Jesse (Ann) McGaffic; as well as six great grandchildren: Caleb & Tanner Rupp, Tristan Woodring, Archer McGaffic, Jackson & Grayson Mesko and a sister, Janet Yokoyama

Lillian graduated from Monaca High School. She worked as a Unit Secretary and Monitor Technician at the University General Hospital in Seminole, Florida from 1979 to 1995. She was the also the University General Hospital’s 1993 employee of the year.  She loved to volunteer for the Beaver Area Memorial Library. She was head of circulation at the Beaver Area Memorial Library from 1996 to 2007. She was also a member of Wildwood Chapel in Hopewell Township.

Friends will be received on Sunday, April 13th from 2 p.m. until the time of a funeral service at 4 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester. The service will be conducted by her son, Pastor Kenneth McGaffic.

Private interment will take place in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beaver Area Memorial Library, 100 College Avenue, Beaver, PA 15009, or to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Justin D. Ventresca, 42, of Chippewa Township, formerly of Monaca, passed away on March 28th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born in Brighton Township on April 9th, 1982, the son of Cathy (Woodring) Kunzmann and the late Don Ventresca. In addition to his mother, he is survived by two brothers, Tyler and Joshua Kunzmann, a half-brother, Danny Ventresca, a half sister, Alyssa Ventresca, along with his aunts, uncles, and cousins.

For 42 years, his mother, Cathy, devoted herself to raising him with the utmost love and care, ensuring that every day was filled with support, warmth and encouragement. Together, they faced the challenges of life with unwavering strength and determination.  Although Justin spent the majority of his life under his mother’s nurturing care, his time at McGuire Memorial Community Home marked a new chapter where he was surrounded by compassionate caregivers who provided him with dignity and comfort during his final days. His journey was one filled with courage, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.

The family would like to thank Ashley Shewak for the loving care that was given to Justin.

Private family services were held for Justin in the J &J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton on Tuesday, April 8th. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

Debra Ann (Fairbanks) Heitger, 66, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on April 8th, 2025, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

She was born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on July 2nd, 1958, the beloved daughter of Capitola Parker (formerly Cox/ Fairbanks) and the late Richard Fairbanks. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Keith Heitger, with whom she shared many cherished years. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her devoted children, Ashley (Michael Davis) Heitger and Orrin “OP” (Nichole) Heitger, her adoring grandchildren, Makayla and Maximus Heitger and Tyler, Olivia, and Elana Davis, her sister, Dianna Fairbanks, as well as many dear family members in South Carolina.

Debra will be fondly remembered as a hardworking and kind-hearted woman, known for her infectious smile and her ability to brighten any room. She had a playful spirit, often doodling in her free time and she delighted in making people laugh. After retirement, Debra found immense joy working part-time at Foodland, where she not only enjoyed serving her community but also formed deep, lasting bonds with her coworkers, who became like a second family to her.

Her greatest pride and joy were her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, who brought endless happiness to her life. She cherished every moment spent with them and embraced her role as their biggest cheerleader.

In accordance with Debra’s wishes, a cremation will take place and no formal services will be held. The family will honor her memory with a Celebration of Life in South Carolina at a later date, where her joyful spirit and love will be remembered and celebrated. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

Elizabeth “Betty” C. Wright, 87, of Beaver, passed away on April 7th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

She was born in Rochester on April 4th, 1938, the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Chambers) Griffin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Marilyn Wright and two brothers, Bill and Bob Griffin. She is survived by her children: Michael A. (Elise) Wright, Gail (Jim) Fristik, Deborah Berardelli and Mark (Brenda) Wright; nine grandchildren: Michael D. Wright, Kyle (Michelle) Wright, James Fristik, Kayla (Michael) Estermyer, Samantha (Mark) Casper), Anthony Beradelli, Sarah Beradelli, Tyler Wright and Zachary Wright; as well as eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Elizabeth was a graduate of Beaver High School and worked as a Dietary Supervisor at Providence Care Center. She was also a member of Jaimmie Jammers Square Dancing Club, who enjoyed sewing and making items for her grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be announced by Elizabeth’s family at a later date.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to provide care and guidance to Elizabeth’s family during this time.

Thomas “Tommy” K. Brantner III, 23, of Ambridge, passed away at home on April 8th, 2025. He was born on July 15th, 2001, the beloved son of Thomas K. Brantner Jr. and Tammy Brantner. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Thomas K. Brantner Sr., his aunt, Nicole Brantner; and his uncle, Matthew Nichol.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his cherished children, Trey, Tate, and Malakai Brantner. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Jack and Sondra Ricker, paternal grandparents, Lori and Robert Nichol, his stepmother, Melissa Ford, and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Thomas was a passionate Pittsburgh sports fan and enjoyed watching the Los Angeles Lakers. In his younger years, he shared a special bond with his father through their love of golf. Above all, he deeply loved and adored his children.

Family and friends will be received for a visitation on Saturday, April 12th from 12 noon to 1 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Daniel “Danny” Lee Zajac, Sr., 67, a lifelong resident of Monaca, passed away on April 6th, 2025 in his Monaca residence. Daniel was also known by his nicknames ZA and Bugman.

He was born in Rochester and is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline Hiwiller Zajac, with whom he shared nearly five decades of marriage after tying the knot on June 22th, 1980 in New Castle. Their love story began when Jackie was just 14 years old, and it blossomed into a partnership that was a testament to their devotion to each other. He is also survived by two proud sons, Daniel Lee Zajac, Jr. and Ryan Michael Zajac, and his cherished granddaughter, Danica Leigh Zajac, who brought him immeasurable joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William George and Eleanor Louise (Zayak) Zajac, his sister, Tammy Shively, his in laws, Blaine and Florence Hiwiller and his brother in-law, Larry Hiwiller. His memory will be honored by his surviving siblings, Donny Zajac (Annette), Sharon Strickler, Bill Zajac (Lissa), and Susan Claney (John). His extended family includes his brother-in-law, Tom Hiwiller (Patty), and sister-in-law, Penny (Clark) Pugh, as well as numerous nieces and nephews: Joey, Jesse, Elie, Raelene, Rachel, Shawna, Travis, Dustin, Abby, Lee, Larry (Amanda) Hiwiller, Jennifer (George) Thomas, Tom (Katrina) Hiwiller and Paul (Abbey) Pugh; as well as numerous great nieces and great nephews.

Daniel was a graduate of Monaca High School’s class of 1976 and was the co-captain of the 1975 WPIAL Championship Football Team, a role that foreshadowed his lifelong passion for sports. His career began at Rentokil Pest Control, where he earned the nickname “Bugman,” a name that stuck with him through his subsequent positions at Horsehead Inc. as a furnace operator attendant, with the labor union at the Shell Oil’s ‘cracker’ plant, and finally at Hussey Copper in the storeroom.

Daniel’s commitment to his community shone through with his love of sports as he coached the Mighty Mites and Midget Football teams and the Turners’ Little League Baseball Team, leading them to six consecutive championships. His leadership on and off the field was recognized by his membership in the Monaca Quarterback Club, Laborers’ Union #833, and the former Steelworkers Union.

He was an avid Michigan State University Football fan and his enthusiasm for sports was matched by his love for the outdoors. Deer hunting and fishing were among his favorite pastimes, offering him moments of tranquility and a connection to nature that he deeply treasured.

Friends will be received on Thursday, April 10th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where services will be held on Friday, April 11th at 11 a.m.

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