Otto Zuccaro, 87, of Hopewell Township, passed away after a brief battle with cancer on February 1st, 2025.
He was born in Logstown, Pennsylvania on April 1st, 1937, the son of the late Rocco and Soldia (Casoli) Zuccaro. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Candice “Candy” (Smallwood) Zuccaro, a brother, William “Poochie” Zuccaro, his sister-in-law, Domenica Zuccaro and his cherished cat, Lucky. Otto is survived by four devoted daughters: Deana (Bobby) Trombini, Bobbi Lynn Zuccaro, Toni Ann Zuccaro and Paula Garvin (Jeff Kershner). They took wonderful care of their father during his illness. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Anthony Zuccaro (Katie McLennan), Rushel Shell III, (Kayla Stevenson) Dante Trombini (Thomas Casella), Mia Trombini (Declan Eaton), Darrian Zuccaro and Alison Shephard; five great grandchildren, Arionna, Amiyah and Prince Shell, Lorenzo Eaton and Quinn McLennan, a brother and sister-in-law, Daniel (Rose Marvich) Zuccaro, three sisters-in-law, Roanne (the late Richard) Fetkovich, Kathy (Richard) Ursitti and Terri (Mike) Pauvlinch. Otto will also be remembered by many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his family and friends, Otto leaves behind a beloved dog Rocky and a granddog, Minkah.
Otto was a veteran of the United States Army. He retired from J&L Steelworks having worked in the Tin Mill and various other positions. Otto enjoyed casting a line in the water patiently waiting to snag a big fish. He was also known as an avid “do it yourselfer” when it came to fixing things however that didn’t always end well. Otto also liked spending time at the casino. His one line “zingers” gave us many laughs and he will be missed.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 5th from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Joseph DelTurco, 95, of Beaver Falls, passed away on February 1st, 2025, surrounded by his caretakers and his family.

He was born in Beaver Falls on September 24th, 1929, a son of Alexander DelTurco and Felice (Phyllis) Catanzaro (Casey). He was preceded in death by his three brothers, John DelTurco, Danny DelTurco and Pete DelTurco, his son, Phillip DelTurco and his daughter-in-law, Charlene Matta-DelTurco (Phillip). He is survived by his wife, Mary (Abbonizio), his daughters, Ruthanne DelTurco-Hoggard (Terry) and Lisa DelTurco Aievoli (Nick), his grandchildren: Kari Hoggard, Kristi Hoggard-Lundgren (Andrew), Gio Aievoli and Isabella Aievoli; as well as his great-grandsons, Kai (Aievoli), Caleb (Lundgren), Luke (Lundgren) and great-grand-daughter Hannah (Lundgren).

Joseph attended Aliquippa High School and was a veteran of peace-keeping operations with the U.S. Army in Japan (1949-1951). He married his beloved Mary (Abbonizio) in Beaver Falls in 1952 where they began their young family. He was licensed to ministry in the Christian Churches of North America in 1960 and ordained to the Assemblies of God in 1968. He served in pastoral leadership for sixty-five years in growing congregations in Burgettstown and Bessemer, Pennsylvania (1962-1969) and Apollo, Pennsylvania (1970 -1991). He earned degrees at the International Bible Institute and Seminary of Lakeland, Florida where he acquired a Masters Degree and was awarded an honorary Doctorate in 1981. In retirement, he served the Christian Churches of North America and the Assemblies of God Pennsylvania-Deleware District as interim pastor for congregations in Pittsburgh, Ellwood City, New Castle, Conway and Aliquippa. Joseph was a faithful and dedicated pastor, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Joseph was an avid and voracious reader who loved painting portraits and landscapes. He was an amateur cartoonist and guitar player who loved word games. He was disciplined in his studies and in his health.

Friends in our community are invited to his celebration of life, where he will be received on Saturday, February 8th at 10:00 a.m. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Interment will be private at the Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Cemetery.

The DelTurco family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Rochester Manor and Villa for their dedicated care.

 

Janet Josephine Eckstein Burns passed away at home on January 31, 2025 with her family at her side. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and John Eckstein, her siblings: Betty, Dan, Dorothy (Frank), Ann, (Norman) Veda, Butch; her husband Charles Keating Burns, her brother-in-law, Walt and her sister-in-laws, Mary Jane Bryner (Homer) and Patricia Phillips (Stan).

She is survived by her four children, David (Jessica) of Annapolis, Maryland, Brian of Hampton, Virginia, Susan (Lee) of Huntersville, North Carolina, and Kelly (Doug) of Pittsburgh. She is also survived by her twin sister, Janice Jane and her sister, Gladys (Don). Janet had three grandchildren who were the loves of her life: Kelsey Newman Thomason (Patrick) of Centreville, Virginia, Jenna Newman of Charleston, South Carolina, and Jonathan Newman of Wilmington, North Carolina. She welcomed her first great grandson, Steven Baird Thomason On January 11th, 2025. Her favorite grand-dog, Tillie, spent countless hours by her side and brought her great joy and comfort.

Janet was a graduate of Midland High School. She and her sisters worked at the Beaver Supermarket while in high school and Janet spent her earnings right across the street at the Shirley Shoppe. This is when she perfected her keen sense of fashion and hair. She became the unofficial hairdresser of family and friends for years and was always known for her sense of style.

She married Charles Keating Burns on June 6th, 1959 at St. John the Baptist Church in Monaca. True partners, they spent 54 loving years together until his death in 2013. They raised their four children on Monaca Heights happily surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Later in life, they spent ten years in Reston, Virginia where Janet taught at the Nysmith School. They retired back to Monaca, but they often wintered in Hawaii with their sons and visited Ireland, England, Scotland, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland and Italy.

Janet had many interests including her card clubs, which gave her joy and resulted in lifelong friendships. Her trips to Mountaineer always made her happy along with lottery tickets.

Janet was surrounded by close friends throughout her life. Two special friends she found early on in her Monaca neighborhood made it feel like home: Mary Egan and Shirley Golixer, who have been considered part of the Burns Family since 1971. In recent years, Mark and Jeannie McAnnany, not only became great neighbors, but also lovingly became caregivers to Janet and provided unwavering support to her children. The family would also like to thank AHN Hospice, including her nurses Rhonda and Joyce, for care throughout this journey.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 4th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca where prayers will be offered on Wednesday, Ferbuary 5th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a service at 10 a.m. at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church of Monaca. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. The family has suggested Memorial Contributions be made, if desired to the National Arthritis Association. https://info.arthritis.org

Peggy Lynn Reda, 62, of Monaca, passed away on January 31st, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in Ohioville and was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Sylvia Keyser.

Peggy was a 1981 graduate of Western Beaver High School and went on to harness her innate nurturing abilities at Villa St Joseph, where she trained as a certified nursing aide. Her passion for helping others led her to a career with Lutheran Senior Life, where she was not just an employee, but a beloved member of the community she served with dedication and compassion. She was united in love with Ronald A. Reda in October of 1984, with whom she shared the joys and challenges of life. Together, they navigated the waters of life aboard their boat, finding peace and happiness in the simple pleasure of a day spent on the water. Her love for the outdoors extended to bike riding and exercising. In her quiet moments, Peggy’s companionship with her beloved dog, Miley, provided her with comfort and joy.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, February 5th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Evelyn May Chembars (Buffalini), 86, passed away on January 24th, 2025. She was born in Monaca on May 13th, 1938. Evelyn was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Marla McClain. She is survived by her devoted husband, Frank, with whom she shared 64 wonderful years of marriage, her daughters, Julia Metz and Rebecca Chembars, their husbands, Bill Metz and John Hayden, her son-in-law, Thomas McClain, her cherished grandchildren, Laura Brightbill (Zac), Justin Gooding and Christian McClain, her brother, John Buffalini; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was very much looking forward to soon becoming a great-grandmother.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and registered nurse leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and service. Evelyn was a proud graduate of Monaca High School and pursued her passion for nursing by obtaining her RN from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. She dedicated her early career to the emergency room and nursery at Rochester Hospital before taking time off to raise her beloved children.

In a remarkable testament to her determination and commitment to education, Evelyn returned to school at the age of 50, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Slippery Rock University and later her Master’s in Education (Health Education) from Penn State University. Her career as a school nurse in Midland brought her immense joy, and she concluded her professional journey at the Hopewell Area School District at the age of 72. Evelyn cherished her work with children and held deep respect and love for her colleagues. Known for her feisty and tenacious spirit, she approached every challenge with unwavering strength and determination.

Faith was the cornerstone of Evelyn’s life. She was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Parish, where she celebrated significant milestones within the church community, including the Sacraments bestowed upon herself, her husband, her children and grandchildren. Her commitment extended beyond her own faith journey as she and her dear friend Marie Galzarano co-founded the kindergarten program at the parish school, nurturing the next generation.

Evelyn found joy in nature, relishing the fresh air and the beauty of flowers and wildlife, especially in her own backyard. She was a devoted family woman who cherished summer vacations at Disney World, creating lasting memories with her loved ones. Her home was adorned with decorations for every season, reflecting her playful spirit and love for family traditions.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no visitation. A private service and interment has been held to honor her life and legacy. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca. Evelyn May Chembars will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her unwavering faith, loving heart, tenacious spirit, and dedication to family and community.

Michael P. Ubaldi, 74, of Rochester Township, passed away on January 29th, 2025 in UPMC McCandless. He was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on July 20th, 1950, a son of the late Carmen Ubaldi and Elizabeth McConnell. He is survived by his wife Sundy Ubaldi, two daughters, Niki Ubaldi (Thaddee Boyogueno), and Gina (Jay) Kolanko, four grandsons: Yves, Beau, Theo and Real; a grandaughter, Camren, a son, Tony Ubaldi, four siblings: Donna (Rob) Cron, Dennis (Denise) Ubaldi, Raymond (Loretta) Ubaldi and Mark McConnell; as well as four sisters-in-law: Marsha (Willie) Ellison, Yvonne Bell, Doris Nash, and Norma Pinkston.

Michael earned a Bachelors Degree from Mansfield College. He was a retired Locomotive Engineer who worked for Norfolk Southern for 36 years. He loved to walk with his wife and his dog Buddy around the track at Rochester High School. They also enjoyed walks in the neighborhood. He also enjoyed traveling, especially to Jamaica.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February, 8th at Second Baptist Church of Rochester, 200 Clay Street, Rochester.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude.

Mary Ann Kester, 90, of West Mayfield, passed away on January 31st, 2025 at Providence Care Center.

She was born in New Brighton on January 19th, 1935, the daughter of the late Lloyd Javens. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dale W. Kester, a son, Scott A. Kester, her two daughters, Linda J. Bradley and Kathleen S. Kester; as well as a son-in-law, Douglas Rader. She is survived by three sons, Robert Kester, Brad W. (Lisa) Kester and Donald L. (Cindy) Kester, her daughter, Michelle Rader, her son-in-law, John Bradley, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Mary Ann spent the majority of her life caring for and raising her children. She was very involved with school events, such as the PTA. She also enjoyed being crafty and crocheting. She also liked to go to church. She also liked to go bowling.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, February 5th from 2 P.M. until the time of service at 4 P.M. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. Pastor Gary Hilton will officiate.

Interment will be private at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

Biagio John Pagani (Badge), 90, of Beaver, passed away on January 30th, 2025. He was born in Fallston on October 22nd, 1934, a son of the late Gerolomo James and Margaret Gaz Pagani. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Zita, his sister and brother-in-law, Irma and John Smakosz, brother, Livio Pagani, and a nephew, John Smakoz Jr.  He was also preceded in death by his wife’s family: Michael and Anna Smelko, Margaret and John Reedich, Eleanor Smelko, Elizabeth Smelko, Mary Ann and Francis Stablow, John and Mary Ellen Smelko, Theresa Bernadette Penczak; as well as his nephew, John Reedich Jr.

He is survived by his wife Alice Mary (Smelko), daughters, Joy Ann (Jeffery) Wintersgill and Lynn Marie (Michael) Akins, granddaughters, Allison Grace and Elizabeth Claire Wintersgill, brother, Eugene Pagani, in-laws, Barbara Pagani and Leonard Penczak, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Biagio was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and attended the Saints Peter and Paul worship site, where he served as an usher.

Biagio graduated from New Brighton High School and Geneva College.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving as a petroleum laboratory specialist in Okinawa, Japan.  He was employed at Freedom Oil/Ashland for forty-three years as a chemist.  For many years, Badge was on the Board of Directors at Freedom United Credit Union and was Treasurer of the Beaver Valley Chapter of Credit Unions.

Biagio was a lifelong lover of model trains.  For many years, he was a volunteer for the train display at the Festival of Trees.  He also loved dancing and, along with his wife, was a member of the New Brighton Croatian Kolo Ensemble. He enjoyed traveling and especially visiting his family in Italy.  Christmas was his favorite holiday.  He loved decorating the house and hosting his family’s Christmas Eve celebration.  In the summertime, his favorite season, you could find Badge soaking up the sun with his “pool buddies” at the Beaver Pool or in his backyard.  Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Friends and family will be received at the J & J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton on Wednesday, February 5th, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Beaver at 10 A.M. on Thursday, February 6th. He will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Freedom.  Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent De Paul Society at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 300 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009 or to a charity of personal choice.

Lonnie Dale Croston, 66, formerly of North Sewickley Township, passed away on January 31st, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born in New Brighton on April 24th, 1958, a son of the late Charles and V. Burndetta (Poe) Croston.

He is survived by his siblings, Tracy Croston, Joy Mayle, and Charles (Debra) Croston; as well as several nieces, nephews, and great-nephews.

No services are planned at this time.

The family would like to thank the staff of Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center and the staff of Heritage Valley Beaver for the love and care they gave to Lonnie. They would also like to thank all those who reached out to them with condolences and words of support.

Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls was honored to help Lonnie’s family during this difficult time.