David Lee Rainey, 77, a devoted father, cherished husband, and friend to many, passed away on April 20th, 2025 at UPMC Mercy Hospital with his family by his side.

He was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania on July 16th, 1947, the son of the late Sara Rainey.  In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife of nearly 42 years, Robin (Eck) Rainey, four sons: Michael (Stephanie) Rainey, Jacob Rainey, Brady Rainey and Cody (Arantxa) Rainey, two grandchildren, Michelle (Colton) Eshleman and Michael(Alexis) Rainey, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

David had worked as a salesman for the majority of his professional career, most recently having worked at 422 Home Sales. He embraced life with a quiet strength and a deep love for his family. He was the beloved husband of Robin, with whom he shared 42 years filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. However, his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was being the father of his four sons: Michael, Jacob, Brady and Cody. He was their constant, their guide, and their biggest fan. Whether it was coaching their sports teams, patiently teaching them life lessons, influencing career decisions, or simply being a steady presence in their lives, he poured his heart into raising them to be good men. His love was a constant, a foundation upon which they could always rely. He was a great dad and always willing to help. David was known for his kindness, patience, sense of humor, strong work ethic. He enjoyed working on cars, motorcycle riding, playing darts and pool, and hanging out with his friends at the Eagles He had a way of making everyone around him feel valued and respected. His warmth, generosity and general interest in others left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Though his physical presence is gone, the love and lessons he instilled in his four boys will live on for generations to come. He was a truly good dad, and his memory will forever be a blessing.

David’s wishes for cremation will be honored and no services are being planned at this time.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, has been honored to provide care and guidance to David’s family at this time.

Melvin Lee Rowley, 85, of Midland, passed away on April 28th, 2025 after a battle with cancer. He was born at the family home near Parkersburg, West Virginia on December 27th, 1939, a son of the late Frank G. and Clarice K. Rowley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Hila Jean and Carl Carnes and his brother-in-law, Jim Edwards. He is survived by his loving wife, N. Jean Rowley, his son, Robert L. Rowley, his daughters, Kimberly L. (Jeff) Blackburn and Rhonda J. (Randy) Reddinger, his brother, William R. (Eva) Rowley, his grandchildren: Sara Bain, David Rowley, Chrissy Helwig, Daniel Blackburn, Charity Ulrich, Lucas Reddinger, Nathan Blackburn and Benjamin Blackburn; as well as nineteen great-grandchildren.

Melvin was a laborer and Group Leader for 41 years at Westinghouse (Eaton) Corporation of Beaver. He was a member of Fairview PCA church since 1952 and held many offices over the years, including Sunday School Superintendent, Elder and Sunday School teacher. He especially loved participating in the church’s bowling league. Melvin also was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved spending time at his cabin near Ridgeway, Pennsylvania.
A visitation for Melvin will be held on Friday, May 9th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A service will also be held on Saturday, May 10th at 11 A.M. in Fairview PCA Church, 6366 Tuscarawas Road, Industry.
Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Church.

 

 

Mary Alice Kemp, 96, of Winter Haven, Florida, formerly of Rochester, passed away May 4, 2025 in the Good Shepherd Hospice, Forsythe House in Auburndale, Florida. She was born in Monaca on December 10th, 1928, the daughter of the late Frank E. and Erma Storm Reynolds. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore E. Kemp, a grandson, Steven Kemp, two sisters, Bertha Williams and Flora Becker and four brothers, Edward, David, Richard and Herbert. She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Theodore and Deborah Kemp of Hoschton, Georgia, Frank and Mary E. Kemp of Orlando, Florida and Howard and Beth Kemp of Winter Haven, Florida, as well as five grandchildren: Stacy, Teresa, James, Michael and Jennifer; along with five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was a retired employee with Giant Eagle in Rochester as Manager of the Deli Department. She was formerly employed with Shop ‘N Save in Ingomar, Pennsylvania. Mary was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rochester, a member of the Red Hat Society of St. Cloud, Florida and a member of OES, Woodlawn, Chapter 164. She was also a former volunteer of Give Kids The World Village of Kissimmee, Florida and the Retired and senior volunteer program of Osceola County, Florida.  Friends will be received on Saturday, May 10th from 1-3 P.M. in the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, where a service will follow at 3:30 P.M. Officiating will be Rev. Gregory S. Clagg. Interment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester. The family wishes memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, to the Good Shepherd Hospice, George C. Forsythe Hospice House, https://www.chaptershealth.org/foundation/good-shepherd-hospice-donation/

Jeffrey Allen Skidmore, 69, of Ambridge, passed away unexpectedly on May 1st, 2025. He was born in Greensboro, Pennsylvania on October 2nd, 1955, the son of the late Donald and Mary Shrader Skidmore. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anita George Skidmore and two brothers, Daniel Shrader and Keith Skidmore. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey Allen Skidmore Jr., his daughter, Alisha Key, his two sisters, Wanda Bezuk and Judy Clouse, his two sisters-in-law, Nancy Shrader and Sheila Skidmore, his ex-wife, Peggy Rodriguez, his three grandchildren, Malik Strickland, Jalisa Strickland and Justin Burchell-Skidmore, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jeffrey loved to be outside walking and going on adventures. In accordance with Jeffrey’s wishes, all services were private. Professional Services and arrangements have been entrusted to the CORLESS-MATTER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, LLC, 1133 Church Street Ambridge.

Richard Stephen “Dick” Lasse, 89, lovingly known as “Pop Pop” to his grandchildren and “Dick” to friends, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, athlete, coach, and teacher, his faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life and what guided him. He lived a life defined by perseverance, integrity, and love.

He was born in Quincy, Massachusetts on November 13th, 1935, a son of the late Arnold and Thyra (Johnson) Lasse. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Arnie Lasse, Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy “Dottie”, his sons, Steve (wife Mary) and Kurt (wife Rebecca), his grandchildren, Emily Lasse-Opsahl (husband Gabe) and Eric Lasse, his sister, Ginnie Choukalis and many nieces and nephews who will remember him with love and admiration.

Richard graduated from Worcester Academy in 1954 before going on to an accomplished collegiate academic and athletic career at Syracuse University where he was an All-American in both football and wrestling. He won many accolades during his time there including the Pat Miller Football Award for outstanding athlete student citizen in 1957 and the Bill Horr Most Valuable Player award in football in 1957. He graduated from Syracuse in 1958 with his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and his Master of Education from Northeastern University in 1962. His excellence on the field earned him a place in the National Football League, where he played linebacker for five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins, and New York Giants. As a tight end, he blocked for Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown for three years at Syracuse and then tried to tackle him for five years as a linebacker in the NFL. In 1994 he was named a Letterwinner of Distinction by the Syracuse Athletic Association Varsity Club.

Following his playing career, Richard turned to coaching, notably at Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts. In 1965, he became the first football coach in the college’s history, starting the program from the ground up, then moving on to coach at Harvard University. He was also the founder and first president of the New England Football Conference. He later served as football and track coach at Geneva College in Beaver Falls from 1974 to 1980. He finished his coaching career at Citrus High School in Inverness, Florida from 1980 to 1982. He also served Citrus County public schools by teaching at the Marine Science Station and later as a school social worker who had a positive impact on many students during the 1980s and 1990s.

Richard served in many churches as usher, deacon, elder, and trustee. He was a faithful steward of the blessings God bestowed on him.

He was known for his charm, wit, and a heart full of kindness and to his family, he was a steady source of warmth and joy as a man of God with a tough shell and a soft heart, always ready to offer a smile or lend a helping hand. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him.

Friends and family will be welcomed on Saturday, May 24th for a visitation for Richard from 10 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 11 a.m., in the Beaver Falls Christian Assembly Church, 814 Lincoln Place, Beaver Falls, with Pastor Dale Russo officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Beaver Falls Christian Assembly Church, 814 Lincoln Place, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Colonel William H. Donley, 93, of North Sewickley Township, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 3rd, 2025. He was born on February 18th, 1932, and was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Martha, his two sisters, Janet and Linda, and the love of his life, Ruth A. (Troxell) Donley. He is survived by five children: Barry (Amy) of Cambridge, Ohio, Debbie (Clint) LaFever of Lacey, Washington, Neal (Cecilia) of New Stanton, Pennsylvania, Bill of State College, Pennsylvania, and Mark (Carmela) of Raleigh, North Carolina; as well as ten grandchildren: Chad, Matt, Brittany, Cean, Lucas, Nicholas, Lindsey, Nathaniel, Grant and Brooke; along with six great grandchildren, his brother, Donald Donley of Aiken, South Carolina and his brother-in-law, James (Janet) Troxell of Murrysville, Pennsylvania.

William was a proud graduate of Altoona High School. Following his high school graduation, he pursued higher education at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree as a recipient of a scholarship in track and ROTC and later a Master’s degree.  After graduating from Pitt, he started his teaching career at New Brighton High School as a physics teacher.  His passion for education and leadership led him to a career in school administration. He served at New Brighton High School as an Assistant Principal, and later as Principal and Superintendent of the Midland School District, where he was known for his integrity, commitment, and positive influence on students and staff alike.

During this time, he also had a career in the military as a pilot in the Air Force and later in the Air Force reserves.  He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force, retiring with distinction as a Colonel and Base Commander of the 911th Airlift Wing.

He was deeply committed to his Masonic teachings and community. A 33° Mason, he was a proud member and Past Master of Union Lodge #259. He was also a Past Commander in Chief of the New Castle Consistory, where his dedication and leadership were widely respected.

Friends will be received Tuesday, May 6th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the J & J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton. An additional viewing will be held in Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 819 Washington Avenue, Monaca, on Wednesday, May 7th from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. with his Pastor Angela Smith, officiating.

The Beaver County Special Unit will provide military honors on Wednesday, May 7th, at 11:45 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 819 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Private interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery of Beaver Falls.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in William’s name to Union Lodge, #259.