Category: Obituaries

Thomas Richard “Tom” Everett (1944-2026)

Thomas Richard “Tom” Everett, 81, of Moon Township, passed away peacefully on April 25th, 2026. He was born in Swissvale on September 22nd, 1944, a son of the late Thomas James and Rita Dolores (Voegtle) Everett. He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane (DiPietro) Everett, his sister, Betty, his brother, Jerry, 16 nieces and nephews, his three daughters and their families, Beth (Rob), Adrienne (Matthew), and Meghan (Sean), including his ten cherished grandchildren: Jonathan, Sarah, and Jacob Miller, Julia, Bridget, and Thomas McDonnell and Elliot, Adrienne, Carissa, and Peter McMillan.

Thomas’ father had been drafted during World War II and was taken prisoner of war in Germany just after Thomas’ birth. He was 8 months old when his father came home. He grew up alongside his four sisters: Patricia Pcolar, Barbara Wisniewski, Betty Roseborough, and Jaquie Topinka, and his younger brother, Jerry, whom he proudly helped name. After meeting the love of his life, he served in the U.S. Army in Germany for 18 months as a ballistics meteorologist. Following his honorable discharge, the two were married and went on to build a life together, raising their three daughters: Beth (Rob Miller), Adrienne (Matthew McMillan), and Meghan (Sean McDonnell) in Moon Township. He enjoyed a long and accomplished career as a construction project manager, working for Dick Corporation and the Hunt Corporation. He contributed to numerous major construction projects, including a nuclear power plant in Shippingport, the State Capitol East Wing and fountain in Harrisburg, the formerly known Heinz Field, the Giant Center in Harrisburg (home of the Hershey Bears), the formerly known Cleveland Browns Stadium, and Pittsburgh International Airport Midfield Terminal Project, among others. He was proud to watch people enjoying the places he helped build. He was a true do-it yourselfer who took great pride in home improvement projects, installing bathrooms, flooring, woodwork, custom shelving, etc in their home. He generously helped his daughters with countless projects from installing appliances to renovating kitchens. He was known for being the life of the party and a wonderful dancer, a reputation well-earned at his daughters’ weddings. He enthralled the crowd with his singing of “It’s Something That We Do” at his daughter’s wedding. In his free time, he loved golfing, taking his Corvette out for a drive, playing cards, listening to opera music, and, most of all, spending time with his grandchildren. A highlight for him was the time he spent with his family. They traversed the Pennsylvania turnpike many times to attend piano recitals, sporting events, performances,and other special events for grandchildren on the east end of the state. For more than 20 years, he spoiled his family with a week together at Myrtle Beach and celebrated his 50th anniversary with Diane by taking everyone to Walt Disney World. He and Diane also enjoyed vacationing together, whether it was touring America, Europe, South America, or visiting their timeshare on Marco Island.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, May 4th, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. at Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 5th, at 10 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Church, 1 Parish Place, Coraopolis, with a luncheon reception to follow.

Elizabeth Miley Latella (1949-2026)

Elizabeth Miley Latella, 77, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away, surrounded by love, while visiting family in Connecticut on April 23rd, 2026. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She dedicated her life to her family, helping others, and her passions, gardening, teaching, and philanthropy. She was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on January 20th, 1949, the daughter of the late Patrick Dubbs Miley and Frances Patrick. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by death by many more loving aunts and uncles and relatives. She is survived by her husband of almost 56 years, Donald, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, her daughter, Liza, her son-in-law, Marshall, her grandchildren, Marshall and Baker of Darien, Connecticut, her daughter, Leah Latella, her son-in-law, Alex Scott of Iowa City, Iowa, her brother, Eugene Miley of Beaver and loving nephews, nieces, and relatives.

Elizabeth spent her childhood in Brighton Township and Beaver and every summer at her grandparents’ home in Oxford, Georgia. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Emory University and received a Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Georgia. She taught Special Education in Georgia and Tennessee. She was very involved in her community throughout her life, always with joy and guided by her faith in God. She was an active member of Highland Presbyterian Church, the Women’s Circle, the Bible Study Fellowship, the Fayetteville Garden Club, the Fayetteville Symphony, and other organizations. She served as a docent at the North Carolina Governor’s Mansion and volunteered as a cuddler for premature babies in the NICU at Cape Fear Valley Hospital. She loved playing mahjong with her friends. She particularly loved holidays, entertaining, and getting the family together at the beach. She served in many leadership capacities during her husband Donald’s career in the United States Army. As a commander’s wife, she was at the forefront of family life, coordinating all officers’ wives’ activities, communications during deployments, and supporting the health and welfare of all soldier families, even conducting bread-making classes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The CARE Clinic in Fayetteville, North Carolina. For more information, visit: www.thecareclinic.org. Elizabeth will be remembered for her thoughtfulness, her bright presence, energy, and devotion to family and friends.

Elizabeth was special and will be deeply missed. A celebration of her life will take place on Friday, May 8th, at 10 a.m. at Highland Presbyterian Church, 111 Highland Avenue, Fayetteville, North Carolina, with a reception following in the fellowship hall. She will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. (and/or Arlington, Virginia) at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

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

Saundra Lee Leonard (Passed on April 27th, 2026)

Saundra Lee Leonard, 82, of Monaca, passed away after a lengthy battle with breast cancer on April 27th, 2026. Saundra (Sandy to most) was born and raised in Johnstown. Not long after earning a Master’s Degree in Music Education from IUP, she met the love of her life, John, and moved to Beaver County.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Elizabeth and Kelvan Straver, a brother, Kelvan Eugene Straver, and many aunts and uncles. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, John Leonard, two children, Noel (Rich) Shadley and Kelvan (Carrie) Leonard, five grandchildren: Dustin (Jenna) Leonard, Gage (Avery) Shadley, Tori (Zach) Miller, Kaylee Leonard, and Morgan Leonard; as well as three great-grandchildren, Amora, Ronan, and Holden Miller.

Saundra loved traveling, camping, music, and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite places to travel were Aruba and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where she would see her favorite Southern Gospel singers, The Gaither Vocal Band, perform many times. Yearly visits to Jumonville and a multitude of camping trips to Atwood Lake with her friends and family brought good times, lots of laughs, and a significant amount of mischief. She was the choir director at the United Methodist Church in Rochester for countless years, and always enjoyed showing off her exceptional skills on the piano.

Friends will be received on Monday, May 4th from 5-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where services will be held on Tuesday, May 5th at 10 a.m. with Pastor Allen officiating.

Justin Michael Hayes (Passed on April 28th, 2026)

Justin Hayes, 40, of Monaca, passed away peacefully at home on April 28th, 2026.

He was born in Altoona, a son of the late Jacalyn Hayes and Walter Hayes.

Justin married the love of his life, Shantelle Hayes, in Gallitzin on October 17th, 2020, a day that meant everything to him. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his mother-in-law, Lynn Dashner (Sam), his stepmother, Donna Hayes (Bernie), his grandmother, Rosie Karabinos, his sister, Katrina Burick (Adam), his brother, Randy Lee, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, close friends, his gaming buddies, and his beloved cats. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Patricia and Walter Hayes, John and Stella Vocco and Michael Karabinos; along with his brothers, Scottie Lee and Shawn Hayes.

Justin was a graduate of Penn Cambria, Class of 2003, and a proud member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. He was a skilled painter and finisher who took pride in his work and the life he built with his hands. He loved being outdoors fishing, camping, and hiking whenever he could. He enjoyed gardening with his wife, always making sure her plants were cared for. He had a passion for video games and shared countless laughs and late nights with his gaming buddies. He was a huge Pittsburgh Penguins fan who rarely missed a chance to watch a game. He also had a creative spirit and found peace in painting and working on his home. More than anything, he will be remembered for being the absolute best hugger, his genuine smile, and the kindness he showed towards others. The deep love he had for his wife, family, and friends. He had a way of making people feel comfortable, understood, and cared for without needing to say much at all.

The memories he created, the love he gave, and the life he lived will continue on in the hearts of those who knew him. He was deeply loved, and his absence will be felt forever.

A celebration of Justin’s life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Mary Geraldine Drylie (1926-2026)

Mary Geraldine Drylie, 99, of Beaver, passed away at home on April 26th, 2026.

She was born in New Brighton on June 11th, 1926, in New Brighton, a daughter of the late Joseph and Clara Zubaly. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert O. Drylie Jr., her son, Robert O. Drylie III, her brother, Joseph Zubaly and her sister, Jackie Majors. She is survived by her daughters, Denise Diehl and Susan Schuller, her grandchildren: Keith Diehl, Scott Diehl, Lacy Iacano and Greg Schuller; as well as her great-grandchildren, Addison Iacano and Samantha Diehl.

Mary and her husband, Bo, lived all over the United Sates, and traveled extensively in Europe. Her favorite time was antiquing every Sunday with her daughter. The family was beginning to plan her 100th birthday celebration, which she was so looking forward to.

In accordance with Mary’s wishes, a private family service will be held.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009.

Online condolences my be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

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

Donald Alfred Zaffaroni (1943-2026)

Donald Alfred Zaffaroni, 83, of Chippewa Township, passed peacefully on April 27th, 2026, at Beaver Valley Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Beaver Falls.

A chapel service with military honors will be held on Thursday, April 30th at 1 P.M. at Williamsburg Chapel of Beaver Falls Cemetery & Mausoleum with entombment to follow.

The GABAUER-LITTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, is honored to provide care and guidance to the Zaffaroni family and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Patricia Ann (Fraser) Winkle (Passed on April 27th, 2026)

Patricia Ann (Fraser) Winkle, 82, of Industry, passed away on April 26th, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Rochester and was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a daughter of the late William and Mary Fraser and was also preceded in death by her son, William Winkle, her daughter, Mary Kay Winkle, her sister, Kay Yeager, and her brother, George Fraser. She is survived by her four children, Richard A. Winkle and his wife Cheryl, Tim Winkle and his wife, Valerie, Tom Winkle and his wife, Debbie, and Nikki Johnson and her husband, Phillip. She also leaves behind four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren who will carry forward her memory with love and gratitude.

Patricia was raised in Baden and attended Freedom Area Schools. She built her life with a strong sense of loyalty, resilience, and pride in her heritage. She was proud of her Scottish background, a part of her identity that she held close throughout her life. She worked in various places over the years, and in her later working years, she was employed as a cashier at the Monaca Walmart. Above all, she treasured her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. She found joy in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she embraced every opportunity to be part of their world. Her family brought her great happiness, and her love for them was evident in the care, encouragement, and affection she shared so freely.  She loved watching afternoon soap operas and NCIS, and she found enjoyment in the steady company of the characters and stories she followed.

Friends will be received on Saturday, May 2nd from 2- 4 p.m. and 6 -8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where services will be held on Sunday, May 3rd at 2 p.m. with Pastor Randy Owens, officiating. Interment will take place on Monday, May 4th at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

In lieu of flower, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired in her memory to the Beaver County Cancer and Heart Association, 3582 Brodhead Road, Suite #201, Monaca, PA. 15061 or Children’s Hospital, Pittsburgh or St Jude Children’s Hospital.

Debra Jean Speerhas (1957-2026)

Debra Jean Speerhas, 69, of Midland, passed away surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous battle with cancer on April 27th, 2026. She was born in Rochester on January 10th, 1957, a daughter of the late Nathan and Jo Emma Elkins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Ricky Elkins, Dale Elkins, and Darius Elkins and her sister, Brenda Elkins. She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 40 years, Terry Speerhas, her loving children: Debbie Banfield, Ted Tesimillies Jr. (Whitney), Nathan Ours (Jeannie), Misty Cujas (Adam) and Heather Genung (Sean), her stepchildren, Terry Lee Speerhas; Sharon Speerhas and Annette Gooch (Ron), numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were the light of her life, and her sisters, Jannette Dishler, Judy Coe and Ranell Bambery (mark)

Debra was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a true friend to many. She was a dedicated member of the Midland American Legion Auxiliary, where she found joy in serving her community and those around her. She had a deep love for music-one of the earliest memories her children carry is of her singing to them, filling their home with warmth and comfort. She especially loved karaoke and had a voice that could light up any room. Music wasn’t just something she enjoyed: it was something she shared, something that brought people together. Family meant everything to her. She shared an unbreakable bond with those she loved and cherished every moment spent making memories together. She was always there when someone needed her-offering strength, compassion, and unwavering support. She was also an animal lover, often rescuing those in need and giving them the same care and kindness she gave so freely to others. She was a woman of deep faith who believed in the power of prayer and in a love strong enough to move mountains. She fought her illness with incredible strength and courage, holding on for as long as she could. She was the best mom in the world to her children and her love will continue to live on in each of them, in every song, every memory, and every quiet moment where she is still felt.

Friends will be received on Friday, May 1st, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in Debra’s name to the Midland American Legion, 800 Midland Avenue, Midland PA 15059.

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

Robert Allen Lockhart (1954-2026)

Robert Allen Lockhart, 71, of Industry, passed away unexpectedly on April 26th, 2026.  He was born in Rochester on October 31st, 1954, a son of the late William Earl Lockhart Sr. and Virginia “Virgie” (Grim) Lockhart. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, William “Butch” Lockhart Jr. and a sister, Kathy Ann Hlista. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Karen Lockhart, his three children, Jason & Betty Lockhart of Weirton, West Virginia, Jenn & Brandon Checketts of Center Township and Jennifer Renae & Bill Nestor of Bridgeport, West Virginia, six grandchildren: Devon & Jacob Lockhart, Brandon & Jaxson Checketts and Madison & Morgan Walls; as well as two special nieces, Kelly Godshall and LuAnn Anthony and his dog, Mary Jane.

Robert was a former Security Supervisor for the Nuclear Power Plant in Shippingport. He was an active member of Planet Fitness and he loved a good cigar. He also loved to tell stories and whether they were true or not was the fun of it all.

In accordance with Robert’s wishes, all services are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Memorials may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Joseph Taylor “Joey” Sims (1961-2026)

Joseph Taylor “Joey” Sims, 64, passed away unexpectedly on April 25th, 2026.  He was born in Philadelphia on August 26th, 1961, a son of the late Rita (Namath) and Thomas Sims. He is survived by his siblings, Tom Sims, Kelli (Mike) Pingley, Dana (Larry) Simpson, Janet (Jeff) DeDominicis, and Greg (Chris) Sims; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Joseph enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved fishing, camping, building puzzles, and being outdoors making memories with family. He had a unique way with puzzles in which he would start to build them from the middle and work his way out, completing hundreds of them. He was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous, which meant so much to him, recently reaching 37 years of sobriety.  He spent time counseling others suffering from addiction and alcoholism at Gateway Rehabilation Center in Aliquippa. He was previously employed at Phoenix Glass in Monaca.

Friends will be received on Thursday, April 30th from 4-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 1st at 10 A.M. at St. Monica Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.  Fr. Kim J. Schreck will serve as celebrant.

Inurnment will be private in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joey’s name may be directed to Mount Carmel Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2720 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.