Category: Obituaries

Shirley Jean Strobel (1935-2025)

Shirley Jean Strobel, 90, of New Sewickley Township, formerly of Economy Borough, passed away on September 21st, 2025, in New Sewickley Township at her daughter’s home. She was born in Duff City, Pennsylvania on April 2nd, 1935, a daughter of the late Robert E. and Eliza M. Ford Wolff. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert N. Strobel, one grand daughter, Michelle Kelly, a great grand daughter, Cheryl Strobel, two brothers, Eugene R. and Harold G. Wolff, three sisters, Gladys Lias, Louis Beck and Eliza Janosik and a sister in law, Shirley Rose. She is survived by a daughter and son in law, Linda and Charles Kelly of New Sewickley Township, two sons and one daughter in law, Barney N. Strobel of Conway, Alan S. and Karen Strobel of Rockmart, Georgia, three grandsons and their spouses: Bronson and Jodi Strobel of New Sewickley Township, Shawn Kelly of New Sewickley Township, Nicholas and Lauren Strobel of Buchanan, Georgia; along with one grand daughter and her spouse, Alyssa and A.J. Streetman of Rock Mart, Georgia, five great grandsons: Travis Strobel of New Sewickley Township, Adam Strobel and his spouse, Brook of New Brighton, Gabe Kelly of New Sewickley Township, Wyatt Strobel and Gatlin Strobel, both of Rock Mart, Georgia; as well as her great grand daughters, Bristol, Piper, Finley and Wrenley Strobel and a great great grand daughter Ellie Strobel, New Sewickley Township, one brother, Robert Wolff of Economy Borough, three sisters, Willa Varner of Oregon, Joyce Phillips of Buckhanon, West Virginia, Beverly Grant and her spouse, Larry of Economy Borough and numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley was a retired production assistant with Mailing Services of Pittsburgh. She was also a member of the former St. Matthews Lutheran Church of Economy Borough. Friends will be received on Thursday, September 25th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a service will be held on Friday, September 26th at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Rehoboth Lutheran Cemetery, Conway Walrose Road, Economy. Family wishes memorial contributions be made to Advance Hospice Care, 100 Ryan Court, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15206.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley, please click here to visit the floral store of the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc.

Atty. Peter P. Simoni (1930-2025)

Atty. Peter P. Simoni, 94, of Aliquippa, passed away on September 21st, 2025, at Heritage Valley Sewickley. He was born on November 27th, 1930, the youngest child of the late Luigi and Valterina (Refice) Simoni. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Albert (Bea) Simoni, Maria Simoni, Tillie (Slim) Morelli, Relly Simoni, Anthony (Sarah) Simoni, Ann Simoni, Joseph (Liz) Simoni and Mario Simoni.
Precocious and bright, Peter would often tag along with his older brothers to the library, reading as many books as he could. In addition to crediting the support of his family, Pete attributed his early success to his Principal Elizabeth Skeehan and later to teacher Caroline Theil. One of “The ’49’er’s”, he excelled both in and out of the classroom, graduating second in his high school class. He also played on the football team and was Sports Editor of the Quip Script. In years to follow he was often the Master of Ceremonies at many of the 1949 reunions. Peter was a 1953 honors graduate of Duquesne University who was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and served his country in the United States Army. Stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, he coached the base football team to attain championship status. Returning to Aliquippa, Pete obtained his Juris Doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh in 1958. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1959 and  was elected to or asked to take part in many Pennsylvania Legislative and Democratic committees. He was proud to be a lifelong Democrat. In private practice, he would serve the community as Solicitor of the Aliquippa School Board, and as an Assistant District Attorney of Beaver County. He kept his Practice of Law for fifty years. His Italian heritage was center to his family life. He and his secretary, his sister, Ann, served many Italian families with legal matters in both Italy and the US. Honoring his roots and his Patrican parents, from his First Holy Communion to this year, Pete participated in eighty-three San Rocco Celebrations and processions. Along with other family members, he was a San Rocco statue carrier and later served as Parade Marshall. Growing up on Plan 7, all the Simoni children worked in the family store, “The League of Nations,” as he called it. Plan 7 instilled in him a great sense of community. Throughout the years, he belonged to many local clubs and community organizations and had the innate ability to bring people together. Peter always helped others, whether it was writing a school recommendation, finding someone a job, or providing legal assistance, he was always there. When neighbors threatened to put a stop to the San Rocco fireworks, Pete, then School Solicitor arranged for the fireworks to be set off from the football field. He was a devoted Aliquippa fan and lifelong sports enthusiast who announced High School games for WMBA. He was dear to the kids in the community as “Playground Pete”. He would play 5 on 5 with high school and college hoopsters with players from surrounding towns coming to Laughlin School for a game. He was not only a sports enthusiast because he loved history, good movies, Opera and the Broadway stage. His many trips to New York were among his fondest memories. From “Turandot” to “Barefoot in the Park”, he knew the actors, the performance and the theatre staging each production. His collection of movies is endless. Throughout the years, he remained engaged in current events and politics, relishing news from friends and associates, especially from longtime friend, Sharon Danovich Lupone and her husband, John. He remained interested in Quip basketball and football scores, and was kept informed of Beaver County’s news and events through Sharon’s faithful daily phone calls.
Friends and family will be received for a visitation on Wednesday, September 24th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of his arrangements and where departing prayers will begin on Thursday, September 25th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Titus Roman Catholic Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa, which is where he was both a lifetime member and served as an usher. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, immediately following the service.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Atty. Peter P. Simoni please click here to visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony MastroFrancesco Funeral Home, Inc.

Donna Marie (King) Semega (1948-2025)

Donna Marie (King) Semega, 77, formerly of Radcliff, Kentucky, passed away with her loving family by her side on September 21st, 2025. She was born on May 10th, 1948, a daughter of the late Walter and Elizabeth King. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving partner, Tim Cyrus and a brother, Butch King. She is survived by her devoted children: Lori (Ron) Mace, Denise Semega (John Flory), Nicole Freeman (Leonard Ishman) and L.J Semega (Erica Medin), ; as well as her six grandchildren: Bill Blonski (Sara Perciavalle), Rachel (Ryan) McKee, Tyler Freeman (Skylar Zavarella), Olivia (Nate) Hodges, Grace Semega and Madison Semega; along with five great-grandchildren: Alex and Caroline Blonski, Mia Zavarella, Kaylee and Hunter McKee. She is also survived by her two siblings and their spouses, Connie (Robert) McMichael and Michael (Lori) King and numerous nieces, nephews, and several dear friends. Donna had a deep love for reading and found joy in sewing, often creating items for those she cared about. She especially treasured spending time playing games with her family, making lasting memories with those she loved most. Donna was devoted to her grandchildren and was always present at their activities and sporting events, showing unwavering support and pride in all that they did. The family of Donna wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the E.R staff at Heritage Valley Beaver Hospital for the exceptional care provided to her.

Friends and family will be received for a visitation on Thursday, September 25th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Donna Marie (King) Semega please click here to visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc.

Mary Agnes VanDyke (1941-2025)

Mary Agnes VanDyke, 84, of Baden, passed away on September 22nd, 2025, at Rochester Manor and Villa. She was born in Sewickley on August 3rd, 1941, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Veronica Mutz Modrack. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Kenneth L. VanDyke, two sisters, Norma McClain and Margaret Barnes, two sisters-in-law, Clara (John) Amoroso and Olive (Elden) Channell. She is survived by her two children, Kenneth A. (Leslie) VanDyke and Valerie (John) Stablow, two brothers-in-law, Walt (Eileen) VanDyke and Bill McClain and four grandchildren: Nicholas VanDyke, Christian VanDyke, Emma VanDyke and Anthony Cvitkovic. Mary lived a vibrant life where she touched countless lives with her caring nature and dedication to service. She served as a crossing guard for Phillips Street School and a member of the Baden Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Her commitment to service did not stop there. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mary was also a familiar face to many from the little stores throughout Baden.  Friends will be received on Thursday, September 25th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 PM in the CORLESS-MATTER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, LLC, 1133 Church Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. A service will also be held on Friday, Septmber 26th at 11 A.M. at Christ Lutheran Church, 399 State Street, Baden. Online Condolences may be shared at www.corlessfuneralhomes.com. Interment will be private at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

Gina L. Sluder (1952-2025)

Gina L. Sluder, 73, of Richfield, Ohio, formerly of Dunnellon, Florida and New Sewickley Township, passed away in Ohio on September 19th, 2025. She was born in Rochester on April 9th, 1952, the daughter of the late Omar Glenn Shroyer and Dolores Steeb Shroyer Harding. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Sluder Sr. and two brothers, Jerry L. and Mark L. Shroyer. Gina is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Robert L. Sluder Jr., and his wife Sheryl, of Medina, OH, and one daughter and son-in-law, Janine L. Nist, and her husband Erin, of New Sewickley Township, as well as six grandchildren, Matthew, Ryan, and Benjamin Sluder, Medina, OH, and Ethan, Gavin, and Elizabeth Nist, New Sewickley Township. Gina was employed by Lumber Star and Building Materials Company in Evans City. She was formerly a Pharmacy Tech with the Medicine Shoppe of East Rochester. She had received an Associate’s Degree from Penn State in Computer Courses. Gina was a life member of the H.O.G. Harley Owners Group, with which she held various chapter offices such as Secretary for nine years and Webmaster for two years. Gina loved riding Harley Davidson Motorcycles and traveling. Gina’s wish was to have no viewing or service. Private interment will be in Burns Cemetery of New Sewickley Township. Arrangements have been entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. The family wishes for memorial contributions to be sent to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at, 28 W 44th St #609, New York, NY 10036.

Daniel “Dan” Meehan (1961-2025)

Daniel “Dan” Meehan, 63, of Hopewell Township, passed away unexpectedly on September 21st, 2025. He was born on December 13th, 1961, a son of the late Joseph and Marjorie Meehan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Joe Meehan and his brother-in-law, Ray Yurkowski.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa (Vallese) Meehan and their three children, Daniel (Loren) Meehan, Derek Meehan and Kara (Nick) Meehan, his siblings, Monica Yurkowski, Mary Saussol and Pete (Cindy) Meehan. He is also survived by his nephew, Ian (Lesa) Parker and their children, Clifton, Weston, and Leyton.
In accordance with Daniel’s request, there will be no services at this time.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Charlotte C. Dunn (1934-2025)

Charlotte C. Dunn, 90, of Industry, passed away on September 19th, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on November 17th, 1934, a daughter of the late Leroy, Sr. and Jane Patton Dunn. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Willis “Sonny” Dunn, her grandson, Randy L. Dunn, Jr., her sister, Emma Jane Mosura and a daughter in law, Dolores Dunn. She is survived by her 2 sons, Randy (Monica) Dunn of Aliquippa and Thomas S. Dunn, with whom she resided, three daughters, Bambi (Jack) Pearson of Tennessee, Catherine Parker of New Brighton and Laura (Tim) Kay of Ambridge, a brother, Leroy (Susan) Dunn Jr. of Wyoming, 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren. Charlotte had been a resident of Industry all of her life and had worked as a caretaker at McGuire Memorial Homes in New Brighton for ten years.
In accordance with her wishes, all of her arrangements are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland.
Memorial contributions may be made if desired in Charlotte’s name to the McGuire Memorial Home, 2119 Mercer Rd, New Brighton, PA 15066.

David W. Cleaver (1938-2025)

David W. Cleaver, 87, of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully on September 19th, 2025, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa. He was born in Pittsburgh on January 15th, 1938, a son of the late Charles and Jane (Myers) Cleaver. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his first wife, Clorinda Cleaver, his second wife, Felicia (Gizzi) Cleaver and his brother, James Cleaver. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Darlene (David) Coates, his granddaughter, Chelsea (Gregory) Powell, his great-grandchildren, Emma and Gavin, his brother, Donald Cleaver, his sister, Linda Hartley and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

David earned his master’s degree in engineering from Carnegie Tech and began his career at Babcock & Wilcox Company, where he worked first in the hot finish and later as a strategic planner. After his tenure at B&W, he joined Metropolitan Life, focusing on short and long-term financial planning. He was an active member of both Chippewa United Methodist Church and the Beaver Falls Rotary Club.

David’s love for music began at an early age. He played several instruments, including the piano, and had a deep appreciation for classical music. He enjoyed attending the Pittsburgh Symphony multiple times each year and sang with the Mendelssohn Choir as well as various church choirs in the area over the years.

In his retirement, David found joy in traveling with his second wife, Felicia. They cherished exploring the United States and often organized trips with their extended family. Among their favorite adventures were an extended cruise around South America, several trips to Europe and a once-in-a-lifetime journey to China.

Friends will be received on Thursday, September 25th, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements and where a funeral service will be held, in the funeral home chapel on Friday, September 26th, at 10 A.M. Interment will be private in Beaver Falls Cemetery, 2045 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Celebration Villa in Chippewa and Monarch Hospice for the care they provided. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to City Rescue Mission, 319 S Croton Avenue, New Castle, PA, 16101.

Julia R. Swink (Passed on September 18th, 2025)

Julia R. Swink, 92, a longtime Monaca resident, passed away on September 18th, 2025 at the Otterbein Marblehead Senior Center in Marblehead, Ohio.

She was born in Monaca, the youngest of five children. Her parents were Michael and Ernestina Baltic. Her siblings included two brothers and two sisters: the late George and Joseph Baltic and the late Helen Fleischer and Amelia Hutchison.

Julia married Calvin Swink at the First Presbyterian Church of Monaca on November 13th, 1954. They were the parents of two daughters, Patricia (Dr. Frank) Lomagistro of Tallahassee, Fla and Cynthia (Lee) Walker of Marblehead, Ohio. She was the cherished grandmother of Chad Ratkovich (Averi) of Canton, Ohio, Stephanie Ratkovich Moreno (Steve) of Pooler, Ga., Collin Lomagistro (Heather) of Loxahatchee, Fla. and the late Scott Lomagistro and seven great grandchildren.

Julia graduated fourth in her class from Monaca High School in 1951. She was co-editor of the yearbook, the Acanom and much of the artwork of the yearbook and the doors entering the school illustrated her artistic talent.

Following graduation from high school, Julia attended Temple University School of Nursing and graduated in 1954.Coming back to Monaca, she was hired at Rochester General Hospital and worked in the labor and delivery departments. This was an adjustment at Rochester because of the small size compared to the extreme size of Temple University Hospital. While at Rochester Hospital working full time and raising a family, she attended Penn State University at the Beaver Campus in Monaca. She then graduated in 1972 with a B.S. Degree in Nursing. In 1976, she received a M.S. degree in Nursing Education and Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.

With the construction of the Medical Center of Beaver County, Julia moved up the ladder at the new hospital to become Head Nurse, Supervisor, Assistant Director, Director and Associate Vice-President of Nursing covering 491 beds plus the Critical Care Unit. These new responsibilities required her to visit other hospitals throughout the country and to be able to provide the planning committee of the new hospital with information to ensure that the facilities of the new hospital would be state of art.

Julia was a devout member of the First Presbyterian Church of Monaca where she had served as a deacon for a number of years. She was inducted into the Monaca Hall of Fame, was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Naomi Chapter for over 50 years, served on the Board of Directors of the Beaver County Cancer and Heart Association and the Advisory Committee for the Nursing Forum for Nursing Executives. She had also planned and coordinated programs, taught budget planning and orientation classes for the staff and spoke at the National Seminar in Dallas, Texas. for Emergency Department Nurses. In addition to all these things, Julia volunteered at the Villa St. Joseph, reading articles, short stories or poetry to the residents.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory, if desired to the First Presbyterian Church of Monaca, 1301 Indiana Avenue, Monaca, PA, 15061.

Private services will be held at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum, 273 PA-68, Rochester. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Julia, please click here to visit the floral store of Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services.

Frank B. Yankello (1936-2025)

Frank B. Yankello, 88, of Moon Township, passed away on September 19th, 2025 in his home with his family present. He was born in Ambridge on December 18th, 1936, a son of the late Peter & Mary (Napoleon) Yankello. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Peter Anthony (Tony) Yankello. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Donna J. (Muha) Yankello, five children: Frank M. Yankello (Nancy) of Ohio, Tom P. Yankello (Lee) of Center Township, Joe J. Yankello (Hilarie), Ohio, Paul A. Yankello (Annette) of Center Township, Nicole James (Thomas) of Moon Township, fourteen grandchildren: Christopher Yankello, Jennifer Zitterich, Matthew Yankello, Maiah Yankello, Michaela Yankello, Olivia Yankello, Zachary Yankello, Joshua Yankello, Amanda Yankello, Michael Yankello, Andrew Yankello, Luke James, Elizabeth James, and Jakob James; as well as two great grandchildren, Jameson Zitterich and Anneliese Yankello, three siblings: Josephine Toia, Michael Yankello and Thomas Yankello.

Frank graduated from Saint Veronica’s, class of ‘54 in Ambridge, PA, and he attended the Pittsburgh Technical Institute for electronics. Frank also served in the Navy Reserves for eight years. Frank and his brother, Michael, owned and operated Yankello’s Radio and Television, a long-time staple of Sewickley. He and his brother were both named 2017 Sewickley Citizens of the Year for their contributions to the community. Additionally, he served a term as President of the Sewickley Board of Trade. Frank also had a big love of music and during his 20’s, sang in a quartet as a member of The Four Steps, who won Aliquippa best group of the year. Frank will be remembered for his hard work, kindness, selflessness and always wanting to serve others. Frank will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and other who knew him.

Friends will be received on Monday, September 22nd from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Moon Township, who was in cahrge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd at 10 A.M. in St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 1 Parish Place, Coraopolis. Everyone is asked to meet at the church. Committal and entombment will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 100 Resurrection Road.