Category: Obituaries

Aimee Jo Ward (August 15, 1983 ~ May 5, 2024)

Aimee Jo Ward, 40, of Daugherty Twp., McGuire Memorial, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2024.

Born August 15, 1983, in Cumberland, MD, she is the daughter of Joe Ward and Renee (Letterle) Baldwin.  A cherished individual whose life was a celebration of joy, love, and laughter.  She embraced each day with a radiant smile and a heart full of warmth, spreading happiness wherever she went.  Aimee’s mischievous spirit added a unique charm to every moment shared with others.

In addition to her parents, Aimee is survived by a brother, Lucas Ward, VA., two sisters, Jennifer Ward, WV., Meghan Minnick, MD; two uncles, John (Sandra) Letterle, N.C., James (Sandy) Letterle, IL; an aunt, Robin Gelfius, IL; her McGuire Memorial family and a dear friend, Marsha Estemeyer.

Friends will be received Tuesday, May 14, 2024 from Noon until 1:45 p.m. in McGuire Memorial, 2119 Mercer Road, New Brighton.  A celebration of life service will follow at McGuire Memorial at 2 p.m.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Aimee Jo Ward, please visit our floral store.

Paul Leslie Hoback Sr. April 15, 1945 – May 7, 2024

Paul Leslie Hoback Sr., 79, of Brighton Twp., passed away on May 7, 2024, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on April 15, 1945, in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late Joseph and Betty Parks Hoback. Paul was a faithful and longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, Beaver, where he served as an Elder, and a Deacon, founded the Carpenters Chore, and was the CBS Core Leader. He went to Butler High School, in Louisville, Kentucky, and went on to attend and graduate from the University of Kentucky with an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. He was a proud United States Air Force Veteran, having served in the Vietnam War as an Intercept Operator. Paul worked for St. Joe and Zinc Corporation as the Assistant Superintendent of the Power Plant for 32 years, and then continued his career at AES Beaver Valley as a Power Engineer and Vice President for 12 years until his retirement. Paul was a board member for The Salvation Army, was a member of numerous golf leagues, and coached his children in baseball, football, basketball, and soccer. Paul will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, a patriot that served his country and the community, and an incredible human being that loved to whistle and make people laugh and smile. The world is a better place because of Paul’s 79 years of spreading joy and laughter.
Paul will be sadly missed by his wife of 53 years, Sue Charron Hoback; his daughter, Angela (Dave) Hoffman, of St. Petersburg, Florida; his son Paul (Amy) Hoback Jr., of Beaver; and his grandchildren, Matthew Hoffman, Cannon Hoback, and Ryan Hoffman.
Friends will be received on Monday May 13, 2024, from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA, 15009. A Funeral Service will be conducted on Tuesday May 14, 2024 at 11am at First Presbyterian Church, 252 College Avenue, Beaver, PA 15009. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Private Interment to take place at Beaver Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in Paul’s name to The Salvation Army, www.salvationarmyusa.org.
Paul’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the amazing staff at Celebration Villa of Chippewa, for their love and compassionate care given to Paul during his stay there, as well as the nurses at Gateway Hospice, especially Judy “Sunshine”.

 

Thomas G. Thompson Jr. December 29, 1944 – May 5, 2024

Thomas G. Thompson, Jr, fell asleep in death on May 5, 2024 at the age of
79. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend for many
years. He was the eldest of three sons born to Thomas G Sr and Vera
Thompson on December 29, 1944 in New Brighton, PA.
Thomas was a long time, devoted Jehovah’s Witness and instrumental in
assisting others dedicate their lives to serve their God, Jehovah. In addition,
He was clearly the epitome of hard work as he worked many years and retired
from First Energy. His work ethic was unmatched, not only in his ministry and
his secular work, but also as a loving provider for his family. When he did get
a few moments to enjoy himself, he loved watching sports. He had a great
sense of humor and had nicknames for all family members and it was truly
refreshing to be in his presence.
He married his beloved wife on August 5, 1967, Ida Thompson, and they
shared the blessing of six wonderful children. Left to cherish his memory
forever are his wife, their children, Terrance Thompson, Craig Thompson,
Arlon Thompson (Donesha), Darryn (Cassandra) Thompson, Tamara Gillette,
and Joy-Salyn (Vincent) Tooks. His 13 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 2
brothers, Ronald (Diana) Thompson, and Myron Thompson. He is also
survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in the ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC. 2026 McMinn Street Aliquippa PA 15001 724-375-0496. Private Interment to take place at Woodlawn Cemetery.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Thomas G. Thompson Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.

Betty A. Scheeler August 28, 1949 ~ May 7, 2024

Betty A. Scheeler, 74, of Aliquippa, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Norman and Ruth Kyle.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, John Scheeler, and brothers, Kenneth and Robert Kyle. She is survived by her daughter, Denise Scheeler, sisters, Joyce Gallagher, Lisa Brown, grandchildren, Amanda (Jordan) Salazar, Robert Scheeler, Steven Johnson, great grandchildren, Cassidie, Deztyni, Noah, Santana, Nori, and numerous nieces and nephews. Betty was an avid baker and crafter. She absolutely adored her family and will be missed by all that loved and knew her.  Friends will be received on Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 3:00 PM until time of funeral service at 7:00 PM in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC., 547 8th Street, Ambridge, 724-266-2549.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made in care of the funeral home.

Barbara Ann (Erb) Hartman (November 29, 1958 ~ May 5, 2024)

Barbara Hartman, 65, of New Brighton passed away Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Heritage Valley, Beaver, following a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family.

Born November 29, 1958, in New Kensington she was a daughter of the late, David and Betty Lou Erb.  Barbara was a retired caregiver.  She enjoyed to play pool, travel and shop for antiques.  She had a gift of caring for others.  She loved to spend time with her family and friends.

Barbara is survived by her children, Curt Hartman, Kayley (Dustin) Smith, and Randee Hartman, granddaughter, Brianna Cujas, sisters, Debra Erb, Pam (Mark) Reiger, and Jill Gercken, brothers, Kenny (Donna) Erb, Brian (Cathy) Erb, and David Erb, nieces, Julie Erb and Lisa Rex, dear friend, Cathy Ward, and many other family and friends.

Per Barbara’s wishes there will be no services at this time.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in her name to the PKD Foundation, at PKDCure.org.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Ann (Erb) Hartman, please visit our floral store.

George Edward Richards III (January 8, 1956- May 6, 2024)

George Edward Richards III, 68, of Patterson Twp., formerly of Ohioville, passed away at home on May 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on January 8, 1956, in Mt. Lebanon, PA, he was the son of the late George Edwards II and Dorothy Richards. George had owned and operated his family business, Beaver Concrete, for his entire life. He was an avid golfer and bowler, enjoyed riding his Harley, and especially liked to travel, specifically to the Bahamas, and Las Vegas. George “bled black and gold’, having had great pride in all the Pittsburgh’s sports teams. He also was a member of the Rochester Elks, multiple golf leagues, and the local Rochester bowling league. But most importantly, George loved spending time with his family, especially his four grandchildren.
Along with his parents, George is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Richards; sister, Karen Gow; and his nephew, Aaron Gow.
George will be sadly missed by his children, April Richards, of Ohioville, Allissa (Patrick) Liberatore, of Patterson Twp., and George Edwards Richards IV, of Calcutta, OH; sisters, Judy Madgar, Janet (Bill) Keatts, and Sheryl (Rick) Richards-Seemiller; four grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Friends will be received on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 3pm until the time of Blessing Service at 7pm in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 600 Beaver Avenue, Midland, PA 15059. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

 

Robert “Bob” Dietz (July 22, 1944 – May 03, 2024)

Robert D. “Bob” Dietz, 79, of Daugherty Twp passed away Friday May 3, 2024, in his residence.

Born July 22,1944 in Rochester, Pa, he was the son of the late Joseph F. and Mabel A. (Seaburn) Dietz. Bob was a graduate of New Brighton High School Class of 62.

Upon graduation he went to work for the Pittsburgh Tube Co. working in the water treatment facility, retiring in 1996 after 32 years of service.

He proudly served his community in various positions including coaching stints with the NB Little Lions football program and NB Bantam Basketball. Bob was the scorekeeper for the NB Men’s Varsity Basketball team during the glory years of the ‘90s. He was a former firefighter with the Daugherty Twp VFD and a frequent volunteer at Grove Cemetery.

A member and trustee of the New Brighton Eagles for over 30 years, he was the driving force behind the infamous “Kitchen Crew” that served countless banquets, weddings, graduations, and community events such as team feeds for the youth and high school sports teams. Those steaks, eagle beans and buffets were world famous!

Bob was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and had a passion for the game of softball where he held the titles of Beaver County Men’s Commissioner and ASA District 9 Deputy Commissioner working alongside the great Guy DeMaio. They helped transform what tournament softball is all about here in our region. He played on various local teams including Babe’s Bar, The Hideout, Joey’s, NB Eagles, JJ’s Lounge, Suburban Lounge, Scoreboard Lounge and Corbin’s to name a few. His Blatz teams in the ‘70s and ‘80s were a dynasty loaded with local talent. His teams set the standard for the way the game was to be played and resulted in multiple championships and a runner up finish in the ASA Class A open division. He was also a player/coach for the Pittsburgh Hardhats, who played in the American Professional Slow Pitch League. Bob is by far the winningest coach in Beaver County Men’s Softball history.

His favorite hobbies were tending to his pool (which included an ever-standing open door policy), riding his John Deere tractor, listening to Pink Floyd, attending his grandkids sporting events, vacationing on Hilton Head Island and fondueing with the family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Judith Anderson and Louise Hartsuff. Brothers William Hartsuff, Hiram Hartsuff, William Dietz, Roger Dietz, Joseph Dietz. Uncles Paul, Mike Dietz and his parents-in-law E. Benton and Helen Early

Bob is survived by his loving wife Sandra (Early) Dietz, with whom he would have shared a 60th wedding anniversary on October 3, 2024. His children Rob (Sue) Dietz of New Brighton, PA, Tracy (Matt) Peterson of East Palestine, OH, and Mike (Beth) Dietz of Portersville, PA.

11 Grandchildren Matt (Tiaira) Dietz, Chelsea (Puff) Razo, Drew (Lindsey) Dietz, Lindsey (Ethan) Brown, Ashley Peterson, Zach (Marissa) Peterson, Meghan, Briana, Rachel, Abigail and Ryan Dietz.

8 Great Grandchildren Gianni Dietz, Twins Ava & Aza, Auni and Ledger Razo, Skylar and Hadley Peterson, Bryson Brown

He is also survived by his twin brother and partner in crime Paul D. Dietz. Sisters-in-law Sue Hansen, Toni (Don) Tustin, Terri McNaughton and Colleen (Ron) Fabritius, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Per Bob’s wishes there will be no visitation. Interment will be private. The family would like to extend an invitation to attend a celebration of his life on Sunday July 21, 2024, from 2-6pm at the Oak Hill Vets Association located at 1 Laurel Ave New Brighton, PA 15066

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to Grove Cemetery 1750 Valley Ave PO Box 46 New Brighton, PA 15066. Online condolences may be shared at Gabauerfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

In closing… Bob was our hero. He instilled the values that remain with us today. How to be kind, compassionate and caring towards people. To respect the things that you have and always offer help to others. His door was always open, and he would share countless stories and advice about life in general. He was the kindest man we knew. Rest easy dear Father. We Love You!

The GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Penn Ave., New Brighton, was honored to provide care and guidance to Bob’s family during this difficult time.

 

 

Bennie W. Riley (December 9, 1960 ~ May 3, 2024)

Bennie W. Riley, 63, of Ambridge passed away at home on May 3, 2024. He was the youngest son of Perline Knox and the late Henry C. Riley. He was preceded in death by a brother, David Hardman, paternal grandmother, Momma Riley. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 15 years, Tracey L. Riley, oldest son, William Anderson and fiancé, Amber Sabella, siblings, Mike (Jeanette) Riley, grandchildren Kiara Marie Anderson, Sophia Ellen Anderson, nieces, Macy Riley, Stephanie Hardman, Maria Hardman-Lanier, nephews, Kyle Riley, Matt Cawthon, Ben Cawthon, Darren Hardman, Cameron Hardman, Cody Hardman, Dalton Hardman, DJ Hardman, and numerous great nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 4-6 PM in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC., 547 8th Street, Ambridge, 724-266-2549.

Michael Guy Schmidt (1951-2024)

Michael Guy Schmidt, 72, of Baden, passed away on May 4, 2024, at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center.

Born on November 21, 1951 in Pittsburgh, he was a son of the late Howard and Dorothy (McChesney) Schmidt. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen (Butt) Schmidt, children, Kristen (Jeff) Ninehouser, Bryan Mazzetti, Timothy Mazzetti, and Daniel (Christine) Mazzetti, grandchildren, Dominic, Brooklynn, Bentley, Christopher, Emily, Shawn, Logan, Olivia, Allison, Luca and Lena, sister, Dorsey Faix, and brothers, Peter and Mark Schmidt, along with several nieces and nephews. Michael was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp, having served in Vietnam.  He was retired from the former Penn Pavilion and was a member of the American Legion Post 641.  He loved trains and living life to the fullest.  More than anything else, he loved his family, especially his beloved grandchildren.

Friends will be welcomed Wednesday May 8, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, and Thursday May 9, 2024 from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Disabled American Veterans at https://help.dav.org/donate.

John Arthur Karas (1929-2024)

John Arthur Karas, 95, of Brighton Township passed away on May 3, 2024.

Born on March 29, 1929 in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, John was the son of Anna (Novak) Karas and John F. Karas and brother of Delores A. Karas (Mulvaney) and Francis S. Karas.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife Norma, and by his brother Frank.

John is survived by his son, Jay W. Brandenberger and his wife, Mary Fran (Heberlein) of South Bend, Indiana, two granddaughters, Ellen C. Brandenberger of Brooklyn, New York and Rachel E. Brandenberger (John Garry), also of Brooklyn, along with many nephews and nieces, including Debbie (Gilkey) Jones who was a rock of support for him in his later years.

After graduating from Stowe High School in 1947, John served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. Afterward discharge in 1953, he wasted no time, earning a degree in business from the University of Pittsburgh in three years while working full time.

A position at Westinghouse Electric in Vanport drew him to Beaver Valley, where he met the love of his life Norma Gilkey Karas of Beaver Falls. There were married for 48 years, living in Brighton Township where John, an avid gardener, brought life to their acre of land. Norma and John were a great team, complementing each other’s strengths and passions.

John served over 25 years in various supervisory capacities at Westinghouse before retiring in 1987. He was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Beaver, served on the Brighton Township planning commission, and lent a hand to many. He loved the outdoors, shared vegetables and fruit he grew with countless neighbors, and kept his house of 55 years in great order. He was a good—though not always patient—Pittsburgh sports fan, played cards shrewdly, and enjoyed golf, fishing, and hunting. Perhaps more than anything, he was known for his keen, sharp mind which was active until his final days. He smiled most around his granddaughters Ellen and Rachel who he liked to spoil (early) and learn from (later).

Friends will be received on Wednesday, May 8th from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. at Noll Funeral Home, 333 Third St., Beaver. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on May 8th 2024 at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver. A private Interment will take place at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park of Rochester. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s name may be made to Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009, to Saint Barnabas Hospice Care (https://stbarnabashealthsystem.com/charities/donate-now/), or to a charity of your choice.