Donna Wade, 83, of New Brighton, passed away on January 2nd, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born on September 7th, 1942, a daughter of the late Louis and Marguerite (Poulain) Krachinsky. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Glenn Wade, her sister, Lucille Conner and her grand-daughter, Jenna Magestro. She is survived by her children, Glenn Wade, Lisa (Eric) Tesch and Terry (Mike) Veon, her sister, Darla Brewer, her grandchildren: David Magestro, Mark (Alex) Magestro, Tim (Alyssa) Caplinger and Jason Caplinger; as well as her great-grandchildren, Aryanna and Harper Magestro and her nephew, Robert Conner.

Donna was a woman whose life was defined by creativity, generosity, and connection. She loved spending time playing cards with friends, crocheting, and decorating, with a special passion for creating beautiful flower arrangements. She was a natural thoughtful gift giver who found joy in making others feel loved and appreciated. Her warmth and giving spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her, and she will be remembered for the joy she brought into everyday moments.

Friends and family will be received on Thursday, January 8th from 4-6 P.M. and on Friday, January 9th, from 10 A.M. until the time of the blessing service at 11 A.M. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements.

A private burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, First Street, New Brighton.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donna Wade, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Dr. Joseph T. Makarewicz, PhD, OFS, 88, passed away on January 4th, 2026 at AHN Wexford Hospital. He was born in Philadelphia on March 6th, 1937, the son of the late Mary (Wozny) and Joseph S. Makarewicz. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bonnie L. (Tharp) Makarewicz, OFS, their cat, Queen Pixie, Beth Tharp, his sister-in-law of Cranberry Township, Dan and Mary Pattison of Bentleyville, Grace Horne, Linda Hartley of Washington, Aunt Florence Pasztalaniec of Philadelphia and his cousins, Diane Homewood and Monica Davey, all who were very helpful during his illness. He got really sick on Christmas Eve and passed away on the Feast of the Epiphany. He attended St. Adalberts Elementary Catholic School and North East Catholic High School. He then attended LaSalle University where he majored in History, Political Science and Philosophy, and was a member of Phi Alpha Theta. He obtained a scholarship to Marquette University and earned a Master’s Degree. He then received a Teaching Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh, and earned his PhD (Doctorate in History). He authored a book to get his PhD, titled “The Impact of World War I on Pennsylvania Politics”. He taught at East Stroudsburg State University, Penn State Beaver Campus, and the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a Professor of History and Director of the Pennsylvania Ethnic Heritage Studies Center and Associate Director of the University Center for International Studies. At UCIS, he was responsible for Multi-Cultural Programs and also worked with the foreign visitors who came to UCIS. This was perhaps his greatest joy. While at Pitt, he served as Vice President of the Polish Room and was on Nationality Room Scholarship Committee. He has attended the University of Minnesota Post-Doctorate program, the University of Chicago Newberry Library Research Fellowship and the University of Wisconsin Summer Institute. He met his wife, Bonnie at the University of Pittsburgh during the Summer Fellowship where she worked in the Pitt Library.  She immediately caught his eye because she wore a yellow dress and she could type and he later found out that she could cook! They were married on August 7th, 1965 at St. Titus Catholic Church in Aliquippa, and they celebrated 60 years of marriage in August. He was a member of the Heinz History Center and local historical societies, especially the Anthony Wayne Historical Society. He wrote book reviews for the History Center and the Catholic Historical Society. He was co-editor of “Milestones’, the local historical newsletter. Joe belonged to the BCHRLF (Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation) serving as Past President. He was a member of Good Samaritan Catholic Church in Ambridge of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish (former Our Lady of Peace Church, Conway, and Saint John the Baptist Church, Baden) where he served on the Parish Council, was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, member of the Holy Name Society, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and taught RCIA and CCD classes for many years. He and Frank Thomas were the first Eucharistic Ministers chosen to serve St. John the Baptist Church. He was a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph Auxiliary and a Consultant for the Diocese of Pittsburgh in the early 1990’s when many churches were merged. He joined the Alverno Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in 1989, and served as Minister and Formation Director. He was a member of the Serra Club of Pittsburgh and served as President and Board member. He was also a member of the Big Knob Grange, and assisted with the Fairs and dinners. He was a member of the Friends of the Baden Memorial Library, and worked on their Annual Wine and Cheese Event, as recently as 2025. At the request of Sr. Carolyn Wiethorn, he has volunteered at Concordia at Villa St Joseph in Baden (former Villa St. Joseph) since 2000, serving as Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and conducted a monthly program called “News and Views” for the residents.  For several years, he and Bonnie served on the Annual Fund Raising Committee, “Young at Heart” and they chaired the dinner event in 2014.  They were honored to be selected for the “Partner in Caring Award” in 2016. He was a paper boy for the “Philadelphia Bulletin” in high school, and he won a contest to attend President Dwight Eisenhower’s inauguration in 1953. His hobbies included gardening, stamp collecting, reading, photography, golfing and cooking on the grill. He was appointed Chief Food Tester by Rose Curcio, when he assisted with a picnic on retreat for Confirmation students. As a result, he continued to cook on the grill. Two weeks ago, he assisted Bonnie by frying the Chrusciki Polish cookies, and making the Pizzelles for the Christmas holidays. He loved the Easter and Christmas holidays! Joe and Bonnie have traveled extensively abroad and in the United States.  They especially enjoyed spending recent summers at Lake Chautauqua. He misses his German Shepherd, Cleo and his cats, Tiger and Mia.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Good Samaritan Church, St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge, PA 15003.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, January 7th from 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. at the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where the Secular Franciscans will also have a wake service at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. A prayer service will also be held at that funeral home on Thursday, January 8th at 10 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Freedom.

He lived life to the fullest until the very end, volunteering his time and service to the end. A thank you goes out to all who cared for Joseph recently, especially Dr. James Meditch and staff, the staff at AHN Wexford, Concordia at Villa St Joseph, the Sisters of St Joseph, and Three Oaks Hospice.  Very thankful for the prayers and support of Fr. Joe, Fr. Chris, Deacon Tony, Sr. Carolyn, Sr. Bernadette, Rachelle, Jan, David, Joyce, Tim, Donna, Shaunette, Jackie, Christian Mothers & Ladies Guild, and our Secular Franciscan brothers and sisters.

Nick Charles Veitz, Sr., 77, of New Brighton, passed away on January 2nd, 2026 while surrounded by his loved ones. He was born and raised in Beaver Falls and attended Saint Mary’s School and then graduated from Beaver Falls high School. He was born on July 10th, 1948, a son of the late Nicholas Frank Veitz/Vizza and Anna Angeline (Houp) Veitz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Vicky Channells, his grandfather, Frank Vizza, his grandmother, Maryanne Serriani Vizza, his grandfather, Charles Houp, his grandmother Rhoda Coy Houp, his dear son, Richard Veitz, his younger sister, Carol (Veitz) Schenker, his sister-in-law, Bonnie (Jones) Veitz, his great niece, Skyler Evans and his close longtime friend, Harry “Corky” Ferrell. He is survived by his sons: Ross Veitz (Julie Veitz) of New Brighton, Nick Charles Jr., of New Brighton, Timothy Veitz of Beaver Falls, Christopher Veitz (Lindy Veitz) of East Palestine Ohio and Bradley Veitz of Beaver Falls; as well as his brother, Martin Veitz of Koppel, his sister, Barbara Smith (Tony Yannachione) of Midland, his nieces: April of Beaver Falls, Brandy Veitz (Jack Kline and Kylee Kline) of New Brighton, Heather Johnson of Beaver Falls and Stacy Smith (Melissa Gallant) Oklahoma, his nephews, Marty Veitz (Ashley Veitz) of Elwood City and Eddie Smith of Fallston, his grandchildren: Logan Veitz, Chloe Fraser, Lillian Veitz, Tanner Veitz, Landon Veitz, Brody Veitz, Lauren Veitz and Lyndsey Veitz, his great nephews, Michael Smith of Rochester, Gaige Smith (Laura Smith) New Brighton, Bryce Evans of Beaver Falls, his great nieces, Taytum Evans of Beaver Falls and Hayley Evans of Beaver Falls, his cousins: Joann Reeder of East Palestine, Phyllis Zaffaroni of Beaver Falls, Rosemary Ferguson of Enon Valley, Terry Funari of Koppel, Dom Vizza of Cheswick; along with many others.

Nick proudly served for the United States Army during the Vietnam War, he was also an active member of the reserves during the 90’s. He married the love of his life Vicky Channells in 1971 and soon after moved to New Brighton to raise their sons. Sadly, Vicky passed away June 12th,1980. Over the years the family grew to six sons. As a father and provider, he worked at and retired from Ryerson metals in Ambridge. Those who knew him knew his love of God, family, country and his Italian heritage. Anytime he would cross paths with another veteran he was so excited to tell them he served and ask them about their service. When he thought someone was also of Italian heritage, he would tell them about our family and that we came from Calabria, and chat with them about their family. He enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, hunting and old cars. He wasn’t a man of many words, but you always knew his opinion, and you always knew he cared about you.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a visitation on Friday, January 9th from 4-8 P.M. and on Saturday, January 10th, from 10 A.M. until the time of a service at 11 A.M. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements. Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery, 139 Norwood Drive, Beaver Falls, where the VVA Chapter 862, will provide military honors for Nick  on Saturday, January 10th, at 12 noon. After the interment, everyone is welcome to attend a wake at the New Brighton American Legion, Post #19, 415 13th Street, New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the VVA Chapter 862, PO Box 26, Rochester, PA 15074, where he was a long tenured member.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Nick C. Veitz, Sr., please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Robert (Bob) William Melvin, 91, of Darlington, passed away peacefully at his home on January 3rd, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Beaver Falls on April 28th, 1934, a son of the late Robert and Ruth (Gulligham) Melvin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Jeannie Ham, his brothers, Sonny, Tommy and Richie Melvin, his sister, Darlene Summerville, his in-laws, David and Lenora Welsh, his nephew, Chad Melvin and his godson, Adam Rohrmann. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Bonnie (Welsh) Melvin of Darlington, his younger brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Sue Melvin, his children: Pam and Steve Donahue, Marci and Chuck McKeel, Russell and Faye Melvin; as well as his daughter-in-law, Melody Carney and his sisters-in-law, Marion Gulett and Sandy Epling. He was a proud grandfather to: Russell and Marge Duran, Tyler and Maddie Donahue, Maddison and Randall Ashby, Jordyn (Jack) McKeel (Jack), Hunter (Zoe) McKeel, Stephanie and Brian Bonomo, and Robbie and Grace Coats. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Kaiden, Everleigh, Jack (“Squish”), Levi, Talia, Sophia, Eli and Maribelle.

Robert was a graduate from Beaver Falls High School. He retired from the Beaver Falls Post Office and also owned and operated his own roofing business. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was a talented craftsman who had a remarkable gift for designing and creating stained glass pieces. He had an unconditional love for his family and especially cherished gathering together for Sunday dinners, a beloved family tradition. He was also a fifth-degree black belt in karate. He was also a Mason who was well known for his quick wit, warm heart, and wonderful sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family, all of whom were touched by his kindness, humor, and unwavering love for family.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 7th, beginning after full military honors at 11 A.M. followed by a service followed by his Entombment at 12 noon will at Beaver Falls Mausoleum in Chippewa Township on Darlington Road.

Contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to Three Oaks Hospice Care, 300 S. Walnut Lane, Beaver, PA 15009. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Laura Feezle for her extraordinary care and kindness.

Nancy L. Drogus, 91, passed away on January 2nd, 2026, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa. She was born in New Brighton on April 1st, 1934, a daughter of the late Laurie and Florence (Boettner) Merriman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Robert S. Drogus, an infant, Richard Drogus, a daughter, Gaye E. Barber and an infant brother, Laurie Merriman and her granddaughter, Heather Davis. She is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Robert Drogus, a sister, Norma Jean Hermick, grandchildren: Karolyn (Lee) Leavalle, Andrea (David) Werner, Hilary Bender, Haley Drogus, Robert “Trey” (Presley); as well as her great grandchildren: Lee and Jevoughn Leavalle, Avalon (Kevin) Criswell and Bradyn (Angelina) McCall, Ellie and Owen Bender, Gwen Drogus and her daughter-in-law, Laurie Ann Drogus.

Nancy proudly served for 14 years in food service at Blackhawk High School, where she was known for her dedication and kindness to students and staff alike. She spent much of her career as a medical assistant, serving patients throughout Beaver County with compassion and professionalism. She also spent 11 years as a school bus driver which she found to be very enlightening. Beyond her professional life, she had a deep passion for genealogy. She devoted countless hours to researching her family history, preserving stories and connections for future generations. This work was a true labor of love and a reflection of her appreciation for family and heritage. She was a faithful member of the New Brighton Methodist Church, where she found fellowship, faith, and community. Her quiet strength, generosity, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Those who knew Nancy well would say that while she could be feisty, she truly had a heart of gold. Her warmth, honesty, and genuine care for others shone through in everything she did.

Friends will be received Monday, January 5th, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the J & J Spratt Funeral Home Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements. An additional viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 6th, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. in the New Brighton Methodist Church, 1033 6th Avenue, New Brighton. Her pastor Gary Hilton will officiate the service.

Private Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Love fund at the New Brighton Methodist Church.

Lastly, the family would like to thank the staff of Heritage Valley Hospital P.A.M, Concordia St. Joseph, and Celebration Villa for the wonderful care that they took of Nancy, and especially the love and care from her daughter-in-law, Laurie Drogus.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Nancy L Drogus, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.