Helen (Vuckovich) Cubra, 96, of Midland passed away peacefully at home on September 5th, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 15th, 1929, a daughter of the late Milan and Helen Lovorja Vuckovich. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Nick, Pete, Brownie and Mike; along with her sisters: Rosie Vuckovich, Cinny Vanfosson, Mutzie Stepanovich, Zecky Langone, Cucie Bulet; as well as her niece, Sally Brooks and her nephews, Michael Vuckovich and Nick Vuckovich, Jr. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Helen was a faithful member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church of Midland. She was also a Member of The Circle of Serbian Sisters and the Midland Serbian Club. She was also a graduate of Midland High School who worked for Smalls Cleaners, Lincoln Learning Solutions and the Midland Serbian Club.
Known to all, Aunt Honey loved to read, do word searches, listen to Serbian music and watch her favorite tv shows but her favorite thing to do was clean, iron everything in sight, and care for her home. She took great pride in that and it showed by all who would enter her home.
Aunt Honey will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
The family would like to thank Jackie Forrester who cared for Aunt Honey, made her laugh, loved and supported her and became our family. Words cannot express the appreciation we have for you. Love you always. We would also like to thank Jess, Jenna, Renee and Chaplin Thomas from Good Samaritan Hospice for providing Aunt Honey with care and compassion.
Friends will be received on Monday September 8th from 4-7pm in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a pomen service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, September 8th. A funeral service for Helen will also be held on Tuesday, September 9th at 11 a.m. at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 30 10th Street, Midland by Fr. Dejan Barac of Midland followed by entombment at the Beaver Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in Helen’s name to the Carnegie Free Library in Midland, St. Geroge Serbian Orthodox Church, 30 10th Street, Midland, PA 15059 or The Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Barbara Rose Messick, 74, of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on September 2nd, 2025. She was born in New Brighton on September 23rd, 1950, a daughter of the late Ralph and Rose (Petuch) Sayre. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Richard “Butch” Messick, a grandson, Jay Dylan Spratt and a son-in-law, Jay Daniel Spratt in 2022.

Barb enjoyed spending time with her husband of 57 years, Richard (Rick) Messick, playing Pickleball, going to bingo with her friends and cheering on her beloved Pittsburgh Steelers at the clubhouse.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughters, Renee Messick and Richael Spratt, her grandchildren: Joshua (Nicole) Caminite, Ashley Menges, Allison Menges, Zachary (Leah) Spratt, and Jacob Spratt; as well as her great grand-children: Noah, Caden, and Emma Caminite, Rowan, Makai, Koa, Ryleigh, Jay, Adrien and Leo Spratt; along with her sisters, Beverly (Butch) Merriman and Betty Jo (Bill) Johnson, her brother-in-law, Bob (Bev) Messick and her loyal dog, Quincy.

A memorial service in Barbara’s honor will be held at at a later date at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Regis M. Paxton, 89, of Center Township, passed away on September 3rd, 2025, after a brief illness and a lifetime marked by unwavering dedication to family, hard work, and service to his community. He was born in Aliquippa on July 21st, 1936, a son of the late Lawrence and Marie Paxton, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Regis Paxton, Jr., a sister, Charlotte Paxton and three brothers: Lawrence Paxton Jr, Wilbur Paxton, and Stanley Paxton. For 67 years, Regis was the beloved husband of Elaine (Pietrandrea) Paxton, a partnership that stood as a testament to enduring love and devotion.Regis was a loving father to his devoted daughter, Sherry Paxton and his son and daughter-in-law: Stephen (Kristin) Paxton. He was affectionately called “Papa Reg” by his two granddaughters, Kara and Sienna Paxton. Regis found an immense amount of joy and pride with his granddaughters, he touched their lives with wisdom, stories, and joy that will never be forgotten. He is also survived by a brother, Joseph Paxton, numerous nieces and nephews and his cherished cat Bud.He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and will be forever missed.

Regis would witness tremendous change and heartache. He met life’s challenges with quiet strength and a gracious spirit. Over nearly nine decades, Regis built a legacy defined not by accolades, but with warmth, wisdom and love. Regis was a member of  Our Lady of Fatima Church of Aliquippa, part of Mary Queen of Saints Parish.

Born with an indomitable spirit, Regis spent his life providing for his loved ones. Over the years, he worked three jobs to ensure the comfort and well-being of his family. He began his career with J&L Steelworks in the Blooming Mill as a crane operator and later gained employment with Hussey Copper working as a material handler. Before deciding to retire, Regis worked at Mannheim Auto Auction for several years. Throughout his life, his work ethic was one of perseverance and selflessness in all that he did. Regis was a lifetime retired member of the Center Township Volunteer Fire Department and was deeply committed to the safety and welfare of his neighbors. His service was marked by courage, generosity, and a steadfast sense of civic duty to the community he served so faithfully.

Joseph A Vitunic, Jr., 77, of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, passed away on September 3rd, 2025. He was born in Pittsburgh on May 9th, 1948, in Pittsburgh, the son of the late Joseph and Ellen Vitunic. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Eliza. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Valerie Vitunic, his children Laura, with children, Jacob, Josh, Nathan, and Kate, Katie (Jason) with daughter, Grace, and Tim (Kristen) with sons. Alex, Zack, and Ethan; as well as his sisters:Linda (John), Janet (Larry), Carol (Keith) and Judy (Jim).

Joseph lived his life for the Lord in thought, word, and deed. Prayerful, intentional, servant-hearted, and generous, he followed his calling to leave engineering to start and pastor Church of the Savior in Ambridge, PA.  His devotion to Christ was bold, unashamed, consistent and his legacy, forged in eternal hope, lives on in the lives of many.

Nothing brought him greater joy than time with his family and treasured friends. He could be found in the stands at baseball, soccer, and volleyball games, or in the audience at plays and concerts, always cheering on those he loved. He prayed earnestly for his family and set before them an enduring example of love, care, and laughter.

He was known for his quick wit and his unmistakable laugh. He loved to joke, tease, and share humor with anyone he met, never taking himself too seriously but using joy to connect deeply with others.

Gifted athletically, academically, and professionally, he achieved much in life from excelling as a Division I athlete to earning an Ivy League education. If you met him, these would be the last things he would ever mention. His humility ran deeper than his accomplishments, and at his core he found his true identity in Christ.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 7th, from 1-5 PM, in the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements and where prayers will be offered on Monday, September 8th at 10 A.M. and a funeral service will follow at 10:30 A.M. in St. Stephens Anglican Church, 405 Frederick Avenue, Sewickley. A Christian burial will follow in Sewickley Cemetery, 501 Hopkins Street, Sewickley. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.

Craig Edward Hocanson, 60, of Patterson Township, passed away unexpectedly on August 31st, 2025. He was born in Beaver Falls on November 13th, 1964, a son of the late Harold Leroy and Caroline Virginia Douds Hocanson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Katlyn Marie Hocanson, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hengust and Jean Robinson and two brothers, Phil Hocanson and Brian Hocanson. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Jean Robinson Hocanson, one sister, Cheryl and John Fabyanic, four sisters-in-law and their spouses: Lindaly and Winfield Stewart, Susan Robinson, Dana and Tony Snow, and Jane and Victor Bovalino; and special friends Niki and Wyatt; as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, along with one on the way.

Craig enjoyed sports and going hunting, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. He was also a committed member of the PA Snow Seekers and the West Mayfield Vets. A memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, September 10th, from 6 P.M. until the time of service at 8 P.M. in the CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements. Pastor Allan Brooks will officiate and the Beaver County Honor Guard will perform full military honors.

James Kenneth Ford, 72, of South Heights, Pennsylvania passed away on the morning on September 2th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Hospital of Sewickley. He was born in South Heights on July 29th, 1953, a son of the late Francis E. and Helen A. (Diamond) Ford.
He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline L. (Quattelbaum) Ford, with whom he celebrated 32 years of marriage with in June of 2025. He is also survived by two sons, James Patrick Ford and his wife, Shana and Michael Joseph Ford, three grandchildren, Maddie, Leah, and Adam Ford, four brothers: Edward H. Ford and his wife Patty, Francis E. Ford Jr., Robert V. (Vic) Ford and Mark D. Ford, three sisters, Elaine M. Possino and her husband, Alex, Sue A. Grunewald and Shirley A. Zick, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
James retired from Safeway Supermarket in Maryland where he worked as a Store Manager for 20 years. After relocating to Florida, he continued to work as a Produce Manager for The Fresh Market in Florida. He moved back home to South Heights in 2021 after living in Boynton Beach, Florida for sixteen years. He loved the warm weather, beaches, and fishing, but wanted to be closer to family.
He was an avid sports fan and closely followed the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates. He especially enjoyed family gatherings to celebrate special occasions, tell stories, and play cards, but most of all, he loved his family.
He made a lasting impression on everyone he met and his presence will be greatly missed by all.
In accordance with James’ request, there will be no viewing or funeral service. The family appreciates the love and support during this difficult time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Norma Jean Soisson, 88, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on September 1st, 2025, in the comfort of her home with her family by her side.

She was born in Rochester on August 7th, 1937, the daughter of the late Floyd and Edna (Egan) Murton-Depner. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald R. Soisson, Sr., her siblings, Floyd Murton, Bobbie Murton, and Johnny Murton and a son-in-law, Rich Medziuch.

She is survived by her loving children, Donald (Kathy) Soisson, Jr., Christine Medziuch, Darla (Mike) Davis, and Laura Thompson, her grandchildren: Michael (Jessica), Christiana, Casey (Dennis), Shannon (Warren), Jami, Donnie (Jenessa), Ryan (Crystal), and Andrew (Nicole); as well as her great-grandchildren, Joshua, Talon, Devon, Addison, Brantley, Weston, Dalton, Hudson, Jaiden, Connor, Calli, Emersyn, and Grant; along with her brother, Raymond Murton and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Norma was a homemaker and an adored mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She loved her family fiercely and cherished the precious moments she spent with them. In later years, Norma was a cook at Lil Joe’s Bar & Grille in beaver Falls for 18 years, where she was affectionately known as “Mamaw”.  In her free time, she enjoyed traveling to Florida, making jewelry, and spending time with her animals.

In accordance with Norma’s wishes, she will be cremated and no services are being planned at this time.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls was honored to provide care and guidance to Norma’s family during this time and was in charge of her arrangements.

Jack L. Hemer, 81, of Cranberry Township, passed away on August 31st, 2025 at UPMC Passavant Hospital of McCandless Township. He was born in Beaver Falls on April 1st, 1944, the son of the late Harry J. and Helen (McClurg) Hemer.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger sister, Carol Rodefer. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Marie (Cercone), his sons and daughters-in-law, Richard and Lona Hemer, Thomas and Heidi Hemer, a bonus son, Rob D’Atri (partner Rachna Rajen) and he was the proudest supportive grandfather of: Tommy Hemer, Nick Hemer, Brooklyn Hemer, Amanda (Ray) Guy, Taylor D’Atri, Austin D’Atri and Lucas D’Atri. He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Piper, Silas and Deklan Guy, his twin sister and her husband, Jacquelyn and John Axtell, his sisters-in-law, Marlene (late John) Admonius and Alisa Schell, his brother-in-law, Bill Schell, along with his nieces, his nephews, his cousins and many close lifelong friends.

Jack lived most of his life in Monaca. He was an honor student and a proud graduate of Monaca High School, Class of 1962. He was an outstanding athlete who held the school record for highest individual scoring in a single varsity men’s basketball game (46 pts) for nearly three decades and attended Wichita State University on a full basketball scholarship. He was a highly successful real estate broker/owner, past president of the Beaver County Association of Realtors and a past recipient of the prestigious Realtor of the Year award which is voted upon by peers in the profession. After selling his business he became a partner at Excel Mortgage Corp until his retirement. His love of sports was a lifelong passion/addiction. If the sport involved a ball, club, bat, stick or puck, you better believe he was watching. He was even known to place one tv on top of another plus have the radio on and be listening to all three. He brought a new meaning to “simulcast”. Not only was he a participant but he also coached his sons and other youngsters in their sporting endeavors and also served as assistant basketball coach at Center Township, now Central Valley High School. He was also a WPIAL basketball and football official for 36 years. He was kind, gentle, caring and humble and unknowingly influenced many others to be better by example.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 8th from 2-6 p.m. with services immediately following at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements. Private interment will be at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester in the Hemer Family plot.

The family of Jack would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Hillman/Cranberry Cancer Center as well as Passavant Hospital/McCandless for unbelievable, incomparable care, and compassion from doctors, nurses and support staff without exception.

Thelma “Tee” A. Mamula, 92, formerly of Monaca and Vanport, passed away peacefully on September 2nd, 2025, at her daughter Kelli’s home in Butler. She was born in Monaca, a daughter of the late Allen “Doc” and Thelma (Llewellyn) Henry. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sam Mamula, her daughter, Cindy Johnston, her son, Scott Baker, and her granddaughter, Amanda. She was the last of her immediate family and was also preceded in death by her siblings: Jean (Fred) Johnson, Doris (Ray) Conley, Barbara (Tom) Ely and Ronald (Roberta) Henry. She is survived by her devoted children: David Wayne (Donna) Johnston, Robert Baker, Michael (Bobbie) Baker, and Kelli Jo (Tony) Mason. She was the proud grandmother to Krystle, Brandon, Jay, Angie, Carrie, Tracey, Nicole, and Jacob. Her joy was multiplied sevenfold by her great-grandchildren. In addition to her immediate family, she leaves behind a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and friends. Her memory will be forever held in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and a multitude of friends and acquaintances whose lives she touched.

Thelma began her working career as a long-distance telephone operator for Bell Telephone Company and later served the public as a meter maid for the Monaca Parking Authority and at the Beaver County Courthouse in the Recorder of Deeds Office. She concluded her career as an advisor for HAP, retiring in 1999 after years of exemplary service. She was also deeply involved in her community and church. She was a longtime member of the Monaca United Methodist Church, she actively participated in the SMOs (Senior Methodist Organization), the CLIPS class, Methodist Women, and the church choir. Her faith was also expressed through her service as a Sunday School teacher and her participation on the church bowling team. Her desire to give back to her community was evident in her volunteer work with the Crimson Line at the former Beaver County Geriatric Center. She found joy in exercising at the Beaver County YMCA and enjoyed being a member of the Speyer Avenue Card Club.

Thelma’s life will be celebrated with her family on Thursday, September 4th 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 Friday, September 5th at 11 A.M. with Chaplain Terrance of Grane Hospice officiating. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

The family would like to thank Grane Hospice for their dedication and compassionate care that they provided Tee.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Thelma’s memory are asked to please consider the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Organization, (412-395-6241).

Patricia Anna Wivell, 89, formerly of Ambridge, passed away peacefully on August 26th, 2025 in Livonia, Michigan. She was born in Pittsburgh on April 25th, 1936, a daughter of the late Patrick Kavanagh and Anna (Mildner) Kavanagh. She was also the beloved wife of the late Edward Wivell, with whom she shared 53 loving years of marriage. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Kathleen Kavanagh. She is survived by her children, Edward P. (Michelle) Wivell of Stuart, Florida, Mary Ann Wivell (Randy Arndt) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Colleen Wivell (Rob Paine) of Canton, Michigan and six cherished grandchildren: Trace Pierce, Trevor and Derrick Arndt, Bryce, Anna, and Lizzy Paine. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Joanne Strasbaugh of Mars, Pennsylvania, and Gertrude Connors of West End in Pittsburgh, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Patricia was a caring mother, grandmother, and friend who dedicated her life to her family and her Catholic faith. Her gentle spirit, unwavering faith and quiet strength touched those who knew her. For the past four years, Patricia made her home at American House in Westland, Michigan, where she embraced life fully and formed meaningful friendships. She loved participating in the many activities offered, including bingo, music and entertainment nights, rosary and communion services, exercise classes, and even the occasional trip to the local casino. She was deeply loved by the residents and was cared for with great compassion by the staff.

Friends will be received on Saturday, September 6th from 9 A.M.-10:30 A.M. at Saint Luke the Evangelist Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge, followed by a  Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at Christ Our Redeemer Cemetery (Northside), 204 Cemetery Lane, Pittsburgh, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to EWTN, 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL 35210, a cause dear to Patricia’s heart.  Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.