Category: Obituaries

Marilynn Torcasso (1942-2026)

Marilynn Torcasso, 83, of Industry, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on August 22nd, 2026, in her sleep.

She was born in Allegheny County on October 5th, 1942, the daughter of the late William H. Hagerty and Lois M. Hagerty Lucas.

She lived in Beaver County and graduating from Beaver Area High School and married her husband, the late Julius Torcasso, on Saturday, June 16th, 1962, sharing over 63 years of marriage.

She is survived by her three sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Mary Torcasso of Industry, Mike and Amy Torcasso of Raleigh, North Carolina, Bill and Kim Torcasso of Garner, North Carolina, her grandchildren, Matthew and his wife, Rachel Torcasso, Rebekah Torcasso and Noah Torcasso, her great-grandchildren: Daniel, Jacob, Caleb and Joshua Torcasso; as well as her niece and husband, Teresa (Terri) and Robert Burbidge.

Marilynn was an avid reader, who enjoyed creative expression painting. She always had a seat at her table for all who came to her door and her kitchen was the heart of the home. She enjoyed connecting with people across the world through committed pen pal relationships. She loved to meet people and learn their story and cherished her opportunities to do so working at a public drug store in Brighton Township.

In addition to her parents and her husband Julius, Marilynn was preceded in death by her brother Bill Hagerty.

She will be remembered for her loving devotion to her family and remembered with every family recipe prepared for years to come.

There will be a service at Marilynn’s home on Willowbrook Road in Industry for friends and family at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 5th followed by a time of sharing food and stories.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

Charles Novak (1956-2026)

Charles Novak, 70, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on August 29th, 2026.

He was a beloved husband, father, and friend who left an indelible mark on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.

He was born in Beaver Falls on April 2nd, 1956, a son of the late Charles Novak, Sr. and Marcelle Clark.

He will be lovingly remembered for his passion for classic muscle cars and, above all, for the compassion and care he showed toward all animals. He had a special place in his heart for his cats and cherished the time he spent with them.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Novak, his daughter, Cassie (Glenn) Dillinger, his granddaughter, Lucy Dillinger, his sister, Rebecca Clements, his brother, John Clark.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two of his sisters, Clara Scranton and Alma Berresford.

Friends will be received on Friday, September 4th from 4-8 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hello Bully, at www.hellobully.org by clicking here.

Benjamin Thomas, Jr. (1928-2026)

Benjamin Thomas Jr., 98, of Brighton Township, passed away peacefully at his home on August 27th, 2026.

He was born in Rochester on March 25th, 1928, the son of the late Benjamin Thomas Sr. and Dema (Alberts) Thomas.

Benjamin worked as a Railroad Inspector and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, serving in the military police. He belonged to St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Beaver, where he was a faithful member.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor (Spada) Thomas; and sisters, Connie and Sarah Saibeni.

He is survived by his son, Benjamin (Jennifer) Thomas, his grandchildren, Allison and Shane O’Neill, Amanda and Kevin Kon, and Ashley Fraiser and his great-grandchildren: Leni, Kip, Remi, Jovi, and Cameron.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 1st at 11 a.m. at the Beaver Cemetery Chapel in the Mausoleum, located on Buffalo Street, Beaver.

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

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire Gateway Hospice team for the compassionate care, comfort, and dignity they provided during his final days. Also, a special thank you to his caretakers, Lindsay Haddox and James and Cathy Barrett.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Julie Chirstner Belcher Baskal (1951-2026)

Julie Christner Belcher Baskal, 74, of Baden, passed away peacefully on August 26th, 2026. She was born on October 21st, 1951, the daughter of the late Bud and Bessie Christner.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Baskal, and her son, Richard J. Belcher.

She is survived by her son, Brian (Kathy) Belcher, her grandchildren, Brandon Belcher, Tristin Lippert, and Chloe Lippert and a very special friend, Nancy.

Julie was a graduate of Ambridge High School and later worked for many years at Eat ’N Park. She enjoyed shopping, gardening—especially tending to her roses—and watching the Home Shopping Network. She also loved decorating for every holiday and making each occasion special.

Above all, she cherished her grandchildren, whom she loved and adored.

She was affectionately known as “GiGi,” and she treasured the time she spent with them and the special memories they shared.

Services are private for Julie.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral and Cremation Services, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Maurice Shawan Fisher (1975-2026)

Maurice Shawan Fisher, 50, formerly of Baden, passed away unexpectedly on August 25th, 2026.

He was born in Aliquippa on September 3rd, 1975, a son of James and Naomi Steals.

Maurice was a graduate of Ambridge High School, Class of 1992, and continued his education by earning a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a master’s degree from Point Park University.

Following his education, Maurice began his career with Pittsburgh Regional Transit, where he dedicated more than 10 years of service. During his time there, he formed close friendships with his coworkers, Terry and Shelley, who held a special place in his life.

He was also passionate about giving back to his community. From 2005 through 2012, he was an active part of Ambridge youth sports, helping coach basketball, soccer, and baseball. He enjoyed being involved with the youth and sharing his knowledge, encouragement, and love of sports with others.

Outside of work and coaching, he enjoyed traveling, continuously gaining knowledge and learning in many different ways, and most of all, spending time with the people he loved. He will be remembered for the love he had for his family and the many lives he touched throughout the years.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Patrice, his two children, Christian and Jacqueline, his two beloved grandchildren, Dezmond and Dru (“Dru-Bear”), whom he adored and lovingly called his grandchildren. He is also survived by his three siblings, Richard, Niecey, and Jawaya, all of Ambridge, his niece, Raven, the daughter of his late brother Tekoah, as well as many other loving family members and friends.

Maurice’s memory will live on through the family, friends, and community who were blessed to know and love him.

In accordance with Maurice’s wishes, there will be no formal service. The family appreciates the love, prayers, and support extended to them during this difficult time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral and Cremation Services, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Patricia Ann “Patty” Kohar (1956-2026)

Patricia Ann “Patty” Kohar, 70, a resident of Sewickley, passed away peacefully on August 28th, 2026 at AHN Forbes Hospital.

She was born on January 9th, 1956, the daughter of the late Joseph M. Kohar and Mildred “Millie” Kohar.

Patricia graduated from Hopewell High School and the Community College of Allegheny County. She spent much of her professional career working with Highmark of Pittsburgh, where she dedicated many years of her working life.

She was a devoted Catholic and a member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish and Our Lady of Fatima Church in Aliquippa. Her faith was an important part of her life, providing her with strength and comfort. In her free time, she could always be found reading an extensive book or crafting homemade jewelry pieces in her free time. She also enjoyed having fun afternoons out with her close friends and family at dinner, where she always made someone share a smile.

She was also devoted to her beloved pets, Pepper and Pippa, who brought her tremendous joy and companionship. She also had a special love for the beach and treasured the many trips she took over the years to Ocean City and Destin, Florida. Those trips and the memories made there held a special place in her heart.

She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Michele Kohar of Economy Borough, her uncle and aunt, Edward and Marie Kohar of Baden, two nieces, Anne Kohar of Monaca and Sarah (Lance) Huppenthal of Economy, one nephew, Michael (McKenzie) Kohar of Conway and two great-nephews, David and Domenic Huppenthal. She is also survived by several loving cousins on the Kohar and Batista side. The family of Patricia would like to send their heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate medical staff and doctors at AHN Forbes Hospital for caring for her in her time of need.

Friends and family will be received on Wednesday, September 2nd from 3 P.M. until time of funeral service at 6 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. Father Joe Carr will officiate the service. Private Interment will take place on Thursday, September 3rd in the Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.

Alice Grace (Wadsworth Monestersky) Harris (1948-2026)

Alice Grace (Wadsworth Monestersky) Harris, 78, of Sewickley, formerly of Ambridge, passed away surrounded by her loving family, following an extended illness on August 28th, 2026.

She was born in Claysville on February 26th, 1948, the youngest of nine children that were born to the late Alva Carl Wadsworth and Elizabeth Grace (Cassidy) Wadsworth. She grew up in Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by numerous brothers and sisters, as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including her former husband, Anthony Monestersky and her best friend, Crystal Littell.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 27 years, Michael Harris, her sisters and brother-in-law, Janet Bess, Ella Faye Lowe and Richard Lowe, her daughter, Tanya Capone (John), her son, Tony Monestersky (Nancy), her grandchildren: Anna (Eddie Bachurski), Johnny, Krista, Kalysa and Kyla Capone, Katera Bentz (Blaze), Zachary Allen (Ashley), Khira Monestersky, Johnathan Ballard and Don Ballard; as well as her great-grandchildren, Isabella, Elizabeth and Susie Bachurski, and Kaylin Bentz.

Alice had a special place in her heart for her precious kitties, Smudge, Silky and Tiger. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at D.T. Watson and the Convent of Villa of St. Joseph in Baden before retiring from working Heritage Valley Hospital in Sewickley. She enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and loved ones. She found great joy in gardening, planting and growing flowers, with roses being her absolute favorite. Her gardens were always filled with beautiful flowers that reflected the love and care she put into them. She also enjoyed reading, playing bingo and taking bus trips to casinos. Her loving spirit, kind heart and devotion to her family will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, August 31st from 3 P.M. until the time of funeral services at 5:30 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Tamra Kaye Justison (1961-2026)

Tamra Kaye Justison, 65, of Beaver Falls, passed away on August 22nd, 2026, at Kadima of New Wilmington.

She was born in Ellwood City on August 8th, 1961, the daughter of the late Ralph and Rose Boots.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ray Boots and her fiancé, Harmon Kidd, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Robert Justison, Jr. and Sherri Justison and her grandchildren, Talyn Hoschar, Bella Hoschar, Patrick Thomas and Brooklynn Justison.

Tamra was a graduate of Riverside High School. She worked for McGuire Memorial for many years and cherished her time helping others. She enjoyed fishing, crocheting and watching Charmed. She will be remembered for the cookies she made at Christmas time and the life she brought to everyone’s hearts.

A memorial service for Tamra will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Julia D. (Pawlik) Casino (1945-2026)

Julia D. (Pawlik) Casino, 80, of Beaver Falls, formerly of Jeannette, passed away on August 27th, 2026, surrounded by her family and with her loving husband of 58 years, Sam Casino by her side.

She was born in Greensburg on August 31st, 1945, a daughter of the late John J. and Stephanie Pawlik.

Julia and Sam shared a close and loving marriage and treasured the many years they spent together. In 2020, they moved from Jeannette to Beaver Falls, where she quickly came to love their new home. She especially enjoyed reading in the four-season room while watching the deer along the tree line in their backyard. She was an avid reader throughout her life and could often be found with a book in her hands. Reading was one of her greatest pleasures, but her family was the most important part of her life. She worked as the manager of JDMH Federal Credit Union in Jeannette, where she served its members for many years before retiring in 2020.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Michele Filak and her husband, John, of Jeannette and Jeffrey Casino and his wife, Sharon, of North Sewickley Township, her grandson, Christopher Passaro, her granddaughter, Samantha Filak, her great-granddaughter, Gianna, her siblings, Joyce Parker and her husband, Keith, of Jeannette, Susie Catalona and her husband, Danny, of Hempfield Township and John Pawlik of Jeannette.

In addition to her parents, Julia was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Stephanie Casino.

Julia will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Julia’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the paramedics who responded to their call and to the physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals in the CCU at AHN Beaver Hospital for the compassionate care they provided to Julia and the support they extended to her family. The family also extends its heartfelt thanks to Father Paul Kuppe of Our Lady of the Valley Parish for his spiritual care and for administering Julia’s Last Rites.

Services will be private. Julia will be laid to rest with her daughter, Stephanie, at Brush Creek Cemetery, 127 Altar Lane, Irwin. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ascension Church, 615 Division St, Jeannette, PA 15644.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Gary A. Luikart (1948-2026)

Gary A. Luikart, 78, of Economy Borough, passed away on August 22nd, 2026, in hospice at AHN Wexford Hospital.

He was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, on April 8th, 1948, a son of the late Clifford and Amanda (Rutherford) Luikart.

Gary was honorably discharged from the United States Navy, and his last duty assignment was on the U.S.S. Capricornus. he spent his career as a steelworker and millwright with J&L Steel and Koppel/IPSCO Steel in Ambridge. He was Protestant by faith and was also a proud union member of the United Steelworkers Local 9305, District 10. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, horse racing, and, years ago, owning racehorses. He also looked forward to his occasional trips to the casino. He loved his dogs, and he could sing and dance well.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Christine (Brock) Luikart, Esq. (retired), his children: Kim Neill and her husband, Kevin, Erica Parent and her husband, Kurt, Matt Harvey and his wife, Missy and Zachary Harvey and his wife, Karen, eight grandchildren: Zach, Jeremy, Lexi, Madi, Caden, Cole, Allie, and Ethan; as well as one great-granddaughter, Marlee, his brother, Jay (Cheryl) Luikart and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his former wife, Linda, and his sister, Brenda.

In accordance with Gary’s wishes, no viewing or services will be held. A memorial event will be held in the near future. His cremains will be at rest in Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver, with a private service and military honors.

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

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gary’s name may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.