Richard Eugene Howard (1950-2026)

Richard Eugene Howard, 75, was born on July 24th, 1950 at Allegheny General Hospital on Pittsburgh’s North Side and died on March 20th, 2026 at the same hospital. He was the son of the late Mary Imogene Howard and Murray McKnight Howard, who loved him very much and who Richard loved so dearly. He married Marilynn Ann Campbell on June 23rd, 1972, and enjoyed 53 years of a marriage that was truly blessed by God. Throughout Richard’s work-life that began at age fourteen with a work permit, he was employed by: Farmer’s Pride Inc., Gateway Fruit Company, Glenshaw Glass Company, Etna High School, Brody Brothers Inc., and Zeiden’s Men’s Clothing; which he and Marilynn bought from Louis Zeiden in 1986. He served on the Passavant Memorial Homes Board and became the Founding Chairman of the Board for a start-up related corporation, Life Enrichment Trust. He was employed by Passavant Memorial Homes Family of Services and Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls and finally helped found River Communities Fiduciary Services, Inc. in 2016, where he served as President to lead the company. He and Marilynn both studied music education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). A series of chronic illnesses prohibited him from receiving his degree. However, he was able to provide several churches with the fruits of music education for him serving as Choir Director for First Methodist Church in Punxsutawney, First Methodist Church in Indiana, Pennsylvania, First Presbyterian Church in Beaver Falls and Christ Anglican Church in New Brighton. He had a love-based faith to lead all the music programs and to use his vocal abilities to serve in church choirs where he attended. He faithfully served God and Jesus Christ. He was a kind, generous, compassionate man who looked at each person as a child of God. The family is grateful for the care and support by the entire staff at Allegheny General Hospital throughout his hospitalization and final days. A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 3-7 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 26th, at 10 a.m. at Christ Anglican Church, 1217 Third Avenue, New Brighton. Private interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery, 139 Norwood Drive, Beaver Falls. Prior to his death, one of the last projects Richard was working on was to establish, “The Richard E & Marilynn A Howard Foundation,” a charitable organization for the non-profit River Communities Fiduciary Service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to this foundation.

Mary S. Birris (1930-2026)

Mary S. Birris, 95, of Aliquippa, passed away on March 21st, 2026 in Tapestry Senior Living in Coraopolis. She was born in Aliquippa on December 1st, 1930, a daughter of the late George and Thames Skeriotis. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul T. Birris and her sisters, Sandra Babich and Nancy Ball. She is survived by her two children, Atty Thomas P. (Dorthea) Birris and Tami Segerson, three cherished grandchildren, Talia Birris, Ashley (Zach) Loechner and Damien Segerson and two great grandchildren, Theo and Ariella.

Mary was a member of the Kimmisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church and a member of the church’s Senior Citizens Group. She was employed by the Visiting Nurse Association of Allegheny County for 24 years before her retirement in 1993. She greatly enjoyed working with stroke survivors and since retirement was a volunteer for the Visiting Nurse Foundation Stroke Survivors Group of Moon Township and Sewickley. She was also a member of the Aliquippa Community Hospital Auxiliary.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, March 25th from 3-7 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa, 2345 Mill Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Funeral Service  will be held on Thursday, March 26th at 11 a.m. in Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 2111 Davidson Street, Aliquippa.

Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, 450 Penn Avenue, Aliquippa.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church 2111 Davidson Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Jeffrey T. Deltino (1966-2026)

Jeffrey T. Deltino, 59, of Chippewa Township, passed away on March 20th, 2026 at Allegheny General Hospital. He was born in Beaver Falls on June 18th, 1966, a son of the late John Sr. and Dorothy (Singo) Deltino. He is survived by his brothers, John and Samuel Deltino, his nephew, Joshua Paul Deltino, his niece, Jenna (Joshua) Krizan, his great-nieces, Kyla and Kenna Jo Krizan, his beloved dog, Mia and numerous cousins & relatives.

Even in death, Jeffrey showed his love and selflessness to help others and turn a personal loss into a “gift of life” by being an organ donor with CORE. He attended Life Family Church in New Brighton. He was a faithful Christian, son, brother, uncle, and great-uncle who loved the Lord, his family, and friends. He retired from working at the Beaver County Rehabilitation Center in December of 2024. He was an avid daily reader of the Beaver County Times. He loved watching and cheering on the WWE, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. He was an avid weather channel watcher even if it was not in our area. He loved to play Bingo and games with his family during the holidays. He was the one always saying prayer before the meals.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, March 25th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. and on Thursday, March 26th at 10 A.M. until the time of a service at 11 A.M.at GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME AND CREAMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

The service will be held by Pastor Sam DeMarco from Life Family Church of New Brighton on Thursday, March 26th at 11 a.m. Private interment will follow at the Beaver Falls Cemetery, 2045 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls.

Family requests contributions to be made to the Special Olympics of Beaver, 128 Friendship Circle, Beaver, PA 15009 or to CORE Memorial contributions can be made at dfs@core.org.

August J. “Buzz” Tuffie (Passed on March 20th, 2026)

August J. “Buzz” Tuffie, 83, formerly of Monaca, passed away on March 20th, 2026, at his Center Township residence. He was born in Canonsburg, a son of the late Anthony and Mary (Russo) Tuffie.

August was a 1960 graduate of Monaca High School. On March 14th, 1964, he married the love of his life, Jeanette Dyche, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca. Their marriage was a testament to love and partnership, lasting until Jeanette’s passing just days before his own on March 15th, 2026. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Ralphine Lintz, as well as his infant son, Trent. He leaves behind a legacy of love and perseverance and is survived by his daughter, Lainie Liptak, and her husband, Benjamin, their children, Trent and P.J. Liptak, his son, Dean Tuffie, his sister, Diane Bedison and her husband, John.

August’s professional life was characterized by over four decades of commitment to Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Beaver, where he worked as a millwright and was a member of the IBEW Local 201. Beyond his professional endeavors, he was a member of the Monaca Sons of Italy Club. He was of Italian heritage, which was reflected in his love for Italian cuisine, with spaghetti and pizza being his most favorite dishes. His zest for life extended to various pastimes; in his younger years, he was an avid golfer, bowler, and softball player. Even in his later years, he could often be found with a crossword puzzle in hand. Visitation and services for both August and Jeanette will be held on Monday, March 23rd from 1–3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. followed by a blessing service at 7 p.m., at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements. Deacon Robert Bittner, of St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church, will officiate. Interment for both August and Jeanette will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, 1270 Chapel Road, Monaca.

Carol A. Crudden (1951-2026)

Carol A. Crudden, 75, of Zelienople, passed away on March 19th, 2026, at Passavant Community Homes. She was born on February 3rd, 1951, a daughter of the late Clinton and Verna (Brenneman) Marshall.

For many years, Carol worked as a legal secretary in Lawrence County, where her strong work ethic and professionalism left a lasting impression. Outside of her work,  sh e found great happiness in life’s quieter and more personal moments. She shared a wonderful life with her husband, Jim, and together they created many moments through their travels, especially their beloved trips to Florida and Aruba. She also found joy in her time working at Rosalind’s Candy Castle, a place that reflected her sweet spirit and love of connecting with others. Above all, her greatest joy was her family. She adored her grandchildren and treasured every moment with them which became some of the most meaningful chapters of her life. In her younger years, she had an adventurous spirit. She embraced challenges by participating in cross-country skiing and roller blading in the park. During quieter times, she could often be found doing one of her favorite things: reading by the pool, soaking in the sun with a good book in hand. It was in these peaceful moments that she found contentment.

All in all, she will be remembered for her kindness, her love of family, her adventurous spirit, and her ability to find joy in both life’s big journeys and simplest pleasures. She is survived her son, Michael (Bryanne) Crudden, of Center Township, her daughter, Jennifer E. Crudden of New Brighton, her sister, Kathy M. Lee, of Fombell and two grandchildren, Patrick and Rosie.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” Crudden, her brother, Larry Marshall and her nephew, Jonathan David Lee.

Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, March 24th, from 4 p.m. until the time of a blessing service at 6 p.m., at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 3rd Ave, New Brighton,

Private interment will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, New Brighton.

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

Richard “KO” Kozak Sr. (1938-2026)

Richard “KO” Kozak Sr., 87, of Conway, passed away on March 18th, 2026. He was born on September 21st, 1938, a beloved son of the late John and Antoinette Kozak.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Sandy Kozak, his sisters, Agnes, Marion, and Joan and his brothers: John, Joe, Ed, Frank, Bill, Tom, and Chuckie. He is survived by his loving children, Kathy (Ron) Coder and Richard (Betsy) Kozak Jr., his sister, Patti (Tom) Watters, his brothers, Bob (Pat) Kozak and Leonard Kozak, his sister in laws, Bong Jae Kozak and Betty Kozak, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Richard, who fondly known as “KO,”  took great pride in his work as a meat cutter for over 60 years, owning Kozak’s Custom Meats and later serving customers at Giant Eagle in Baden with his signature smile and personalized care, retiring at 80. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and the special bonds he formed. At 50, he discovered golf and quickly made it a passion, spending countless days at Blackhawk Golf Course refining his game, enjoying fierce competition, and expanding his circle of friends. Though he left the farm he grew up on, it never left him. He found joy in plowing snow for neighbors, tending his garden, and sharing its harvest. Even at 80, he continued to grow, and wrote his book, Sacred Showdown, capturing his life, stories, and wisdom. He was steady, dependable, and quietly impactful—a man people gravitated to, and trusted. A devoted husband of 68 years and a loving father, he led by example with hard work, perseverance, and unwavering love for his family. His faith anchored his life. He was quiet, steady, and lived it out daily through humility, generosity, and how he cared and mentored others. His life was a lesson in how to live well, love deeply, and finish strong.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22nd, from 1–5 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a Celebration of Life and Blessing Service will take place on Monday, March 23rd, at 10 A.M. Burial will be private.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff and friends at Crossroads Beaver Creek, Alexis and Leslie (“CR Angels”), Laura Blackston, and his neighbors on Cottage Avenue for their love and care.

Katherine (Turconi) Mannarino (1928-2026)

Katherine (Turconi) Mannarino, 98, who was born on January 19th, 1928, passed away on March 19th, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family at Franciscan Manor in Beaver Falls, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, kindness, and faith.

She shared an extraordinary 74 years of marriage with her loving husband, Anthony Mannarino, building a life centered on family, faith, and community. Together they raised their children, Ronald (Sally), John (Laura), Lisa (Scott) Pulleo, and Patrick (Tracey) who were the pride and joy of her life. Her family grew to include nine grandchildren who knew her as Noni: Katie (Aaron) Jones, Jared Mannarino, Chelci (James) Dell, Anthony (Samantha) Pulleo, Matthew Pulleo, Dr. Mitchell Pulleo, Dominic Mannarino, Jillian Mannarino, Dante Mannarino; as well as and five great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessed by her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love. She is also survived by her brother, Joe (Patty) Turconi.

She was a daughter of the late James and Antionetta Rimoldi Turconi and in addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary (John) Profato and Edith Turconi and her brother, Aldino (Maryann) Turconi.

Katherine was a faithful member of St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish, where she was active in the Prayer Shawl ministry and VSP. Her faith guided her life and was reflected in the compassion and generosity she showed to others. Those who knew her the closest can still hear her saying the Hail Mary. She was known as an avid and talented cook who expressed her love through the meals she prepared for her family, especially her cookie baking. Kaye’s kitchen was the heart of the home, where countless memories were made around the table with children, grandchildren, and friends. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life was a testament to love, faith, family, and friendship, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Franciscan Manor and Advanced Hospice for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to her during the final days of her life.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22nd from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 23rd at 10 A.M. at St. Monica Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls, with Fr. John Naugle as celebrant, with burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls. Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life.

Donald James Mittner (1963-2026)

Donald James Mittner, 63, passed away at his home on March 18th, 2026.

Through the years, he had many nicknames and titles, lke Don, Donnie, Mitt, Coach and Councilman. However, above all things, the titles of husband and dad meant the most. He is survived his wife of almost 37 years, Aliene (Davidson), and his children, Lauren, Andrew (Jocelyn), and Alex. He was also a dog dad to his beloved Yuki and Millie, who were often seen walking him around town as he greeted his neighbors and friends. He was born on June 24th, 1963, a son of the late George and Theresa Mittner. In addition to his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his fathers-in-law, Richard Zinsser and Edmund Tabay, and his brother-in-law, Mark Davidson. He was raised in New Brighton alongside his siblings Denise (Larry) Adkins, David Mittner, and Diane (Adrianna) D’Addio. He was part of New Brighton’s Class of 1980. After graduating from Slippery Rock, he moved to Florida, where he began his teaching career. He soon returned to the New Brighton Area School District and taught in the elementary school until his retirement in 2025. He took joy in teaching, and his legacy will live on in the lives he touched over the decades. Students still lovingly tell his family about hearing Mr. Mittner’s voice boom around the open layout of the elementary school. For generations of children, the phrase “E-I-E-I-E-I-O” will forever be tied to the One O’clock Yell, which went silent when he retired. He spent decades walking the sidelines at Oak Hill Field, coaching the New Brighton Fighting Lions, first as the junior high coach and eventually becoming assistant head coach of the varsity team. He also served as a baseball coach for New Brighton. His commitment to community service didn’t stop with the schools. In 2025, he retired from the Bew Brighton Borough Council, where he served as Ward 4’s Councilman for 20 years. In addition, he served on New Brighton’s Recreation Committee and was the president of the New Brighton Memorial Day Association. When he wasn’t working, you could find Donald with a tool or a guitar in his hands. He was constantly tinkering with projects around his home. Recently, he returned to singing and songwriting, releasing songs on YouTube under the band name LYNX.

He is survived by his loving wife and children, his siblings, and his brothers-in-law, Scott (Kathy) Davidson and Joe (Dana) Tabay, and his sister-in-law Kelly (Norman) Hainer, along with numerous nieces and nephews who adored him.

Friends and family will be received on Sunday, March 22nd, from 12-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur on Monday, March 23rd at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 521 7th Avenue, New Brighton, with a procession to St. Joseph Cemetery, 1501 1st Avenue, New Brighton, will follow thereafter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Brighton Gridiron Club, P.O. Box 396, New Brighton, PA, 15066.

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

David C. Paugh (1948-2026)

David C. Paugh, 77, of Darlington, passed away on March 17th, 2026, at Heritage Valley Beaver. He was born in Weirton, West Virginia on November 27th, 1948, a son of the late Oliver and Sara Paugh. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Oliver Paugh. He is survived by his wife, Rosalie Paugh, his children: Amy (Dave) Reider, Angela (Cliffton) Horstin, David (Ashley) Paugh, Jr., John (Jeanette) Paugh, Michelle Baloga, Andrew Baloga, David (CJ) Baloga; as well as fourteen grandchildren, one great granddaughter, his brother, Lawrence Paugh, several nieces and nephews and his special cat, Nemo.

David was a proud U.S. Veteran who served during the Vietnam War. He graduated with an associate’s degree from West Virginia Northern Community College. He retired from the Postal Service in 2010 after he worked there for 22 years. He loved fishing and NASCAR. There will be a memorial celebration on Saturday, April 4th, at 2 p.m. at the Wellsburg Banquet Hall, 1121 Yankee Street, Wellsburg, West Virginia. Arrangements have been entrusted to Corless-Matter Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LLC., 1133 Church Street, Ambridge.

Frank J. Namath (1967-2026)

Frank J. Namath, 58, of Baden, passed away on March 16th, 2026 at Heritage Valley Beaver. He was born in Monaca on April 18th, 1967, a son of the late Robert Sr. and Billie (Bonamn) Namath. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his pet, Memphis. He is survived by his wife, Carol Namath, his son, Caleb Namath, his sister, Connie (Steve) Sluzynsky of Monaca, his brothers, Bobby Namath Jr. of Monaca, Richie (Sara) Namath of Conway and Danny Namath, of Weirton, West Virginia, nieces and nephews: Timmy Namath, Steven and Meghan Sluzynsky, and Madison, Abigail, and Hunter Namath; as well as aunts, Edith Namath of Beaver Falls and Sharon Namath, of New Brighton, his uncle, Joseph Namath of Florida and lastly his pet, Carlos Santiago Namath, the Golden Retriever; as well as numerous other family members.

Frank will be remembered as a devoted family man whose greatest joy in life was the time he spent with those he loved most. He took immense pride in his son, Caleb, who was truly his pride and joy. He was a constant presence at every event and milestone, always showing unwavering support and love. He had a passion for the simple things in life. He especially enjoyed canning (most notably peppers) with his cousin, Frank. He also carried on a love of cooking passed down from his father, often spending time grilling and crafting his own homemade barbeque sauce. He was an avid outdoorsman and was a dedicated fisherman who would travel to destinations such as Florida and Erie in pursuit of the perfect catch, though he was just as happy casting a line anywhere he could. When he wasn’t fishing, he could often be found riding his tractor and tending to his lawn. He was also a lifelong and enthusiastic Steelers fan who rarely missed a game and always cheering on his team with passion. Among his proudest personal accomplishments was being part of the 1985 WPIAL championship football team for Monaca, a memory he carried with him throughout his life. He will be remembered for his strong sense of family, his dedication to those he loved, and the joy he found in life’s everyday moments.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, March 19th, from 4-7 p.m., at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home Inc., 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements. An additional viewing will be held at that funeral home on Friday, March 20th from 10 a.m. until the time of a blessing service at 11 a.m., with Father Joe Carr officiating. A procession to St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, 2045 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, will follow immediately after the service.

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