Larry Bohannon (1951-2025)

Larry Bohannon, 73, of New Brighton’s McGuire Memorial, formerly of Youngstown, Ohio, passed away on June 23rd, 2025.

He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on September 28th, 1951, a son of the late James S. and Jane (Carter) Bohannon.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Bohannon.

He is survived by his siblings: Mary Jane Moss of Youngstown, Ohio, Sandra Gardner of Arizona, Sherry Moss of Virginia, Nathaniel Bohannon, and Vaughn (Linda) Robinson of Mansfield, Ohio; as well as several nieces and great nieces, several nephews, and great nephews and their families. He is also survived by his McGuire Memorial family.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 3rd at 11 a.m. in Tod Homestead Cemetery, 2200 Belmont Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio. Carolyn North-McTush (Cousin) will officiate.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

Virginia N. Eckelberger (1927-2025)

Virginia N. Eckelberger, 97, of Vanport, Township, passed away on June 18th, 2025, at the Kadima Nursing Rehab Facility in Butler.

She was born in Carnegie on August 4th, 1927 in Carnegie, a daughter of the late Joseph and Nellie Hurey Stewart. In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her former husband, Stanley W. Eckelberger, her daughter, Virginia “Ginny” Levondoski, her son, Keith S. Eckelberger, her special grandson, Erik Johnston, her brothers, Joseph and George Stewart and her sister, Dorothy Bryan. She is survived by her son, Randy (Kathy) Eckelberger, her daughter, Debra Young, her daughter-in-law, Susan Helms, her grandchildren: Jason Hildman, Valerie (Rich) Sutton, Vivian (Dan) Kuethe, Randi (Matt) Knight, Joshua (Kacie) Eckelberger, Katrina Levondoski, Jaime (Mike Lincke) Noakes, Jim (Jayann) Christiana, Monica (Philip) Steinman, Sherry (Hank) Bonnett, Jesse (Liz) Helms and John (Amy) Helms; as well as nineteen great-grandchildren and her special friend, Patty Helms.

Virginia worked as a manager at the former Zayre’s Department Store until her retirement. She was also a member of Vanport Presbyterian Church.

In accordance with Virginia’s wishes, all services were private. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Gateway Hospice staff and volunteers for the special care and compassion given to Virginia during her final days.

Karen E. Porter (Passed on June 23rd, 2025)

Karen E. Porter, age 64 of Independence Township, passed away on June 23rd, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospice House, after her long, courageous five-year battle with breast cancer. She was a daughter of the late Joseph and Irene (Kohar) Debiec. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Rochelle Catherine Porter, a sister, Rochelle Debiec, and numerous aunts and uncles. She is survived by her husband, Jack Porter, with whom she celebrated her 29th wedding anniversary on June 7th of this year, her loving son John Joseph (J.J.) Porter, with whom she resided, a step son, Brian (Kathy) Hans of Hookstown, her brother and sister in law, Joseph and Janelle Debiec of Chippewa, a niece, Jessie Debeic-Sargent and her husband Ryan of Patterson Township, a nephew, Joey Debiec and his wife Megan of Chippewa, four great nieces, an uncle, Edward (Marie) Kohar Sr. of Baden, a cousin and also Karen’s lifelong friend, Patricia Kohar of Sewickley, who cared for her during her illness in so many ways right until her death, her caregiver and a loving friend, Becky Dixon with whom she resided, numerous other cousins, her second family, the Sisters of St. Joseph Baden, six cats and a loving dog, Troy. Karen was a devout Christian of the Catholic faith who attended St. Titus grade school in Aliquippa and graduated from Quigley Catholic High School in 1979. She graduated from Marquette University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and Political Science. While at Marquette University, she interned for Senator William Proxmire in his Milwaukee and Washington, D.C. offices. After graduating, she was the director of Weight Loss Clinics of America. Karen then started her own nursing home care agency (Alternative Home Care), and later on expanded to hospice care, serving the greater Milwaukee area. She was a member of Divine Redeemer Parish and St. James Catholic Church in Sewickley. She served on the board of LTV Steel Credit Union in  Aliquippa. Karen lived out one of her many passions in life within the confines of her kitchen, which contains three ovens and a stove to bake and cook simultaneously. Her culinary creations, which were passed down to her from Grandma Kohar and her mother Irene, were unsurpassed. Not only did she spend countless hours preparing the best homemade meals for her family and friends, she also loved the holidays and made them very special, whether it was a dinner or a holiday feast. Everyone left with styrofoam takeout containers filled to the top and carefully packed full of leftovers. She would not let anyone near her Weber Charcoal Grill, where she was the grill master of steak, shrimp, hot dogs, and chicken that was done to perfection every single time. She began baking her Christmas cookies shortly after Thanksgiving and bought a separate freezer to hold them all. Karen loved the beach and enjoyed her family vacations to Destin, Florida, and would never miss a good Tom Petty concert, rain or shine. Friends will be received from 3-7 P.M. on Thursday, June 26th in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements and where prayers will be offered Friday, June 27th at 10 A.M., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. at St. James Catholic Church, 200 Walnut Street, Sewickley. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Hopewell Township. Her family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Alleghney General Hospital, oncologist, Dr. Robert Schillo and his entire staff at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, radiologist, Dr. Rosenstein and staff for their dedication towards Karen’s pain management, Concordia Visiting Nurses of Baden, Good Samaritan Hospice and Good Samaritan Hospice House, Wexford, for their wonderful and compassionate care in her last few days, In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested in Karens memory to the American Cancer Society.

Helen Ruth (Capenos) Pedaline (1930-2025)

Helen Ruth (Capenos) Pedaline, 95, formally of Rochester, passed away on June 23, 2025, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She was born on March 23rd, 1930, a daughter of the late George and Vella (Barnes) Capenos. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Pedaline and her siblings, Blane Capenos, Marie Gutch, Ethel Beatley and Augusta Nieman. She is survived by her daughters, Frances Pedaline, Bonnie (Bill) Isley and Penny (Joe) Froehlich. She is survived by five grandchildren: William (Ana Chen) Isley III, Danielle (Nicholas) Tamburrino, Kaitlyn (Owen) Sandoval, Renee Froehlich and Anna Froehlich; as well as three great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Winston Isley and Liam Tamburrino.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Helen’s name to Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Avenue, Windber, PA 15963.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, June 29th from 3–7 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. of Rochester, 502 Adams Street, Rochester, where a funeral service will be held on Monday, June 30th at 10 a.m. Private interment will be held at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68.

Joan Watson (1937-2025)

Joan Watson, 88, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford on June 23rd, 2025.
She was born in Ambridge on June 16th, 1937, a daughter of the late John and Anelia Halaico and the beloved wife of the late William Watson. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her two sisters, Helen Burnell and Genevieve Mutz. She is survived by her daughter, Becky Sperduti (Ron), her stepson, Bill Watson (Judy), several nieces and nephews and her precious granddog, Gabby.
Joan was an excellent cook and baker who loved making delicious food for family, friends and church events. Beyond her cooking skills, she was also an excellent seamstress. She loved reading mystery books and doing crossword puzzles in her spare time.
Her family extends their eternal gratitude to the exceptional team at Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford. Their compassion, dedication, and unwavering support during Joan’s final journey were a true blessing. Her family is also deeply grateful for the professionalism and kindness of Economy Ambulance who assisted Joan on many occasions.
Her family respects Joan’s wishes that no service or gathering take place. Instead, they encourage loved ones to remember and celebrate the cherished moments. Services are private and arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Tammy J. Miller (1960-2025)

Tammy J. Miller, 65, formerly of Northwood, North Dakota, passed away on June 22nd, 2025 at her residence in Monaca.

She was born in Northwood, North Dakota, on June 8th, 1960, a daughter of the late Medard and Gladys (Olson) Schultz. Tammy is survived by her fiancé of 24 years, Robert Mizenko, a daughter, Barbra J. (Laura) Miller, a grandchild, Seth (Mia Scalamogna) Ellefson, her sisters: Thersa (Steve) Walker, Virginia Breeden, Janice Oswalt, Brenda (George) Robbie, Carol Sather and Jacky Jurasko; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, June 25th from 1 P.M. until the time of services at 4 P.M. in the GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton. Pastor Sonny Blucher will officiate.

Reverend Paul Clifford Householder (1943-2025)

Reverend Paul C. Householder, 82, a devoted priest, cherished brother, and beloved member of the community, passed away on June 21st, 2025.

He was born in Beaver Falls on May 20th, 1943, a son of the late Clifford and Elizabeth (Eichholz) Householder. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by a brother, Roy “Bucky” Householder. He is survived by his loving sister, Dianne E. Householder, numerous cousins, many special friends and countless lives he touched throughout his ministry.

Reverend Paul graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1961 and continued his education at Saint Pius X Seminary in Erlanger, Kentucky in 1969, where he received a bachelor’s degree. He also earned a Master of Divinity from Saint Francis Seminary in Loretto, Pennsylvania in 1973. He was ordained on May 5th, 1973. His first assignment was at Saint Columbkille Parish in Imperial (1973-1978), followed by Philip Parish in Crafton (1978-1983) and Saint Angela Merici Parish of White Oak (1983-1990). From 1990-1993, he was administrator of Saint Mary Help of Christians Parish in McKees Rocks. He continued there after a merger into Saint John of God Parish, first in team ministry and then as pastor (1993-2005). He was also the pastor of Saint Titus Parish in Aliquippa (2005-2016) and retired in 2016. He served on the Priests’ Benefit Plan Board (2017-2022). He dedicated his life to the service of God and His people. As a priest, he was a shepherd to his congregation, guiding them with kindness, wisdom, and an open heart. His sermons were not only filled with profound spiritual insights but also reflected his deep understanding of the human soul. He had a remarkable talent for bringing beauty and joy to the spaces around him. Known for his love of decorating, he transformed his church into a reflection of the seasons, each display resonating with a sense of reverence and splendor. Whether it was the vibrant colors of Easter lilies, the warm glow of Advent wreaths, or the solemn simplicity of Lenten décor, his artistry created a place where faith could flourish. His home, too, was a testament to his creative spirit, adorned with heartfelt touches that celebrated life and the blessings of each moment. Faithful to God until his final days, he exemplified a life of dedication, humility, and love. His unwavering belief in the goodness of the Lord and his commitment to spreading that love to others will remain an enduring source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.

A visitation will be on Thursday, June 26th from 2-6 p.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. An additional visitation will be held on Friday, June 27th at Saint Titus Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa, from 10 a.m. until a Mass of Christian burial begins at 11 a.m.

Private interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sisters of Saint Joseph, 1020 W. State Street, Baden, PA 15005 or Beaver County Symphonic Wind Ensemble, P.O. Box 5, Beaver, PA 15009

David Guy Helbling (1929-2025)

David Guy Helbling, 95, of New Brighton, Pennsylvania, and Sebring, Florida, passed away peacefully in Kissimmee, Florida on May 31st, 2025, with his family by his side.
He was born in New Brighton with his twin brother, Thomas on November 29th, 1929, a son of the late Alphonsus G. and Esther L. Helbling. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: John Helbling, Gale Helbling, Thomas Helbling, Denise Sunderland and Louise Humbert. He is survived by his three children, Reyne Hogue, Carol Helbling and David Helbling, a sister, Mary Ann Biechler-Batten, three grand-children, Bridget Helbling, Patrick Hogue and Kelly (Keith) Brinker and one great grandson, Beckett Helbling. David attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Elementary School and the New Brighton Area Jr. Sr. High School before earning a Bachelor’s Degree in education from Clarion University and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. He then began teaching 5th and 6th grades for Freedom Area School District. He then joined the United States Army, serving his country during the Korean War. He enjoyed his teaching career, his work as a realtor, “flipping houses” before it was a “thing” and driving charter buses across the U.S.A.
David loved to fish and hunt. He also loved designing and building functional recreational vehicles, including a pontoon boat and two motor homes in which he traveled with his family across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
David will be remembered by his friends and family for his sense of humor and the joy he got out of making others laugh!
A gathering of friends will take place on Friday, July 11th from 4-7 P.M. at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 12th, at 10 a.m. at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, 628 Virginia Avenue, Rochester. Inurnment will be at St. Cecilia’s Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

Cheryl Jean Caldwell (1952-2025)

Cheryl Jean Caldwell, 72, of Raccoon Township, passed away on June 22nd, 2025 in Celebration Villa of Chippewa. She was born in Sewickley on August 1st, 1952, the daughter of the late Charles & Janet (Erwin) Caldwell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Caldwell, Jr. She is survived by her brother, James R. Caldwell of Raccoon Township.

Cheryl earned a Masters degree in speech pathology from California State College. She also taught in the Freedom Area School District. She had a profound love for animals and her interests were traveling and reading.

Friends will be received on Thursday, June 26th from 3 P.M. until the time of a funeral service at 6 P.M. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa, 2345 Mill Street. Private interment will take place at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA 68, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Doris Gutermuth Cable (1935-2025)

Doris Gutermuth Cable, 90, “18 at heart”, of New Sewickley Township and New Brighton, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones, on June 20th, 2025. She was born in New Brighton on April 28th, 1935, the daughter of the late Paul and Hazel Gutermuth. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph E. Cable. She is survived by her four daughters, Christine Lizzi of New Brighton, Paula (Rick) Powers of Greenville, Janice (Kevin) Cable Robinson of New Brighton and Rebecca (Phil) Verrico of Ellwood City, eight grandchildren, Vincent (Elexa) Lizzi, Katie (Mike) Smith, Christina Lizzi, Steven (Courtney) Lizzi, Rich (Kayte) Powers, Lauren (Joe) McIlvenny, Nicole (Andrew) Krepps and Brooke Verrico; as well as nine great grandchildren, Kelsey, Donovan, Roman, and Julian Smith, Colin Lizzi, Richie and Gracelyn Powers and Isabel and Liam McIlvenny, two sisters-in-law, Judy Barbaro and Karen Culley and numerous nieces and nephews.
Doris was a member of Faith Community United Methodist Church of Rochester, where she faithfully served as a past Superintendent of the children’s Sunday school program, as well as conducting the children’s sermons during worship services. She was very talented at arts and crafts and would often make them special keepsakes pertaining to the sermon. She also served as chairperson for church family dinners which involved making and putting her touch on table decorations, etc. Doris was also extremely talented at sewing and cake decorating leading her to lovingly and tirelessly make some of her daughters’ wedding gowns and cakes. She loved her children, grandchildren and great children. They were the center of her
world. She was extremely proud of them and was a positive influence in their lives. Doris was also the co-owner of Cable Creations Bridal and Tuxedo in Beaver Falls, which she opened 43 years ago with her daughter, Janice Cable Robinson. A private family service will be held on Tuesday, June 24th at 11 A.M. at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. Officiating will be both Donna Doutt, retired Pastor of Faith Community United Methodist Church and Rev. Dr. Jeff Sterling. Interment to follow at St. John’s Burry’s Church, 1835 PA-68, Rochester. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Faith Community United Methodist Church, c/o Board of Trustees, 341 Jefferson Street,
Rochester, PA 15074. Arrangements have been entrusted to the WIlliam Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.