Carol A. Franc (1939-2025)

Carol A. Franc, 86, of McCandless, passed away on December 4th, 2025. She was born on October 5th, 1939, the daughter of the late Carl and Zelma Farrell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Victor G. Franc and her brother, Richard Farrell. She is survived by her seven children: Bryan (Angie) Franc, Christopher (Sue) Franc, Kevin (Ambur Murphy) Franc, Terri (Jerome) Fancsali-Franc, Marlene Pena, Ashley (Jamie) Palkovic, and Karen Franc; as well as eleven grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Carol was a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School who continued her education at Seton Hill University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in music. She went on to teach music and English in the Connellsville School District. Carol and her husband, Victor, shared a remarkable legacy of love and compassion, proudly fostering 21 children throughout their life together. She adored her cats, cherished classical music, especially the works of her favorite composer, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and enjoyed taking spontaneous weekend road trips with her husband, never needing a final destination. Above all, she treasured every moment spent with her family and was devote in her Catholic faith.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 10th, from 9 A.M. to 10:15 A.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Wednesday, December 10th at 10:30 A.M. at Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will take place at Holy Savior Cemetery, 4629 Bakerstown Road, Gibsonia, following the Mass.

Anthony “Tony” Joseph Ziberna (1928-2025)

Anthony “Tony” Joseph Ziberna, 97, a resident of Harmony Township, formerly of Ambridge, passed away on December 6th, 2025. He was born on February 24th, 1928, the son of the late Anton and Mary (Turk) Ziberna. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Millicent (Barlek) Ziberna, his son, Anthony Keith Ziberna and his sisters, Alice Mixon, Virginia Estok, and Mary Ann Zagoda. He is survived by his daughter, Amy (Nancy Valentage) Ziberna of Webster, New York, his grandsons, Brian (Melissa) Ziberna and Matt (Emily) Ziberna, his great-grandchildren: Caleigh, Carson, Jack and Lyla; as well as his daughter-in-law, Barbara Ziberna, all of Raleigh, North Carolina, and many nieces and nephews.

Over the past several months, Anthony had been a resident of Villa St. Joseph in Baden. He was a 1946 graduate of Ambridge High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving from 1946 to 1948. Upon his return from the Navy, he began a 40-year career with Armco (AK) Steel and retired as a Foreman. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and gardening, and was quick to tell you he had two “holes in one” after he retired. He was also a talented craftsman and woodworker who built many beautiful pieces of furniture for family and friends. He was also a devoted husband, father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved sharing a good meal (and always dessert) with family and friends. He was a man of faith and member of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church and Good Samaritan Catholic Church in Ambridge, where he served as an usher for over 50 years. In retirement, he enjoyed attending Mass, meeting friends for breakfast, watching Pittsburgh sports, and working on puzzles.
Friends will be received on Monday, December 8th from 4-7 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where Funeral Prayers will be offered on Tuesday, December 9th at 10 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., in Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will take place in SS Peter & Paul Cemetery, 1691 Ridge Road Extension #1601, Ambridge. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, or to a charity of your choice.
The family thanks all who cared for Anthony over the past year, especially Lisa Maravich and the staff at Villa St. Joseph.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Anthony Ziberna, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Laura (DiCosmo) Iannitelli (Passed on December 4th, 2025)

Laura (DiCosmo) Iannitelli, 93, of Center Township, passed away on December 4th, 2025. She was born in West Aliquippa, a daughter of the late Carmen and Angeline (Crivelli) DiCosmo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Albert Petrilli and a brother-in-law, Joe Mazzocca. She is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Nick Iannitelli, her cherished son, Christopher Petrilli, a brother and sister-in-law, Theodore and Anna DiCosmo, her sister, Joanna Mazzocca (Leo Kowalski) and numerous nieces and nephews. Laura formerly worked as a touch up painter for Shifleft Enterprises and as a dental assistant to Dr. Patel. She was also a talented artist, baker, cook, and designer. Her creativity and dedication shined through in everything she did, making a lasting impact on those around her.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Chris O’Donnel and the amazing women that took wonderful care of Laura.
Donations in memory of Laura can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Friends and family will be received on Monday, December 8th from 4-7 p.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Tuesday, December 9th at 10 a.m. in St. Titus Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa, which is where everyone is asked to meet for the Mass. Burial will immediately follow
at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Laura (DiCosmo) Iannitelli, please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc by clicking here.

Richard Charles Zarilla (1968-2025)

Richard Charles Zarilla, 57, of Rochester, passed away unexpectedly on December 2nd, 2025, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh.

He was born in Okinawa, Japan on November 14th, 1968, a son of the late Raymond Sr. and Lina (Lentz) Zarilla. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond Zarilla, Jr. and Randy Zarilla. He is survived by his fiancée, Lori Beth Tolbert, his daughters, Randi Zarilla, Colby Zarilla, and Kelsay Zarilla-Guajardo, his grandchildren: Gemini, Bentley, Maxwell, Roman, Azaleigha, Amyiah, Jackson, Owen, and Lina; as well as other family and friends.

Richard held many jobs throughout his lifetime, but his years as a Freedom Area school bus driver were his absolute favorite. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with family, friends, fishing, shooting and historic reenacting. He particularly enjoyed his role as a surgeon with the Civil War reenactment group First Battalion Hospital and portraying Civil War era Santa.

All services for Richard were private and his wishes for cremation will be honored. A wake will be held in Richard’s honor at a later date. The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to care for Richard and his family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Frank Joseph Bedekovich, Sr. (1932-2025)

Frank Joseph Bedekovich, Sr., 93, of Hopewell Township, passed away on November 30th, 2025.

He was born in West Aliquippa on November 21st, 1932, a son of the late James and Anna (Godinich) Bedekovich. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Barbara Wable and Joseph Bedekovich. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Arden Gillespie Bedekovich, his children, Sylvia (Christopher) Buck, Frank J. (Michele) Bedekovich Jr, his stepchildren, Terry Orendi, Carrie (Mitchell) Ettinger and Shari (Bud) Norton. his cherished grandchildren: Lucas Buck, Frank J. Bedekovich III and David Bedekovich, his step grandchildren: Joshua, Kristi, Jessi, Sarah, Melissa and Laurel; as well as his great grandchildren: Autumn, Athena, Gabriel, Tyler and Killian; along with several nieces and nephews: Ivan Wable, Joseph Wable, James Wable, Irene Lapic and Elain Brown.

Frank was a dedicated member of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Glenwillard, Pennsylvania, where he and his wife Jean regularly attended Mass. He served with pride in the U.S. Army as a Private First Class in the 82nd Airborne Division. He belonged to several organizations including the American Legion, the 82nd Airborne Association Leonard Funk Chapter, the US Power Squadron, the Croatian Fraternal Union, the Beaver Valley Yacht Club, and music ensembles such as Ansambl Sventi Nikola, Sevdah and various other groups. He spent his career as a pilot for HJ Heinz. He was also a general aviation student instructor and was the owner of the Prop Shop for 25 years. Later, he founded F&J Associates Leisure Time Travel.

A memorial service for Frank will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

 

Marlene T. (Piroli) Sarver (1940-2025)

Marlene T. (Piroli) Sarver, 85, of Aliquippa, formerly of San Clemente, California, passed away on December 2nd, 2025. She was born in Aliquippa on March 9th, 1940, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Piroli. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Robert Sarver, two brothers, John and Art Piroli and a sister, Rose Demma.
Marlene met the love of her life in 1954. They met as young teenagers and shared the love of a lifetime! They married and spent 55 blissful years together with many adventures along the way. Although Marlene was born and raised in Aliquippa, her heart was in California. She and Robert moved to San Clemente, California and purchased the Picadilly Deli. They made many lifelong friends at the deli working together, side by side. Marlene enjoyed plants and truly had a green thumb. Her home was adorned with foliage and not one plant was ever brown. She also had a passion for animals, especially cats. Marlene took in several stray cats over the years who gave her so much love, especially Mia. Every morning Marlene also fed the birds and squirrels, making sure all her neighborhood animal friends had food.
Marlene is survived by her sister-in-law, Betty Jane (Sarver) Schaeffer, her niece, Leah Piroli and her special friend, Patty Avery, who were with her to the very end.
Marlene also had many loving friends, including her neighbor, Michelle Zajac, who has helped her through the years and last but not least her Deli Girls from California who always remained in her heart.
In accordance with Marlene’s wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Marlene T. Sarver, please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Helen M. Hunter (1944-2025)

Helen M. Hunter, 81, of Darlington Township, passed away on December 4th, 2025, while under the care of Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford. She was born in Darlington on May 13th, 1944, a daughter of the late John E. and Ethel (Veon) Hill. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald J. Hunter, Sr; two sons, Ronald J. Hunter, Jr. and Christopher L. Hunter; and two brothers, John and Bill Hill. She is survived by her special friend, Jack Pitzer, her children, Spencer (Lisa) Hunter, Douglas Hunter and Kathleen (Randy) Johnston, her grandchildren: Michelle (Justin) Patton, Colleen Johnston, Aaron Johnston, Nicole (Jake) Dixon and Spencer Hunter and his fiancée, Sarah Allison, Kasidy Hunter, Alaina Hunter, and Douglas Jr. (Morgan) Hunter; as well as her great-grandchildren: Garrett Patton, Makenna Patton, Adam Zikeli, Alanna Zikeli, Killian Johnston, Cullen Dixon and Juliana Dixon; as well as her two sisters, Patty and Penny.

Helen found strength in God’s promise and lived her days with integrity, dedication and devotion. She loved being outdoors, gardening, quilting and traveling.  She was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan who enjoyed attending Pirates games and watching Steelers football. Above all, she was devoted to her family and found great joy in entertaining family and friends.

Friends will be received on Sunday, December 7th from 12 noon-5 p.m. and Monday, December 8th from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Interment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2045 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls.

Charles J. Hockenberry (1934-2025)

Charles J. Hockenberry, 91, of Ohioville, passed away surrounded by his family, in the early morning hours of December 2nd, 2025. 

He was born in Industry on October 31st, 1934, the son of the late Charles S. and Mary G. Klink Hockenberry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Noca Hockenberry and his granddaughter, Rachel E. Francis. He is survived by his daughters, Susan (Dave) Francis of North Jackson, Ohio, Sherry Hockenberry of Ohioville and Lorraine Hockenberry of Ellsworth, Ohio, his sister, Dora Jean Young of Darlington, his grandchildren: D. J. Francis of Lafayette, Colorado, Jessica (Josh Hill) Francis of Canfield, Ohio, Anne (Mike) Karney of Ravenna, Ohio, and Kelsey Francis of Orlando, Florida; along with his great-grandchildren: William, Adeline, Noah, Madeline, and Evelyn. 

Charles was a graduate of Midland High School with its Class of 1953, who went on to proudly serve in the U. S. Navy. Following his service, he worked at Crucible Steel in Midland, farmed, and drove trucks with his dad, hauling coal, gravel, lime and cinders for highway use. When he retired from Crucible, he drove truck for XL Sand and Gravel and continued farming. He also enjoyed hunting, coon hunting, and fishing. A favorite hobby of his was driving a team of horses as a member of the Ohio Wagon Train. He was a man who could fix anything placed on his workbench who built his own covered wagon, making many trips throughout his life. He was a faithful member of Oak Grove Church of Christ in Industry, who will be remembered mostly as a devoted husband and loving father to his three daughters. 

Friends will be received on Sunday, December 7th, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. in Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. A funeral service will be conducted on Monday, December 8th, at 1 p.m., at Oak Grove Church of Christ, 169 Ashwood Drive, Industry. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com. The family would like to thank the staff at Windsor House in Canfield, Ohio, Pod B for the loving care and compassion given to Charles.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles J. Hockenberry, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Edith “Edie” Hilkka Nichols (1952-2025)

Edith “Edie” Hilkka Nichols, 72, of Brighton Township, passed away at home peacefully surrounded by the family she fiercely loved on November 28th, 2025.

She was born in the Rochester Hospital on December 10th, 1952, a daughter of the late James Roy and Edith Hilkka Forsman Burgess. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Elina Marja Nichols, her granddaughter, Eva Leina Nichols and her brother, David Burgess. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, James “Jim” Walter Nichols, her sons, James (Tonya) Nichols, Jeremiah (Whitney) Nichols and Daniel (Jenny) Nichols, her daughter, Wendy (Jason) Lowe, her brothers, William (Christine) Burgess, Joseph (Ann) Burgess and Raymond (Lorraine) Burgess, along with her cherished grandchildren: Luke and Leah Nichols, Gracey, Hunter, and Adeline Nichols, Lydia, Finley, and Ronin Nichols, and Addison and Maysie Lowe.

Edith was a resident of Brighton Township all of her life who will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, and friend. She stood out in a crowd with her crown of blonde hair! She had an infectious laugh and a comforting spirit that made everyone around her feel seen and cherished. Her collection of dolls, jewelry and friends reflected her sparkling personality and her gift for welcoming others with genuine love. She was also a member of Christian Assembly Church in Industry who was a faithful prayer warrior, covering her loved ones in prayer, loving kindness and sprinkled in drops of oregano oil as her heartfelt belief was that this trio could overcome anything.

Friends will be received on Saturday, December 20th, from 12 noon until the time of a short service at 2 p.m. at Christian Assembly Church, 6241 Tuscarawas Road, Industry. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Edith “Edie” Hilkka Nichols, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Glenn Lee “Chili” Armstrong (1962-2025)

Glenn Lee “Chili” Armstrong, 63, of Chippewa Township, passed away on December 3rd, 2025, at his residence.

He was born in Okinawa, Japan on August 11th, 1962, a son of the late Glenn Leroy and Toyoko (Nishida) Armstrong. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Trina Greco, his siblings, Jack (Karlie) Armstrong and Mary (Larry) Wilson, his nieces and nephews: Ava, Maura, Laina, Butchie, and Casey; as well as his special friends and caregivers, Bob, Lisa, and Joe, his K-9 companion, Koji and many friends.

Glenn was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served as an Airborne Ranger. Following his military service, he worked for Armstrong World Industries. In his free time, he enjoyed gambling trips to Las Vegas with the love of his life, Trina. He also had a passion for restoring CJ-5 Jeeps, Penguins hockey and animals.

Friends will be received on Saturday, December 6th from 2 p.m. until the time of a brief service at 6 p.m. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Glenn’s wishes for cremation will be honored following services and inurnment will be at Clinton Cemetery in Wampum.

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