Vondal Delano “Sonny” Diamond (Passed on November 1st, 2025)

Vondal Delano “Sonny” Diamond, 92, of Ohioville, passed away peacefully at home on November 1st, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Logan, West Virginia, the son of the late Garnett and Opal Diamond. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Howard White; sisters, Roberta (Ray) Bartley and Jewell (John) Chaffee; and sister-in-law, Sally (Lester) Henderson. Sonny is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Carol, his beloved dog, Tookie, three children, Dale “Dewey” (Jean) Diamond, Shawna (Darryl) Michael and Robin (Jeff) Eror, seven loving grandchildren: Kayla (Michael) Dennis, Lindsay (Greg) Glass, Cody Eror, Lacey (Brett) Balco, E.J. (Sheena) Clark and Brandi (Riley) Hunter and Leanne Nagle; as well as ten great-grandchildren who adored their “Big Pappy.” He is also survived by his stepbrother, Howard (Faye) White Jr., his sister-in-law, Nancie (Jim) Wolfe and several nieces, nephews, and their families.

Vondal’s family moved to Midland in 1936. He attended Midland High School and graduated in 1952. After graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, proudly serving two years during the Korean War. Following his military service, he worked at Crucible Steel until 1982, then joined Anderson’s Trucking. He later found his true passion driving a school bus for Shank Bus Company: later Frye Transportation, where he touched the lives of countless students before retiring at the age of 85.

On June 12th, 1959, Sonny married the love of his life, his “Snooks,” Carol Mae (Strohm) Diamond.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Good Samaritan Hospice, especially Ashley and Jessica, for their compassionate care.

Friends will be received on Thursday, November 6th, from 12 noon–3 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. at Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Midland American Legion Post 481 in Vondal’s honor.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Vondal Delano “Sonny” Diamond, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Homer Filmore Yute (1933-2025)

Homer Filmore Yute, 91, of Brighton Township, passed away on November 1st, 2025 at Beaver Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center of Beaver Falls.

He was born in Allegheny County on December 22nd, 1933, a son of the late Homer and Edna Erb Yute. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Patricia J. Yute. He is survived by his son, Douglas H. (Cindy) Yute, Wisconsin, his brother, George E. (Sandra) Yute, his sister, Ethel G. (Bill) Bradford, his sister, Kathryn A. (Richard) Qulia, his brother, James A (Margaret) Yute, his grandchildren, Justin H. (Jules) Yute, Heather A. Yute and Katelyn M. (Jacob) Skienar, his great-grandson, Nathan and his nephew, Kenneth A. (Diane), a long caretaker of Homer (and Patricia) for many years.

Homer, a graduate of Geneva College, worked most of his career at Crucible Steel in Midland, as an Industrial Engineer. He was a member of the Vanport Presbyterian Church in Vanport Township. He will be remembered most as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Friends will be received on Friday November 7th, from 2 p.m. until the time of service at 4 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Homer’s name may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

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

Robert V. Vojtko (1956-2025)

Robert V. Vojtko, 69, of Midland, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 3, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Rochester on March 26th,1956, a son of the late Lawrence and Anna (Kisasonak) Vojtko. In addition to his parents, Rob was preceded in death by a sister, Frances Deem-Atkinson, brothers-in-law George Deem, Sr., Donald Brunner and Mike Caffro, Sr., nephews TJ Bushmier, Thomas Thornton II and Troy Brunner, and most recently, his twin sister, Rosie Emerick. He is survived by his sisters, Dolly Caffro, Laura Brunner, Lori Palluch (Bob) and JoAnn Hart (Mark), his brother, John Vojtko (Dodo), his brother-in-law, James Emerick, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Robert retired from Industry Terminal and Salvage Company, where he worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator. When he wasn’t running the loader at work, he could be found at Josephine’s, sitting in front of the slot machine, as a way to wind down. In his healthier years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brother Johnny and friends. He couldn’t pass up a good sale, and after scanning the grocery store ads, would use a tank of gas to get a good deal and save a dollar. He also enjoyed visiting the farmer’s market for peppers and onions. As his health declined, he was lovingly cared for by his older sisters Laura and Dolly. Though he never had children of his own, he loved watching the antics of all of his nieces and nephews, and quietly hanging out with his family.

Professional Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

The family of Rob would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Gallagher Hospice, Dr. Lebowicz, and Dr. Pennock for the love and compassion care given to him during his time with them.

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

Carolyn Schulz Church (1932-2025)

Carolyn Schulz Church, 92, of Beaver Falls, (Chippewa), passed away on November 3rd, 2025. She was born in Oswego, New York on November 11th, 1932, the daughter of the late Henry F. Schulz and Mildred I. Matott, who died soon after Carolyn’s birth.  Henry later married Mildred’s sister Cora B. Matott, who became her mother and raised her and her older brother. The family later moved to Watertown, New York. She attended Watertown High School and the House of the Good Samaritan School of Nursing, graduating in 1953. Upon graduation, she became an Operating Room nurse.  She married John “Jack” Church in 1956. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Henry F. Schulz Jr. and a nephew, Henry F. Schulz III. Survivors are her daughter Karen L. Church of Chippewa and son John R. (Nancy) Church III of Delanson, New York, two grandchildren, Kyleigh (Jared) Cleghorn of Alexandria, Virginia, and Brett Church of Delanson, New York, a nephew, Christian (Sandy) Schulz of Olney, Maryland and her nephew’s widow, Leslie Schulz of Silver Spring, Maryland. She was a member of Brush Run Church in Beaver Falls and a member of their Willing Workers. She was also a member of the Chippewa Woman’s Club.  She enjoyed Antiquing, Knitting, and working on Genealogy.  She also enjoyed Bossa Nova, jazz and all music by Frank Sinatra.

A visitation will be at Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Chippewa Twp., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, on Saturday, November 8th, from 10:30 A.M. until time of services at 2 P.M. Burial will be private at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff of Pinnacle Hospice and Dr. Carl Sestito.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brush Run Church – 1216 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010 or the Beaver County Humane Society – 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa PA 15001.

Lorena Lee Ellefson (1933-2025)

Lorena Lee Ellefson, 92, of Chippewa Township, passed away on November 1st, 2025, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa. She was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on April 16th, 1933, the daughter of the late Leland and Thecil Pearson Douglas. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edward Earl Ellefson, her son, Ed Ellefson, her daughter, Karen Shoaff, three brothers: Kenny Douglas, Forest Ray Douglas and Keith Douglas and her grandson, David Ellefson. She is survived by her son, Tim (Dorothy) Ellefson, her son-in-law, Kevin Shoaff and two grandchildren, Kimmie Jo (Augie) Schmitt and Crystal Ellefson.

Lorena lived a life of service, creativity, and love. She was a proud military wife for 20 years, She was a beacon of resilience and grace, adapting to the demands of military life with unwavering commitment and strength. Her professional journey saw her serving as a Nurse’s Aide for five years and as a Seamstress for 21 years at the Beaver Valley Geriatric Center. Off-duty, Lorena’s nimble fingers and creative spirit found a home in the art of sewing, crafting, and helping others. She even used her skill to sew and donate masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was a devoted member of the First United Presbyterian Church of Darlington and her faith was an integral part of her life. Her service extended beyond her church and work, volunteering for the Red Cross and living a life that exemplified the spirit of giving. Friends will be received on Friday, November 7th from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon in CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements. Interment will be private at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Lorena’s name to DAV, Payable to: DAV – Disabled American Veterans P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250, or Vietnam Veterans Of America 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.

Richard Kuniewicz (1940-2025)

Richard Kuniewicz, 85, of Baden, passed away at home on November 1st, 2025, with loving family by his side. He was born in Ambridge on April 18th, 1940, a son of the late Peter and Katherine (Durkolec) Kuniewicz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna, three brothers, Paul, John and Edward, three sisters, Jane Sinutka, Helen Bachor and Virginia Haitz. He is survived by his second wife, Mary Ellen, his son, Richard (Gina) Kuniewicz, two daughters, Jane (Chuck) Stadnik and Joanna (Brian) Schmidt, six grandsons, three granddaughters and two great- grandsons and a myriad of nieces and nephews.

Richard was a member of St Luke the Evangelist Church in Ambridge. His work life was spent as a machinist at H.R. Robertson, later Centra. He was a long-time member of the Baden American Legion Post 641 and Ambridge Eagles AERIE 1365.

All are welcome to gather for a visitation on Friday, November 7th from 4-8 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a Blessing Service will be held on Saturday, November 8th, commencing at 11 A.M. Interment will follow in the Good Samaritan Cemetery.

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

Lois M. Cascio (1942-2025)

Lois M. Cascio, 83, of Beaver, passed away on November 2nd, 2025.

She was born in Kiskiminetas Township on July 14th, 1942, the daughter of the late Russell and Jessie (Miller) Smeltzer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel I. Cascio, a step-daughter, June Cascio; and two stepsons, Cletus Bonner and Chester Bonner.

She is survived by her brother, Clair (Martha) Smeltzer; her devoted granddaughter, Christine (Bill) Bonner-DePaul, seven additional grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Lois was a 1960 graduate of Beaver Falls High School, Lois then went on to attend Garfield Business School. She was a member of Monacrest Free Methodist Church in Monaca, where she served as a steward. In 1979, she was awarded the W.M.S Community Missionary of the Year Award. She also was a caller for Contact.

Friends will be received on Friday, November 7th from 2 P.M.-6 P.M. and Saturday, November 8th from 10 A.M. until the time of services at 11 A.M. in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 340 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. Rev. Colleen Carney will officiate.

Private interment will take place in Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lois’s name to the Monacrest Free Methodist Church, 995 Elmira Street, Monaca, PA 15061.

Theresa Jean Fitzgerald (1959-2025)

Theresa Jean Fitzgerald, 66, of Center Township, passed away on October 26th, 2025 in her daughter’s home. She was born in Melrose, Massachusetts on April 21st, 1959, a daughter of the late Edward and Isabel Fitzgerald. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, John Fitzgerald and a sister, Anne Fitzgerald. She is survived by her life partner, Wayne Phillips, a daughter and son-in-law, Taylor (Jonathan) Phillips Prosko, her beloved granddaughter, Lacey Silva and three siblings: Rosie (Tommy) Fowler, Tammy (Paul) Fitzgerald Owen and Tommy Fitzgerald and six nieces: Tracey, Shannon, Ashley, Lindsey, Nicole and Kaitlin.

Theresa worked for many years as a waitress at the Hilltop Steakhouse in Saugus, Massachusetts and most recently worked as a cashier at Circle K. Theresa loved her family more than anything.  She especially loved being able to watch her granddaughter Lacey through the years.

In accordance with Theresa’s wishes, all of her services are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

James B. Lester (1931-2025)

James B. Lester, 94, passed away at 4:30 a.m. on October 31st, 2025. We imagine that he was joyfully reunited with the love of his life, Dolores Jean Lester, whom he met in 1947 at a Youth for Christ picnic. They married in 1952 and shared 67 inseparable years together until her passing on January 11th, 2020. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn Lester Luffy, his great-grandson, Landon Bradley Lester, his loving sister, Jacqueline, his cherished brother-in-law, Glenn Schoder, and his favorite nephew, Mike Clark and his parents, Hurshel and Geneva Lester. He was also preceded in death by many dear in-laws and friends who held a special place in his heart, including Florence and Ray Senior, Ronnie Vogler, Ruth and “Sparky” Russell, Miriam and Tom Senior, and Betty and Ken Senior, along with countless others he loved so deeply. He treasured every moment spent reminiscing with his beloved sister-in-law, Carol Vogler and his favorite niece, Victoria Clark, both of whom survive him and will hold his memory close. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who adored him. James was a faithful friend and storyteller who shared over 55 years of friendship with his best friend, George Molchen, often over a cup of coffee and a tale or two about their hunting adventures. In recent years, his fiancée, Terrie Parish, brought great light and joy into his life. Together they shared meals, card games, and laughter: her love, and the kindness of her family, were a true blessing to him in his later years. His faith guided every part of his life. He taught his family many things, but the most important lesson was to love the Lord. His devotion continues to shine through his children: Jim Lester, Glenn and Brenda Lester, Debbie and Scott Walsh, and Brenda and Randy Hanshe. James’ and Jean’s legacy of love lives on through their grandchildren: Geneva and Sager Nagilla, Von and Molly Lester, Dan and Denise Luffy, Glenn and Allie Lester, Brad and Michelle Lester, Jacque Walsh, Devin and Brittany Walsh, Dylan and Nicole Walsh, Kyla and Chris Lindner, and Troy and Alex Hanshe; as well as through their 28 great-grandchildren, who will always remember that a visit with Great-Grandpa Jim came with a big hug and a Tootsie Pop. He was also a lifelong member of Chippewa Alliance Church. His faith and service were unwavering. He retired from Columbia Gas, where his long meter-reading walks kept him in tip-top shape. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was also an avid outdoorsman and a proud member of the Beagle Club who found peace and joy in nature. Whether he was fishing, hunting with his beagles, practicing archery, or spotting deer with his family, those were his happiest days. He lived a life rooted in faith, love, and gratitude. His kindness, laughter, and unwavering trust in the Lord will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him. Please join us in celebrating his God glorifying life! Friends will be received Friday, November 7 from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, November 8th at 10:30 A.M. in the Chippewa Alliance Church, with Reverend Dan Muir officiating. “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21-23

Amos Pernell Cameron (1961-2025)

Amos Pernell Cameron, 63, of Leetsdale, passed away on October 29th, 2025 surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Sewickley on December 23rd, 1961, a son of Barbara J. Cameron of Leetsdale and the late Amos Cameron. In addition to his father, he was preceeded in death by his nephew, Dulane S. Cameron, Jr. Amos graduated in 1980 from Quaker Valley High School, where he attended Parkway West Career and Technical Center.  Amos went on to West Liberty University and Allegheny Community College where he graduated with a degree in chemistry. Upon graduation, he worked for Mobay Chemical Company.  He started EMT class in 1986 and was employed by Valley Ambulance where he completed paramedic class and remained employed as a paramedic and later a paramedic supervisor for 20 years.  While there he spent much of his time mentoring and training others for careers in EMS. In 2006, Amos left Valley Ambulance to join the Emergency Medical Service Institute (EMSI) as a Regional Operations Coordinator.  He remained at EMSI until 2017 when he joined Heritage Valley Sewickley where he followed in the footsteps of his friend and mentor, Mary Caroly Nash, as the Prehospital Coordinator. During his career, he was the Assistant Chief of Leetsdale Fire Department and Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for Leetsdale Borough.  He chaired the Public Safety Committee of Leetsdale Borough. Amos served on the Allegheny County/Pittsburgh International Airport Disaster Planning Committee. Amos started a business as a professional photographer “Photos by Amos.” He also provided private security details for local estates in the area.  Amos worked at a number of ambulance services during his years in EMS including Economy, Robinson and Fayette County EMS. In September of 2022, Amos was thrilled to receive confirmation that he had a daughter, Ashley Whitted, along with four grandchildren: Londyn, Lance, Liberty, and Lavender. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his sister, Desiree Cameron- McDougal (Daniel), Capital Heights, Maryland, his brothers Leon S. Cameron of Davis, Florida and Dulane S. Cameron, Sr. (Stephanie) of Leetsdale, his bonus son, Blake Dunback of Pittsburgh, and a host of close cousins who were always available as well as a host of close friends to include: Judy Haluka, M.C. Nash, John Libonati, Billy Spinelli and Ken Lougerman. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 5th, from 2-4 P.M. and 5-7 P.M. in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements. An additional visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6th at Triumph Church, 1293 Mt. Nebo Road, Pittsburgh, from 9 A.M. until the time of a funeral service at 10 A.M. Burial will follow at Sewickley Cemetery, 501 Hopkins Street, Sewickley.