Category: Obituaries

Joseph Lee DePaolis (1945-2026)

Joseph Lee DePaolis, 80, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, died
peacefully on January 17th, 2026.
He was born in Sewickley Valley Hospital on December 20th, 1945, the son of the late Leo and Joanna (Loria) DePaolis of Aliquippa. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy Mainos DePaolis and their four children: Jennifer (Jason) Dize, Joseph N. DePaolis, Jeffrey (Kelsey) DePaolis and Joy (John) Thomas; as well as eleven grandchildren, and his sister, Mary (John) DePaolis Lutzo.
Joseph attended DePaul Institute for the Deaf and Connelly Trade School specializing in Carpentry & Cabinet Making. Following graduation, he worked for Lucci Cabinet Company and later began his own cabinet company, Custom Built Cabinets by Joseph DePaolis, serving Beaver County residents and businesses for over 35 years. He was an outstanding athlete at DePaul Institute and also earned the highest honor awarded by the Boy Scouts of America, the Eagle Scout Award. Only 2-6% of all Scouts reach Eagle with a tiny majority being deaf. Joseph earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1962 and contributed to the history of deaf scouting in America. He was the son of a J&L Steelworker and Beaver County nurse and was exceptionally strong, both physically and emotionally. He was a gentle, kind-hearted man with boundless patience. He never met a stranger. Joseph was always willing to lend a hand and would place others before himself. Alongside his cabinet company, Joseph also provided maintenance, handiwork, and snow plowing support to whoever needed it. He also coached his kids’ youth soccer and softball teams. Upon retirement, he cared for his mother and was the best short-term caregiver for many of his grandchildren. He was a lifelong Steelers fan and long-time member of the Beaver County Deaf Bowling League. Joseph will be remembered as a loving family man who worked hard and cared for others. He instilled in his children a hard work ethic, the strength to stand up to adversity, and the importance of family.
Joseph requested that there not be any services. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.
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 Joseph Lee DePaolis please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofranceseco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Yvonne Ann Ory (1956-2026)

Yvonne Ann Ory, 69, of Freedom, passed away on January 19th, 2026, in Heritage Valley, Beaver.  She was born in Rochester on July 26th, 1956, the daughter of the late Blanche E. Hickman. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Keith Curry and Gary Franks. She is survived by her husband, George J. Ory III, one son, Lucas J. Cashdollar, of Butler, a sister and brother in law, Kathryn and Frank Jewell, of West Virginia, one step daughter, Catherine Wilson and her husband D.J., two step sons, Daniel and Austin Wilson, all of New Brighton, a granddaughter, Kayley Ory and Yvonne’s canine companion, Eli.

Yvonne was a former employee with Pine Run Market in New Sewickley Township and had also worked with the Hamilton Awning in Beaver and the East Rochester Shop ‘N’ Save. She loved sewing and also cooking for the family holiday dinners, craft work, playing bingo and was nature enthusiast. Yvonne’s wishes were to be cremated with a memorial service being held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

Henry Leon Woodfork, Sr. (1936-2026)

Henry Leon Woodfork, Sr., 89, of Cincinnati, Ohio, formerly of Beaver, peacefully passed away on the afternoon of January 18th, 2026.

He was born in Reidsville, North Carolina on July 16th, 1936, the son of the late Patrick and Ida (Martin) Woodfork. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Commora Board.

Henry is survived by his four children, Henry Jr. (Jennifer), Shawn (Robert), Alexis Roxanne, and Patrick (Nancy); Grandchildren Samantha (Y’hoshua) Myrick, Rachel, Morgan, and Bryce Woodfork; sisters, Etta Marcellus, Patricia (Thomas) Marshall; brother in laws, James R. Board II, Samuel T. Board; special friends Grant and Fanny Farmer.

After graduating from Booker T. Washington School in Reidsville, North Carolina, Henry enlisted in the Air Force and in February of 1959 met the love of his life Commora Board at a dance while stationed at the Greater Pittsburgh Air Base. He was in Indian Guides. He was an exceptional athlete and played 3rd base for the Metro Club. Following his playing career he coached for many years. Henry’s teams had multiple championships, Little League (3), Pony League (2), Colt league team in the playoff for the first time in Beaver history. All of the championships were in consecutive years. He worked for many years at Keystone Bakery, continued on as a Job Core Trainer at CCBC, as well as at Auto Plus until retiring at the age of 83.

Friends will be received on Saturday, January 24th, from 10 A.M. until 12:30 P.M., where a service will be conducted at 1 P.M. at St. John AME Methodist Church, 715 Mulberry Street, Beaver.

Private Interment will take place in Sylvanias Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

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

Memorial Contributions may be made in Henry’s name to St. John Ame Methodist Church, 715 Mulberry Street, Beaver, PA 15009.

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

Stephanie A. Reid (1978-2026)

Stephanie A. Reid, 47, of Fair Oaks, passed away on January 18th, 2026, at St. Clair Hospital.

She was born in Sewickley on October 11th, 1978, a daughter of the late Archie and Judith (Geiger) Reid. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an aunt, Eleanor Geiger and another aunt and uncle, Marjorie (Richard) Wright. She is survived by her siblings, Lori (Kevin) Mitchell and Bryan (Lindi Neely) Reid, three nieces, Katlyn, Nicole and Sabrina, two nephews, Brendan and Ian-Paul and a great-nephew, Emmanuel, as well as numerous cousins.

Some of Stephanie’s favorite pass-times were playing little league baseball, watching wrestling, and enjoying delicious food. She had an exceptional social life, loved to joke and make everyone around her happy. She will be loved and missed always.

All are welcome to gather for a visitation on Friday, January 23rd, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a Blessing Service will be held on Saturday, January 24th, commencing at 11 A.M. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

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

John “Buff” H. Buffalini (1937-2026)

John “Buff” H. Buffalini, 88, of Brighton Township, passed away on January 19th, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Leet Township on March 2nd, 1937, the son of the late John Frances and Eva (Valentino) Buffalini. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Chembars, a niece, Marla and an infant son. He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 26 years, Sherry (Morgan)Buffalini, his children: John (Barb) Buffalini, Larry (Christine) Buffalini, Janet (Rich) Pavlinch, Dean (Maria) Buffalini, Matthew Buffalini, Anthony (Michelle)Buffalini and Paula (John) Bernert; as well as his step daughters, Jennifer Buchanan, Rhonda (Rick) Douds and Michelle (Chis) Galzarano, his nineteen grandchildren: John, Nicole, Shane, Anthony,Cole, Amelia, and Sophia Buffalini, Will Pavlinch, Matthew Bernert, Mia (Ethan) Barton, Samantha (Carl) Manzo, Zac (Nicole) Buffalini, Luke (Val) Buffalini, Vance (Lexi) Shuler, Allison and Alayna Buchanan, RJ, Abby, and Ricki-Lynn Douds, Hayden and Emma Galzarano; as well as his eight great-grandchildren: Stella, Adrianna, Vito, Salvatore, Xavier, Nova, and Emma; along with his brother in law, Frank Chembars and two nieces.

John was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Beaver Falls and St. Augustine Parish. He was also a part of the American Legion as well as the Monaca Sportsman’s Club and was a veteran of the US Army. He retired from the blooming mill at J&L after 35 years of service. He was very devoted to his faith which he passed down to his children and he also loved to go camping , fishing and hunting. He loved spending time out doors and spending time with family. He loved country music.

Friends will be received on Friday, January 23rd from 4-7 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where military honors will be accorded at 5 P.M. on Friday, January 23rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, January 24th at 11 A.M. in St. Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.

The family would also like to thank John’s care taker, Jill, nurse, Jessica and aide, Irona for taking such good care of our loved one.

Jon A. Dicks (1975-2026)

Jon A. Dicks, 50, of Beaver, passed away unexpectedly on January 14th, 2026.

He was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on February 14th, 1975, a son of Monica Aukscunas Dicks and the late James B. Dicks. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Jennifer Rice Dicks, his step-father, David Hapach, his brother, James N. (Melissa) Dicks, his sister, Shaine Dicks (Benjamin) Debevec and his nephew, Wyatt Dicks.

Jon was a boilermaker by trade.

Friends will be received on Friday, January 23rd from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of his arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

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

Leonia M. DeRosia (Brenner) (Passed on January 16th, 2026)

Leonia M. DeRosia (Brenner) 80, of Renfrew, Pennsylvania, passed away on January 16th, 2026. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas. Leona was a lifelong member of St John’s “Burry’s” Church in Rochester, where she and Thomas raised four daughters, Beth, Shari, Carrie, and Kim in the love of the Lord. Leona was born and raised in Rochester, a daughter of the late H. Merrill and Laureme Brenner, along with her two siblings: Donna (William) Wright, and Kay (David) Allen. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Donna and her brothers-in-law, William Wright, Dennis (Jan) DeRosia and Kenneth (Sue) DeRosia.She is survived by her twelve grandchildren: Robert (Katie), Aleesha (Manny), Sarah, Ryan, Emma, Katherine (Charles), Hannah, Michael, Matthew, Josiah, Nathanael, Abigail and her three great grandchildren Thomas, Madilynn, and Ava Jo.

Thomas and Leonia married on September 30th, 1967, and moved to a town just outside of Detroit where they started their family. However, the draw to Western Pennsylvania brought them back to Freedom, where they built a house on a country road and continued to grow their family. Together, they had four beloved daughters: Elizabeth Henry, Sharon (Christopher) Huggins, Carrie (James) Blawas, and Kimberly (Josef) Funyak.

To know Leonia is to know how much she delighted in life and in her family. She spent her days steadfastly pursuing Goodness, Truth, and Beauty, and pointing others to God, who is the Source of it all. Besides her Lord and her family, her chief delights included reading, playing the piano, gardening, raising horses, and going to horse events with Tom, playing card games, and making her family laugh.

Calling hours will be held at St. John’s “Burry’s” Church, 1835 Rt #68, Rochester (New Sewickley Twp.) on Sunday, January 25th from 3-5 p.m. and on Monday, January 26th from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at the church, with reception to follow immediately after the service. A private burial at St. John’s “Burry’s” Church Cemetery, which is in the same location, 1835 Rt #68, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Leonia’s memory may be made to St John’s “Burry’s” Church, 1835 Rt #68, Rochester, PA 15074 or your local church.

“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the Earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him, with my eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25-27

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

To share online condolences, view Leona’s video tribute or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com

Helen V. Krisa (1925-2026)

Helen V. Krisa, 100, formerly of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on January 15th, 2026, at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph of Baden.

She was born in New Brighton on April 26th, 1925, the daughter of the late Louis and Mary (Grdenich) Zuzak. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Krisa, a daughter, Rosemary Rudnicki, a daughter-in-law, Marjorie Krisa and a brother, John Zuzak. She is survived by her children, Walter Krisa and Michael Krisa, her grandchildren: Kelci (Jason) Robbins, Stephanie (Jeffrey) Christian, Michael (Stacy) Krisa, Issac (Dana) de Vyver, and Timothy Krisa; as well as her great-grandchildren, Willoh, Arwyn, Bella, Hollyn, Grace, David, Michael, Anna, and Owen; along with her nieces, nephews, friends, and church family.

Helen was a homemaker and was a devoted member of Holy Family Church in New Brighton and Our Lady of the Valley Parish. She loved volunteer work at Heritage Valley Hospital in Beaver. She was an avid bingo player and a member of the New Brighton Croatian Club.

Friends will be received on Thursday, January 22nd from 3-7 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where departing prayers will be offered on Friday, January 23rd at 10:15 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M. at Holy Family Church, 521 7th Avenue, New Brighton with Fr. Howard Campbell as the celebrant.

Private interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, 139 Norwood Drive, Beaver Falls.

Laura Lee Staub (1965-2026)

Laura Lee Staub, 60, of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Beaver, passed away on January 14th, 2026, following a courageous battle with Cancer.

She was born in New Brighton on April 12th, 1965, a daughter of the late Robert “Greek” and Margaret (Moravec) Staub. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Thomas Anzio. She is survived by her sisters: Vicki Staub, Cindi Anzio, Patti (Regis) McLaughlin, Shari Pfender, Terri Owoc, Ami (Mike) Schlack; as well as her nieces and nephews: Anna (Matthew) McGonigal, Evan (Megan) Anzio, Robert (Stephanie), Melissa, Patrick and Meghan McLaughlin, Tyler (Krista), Brett, and Jesse Pfender, Matthew (Savana) and Beth Owoc, Ashley (Joe) Patzuk, Justin and Allison Schlack and Katelyn (Josh) Peabody-Young; as well as great nieces and nephews: Luke and Molly McGonigal, Brayden Query, Waylan Pfender, Joe and Jack Patzuk. To her nieces and nephews, she will always be remembered as the “fun” aunt.

Laura was a E.C.O. analyst for Saminco Solutions LIC for the past 20 years. She loved her job at Saminco. Her friends and colleagues became her Florida family and she loved them. She also had a unique friendship with her “Beaver Besties”, high school friends forever! She always loved their gatherings. She was Catholic by faith. She had a deep passion for crafting a love she shared with family and friends. Her hands were always busy creating each piece infused with her love, generosity and creativity.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, January 20th, from 3-7 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc, 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. A mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Wednesday, January 21st at 10 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver.

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

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

Harriett G. McDonald (Passed on January 15th, 2026)

Harriett G. McDonald, 92, of Monaca, passed away peacefully on January 15th, 2026 at Rochester Manor where she has resided for the past year.

She was born in Aliquippa, a daughter of the late Samuel and Esther (Stickle) Stillwagon. She was the last of a lively household of eleven children. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, J. Patrick McDonald on September 18, 2019 and her siblings: James, Robert, Richard, LeRoy, Samuel Jr. Stillwagon, Dorothy Phillips, Geraldine Grim, Etta Engle, Anna Stillwagon, and Betty Stillwagon. Her legacy continues through her family, including her son, Michael (Deborah) McDonald, her daughter, Kathleen Spencer, her adoring six grandchildren, and her cherished eleven great-grandchildren, as well as her two treasured great-great-grandchildren.

Harriett’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family. Her son, daughter, grandchildren: Justin, Jason (Pam), Jonathan (Nicole), and Joel (Kylee) McDonald, Johnny Spencer, and Nicole (Jakob) Brannen, along with her eleven great-grandchildren: Paige (Marcus), Brooklyn, Shaelyn, Garen, Max, Emrys, Grace, Anne, Maggie, Michael, and Stella; as well as her two great-great-grandchildren, Quintin and Alanni, will remember her as a constant source of love, support, and encouragement. She celebrated their achievements with immense pride and was their most enthusiastic supporter in all their endeavors.

Harriett’s professional life included time spent as a waitress at the Hollywood Gardens and Conway Corners. She was a person known for her hard work and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She was a former member and president of the Monaca Football Mothers, supporting both midget and high school teams. Her enthusiasm for the game was only surpassed by her dedication to her family, especially her husband and grandchildren, whom she supported wholeheartedly from the sidelines. She was a lifelong member of both the Monaca American Legion Post 580 Auxiliary and the Bunker Hill Community Church, Harriett’s commitment to service was evident. She took great pride in her church, which her father helped to build. She also devoted over two decades of her life serving as the Monaca judge of elections. She was also known for her love of bowling, participating in women’s bowling leagues at Monaca, Sheffield, and Center Lanes on Tuesday and Friday evenings.

As we bid farewell to Harriett, we celebrate a life well-lived and a woman well-loved.

Friends will be received on Monday, January 19th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where services will be held on Tuesday, Jan 20th at 10 a.m. with Pastor Ross Fichter officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Aliquippa.