Debra Ann (Fairbanks) Heitger, 66, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on April 8th, 2025, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

She was born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on July 2nd, 1958, the beloved daughter of Capitola Parker (formerly Cox/ Fairbanks) and the late Richard Fairbanks. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Keith Heitger, with whom she shared many cherished years. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her devoted children, Ashley (Michael Davis) Heitger and Orrin “OP” (Nichole) Heitger, her adoring grandchildren, Makayla and Maximus Heitger and Tyler, Olivia, and Elana Davis, her sister, Dianna Fairbanks, as well as many dear family members in South Carolina.

Debra will be fondly remembered as a hardworking and kind-hearted woman, known for her infectious smile and her ability to brighten any room. She had a playful spirit, often doodling in her free time and she delighted in making people laugh. After retirement, Debra found immense joy working part-time at Foodland, where she not only enjoyed serving her community but also formed deep, lasting bonds with her coworkers, who became like a second family to her.

Her greatest pride and joy were her family, especially her beloved grandchildren, who brought endless happiness to her life. She cherished every moment spent with them and embraced her role as their biggest cheerleader.

In accordance with Debra’s wishes, a cremation will take place and no formal services will be held. The family will honor her memory with a Celebration of Life in South Carolina at a later date, where her joyful spirit and love will be remembered and celebrated. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

Elizabeth “Betty” C. Wright, 87, of Beaver, passed away on April 7th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

She was born in Rochester on April 4th, 1938, the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Chambers) Griffin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Marilyn Wright and two brothers, Bill and Bob Griffin. She is survived by her children: Michael A. (Elise) Wright, Gail (Jim) Fristik, Deborah Berardelli and Mark (Brenda) Wright; nine grandchildren: Michael D. Wright, Kyle (Michelle) Wright, James Fristik, Kayla (Michael) Estermyer, Samantha (Mark) Casper), Anthony Beradelli, Sarah Beradelli, Tyler Wright and Zachary Wright; as well as eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Elizabeth was a graduate of Beaver High School and worked as a Dietary Supervisor at Providence Care Center. She was also a member of Jaimmie Jammers Square Dancing Club, who enjoyed sewing and making items for her grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be announced by Elizabeth’s family at a later date.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to provide care and guidance to Elizabeth’s family during this time.

Thomas “Tommy” K. Brantner III, 23, of Ambridge, passed away at home on April 8th, 2025. He was born on July 15th, 2001, the beloved son of Thomas K. Brantner Jr. and Tammy Brantner. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Thomas K. Brantner Sr., his aunt, Nicole Brantner; and his uncle, Matthew Nichol.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his cherished children, Trey, Tate, and Malakai Brantner. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Jack and Sondra Ricker, paternal grandparents, Lori and Robert Nichol, his stepmother, Melissa Ford, and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Thomas was a passionate Pittsburgh sports fan and enjoyed watching the Los Angeles Lakers. In his younger years, he shared a special bond with his father through their love of golf. Above all, he deeply loved and adored his children.

Family and friends will be received for a visitation on Saturday, April 12th from 12 noon to 1 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Daniel “Danny” Lee Zajac, Sr., 67, a lifelong resident of Monaca, passed away on April 6th, 2025 in his Monaca residence. Daniel was also known by his nicknames ZA and Bugman.

He was born in Rochester and is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline Hiwiller Zajac, with whom he shared nearly five decades of marriage after tying the knot on June 22th, 1980 in New Castle. Their love story began when Jackie was just 14 years old, and it blossomed into a partnership that was a testament to their devotion to each other. He is also survived by two proud sons, Daniel Lee Zajac, Jr. and Ryan Michael Zajac, and his cherished granddaughter, Danica Leigh Zajac, who brought him immeasurable joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William George and Eleanor Louise (Zayak) Zajac, his sister, Tammy Shively, his in laws, Blaine and Florence Hiwiller and his brother in-law, Larry Hiwiller. His memory will be honored by his surviving siblings, Donny Zajac (Annette), Sharon Strickler, Bill Zajac (Lissa), and Susan Claney (John). His extended family includes his brother-in-law, Tom Hiwiller (Patty), and sister-in-law, Penny (Clark) Pugh, as well as numerous nieces and nephews: Joey, Jesse, Elie, Raelene, Rachel, Shawna, Travis, Dustin, Abby, Lee, Larry (Amanda) Hiwiller, Jennifer (George) Thomas, Tom (Katrina) Hiwiller and Paul (Abbey) Pugh; as well as numerous great nieces and great nephews.

Daniel was a graduate of Monaca High School’s class of 1976 and was the co-captain of the 1975 WPIAL Championship Football Team, a role that foreshadowed his lifelong passion for sports. His career began at Rentokil Pest Control, where he earned the nickname “Bugman,” a name that stuck with him through his subsequent positions at Horsehead Inc. as a furnace operator attendant, with the labor union at the Shell Oil’s ‘cracker’ plant, and finally at Hussey Copper in the storeroom.

Daniel’s commitment to his community shone through with his love of sports as he coached the Mighty Mites and Midget Football teams and the Turners’ Little League Baseball Team, leading them to six consecutive championships. His leadership on and off the field was recognized by his membership in the Monaca Quarterback Club, Laborers’ Union #833, and the former Steelworkers Union.

He was an avid Michigan State University Football fan and his enthusiasm for sports was matched by his love for the outdoors. Deer hunting and fishing were among his favorite pastimes, offering him moments of tranquility and a connection to nature that he deeply treasured.

Friends will be received on Thursday, April 10th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where services will be held on Friday, April 11th at 11 a.m.

To share online condolences, add photos and get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Harry Myers, 85, of Darlington Township, passed away on April 7th, 2025 at Hospice of the Valley in Poland, Ohio.

He was born in Imperial, Pennsylvania, on January 28th, 1940, a son of the late Nicholas James and Anna (Hertzer) Myers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Duane Myers, his daughter-in-law, Sonya Myers, four brothers and one sister. Harry is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Rosalie Joan (Smolich) Myers, his children: Teresa (Rick) Mucha, Denise (Ron) Peters, Harry Lee Myers, Kevin (Stacey) Myers and Monica Gross; his grandchildren: Amanda (Tim) Birnesser, Duane (Ashley) Myers, Christian (Brandi) Myers, Michelle (Nate) Musselman, Nicholas Myers, Delena Myers, Gianna Myers, Sienna Myers and Kain Myers; his great-grandchildren, Georgiana Birnesser, Addlyn Birnesser, Graysen Myers, Brooklyn Myers, Roman Myers, Cash Myers and Scarlet Musselman, and one on the way.

Harry was a restaurant owner for many years. He started his career at Enon Valley Inn until he purchased his own restaurant in Darlington, called Harry’s Place.

Friends will be received on Thursday, April 10th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road Beaver Falls, where prayers will be held on Friday, April 11th at 9:30 A.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 A.M. at Saint Monica Catholic Church of St. Augustine Parish, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. Father Kim Schreck will officiate.

A private entombment will take place at Saint Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of the flowers, donations in Harry’s name can be made to the Saint Monica Angel Fund, 609 10th St Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Margaret S. “Peggy” (Carney) Andrews, 83, of Aliquippa, passed away peacefully on April 7th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Rochester on July 15th, 1941, a daughter of the late Edward “Bud” and Matilda Carney. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harry Andrews and her brother-in-law, David Biskup. She is survived by her two children. They are her son, Harry Andrews and his wife Jo, and a daughter, Christine Cordero. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Zachary Andrews, Nicholas Andrews, and Aidan Cordero, as well as her three great-grandchildren, whom she adored.
She is also survived by her twin sister, Patricia “Patty” Biskup, and her sister and brother-in-law, Mary Kay and George Patterson. She will be greatly missed by her nieces, Kathleen (John) Fogg, and their daughter, Colleen Patterson and her niece, Molly Patterson, in addition to many loving relatives from the Andrews family.

Margaret was a dedicated member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish at Saint Titus Church of Aliquippa, where she was an active participant in the Confraternity of Christian Mothers. Throughout her life, she found joy in the simple pleasures, including her love of playing bingo and her employment as a pharmacy tech assistant at The Medicine Shoppe in Aliquippa. Above all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 10th from 3-6 p.m. at the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. Departing prayers will be held on Friday, April 11th at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. Titus Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Patricia Ann Sherman, 83, of Sewickley, passed away on April 4th, 2025, in Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on February 24th, 1942. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Edna (Tash) Makara. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Stephen Sherman II, a son, Stephen (Lori) Sherman III, a daughter, Karen (Christopher) Sovich, two granddaughters, Megan (Daniel) Saures and Rachel Sovich, two grandsons, David Sovich and Daniel Sovich, a great grandson, Dean Saures and a brother, John (Cathy) Makara.

Patricia graduated from Harding High School in Connecticut. She worked as a bookkeeper for a travel agency, proudly served as a troop leader for the Brownies, and absolutely adored her time as a babysitter. Working with children was truly a passion for Patricia. She was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan, always rooting for the “black & gold.” She had also been a member of St. James Church in Sewickley since the 1970’s and had an incredible devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation on Thursday, April 10th, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where prayers will be offered on Friday, April 11th, at 10 A.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 AM, in St. James Catholic Church, 200 Walnut Street, Sewickley. Interment will take place in St. James Catholic Cemetery.

Olga (Palombo) Kosanovich, 91, a lifelong resident of Aliquippa, passed away peacefully on April 6th, 2025. She was born on January 28th, 1934. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend and was the devoted wife of the late Melvin Kosanovich Sr., who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses: Elda (Nick) Yanessa, Floridge “Porky” (Mary Lou), Natalino “Nalie” (Vera), Guido “Geets” (Zenida), William “Willie” (Christie), Adolph (Anna Jano) and August “Augie” Palombo.
She was a daughter of Anthony and Frances Palombo. Olga was a cherished mother to her son, Mel Kosanovich and his wife, Mimi and her daughter, Judi Kosanovich. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Carly, Bria and Jaiden, whose lives she touched deeply. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Mary Palombo and numerous loving cousins, nephews, and nieces. Olga was a proud graduate of Slippery Rock University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. Her passion for teaching led to a distinguished 37-year career in the Moon Area School District, where she taught physical education and inspired generations of students.

Olga was a woman of deep faith and commitment to service. She was a member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish, Our Lady of Fatima Church and the Christian Mothers. She was also an active member of PSEA and NEA Retired.
Olga will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her family, students, faith, and community. Her legacy of love, education, and kindness will continue to live on in all who knew her.
Olga’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Carnegie Park Acute Care, Encompass Health, Heritage Valley Hospitals Sewickley and Brighton and Three Oaks Hospice and Personal Care at Harmony Diamond Ridge for their compassion and care shown to Olga.
Family and friends will be received for a public visitation on Tuesday, April 8th, from 3-7 p.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. Departing prayers will begin on Wednesday, April 9th at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 2270 Broadhad Road, Aliquippa. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, if desired to St. Jude, 500 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38015.