Merle D. “Butch” Spickerman, 68, of New Brighton, passed away peacefully at his home on September 18th, 2025.

He was born in New Brighton on August 22nd, 1957, a son of the late Merle W. Spickerman and Jean P. (Hodgkinson) Spickerman. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Paul C. and Jennes E. (Caley) Spickerman and his maternal grandparents, William and Mable (Wood) Hodgkinson. He is survived by his children, Adam (Megan) Spickerman of Darlington and Andrew (Candis) Spickerman of New Brighton and by his beloved grandchildren, whom referred to him as Grandpap, Moe, Brent and Jarett. He is also survived by his siblings: Gretchen (Warren) Smith of Abbottstown, William M. (Sandy) Spickerman of Rochester, and R. Matthew (Joni) Spickerman of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.

Merle began working for Conrail Railroad in 1974 at the age of 17, where he proudly dedicated over 30 years before retiring. He was a longtime member of the Oak Hill Vets in New Brighton. Merle was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates fan who faithfully followed the team throughout his life and truly enjoyed watching baseball. He also took great enjoyment in completing the daily crossword puzzle from the newspaper.

In keeping with Merle’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A private memorial celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and close friends. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton. The family extends their gratitude for the love, support, and prayers offered during this time.

The family would like to thank Grane Hospice for their loving care of Merle.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Merle D. “Butch” Spickerman, please click here to visit our floral store.

Cathleen E. (Snyder) Shaffer, 84, of Beaver Falls, passed away on September 16th, 2025, at Cambridge Village of Beaver Falls. She was born on December 15th, 1940, a daughter of the late Walter and Ethel Snyder. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clair Shaffer, her sister, Ethel “Joan” Aquino and her brother, Harry “Sam” Snyder. She is survived by her sons, Scott (Penny) Brooks and Brian (Carrie) Brooks, her grandchildren: Carter, Brayden, Sidney, Tessa and Travis; as well as her dear friends, Diane and Allen Gill. Cathleen worked as a secretary for Dr. Irving Bennett and spent many years as an educator for Optifair at optometrist trade shows. She was a very active member of First Presbyterian Church of Beaver Falls, where she was a deacon, a member of the choir and the head of the soup kitchen. There will be a gathering at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 4th at First Presbyterian Church, 1103 8th Avenue, Beaver Falls, with a memorial service to start at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Soup Kitchen Ministry at First Presbyterian Church, 1103 8th Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Corless Funeral Homes.

Roy Allen Roberts, 88, of Beaver, formerly of Pine Bank, Pennsylvania, passed away in his sleep at home with his family on September 17th, 2025. He was born on March 31st, 1937, a son of the late Blaine A. and Sarah (Ladosca) Roberts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by eleven siblings: his brothers, Ewing, John S., Lawrence, James, Robert, Blaine, Jr., John F. and William Roberts and his sisters, Evelyn Houser, Ruth Ann Masters, and Sylvia Kent. He is survived by his son, Blaine Roberts, his granddaughter, Taylir Roberts and his grandson, Barron Roberts.

Roy was a loving father (Dad) and grandfather (PapPap) who enjoyed cars, croquet, biking, cutting grass, walks, dancing, fireworks, the Pirates, Steelers and working. The past few years, you may have seen him on his scooter or at the Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe, in the same booth, always at the same time. His biggest joy in life was spending time with family, especially his son and grandchildren. It was important to him not to miss all the little good stuff in life; birthdays, holidays, school sports, practices, amusement parks, sled rides to and from school or bus stop. He was a steady constant in his grandchildren’s life. As he would say, “Nothing is more important than time with family.” He cherished being there for friends and family, never missing a family reunion or wedding. He always enjoyed an event or party, celebration and having fun. “It’s not where you go on vacation, it’s who you are with that makes it fun.” Roy was the best host as any excuse to party was OK with him. He attended funerals, knowing he would see family that he hadn’t seen in a while. Roy’s greatest quality was his work ethic. No stop, no quit, no excuses, until the job was done! He was first to take on the biggest or worst job, anytime, anywhere.

Friends are invited to attend Roy’s final party on Sunday, September 21st from 2 p.m. until 6 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.

James Allen Ockerman, 77, of Center Township, passed away on September 16th, 2025, at UPMC Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on June 20th, 1948, a son of the late Myron and Alice Ockerman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Raymond LaRue and his siblings, Robert Ockerman, Myron (Tom) Ockerman, and Patricia Zellers. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Katherine, his daughters Jennifer (James) Bogardus of Roaming Shores, Ohio, and Amy (James) DiBenedetto of Hopewell Township, his grandchildren, Maxwell Bogardus and Christian and Eva DiBenedetto, as well as many nieces and nephews.
James was a graduate of Canfield High School in 1966 and received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Grove City College in 1970. He was the District Manager for AC and S, Inc. and was later a commercial insulation contractor for Burnham Industrial Contractors, Inc.
James enjoyed listening to music, watching his favorite sports teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Penguins, and most of all spending time with his family and friends.
A private celebration of life for James will be held at a future date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Adolf H. Zirkler, 94, of Moon Township, passed away on September 6th, 2025 in his home in Moon Township. He was born in Neckargroningen, Germany on November 6th, 1930, the son of the late Hermann and Emilie (Doerrer) Zirkler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marguerite (Lamoureux) Zirkler and a sister, Waltraud Ledbetter. He is survived by his three children, Dieter Zirkler (Mary Browning) of Oregon, Andre Zirkler of New Jersey and Krista Salera (Jim) of Florida, five grandchildren: Estelle, Adrienne, Emma, Jim, and Gabrielle; as well as four great grandchildren, Nora, Desmond, Robin, and Enzo; along with a sister, Margot Zirkler of Alabama.

Adolf met his wife, Marguerite, on a ship from Europe to the United States in 1956. he was immigrating to the United States for work while Marguerite was returning home to Quebec, Canada from a vacation in Europe. They stayed in touch after meeting and were married a year later and initially made their home in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended night school at the University of Alabama to become a mechanical engineer while working as a machinist. After graduating, he accepted a job at Dravo on Neville Isand. He and the family moved to Moon Township in the late 1960s. He and Marguerite remained residents of Moon Township until their respective deaths. Adolf was a proud mechanical engineer, avid cyclist, and enthusiastic chef.  For over three decades, Adolf spent June cycling in France, tackling the major climbs in the Alps, Provence, and the Pyrenees. Adolf was happiest chatting, eating good food and drinking good wine after a long ride with Marguerite and their European friends. Adolf embraced the family and culture of Marguerite, in Quebec. He and Marguerite spent many long summer evenings enjoying a good meal and (several) bottles of wine with Pierre, Therese, Josette, Jacques and their children. Memorial contributions can be made to WQED. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Brittany N. Smith, 38, formerly of Industry, passed away surrounded by her family on September 13th, 2025 at Allegheny Health Network Wexford.

She was born in Beaver on February 13th, 1987, a beloved daughter of the late Randy and Karen (Davis) Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents: George and Francey Davis and Bob and Joanne Smith; as well as her uncle, Jack Smith. She is survived by her son, Cayden Parker and his father, Brett Parker, her brother, Brian Smith, her sister, Kristen (Lozzi) Donnelly, her aunts and uncles: Diane and Dan Kennedy, George and Marnie Davis, Lynn and Gary Shahen, Gary and Virginia Smith; along with her nephews, Cory and Brady Earhart, and many cousins.

Brittany’s legacy will live on through the lives she touched, especially through her selfless act of an organ donation. This final act of generosity has given new hope and life to several families, demonstrating the profound impact one person can have. Though Brittany’s life was marked by many challenges, it is this act of giving that will define how she is remembered.

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

Eva (Mrkonja) Silvestri, 97, a lifelong resident of Aliquippa, lovingly known as “Mama Tootsie,” passed away peacefully on September 15th, 2025. She was born on December 20th, 1927, a daughter of the late Mike and Margaret Mrkonja. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Silvestri and several siblings: Marie (Frank) Battalini, Ann (Anthony) Marcello, Lil (Joseph) Taormina, Joan Mrkonja, Milan (Stella) Mrkonja, Joseph (Elizabeth) Mrkonja, George Mrkonja, Nicholas (MaryAnn) Mrkonja; along with two infant siblings, Rudolph and Rosemary. She is survived by her brothers, Louis Mrkonja, with whom she had a close relationship with, as well as John Mrkonja. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She maintained a close relationship with her devoted nieces, Valerie Battalini (Rick Cropper ) and Vicki (Martin) Thomas, her nephew, Tony Marcello, and her great nieces and nephews: Martin Thomas, Austa (Kevin) McDanel and their children, Urban and Una and Quinn Thomas, whom she cared for with great dedication as if they were her own children.

Eva will be remembered and cherished for her wit, enduring strength and snappy sense of humor. She was the eldest sister of 13 siblings who lived a life that was full of care and devotion to her family. Her greatest joy was spending time with her closest nieces and nephews. One would never see her without her two sisters. The trio of Eva, Marie and Joann would go gallivanting around town and Joann was the chauffeur. The only thing better for her was the luck of good scratch ticket. She enjoyed the simple pleasure of good company and lunch at her local McDonald’s. She was full of quick humor who was proud of her Serbian heritage and was an overall joy to be around.

Eva will be buried with her husband at St. Elijah Serbian Cemetery of Aliquippa.
The family would like to thank Dr. Gandhe and staff at the staff Gateway Hospice for the care that was extended to Tootsie. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Jennie M. Straile, 97, of Rochester Township, passed away on September 15th, 2025 at her home. She was born in Beaver on May 27th, 1928, a daughter of the late Anthony and Concetta Rivezzi Ezzo. In addition to her parents, she preceded in death by her husband, Robert H. Straile Sr., one son, Paul F. Straile, a son-in-law, William E. Wright, two brothers, Marion and Michael Ezzo, a sister, Carrie Ezzo, and a sister-in-law, Agnes Ezzo. She is survived by one daughter, Sandra M. Wright of Rochester Township, three sons and daughters-in-law, John R. and Kellie Straile of Conway, Richard J. and Kathy Straile of Brighton Township, Robert H. “Robbie” Straile Jr. of Rochester Township and Rebecca Straile of Daugherty Township, as well as ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a beloved special grandson, Drew Wright of Chippewa, a special niece Linda Knott of Vanport, two nephews and numerous other nieces. Jennie was a retired cafeteria worker with the Rochester Area School District and a member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Rochester, part of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, where she was a Christian Mother. She had previously worked with the former Woolworth Company in the Beaver Valley Mall. She was also a member of the Beaver County YMCA who enjoyed craftwork and painting. Jennie’s wish was to be cremated with no service. All arrangements have been entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

William “Bill” James Persin, 89, passed away peacefully on September 10th, 2025. He was born in Imperial, Pennsylvania on July 20th, 1936, a son of the late Anthony and Annette Persin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Rose Marie and his brother, Robert. He is survived by his children, Leslie, Daniel (Beth), Jill, Gail (Rick) and Jeffrey; as well as his sister, Dorothy Esia, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry forward his legacy of service, hard work, and love. After graduating from high school, William proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. Upon his honorable discharge, he attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a degree in engineering and went on to complete his master’s in mechanical engineering. William was a man of many talents who pursued both engineering and his lifelong passion for aviation. He attended flight school, became a skilled pilot, and co-owned Stensin Aviation at the Beaver County Airport, where countless students began their journeys in flight. He also shared this love with his two sons, teaching them to fly and passing down his enthusiasm for aviation. In August of 1962, Bill married the love of his life, Rose Marie (Anthony) Persin. Together, they raised five children in Moon Township and shared nearly 63 years of marriage. For almost five decades, they also owned and operated Persin’s Tavern in Clinton, Pennsylvania, a beloved family business passed down from his mother and a cherished gathering place for the community.

In accordance with William’s wishes, arrangements are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge. His family takes comfort in knowing that his memory will live on through all whose lives he touched.

Joanne D’Itri Fantone, 69, of Midland, passed away on September 13th, 2025 surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on December 3rd, 1955, a daughter of the late Joseph A. D’Itri and Mary Ann (Zuppe) D’Itri. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant brother, Patrick D’Itri. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Frank Fantone, her children, and grandchildren, as well as her siblings: Anthony (Tammy Grim), Dominic (Ruth Postich), Mary Catherine (Patton), Joseph Jr. (Ranee Dishler), Salvador (Natalie Thompson), and Virginia (Alan Lopata). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who adored her: Caitlin and Brianna D’Itri, Emily, Aaron, and Alex D’Itri, MaryAnn Patton, Megan, Morgan, and Joseph G. D’Itri, Katrine, Gabriel, and Anna D’Itri.Joanne was a lifelong resident of Midland and a proud graduate of Midland Lincoln High School, Class of 1974. She shared 46 wonderful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Frank Fantone. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, love, and family, raising three children, Laura (Bryan Baca), Mary (John Paul Dickey), and Michael (Angela Galik), and cherishing five grandchildren: Bee Dickey, Isabel Dickey, Ethan Baca, Max Fantone, and Madison Fantone. Joanne found her greatest joy in family gatherings, holidays, and especially their treasured vacations together.
Joanne was a woman of deep Catholic faith and service who was actively involved in her parish and the Girl Scouts, first as a scout herself and later as a dedicated leader with her daughters’ troops. Her commitment to service and community was matched only by her enthusiasm for life. She was a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers fan who rarely missed a game and attended many over the years, cheering with unwavering loyalty. She delighted in concerts and embraced a wide range of musical genres, and her love for the arts extended to the theater, where she found joy in live performances at the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center in Midland, among other venues, and enjoyed the storytelling they offered.
Joanne was known for her sharp wit and infectious sense of humor: she could light up a room with a well-timed quip and always knew how to make others laugh, even in difficult moments. Beneath her warmth was a woman of remarkable strength, who faced adversity with grace and determination. She was a champion of truth, never afraid to speak up for what she believed in, and a fierce ally to those in need. Her voice was steady, her heart generous, and her presence a source of comfort and courage to many.
She also found great joy behind the lens of a camera, capturing candid moments of family gatherings, holidays, and vacations with a keen eye and loving heart. Her photographs told stories of connection and joy, and she had a special gift for finding beauty in nature—from blooming flowers to quiet sunsets. Just as she preserved memories through photography, Joanne also expressed her love through baking, especially her intricately decorated cookies made for weddings, holidays, and birthdays. Each batch was crafted with care and creativity, becoming a sweet centerpiece of celebration and tradition. Through both her lens and her oven, Joanne left behind a legacy of warmth, artistry, and the world as she saw it: full of wonder, grace, and love. Joanne’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, fierce love for her family, and a joyful spirit that touched everyone she met. Her warmth, laughter, and devotion will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Family and friends will be received on Thursday, September 18th from 3-6 p.m. at the SCHWERHA-NOLL FUNERAL HOME, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Blaise Roman Catholic Church, 772 Ohio Avenue, Midland, at 10:30am on Friday, September 19th. Burial will take place at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.