Valerie Ann Kennedy, 68, of Chippewa, passed away on October 27th, 2025, after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on July 7th, 1957, in Ravenna, Ohio, the daughter of the late Nicholas and Marcella Vacar. She is survived by her daughters, Leah Kennedy, of Beaver, and Laura (Zach) Anderson, of Cranberry, her long-time partner, Bobby Lewis, of Patterson, her brother, Vaughn (Martine) Vacar, of Columbiana, Ohio, her granddaughter, Kaia Anderson, her nephews, Nicholas and Nathaniel Vacar, as well as her faithful four-legged companions, Rocky and Skye. Valerie was a faithful member of Orchard Hill Church in Wexford, and was a long-time educator at Western Beaver High School. She was an incredible and avid golfer, a gifted writer, lover of Arctic dogs, and a talented musician, having played the guitar for many years. Her true passion was the outdoors, having hiked and visited the Rocky Mountain National Park, for many years with her family.

Valeries family honored her privately, in accordance with her wishes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in Valeries name to the Sierra Club, www.sierraclub.org.

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

William “Bill” Oaks, 79, of Hopewell, passed away on October 25th, 2025. He was born on January 30th, 1946, the son of the late Willard and Geraldine Oaks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Louise Crocker. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sharon (Beatty) Oaks; his children, Sheri (William) Taylor and Lori Oaks, his grandchildren: Marissa, Cecil, William, Anthony, Isaiah, and Devandre; as well as his great-grandchildren: Javon, Azariah, Brayden, Maxwell and Micah. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and many dear friends, especially his Bradbury Squad.

William proudly served his country as a United States Marine during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he worked for J&L Steel for 33 and a half years before retiring. He enjoyed spending time at the Mountaineer Casino Resort, tending to his garden, and keeping watch over Bradbury Drive. He was known for his humor and warmth, his favorite saying to his family was simply, “Me too.”

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Visiting Angels for their wonderful care and compassion toward Bill.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 29th, from 3 P.M. until 7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 Eighth Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements. William’s burial will take place on Thursday, October 30th, at 10:30 A.M. at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

Michael Barny Kerr, 61, of New Brighton, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home on October 19th, 2025, surrounded by his four children and granddaughter who loved him dearly.

He was born on May 29th, 1964, a son of the late Martin E. Kerr Sr. and Hazel F. Kerr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, Geraldine Kerr; his infant grandson, Isaiah Joseph Kerr, his infant sister, Anita Elaine Kerr, his sister, Anita Lynn Leport, his brother, Martin E. Kerr Jr. and his nephew, Mikey Lee Goehring II. He is survived by his children, Michael Kerr Jr. of Weirton, West Virginia, Sheila Kerr of Beaver Falls, Krista Kerr of New Brighton and Mitchael (Leslee) Kerr of Beaver Falls. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Samuel Kerr, Sadie Battalini, Paige Blackburn, Alexander Kinkade, Raelynn Kerr, and Semyiah Kerr; as well as his sisters Rita (Dennis) Rape and Juanita (David) Beaver, his aunt, Linda Delauter (James Caserta) and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He lived life his own way: full of grit, laughter, and love. In his younger years, he could often be found up on a roof or hanging drywall, working hard and taking pride in every job. When the workday ended, he enjoyed socializing, whether at a local bar, sitting around a backyard fire at his home, or spending time with family and friends sharing good stories and great conversations.

A true scrapper at heart, Mike knew his metals better than most folks know their own neighborhoods. He could spot value in anything, a skill that reflected how he saw life: always finding worth and meaning in unexpected places.

Mike had a few sayings that summed him up perfectly:

> “A man is only as good as his word.”

“Believe nothing you hear and half what you see.”

“If you’re not early, you’re late.”

He lived by those words every day — honest, sharp, and true to himself. He also had a lifelong love for junk food, which he enjoyed with humor and absolutely no guilt.

Family meant everything to Mike. Whether it was big get-togethers, quiet nights at home, or just being there when someone needed him, he showed his love through loyalty, laughter, and hard work. He leaves behind a legacy of strong values, quick wit, and a heart that never stopped giving.

Though he may be gone from sight, his voice, his laughter, and his wisdom will echo forever in the hearts of those who knew him. In his honor, grab a snack, share a laugh, and remember to keep your word — Mike sure always did.

Upon his request, there will be no funeral arrangements. The funeral home that took care of him was Simpson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Joseph Michael Sikora, 66, of Chippewa, passed away peacefully on October 24th, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospice in Warrendale, Pennsylvania.

He was born on September 21st, 1959. He was born and raised in Monongahela. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Viola (Tabory) Sikora. He is survived by his loving wife, Georgiann Speelman, children, grandchildren, two sisters, Bernadette (Dennis) Noel and Michelle (Derek) Freed and numerous nieces and nephews. In 1985, Joseph married his beloved wife, Georgiann Speelman, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Monongahela. Together, they raised four children: Michael Sikora, Kelsey (Drew) Snyder, Christopher Sikora, and Maggie Sikora (Colton). Joseph was also a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Kayden Sikora, Sophia Sikora, Bryson, Sage, Weston, and Waylon Beighley. His greatest joy in life was being a husband, father, and grandfather, and he deeply valued the bonds of family, teaching his loved ones the importance of hard work, integrity, and togetherness.

Joseph graduated from Mon Valley Catholic High School in 1978. His strong work ethic and sharp intellect led him to a successful 40-year career in the nuclear industry, starting as a nuclear reactor operator at the age of 21. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for dedication and excellence, always putting his family first with his steadfast commitment to his work.

He cherished spending Sunday afternoons at his mother’s house, surrounded by family, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers. The “bad call brick,” a humorous family tradition, symbolized the spirited and close-knit nature of their gatherings. Joseph was also an avid fan of Jimmy Buffett, and his music became the soundtrack for many summers spent with friends and family by the pool in his backyard.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Good Samaritan Hospice for the compassionate care they provided during Joseph’s final days.

A Celebration of Joseph’s life with his family will occur on Tuesday, October 28th from 1 -3 p.m. and 5 – 7 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements and where a private blessing service will take place.

Lisa Z. Veltri, 61, of Baden, passed away on October 24th, 2025. She was born on March 3rd, 1964, the beloved daughter of the late Pasquale and Zynita (Morini) Veltri. She is survived by her brother, Kenneth Veltri and by many cousins from the Veltri family residing in Canada, Morini family, and the Damiano family.

Lisa graduated from Hopewell High School and went on to earn her master’s degree from Geneva College. She dedicated her career to working with children with special needs, offering them kindness, patience and encouragement throughout her life. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, her love of gardening, and her joy in baking for family and friends. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Baden Academy Charter School, North Hills Hospice, and the Hillman Cancer Center for their compassion and care.

The burial for Lisa will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral and Cremation Services, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Jerome “Jerry” W. Lewkowicz, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania on October 17th,  2025.

He was born in Lawrenceville on January  9th, 1943, a son of the late Frank and Agatha (Nimchek) Lewkowicz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jerome Jason Lewkowicz and his siblings, Edward Lewkowicz, Rose Lewkowicz, Vern Fonville and Joanne Lewkowicz. He is survived by his caring daughters, Jennifer (Pat) Young and Michelle (George) Martini, four grandchildren: Jessica Flanigan, Emily Creese, River (Abagale) Young and Jason Martini; a brother, Frank Lewkowicz, a sister-in-law, Joanne Lewkowicz and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jerome devoted much of his working life to serving his community as a proud police officer of the City of Pittsburgh. He embraced that role with dedication, integrity and a deep sense of duty, earning the respect of his fellow officers, the public he served, and his family. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and PIN Club. He loved to play golf.

There will be no public service for Jerome. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jerry’s name to the National Fallen Officer Foundation, 1025 Connecticut Ave. NW, Ste. 1000, Washington, DC 20036, https://www.nationalfof.org/ or to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, 4130 Butler Street Rear, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, https://bgcwpa.org/

GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Jerry and his family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

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