James L. Plum, 40, of Beaver Falls, passed away unexpectedly on December 6th, 2024, at Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born in Beaver on June 12th, 1984, a son of Tammy Stuck and the late James Plum. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his children, Tajon Plum, Jaylynn Plum and Tamara Plum, grandchild, Ezra, sister, Santana Plum, brothers, Shawn Plum and Robert Plum, his fiancée, Tiffany Burtch, and many other family members and friends.

James was a hard worker, and was currently working construction for Drumm and Sons.  He enjoyed music, Tik Tok, fishing and camping.  He loved the Steelers, his family, fiancée, and especially his children.

Friends will be received Friday, December 13, from 4 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 7 p.m., in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, with Pastor Nick Giles officiating.

Donations may be made to the funeral home in his name to assist with expenses.

Veronica M. Fabyanic, 94, passed away at her New Brighton residence on December 6th, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in South Heights, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Amos and Christina Suttelle. In addition to her aprents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Steve C. Fabyanic, her grandson, John Murphy; and her siblings, Kathleen, Susie, and Robert.

Veronica’s legacy is carried on by her five devoted daughters: Ellen (Roy) Parrish, Christina (Russell) Brown, Kathleen (Mike) Thompson, Mary (Patrick) Carney, and Kay Lynn (Jeff) Edmiston. She was the proud grandmother to 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, who will remember her for the joy she brought to their lives. She is also survived by her brother, Paul (Carol) Suttelle, her sisters, Alice Perkins, Ruth Carlin, and Sister Lucille Suttelle, along with her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great great nieces and great great nephews.

Veronica was raised in Monaca and attended Monaca High School. Her work ethic shone brightly during her years at Phoenix Glass in Monaca, where she was a valued employee for several years. She was a former member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca and later became a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in New Brighton.

Veronica’s interests and talents were diverse. She was a remarkable tailor and seamstress, creating beautiful clothing for her children and grandchildren, including a wedding dress for a daughter. Her love of crafts extended to building puzzles, word searches, embroidering, crocheting and plastic canvas. She also found joy in making chocolates and hardtack, treats that delighted her family and friends during the holidays and special occasions. Her passion for dance was evident as she enjoyed traveling on weekends to the SNPJ Camp in Enon Valley with her husband and children to dance and listen to Polkas. She also had a love for card playing. As a member of a local card club, she gathered weekly with family and friends to play, laugh and enjoy their company.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, December 10th from 8:30 a.m. until 9:15 a.m., when parting prayers will be offered, at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.  A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 10th at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 521 7th Avenue, New Brighton. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park of Rochester.

Robert J. “Gutch” Kapanyko, 76 of Center Township, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on December 6th, 2024, at St. Clair Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Sophie (Klipich) Kapanyko and his sister-in-law, Lenni Kapanyko. He is survived by his wife of over four decades, Donna J. Tepsic Kapanyko, brother Ronald Kapanyko, two sons, John (Chrystal) Kapanyko and Michael Kapanyko (Jessica Ricciardi) and grandchildren, Mason, Jackson, Anthony and Nina.

He was raised on Baker Street in the Logstown section of Aliquippa. Robert was a proud graduate of Aliquippa High School from the class of 1968, where he began forging lifelong friendships and a love for his alma mater. After graduation, he dedicated many years of service to LTV Steel Corp in Aliquippa, where he worked at the seamless tube mill until his retirement.

As an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Robert never missed a chance to cheer on his favorite team or support the Aliquippa Quips. He found profound joy in the pleasures of life, such as his love for animals, wildlife, and birds. His daily walks, ranging from three to five miles, were not just for exercise but also an opportunity for reflection and appreciation of the world around him.

His commitment and an active lifestyle extended to his involvement at the Center at the Mall for seniors, where he enjoyed spending time and sharing experiences with friends.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, December 11th from 2-4 pm and 6 -8 p.m. at Simson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where a blessing service will be held on Thursday, December 12th at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in St John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery of Monaca.

The family has suggested that rather than flowers, memorial contributions be made, in Bob’s memory to the Beaver County Humane Society.

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

Jeanne Marie Kabana, 68, of Crescent Township, passed away on December 6th, 2024 at her home following an extended illness. She was born in Rochester on June 8th, 1956, the daughter of the late George Kenneth and Viola R. Leopardi Hanne. She is survived by one daughter and son in law, Alyssa L. and Gabriel Strano of Crescent Township, one son and daughter in law, Christopher G. Kabana and his wife Rachel Weeks of Chicago, Illinois, four grandchildren, Lucas, Isaac, Elia Strano and Felicity Kabana of Chicago, two sisters and brothers in law, Kathy and Tom Fitzpatrick of Frederick, Maryland, and Christine and Bob Brook of Ohioville and one brother and sister in law, Michael and Kathy Hanne of Brighton Township.

Jeanne was a homemaker and housewife and was a member of St. Catherine’s Roman Catholic Church, where she had been a member of the church choir. She was also a former member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church who loved her family.
Friends will be received Friday, December 13th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, December 14th, at 12:30 p.m. in St. Cecilia’s Roman Catholic Church, 632 Virginia Avenue, Rochester. Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

Michael Lee Maier, 44, of Koppel, passed away on December 5th, 2024 at his home. He was born in Brighton Township on March 21st, 1980, the son of Susan Aultz Maier of Beaver and the late Lanny L. Maier. In addition to his mother, Michael is survived by one son, Chance G. Maier, and his fiancé Holly Straw, of Koppel, one brother and sister-in-law, Jeffery S. and Amanda Maier, of New Waterford, Ohio, cousins, Nancy C. Bevan of New Brighton, Nancy R. Drodge of New Brighton and Thomas McLaughlin of Ohioville. Michael was the former owner of PC Elements in Rochester and a prior employee of UPMC. Michael’s wish was to be cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. The family wishes memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association at 444 Liberty St. Suite, 1300 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or the Beaver County Humane Society at 3394 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Patricia A. Funkhouser, 73, of Zelienople, formerly of North Sewickley, passed away on December 6th, 2024, at Passavant Community of Zelienople. She was born in New Brighton on May 14th, 1951, the daughter of the late James S. and Ruth A. (Walser) Dripps. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, James L. Dripps and her father-in-law, Frederick C. Funkhouser.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Danny C. Funkhouser, her mother-in-law, Margaret L. (Peggy) Funkhouser of Passavant Community, her two children, a daughter and son-in-law, Heidi L. and Thomas L. Beeler of North Sewickley, a son and daughter-in-law, Heath L. And Catherine R. Funkhouser, of North Sewickley, five grandchildren: Joshua J. Davis (Alyssa), Taylor M. Wilkerson (Joshua), Amanda J. Funkhouser (Randy), Stephanie A. Funkhouser (Dustin), Ian J. Funkhouser; as well as ten great-grandchildren, her two sister-in -laws and their spouses, and multiple nieces, nephews and cousins.

Patricia loved her family with all her heart. She was a kind and gentle soul, always willing to lend a helping hand and always had a smile and a hug for anyone who wanted one. She loved baking and cooking, playing board games and doing crafts with her grandchildren, writing stories and drawing. No matter how she was feeling, her joy for life always shined through and kept pushing her. She will be missed by all who loved her.

Friends will be welcomed on Wednesday, December 11th, from 4 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 7 p.m., in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, with Pastor Tony Cortez officiating.

Johnetta L. Francona, 67, of New Brighton, passed away unexpectedly on December 7th, 2024, at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in Beaver Falls on April 27th, 1957, a daughter of the late Evalina Michelangelo. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son JJ Kaszer and her brother Wesley R. Gordon, Jr. She is survived by her loving husband, John J. Francona, son, John J. Francona Jr., and his wife Susan, daughter, Denise Corzano and her husband Ramafrancesco, grandchildren: Justyn Francona, Jacob Francona, Hunter Macek and Jocelyn Macek; sister, Tina Pasteur Wooley and her husband Terry, brother-in-law, Louis Francona and his wife Jeanette, and very special friend, Jan Wolfe.

Johnetta enjoyed going to car cruises, taking car rides, and tending to her plants and flowers. She cherished spending time with her family more than anything, especially her beloved dog, Bailey.

Friends will be welcomed on Thursday, December 12th, from 4 p.m. until the time of the Blessing Service at 7 p.m., in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton.

Gary Alan Fye, 76, of Baden, passed away at home on December 6th, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was born on October 30th, 1948, a son of the late Gerald and Grace “Lucy” Fye. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Gordy, Jerry, and Glen Fye.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Diane (Rhodes) Fye, his children, Gary (Lauren) Fye II, Brandy (Richard) Bufalini, and Jason (Nancy) Fye, his siblings, Grace Fye, Gayle (Bill) Price, and George (Pat) Fye, his cherished grandchildren, “Little” Richie and Rocco Bufalini and Alyssa and Tanner Fye, as well as his special niece, Brenda Pucci, special nephew, Paul (Kim) Fye, and numerous other nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved furry companion, Thumper.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Gary served as an infantryman during the Vietnam War. He worked for the United States Postal Service for over 30 years. He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan who had a deep appreciation for music and enjoyed vacations in the Caribbean. He also had a passion for sports cars.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, December 10th, from 3-6 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge. Gary will receive full military honors from the Beaver County Special Unit at 4 P.M. at the funeral home.

Margaret L. “Marge” Staub, 90, of Beaver, passed away on December 6th, 2024, in the comfort of her home.

She was born in Bridgewater on June 23rd, 1934, a daughter of the late Francis X. and Barbara C. (Pavlinich) Moravec. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Greek” Staub, a son-in-law, Thomas Anzio, and her siblings: Vincent (Janice) Moravec, Edward Moravec, Francis “Bunzo” Moravec, Frederick Moravec, Dorothy (James) Ross, and Mary (Carl) Lenhult.

She is survived by her seven loving daughters: Vicki Staub, Cindi Anzio, Patricia (Regis) McLaughlin, Shari Pfender, Teresa Owoc, Laura Staub, and Amelia (Michael) Schlack; fifteen grandchildren: Anna (Matthew) McGonigal, Evan (Megan) Anzio, Robert, Melissa, Patrick, and Meghan McLaughlin, Tyler, Brett, and Jesse Pfender, Matthew and Elizabeth Owoc, Ashley (Joseph) Patzuk, Justin and Allison Schlack, and Katelyn (Josh) Peabody-Young; six great-grandchildren: Brayden, Luke, Waylen, Molly, Joey, and Jack; siblings, Sister John “Tupy” Moravec and Eugene “Iggy” (Joyce) Moravec, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Margaret was a homemaker for her life and was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.  She was a wonderful cook and loved to garden. She also enjoyed taking the scenic routes south to the beach and visiting her sister in Savannah.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, December 11^th from 5-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver.

Departing prayers will be offered in the funeral home on Thursday, December 12^th at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at Saints Peter & Paul Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 200 Third Street, Beaver. Fr. Howard Campbell will serve as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department, 165 Market Street, Beaver, PA 15009.

Kenneth D. “Murph” Murphy, 78, of Beaver, passed away on December 5th, 2024, with his loving family by his side.
He was born on August 2nd, 1946 in New Brighton, the son of the late Chester D. and Ursula M. Murphy. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen (Kathy) Aeschbacher Murphy, daughter, Michelle Murphy Gawley of South Beaver; step-son William “Bill” Shields of Beaver, sisters, Beverly (Jon) McCarter of South Beaver and Marilyn (Walt) Watrobsky of Port St. Lucie, Florida, grandchildren, Savannah and Araina Shields of Clinton, Maryland, Charlie Gawley of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Kenneth (Chloe) Gawley of Beaver and Emily Gawley of South Beaver.

Kenneth was an associate member of the Vanport Presbyterian Church, retired from J&L and B&W Steel Mills as well as Rolling Acres Golf Course. He belonged to Beaver Valley Golf Association, Beaver Falls Sportsmen’s Club, Koppel Golf Leagues, and PA Hunter’s Association as an instructor. He recorded five hole in ones. One of his greatest accomplishments was hiking the Appalacian Trail from North Carolina to Tennessee. He will be remembered for his culinary skills, especially his famous ribs.
A Memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 10th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m at the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA, 15009 where a funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, December 11th 2024 at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Interment will take place at a later date at Grandview Cemetery of Beaver Falls.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Mortgage Fund of the Vanport Presbyterian Church in Kenneth’s name or a charity of your choice.