Donald Koble, 81, of New Brighton, passed away Monday, March 25, 2024.

Born March 1, 1943, in New Brighton, he is the son of the late William E. and Dorothy (Schoaf) Koble Jr. Donald served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was a member of the American Legion, Post 19, New Brighton. He was proud to be an electrician in multiple steel mills in the area. He was a passionate individual whose love for genealogy and woodworking touched the lives of many.  He dedicated countless hours to tracing family histories, preserving legacies, and uncovering stories from the past. He crafted masterpieces with skill and precision, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and craftmanship.  He also loved to collect coins and attend the casinos.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, William G., Richard and Kenneth Sr. Koble.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy “Dot” (Burchett) Koble, two daughters, Cheryl (Jason) Hickey, Susan McKinney; grandchildren, Carson and Macey McKinney, Christopher, Craig and Brandon Hickey; great granddaughter, Lily Hickey; a sister, Alice (John) Zugonics, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in J & J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Ave, New Brighton.  Additional viewing will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. in the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the nurses, Dr’s, and staff members of UPMC Presbyterian Hospital for the loving care given to Donald.

Mildred Roppo, 90, of Economy, passed away Monday, March 25, 2024, in her home. She was born on February 3, 1934, in Ambridge, to the late John and Mary (Samardzija) Bionda. She retired from customer service at Highmark after many years of service. Mildred was a member of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Good Samaritan Church, Ambridge. Her passions in life besides spending time with her family included cooking, baking, and homemaking. Preceding her in death in addition to her parents was her husband Michael and her two brothers, John and Anthony Bionda. She is survived by four children, John Roppo of Sewickley, Ronald Roppo of Tigard, OR, Robert Roppo of Economy, and Maria Cordes of Harmony Twp, five grandchildren, Marielle Roppo, Meagan (Donovan) Neumann, Johnathan (Amber) Roppo, Courtney Cordes, Caitlyn Cordes, and one great granddaughter, Marielle Cordes. Family and friends are invited to meet Thursday at St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Good Samaritan Church where a blessing service will be held at 1:30 PM. Private interment will take place in Economy Cemetery.

Helen Vukovic, 96, of Ambridge, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Ivan and Anna Vukovic. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Robert Vukovic, special sister, Anne Orsag, along with several other siblings. She is survived by her nephews, Robert Orsag, David Orsag, great niece, Melanie Wagner, Jennifer Orsag, great great nephews, Devin Wagner, Cole Wagner, Chase Naquin, and numerous cousins. Helen was a devout catholic and member of the former Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Ambridge. She enjoyed playing cards, especially Gin Rumi, playing the lottery, and watching her favorite game shows on television. Helen loved and adored her visits from her great niece and great great nephews. She was a kind and generous person; she will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her. Services are private. The family asks that memorial contributions be made in care of the funeral home.

Walter Rees Laughrey, 85, of Spring City, TN, died on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at LifeCare Center of Rhea County, Dayton, TN.

Born on May 11, 1938, in Connellsville, PA, he was the son of the late Donald and Betty (Edwards) Laughrey, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Janice (Kimmel) Laughrey; two sons, Jeffrey Laughrey and Stacy Young; grandchild, Boaz (Alex) Laughrey; and two brothers, Donald and Gerald Laughrey.

Walt served as a reservist in the United States Army and had retired in 1996 from the Eaton Corporation following over 30 years of service with: Westinghouse > Cutler-Hammer > Eaton.  Starting as a Tool and Die maker his final position was Project Manager responsible for planning and building large manufacturing facilities.  He graduated from the engineering program at Penn State – Beaver as well as the Tool & Die School at Westinghouse Electric Corp.

A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, March 25^th at 11AM at Grandview Cemetery.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Twp., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to assist Walt’s family during this time.

 

Janette (Shaw) Russell, 84 of North Sewickley Township died Thursday March 21, 2024, in Good Samaritan Hospice, Heritage Valley Beaver.

Born April 3, 1939, in North Sewickley Township, she was the daughter of the late Thomas D. and Flora (Brown) Shaw. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years Robert A. Russell, 2007; a brother Thomas Shaw; and a sister Janice Tanner.

She is survived by her four children, Daniel Russell of North Sewickley Township; Deborah Teets of Rochester; Timothy and Pamela Russell of Maryland; and Beth and Ronald Bender of North Sewickley Township, grandchildren Carrie (Willie) Teets; Kelly (Jason) Gallaher; Ronald (Kate) Bender; Amie (Rich) Greathouse; Matthew Russell and Dan Russell, great-grandchildren Nicole, Hailey, Lillie, and Sophia Greathouse; Eric, Aubrey, and Owen Bender; and Jameson Gallaher, brother-in-law James Tanner and special friends Carole Dietrich and Karen Fink.

She was a member of the Concord Church, a Global Methodist Congregation, North Sewickley Township. She was active in Youth for Christ with the Christian Missionary Alliance Church. Janette loved cooking especially her delicious pies, enjoyed gardening and Roller Skating. She was a member of the Bell Telephone Pioneers.

Friends will be received Sunday from 2 PM to 5PM in the Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home, www.hillandkunselman.com, 3801-4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.  Additional visitation will be held Monday from 10:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM in the Concord Church, A Global Methodist Congregation, 285 Concord Church Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Her pastor Rev. Chris Kindle will officiate.

Interment will follow in Concord Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made if desired to the Concord Church, A Global Methodist Congregation, 285 Concord Church Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Jack J. Kruze, 82, of Moon Twp., died on March 23, 2024, in Heritage Valley Sewickley.  He was born in Brockway, PA on August 10, 1941, the son of the late George & Anna (Ferdak) Kruzelyak. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his brother, George Kruzelyak.

Jack is survived by his wife of 48 years, Barbara A. (Pawlesh) Kruze, four children,  Kirk Kruze, N. Fayette; Kris Kruze (Erica) N. Fayette; Jaclyn Kruze of Moon Township; Jack Kruzelyak Jr. (Desiree), of Beaver, five grandchildren, Kameron & Karly Kruze, Kane, Scarlett & Harlow Kruzelyak, and a brother, Fred Kruzelyak.

A 1959 graduate of Coraopolis High School, he attended Duke University on a football scholarship.  A highlight of his football career was playing in the Cotton Bowl, January 2, 1961 against Arkansas and winning 7-6.  After graduation, he began his computer sales career with IBM.  Throughout his career he received many awards and earned Quota Club trips.

Jack’s one, true, enduring love was his family.  He cherished road trips and special memories on the golf course with his wife. His sons and daughter were his absolute pride and joy.  No father could have loved them more.  His wonderful grandchildren, who kept him young at heart, brought him immense happiness and seemingly endless laughter.

Jack was an avid hobbyist; he loved his toy soldiers and his trains. He began with WWII dioramas and then went on to enjoy medieval collectibles.  His collection was the envy of even the most discerning of hobby enthusiasts. His artistic talents and creativity turned his home into his castle, where he loved sharing his passion with others.

After owning a hobby store in Century III Mall in the 1980’s, he added another interest– LGB trains. He had them running through various scenes in his train room and eventually extending out to the railing of his deck.  A truly loving husband and father, he couldn’t spend enough time with his grandchildren– always looking forward to their next visit. He was lovingly known as Grandpa Choo Choo, Pop Pop, Papa, Dad, Friend, Honey, and Big Jack.

Friends will be received on Tuesday March 26 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM in The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Twp. (1522 Coraopolis Hts. Rd.)  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 11:30 AM in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Coraopolis.  (Everyone please meet at the church) Committal and Military Honors will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville.  Following will be a reception at the Montour Heights Country Club, Moon Twp.

Edward Harry Stover, 88, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday, March 22, 2024, in the comfort of his home.

Born on August 8, 1935, he was the son of the late John and Christine (Hovelman) Stover. In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by a daughter, Tami J. Patrick. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Jean (Vasas) Stover; his children, Edward S. Stover and his wife Becky, Cindy A. Stover, Kristine M. Evans, Maryann Hermick and her husband Eric, 15 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; a brother, John “Smokey” Stover and his wife Nancy, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Ed was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and had retired from the Carpenter’s Local Union #432.  He was Catholic by faith and had attended St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish and was part of the Holy Name Society.  Ed was, in fact, the jack of all trades who mastered them all and shared his knowledge with his family.  In his free time, Ed loved to paint beautiful oil paintings.

Ed’s wishes for cremation are being honored and no services are being planned at this time.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Twp., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to provide care and guidance to Ed’s family during this time.

Mary Augustin, 99, of Sewickley, passed away peacefully at home just shy of her 100th birthday. She is survived by her son, Calvin Augustin, and her grandson, John Augustin. She will be dearly missed for all that knew and loved her. Services are private. Arrangements entrusted to the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC.

Jane B. Grimm, 89, formerly of Brighton Township, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024 at Villa St. Joseph.
Born July 22, 1934, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth and Wilbert Brown. In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Grimm in 2020.
Jane will be greatly missed by her daughter, Cornelia Bailey; son, J.R. (Susan) Grimm; grandchildren, Matthew Shaulis, Jacob Grimm, Tyler (Becca) Grimm, Kyle Grimm; great grandchildren, Machaela, Amelia, and Danika.
Jane had been a resident of Brighton Township for the past 60 years and was a member of New Brighton United Methodist Church and worked for many years at the Brighton Township Municipal Authority. She loved her job, her customers, and was always willing to help with a smile. She loved her family and came to every sporting event that her grandchildren played in. Jane was a seamstress and made most of her work clothes and loved to travel with family and her close friends Mary and Terri.
Friends will be received Wednesday March 27 from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver, where a service will be conducted Thursday March 28, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. by her pastor, Reverend Gary Hilton.
Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jane’s name to the New Brighton United Methodist Church, 1033 6th Ave, New Brighton, PA 15066.

Sharon “Sissy” Hamilton, 69, of Edgeworth, passed away on March 22, 2024 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Oakland surrounded by her loving family. Sharon was born on April 23, 1954, to Josephine (Budimir) Roppa and the late Joseph Roppa. She was preceded in death by her father Joseph Roppa, her grandparents Carmelo and Anna Roppa, grandparents John and Mary Budimir, and numerous aunts and uncles. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her devoted husband of 43 years William C. Hamilton of Edgeworth, daughters Courtney (David Dadejko) of Edinburg and Connor Hamilton of Pittsburgh, siblings Ron Roppa (Patty) of Cincinatti, Kathleen Roppa of McCandless, Cheryl (Steven Schwarzwaelder) of Sarasota, and Kimberly Roppa of Leet Township, her beloved grandchildren Olivia and CJ, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was a homemaker and devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and an amazing friend. Sissy was well-known for her welcoming personality. She enjoyed dancing, entertaining friends, and helping others. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She always had a way with people and made connections no matter where she went. Sissy was a member of St. James Catholic Church of Divine Redeemer Parish, a member of the Edgeworth Garden Club, and Sewickley Music Club. She graduated from Quaker Valley High School in 1972. Friends will be received on Monday April 1 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where prayers will be offered Tuesday April 2 at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 AM in St. James Church, 200 Walnut Street, Sewickley with interment following at St. James Cemetery, of Sewickley.