Thomas C. McKelvey, 80, a longtime resident of Rochester, passed away on October 15, 2024, in Heritage Valley, Beaver, after suffering a fall at his home. He was born in Beaver Falls on February 29, 1944, the son of the late George and Edith McKelvey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Karen L. McKelvey, and his siblings: Buzzy McKelvey, Gloria Boyce, Rebecca Geisler, Laura Cable, and Betty Bross. He is survived by his children: Timothy (Rhonda) McKelvey, Laura (Gary) Van Newkirk, and twins Bonnie (Rick) Hissam and James McKelvey; his nine grandchildren: Jennifer McKelvey, Charles Barnard, Michelle (Mike) Lamenza, Mindy (Matt) Reider, Rickey Hissam, Samantha McKelvey, Gary Milliron, Liberty and Timothy McKelvey; his nine great-grandchildren: Asher Mallory, Kaya and Elysia Barnard, Juliana Gorius, Kobe and Bryant Kimble, Cameron and Caden Reider and Lucius Hissam, his loving sisters, Patricia Pander and Doreen Vidovich, his brothers, Butch McKelvey, Dennis McKelvey, and Jimmy McKelvey, his loving companion Pauline McKelvey, best friend, Ray Ward and faithful canine buddy, Heidi.

Thomas was a self-employed painter. His work not only brightened the homes of his clients but also the lives of those who knew him. Tom had a social nature and was a familiar face at the Rochester Owls and Rochester Saxons, where he enjoyed the camaraderie and, of course, a good beer.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

Ann J. Green, 88, of Aliquippa, passed away on October 15, 2024 in Lakeview Personal Care Home in Darlington. She was born in Cecil Township, Pennsylvania on June 29, 1936, a daughter of the late Frances and Wilbur Koonse. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Green, her stepson, Alan Green and numerous siblings. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Lisa & Marco Ferrara, stepdaughter-in-law, Tina Green, a granddaughter, Alicia Ferrara and a nephew, Richard & Debra Koonse Jr.

Ann was a retired first grade school teacher, teaching at St. James Elementary School in Sewickley. She enjoyed drawing, especially with chalk and pencil. She also loved flowers and gardening.  She was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church, part of Mary Queen of Saints Parish.

According to Ann’s wishes, all services are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 1020 W State Street Baden, PA 15005.

James Corfield, 77, of New Brighton, passed away on October 17, 2024, at Providence Care Center of Beaver Falls. He was born on September 30, 1947, the son of the late Frank Jr. and Margaret (Hardesty) Corfield. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Karen Krisa. He is survived by his wife, Helen (Krisa) Corfield, niece, Tammy Krisa, and nephew-in-law, John Rock.

James was a veteran in the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam era. He graduated from Penn State. He worked at ARS Coffee and Strayer Coin Bag. He also enjoyed playing the drums in several bands.

In accordance with James’ wishes, there will be no services.

The GABAUER HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton, is honored to be assisting James’ family through this very difficult time.

Benjamin L. Balog, 59, a longtime resident of Moon Township, passed away on October 12, 2024 in his home. He was born in Watertown, New York on August 13, 1965, the son of the late Thomas and Romaine Balog. He is survived by his brother Timothy Balog, his aunt, Barbara McKenna, and numerous other relatives. Benjamin previously worked at Hyeholde Restaurant in Coraopolis as a chef. He was a huge Pittsburgh Steeler fan, supporting them through thick and thin. All services are private. Interment is in Coraopolis Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Roger Lee Javens, 89, passed away on October 7, 2024, at Spring Creek Village Memory Care in Spring, Texas with his son Roger (Allen) at his side. He was born October 22, 1934, in Beaver Falls, the son of the late Kenneth Price Javens and Rachel Billman Javens. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Freed Javens, sisters, Kay Williams, Phyllis Lasko, and Nancy Fenchel, brothers Gary Javens and Robert Javens, daughters, Linda (Javens) Robbins and Cynthia (Javens) Stuckwish, grandson, Cody Robbins, and step-granddaughter Virginia Stuckwish. He is survived by his sister, Karen Speelman (Edward), son, Roger A. Javens & wife Jennifer, their daughters, Savannah & Ashlyn, son-in-law Pat Stuckwish, grandson Guy Robbins, wife Trea and daughters Taylor & Talia, grandson Brad Robbins & wife Kermen, their son Javen, daughter McKayla. and grandson Josh Stuckwish.

Roger graduated from Beaver Falls Senior High School in 1954 and from Garfield Business Institute in 1957 with an associate degree in Business and Accounting. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959 taking his basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and served nine months as a Military Policeman in Verona, Italy. His employment consisted of the following: Babcock & Wilcox Co. for eight years as an inspector in the Tubular Products Division, then as controller for Standard Horse Nail Corp. for eleven years. In 1972 he began a self-employed business as a Public Accountant. In 1979 Roger successfully ran for County Controller of Beaver County and was elected to a four-year term. He then served as County Commissioner for three 4-year terms, followed by a two-year term as Jury Commissioner. After retiring from Beaver County in 1997 Roger continued his income tax practice during the tax filing season. He sold his practice to Lou Zona in 2013.

Roger also served on the boards of the PA Association of the Blind, Jr. Achievement, Standard Horse Nail Corp, Merrick Art Gallery, and on his son Roger’s non-profit Let’s Go Ministries, where he was also the Treasurer. He was a former officer and chairman of the Upper Beaver Valley United Fund and a member of the Deferred Compensation Committee of the National Association of Counties.

Roger was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Beaver Falls where he met his wife Virginia in the youth group when he was a senior and she was a sophomore at Beaver Falls High School. He served faithfully in various leadership capacities as a lay person throughout his life until moving to Spring, Texas in 2018 to be with his son and his two nephew’s and their families.

As a youth, Roger loved playing baseball and was a member of the College Hill Wolverines baseball team, the Beaver Falls High School varsity team, and played in the County league after graduating.

Roger loved his wife, his family, and his friends. He loved his home and neighborhood. He loved his community, church, city, county, Commonwealth, and country. He was known for his sincerity, kindness, generosity, integrity, and devotion to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

An Interment Service with military honors will be held at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park on Friday, October 25th at 3 P.M. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life service at First Baptist Church of Beaver Falls, 616 17th Street on Saturday, October 26th at 11:30 A.M., followed by a catered lunch in the Fellowship Hall at 12:30 P.M. Reverend James B. Inghram will officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the respective Roger L. Javens Memorial Funds at First Baptist Church of Beaver Falls, 616 17th Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010 or Let’s Go Ministries, 27703 Braydon Court, Spring, TX  77386.

Mary F. Kernic, 72, of Economy, passed away on October 16, 2024. She was born on January 23, 1952, the daughter of the late John and Ann Kazlauskas. She is survived by her devoted husband of 31 years, John Kernic, her siblings, John Kazlauskas and Joann (Tom) Devins and numerous cousins and friends. A graduate of Mars High School, Mary worked as a medical assistant before dedicating herself to hospice care. She loved spending time in nature, arranging flowers, visiting waterfalls, and caring for cats. She also cherished her vacations in the Outer Banks with her husband and made many friends throughout her life who will miss her dearly. Friends are invited to gather on Sunday, October 20, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge. Departing prayers will take place at the funeral home at 9:30 A.M. on Monday, October 21, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. at Good Samaritan/Saint Luke Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge.

Kenneth Robert Thomas, Sr., 80, of Beaver Falls, passed away on October 14, 2024, at Beaver Health and Rehabilitation of Aliquippa.

He was born on April 8th, 1944, a son of the late Dora Stratton and William Thomas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William Thomas, sister, Bonnie Thomas Kildoo, sons, William “Cam” and Bryan Michael Thomas and a nephew, James Kildoo. He is survived by his son, Kenneth R. Thomas, Jr., sister, Ann Arnold, nephews, Mark Thomas and family, Kenneth Thomas and family, Sam Kildoo and family, granddaughters, Taylor and Karlie and great granddaughter, Cameron.

Kenneth was a Vietnam Veteran and the captain of his platoon. He was an avid golfer and was so proud to be part of the Beaver Falls community. He worked diligently on Library Fundraisers, the Larry Bruno Foundation, and was employed by C.W. Smith for many years.

Kenneth will lie-in-state at the Riverview Methodist Church, 1099 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, on Saturday, October 19^th from 10-11 A.M. A celebration of life will be held at 11 A.M. with Pastor Luke Whipple officiating.

Interment will follow in Little Beaver Cemetery, where Military Honors will be accorded. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Gabauer Funeral Homes.

Ronald F. Rokicki Sr., 59, of Moon Township, passed away on October 13, 2024. He was born in Sewickley on April 30, 1965, the son of the late Walter & Marie (Martin) Rokicki. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Cathy. Ron is survived by his wife of 39 years, Colleen Sue (McCormick) Rokicki, five children: Ronald Rokicki Jr. of Moon Township, Moriah Bialowas (Brian), of Robinson Township, Steven W. Rokicki (Rachael) of Neville Island, Patti Katora (Neil) of Downingtown, David Rokicki of Moon Township, four grandchildren: Julia, Erin, Jacob & Corrina.  Brothers, William (Patty), Walt (Bobbi), Bob (Maria); and brother-in-law, Magno.

Ron enjoyed time on his boat, quality pizza, and watching the Steelers on Sundays.  Most of all, he treasured time with those he loved, sparking contagious joy with his boisterous laughter that could likely be heard from across the street. He was passionate about music, and could find the perfect song for any moment, influencing his five childrens’ love of music and living on in the songs he shared.

Ron was a certified master technician known for his ability to fix anything. He spent many years running his own business, Rokicki’s Auto Service. In recent years, he was employed at FedEx as a technician specialist. Ron was a dedicated, lifetime firefighter for the Neville Island Volunteer Fire Department. Ron’s friendly nature made a lasting impression on everyone he met, always making time for a chat. Those who knew him knew a hardworking man with a big heart and a desire to be helpful. He was loved deeply by all who knew him, and fully embraced as a member of the McCormick family.

Friends will be received on Thursday October 17th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 19th at 1PM in St. Philip’s Church of Moon Township, 1629 Beaver Grade Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Neville Island Fire Department.