Anthony Battaglini, 79, a lifelong resident of West Aliquippa passed away with his family by his side on January 12th, 2025.
He was born in West Aliquippa on May 13th, 1945, the son of the late Guiseppe and Helen (Marchionda) Marsolo. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter: Maria Grazia, four brothers: Frank (Marie) Battalini, Joseph “Jr.” Battaglini, Christy Marsolo, Louis Carl Battaglini, a sister and two brothers-in-law: Anna Jane Palombo Buckoske, Aldolph Palombo and John “Red” Buckoske.He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years: Angelina Louise Battaglini, four devoted sons and three daughters-in-law: Aaron and Jackie Battaglini, Chris and Sarah Battaglini, Justin and Karra Battalini, and Marc Battalini, six grandchildren: Francesca, Luciano, Carlo, Lilia, Livia, Octavia; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Paul and Sherry Marsolo and Ronald Marsolo, three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Louise and Jesse Corsi, Madelyn Marsolo, Lucille and David Wytiaz and numerous nieces and nephews
Anthony was faithful member of St. Joseph Church in West Aliquippa until it was closed. His deep catholic faith continued at St. Titus Church of Aliquippa, part of Mary Queen of Saints Parish. Anthony and his wife also enjoyed attending Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Church.
Anthony had a special devotion to Saint Anthony. He and his wife Louise joined the Saint Anthony Congregation where Anthony was elected president of the group and has been in office for the past 40 years. They spent numerous years with their fellow worshipers giving reverence to Saint Anthony and supporting local causes.
He was a member of Aliquippa Council from 1998-2002. Anthony was proudly appointed as Acting Mayor in 2003. He was elected Mayor of his cherished town from January 5, 2004, serving the residents of Aliquippa until 2011.
Anthony was a hard worker. He worked several jobs throughout his life beginning with the Tin Mill at LTV Steel works, Local 1211 USWA, with over 40 years of service. Upon retirement he gained employment with Local 833 Laborers Union where he worked as a Laborer. Anthony later worked for Aliquippa School District as the director of transportation until his retirement. In addition to the previous positions he worked, Anthony was the owner and operator of Battaglini’s Lounge and several other businesses within the community.
Anthony was immensely devoted to his family and was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 16th from 4-7 P.M. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.
Departing prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, January 17th in the funeral home followed by a
A Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. in St.Titus Church. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Robert J. “Bob” Murphy, 83, of Chippewa Township, passed away on January 10th, 2025 in his home.

He was born in Beaver Falls on August 9th, 1941, the son of the late Mendel and Virginia (Lee) Murphy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Beth Anne Chinn, a sister-in-law, Nancy Murphy and his beloved canine companion, Maggie. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Ruth Anne (Snyder) Murphy, his children, Kimberley Phillips, Mendel “Brian” (Heather Metheny) Murphy and Glenn Murphy, grandchildren: Ariel Murphy, Paul Solano, Victoria Cider, Brienna Phillips, Cherish Cobert, and Christopher Murphy; step-grandchildren Amber Sopko and Gary Phillips, Jr., great-grandchildren, Joey, Luke, and Eli, his brother, Lee Murphy, a former daughter-in-law, Tina Marie Murphy, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Robert was a steelworker the majority of his professional life, having worked for Babcock & Wilcox Company, Koppel Steel, McDermott Steel, and Michael Baker.  He was a member and past deacon of the former United Presbyterian Church of Ambridge, now known as Two Congregations in One Christ Church. Robert was known as the Jack-of-all-trades and could always be found offering help and giving advice.  In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, riding ATVs, and spending time with his family.

Friends will be received on Thursday, January 16^th from 5-8 P.M. with a funeral service at 8 P.M. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Private interment will be in Beaver Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital- 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.

Robert Dennis Downes, 74, of Rochester, passed away unexpectedly on January 10th, 2025. He was born in Dover, New Jersey on May 8th, 1950, a son of the late James and Beatrice Mosher Downes. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister Jean Downes. He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Alexander) Downes, children Jeff and Liz Downes, Stephanie (Donnie) Fazenbaker and Dana (Austin) Carr, brothers Harold (Nancy) Downes and Walter Downes, sisters Barbara (John) McLaughlin and Beatrice (Larry) Smith, grandchildren: Travis, Madison, Belle and Brooke; great-grandchildren Nikolai, Gary, Cooper and Kellan; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Robert retired as a crew chief from American Airlines and also had worked for USAir. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving in Vietnam. He was a member of  St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Rochester. He loved history and traveling to historical battlefields such as Gettysburg. However, aviation was his favorite hobby as he flew planes with his close friends in his spare time. He enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife, Barbara, as they visited numerous countries. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Friends will be received Thursday, January 16th from 2-6 P.M. at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday at 10:00 A.M. at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Rochester. Interment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park of Rochester. Members of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 862 will provide full military honors at the cemetery.

Patricia Ann Hummel, 73, of Rochester passed away on January 11th, 2025 at her home. She was born in Sewickley on March 29th, 1951, a daughter of the late Chester and Catherine Crites Bailey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Ronald Hummel and a sister Darlene. She is survived by one daughter, Brenda Mae Milligan of New Brighton, two sons, Michael L. Bailey of Rochester and Gordon W. Milligan of New Sewickley Township, grandchildren: Paige, Kordell, Camron, Emily and Dylan; great-grandchildren Anthony, Paislee and Hope, four sisters and three brothers, Brenda, Kim, Sherry, and Charlotte Bailey, Eddie, David and Charles Bailey; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was a retired employee with Walmart in Dayton, Ohio. Friends will be received Wednesday, January 15th from 6-8 P.M. in the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester with services following at 8:15 P.M. Officiating will be Rev. Bill Blume of Faith 2 Faith Ministries of Rochester. Interment will be in Burry’s Church Cemetery.

Margaret Louise Sipes, 84, of Sewickley, passed away at home on January 10th, 2025 with loving family by her side. She was born in Pittsburgh on November 3, 1940, a daughter of the late Theodore and Margaret (Gallagher) Teets. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Robert, a brother, Joseph Teets, and a sister, Ruth Teets.

She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, John Sipes, Sr., her loving children: John Jr. (Holly), Donna (Curtis) Breen, Jeffrey (Colleen), Ronald (Amy) and Randolph (Johnnette); a daughter-in-law, Cindy; her grandchildren: Dana (Clint) Cannell, Emily (Steve) Cermak, Deanna (Thomas) Bendlak , Zachary (Courtney), Brandon (Katie), Brittany (Garth Schwartz), Hannah, Seth (Hanna), and Sara (Avery); her great-grandchildren, Isabel Bendlak, Lily Bendlak, Jaiden, Brantley Cannell, Evelyn Cermak, Grayson Cannell, Benjamin Cermak, Kelsea Cannell, Jaxson, Colson Kincaid, Gauge Schwartz, Kayleigh, and soon-to-be, Callum; and a cherished sister, Rose Ann “Cookie” Bence.

In her spare time, Margaret liked to tell funny jokes, take trips to the casino, and loved dancing to good old Rock and Roll music.  She enjoyed talking to family on her iPad and was known as mom to not only her children, but to many outside family as well.  Margaret will be loved and deeply missed by all who knew her.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Tuesday, January 14th, from 11 A.M. until the time of funeral service at 2 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, with Pastor Jill McGregor, Officiating. Interment is being planned for a later date.

Dawna Faye Craig, 83, of Chippewa Township, passed away on January 10th, 2025 at her residence.

She was born in New Brighton on August 8th, 1941, the daughter of the late Emerson Dale Holliday and Laura Eugenie Telford. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her step-mother, Ruby Holliday and her sister, Caroline Dickenson. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Norman “Tom” Craig, one son, Gary (Cynthia) Craig, one daughter, Cheryl Baker, three grandsons, Andrew (Jacquelyn) Craig, Nicholas Craig and Cody Baker, one granddaughter, Breanna Baker, one brother, Dale (Linda) Holliday, niece Lori Ann (Tom) Pastier, and one step-brother, John (Anita) Crawford.

Dawna was a professional porcelain artist. She designed and painted many different pieces over the years which she sold at various venues and shared with family and friends. She was truly gifted and she shared her talent by teaching art at seminars and in her home. Most recently, Dawna worked at Cohill Fashions in Beaver Falls, for her dear friend, Carleen McKee.

A public visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 14th at 11 A.M. until the time of service at 1 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. The service will be followed by a private interment.

Arnold ‘Arnie’ W. Winkle, 82, passed away at his Center Township residence on January 8th, 2025. His passing occurred after an extended illness. Born in the same close-knit community, Arnie’s journey began in Center Township, where he was born and raised. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Eleanor (Zieber) Winkle, and his brother Jackie.

Arnold’s life was marked by a loving partnership with his wife of fifty-nine years, Janice Marie (May) Winkle. They were united in marriage on November 20th, 1965, and together they raised two devoted daughters, Sheri (Dean) Angelo and Regina Moore, both of Center Township. His joy was multiplied with the arrival of his four grandchildren, Cailynne, Veronica, Mitchell Angelo and Lance Moore. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Raymond May and Harry Winkle.

Education was an important milestone in Arnie’s life, as he attended Center Area Schools and took pride in earning his GED on November 8th, 2005.

Arnold’s work ethic was evident from a young age when, at just 12 years old, he walked from his home to the Rochester Bowling Alley to set pins. This early job marked the beginning of a diligent career, as he later joined Phoenix Glass Co in Monaca. He eventually retired from J & L Structural Steel.

Beyond his work, Arnold was a man of many interests. He loved to travel, especially on cruises where he could explore new horizons and relax in the company of his beloved Janice. Fishing and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle offered him a sense of tranquility and freedom.

Arnold’s faith played a central role in his life as a longtime member of VanKirk Lutheran Church. There, he served as a worship leader, usher, and church council member. His involvement in the church was a reflection of his dedication to service and his desire to contribute positively to the lives of others.

Friends will be received on Monday, January 13th from 4-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca. Additional visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 14th from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at the VanKirk Lutheran Church, 106 Vankirk Road, Monaca.

The family wishes to extend a note of thanks to Pinnacle Hospice for the compassionate care that they provided to Arnold.

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

Andrea Lee Posset, 74, of Beaver, formerly of Pittsburgh, passed away on January 7th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with illness.

She was born in Pittsburgh on November 19th, 1950, a daughter of the late Michael and Doris Traficante. She is survived by her loving husband John “Tony” Posset, sons Christian (Lisa) Posset and Michael (Carolyn) Posset; grand-children, Alexandra (Conor Quinn) Posset, Isabella Posset, Devon and Dylan Throckmorton, brother Michael Traficante, sisters Michelle Traficante and Mara Uplinger and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. Andrea was a homemaker and her greatest joy was her family. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister.

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

In lieu of donations and gifts, Andrea would like for her loved ones to hug their significant others.