Nick Charles Veitz, Sr., 77, of New Brighton, passed away on January 2nd, 2026 while surrounded by his loved ones. He was born and raised in Beaver Falls and attended Saint Mary’s School and then graduated from Beaver Falls high School. He was born on July 10th, 1948, a son of the late Nicholas Frank Veitz/Vizza and Anna Angeline (Houp) Veitz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Vicky Channells, his grandfather, Frank Vizza, his grandmother, Maryanne Serriani Vizza, his grandfather, Charles Houp, his grandmother Rhoda Coy Houp, his dear son, Richard Veitz, his younger sister, Carol (Veitz) Schenker, his sister-in-law, Bonnie (Jones) Veitz, his great niece, Skyler Evans and his close longtime friend, Harry “Corky” Ferrell. He is survived by his sons: Ross Veitz (Julie Veitz) of New Brighton, Nick Charles Jr., of New Brighton, Timothy Veitz of Beaver Falls, Christopher Veitz (Lindy Veitz) of East Palestine Ohio and Bradley Veitz of Beaver Falls; as well as his brother, Martin Veitz of Koppel, his sister, Barbara Smith (Tony Yannachione) of Midland, his nieces: April of Beaver Falls, Brandy Veitz (Jack Kline and Kylee Kline) of New Brighton, Heather Johnson of Beaver Falls and Stacy Smith (Melissa Gallant) Oklahoma, his nephews, Marty Veitz (Ashley Veitz) of Elwood City and Eddie Smith of Fallston, his grandchildren: Logan Veitz, Chloe Fraser, Lillian Veitz, Tanner Veitz, Landon Veitz, Brody Veitz, Lauren Veitz and Lyndsey Veitz, his great nephews, Michael Smith of Rochester, Gaige Smith (Laura Smith) New Brighton, Bryce Evans of Beaver Falls, his great nieces, Taytum Evans of Beaver Falls and Hayley Evans of Beaver Falls, his cousins: Joann Reeder of East Palestine, Phyllis Zaffaroni of Beaver Falls, Rosemary Ferguson of Enon Valley, Terry Funari of Koppel, Dom Vizza of Cheswick; along with many others.

Nick proudly served for the United States Army during the Vietnam War, he was also an active member of the reserves during the 90’s. He married the love of his life Vicky Channells in 1971 and soon after moved to New Brighton to raise their sons. Sadly, Vicky passed away June 12th,1980. Over the years the family grew to six sons. As a father and provider, he worked at and retired from Ryerson metals in Ambridge. Those who knew him knew his love of God, family, country and his Italian heritage. Anytime he would cross paths with another veteran he was so excited to tell them he served and ask them about their service. When he thought someone was also of Italian heritage, he would tell them about our family and that we came from Calabria, and chat with them about their family. He enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, hunting and old cars. He wasn’t a man of many words, but you always knew his opinion, and you always knew he cared about you.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a visitation on Friday, January 9th from 4-8 P.M. and on Saturday, January 10th, from 10 A.M. until the time of a service at 11 A.M. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements. Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery, 139 Norwood Drive, Beaver Falls, where the VVA Chapter 862, will provide military honors for Nick  on Saturday, January 10th, at 12 noon. After the interment, everyone is welcome to attend a wake at the New Brighton American Legion, Post #19, 415 13th Street, New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the VVA Chapter 862, PO Box 26, Rochester, PA 15074, where he was a long tenured member.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Nick C. Veitz, Sr., please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Robert (Bob) William Melvin, 91, of Darlington, passed away peacefully at his home on January 3rd, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Beaver Falls on April 28th, 1934, a son of the late Robert and Ruth (Gulligham) Melvin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Jeannie Ham, his brothers, Sonny, Tommy and Richie Melvin, his sister, Darlene Summerville, his in-laws, David and Lenora Welsh, his nephew, Chad Melvin and his godson, Adam Rohrmann. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Bonnie (Welsh) Melvin of Darlington, his younger brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Sue Melvin, his children: Pam and Steve Donahue, Marci and Chuck McKeel, Russell and Faye Melvin; as well as his daughter-in-law, Melody Carney and his sisters-in-law, Marion Gulett and Sandy Epling. He was a proud grandfather to: Russell and Marge Duran, Tyler and Maddie Donahue, Maddison and Randall Ashby, Jordyn (Jack) McKeel (Jack), Hunter (Zoe) McKeel, Stephanie and Brian Bonomo, and Robbie and Grace Coats. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Kaiden, Everleigh, Jack (“Squish”), Levi, Talia, Sophia, Eli and Maribelle.

Robert was a graduate from Beaver Falls High School. He retired from the Beaver Falls Post Office and also owned and operated his own roofing business. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was a talented craftsman who had a remarkable gift for designing and creating stained glass pieces. He had an unconditional love for his family and especially cherished gathering together for Sunday dinners, a beloved family tradition. He was also a fifth-degree black belt in karate. He was also a Mason who was well known for his quick wit, warm heart, and wonderful sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family, all of whom were touched by his kindness, humor, and unwavering love for family.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. at the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 7th, beginning after full military honors at 11 A.M. followed by a service followed by his Entombment at 12 noon will at Beaver Falls Mausoleum in Chippewa Township on Darlington Road.

Contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to Three Oaks Hospice Care, 300 S. Walnut Lane, Beaver, PA 15009. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Laura Feezle for her extraordinary care and kindness.

Nancy L. Drogus, 91, passed away on January 2nd, 2026, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa. She was born in New Brighton on April 1st, 1934, a daughter of the late Laurie and Florence (Boettner) Merriman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Robert S. Drogus, an infant, Richard Drogus, a daughter, Gaye E. Barber and an infant brother, Laurie Merriman and her granddaughter, Heather Davis. She is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Robert Drogus, a sister, Norma Jean Hermick, grandchildren: Karolyn (Lee) Leavalle, Andrea (David) Werner, Hilary Bender, Haley Drogus, Robert “Trey” (Presley); as well as her great grandchildren: Lee and Jevoughn Leavalle, Avalon (Kevin) Criswell and Bradyn (Angelina) McCall, Ellie and Owen Bender, Gwen Drogus and her daughter-in-law, Laurie Ann Drogus.

Nancy proudly served for 14 years in food service at Blackhawk High School, where she was known for her dedication and kindness to students and staff alike. She spent much of her career as a medical assistant, serving patients throughout Beaver County with compassion and professionalism. She also spent 11 years as a school bus driver which she found to be very enlightening. Beyond her professional life, she had a deep passion for genealogy. She devoted countless hours to researching her family history, preserving stories and connections for future generations. This work was a true labor of love and a reflection of her appreciation for family and heritage. She was a faithful member of the New Brighton Methodist Church, where she found fellowship, faith, and community. Her quiet strength, generosity, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Those who knew Nancy well would say that while she could be feisty, she truly had a heart of gold. Her warmth, honesty, and genuine care for others shone through in everything she did.

Friends will be received Monday, January 5th, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the J & J Spratt Funeral Home Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements. An additional viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 6th, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. in the New Brighton Methodist Church, 1033 6th Avenue, New Brighton. Her pastor Gary Hilton will officiate the service.

Private Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Love fund at the New Brighton Methodist Church.

Lastly, the family would like to thank the staff of Heritage Valley Hospital P.A.M, Concordia St. Joseph, and Celebration Villa for the wonderful care that they took of Nancy, and especially the love and care from her daughter-in-law, Laurie Drogus.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Nancy L Drogus, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Ronald “Ron” E. Ehrhart, 89, passed away on January 1st, 2026. He lived a long life defined by devotion, kindness, and a deep appreciation for the people who mattered most to him. He was born on February 23rd, 1936, a son of the late Eugene and Jane (Graham) Ehrhart. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Robert Ehrhart, a son-in-law, John Case and a brother, Kenneth Ehrhart. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Gaetana(Sacco) Ehrhart, his three daughters, Tana (Keith) Wagner, Roxann Case (fiancée Joe Piscitello) and Cindy Ehrhart, his cherished grandchildren, Christana (Tsali) Bentley, Katherine (Brendan) McDaniels, Victoria Wagner, Abigail Case and Faith Wagner; as well as his extended family and friends who will miss him deeply. His legacy lives on through the family he loved so dearly and the many lives he touched.

Ronald proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, a commitment that reflected his sense of duty, integrity, and service to others. He was a member of IBEW Local 712 where he worked as an electrician working from 1958 until his retirement in 1998. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and found his greatest joy in his family. His children were a source of pride and purpose throughout his life, and his grandchildren were among the great loves of his life, bringing him endless happiness and laughter.

In accordance with Ronald’s wishes, all services were private.

Arrangements have been entrusted to GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC.- 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls., www.gabauefamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Candace Susanne (Wigley) Simmons, 71, of New Galilee, passed away on January 2nd, 2026 at UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh.

She was born in Rochester on June 11th, 1954, a daughter of the late William Bradley and Louise Patricia (Mahue) Wigley of Beaver. She is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, who she met when she was 12 years old, Howard Ronald Simmons II, her daughters, Stephanie (Dennis) Hritz and Stacie George, her grandchildren, Rebbecca S. (Steve) Surenda, Nathan Hritz and Allison (Riley) Moon, a great-grandson, Hudson Surenda, her two sisters, Cindy (Dennis) Irey and Wendy (Don) Marion and her brother, Brad Wigley.

Candace was an incredibly devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved to garden, enjoyed the outdoors, and adored her pets. She was also an active member of First Assembly of God Church in Beaver Falls.

In accordance with Candace’s wishes, there will be no services. The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc. 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Candace and her family during this most difficult time and was the funeral home that was in charge of her arrangements.

In honor of Candace, donations may be made in her name to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 28 West 44th Street, Suite 609 New York, NY 10036.

Penelope “Penny” Mehos, 94, of Masonic Village in Sewickley, passed away on January 2nd, 2026. She was born in Aliquippa on December 8th, 1931, a devoted daughter of the late Angelina and Louis Mehos. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Ethel Spanos as well as her step-brothers, Samuel Mehos, Thomas Mehos and Gus Mehos. She is survived by her sisters, Anna Pleotis of Palatine, Illinois and Antoinette Dimitrakopoulos of Athens Greece and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews including: Sophia Apostolopoulos (Steve) of Bloomingdale, Illinois, Samuel W. Spanos (Judith) of Sewickley, Louis Mehos (Sue) of Wyomissing Hills, Pennsylvania, Mary Mitu (Ciprian) of Itasca, Illinois, Dean Apostolopoulos (Sally) of Wheaton, Illinois, William Apostolopoulos (Laura) of Wheaton, Illinois, Angelo Pleotis of Chrystal Lake, Illinois, Elia Pleotis of Palatine, Illinois.

Penny graduated from Aliquippa High School. Throughout her life, she spent many happy years within the local Greek community, especially as a life-long member of Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church where she was a choir member as well as an enthusiastic volunteer at the annual Greek food festival. She was employed as a customer service representative at American Thermoplastics for many years.  Upon her retirement Penny was pleasantly shocked to discover that the owners erected a billboard sign on Route 28 wishing her well in retirement! Upon retirement, she traveled extensively, visiting nieces and nephews in Chicago as well as joining them on cruises and family reunions in various US locations. More recently, she enjoyed playing mahjong with her friends at Masonic Village.

The viewing will take place on Monday, January 5th, from 11 A.M. until 12 noon at Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 2111 Davidson Street, Aliquippa, with a funeral service to follow immediately at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Interment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery, 450 Penn Avenue, Aliquippa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kimisis Tis Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 2111 Davidson Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001.