Judith A. Fritz, 79, of Beaver, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at PAM Health, Heritage Valley Beaver.

Born on November 20, 1944, in Morgantown, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Louise (Grubbs) Rumbaugh.

In addition to her parents, Judith was preceded in death by her loving husband of over 55 years, Ronald G. Fritz, Sr. in March of 2022.

She is survived by her son, Ronald (Sonia) Fritz, Jr.; her brother, Paul Rumbaugh; her sister, Linda Rumbaugh; her niece, Celeste Van Ness; her nephew, Craig Rumbaugh, and many friends.

Judith was a 1963 graduate of Hopewell High School. She worked at Health City Drugs of Beaver. She loved to collect Teddy Bears and Beanie Babies.

In accordance with her wishes, all services were private.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to provide care and guidance to Judith’s family during this time.

James A. Napolitan, 94, of Baden, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late James C. and Helen Napolitan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Timmy Napolitan, Jim Napolitan, and Tommy Plasko Jr. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Esther (Bombiani) Napolitan, daughters, Donna Napolitan, Lisa (Rob) Sichak, brother, Lew (Penney) Napolitan, grandchildren, Daniel (Kelly) Napolitan, Cory Campbell, great grandchild, Ava Napolitan, and daughter-in-law, Antonia Chiappini. James served our country proudly in the United States Coast Guard. He owned and operated Jim’s Tavern in Ambridge for over 40 years. He was the Baden Borough Code Enforcement Officer for several years. He was a devout member of Saint John the Baptist Church in Baden, where he volunteered as an usher and helped in making pierogis for the church.  James was a charismatic person who enjoyed being home and sitting on his porch. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, March 16, 2024, in Saint Luke the Evangelists Church (formerly Good Samaritan Church), Ambridge. Burial is private. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Concordia Villa Saint Joseph and Good Samaritan Hospice for their loving care and spiritual guidance. Arrangements entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, Ambridge.

Ronald J. Tarquinio, 68, of Moon Township, died on March 11, 2024, at his home.  He was born in Pittsburgh on September 19, 1955, the son of the late Arthur & Rose (Venneri) Tarquinio.

In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Richard Tarquinio, a sister Anita Tarquinio-Marcocci, and a brother-in-law, Jeffrey Alborn.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer (Alborn) Tarquinio and his daughter, Olivia Tarquinio.  Two brothers, Joseph Tarquinio (Mary Ann), Edward Tarquinio (Deborah) and a sister, Rosemary Tarquinio.  Mother-in-law, Kathy Abramovich, father-in-law, Charles Alborn, brother-in-law Jeremy Alborn.

Ron is a 1973 graduate of Moon Area High School. He obtained a BS in finance from Penn State University. Ron’s career in real estate began in 1974 while working for his family’s real estate company, Tarquinio Real Estate.  He worked at various firms, then created Tarquin Real Estate which later merged with CoRE Associates to form the present-day company, TARQUINCoRE.  Also, Ron was a partner in River Park Commons where he managed day-to-day operations of the facility.

Ron was a passionate family man with a generous heart. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend.  Always joking, he brought laughter wherever he went.  Ron was an avid gardener and landscaper. Ron enjoyed making and gifting, “Olivia’s Homemade Pasta Sauce.” His daughter, Olivia, was his proudest accomplishment and the light of his life.

Friends will be received on Friday, March 15 from 2-4 & 6-8 PM in The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights. Road. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in St. Philip’s Church of Moon Township.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Rhema Christian School or Eden Christian Academy.

Joann Zurga, 87, of Chippewa Township, passed away Monday, March 11, 2024.
Joann was born on May 22, 1936 in Homewood to the late William and Verna (Jarrett) McKim.
Joann was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Joseph Zurga and a sister, Mary Urista.
Surviving are her four children, Matthew Zurga of Virginia Beach, VA, Karen (Don) Reeher of Big Beaver Borough, Michelle (Brian) Smith of Ridgefield, WA and Michael Zurga of College Hill; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and a sister, Janet Detka of Beaver Falls. She was a member of St. Augustine Parish.
The family would also like to thank Celebration Villa for the care Joann received while there.
Friends will be received Monday, March 18th from 11:00 am until the time of a Blessing Service at 1:00 p.m. in the HILL AND KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, 3801 Fourth Avenue, Beaver Falls. Burial will be in Rocky Springs Cemetery, New Galilee.

Dennis F. Hacker, 76, of Enon Valley, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at AdventHealth Waterman, Tavares, FL.

Born on October 31, 1947, in New Brighton, he was the son of the late Frederick and June (Smith) Hacker.

In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Patsie A. (Conti) Hacker; a daughter-in-law, Gabralee Hacker; and a brother, Richard Hacker.

He is survived by his children, Tracie Kio, Shaun Hacker, and Tara Hacker; grandchildren, Austin Zalin, Kolten Cope, Jacob Kio, Garret Kio, Storm Phillips, and Sibyl Phillips; great-granddaughter, Onavella Rodriguez; his siblings, Robert (Marlea) Hacker, Peggy Taylor, and Frances Morgan; a sister-in-law, Patricia Hacker; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dennis had retired as a Chemical Technician from NOVA Chemical following many years of service.  He was a proud Veteran, having served in the United States Army and was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler fan.

Friends will be received on Friday, March 15^th from 2-4PM 7 6-8PM in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Twp., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

A Blessing Service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, March 16^th at 11AM.

Private interment will be in Grandview Cemetery.

Willard M. “Tex” Harsh, 100, of Patterson Heights, passed away on March 7, 2024. He was born November 11, 1923 in Morning Sun, Iowa to Russell and Arminta (Allen) Harsh.

Willard was preceded in death by his siblings: Eleanor (Everett) Cummings, Grace (Larry) Coon, Robert (Betty) Harsh and Alice (Ray) Pilling.

Willard is survived by his wife of nearly 73 years, Marjorie (Hill) Harsh, his sons, Mark and wife Sandy Hienz, Russ and wife Sheila, Brian and wife Linda and Brad Harsh, and daughter Janet Harsh; grandchildren; Eric (Laura) Harsh, Kelly (Jeff) Manning, Allison (Andy) Dixon and Alex Harsh; great-grandchildren; Charlotte Manning, Peyton, Channing and Harper Harsh and Luke and Colby Dixon. Step-granddaughters; Rachel Hienz (Marty Goffenhofen) and Erin (Hayden) Lutz; Step-great-grandchildren; Bishop and Ryan Lutz. He also had one cousin, Paul Mathews and many nephews and nieces.

He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII as a tail -gunner on a B-24 Liberator, flying 30 missions in China, Burma and India, and received 4 medals, while in the service. He graduated from Geneva College and retired from B&W. Willard had been an active member of First Reformed Presbyterian Church in Patterson Township. He was known in Patterson Heights as “ the man who walked and picked-up litter”.

Rev. Matt Filbert and Rev. Bruce Backensto officiated at the private funeral service.

A favorite Bible verse was, “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me”.  Philippians 4:13

Janet Ann Emge, 85, of Chippewa Township, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

Born October 9, 1938, in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Mildred (Brandt) Schmidt.  A graduate of Parkville High School in Baltimore, MD, she married James G. Emge, Jr., on October 6, 1957, and they had three sons.  She worked at Geneva College for 20 years before retiring. Janet attended Hope Lutheran Church in Brighton Twp. and was a social member of the Fort McIntosh Club in Beaver.  Janet loved to entertain, spend time with her family and friends, travel, and play cards.   She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She will be deeply missed.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James G. Emge Jr. on November 23, 2015; and a brother, Theodore Schmidt. Jr.

She is survived by her sons and their spouses, Jeff and Myra Emge, Mike and Kelly Emge, and Barry and Ann Emge; her grandchildren, Casey and Andrew Johnson, Carly Emge and Nick Wells, Jamie and Christian Balaski, Tyler Emge, Luke Emge, Josh Emge, Sam Emge, Matt and Sarah Emge, Jake and Kayla Emge and Emily and Matt Rosowski; her great-granddaughters, Eve Emge and Parker Balaski; her sister, Lois Schammel; her brother-in-law, Ronald, Emge; her sister-in-law, Beverly Schmidt; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received on Saturday,  March 16^th from 4pm until the time of services at 6pm in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC- 117 Blackhawk Rd., Chippewa Twp.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Janet’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association- 2835 E Carson St Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 or Champion Life Church- 3357 Constitution Blvd, Darlington, PA 16115.

Patricia Ann (Tullis) Mason, 71, of North Sewickley Township, died Friday, March 8, 2024, at her home with her husband of 50 years by her side.

Born September 1, 1952, in Beaver Falls, she was the daughter of the late Edward Leroy and Myrtle Daisy (Richeal) Tullis.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, the love of her life, whom she married on May 12, 1971, Dr. Richard D. Mason; a son and daughter-in-law, Joel and Sara Mason, of Darlington Township; four grandchildren, Jocelyn, Luke, Noah, and Sadie Mason; a brother, David Tullis, of New Galilee; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Billie and Russell Fink of Patterson Township, Scott and Cherie Mason of Butler, and Curtis and Mary Mason of Mathews of Virginia. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Jeanette Tullis.

Patricia was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School and the United Hospital School of Nursing. Her nursing career was spent in service to people and included a broad range of experiences. She worked two years in physical rehabilitation, returning to critical care nursing for several years before leaving the clinical area to work as a case manager at Cigna for many years. At age 52 she returned to the clinical area and discovered her true nursing passion when she began work as a home care nurse for Progressive Home Health. She cared for patients in their homes for 5 years and for the last 8 years of her career, she became a supervisor, eventually becoming responsible for all aspects of training from new hire orientation to writing training materials to precepting and annual training. She retired from Progressive in October of 2017.

She was a member of Hope Community Reformed Presbyterian Church, where she served as a deacon through the time of her death. Before this, she was a longtime member of College Hill Reformed Presbyterian Church, where she also served as a deacon for over 20 years. She served on the board and various committees at Beaver County Christian School, from which her son graduated and where her grandchildren still attend.

Patricia loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She could often be found on the sidelines or in the audience, cheering on her grandchildren during their athletic competitions or musical performances. She cherished her church family and the lasting friendships that she cultivated over decades. Always ready to lend a helping hand, she remained actively involved in serving others until the end of her life. Patricia loved sailing and birdwatching and cherished the friendships that blossomed from these activities. Each year, she, her family, and a group of lifelong friends embarked on annual sailing trips on the Chesapeake Bay. Over the years, they enjoyed over 40 of these trips together, creating some of the most cherished memories.

Though she leaves this earthly life, she was steadfast in her knowledge that she was joining her Lord and Savior in Heaven. She spent much of her last week sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those around her. This truly was her comfort in life and in death.

Friends will be received Friday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home, www.hillandkunselman.com, located at 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. The family will receive friends on Saturday at Hope Community Reformed Presbyterian Church, located at 3400 5th Avenue, Beaver Falls, from 10:00 AM until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 AM, with Rev. George Gregory officiating.

Private interment will be in the Reformed Presbyterian Cemetery, New Galilee.

Memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to Hope Community Reformed Presbyterian Church or Beaver County Christian School.

Robert M. Nicol Sr., 80, of Vanport, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2024, in Good Samaritan Hospice at Heritage Valley Beaver.
Born on May 21, 1943, in New Brighton, he was the son of the late Ellsworth and Anna Nicol. Along with his parents, Robert is preceded in death by two brothers, Thomas and Les Nicol. Robert will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 42 years, Jackie; his children, Robert Nicol Jr, Amy Beth (Ken) Zack, and Travis Nicol; sisters, Priscilla Marie (Ron) Pander, and Mona Lisa Ann Nicol; two grandsons, one great-granddaughter, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Robert was a proud veteran of the United States Army, a member of the Vanport VFW, and a lifetime member of the Midland Sportsman Club. He had worked at BCRC and Westinghouse, and was a former member of the Big Brother Program.
Friends will be received in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009, from 5pm until the time of service at 7pm on Tuesday March 12, 2024. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Private interment will take place at Beaver Cemetery.

Theodore L. “Ted” McClaren, 83, of Patterson Township, passed away peacefully March 6, 2024, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born October 9, 1940, in Beaver Falls, Ted was the son of the late Harry and Frances Kennedy McClaren. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Janet Buckenheimer McClaren, a son, Keith, of New York City, a granddaughter, Camile E. McClaren of New York City, and grandson, Kevin, of Boston, Massachusetts. Ted was a retired employee of the former Babcock and Wilcox Company, of Beaver Falls, PA., where he worked for nineteen years and later worked for Penn Pavilion, New Brighton, PA.
Ted was a peacetime Navy Veteran, after graduating from Beaver Falls High School in 1958. He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church, Beaver Falls, where he had a video ministry for several years. He was a former member of the Presbyterian Church, where he was a deacon and an elder, and most recently attending Faith on 68 Church. Ted enjoyed traveling and camping where he put to use his photography and videography skills. He also enjoyed good music and was an avid reader.
Ted was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed.
Per his wishes there will be no viewing, but a private committal service will be held Tuesday at 1pm in The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, PA., with Pastor Luke Whipple officiating. Internment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Rochester. The family wishes memorial contributions be made to First Assembly Church, Beaver Falls or Riverview Methodist Church.