Robert Dornack, 70, of Baden, passed away at home on December 30th, 2024. He was born in Sewickley on June 17, 1954, a son of the late Robert and Lillian (Suhan) Dornack. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Kevin Dornack and an infant sister Stephanie Jo Dornack. He is survived by a brother David Dornack, a sister Tammy (Harry) Angelo, two nephews, Nicholas and Matthew Angelo, a sister-in-law Lynn Dornack and numerous cousins.

Robert was a hard worker.  He worked for NF&M Titanium in Monaca for thirty-four years until his retirement. He was an avid Steelers fan, and in his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and hunting and was a gun enthusiast.  Above all, he loved spending time and drinking beer with his “2nd family,” and his buddies at the Ambridge District Sportsmen’s Association, where he also served on the board.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a memorial visitation on Saturday, January 18th, 2025 from 10-11:30 A.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where a memorial service will be held at 11:30 A.M., with Pastor Jill McGregor officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, in Robert’s name, are suggested to the Ambridge District Sportsmen’s Association, 2900 Ridge Road Ext, Baden, PA 15005.

Jean Grandovic, 100, formerly of Ambridge, passed away on January 1st, 2025, in Masonic Village Nursing Home in Sewickley.

She was born in West Aliquippa on November 8th, 1924, a daughter of the late Frank and Amelia Markovich Vidic. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Leo, who was the love of her life, along with many brothers and sisters. She is survived by her three children whom she deeply loved, Roberta and husband Dale Miller, whom she loved as a son, John Grandovic, Leo Grandovic and Nancy Grandovic, whom she loved as a daughter, three grandchildren, Lee (Rachel) Grandovic, Ryan Miller, & Savannah Grandovic, great granddaughter Layla Grandovic, a loving brother Robert Vidic, sister Anna Mae Vidic, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Jean’s grandchildren were all deeply loved and cherished by her.

Jean was a member and a Christian Mother of Good Samaritan Parish, SNPJ Lodge 33, and KSKJ Lodge 109. She worked in the Ambridge High School as a cafeteria monitor for many years. Jean devoted her life to her family. She always put others before herself.  She was a kind, loving woman who was described by all who knew her as an “amazing” person.  She had a positive outlook on life and being kind to one another was of great importance to her.

Friends will be received on Monday, January 6th from 8-10 A.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where a prayer service will be offered at 10 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. in the Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Interment will follow in Economy Cemetery. Jean’s family wishes to thank Masonic Village in Sewickley for all the loving care she received, and also to Good Samaritan Hospice.

Richard L. Zahrobsky II, 56, of Aleppo Township in Sewickley, passed away on December 29th, 2024 after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born on February 2nd, 1968, the son of Richard L. and Joanne Zahrobsky. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving family and his beloved wife of nine years, Tamey Zahrobsky (Bliley), three children, Connor, Owen, and Cara, three stepchildren, Tara (husband Andrew) Corace and grandson Luke, Brianna Sucharski, and Zachery Sucharski (fiancée McKenna Kaup), sister Cindy Zahrobsky and numerous other family members and friends.

Richard graduated from Connellsville Senior High School. He obtained a degree in polymer science at the University of Pittsburgh where he was a proud Delta Tau Delta. He traveled extensively around the world during his employment with various technology companies. He finished his career as the Director of Sales and Marketing with Beaumont Tech.

Richard loved Sewickley’s small-town presence and served on the board of the Aleppo Water and Sewer Authority. In his free time, he enjoyed biking, triathlons, sailing, skiing, and riding motorcycles. He was a ski instructor at Seven Springs Ski Resort, a founding member of the Pitt Crew rowing team at the University of Pittsburgh, and a trumpet player in high school and the Molinaro Band. He will also be remembered for his pure joy in teasing his family with dad jokes – the worse the joke, the better for him! He loved vacationing, especially at the beach where he could put his feet in the sand, search for shells, and have pizza while watching the sunset.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, January 6th, 2025 from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. at Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be donated to cancer research non-profits.

Mary A. Garmen, 87, of New Brighton, passed away on January 1st, 2025 in Cambridge Village of Patterson Township.

She was born in Beaver Falls on September 26th, 1937, a daughter of the late Raymond and Mildred (Dambach) Goehring. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Robert R. Garmen, and a brother, Eugene. She is survived by four daughters, Deborah (John) Zingaro, New Sewickley Township, Diana Garmen of Beaver Falls, Denise (Mark) Pullinger, Daugherty Township, Donna (Robert) Wright of Tennessee; ten grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, sister Leona Nagel of Ohio; along with several nieces, nephews, and their families.

Mary retired from Beaver Area High School, where she was a custodian.

In accordance with Mary’s wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J & J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

The family would like to thank Monarch Hospice and the staff of Cambridge Village for their loving care.

Gary Gilbert Van Winkle, 88, of Rochester, passed away on December 15th, 2024 at Post Acute Medical (PAM) Center in Beaver.  He was born in Abingdon, Illinois, a son of the late Garrett Van Winkle and Evalyn Lamb. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Rachel Lombardo-Van Winkle, first wife Carolyn Watkins, and second wife Charlotte (Shahan) Van Winkle. He is survived by his long-time companion Rebecca Finch, his five sons: Gary, Stephen, Paul, Douglas, and Gregory; daughter, Cynthia; eight grandchildren: Elizabeth Van Winkle, Benjamin Van Winkle, Jennifer Rowe, Alexander Pitt, Laura Lyons, Charles Lyons, Thomas Van Winkle, and Joseph Van Winkle; six great-grandsons: Colvin Rowe, Dylan Rowe, Tatum Rowe, Brayden Pitt, Bennett Pitt, and Bryson Pitt; two brothers, Joseph Kelly Van Winkle and James Van Winkle, two sisters, Patricia Stachew and Jean Van Winkle and several nieces and nephews.

Gary attended Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC and served with the DC Air National Guard.  Upon graduation from Gonzaga, he began a long and distinguished career in the computer technology industry.  He loved photography, fly-fishing, sports cars, and sports car racing.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Patricia Louise (Salvano) Lawson, 74, formerly of Koppel, passed away on December 31st, 2024 at Sarah Reed Senior Living of Erie.

She was born in Beaver Faslls on June 22nd, 1950, a daughter of the late Joseph and Lois (Stanyard) Salvano. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William Lawson, her sister Joyce Salvano, her brother Joseph Salvano, her brother-in-law Richard Lawson and sister-in-law, Jill Docchio.

She is survived by her daughter Heather (Todd) Matlak, grandchildren Hayley and Madison, sister-in-law Adele Clerici, niece Melody Clerici and nephew Andy Richard, as well as numerous cousins and close friends.

Patricia graduated from Lincoln High School in Ellwood City in 1968 and United Hospital School of Nursing in 1971.  She then worked as a registered nurse at Beaver Falls Hospital until staying home to raise her family. She eventually returned to work as a nurse at Valley Internal Medicine where she met many wonderful, lifelong friends. She was married on August 28, 1971, to the love of her life and they were by each other’s side until William’s death in 2013.  While married, she and William enjoyed many camping and fishing trips together. Patricia was kind, caring, and compassionate, always putting others needs before her own. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Patricia and her daughter would like to thank the staff at Sarah Reed for their care of Patricia over these past years and to the close friends and family for their care and support.

According to Patricia’s request, services are private. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Gabauer Funeral Homes.

Inurnment will be in Grandview Cemetery.

Richard Wagner, 70, of Center Township, passed away unexpectedly in his home on December 14th, 2024.

He was born on February 16th, 1954, the beloved son of the late William J. Wagner and Stella (Gentile) Wagner. He is survived by his three daughters, Rachel Vixman, Hayley Wagner, and Lyndsey Wagner; his brother and sister, William D. Wagner and Susan Wagner, his niece and nephew, Danielle and Branden Thornton and his six grandchildren: Marley Vixman, Emma Vixman, Olivia Vixman, Leah Vixman, Kali Unis, and Frankie Unis.

Richard had a lifelong passion for the outdoors, whether it was going on nature walks, tending to his garden, berry picking, or hunting for arrowheads. He also enjoyed traveling and sharing stories of his many adventures. He had a way of making everyone laugh with his big personality and could always be recognized by his distinctive whistle, making him a truly memorable presence in the lives of all who knew him.

Richard was a retired union worker and a proud member of several clubs.

A celebration of life will be held for him in the spring. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Gabauer Funeral Homes.

Barbara Louise Houser, 95, of Hopewell, passed away on December 16th, 2024 in her home. She was born in Ford City, Pennsylvania on August 4th, 1929, a daughter of the late Marvin and Frances Carberry. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her second husband, the Rev. J. Ray Houser, three children, an infant son, Susan Elaine Johnston and Christopher Andrew Weis, as well as two great granddaughters, Audree Johnston and Kinlee Brinn Johnston. She is survived by two sons and daughters in law: Bruce Alan (Tsuyako Sandy Dunn) Weis and Mark Edward (Marye) Weis, three step children, Jill Houser, Patsy Houser and Martin (Susan) Houser and eleven grandchildren: Richard Gregory, Kimberly (Kristofer) Grohl, Kristopher (Joannie) Gregory, Patrick Edenfield, Arthur (Amanda) Johnston, John (Paige) Johnston, Monica (Chance) Braud, and Edwin “Buddy” (Ashley) Covalt, Benjamin Houser, Amelia Houser and Mei Houser; fifteen great-grandchildren, a sister Joan Ludwig, and a nephew Paul Goode.

Barbara had been a registered nurse, graduating from the West Penn School of Nursing, and worked for many years at VA Hospitals in Butler and Pittsburgh, as well as with the Pennsylvania State Hospital system. Her life blossomed following her retirement. She traveled extensively, at first by herself then with her second husband, the Rev. J. Ray “Jack” Houser. Barbara and Jack cruised and traveled widely, to Norway, Greece, the middle east and destinations in Europe. A born volunteer, Barbara often delivered meals to people younger than herself in her 24 years with Meals on Wheels. She was a member of Prince of Peace Anglican Church and led the Alter Guild there for many years. She was an avid reader, preferring English mysteries, and claimed to feel happiest reading two newspapers in a sitting. In reality, she never ceased trying to help others or making others feel better about themselves.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 11th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa. In lieu of flowers, Barbara requested that donations be made to the Hopewell Volunteer Fire Department or Prince of Peace Anglican Church.

Richard Anthony Suhayda, 81, of Center Township, passed away on December 30th, 2024.
He was born in Rochester on May 23rd, 1943, the son of the late Anthony and Jean (Moehrle) Suhayda. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Annette (Yacopino) Suhayda, their son Richard Anthony Suhayda, Jr. and a grandson Gabriel Suhayda. He is survived by two beloved sons and daughters-in-law: Michael J. and Christine R. Suhayda, Gregory J. and Nicole Suhayda, three grandchildren, who Rich was immensely proud of: Paige Suhayda and her fiancée, Dillon Kmetz and Olivia Grace and Dominic Suhayda. He is also survived by a cherished sister and brother-in-law Joyce and Leon Klingensmith, two nieces and two nephews: Leigh Ann, Eric, Richie, and Richelle; along with numerous great nieces, great nephews.
Richard was a member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish and was very devoted to his catholic faith. Faithfully, he attended Saturday Mass at Saint Frances Cabrini of Aliquippa with his grandson Dominic.
He was drafted during the Vietnam war and was stationed in Germany, honorably serving our country in the U.S. Army.
Rich formerly was employed with J&L Steelworks. Upon his commencement with the steel industry, he gained employment with the former US Airways Airline working as a mechanic. He also drove a school bus for Aliquippa School District.
Rich’s love for his family was deep and it shined brightly when he would watch his grandson playing in the high school band and taking his grandson Dom trap shooting. He enjoyed going to the Bucktails range with his grandson and his company was equally enjoyed by the members of the club who bestowed to Rich an honorary membership. He was also equally involved with the events for Special Olympics supporting his granddaughter, Olivia. He was also an avid golfer and made wonderful memories with friends on the golf course.
Visitation will be on Friday, January 3rd, 2025 from 3-7 pm in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. Departing prayers will begin at 9:15 am in the funeral home on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 am in St. Frances Cabrini Church of Aliquippa. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Beaver County Special Unit will provide military honors at the cemetery.

Dennis ‘Denny Ray’ Kretzler, 71, passed away on December 30th, 2024, following a brief illness. He was born in Beaver on December 9th, 1953, a son of the late Raymond and Ruth Kretzler. He is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, L. Michelle Kretzler, his brother Jay (Susan) Kretzler, his nieces and nephews: Katharine (Rob) Struck, Jaclynn Kretzler, Philip Kretzler and Steven (Amy) Kretzler, along with many grandnieces and grandnephews and his cats, Ella and The Bean.

Dennis graduated from Beaver Area High School and Cal State University, he went on to teach Industrial Arts at his high school alma mater.  A gifted craftsman and dedicated educator, Mr. K. was beloved by students and faculty alike.  A lover of fishing, fireworks, firearms, and spending time with friends, he will always be remembered for his sweet smile and sunny disposition.  A longtime resident of New Brighton, his vegetable garden was admired by many who passed by on Third Avenue.

Friends and family will be received Friday, January 3, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the J & J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

Heartfelt thanks goes out to the kind and compassionate staff at Heritage Valley Beaver.  Memorial contributions in Den’s name may be sent to The Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, Pa, 15001.