Category: Obituaries

Wilmer H. “Bill” George, Jr. (1930-2025)

Wilmer H. “Bill” George, Jr., 95, formerly of Rochester Township, passed away on December 27th, 2025, in Concordia of Cranberry in Mars, Pennsylvania. He was born in Rochester on October 4th, 1930, a son of the late Wilmer H. Sr. and Geraldine Brown George. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-eight years, Doris L. (Inman) George, a granddaughter, Stephanie Fisher, a nephew, Aaron George, a brother and sister-in-law, Richard I. Sr. and Jan George, as well as a sister, Margaret “Peg” Vild. He is survived by one daughter, Susie McDonald, of Wilmington, North Carolina, one son and daughter-in-law, Dale C. and Janet Marta, of Kansas City, Missouri, one step-son and daughter-in-law, Robert Stephen Sr. and Diana Fisher of Cypress, Texas, and six grandchildren: Robert S. Fisher, Jr. and his wife, Amanda, Daniel and his wife, Paige, Jonathan and his wife, Lauren, Michael and his wife, Brittney Marta, Christopher, and his wife, Nikki and Heather and her husband, Lang Robbins, thirty-one great grandchildren, a brother, Robert George of Daughterty Township, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Wimer was a self-employed owner of George’s Autobody in Daughterty Township, and had previously retired from Westinghouse Corporation in Vanport. He was a Navy Veteran of the Korean War and a member of the New Brighton United Methodist Church. Wilmer was a graduate of Conneley Vocational School in Pittsburgh. Friends will be received on Friday, January 2nd, from 3-6 p.m., at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements, with a service to follow at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, January 2nd. Officiating will be his pastor Reverend Gary Hilton. Interment will then be held in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester. The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 862 will also provide full military honors for their fallen comrade at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, January 2nd.

John C. Hesser, Jr. (Passed on December 28th, 2025)

John C. Hesser, Jr. of Brighton Township, passed away on December 28th, 2025 after a long struggle with liver cancer surrounded by his family. He was born in Rochester, a son of the late John Charles Sr. and Elizabeth “Betty” Maie (Bruff) Hesser. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Nicole Lynn Hesser, his  brother, Buddy C. Hesser, his brother-in-law, Oliver Thomas Hill and his nephew, Thomas Reed. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna J. (Olson) Hesser, his son, John E. Hesser and wife Kacy (Couper) Hesser of Industry, a granddaughter, Bailey Hesser, his sister, Sara Hill of Monaca, his sister in law & brother in law Sherry and Frank Fillipelli of Monaca, his most loved nieces & nephews, Debra and Victor DeCristoforo, Kitty and Kelly Hogan and Stacie and Ken Hastings, his great nieces and nephews: Kelsey, Kody Justin and Jessica; along with his special friends, Dave & Sandy Vaughn, his good friend, Bob Laman and his best lifelong friends, Dave Bathgate and Joe Maley. John was raised in Rochester where he graduated from Rochester High School with its class of 1966. High School is where be found his love for music singing. After graduation, he joined the US Air Force, serving four years active duty Vietnam Veteran 1967-1968. He later joined the PA Air National Guard as Crew Chief in the 112th TFG and later the 171St ARW in Pittsburgh I.A.P. retiring as the 171st E-8 Senior Master Sgt. He retired from Nova Chemicals Maintenance Dept. after working there for 40 years. He was also a member of the Monaca United Methodist Church where he served as Finance Chair, Trust Officer Administration Council, Pastor Parish and the soundman & tenor for the church choir. He was also a past member of the Beaver Valley Choral Society who sang as a soloist in barbershop and doowhop groups. His other past times including running, softball, golf, bowling, volleyball and pickleball. He also coached Monaca youth sports, in years past that included Little League, Pony League and basketball. He received volunteer of the year award form Nova which was donated to Monaca youth sports. He was also a life time member of Rochester Post 128 VFW, a life time member of Vietnam Veterans of America and a member of Monaca American Legion Post 580.  Friends will be received on Thursday, Jan 1st from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of his arrangements. An additional visitation will be held on Friday, January 2nd from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. at the Monaca United Methodist Church, 813 Indiana Avenue, Monaca. Interment with military honors will then take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

Memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Monaca United Methodist Church, 813 Indiana Ave, Monaca, PA 15061.

Shirley Ann Kutevac (1939-2025)

Shirley Ann Kutevac, 86, of Conway, passed away peacefully on December 29th, 2025. She was born on July 16th, 1939, a daughter of the late Ernest and Mary Broman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Edward Kutevac, her second husband, John Hetz, who passed away in 2019, her brothers, Richard Broman and James Broman and her nephew, Andrew Broman. She is survived by her brother, Donald (Deborah) Broman, her sister, Susan (Don) Kuriger, her nephews, Dan (Laraine) Kuriger, Pete Broman and John Broman, and her nieces, Jamie Kuriger, Kara (Brian) Simpkins, and Heather (Jacquelynn Carnes) Broman.

Shirley was a graduate of Freedom High School and went on to attend Geneva College and Kent State University, where she earned her master’s degree. She later became a professor at Kent State University. She was also an avid world traveler who loved cruises, trips to the casino, and fishing excursions in Canada. She also enjoyed relaxing with a Long Island Iced Tea.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30th, from 3 p.m. until the time of a funeral service at 7 p.m. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. Shirley’s burial will take place on Wednesday, December 31st, at Oak Grove Cemetery, 1101 9th Street Extension, Freedom.

Florence E. Moser (1944-2025)

Florence E. Moser, 81, of Munhall, passed away on December 24th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born in Pittsburgh on February 15th, 1944, the daughter of the late Ewing and Mildred (Eppley) Moser. She is survived by her brother, Wayne (Martha) Moser, two nephews, David Moser and Keith (Julie) Moser, a great niece and nephew, Charlie and Aubrey, as well as two special friends, Linda Parous of Munhall and Becca Antoz of Hampton.

Florence worked in Healthcare as an Licensed Practical Nurse at Magee Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh for over 40 years and was a member of Lincoln Place Church of the Nazarene in Pittsburgh.

Private interment will take place at Jefferson Memorial Park, 401 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh.

The GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton, was honored to care for Florence and her family during this most difficult time and was the funeral home that was in charge of her arrangements.

Tammy Lynn Lealand (1971-2025)

Tammy Lynn Lealand, 54, of Hopewell Township, passed away unexpectedly on December 20th, 2025. She was born in Rochester on August 1st, 1971, a daughter of the late Garth and Andrea Wilson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two siblings, Scott Wilson and Debbie Harding. She is survived by her beloved blue and gold McCaw, Shane, a daughter, Taylor (Austin) Kelly, three grandchildren: Ashley, Scott and Kouvr, a brother, Terry (Tina) Wilson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tammy was a very giving person, she loved a lot and she lived a lot. She enjoyed her job as a security guard with the Sisters of St. Joseph in Baden for more than 23 years.  She most recently worked as a pharmacy tech for Giant Eagle in their warehouse in Freedom. She loved animals, crafting, and Pepsi. She also loved to volunteer and donate her time and crafts.

All services for Tammy are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Esker D. Casto (1937-2025)

Esker D. Casto, 88, of New Sewickley Township, passed away on December 7th, 2025 in East Palestine, Ohio. He was born in Buckhannan, West Virginia on April 18th, 1937, a son of the late Ottis Casto and Ada Casto Rutherford. In addition to his parents, was preceded in death by his wife Glenna M. “Pritt” Casto, two brothers, Darrel and Archie Casto and one sister, Barbara Coe. He is survived by two sons and daughters in law, Bradley K. and Teresa Casto of Patterson Township, Michael D. and Cathy Casto of Rochester, three grandchildren, Jacob Casto and Tim {Michelle} Casto and Matthew Casto, several great-grandchildren, one brother, Terry {Rita} Casto and his step-sister, Nancy Stinner.

Esker was a retired employee with Wyckoff Steel in Ambridge and Wyckoff Steel in Putman, Connecticut. Esker’s wishes were to be cremated. No events are scheduled at this time. Arrangements have been entrusted to The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Esker, please visit our floral store.

Brielle Marie Adkins (2024-2025)

Brielle Marie Adkins, 1, of Rochester, passed away on December 25th, 2025, at her home. She was born in Brighton Township on October 15th, 2024, the infant daughter of Justin J. Adkins, Jr., and Paige Hubert. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her paternal grandparents, Justin J. Adkins, Sr., and Shannon K. Nelson, her maternal grandmother, Gayle McDonald and her maternal grandfather, Brian Hubert, one aunt, Raven Higbee, one uncle, Joshua Avery, and her great-grandmother, Sonja Krassman. The wishes of Brielle’s family were to have her cremated and a memorial service for her will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brielle, please visit the floral store of the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Virginia J. Walsh (Passed on December 22nd, 2025)

Virginia J. Walsh, 85, of Potter Township, passed away on the early morning of December 22nd, 2025, in the emergency room at Heritage Valley Beaver, following an unfortunate fall at her home. Virginia was born in West Virginia and raised in Virginia. After completing high school, she pursued further education at a two-year business school, equipping herself with the skills that would serve her throughout her career. At the age of eighteen, Virginia moved to Beaver County. Several years later, she became a dedicated worker for the Corp of Engineers in Pittsburgh, where she remained for over 30 years.

Virginia’s life was one of partnership and love, exemplified by her marriage to John R. Walsh on July 28th, 1960. Together, they built a life filled with joy and the blessings of a large family. She is survived by her loving husband, John, and their five children: John R. Walsh II (Quinn), Charles H. Walsh II, Steve L. Walsh, Laurene J. (Roger) Bietsch, and Matthew W. Walsh, two sisters, Carol Keefer and Gloria Pritt and her adored pup, Polly, who brought her much comfort and happiness.

Even though she was preceded in death by her mother, Thelma (Armstrong) Grimes, her daughter, Laura J. Walsh, and her brother, Richard L. (Helen) Grimes, Virginia’s legacy is carried on through her family, who remember her strength, kindness, and unwavering support.

Virginia was a longtime member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca, where she found solace and community. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was an avid reader, often found curled up with a good book, and she took great delight in the daily challenge of crosswords, a testament to her sharp and curious mind.

A private memorial mass will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1409 Pennsylvania Avenue, Monaca. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

The family has requested that rather than flowers, memorial contributions be made in her memory to the Greater Pittsburgh Alzheimer’s Association.

Mark Daniel Bochicchio (1977-2025)

Mark Daniel Bochicchio, 48, of Patterson Township, passed away on December 21st, 2025 in Cranberry Township. He was born in Pittsburgh on May 2nd, 1977, a son of Margaret M. (Hocher) Bochicchio and the late William A. Bochicchio. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his siblings: Mary (Joe) Doyle, Joe (Stella) Bochicchio, Anne Romano, John (Kim) Bochicchio, Andrew (Stephanie) Bochicchio and Clare Azubuike, along with his twelve nieces and nephews.

Mark was a member of St. Augustine Parish. He worked as a caterer most of his life with a passion for cooking and making chocolate. He was known to be a people person, offering his generous spirit to those around him. From a young age, Mark showed great courage in his battle with serious chronic health issues. Those who cared for Mark became better people because of him; he challenged us to forgive, compelled us to be compassionate, and taught us to pray and trust in God’s Providence. He is deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held soon at St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Mark and his family during this most difficult time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Eleanor Macurak (1930-2025)

Eleanor Macurak, 95, of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania passed away on December 26th, 2025, in Hollidaysburg Veterans Home in Duncansville, Pennsylvania.

She was born in Patton, Pennsylvania on March 18th, 1930, a daughter of the late Michael and Ann Makovich Rosinko. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joe Macurak and a brother, Michael Rosinko. She is survived are her son and daughter in law, David (Jennifer) Macurak, four grandchildren: Megan Ann Macurak, Shelby Lynott, Jordan Macurak and Brandi Macurak; as well as four great grandchildren: Torryn, Charlotte, Eleanora, and Thomas.

Eleanor was a lifelong member of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Ambridge.  She loved watching soap operas and taking afternoon naps.

In accordance with the request of Eleanor’s family, there will be no public visitation. Arrangements have been entrsuted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eleanor Macurak, please visit the floral store of the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.