Category: Obituaries
Richard Truman Taylor (1945-2024)
Richard Truman Taylor, 79, passed away on September 26, 2024 at Providence Health and Rehabilitation Center in Beaver Falls after valiantly battling Alzheimer’s disease.
He was born on September 4, 1945, in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, the son of the late George Taylor and Gertrude (Miller) Taylor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, George William Taylor, mother-in-law, Ann (Pavkovich) Thomas, father-in-law, Robert Sheldrake Thomas, sister-in-law, Carol (Thomas) Podnar and brother-in-law, Robert C. Podnar. He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Susan (Thomas) Taylor, daughter, Chelsea (Taylor) Navage, son-in-law, John J.Navage, precious granddaughter, Mia Navage, brother, Thomas Taylor, sister-in-law, Mary Vic (Plazek) Taylor, and nieces and nephews: Robert (Laura) Podnar, Thomas (Shirley) Podnar, Johanna (Billy) Higgins, Maria (Shane) Belin, Caroline Taylor and Steven Taylor.
Rich graduated from Duquesne High School, Slippery Rock University with a B.S. in Elementary and Secondary Education, and M.S. in Administration from Duquesne University. He taught for Big Beaver Falls Area School District at 37th Street School on College Hill and then 5th grade Science at the Middle School. He loved teaching and the students not only learned from him, but he learned from them as well. He was known as RTT, “Rough Tough Taylor,” to his students.
Rich’s father was a hand engraver, an art almost lost to technology. Studying and diligent practice resulted in him becoming a beautiful Old English hand writer. For several years Rich hand-wrote in Old English the names of the students receiving certificates of achievement awards. His students participated in The Daughters of the American Revolution annual essay contest and the pen pal program he established continued for several years. Rich contacted Joe DeNardo from WTAE-TV and the Beaver Falls Middle School was Joe’s first visit in Beaver County. After 34 years, he retired and went on to work in Lawn and Garden at Walmart for 15 years, treating customers like he would want to be treated.
Rich was a member of Big Beaver Falls Education Association, PSEA, and NEA. He was also an active member of the College Hill United Methodist Church (CHUM). Rich was a lifelong fan of the Beaver Falls tigers, Steelers, Pirates and Pens. He was also a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity, Slippery Rock chapter, where he continued to have so many great times with his brothers.
His daughter, Chelsea though, was his joy. He took her to dance class for seven years, summer book readings at the Beaver Falls Library, Legion softball games where he was an assistant coach, gymnastics class, and cheering practices and games. He loved all of it.
Friends will be received on Monday, September 30, from 4-8 p.m. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.
A private service will be held on Friday, October 4, followed by interment at St. Joseph Cemetery, New Brighton.
The family would like to thank the afternoon/evening nursing aides and RN’s on the 3rd floor (memory impaired unit) at Providence Health and Rehab Center. The family would also like to thank Dr. Carl Sestito for his genuine care and immediate feedback. They also appreciated Grane Hospice Nursing services.
The family has asked that any memorial contributions be made in Richard’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.
Karen Pearl Molter (1948-2024)
Karen Pearl Molter, 76, of Freedom, passed away on September 24, 2024 at her residence. She was born on May 24, 1948 in Butler, a daughter of the late Earl W. Rogers and Betty L. Hohman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, John Molter; her brother, Roy Rogers; and her sister, Kathleen “Crystal” Mason. She is survived by two daughters, Rikki Molter and Annette Funk, brothers, Wesley Rogers and Ronnie Rogers, and her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Karen was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend known for her warm spirit and nurturing nature. She cherished spending time with her family, often reminiscing about joyful moments shared during family gatherings. Her love extended to her nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, two of whom she was currently raising, Meriya Dent and Alaysia Molter.
In accordance with Karen’s wishes, there will be no services. A private cremation along with a celebration of life will take place at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.
Nancy Jane Irwin (1944-2024)
Nancy Jane Irwin, 79, of Beaver, passed away on September 27, 2024 at Heritage Valley Beaver.
She was born on October 8, 1944, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Norman and Frances (Johnson) Bier. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Lee Bier, Dennis Bier, and Trudy Pucci. She is survived by her husband, Jim Irwin, children, Michael Irwin, Michelle (Michael) Schmid, and Mark (Caroline) Irwin, grandchildren, Katie (Paul) Miles and their son Caleb, and Allie Schmid; a great-grandson, Caleb Miles, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
In keeping with Nancy’s wishes, she will be cremated and no services are being planned.
Inurnment will take place in Beaver Cemetery.
The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, is honored to be assisting Nancy’s family.
Thomas Hiram Quimby, Jr. (1987-2024)
Thomas Hiram Quimby Jr., 37, passed away on September 24, 2024. He was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania on January 22, 1987, the son of Diane (Ed) Seech and the late Thomas Hiram Quimby Sr. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his grandmother, Flora J. Maratta, an aunt, Connie Chamberlain, and an uncle, Eric (Ricky) Brocklebank.
He is survived by his mother and step father, Diane & Ed Seech, two daughters: Emma & Mia Quimby and their mother, Kali Powell; grandfathers: Allan Maratta and Eric (Sandra) Brocklebank; uncles: Patrick (Tammy) Brocklebank, Allan (Betty) Maratta, Robert Quimby and Leonard Quimby; aunts: Leslie Spooner, Patty Doran, Marie Allison, Melanie (Donald) Venanzio, Jennie (AJ) Kokoskie, Linda (Ted) Gouza, and Debbie Maratta; and numerous cousins.
When Thomas was younger, he loved to collect Pokémon cards. He also enjoyed building things.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 9 from 10 a.m. until noon in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa. A luncheon will follow.
William McCartney (1940-2024)
William McCartney, 83 of Ambridge, passed away on September 26, 2024 in Beaver Health Care and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born on November 19, 1940, in Ambridge, the son of the late William and Mary Cathrine Rudolph McCartney. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Sarah Lynne (Trapold) McCartney and daughter, Diane K. McCartney.
He is survived by his daughter, Pamela McCartney, his son, William McCartney, Jr., his grandson, Patrick Smith, three granddaughters, Kayla Camp, Chelsea McCartney, Abigail Jo McCartney; and three great grandsons, Tate, Phoenix and Logan George.
William was a member of 82nd Airborne, 101st Airborne, and worked for the U.S. Post Office.
Family and friends will be received on Monday, September 30 and Tuesday, October 1st, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 2nd at 10 A.M., with Deacon Tony Giordano Officiating. Interment will take place in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Anthony A. Sabella (1941-2024)
Anthony A. Sabella, 83, of New Brighton, passed away on September 26, 2024 at home.
He was born on July 13, 1941, in New Brighton, the son of the late Pietro O. and Theresa M. (Solita) Sabella. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Peter D. Sabella, Sr., and an infant grandson, Derek. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Margaret “Peggy” (Dick) Sabella, two daughters, Gina (Randy) Priselac, Carla Sabella, a granddaughter, Gianna, a brother, Joseph E. Sabella (Nancy Nash), several nieces, nephews and their families.
Anthony was a retired inspector from B&W steel. He was a former President of the S.O.I and worked in Real Estate in Beaver County with Pete Wilson Realty. Anthony dedicated his life to the things he loved most: his family, his garden, animals, and golfing. A devoted family man, Anthony created countless memories during family holidays, where his laughter and warmth brought everyone together. He relished these moments, sharing stories and creating traditions that will forever be treasured by his loved ones.
Friends will be received on Tuesday, October 1, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton. Prayers will be held Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Church of New Brighton with Brother John Harvey officiating.
Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery of New Brighton.
Carol Jean (Dusold) Doyle (1952-2024)
Carol Jean (Dusold) Doyle, 72, of Conway, passed away on September 26, 2024. She was born on July 19, 1952, a daughter of the late Richard and Mary Jane Dusold. She is survived by her daughter, Jodi Lynn Roy, and her father, Rick Doyle, her five siblings: Mary Ann (Mickey) Altier, Ruth (Donald) Baker, Janet Guy, Kenneth (Linda) Dusold, and Lorraine (Earl) Hughes, her cherished granddaughter, Riley Roy, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Carol was a loving daughter, mother, sister, and friend. She had a passion for puzzles and cars, and she loved going for scenic drives. Her daughter, Jodi, reflects, “Mom gave me her strength and stubbornness, which I hope will take me to places I never thought possible. I will carry her strength to places she never had the courage to go, and I know she would want that.”
Arrangements and services were entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Carol’s name to Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Frances Rossi (1943-2024)
Frances Rossi, 80, of Aliquippa peacefully passed away on September 6, 2024.
She was born on December 28, 1943, the daughter of the late Angelo and Mary (D’Orazio) Rossi. She is survived by several cousins.
Frances was retired from the Fine Wine & Good Spirits Stores where she worked as a cashier.
She looked forward to going to the casino and trying her luck.
At her request, all services were private. Arrangements were entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.
She was laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Darlene A. Beeler (Passed on September 24, 2024)
Darlene A. Beeler, 66, passed away on September 24, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Theresa Russell and her two siblings, John and Rhonda. She is survived by husband Charles (Chicky) Beeler, her four children, Amber (Lee), Ken (Kelli), Melissa (Kris) and Samantha (Bobby), her seven loving grandchildren: Rhiannon, Kayla (David), Kris, Corbin, Sophia, Miles, Oak; greatgranddaughter Isla, her three siblings, Theresa, Brian, and Randy and many nieces and nephews.
Darlene loved working as a CNA and taking great care of her patients. She was also an animal lover and would care for countless pets and animals she rescued along the way. She loved to travel and spend as much time with her family as she could.
In lieu of flowers, Darlene has requested that donations to St. Jude Children’s hospital be made in her name. Arrangements for a celebration of life will be made at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services.