Jean P. Mitchell, 89, of New Sewickley Twp., passed away Thursday, February 29, 2024, in her home. Jean was born November, 19, 1934, in New Kensington, PA. Jean was the daughter of the late Clayton and Fern Ruddy Farneth. Jean is survived by her husband of 42 years, Dale E. Mitchell, one daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was a retired Wal-Mart greeter in Monaca and former employee with Standard Collapsable Tube of Rochester Township.
Jean’s wishes were to be cremated with no services. Arrangements are being handled by The William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, PA.

Marjorie “Hoover” DePaolis, 89, of New Sewickley Township, passed away on February 28th, 2024, at Allegheny General Hospital. Marjorie was born June 18th, 1934 in Hollidaysburg, PA, and is the daughter of the late Adam J. Sr. and Anna Yuengling Hoover. Marjorie was preceded in death by four other sisters, Mary Jean Bleicher, Joan Porter, Gertrude McGraw, and Loretta Jacob. She was also preceded by three brothers, Adam Hoover Jr., Martin and Harold Hoover. She is survived by four sisters, Annette Merretts, Shirley Fahr, Christina Newman, and Betty Ann Corl. Marjorie is survived by her husband of 70 years, Lawrence A. DePaolis Sr and is also survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Vickie and Rodney Eichhorn of Port St. Lucie, FL, Donna DePaolis McKeever of Gig Harbor, WA, Tracy and Mark Drago of Nazareth, PA, as well as two sons and daughters-in-law, Lawrence A. Jr. and Judy DePaolis of Vienna, VA, and Michael A. and Dianne DePaolis of Rochester, PA. Marjorie was a housewife and homemaker, as well as a member of St. Felix Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Freedom, where she was a Christian mother. She was an avid card player, member of the AACA car club, North Hills car club, and Beaver County Model Airplane Club. Marjorie was the proud grandmother to seventeen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Friends will be received on Monday March 4th from 2-4 and 6-8 at William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, PA 15074. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Tuesday March 5th at 10 am at St. Felix Roman Catholic Church, Freedom. Interment will be at Calvary cemetery in Freedom. The family wishes memorial contributions be made to St. Felix Roman Catholic Church at 450 13th Street, Freedom, PA 15024.
On Tuesday, everyone is requested to come to the church by 9:30 for the Mass at 10.

Kathleen “Toni” A. Persinger, 81, of Beaver, passed away at her daughter’s home, on February 26, 2024.

She was born on June 14, 1942, in Salamanca, NY, to the late James and Joyce Bentley.

Along with her parents, Toni is preceded in death by two siblings, Mary Frey, and Michael Bentley.

Toni is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Larry; her children and their spouses, Randy (Peggy) Persinger, of Liberty, MO, and Wendy (Michael) Knuth, of Fall Creek, WI; three siblings, Jan (Carla) Bentley, Partrick (Sue) Bentley, and Evamarie Carnahan; grandchildren, Jennifer (Kevin) Turcheck, Benjamin Persinger, Rachel (Jason) Knuth-Matteson, Jacob (Kameron Reitan) Knuth, Madigan (Nicholas) Knuth-Peterson, and Blake Persinger; a sister-in-law and her husband, Cheryl (Pat) Formoso, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Toni had been a faithful member of St. Ann Catholic Parish, in Excelsior Springs, MO, for 38 years. She enjoyed volunteer work, and was an antique enthusiast, having had her own antique business for many years. A prolific letter writer and voracious reader, Toni corresponded with family and friends for decades. She was passionate about taking mini trips with her beloved husband, and spending time with her grandchildren and their many dogs. Toni will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Anyone who knew her said she was the nicest person they’d ever met.

As per Toni’s wishes, all services were private and inurnment will take place at Beaver Cemetery.

Professional Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA, 15009. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Tom Albanese, a lifelong New Brighton Lion, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2024 at Allegheny General Hospital surrounded by his family.  As a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend and pap, he has left his mark on everyone he has met.

Born on August 13, 1953, in New Brighton, he is the son of Tom and Joan (Cornelius) Albanese.  Tom dedicated 35 years as a devoted public servant, committed to the betterment of New Brighton Borough.  He served on New Brighton Borough Council for 27 years after his appointment in September 1989, with many years as Council President, and most recently for 8 years as the Mayor of New Brighton.  As Mayor, he was the proud recipient of the Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence for Intergovernmental Cooperation in April 2019. Tom worked for A.K. Nahas Furniture and Appliance and was a member of the New Brighton Eagles Aerie 1432, the New Brighton American Legion Post 19, and the New Brighton Croatian Club.  An avid football and basketball fan, Tom was always cheering for the Pittsburgh Panthers, Penn State Nittany Lions, or watching the Pittsburgh Steelers with his friends at Wooley Bullys or the Eagles.

In addition to his parents, Tom is survived by his loving wife of 47 years Anita (Malagise) Albanese, son Tommy (Stacey) Albanese, brother John Albanese, sister-in-law Kathy Benson, brother-in-law and sister–in-law Greg and Phyllis Fazio, nephews Bryan (Amy) Fazio and Michael Albanese, nieces Shelley Fazio and Sundi Fazio, numerous cousins, long time friend Frank Purrachio, and his best bud, his grandson, Nico Albanese.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Earl & Marguerite Cornelius, his paternal grandparents, Lorenzo & Theresa Albanese, his mother and father-in-law, John and Josephine Malagise, and his brother-in-law Ron Benson.

The family would like to thank Dr. Hassan Shakeel and the MICU staff at Allegheny General Hospital for their care and compassion.

Friends and family will be received on Wednesday from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM and 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Ave, New Brighton, and Thursday from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 AM at Life Family Church, 1810 Valley Avenue, with Pastor Sam DeMarco officiating.

As Tom would say “Turn the page.  This is the beginning of the next chapter”

Marie M. Humbert 99, of New Sewickley, passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 in her home.  She was born in Freedom on September 28, 1924, a daughter of the late Oscar and Matilda Durr.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first Husband Harry Fegley; her second husband Eugene Humbert; and her siblings: Mildred Ruckert, Melvin Durr, and Roy Durr.

She is survived by 4 children: Harry & Carol Fegley, Glenn Fegley (Susan Davis), Eugene & Rebecca Humbert, & Jeffrey & Morissa Humbert; 2 grandsons: Duane Fegley and Drew (Nodira) Fegley, a sister and brother in law; Mary & Vernon) Bernard, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was a member of the New Hope Lutheran Church. She was an avid gardener, enjoyed canning, baking and doing puzzles.  She was very active in her beloved church.  She was like everyone’s mom.  She has previously worked for the Freedom Casket Company and Keystone Bakery.

Friends will be received on Monday, March 4, 2024 from 3pm until 7pm in Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester. 502 Adams St.

A private family funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 5, at 11:00am.

Interment will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery, Freedom, PA.

Charles W. Smith, 93, of Chippewa Twp., died peacefully on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

Born on March 15, 1930, in West Mayfield, he was the son of the late Wayne A. and Mary W. (Stewart) Smith.

In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, Lillie Jean (Sinkovich) Smith; his son, Lee Smith and a sister, Dee DeLuca.

He is survived by his children, Michael A. Smith, South Beaver Twp. and Janet S. Smith, Chippewa Twp.; his grandchildren, Jill A. (Patrick) Heaney, Chippewa Twp., Jenica L. Berk, Seven Fields, Jewel Lee (Jared) Casciato, Chippewa Twp., Christy M. (Griffin) Eiler, South Beaver Twp., Jeffrey C. Smith, South Beaver Twp., Christopher L. Smith, Monaca and Paul M. Smith, East Palestine; nephew, Gary Campbell, South Beaver Twp., and eight great-grandchildren.

C.W. was a US Marine Corp. veteran. He was the founder and owner of C.W. Smith Contracting, Inc. and Charlie’s Courtside Restaurant. He was an avid duck hunter and golfer.

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

A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, March 5^th, at 11AM. Deacon Tom Turney will officiate.

Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery.

Family requests contributions be made to a charity of your choice.

Jeffrey J. Carpenter, 70, of Rochester Twp., passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 in Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford, PA.  He was born in Rochester, PA on April 10, 1953, a son of the late Robert and Florence Carpenter. In addition to his parents, preceding him in death is one of his siblings, Wynn Starr.

He is survived by his wife Wendy; 5 siblings: Billie Lee Starr, Sherry Quinn (fiancé Ron Wall), Kenneth & Robin Carpenter, Susan & Robert Gordon, and Karen & William O’Neal; 2 step siblings: Robert Carpenter and Joyce Carpenter; a very special sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Brenda & Norman Bible; special niece: Lauren and Zach Mley, and a special nephew Ryan Carpenter; numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and friends that each had a special place in his heart.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was a retired mixer operator with Valspar Corporation after 22 years and was a member of the Rochester VFW #128 and Rochester Owls.

Jeff was a loving, kind, wonderful person and always positive.  He loved spending time with his family, fishing and camping.  He greatly enjoyed going on his yearly trips to fish in Canada with his family and buddies.  His favorite place was to be on a lake in the morning with a bear claw and a coffee.

Jeff and his beloved wife Wendy spent 42 happy years together. They were happiest being together and spent many years camping, fishing, traveling, and going on bus trips to almost all 50 states.  He was a terrific and loving husband and him and his wife had the life people dream of.

These song lyrics were written by Chuck Bible, a dear friend in honor of Jeff.

“We stopped by to see you today, you’re not where you ought to be, life throws us many curves and sometimes we’ll never see, the years that we should have, but there’s nothing you can do except live your life each day and be the best possible you. Now I hope you really know, you showed us how to be, but if you’re not really sure, just look in a mirror and see that you’re thoughtful and kind, you put others first and never mind, you always say yes when asked a favor, and always care about your neighbors. Your lasting impact on us will never ever be clearer, we’re so honored to be a friend of the man in the mirror. We hope it will be awhile, but someday we’ll be apart, rest assured and don’t you worry, we will always do our part by keeping our loved ones nearer only because of lessons we have learned from the man in the mirror. Please take another look and you’ll be impressed, because you taught us how to be the best. Yes, you taught us to be thoughtful and kind, put others first and never mind, say yes when asked a favor and care about our neighbors. Now our hearts and minds have never been clearer, only because we are friends with the man in the mirror. Yes, we’ll always be friends with, and love the man in the mirror.”

During his final days, a special thank you is given to all the doctors, nurses, housekeeping, hospital staff of Heritage Valley Beaver, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital 7D, and Good Samaritan Hospice. In according to his wishes, all services are private.  In honor of Jeff, be kind to each other.

Edward Kubiak, 84, of Economy, passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. He was born on December 18, 1939, in the middle of a snowstorm in Pittsburgh, to the late Edward and Henrietta (Glance) Kubiak, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Linda (Cousins) Kubiak, two children, Timothy (Kelli) Kubiak of St. Louis, MO, Kimberly (Brandon) Kibe of Chicago, IL, four grandchildren, Courtney and Abigail Kubiak, Edward and John Kibe, and a brother, Stephen (Lori) Kubiak of Wexford, PA. He was a member of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Good Samaritan Church, Ambridge. After graduating from South Hills High School, Edward entered the US Army and served his country during peacetime. After the service, he attended Duquesne University and then transferred  to the University of Pittsburgh where he received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in 1971. He furthered his education and later received a MBA from IUP in 1997 while working as manager of the order services department at Calgon Corporation where he retired after 30 years of service. Edward was an avid Pittsburgh sports enthusiast and loved to play golf. Friends will be received on Sunday from 1-5 PM  in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge where a funeral service will be held on Monday at 10:30 AM, and interment with full military honors provided by the Beaver County Special Unit and the US Army will follow at 11:30 AM in Calvary Cemetery, Freedom.

James “Jim” Wilson McTaggart, 78, of Bridgewater, Pennsylvania, passed away Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Providence Health Care Center.

Born July 12, 1945, in Rochester, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late James C. and Elizabeth (Wilson) McTaggart.

He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth McTaggart Vesilind, and by his three nephews, Andrew David Endy, Christopher Stewart Endy, and Stephen Patrick Endy.

Jim served in the US Navy from October 11, 1965, through October 11, 1969. His intent was to be a Medic in the Navy, but due to a color blindness condition, he was unable to. He instead became a firefighter. Initially stationed at the Philadelphia Naval Yard, he joined the first “Class A” Intensive Fire School the Navy conducted. His love for firefighting was a skill he didn’t even know he had. He ended up assisting the instructors in the Intensive Fire School for six months. Out of the 28 Navy firefighting trainees, only four went overseas. He was one of them.

Jim served on the Polaris Nuclear Submarines known as “Boomers.” His tours of duty took place during the Cold War with Russia and included deployment under the Strait of Gibraltar in the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Arab-Israeli Six-Day War in 1967. He spent two years in Squadron 16 based in Rota, Spain.

Having 18 months to go in his commitment, he transferred from Sub Squadron to an Aircraft Carrier in the Atlantic Fleet. He was stationed in Pensacola, Florida, aboard the busiest pilot training carrier. Pilot training for all branches of the military was conducted aboard this carrier. Training occurred around the clock, exceeding 250,000 training flights. He was one of 35-40 firemen on the carrier.

He earned five promotions. At the conclusion of his Navy commitment in 1969, he was an E5 Enlisted NCO.

Once he returned home to Beaver, Pennsylvania, he was hired by Washington Ambulance in Washington County. He worked there roughly one year before returning home to Beaver. Around 1971, he returned to Pensacola, Florida and was hired by the Pensacola Fire Department as a career firefighter. Living just outside the city, he also belonged to the Warrington VFD, which had an area larger than the city, and he stayed quite busy with his volunteer firefighter friends he knew from the Navy days. He was named the Warrington Volunteer Fire Department’s “Jack Hertz” Fireman of the Year in 1971.

During his early firefighting career, he developed melanoma and malignant cancers. Scared and only 26 years of age, he wanted to be near his family. His return home was meant to be.

Jim was a pioneer for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Beaver County. In the early to mid 1970s, he was singularly responsible for moving EMS from funeral home hearses to state-of-the art ambulances staffed by EMTs. He used his own money to build the organization – no grants or subsidies. He also established Beaver County’s first EMS dispatch office. According to a friend who served with him, he instilled “firefighter pride” into the crew, and the ambulances were spotless inside and out.

He joined the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department in 1974 and served in Beaver until 1991, including time as Captain.

He then joined the Bridgewater VFD on June 19, 1995. He served faithfully as a firefighter, trainer, mentor, 2nd Assistant Chief, and 1st Assistant Chief, and retired as Deputy Chief. During the early 2000’s, he was instrumental in reaching out to various contractors and vendors to assist in the construction of their award-winning firehouse. Jim transitioned to Life Member of the Bridgewater VFD on May 8, 2017. He continued to support the Fire Department any way he could. They were in fact his family.

As a staple of the Bridgewater community, he always made every attempt to “look after” the town. People near and far knew of his attention to detail.

Jim also worked as a funeral director’s assistant and founded Mayfair Livery. As owner of Mayfair, he provided limousine and hearse service with his characteristic professionalism and good cheer.

As “Uncle Jimmy,” he specialized in hauling his nephews through the streets of Beaver in the back of his red pickup.

Friends will be received on Sunday, March 3rd from 1:00 pm till the time of service at 5:00 pm in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES located at 340 3rd Street, Beaver, PA 15009. Members of the Vietnam Veteran’s of America Chapter 862 will conduct full military honors prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. Private interment will take place in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Washington County, Pennsylvania.

To honor Jim’s memory, memorial contributions may be made, if desired, to the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department, 619 Market Street, Bridgewater, PA 15009 or to the Beaver Area Memorial Library, 100 College Avenue, Beaver, PA 15009.

A private luncheon for the family and close friends will be held immediately following the funeral service at Vanport VFD Social Hall.

Michael F. Welsh, 82, of Hopewell Township, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.

Born on December 24, 1941, in Sewickley, Michael was the son of the late James and Agnes (Muha) Welsh. He retired from US Airways.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother James Welsh and a sister Bonnie Dickson.

Survived by his wife Kay L. (Heidler) Welsh whom he married May 27, 1967. Three children Michael Welsh, Jennifer (Monte) Buckins, and Jason (Mallika) Welsh; siblings Jayne (Joe) Wilhelm, Daniel Welsh, and Timothy (Cheryl) Welsh; four grandchildren Shae Conley, Siara Conley, Camryn Welsh and Sloan Buckins; as well as several nieces and nephews.

As per his wishes there will be no viewing or services.

A private inurnment will take place in Hopewell-Hebron Cemetery.

The Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Chippewa, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to provide care and guidance to Mike’s family during this time. www.gabauerfamilyfuneralhomes.com