Richard E. Watt, Sr. (1934-2024)

Richard E. Watt Sr., of Center Township, passed away on September 25, 2024 in Allegheny General Hospital. He was born on April 4, 1934 in Beaver Falls, a son of the late Harry E. Watt and Catherine E. Watt Hartman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife Shirley A. Watt, a sister-in-law, Laverne & Jim McLaughlin, a brother-in-law, Richard Mayfield, a nephew, James McLaughlin, two nieces, Carol Wargo and Kelly Strum, and a grandson, Louis Young III.

He is survived by his three sons, Richard & Kimberly Watt Jr., William & Tammy Watt, and Kevin & Regina Watt, 9 grandchildren: Chelsea (Daniel) Plakosh, Lindsey Watt, Chelsy Brogdon, Justin (Frank) Aguilar, Brianna (Travis) Allshouse, Joshua (Kelly) Watt, Zachary (Andrea) Watt, Michael (Paige) Watt, and Kelsey Watt, 14 great grandchildren, two sisters, Kathy Mayfield and Karen Papinchak, a brother-in-law, Clifford (Glenda) Christy, a sister-in-law, Linda (Ron) Penrod and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was a US Army Veteran. He retired from the Data Processing Department from J&L LTV Steel. After his retirement, he started painting local homes to keep busy. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, camping, and being in the mountains. He liked to tinker outside his house as well. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife, especially to Alaska. He was also a member of the Union Lodge F&AM 259 and a long-time member of Raccoon United Presbyterian Church.

Friends will be received on Friday, September 27 from 4 p.m. until the time of funeral services at 7:30 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa. Members of the Union F&AM Lodge will conduct a Masonic Service at 7:30pm immediately following with his minister, Rev. Keith Black presiding.

Private interment will take place in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

Donald Alan Disher (Passed on September 20, 2024)

Donald Alan Disher, 74, of Beaver, passed away on September 20, 2024 at his home.He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Disher and Martha (Yannachione) Lodovico. He is survived by two daughters, Donna (Eric Yacopino) Disher and Bobbi (Joseph) Ierullo, four grandchildren, Tone Lombardi, Aden Yacopino, and Giavanna and Claudia Ierullo, sister, Dolores Pecchi of Freedom; and his former wife, Toni Disher of Beaver.

Donald was a retired Railroad Conductor with Norfolk Southern, Conrail, where he put in 42 years of service.

Friends will be received Wednesday, October 2, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 3 at 10 a.m. at St. Felix Church, 450 13th Street, Freedom. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Donald’s name may be made to the Beaver County Humane Society or St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.

 

Richard Burton “Dick” Haddox (1929-2024)

Richard Burton “Dick” Haddox, 95, of New Brighton, passed away on September 24, 2024 in Cambridge Village.

He was born on September 12, 1929 in New Brighton, a son of the late Eugene and Vera (Holzworth) Haddox. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, William, Mel, and Ed Haddox; as well as a sister, Lillian Bandurak. He is survived by his beloved wife Glenna (Lawrence) Haddox; a son, Randall Haddox; his daughters, Shelly Haddox and Susan Haddox; grandchildren, Tera Murphy, Jessica (Mike) Lewis, Tyler Haddox, and Travis Zugay; and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Chloe, Hunter, Heath, Lana, and Mina; and several nieces and nephews.

Richard was an Alumni of New Brighton High School where he graduated in 1947, having 3 years involved in the New Brighton High School Football Program. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served from 1951-1953, during the Korean Conflict. After leaving the service, he went on to attend Kent State University and completed his education at Geneva College where he graduated in 1957. He was a teacher at New Brighton Area School District for thirty-three years. While teaching he was also an assistant baseball coach and was a part of the New Brighton Recreation Authority from 1965-2015 where he focused on the prosperity of the New Brighton community. He was a fireman for 32 years at the New Brighton Fire Department Co. #3. He was the Mayor of New Brighton from 1986-1990 and an elected official of the Borough of New Brighton, the 5th Ward for forty-two years, until he retired from that office in 2022. He was a member of the American Legion Post 19, and was the recipient of the Presidents Award from the PA State Association of Borough. He was also a member of the Free Mason’s Union Lodge 259.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation to be held on Wednesday, October 2nd from 1 p.m. until the time of services at 3 p.m. in the GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton. Beaver County Special Unit will provide full military honors prior to the funeral service.

Inurnment will take place in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies of Bridgeville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Dick’s name to Circle of Friends- 1851 Third Avenue, New Brighton, PA 15066 or the New Brighton Fire Department- 610 Third Avenue, New Brighton, PA 15066.

A special thank you from the family to the staff of Cambridge Village and the staff of Heartland Hospice for the exceptional care they provided to Dick and his loved ones.

Wendy Lee Spratley (1950-2024)

Wendy Lee Spratley, 73, of Wampum, passed away on September 22, 2024 at home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on December 8, 1950, a daughter of the late Kenneth and Gladys Stowe. In addition to her parents, Wendy was preceded in death by her step-brother, Butch Stowe.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 55 years, William Spratley, Sr., sons, Michael Spratley, Sr. and William Spratley, Jr., both of Wampum, and Robert Spratley of New Castle, and grandchildren, DeAnna, Michael, Jr., Gaje and Sebastian Spratley.

Wendy enjoyed traveling to Erie to spend time with her family, especially her cherished grandchildren, and watching the sun set over the lake. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, caring mother, and proud grandmother.

Professional services were entrusted to CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Danny Sainovich (Passed on September 23, 2024)

Danny Sainovich passed away on September 23rd, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones just shy of his 90th birthday in the home he built.

Danny graduated from Midland High School in 1952 and was a life-long resident of Ohioville, who considered himself the richest man in Ohioville. With great pride, he often shared, “I have a first-class wife of 64 years, Sandra, four good kids, nine grandkids, eight great-grandkids and two great-great-grandkids. I lived a full life, did everything I wanted to do.” Danny served in the US Army, worked at Crucible Steel for 30 years, and enjoyed years of flying five different airplanes out of the Sainovich farm. He also loved visiting with the community when they came for fresh apples, cider, peaches and pumpkins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 13 at 2 p.m. at the Fairview Grange. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

The family thanks everyone who has shown support throughout the years. Danny truly appreciated attending the Ostomy support group of Beaver County. Anyone who would like to donate in his name can do so at the Ostomy Support Group of Beaver County, https://beaverostomy.wixsite.com/beavercountyostomy.

Susan K. Cox (1949-2024)

Susan K. Cox, 74, passed away on September 11, 2024. She was born on September 24, 1949, in New Brighton, she was the daughter of the late Victor and Ethel (Howe) Maybray Sr. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Connie Sue Maybray. Victor Maybray, Jr., William Maybray, Sr., Jeffrey Maybray,  and beloved nephew, William Maybray, Jr. Susan is survived by her childhood sweetheart and loving husband of 55 years, Terry L. Cox, five sisters-in-laws: Lori (Owen) Corcoran, Sally Maybray, Juanita Maybray, Ruthann Shane, Sandy Brown, brother-in-law, Jeff Cox, a dear sweet aunt, Bridgette Eaton and her family of Bay City, Texas, as well as several nieces, nephews, and their families.

Susan was born into a musical family started by her late father, Victor who, as a multi-talented musician, led the Talk of the Town band.  She was a powerful vocalist with the Prevue’s, Ivory Coach and upon giving her life over to the Lord, she became a member of the gospel group, Shekinah along with her brother, Jeff and husband, Terry. Her passion was singing for the Lord as she touched many lives with her “one-of-a-kind” voice.

In accordance with Susan’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Arrangements were entrusted to J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton. However, she did want to share one of her favorite scriptures, Psalm 37:25; “I was young and now I am old, yet I’ve never seen the righteous one forsaken.”

The family would like to thank the medical staffs at Allegheny General Hospital, Concordia Nursing, Patriot Home Care, Good Samaritan Hospice, Dawes Manor Staff and residents, Pastor Chris White and staff from the Northway Church and Prayer groups, Rochester.

Family asks that donations be made in Susan’s name to J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

Alverda J. “Jackie” Davidson (1936-2024)

Alverda J. “Jackie” Davidson, 88, of New Brighton, passed away on September 22, 2024 at Rochester Manor & Villa.

She was born on May 24, 1936, the daughter of the late Alfred and Anna Mae (Phillips) Radcliff. In addition to her parents, Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Butch” Davidson; a granddaughter, Ariel Davidson; and her sisters, Nola Radcliff, Elsie Hart, Nellie Wright, and Myrtle “Tootie” Paugh.

She is survived by her sons, Robert (Terrie) Davidson and Richard Davidson; her granddaughters, Melissa and Kaitlynn; great-grandchildren, Mason and Talia; sisters, Mary (Pete) Blattner, and Joyce Stone; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Alverda had retired from many years as an accounting clerk at Lee C Moore on Neville Island. In her younger years, Jackie enjoyed bowling, camping, and adventures (cave exploring, traveling, etc.) She also enjoyed to read, garden, and play any kind of game, whether it be a card or board game. She was a member of the Monacrest Free Methodist Church and spent a lot of time reading Scriptures and praying for family members.

Friends will be received on Thursday, September 26th from 4-7 P.M. in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver.

Alverda will lie-in-state on Friday, September 27th from 10-11 A.M. at the Monacrest Free Methodist Church, 995 Elmira Street, Monaca.  A funeral service will also be held at 11 A.M. with Pastor Colleen Carney officiating.

Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery of Industry.

Mary Frances Forhan Perini (Passed on September 22, 2024)

Mary Frances Forhan Perini passed away on September 22, 2024 in the presence of her husband Angelo and son Michael, at Concordia Villa St.
Joseph of Baden, where she resided for the last four months. She was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick and Mary Forhan, and her brother, Patrick Forhan. She is survived by her husband Angelo, four children: James and his wife Lori of Beaver, Michael of Millbrook, New York, Julia and her husband John Frentress of Portland, Oregon, and David and his wife Amanda of Pittsburgh, four grandchildren: Dr. Kelly and her husband Dr. Alan Slipak of Sewickley, Rachel and her husband Aaron Westbrook of Harrisburg, Theresa Perini of Pittsburgh, and Anthony Perini of Pittsburgh, and three great-grandchildren: Samuel and Cecilia Slipak, and Reuben Westbrook.

Mary beautifully influenced so many lives. She was a loving daughter and sister, devoted wife, proud mother/grandmother/great-grandmother, and a faithful friend.
Mary was a native New Yorker, who was born and raised in the Bronx, lived briefly in Queens, and then moved to Poughkeepsie with her husband, Angelo, who she married on August 24, 1963, and with whom she shared 61 years of joy and bliss.

As a young woman in New York City, she worked at the Statue of Liberty and in the Empire State Building. After marrying Angelo and moving to the suburbs, she devotedly raised their four children, finished her Bachelor’s Degree, worked in social work, and for many years volunteered as the Driver Coordinator for Meals on Wheels. Mary loved the outdoors, becoming skilled at tent camping and then spending summers in the rustic Catskill Mountains. When the children were raised, she and Angelo enjoyed traveling and seeing new places in the US and abroad, spending time with family in Ireland and Italy, spending winters in South Carolina and Florida, taking many cruises, as well as driving to Beaver, Pennsylvania, to spend time with “the grands.” Mary was an avid reader who always had a book with her. She was interested in current events and politics as well as solving Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune puzzles, and she loved good mystery shows. She was a regular walker in her neighborhood and enjoyed gatherings with her dear friends, “The Ladies, especially on Pizza Tuesday after the gym. She was a member of St. Denis Church, Hopewell Junction, NY, being proud that her son Michael had managed the construction of the church addition. She was a lovely, caring woman, whose personality and life were interrupted by Alzheimer’s Disease. As the disease progressed, her family treasured the moments when she still showed the strong, loving, funny, family-oriented woman she was.

The family is grateful to the caring staff of Concordia at Villa St. Joseph and Good Samaritan Hospice, as well as the compassionate treatment Mary received in recent hospitalizations at Heritage Valley Beaver.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, September 26, at 10 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Church of Beaver.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Meals on Wheels of Greater Poughkeepsie, or your local library.

Robert Frank Primo (1936-2024)

Robert Frank Primo, 88, passed away on September 16, 2024. He was born in Rochester on August 7th 1936, a son of the late Rosina and Frank Primo. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Anna Dioguardi Primo, two brothers Anthony (Clara) Primo and infant John, five sisters, Mary (Vincent) DeBacco, Avelia (Matthew) Fronko, Julia (Eugene) Zigerelli, Evelyn (Allen)Swain and infant Elisa Primo, father and mother-in-law, Carl and Emma Dioguardi, and brothers-in-law, Robert Smith and John Davis. He is survived by a sister, Edna “Nan” Davis, sister-in-law, Josephine Smith and brother-in-law Carl (Linda) Dioguardi, Jr., as well as several nieces and nephews.

Robert was a US Army veteran serving in Germany who graduated from Monaca High School in 1954. He then went on to earn an associate degree in accounting at Point Park University before pursuing his career at Ashland/Valvoline in Rochester where he worked as a supervisor. Along with his father, they combined for over 75 years of service with Ashland/Valvoline.

He was a lifelong member of the Monaca SOI and the American Legion. An avid Steeler and Pirate fan he loved to attend and watch all the games. Golfing was his favorite pastime, and he was especially proud of his three holes in one.

He and his wife Anna relocated to Florida in 1995. Their first home was in Rotunda, Florida and in 2005 they moved into the Villages in Florida. Bob served as an usher at Saint Timothy Catholic Church and together they enjoyed all the activities the Villages had to offer. Upon Anna’s death in 2020, Robert moved back to Beaver to live with his special niece Renee and her husband Bruce Herstine, along with their two sons, Christian (Julia) and Ben (Celeste) and his faithful buddy Bear Bear. Bob also relied heavily on his nephew Dick DeBacco and his wife Linda who included him in all of their functions.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Villa St Joseph for their exceptional care in Robert’s final days.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 24th at 10 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver. Burial will follow in Saint John the Baptist Cemetery.

The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

To share online condolences, add photos, get directions, please view www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Lena N. (Ceccarelli) VanDyke (1929-2024)

Lena N. (Ceccarelli) VanDyke, 94, passed away on September 19, 2024.
She was born on December 24, 1929. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Van Dyke and daughter Sharlene Loennig. She is survived by her daughters Katherine Rossi and Joan Van Dyke, son-in-law, Joseph Ferrara, granddaughter, Courtney Martin, grandson-in-law, Timothy Martin, her children, grandson, Dr. Tyler Loennig and granddaughter-in-law, Dr. Stephanie Loennig and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Lena moved to Punxsutawney from Aliquippa in 1984 with her husband, James M. VanDyke.
Following a long career as a banker at the former Melon Bank, now BNY Mellon, Lena quickly managed to fill her time with service, volunteerism and management (what she did best!). Lena was an active member of Saints Cosmos and Damian Roman Catholic Church of Punxsutawney volunteering as one of the first woman ushers, banker for collections and church festivals and celebrations. She was awarded the Bishops Service award from the Diocese of Erie for her accomplishments.
She was a volunteer for the American Red Cross, Catholic Daughters, the Saints Cosmos and Damian Roman Catholic Church cafeteria, the Punxsutawney Garden Club, Young Women’s Club and others. She was the manager for Waltzing Matilda and worked alongside her daughter, Joan, at Van Dyke & Company. She was an active parent for her daughters, Katherine and Sharlene, and loved spending time with her grandchildren, Courtney and Tyler, and later her great-grandchildren, Ryan, Zachary and Abigail.
Lena was an active community member, providing transportation for her friends and family to medical appointments, shopping sprees and engagements. Lena was also known as “Mama Lena” to close friends and family whom she loved and adored.
She was named Punxsutawney’s Woman of the Year in 2001.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. Lena will be sorely missed by every person she touched.