Category: Obituaries

Laraine Nawrocki-Fardo (1941-2025)

Laraine Nawrocki-Fardo, 84, of Economy Borough, passed away peacefully on December 19th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 21st, 1941, the daughter of the late Harry Sr. and Eleanor Nawrocki. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John B. Fardo. She is survived by her children, John Fardo and Amy (Brian) Padgett, her brothers, Harry Jr. and Russell Nawrocki, her grandchildren, Madison Patsey-Padgett, Elise Fardo and Baylee Padgett, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends.

Laraine was a proud graduate of Ambridge Area High School and went on to attend Slippery Rock University and the University of Pittsburgh. She dedicated her life to education, beginning a long and fulfilling teaching career with the Ambridge Area School District, from which she later retired. She cherished family trips to Florida and spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed playing the slot machines at the casino and was known as an excellent cook. Above all, she was deeply involved in and devoted to her family and all of their activities.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 22nd, from 2–4 p.m. and 5–7 p.m. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 23rd, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Luke the Evangelist Church/Good Samaritan, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.

Gregory William Androlia (1962-2025)

Gregory William Androlia, 63, of Big Beaver Borough, passed away on December 19th, 2025, at Family Hospice Inpatient Unit Canterbury Place in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania. He was born in Beaver Falls on July 16th, 1962, a son of the late Willis M. and Patricia J. (Arthur) Androlia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Barb and Bob Kaleta, as well as his brother-in-law, Dr. Alex Pizarro. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kim (Kaleta) Androlia, his daughter, Kayla Androlia, his brothers, Dale (Linda) Androlia of Emporium, Pennsylvania and Jeff (Rhonda) Androlia of Big Beaver, his sister, Linda (Androlia) Pizarro of Port Charlotte, Florida, his sister-in-law, Mary Owens of Navarre, Ohio, his brother-in-law, Bob (Christina) Kaleta of Portersville, Pennsylvania and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Gregory was a 1980 graduate of Beaver Falls High School who was a member of  their marching band and the Silver Sabres Junior Drum and Bugle Corp. He was devoted to his craft and began his meat cutting career at Comet Food Warehouse in Beaver Falls, followed by several years at the Chippewa Shop and Save. Most recently, he spent many years cutting meat at the Giant Eagle in Franklin Township. He enjoyed hunting and fishing for leisure, but his greatest joy was dedicating his life to saving the lives of others as a firefighter with the Big Beaver Boro Volunteer Fire Company. He proudly served for 49 years and rose to the rank of Lieutenant and Vice President of the department. There will be a visitation on Monday, December 22nd from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Corless-Kunselman Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements, and where a firefighter prayer service will begin at 7 p.m. that evening, and where a funeral service will occur on Tuesday, December 23rd at 10 a.m. with a procession to follow after 11 a.m. to Concord Cemetery in North Sewickley Township. The family gives their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of the staff at Magee Women’s Hospital and UPMC Canterbury Place for the care they provided to Greg and our family during this difficult time. Should friends desire, donations may be made in Greg’s name to the Big Beaver Boro Volunteer Fire Company, 621 Friendship Road, Darlington, PA 16115.

Joseph “Joe” Anthony Lopez, Jr. (1949-2025)

Joseph “Joe” Anthony Lopez, Jr., 76, of Beaver Falls, passed away on December 19th, 2025 in his residence.

He was born in Pittsburgh on October 26th, 1949, the son of the late Joseph Sr. and Josephine (Reda) Lopez. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Rebecca Lopez. He is survived by his children, Anthony Shawn Lopez and Tanya Marie Lopez and their mother, Deborah (Lopez) Hummel, two grandchildren, Kristofer Maloney and Adam Lopez, his brother, Michael Anthony (Lindarae) Lopez, his two nephews, Michael Anthony Lopez, Jr. and Marc Aaron (Kayla) Lopez and their children, Roman and Reginald.

Joseph grew up playing pool at the Blue Room in Beaver Falls. He went onto win many championships in local leagues and was entered into a pool tournament in Las Vegas. He loved his family and would do anything for them. He always put family in front of his own needs!

Friends will be received on Monday, December 22nd from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SVCS., INC- 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements and where prayers will be held on Tuesday, December 23rd at 9:40 a.m. followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.

Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Joseph’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital- 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105- a cause he cared deeply about.

Ricky C. French (1953-2025)

Ricky C. French, 72, of Rochester Township, passed away on December 18th, 2025, at his home. He was born in Rochester on May 4th, 1953, a son of the late Jack L. Sr. and Jean Jordan French. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jack L. French Jr. He is survived by his wife of forty years, Lisa M. (Frank) French, two sons and a daughter-in-law, Jason L. French and his wife, Renae, Jordan R. French, and two daughters and a son-in-law, Kylie R. French and her husband, Damarcus Cleckley and Katelyn R. French, five grandchildren: Chase French and his companion, Sapphire Brown, Karter French, Presley French, Damian and Dominik Cleckley; as well as four great-grandchildren, one sister and brother-in-law, Linda R. and Craig Robert, two brothers-in-law, Dan and Mike Frank and two sisters-in-law, Linda Coyne and Jan Frank, as well as several nieces, nephews, and many friends. Ricky was a retired groundskeeper with Rochester Area High School and a former member of the Rochester B.P.O.E Lodge 283. A private visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 23rd, from 4-6 p.m. at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

Sharon Marie Antoline (Brandt) (1956-2025)

Sharon Marie Antoline (Brandt), 69, passed away on December 13th, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was born on December 9th, 1956, a daughter of Marian and the late Warren Brandt. She is survived by her loving husband, Donald P. Antoline, with whom she recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. She is also survived by her three children, Matthew (Morissa) Antoline, Andrea (Eric) Edmister and Paul (Jill) Antoline, four very beloved grandchildren: Jeffrey, Clare, Lucy and Teresa; as well as her siblings, Joyce (Michael) Cain and Larry (Karen) Brandt, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as numerous close friends and church family. Sharon held many roles over the course of her life that allowed her to share her love of Jesus with those around her. One of those roles was as a teacher and then director of Precious Beginnings Preschool where she spent many years entwining her love of Jesus with her love of teaching. Three of her favorite pastimes were gardening, sewing and history. Sharon’s involvement with Old Economy Village as the manager of the Friend’s Group allowed her to work in a place that fed those passions. The gardens surrounding her house are a testament to her skill and dedication; she never met a plant that she couldn’t grow. She loved sewing and working with her hands. She was part of a hand sewing group that will feel her absence deeply. Sharon laughed easily, loved fiercely and will be missed tremendously. Viewings and a service will be held at Three Rivers Grace Church, 8713 Harmony Parkway, Pittsburgh. Viewings will be held on Friday December 19th from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday December 20th from 11 a.m.-12 noon with a service following Saturday’s viewing. In lieu of flowers, if desired, the family asks for donations to Allegheny Health Cancer Center or your cancer organization of choice. All arrangements are 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 Sharon, please visit the floral store of the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Mary Spagnola (1927-2025)

Mary Spagnola, 98, of Beaver, passed away on December 16th, 2025.

She was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 25th, 1927, a daughter of the late Louis and Concetta Didio. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Spagnola and her brother, John Didio. She is survived by her son, Joe (Cheryl) Spagnola, her daughter, Maria (Albert) Torrence, her grandchildren: Drew (Samantha) Spagnola, Ali Spagnola, Albert (Elizabeth) Torrence, Liza (Josef) DiPietrantonio; as well as her great-grandchildren, Zoe Spagnola, Colton Spagnola and Concetta DiPietrantonio.

Mary was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and Saints Peter & Paul Church in Beaver. She was a partner in the Didio Family Restaurant in Rochester. She and her husband also owned Silverman’s Beer Distributor in Beaver.

Friends will be received Monday, December 22nd, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, December 23rd at 10 a.m. in Saints Peter & Paul Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver. Private interment will take place at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s name to Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Saints Peter & Paul Church, 200 3rd Street, Beaver, PA 15009 and St. Jude.

The family would like to thank the staff at Franciscan Manor and Fox Home Health for the excellent care given to Mary during her time in their care.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Spagnola, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

JoAnne M. Bish (1942-2025)

JoAnne M. Bish, 83, of Patterson Township, passed away peacefully on December 18th, 2025, in the comfort of her home.

She was born in Sewickley on December 3rd, 1942, the daughter of the late Frank Michalski and Amelia Nelson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred L. Bish, Jr. She is survived by her loving children, Tracy (Rick) Heiges and Scott Bish, her grandchildren, Orion, Riley, and Torin as well as her church family and many friends.

JoAnne had worked for many years as a teacher for Riverside and Ellwood City School Districts, as well as the former Divine Mercy Parish. She was a devoted and active member of St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish, where she was instrumental in Christian Mothers and the baptism committee. JoAnne was a fervent volunteer with many local organizations.  She served on the ladies’ auxiliary and as chaplain at Heritage Valley Beaver and enjoyed spending time with patients and their families.  In her free time, she enjoyed reading a good book and reminiscing with old students.

Friends will be received on Saturday, December 20th from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Following visitation, JoAnne will be cremated and a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the coming weeks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to St. Monica Catholic Academy Angel Fund, c/o St. Monica Catholic Academy, 609 10th Street, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Martha Munk (1937-2025)

Martha Munk, 88, of Mars, Pennsylvania, formerly of Ambridge, passed away peacefully on December 15th, 2025, at St. John’s Specialty Care in Mars, Pennsylvania. She was born in Sewickley on July 1st, 1937, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mildred (Kerzan). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Loretta (Ronald) Kopriva. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Edward Munk, her children, Elizabeth (James) Shiperly and Louis (Patricia) Munk and her five grandsons: Christian Holowchak (Morgan), Trenton Munk (Katie), Evan Holowchak, Jonathan Munk (Mackenzie) and Cameron Holowchak.

Martha had a way of lighting up a room the moment she entered, with her beautiful eyes, impeccable style, and a playful, knowing grin. It took only moments for strangers to realize what those closest to her always knew: Martha was a warm, loving soul who would do anything for anyone. She had a true flair for fashion, always perfectly put together and proud of her appearance. Whether dressed for a special occasion or an everyday outing, Martha carried herself with elegance, confidence, and timeless style, a reflection of the care and joy she brought to every part of her life. Martha and her beloved husband, Edward, shared a deep love of travel, especially trips to the beach. They often dreamed of visiting Germany, where Edward had served in the Army. While that particular journey remained a dream, they were fortunate to travel to many wonderful destinations, creating lasting memories alongside their family. To say Martha loved her family would be an understatement. Her heart belonged to them completely until the very end. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she rarely missed one of their sporting events. Martha and Ed joyfully hosted legendary summer sleepover marathons for their five grandsons, spoiling them endlessly, including cherished annual trips to Cedar Point that became treasured family traditions. Martha was also a gifted cook and baker, best known for her cookies and pies. She had a special love for Christmas, delighting in decorating her home, baking for others, and pouring her heart into unforgettable holiday meals and Sunday family dinners.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for visitation on Thursday, December 18th, from 3–7 p.m. at John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a Blessing Service will be held on Friday, December 19th, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

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

Patricia Anne (Nee Raymus) Butwinski (1958-2025)

Patricia Anne (Nee Raymus) Butwinski, 67, of Rochester Township, passed away on December 14th, 2025 in her home after a long illness. She was born in Passaic, New Jersey on August 1st, 1958, a daughter of the late Donald and Helen Raymus of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. She is survived by her beloved husband of 36 years, Russ Butwinski, four siblings: Kathi & Marshall Shord of Ocean Pines, Maryland, Ed & Sandy Raymus of White Haven, Pennsylvania, Donald & Judy Raymus of Cranberry Township and Mary Raymus of Camphill, Pennsylvania, numerous nieces, nephews, great nephews, great great nieces and nephews.

Patricia worked for 24 years with Conway E&S as an assistant Vice President and underwriter. She loved to spend her free time sewing, baking and reading.

In accordance with Patricia’s wishes, all services are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the City Rescue Mission at cityrescuemission.org by clicking here.

Timothy A. Baker, Sr. (1949-2025)

Timothy A. Baker, Sr., 76, of Beaver, passed away peacefully on December 16th, 2025, in the comfort of his home.

He was born in Sewickley on October 10th, 1949, a son of the late Gerald Sr. and Jean (Bradley) Baker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Mark Fadik. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Patricia (Wharrey) Baker, his children, Juliane (Ronald) Leindecker and Timothy Jr. (Amber) Baker, his grandchildren: Ryan Leindecker, Nicholas (Shyann Pearce) Leindecker, Ruby, Lucy, and Penny Baker, his brother, Gerald Jr. (Linda) Baker, his sister, Rebecca Fadik, as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Timothy retired as the President of Giltspur, an exhibition display company, after many years of faithful service. He was a true American patriot and a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. In his free time, he enjoyed taking care of family and treasured the precious time he spent with them. He was also an avid gun enthusiast and collector.

Timothy’s wishes for cremation will be honored and no services are planned at this time.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to a Humane Society of your choice.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver, was honored to care for the Baker family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.