John Archie Berg, 76, of New Sewickley Township, passed away peacefully on June 13th, 2025, at UPMC Passavant, McCandless. John was born in Rochester and was raised in Monaca. He was a proud graduate of Monaca High School, with the class of 1966. His commitment to his country was evident early on when he entered the U.S. Navy in 1968 during the Vietnam War, honorably serving for eight years. John was stationed in Oahu, Hawaii and served as a radio operator aboard ship and on a submarine, experiences that shaped his resilience and discipline. While stationed at the submarine base in New London, Connecticut, John met and married the love of his life, Charlene Ann Nicolosi, on October 14th, 1972, in New London, Connecticut. After returning to civilian life in Pennsylvania they built a life together filled with love, laughter, and the joy of raising their three children: Severina, Daniel (Amanda), and Matthew Berg. His legacy continued to grow with the births of his cherished grandchildren, Corbin and Jeriah Berg. John’s professional life was marked by his dedication as an electrician at Nova Chemical, where he retired after many years of service. His skills extended to the family farm, where he was the indispensable “farm mechanic,” ensuring that all farm equipment operated smoothly. His work ethic was unmatched, and his membership with the United Steel Workers and past affiliation with the Masonic order spoke to his belief in the value of community and brotherhood. He attended Northway Christian Community Church and later found fellowship at Grace Community Church in Cranberry Township. His faith was not just a personal journey but a shared mission with Charlene. For more than a decade, the couple brought the spirit of the holidays to life at Northway Community Church by participating and providing horses and livestock for the Christmas and Easter pageants. John was an avid outdoorsman and was a man of diverse interests. He delighted in hunting and had favorite fishing spots at Moraine State Park and in Canada, where he enjoyed the serenity of nature. His love for horses was evident as heexhibited them at the Big Knob Grange Fair, sharing his passion with his community. In their retirement years, John and Charlene became adventurers, spending winters in Florida, exploring the western states in their motorhome, and enjoying the relaxation of Caribbean cruises. These travels were some of the happiest times of their lives, filled with discovery and the pleasure of each other’s company. He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie Leonard and Marguerite (Cole) Berg, and his siblings, Carol Jean Berg, Thomas Berg, and C Bruce Berg. He is survived by his beloved wife, Charlene, his children and grandchildren, his sister-in-law, Donna Berg and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 21st from 10 A.M. until the time of services at 1 P.M. at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy and the Beaver County Special Unit. Pastor Bob Zonts will officiate. Private interment will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville. The family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired, in John’s name, to the Tunnel of Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.

Paul D. Dietz, 80, of New Brighton, passed away on June 15th, 2025 at his home. He was born in Rochester on July 22nd, 1944, a son of the late Joseph and Mabel Seaburn Dietz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James Dietz, two sisters, Paula Witherow and Louise Hartsuff, three brothers, his twin, Robert, as well as Joseph and Bill Dietz, a step-sister, Judy Anderson, two step-brothers, Bill and Hiram Hartsuff, a nephew, John Kelly, and his uncle, Paul Dietz. He is survived by his son, Craig Robert Dietz of Pulaski Township, a grandson, Brayden Dietz of Pulaski Township, and a sister-in-law, Sandra Dietz of Daugherty Township.

Paul was a retired employee with the former B&W Company of Beaver Falls. He was Catholic by faith and a member of both the New Brighton American Legion Post 19 and the New Brighton F.O.E. 1342. He was also a Vietnam Veteran of the United States Air Force who had served in Thailand. Paul loved playing and watching any sport, especially Pittsburgh. He also enjoyed cooking.  Paul’s wishes were to be cremated with no service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc. 349 Adams Street, Rochester.

Nagat Danial, a beloved wife and mother from McDonald, passed away on June 10th, 2025. She will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved her. Nagat’s services are private and arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral and Cremation Services, LLC 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Terrie Sue Birge, 66, of Bridgewater, passed away unexpectedly in her residence on May 25th, 2025.

She was born in Rochester on November 16th, 1958, the daughter of the late Telford and Betty (McCullough) Birge. She is survived by her son, Timothy Birge, her brother, Randy Birge, her sister-in-law, Lynette Norris, her niece, Rebecca Birge, her nephew, Whyatt Birge, her cousin, Kathy MacLean and a host of friends.

Terrie was a graduate of Beaver High School. She worked for many years at the Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe. She was a member of the former Bridgewater Methodist Church, where she was very involved in their after-school program and other church activities. She also served as the judge of elections in Bridgewater for many years.  She enjoyed bingo, and watching the Pittsburgh sports teams.  She loved sitting on her porch and talking to people from her community.

Friends will be welcomed on Sunday, June 29th, from 12 noon until the time of the Memorial Service at 2 p.m., in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton.

Randy Edward Stevens, 72, passed away on June 4th, 2025. He was born in San Bernadino, California on March 18th, 1953.

Randy went on many travels by land, sea and air…official demarcations often disregarded in favor of finding the most exotic of ports of call from Bora Bora to Guana. Like a well-known other adventurer who took to another Delta of this fine nation (and who presumably might have also had his own first boat at the ripe age of 14), Randy captained his Flamingo cruiser from one California waterway to the next, likely never growing weary of that illuminated beacon that often welcomed, “Port of San Francisco.” 

On the other side of the country, if you happen to enjoy time in lovely Bridgewater, Pennsylvania, well… there are quite a few stories surrounding Mr. Stevens in that realm, too. Starting his career in a shack overlooking the Beaver River, sharing the office with his brother, Rob, not only did he masterplan the details of that little town right down to the gazebo, but you might never have  experienced the great Bridgewater River Regatta had it not been for him and his folks, Robert and Ruth. His determination and admirable pursuit of architecture led him even further. In fact, if you wouldn’t expect that the boy who once called Beaver Falls home might wind up alongside the titans who designed New York City’s Museum of Modern Art and the Parliament House of Pakistan, then you’d need to reconsider. 

A friend to all Hokies, an enemy of the salamander, the hero of this story-about-stories in his later years could often be spotted on ragtop days driving his red Ford Mustang through Sonoma, only to go idle for the utmost discerning of vistas which notably and oft involved a winery-adjacent picnic. He loved all of California – particularly Northern. From Bodega Bay, up to the Avenue of the Giants, along the coast of Humboldt, and down and around and across and through, from Yosemite to Sea Ranch, Randy Stevens did indeed traverse it all. In fact, some might say he’s marked enough territory in Northern California to challenge that of General Vallejo. 

If one can take a moment for an actual believable truth, however, pure happiness came by way of a much simpler route. All it really took for Randy was a little Mid-Century Modern anything, a great meal and glass of wine, a space for his model trains and coin collection, conversation with friends old and new, and a chair next to his favorite people: The Bacall to his Bogart, wife Lisa Stevens, and his kindred spirit, daughter Anna. 

Randy Stevens was always at his best among friends and family: making what could otherwise be a mundane evening into a jamboree. An armchair historian and folklorist, he could put the most dedicated of scholars to shame with his intricate retellings of everything from wartime sagas to the John Philip Sousa marches of the 1930s Aliquippa marching band. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Ronald (Ron) Raymond Rickley, 93, passed away on June 12th, 2025. 

Ronald was born in Bellevue, Pennsylvania on May 20th, 1932, a son of the late Raymond and Genevieve Rickley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Porter Rickley (Lena), his brother, Vernon Connell (Katherine) and sister, Marlene Cernansky (George). Shortly after graduating from West View High School, he joined the United States Navy. He faithfully served in the United States Navy during the Korean War along with the crew of the USS Point Cruz CVE119. He was presented with the Winged S Air Rescue Emblem for having participated in the successful life-saving operation with a Sikorsky Helicopter on October 2nd, 1954. After he was honorably discharged from the Navy, he began his career as a Supervising Operating Engineer with Duquesne Light, working alongside his father and brother. Soon thereafter, he met and married his beloved wife, Helen Rickley (née Stoker) who he is survived by, having celebrated 63 years of marriage. He and Helen raised their three daughters in Moon Township. He is the cherished and stalwart father of April Malkowski (Michael), Susan Ring (Aloysius) and Rebecca Hutsler (Mark). A true “girl” Dad – tough on the outside, and fiercely protective, but super soft on the inside when it came to his daughters.

Ronald loved being the treasured “Grampa” of Amanda Malkowski, from building dollhouses for her, to cheering her on through her many life goals and accomplishments. He was a proud “Grampa” of Alex Malkowski, from attending his childhood baseball games, to beaming with pride over his travels and successes. He and his grandson, Connor Ring, shared an obsession with electric trains, building train displays and both loved to fish together at North and Raccoon State Parks.   

Ronald was one of the original volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians for Valley Ambulance Authority, established in January 1972 as the first municipal ambulance authority in the United States. He was in the first class of EMT’s that graduated March 1972 and charter member, volunteering for Valley for many years thereafter. In addition to his volunteer services, he was proud to be a Master Mason and dedicated brother to his fellow Freemasons at the Perry-Ionic Lodge 796 located in Wexford. He received his 60-year pin the fall of 2019.

In accordance with Ronald’s request, he will receive Masonic funeral services. 

Family and friends will be welcomed on Monday, June 16th from 4 p.m. until the time of a Funeral Service at 6 p.m. at the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Road, Moon Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Shriners Children’s can be made via https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/ways-to-give/giving-to-shriners-childrens/honor-a-loved-one or by mail to: Shriners Children’s, Attn: Shriners Children’s Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394. 

Ronald A. Conforti, 75, of South Beaver Township, passed away peacefully on June 14th, 2025, in the comfort of his home.

He was born in Beaver Falls on May 9, 1950, a son of the late Ralph and Ida (Cocco) Conforti.In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Conforti. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Rose (Izzo) Conforti, his daughters, Jennifer Conforti and Melissa (Chris) Chirichetti, his grandchildren: Kayla Conforti, Nicholas Conforti, Christopher Chirichetti, Jenna Chirichetti, Elizabeth Conforti, Austin Conforti, Jackson Conforti and Zakaryah Jones: as well as his brother, Joseph (Nancy) Conforti and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Ronald was a proud veteran of the United States Army.  Following his discharge, he worked for Westinghouse/Cutler Hammer, where he retired after 45 years of faithful service.  In his free time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. In his younger years, he enjoyed coaching his children and nephews in both softball and the Blackhawk Colts as well as being the equipment manager for the Chippewa Indians. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment he spent with them.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, June 17^th from 2 P.M. until the time of services at 6 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls. Pastor Dan Muir will officiate.

Interment will be private in Seceder Cemetery.

Robert David Spann, 88, of Petersburg, Ohio, passed away on June 11th, 2025 at Providence Care Center of Beaver Falls.

He was born in Beaver Falls on June 23, 1936, the son of the late Martin and Margaret (Graham) Spann. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Dwight Spann, Sr., his sister, Sandra Shield, 1 grandchild, 1 great-grandchild and a son-in-law, Shawn Raab. He is survived by his wife, LuValta K. (Knight) Spann, his children, Susan Raab, Roberta (Danny) Parrott and Robert E. (Erika Myers) Spann, 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Robert was a proud member of the Air National Guard in Pittsburgh. Following his service, he spent his life as a truck driver and a journeyman electrician. He also attended the New Galilee Church of the Nazerene. Robert enjoyed the time he spent with his family and flying his Cherokee 140 low-wing aircraft. He was also a ham radio operator, call sign WA3QZK.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, June 18th from 2 P.M. until the time of a service at 7 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Interment will be private in Seceder Cemetery.

Alesa James Carr, 60, a devoted mother of two and visionary attorney known for her dedication to equity and public health, impeccable style and generous spirit, passed away on May 25th, 2025 in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

She was born in Beaver Falls on January 28th, 1965, a daughter of George E. James and the late Marian R. (Richardson) James. After graduating from Beaver Falls High School, Alesa earned her bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University and her Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center.

Alesa’s legal career included corporate counsel, litigation, and directing housing policy initiatives in Detroit to address the foreclosure crisis. She consulted on environmental policy to support clean air, water, and soil in marginalized communities. Alesa also founded a healthcare nonprofit, working with federal and international organizations to improve access to medical devices for underserved populations.

She was known for her taste in fashion, love of music, global travel, and talent for design. A dedicated daughter, sister, and aunt, Alesa enjoyed buying the perfect gifts for her loved ones. In addition to countless fun and memorable moments with her family, Alesa cherished her time with her childhood and lifelong friends and cousins, including Sandra (Frazier) Evans, Jacqueline Montgomery, Brenda (Madden) Patton, Marcee Richardson, Regina (Williams) Crawford, Shawn (DeBerry) Johnson, and April (Petty) Hauser.

Beaver Falls, Bridge Street, Tabernacle Baptist Church, South School, St. Mary’s, and Beaver Falls High School were where she learned her essential life lessons.

In addition to her father, she is survived by her children, Michael Carr II and Kendal Carr, her sisters, Alexis (Melvin Jr.) Steals and Alaina (Jesse Washington) James and her nieces and nephews: Coletrane, Alanna, Corinne, Zachary, Zora, and Drew.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, June 21st at 11:00 a.m. with funeral services beginning at noon at Christian Assembly Family Church, 6241 Tuscarawas Road, Industry. Rev. Bill Anzevino will officiate.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

Michael Alexander Sanko, Sr., 75, of Aliquippa, passed away on June 10th, 2025. He was born on July 17th, 1949, a son of the late Michael and Mary Sanko.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Michael “Moose” Sanko, a brother, John “Butch” Sanko and his niece, Tiffanie Sanko. He is survived by his brother, Daniel (Sharyn) Sanko and his niece, Sunny (Donald) Dillon.
He is also survived by his 2 stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and many loving great nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.