Bernadette “Bo” Lasky (1973-2024)

Bernadette Lasky, 51, lovingly known as “Bo” sadly passed away unexpectedly at Heritage Valley Beaver on February 20, 2024. She was born January 30, 1973, in New Brighton.
Bo lived in Center Township and is the daughter of the late Alex and Jean (Cowgill) Lasky.
She treasured being with her family and friends and her fur baby, Dingy.
She is survived by her sisters, Joie “Squeaky” Dusold, and Linda (Lasky) Zbihley, and her brother, Alex “Gus” Lasky, her fiancée, Brian Myers and his sons Tyler and Cory, as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Visitation will be held Sunday from 1:00 pm until time of the service at 3:30 pm in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Janice E. (Shaw) Tanner (1937-2024)

Janice E. Tanner, 86, formerly of New Brighton, passed away Wednesday, February 21, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones at her home in Harmar Township.

Born November 23, 1937, in Beaver Falls, she was a daughter of the late Thomas D. and Flora (Brown) Shaw. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Thomas “Tim” Shaw, and brother-in-law, Bob Russell.

She had worked at Montgomery Ward in Beaver Falls before becoming a homemaker.  She attended both New Brighton Free Methodist Church, and after getting married, was an active member of Youth for Christ with Christian Missionary Alliance Church.  She enjoyed gardening, baking, decorating, antique collecting, and taking trips to Hawaii, which made her grow fond of their culture.

She is survived by her husband of over 61 years, James E. Tanner, children, Jodi (Kevin) Wagner, Jimmy (Eve) Tanner, sister, Jane Tanner, along with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other family members.

Friends will be welcomed Monday, from 10am until the time of service at noon, at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Ave. New Brighton.

Private interment will follow at Concord Church Cemetery, Beaver Falls.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601, or www.alz.org.

Bertha McGaffick Anderson (1931-2024)

Bertha “Delamae” McGaffick Anderson, 93, of Ohioville, passed away on February 19, 2024, at home with her family by her side.

Born January 23, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Lloyd Wayne McGaffick and Thelma E. Dawson McGaffick and wife of the late John Dale Anderson.

Preceding her in death, are her parents, her husband, John, her oldest brother, Robert and his wife Shirley McGaffick, granddaughter Kristi and great grandson AJ.

She is survived by her youngest brother, Lloyd “Junior” Wayne McGaffick II and his wife Marie, three sons John and his wife Carol of Tennessee, Roger and his wife Kathy of Florida, and Mark and his wife Sue of Ohioville. Delamae was the proud Grandmother of nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Private arrangements were handled by the NOLL FUNERAL HOME INC., 333 Third Street, Beaver PA.

Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Delamae loved her cats and would appreciate that any memorial donations be made to the Beaver County Humane Society in lieu of flowers.

Helen Lapinski (1938-2024)

Helen P. Lapinski, 95, of Baden, passed away on February 20, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Piltz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Casimier Lapinski, siblings, Frank Piltz, Joseph Piltz Jr., Vincent Piltz, Antoni Piltz, and Rose Karp. She is survived by her children, Kevin Lapinski, Leslie (Bill) Fox, grandchildren, Zachary (Kimberly) Dobsch, Nick Lapinski, great grandchildren, Hunter, Evelyn, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Helen was a devoted member of Saint John the Baptist Church in Baden where she volunteered pinching pierogi. She also served with the Christian Mothers. Helen enjoyed gardening, but absolutely loved to cook and bake for her family.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 26, 2024, from 3-7 PM in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, 724-266-2549. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 AM on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Saint Luke the Evangelist Church, Ambridge. Burial will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

Constance “Connie” Leona Feduska Roman (1934-2024)

Constance “Connie” Leona Feduska Roman — born to Nicholas and Stella Feduska in western Pennsylvania — was a testament to resilience and creativity.

The eldest of five, her early life in Ambridge during the Great Depression shaped her compassionate outlook. A gifted artist from a young age, Connie turned to the violin when her family couldn’t afford a piano, showcasing her adaptability and passion for the arts.

Despite personal and societal challenges, Connie pursued a love for art and education, leading her to Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her college years were marked by leadership and innovation, notably becoming sorority president and honing her design skills. After college, she dedicated her life to teaching art in Beaver Valley, touching many lives with her talent and kindness.

Connie’s personal life was filled with both joy and tribulation. Marrying Alexander Richard Roman and raising three children, she faced her husband’s decades-long struggle with mental illness with courage and grace, becoming the family’s breadwinner. Her commitment extended beyond her family to significant community service, particularly with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where she used her experience to help others.

Her faith and artistry were central to Connie’s life, especially at St. Stephen’s Church, where she led an adult painting group and contributed to charitable causes. Despite health challenges, including multiple battles with cancer, Connie found solace and strength in painting until macular degeneration limited her abilities.

Connie’s legacy lives on through her children, Chris, Brian, Monica, and their families, and her siblings. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and sister Myra Gerlach.

Friends and family will be welcomed at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024 for a time of visitation and light refreshments in the lobby area of St. Stephen’s Church at 405 Frederick Ave., Sewickley, followed by a funeral service in the Sanctuary with interment in the Columbarium immediately thereafter.

Celeste R. (Siano) DiBenedetto (1955-2024)

Celeste R. DiBenedetto (nee Siano) 68, of West View, passed away on February 12, 2024.
She was born March 29, 1955, in Pittsburgh and is the daughter of the late Michael and Joann (Stamerra) Siano. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 37 years, Dario DiBenedetto.
Celeste was a graduate of St. Benedict’s Academy and Indiana University. She worked in several capacities in the food industry, most recently at Giant Eagle Marketplace in Cranberry.
Celeste is survived by her sisters: Rita Bigham and Marlene Usdin. A dear friend, Tony Egizio, who Celeste fondly called her “little” brother. Nieces and nephews: Grace, James and Ella Usdin, and Adrienne Parr, great nieces: Caroline and Anna Parr, great nephew: Simon Parr, a special cousin: Loretta Martella and numerous other cousins and friends.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a memorial Mass on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 11:30 am in Mary Queen of Saints Parrish, St. Titus Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa, PA 15001.
Celeste will be buried at Mr. Olivet Cemetery next to her husband.

John N. “Hogie” Hannum (1932-2024)

John N. “Hogie” Hannum, 92, of Chippewa Twp., formerly of West Mayfield, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa.

Born February 14, 1932, in Clintonville, PA, he was the son of the late Norman “Mike” and Irene (Weckerly) Hannum.  A 1949 graduate of Beaver Falls High School, John went on to graduate from Geneva College in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering, and in 1965 graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a M.Ed. (Master of Education) degree. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served with the 80th Engineers during the Korean War.

His career included starting as a Warehouse Foreman at City Market in Beaver Falls and then went on to work at Babcock and Wilcox as an Engineer. His love of education then lead him to Blackhawk High School, where he was a math teacher.

A member of the West Mayfield Vets, John enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, gardening, woodworking, camping, and boating in his spare time.  He was a loving father and pappy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Jane (Whitla) Hannum in June of 1987; and a son, Mark Blakely Hannum in August of 2006.

He is survived by his son, Craig J. Hannum; his daughter-in-law, Holly Noel Hannum; two grandchildren and their spouses, Blakely P. and Leigh Hannum and Hannah Jane and Alex Goff; and three great-grandchildren, Colton Blakely Hannum, Jeremiah Woods Hannum and Olive Elizabeth Hannum.

Friends will be received on Friday, February 23rd from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm and Saturday, February 24th from 10am until the time of services at 11am in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC.- 117 Blackhawk Rd., Chippewa Twp.  Pastor Gary Bailey will officiate. Prior to services, full military honors will be performed by the Beaver County Special Unit.

Private interment will take place in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in John’s name to the West Mayfield Vets- 1000 Patterson Ave, Beaver Falls, PA, 15010 or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – 333 E Carson St # 441E, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Celebration Villa of Chippewa, AHN Hospice, and Gateway Hospice for their exceptional care of John.

Robert Guy “Bob” Peluso (1938-2024)

On February 15, 2024 after 85 and a half amazing years Robert Guy “Bob” Peluso passed away peacefully with his family by his side. Family and friends know and love Bob as a son, brother, grandson, husband, dad, Papa, uncle, brother-in-law, father-in-law, cousin and friend.  Bob was a scholar, scientist, rescuer, inventor, world traveler, conversationalist and story-teller. A Pitt Panther fan, hand baller, bowler, jokester, leader, and listener. The best Shamoo ride giver, wine maker, foodie, pasta maker, provider and helper. A Frank Sinatra aficionado, music lover, and Fox News junkie. He was non-judgemental and endlessly supportive. Impeccable with his word and generous with his time and money. A brilliant mind and a fierce heart. He was simply the best. Bob will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Friends and family will be received on Wednesday February 21st from 2-4 and 6-8 PM in The Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Moon Twp. (1522 Coraopolis Hts. Rd.)  Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday at 10 AM in St. Margaret Mary Church, Moon Twp. (everyone please meet at the church) Private interment will be at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Hopewell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Richard Brooks Smallwood (1940-2024)

Richard Brooks Smallwood, 83 of Rochester Twp. passed away on Friday, February 16, 2024, in his home.  He was born in Holly, WV on July 27, 1940 a son of the late Clarence and Desta Smallwood.  He was an owner and operator of Smallwood Tire for 45 years. He was also retired from Valvoline. Rich enjoyed racing motorcycles, quads, trikes and bikes. He was a National Champion of the Senior Class one year.   He loved to go fishing and crabbing in the Outer Banks. Most of all, he loved spending his time with his grandchildren and attending all their events. Some of his most cherished time was spent going home to West Virginia.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Keith Smallwood and a granddaughter, Brook Crognale.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Smallwood; two children: Kimberly Crognale (Dave Josapak) New Brighton; Randy & Bridget Smallwood, Beaver; 3 grandchildren: Kelsie Crognale (Ryan Haggerty); Shane Smallwood and Seth Smallwood; 2 great grandchildren: Kenzie and Colton Haggerty; and a special brother-in-law: Perry Tice.

Friends will be received on Monday, February 19, 2024 from 2~4 &6~8pm in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester.  Also, on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 10am until the time of Funeral Service at 11am.

Interment will follow in Oak Grove Freedom Cemetery.

Marjorie Gail Wright (1937-2024)

Marjorie Gail Wright, 87, of Hopewell Twp., passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024 in Ellwood City.  She was born on January 3, 1937 a daughter of the late Gerald and Elizabeth McClester.  She was a longtime and active member of Christ Alliance Church in Hopewell Twp. She also enjoyed sewing, cooking and spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles W. Wright in 2015.

She is survived by her three children: Terry Wright, Hopewell Twp.; Pamela & Garry Mason, Raccoon Twp.; and Valerie Osso (Tom Kimmel), Ellwood City; eight grandchildren: Amanda (Jimmy) Mann; Travis (Keri) Wright, Hannah Mason, Sarah Mason, David Norris, Kristy Norris, Brianna Osso, and Nicholas (Demi) Osso; six great grandchildren: Nevaeh Wolfe, Devin Norris, Aryia Gibson, Enzo Wright, Tyler Wright, and Isabella Wright; one great great granddaughter; Naomi Bussman; and a sister: Eveta (Tom) Mudrick-Gregg; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 4pm until 8pm in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Aliquippa.  Also, on Wednesday February 21, 2024 from 10am until the time of Funeral Service at 11am.

Private interment will take place in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.