Connie M. Sano (09/01/49 to 06/10/25)

Connie M. Sano, 75, of South Beaver, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2025, at Rochester Manor. Born September 1, 1949, in Beaver Falls, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Wilma Cowie Tindall. In her younger years, Connie enjoyed motorcycle rides and singing in her band. She loves to sit outside in the fresh air, but most of all she loves spending time with her family. Surviving is her loving husband, Ronald L. Sano; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great nieces, and great-great-nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Dennis R. Tindall; in-laws, Mary and Sam Sano; and many brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. Friends will be received Tuesday from 2-8 PM in CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC – 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Augustine Parish, St. Monica Church, 116 Thorndale Drive Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Interment will be private at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Timothy Michael Best (September 16, 1953 – June 9, 2025)

Timothy Michael Best, 71, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Brighton Township on Monday, June 9, 2025.
Tim was born September 16, 1953 to Mearle and Theresa (Mulgrew) Best. He was preceded in death by his parents and his twin sister, Terri Taormina. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Margaret “Peggy” (Fischer) Best, three sons and a daughter-in-law, Joseph Best, Brian (Kara) Best, and Paul Best, two grandchildren, Geno Best and Adalyn Best, and his brothers, Ed (Debbie) Best and Ron (Holly) Best, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Tim was retired from the maintenance department at Heritage Valley Hospital in Beaver, where he worked for approximately 40 years. An avid sports fan, Tim will be greatly missed by his family, especially his three boys, who loved watching games and betting with their dad. Tim also leaves behind his beloved furry companion, Barkley, who always came running at the sound of Tim’s voice. The loss of Tim’s booming laughter will leave a void in the hearts of all who loved him, but his memory will live forever.
Friends will be received on Tuesday June 17, 2025, in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009 from 6pm-8pm. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

 

Ruth Cook (May 30, 1934 – June 10, 2025)

Ruth Cook, a devoted nurse, loving mother, and cherished grandmother, passed away at the age of 91 on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Ruth was born in 1934 in Butler, PA, to Ralph and Ethel McPherson. Once her children reached school age, she pursued her passion for nursing, graduating from St. Francis Nursing School in 1976 and later earning a master’s degree from Slippery Rock University.

Throughout her career, Ruth provided compassionate care as a school nurse within Hopewell School District and served as Head Nurse at the VA hospital, always committed to the well-being of others. She shared many joyful years with her beloved husband, Robert “Red” Cook, traveling together often.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Cook; her daughter, Susan Trumpeter; her son, William “Billy” Cook; and her daughter, Regina Harr. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara “Barbie” Davies and Laurie Sirko, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 14th, at Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home in Aliquippa, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a blessing at 11:00 AM. A life well-lived, Ruth’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and adventure. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the memories she created and the love she nurtured.

 

Charles S. Hrelec Sr. (05/02/1927 to 06/10/25)

Charles S. Hrelec, Sr., 98, of Center Township, passed away on June 10, 2025, after a succession of illnesses during the last few years. Chuck was born to the late Evan and Veronica (Ilic) Hrelec at home in Aliquippa on May 2, 1927. He lived through the Great Depression and had many tales of his antics, survival schemes, and dreaded pumpkin and flour soup dinners. It was this boyhood that shaped his appreciation of delicious foods, his simplicity of living, and his flair as a prankster and jokester.

Chuck dropped out of high school to enlist in the Coast Guard as a Steward’s Mate in World War II. There he became a cook and also furthered his pranking skills. After his honorable discharge, he advanced from local recreational baseball to the Pittsburgh Pirates farm team as a pitcher. Two of his fondest baseball memories were pitching against Whitey Ford and meeting and being photographed with Bill Mazeroski.

Chuck met his future wife, Jean E. Domitrovich, also of Croatian heritage, at the Aliquippa A & P, where he was a meatcutter. Nearly inseparable, they were happily married for 51 years. He later worked at several other grocery stores, retiring from Giant Eagle. He continued to cut meat—processing deer for relatives, friends, and local shops.

A longtime resident of Center Township, Chuck was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Church, SOAR, and 79-year member of ALCRO Lodge. He looked forward to monthly meetings and activities of the Croatian Club. He visited the Motherland 3 times and loved everything Croatian, especially potica and Croatian Day at Kennywood. Chuck enjoyed deer hunting, watching baseball, and baking his gifts of English muffin bread and fruitcake. He was a genuine, loyal, and giving man.

In addition to his beloved wife, Chuck was preceded in death by his devoted daughter, Katrina Kaiser, and cherished brothers, William, John, and George.

His loving children and their spouses who survive him are Cynthia (Dennis) Novotny; Charles S. (Sandra) Hrelec, Jr.; Suzanne (Philip) Knox; Jeanne (Anthony) Ciaccia; and Martina (John) Markowicz; as well as caring son-in-law, Joseph Kaiser; and cherished sister, Caroline McWilliams.

Chuck is also survived by his dear 18 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. His Novotny grandchildren are Katrina, Martina, Aimee, Rebecca, and Dennis; Hrelec grandchildren are Charles, Jason, Candace; Knox grandchildren are Gabriel, Justin, and Amber; Ciaccia grandchildren are Antonio, Veronica, and Joseph; and Markowicz grandchildren are Jessica, Victoria, Angela, and Alexandra. His great-grandchildren are Braylen, Cynthia, Elyse; Charles, Carina; Noah, Jacob, Isaac; Abigail,  Selah, Hadassah; Elena, Henry, Chloe; Cora, Colton; Oliver, Birdie; Franco, Marco, Vera, Enzo; Wade, Rosalyn, Vaughn; Maverick, Vincent; and Geneva and Francesca.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where Prayers will be offered Saturday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Mary Queen of Saints Parish, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Monaca. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions can be made to Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers or Ronald McDonald House.

Thomas Evoy Owczarzak (10/3/1959 — 6/10/2025)

Thomas Evoy Owczarzak, 65, of Hopewell Township, passed away Tuesday, June 10th 2025, in Aliquippa, PA. Born October  3rd 1959, he was the son of Patricia Heiden and Henry Owczarzak. He was the husband of Terri Owczarzak (Biddle), dad to Donald Sanders, father-in-law to Abigail Sanders, and grandpa to Xerxes Ingrassia and Sterling Sanders.

A native of Hammond, Indiana, shortly after graduating high school, Tom joined the United States Army as a paratrooper in 1978. There he served as a military policeman in the 82nd Airborne Division and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was immensely proud of his service, and for the rest of his life, he sounded off with a loud and thunderous “AIRBORNE” whenever the Chicago Bears scored a touchdown.

After leaving the Army, Tom briefly worked in a steel mill before starting his career in commercial underwater diving, supporting marine construction. Tom dove for many years and eventually rose through the ranks at Marion Hill Associates  where he worked for 15 years, before retiring in 2024 as the company’s general manager.

Tom met his wife, Terri in 2009 and was married in 2011. They enjoyed a happy life in Hopewell Township for many years, always with pets and hosting good friends. In addition to his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, Tom is greatly missed by his mother-in-law, Audrey Biddle, his father in law, Donald Biddle, his sister-in-law, Tracy Young (Biddle), his brother-in-law Richard Young, his nieces, Sara Allen (Jim Riffle), Kat Sanders, and Patti Jo Stewart, his nephew, Jordan Sanders, his beloved friends Kurt and Jo Marie Sanders, Debbie Sgro, Robin Hurni, Bob Hurni, Christine Hurni, and Cindy Kincaid, his dogs Casper and Baxter, and his parrot Joey.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Heiden, his father Henry (Hank) Owczarzak, step-father Bun Heiden, and his sister Patti Jo Stewart.

Tom enjoyed hosting parties, spoiling his grandchildren, bird watching, and traveling. He will be remembered as a man with a big heart. He made his own family in life and he loved them more than anything.

A private service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held Saturday, June 14th, 11 AM at Huntsman Funeral Home in Aliquippa.

Alexander Brandon Mulig (July 02, 1980 – June 09, 2025)

Alexander Brandon Mulig, 44, of Brighton Township, died unexpectedly on Monday, June 9, 2025, at his home.

Born on July 2, 1980, in Ellwood City, he was the son of Jeanie (Lutz) Socci and her husband Stephen and the late Alexander Mulig, Jr.

Brandon was an electrician by trade and had a heart of gold.  Always there to help when someone needed him. He was a true outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, sitting around the campfire, and hanging out at his garage with the ones he cherished. He always has an “ols” school character line and he always left with a handshake and “I’ll catch you in the rebound, uh huh!” Brandon was always there to lend a helping hand.

In addition to his mother, Brandon leaves behind his loving wife of nearly 18 years, Stephanie (Macom) Mulig; their son, Brandon Alexander “Alex” Mulig; his siblings, Stephen Mulig and his children, Kyle, Codi, and Katelyn, Melissa Mulig and her son, Xavier, Donnie Mulig, Randy Mulig, Kori Colich; step-siblings, David and Tiffany Keisling; his siblings-in-law, Allen Macom, Amanda (Kenneth) Redding, and Emily Macom; his mother-in-law, Linda Macom; numerous aunts, uncles, and friends.

Friends will be received on Friday, June 13th from 2PM until the time of services at 6PM in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 340 Third Street, Beaver.

Mary Elaine (Armstrong) Brittain (June 09, 1939 – June 09, 2025)

Mary Elaine Brittain (Armstrong), 86, of New Galilee peacefully entered her Heavenly home on her birthday, June 9th 2025, after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease.

Mary was born to the late Carl Armstrong and Roberta Armstrong Myers (McKissick) in Darlington, PA.

A graduate of Darlington High School, Mary also graduated from Garfield Business School in Beaver Falls and Santa Ana College in California. After relocating to Florida, Mary worked as a team leader in the medical tray department at Johnson and Johnson.

Mary was predeceased by her father in 1950, her mother in 2012, a brother (Donald Armstrong) in 1960 and her husband (Herman Muller) in 2022. She was also predeceased by her first husband John R. Brittain Jr., who was the father of her surviving children Alan Brittain, Debra (Dave) Shee and Jon (Teresa) Brittain.

Also surviving Mary is her sister Linda Smith, her four grandchildren Christie (Bob Marzec) Shee, Casey Shee, Wesley and Mark Brittain, as well as several cousins.

Although Mary enjoyed many hobbies including crocheting, oil painting, and singing, her greatest joys in life were her children, grandchildren and serving her Lord. Mary was an active member of Our Father’s House church in Odessa Florida, and she loved singing with the Friendship Singers as they ministered to the residents of assisted  living facilities and retirement homes. Mary’s sweet personality, friendly smile, and kind soul endeared her to all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

Friends will be received on June 13th from 3:00-7:00pm at Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Rd, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. A brief memorial service and committal will follow Mary’s viewing.

Mary’s family is forever grateful for the team of hospice employees from Good Samaritan Hospice for their wonderful, compassionate and dignified care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Good Samaritan Hospice or Alzheimer’s Association in Mary’s memory.

Phillip E. Graham (11/24/1932 to 06/09/2025)

Phillip E. Graham, 92, of Industry, passed away on June 9, 2025, at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on November 24, 1932, in Industry, PA, he was the son of the late Hugh and Elsie Graham. Phillip was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served in WWII, stationed in Germany, in the Seventh Army. After returning home, he served a short time at Crucible, in Midland. Starting in 1958 he spent the rest of his career as a truck driver for various companies. He ended his career at Matlack, Neville Island. His truck driving career lasted for many years. He was member of Teamsters 273, a former member of Four Mile Church, and a faithful member of Bridgewater Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder, Co-leader of the Prayer Group, and the leader of the church’s Aluminum Recycling project. He was a former member of the King Beaver Chorus. He was an avid bird watcher and member of the Brooks Bird Club. With his white beard and hair and love of children, he served years as a Santa Helper. His greatest love was his family and will be greatly missed by them.
In addition to his parents, Phillip is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Joann Hope Alcock (2014); daughter, Sharon Kay; son, Phillip Wayne; brothers, Howard William “Bill” Graham, and Nathan Hugh Graham; and his granddaughter, Maribeth Graham.
Phillip will be sadly missed by his daughter, Debra Deem, of Industry; sister, Maxine Gerkin, of Minesota; grandchildren, Nate (Casey) Deem, Ben (Kim) Deem, and Deanna Graham; great-grandchildren, Nate, Isaac, and Wyatt Deem, and Kyra Graham; great-great-grandchildren, Lennon, and Violet; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Phil participated in a visitation service to shut-ins and lived a life of discipleship service to all with love of Jesus and compassion for all.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Four Mile Church, 6078 Tuscarawas Road, Beaver, PA 15009 on Friday June 13, 2025 at 11am.
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.
Phillip’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Encompass, Guardian, the former Beaver Valley Rehab and Nursing, as well as Good Samaritan Hospice. Also, a very special thank you to Phillip’s special friend, Shirley Friend, for all the love and care given to Phillip over the years.

James Eugene Frankenstein (7/9/1949 — 6/9/2025)

James Eugene Frankenstein, 75, of Moon Township, PA, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025 at Heritage Valley Sewickley. He was born in Rochester, PA on July 9, 1949, son of the late Eugene & Eunice Frankenstein. He graduated from Beaver High School in 1967 and then received his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Penn State University. He worked as a Plant Manager for Pittsburgh Forgings; a Safety Manager for Jennmar Corporation and Applied Concepts Inc.; and a Title Analyst for National Real Estate and Title Source/Quicken Loans.

He was a longtime member of Impact Christian Church in Moon Twp. where he participated in “Behold the Lamb” production for 4 years as Peter. Jim also was previously a member of First Christian Church in Beaver. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed bowling and music. His favorite genres of music were classic rock and Christian music. Jim was a Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan, but he raised his boys to be huge Penn State Football fans. The time they spent watching football together will be forever cherished.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, John C. Frankenstein; and a niece, Carrie Frankenstein.

He is survived by his beloved wife: Carmen Frankenstein; two sons: David James (Jill) Franke; and Jeffrey Alan (Hillary) Frankenstein; 3 grandchildren: Hannah, Isaac, and Stella Rose; a sister-in-law: Susan Frankenstein; a brother-in-law: Steven (Lonnette) Tettenburn and two nieces and a nephew; Bonnie Frankenstein, Michael Frankenstein and Lindsey (Steve) Whitlock.

Friends will be received on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 2-4pm & 6-8pm at Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Moon Township, PA. where a funeral service will be held on Friday June 13, 2025 at 10:30am.

Interment will be privately held at Beaver Cemetery. A reception will be held after interment for friends & family at Frank G’s Place in Bridgewater, PA at 1pm

Carol Y. Morris (07/07/1945 – 06/07/2025)

Carol Y. Morris, age 79, of Rochester, passed away on June 7th, 2025, at Rochester Manor and Villa. She was born July 7th, 1945, in Uniontown, PA to the late James E. and Edith Rowen Morris. Carol was a retired reservationist with U.S. Air, and a Protestant by faith, and a member of Life Beaver, Center Township. Carol is survived by a beloved friend, Richard, of Ohio, a sister, Barbara B. Rincon, of Center Township, and one brother and sister-in-law, James and Sylvia Morris, of Milford, CT. Also surviving Carol is her best friend since grade school, Jan Shearer, of New Brighton, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Carol was preceded in death by one sister, Sylvia Walton. Friends will be received Saturday, June 14th, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the William Murphy Funeral Home, 349 Adams Street, Rochester, PA 15074. A service will follow at 5:30 p.m. Officiating will be Reverend Gregory S. Clagg.