James Gabriel Pantoni (1955-2024)

James Gabriel Pantoni, 69, of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, formerly of East Liverpool, Ohio, passed away on December 3rd, 2024, after a brief illness.
He was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on July 18, 1955, the son of the late Patsy and Marcella Pantoni. James will be sadly missed by his daughter, Caterina L. (Tony Campos) Pantoni, Dino (Xyomara) Pantoni, sister, Patricia Niewinski, grandson, Dylan Seagraves, former wife, Lucinda Pantoni-Shields, cousin, Joanna Lastoria and family, as well as good-friends, Troy Seagraves, Mark Goddard and Gino Martin. James was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan who loved golf, riding his motorcycle, shooting guns, playing pool and swimming. He will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Professional Services have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Margaret S. Doyle (1951-2024)

Margaret S. Doyle, 73, a beloved member of her community of Beaver, passed away on December 1st, 2024. She was born on March 26th, 1951, the daughter of the late Robert and Margaret Doyle. In addition to her prents, she was also preceded in death by her siblings, James and Ellen. Margaret is survived by numerous cousins who will miss her dearly.
Margaret was known for her gentle and sensitive nature, qualities that endeared her to all who knew her. Her intelligence and love of poetry were hallmarks of her character, and she often found solace and inspiration in the written word.
A devoted animal lover, Margaret had a special bond with her pet Dachshund, Susie. She also possessed a profound love of nature and especially enjoyed long walks with her father at Brady’s Run Park.
Her extended family and friends remember her as a kind and thoughtful soul who often thought of others before herself. Margaret’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Friends and family will be received on Saturday, December 7th, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Blessing Service at 11 a.m. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Beaver County Mental Health, 1050 8th Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Irene M. Mlinarich (1931-2024)

Irene M. Mlinarich, 93, of Bridgewater, passed away on December 2nd, 2024 at Caring Heights Community Care and Rehabilitation Center of Coraopolis.

She was born in Homer City, Pennsylvania on July 3rd, 1931, a daughter of the late Joseph and Kathryn (Yancy) Mlinarich. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Joe, Steve, Frank, Mary, Ann, Katherine, Helen, and Gertrude. She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Ronald) Sabol, her grandchildren, David Sabol, Brandi Sabol, and Ronald (Anastasia) Sabol, Jr., five great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, a sister, Elizabeth “Betty” (John) Nymick, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Irene had worked for Keystone Bakery as a wrapper for many years and had attended Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church of Beaver. She loved handiwork, gardening, and being outdoors. Irene also had a passion for sewing and loving her grandchildren.

Friends will be received on Saturday, December 7th from 1 P.M. until 4 P.M. in the Gabauer-Todd Funeral Home & Cremation Services (Branch), 340 Third Street, Beaver.  Father Joe Carr will offer a Blessing Service at 1 P.M. in the funeral home.

Private interment will be in St. Bernard Cemetery of Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Betty Jayne Kirkland (1942-2024)

Betty Jayne Kirkland, 82, of Beaver Falls, passed away on December 1st, 2024. She was born in Beaver Falls on June 9th, 1942, to the late James A. Morlan Sr. and Jennie A. (Gatewood) Morlan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Sherman L. Kirkland Sr., son, Sherman L. Kirkland Jr., and brothers James A. Morlan Jr. and Robert F. Morlan. She is survived by their three children, Teena L. Robinson of Columbia, South Carolina, Gerald L. Kirkland (Leanna) of Beaver Falls, and Lonette D. Allen (Todd) of Dover, Pennsylvania, their five grandchildren: Lonette D. Robinson, Cierra S. Kirkland, Bryce J. Allen, Aliyah N. Robinson, and Kayden M. Kirkland; her seven siblings, Sandra Atkins (Robert), Karen Collier, Deborah Morlan, Ruth E. Rouse (Bobby), and David Morlan (Del), along with a host of nieces, nephews, and friends whom she also loved dearly, including special friends Katherine Tyson and Nita Underwood.

Betty married Sherman L. Kirkland Sr. on August 8th, 1960. Betty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She graduated from Beaver Falls Senior High School, class of 1960, and attended the Art Institute in Pittsburgh. Betty held many job positions throughout the city of Beaver Falls. What she was most known for and felt the most accomplished in her position as a Gold Liner at Mayer China downtown Beaver Falls on 2nd Avenue. She was a member of the Second Baptist Church of Beaver Falls, where she accepted Christ in 1975. She became an active member by becoming a Sunday school teacher, attended Hardy Bible school, and participated in the following committees: Permanent Records Committee and Decorating Committee.

Everyone that knew Betty, knew how much she loved to create art. She was a master craftsman and was known for impacting the lives of many children through her work. She volunteered her time assisting children with creating beautiful artwork throughout the community for many years. She was a proficient seamstress, artist, painter, baker, quilter, knitter, and also was good with ceramics. The patience, love, and passion that she had for creating art touched many people and was passed on to all of her own children in various ways.

Betty’s sweet, loving, and caring presence will truly be missed. She has touched so many people with her big, contagious smile that we miss already. The simplest of pleasures in life brought great joy to Betty’s heart. Betty was truly a special gift from God to all whom she encountered. Her favorite color was yellow and she was a direct representation of joy, creativity, and happiness just like the color, especially when doing anything crafty. When you think of Betty, celebrate all of the wonderful, timeless memories God allowed those to share with her over the years.

Betty’s Favorite Scripture was Psalm 91:1: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust.”

Friends will be received Saturday, December 7th from 9:30 A.M. until the time of the service at 11 A.M. at the Second Baptist Church, 2322 10th Avenue, Beaver Falls. Rev. Bernard E. Tench will officiate.

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

Don Mihalinac (1940-2024)

Don Mihalinac, 84, of Economy Borough, passed away on November 30th, 2024 in Heritage Valley Beaver. He was born on July 1st, 1940, in Conway, the son of the late Stephen and Mary (Maydak) Mihalinac. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Aggie Mihalinac, brother, Stephen “Junior” Mihalinac, in-laws, Ken & Kay (Salopek) Morgan, and four of his pets from his fur baby family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy (Morgan) Mihalinac, son, Troy (Traci) Mihalinac, daughter, Debbie (Rick) Queer, 3 grandchildren, Lindsay (Ryland) Hughes, Eric (Bella) LeQuire, Talon (Gabby) Mihalinac, sister-in-law, Mary (Jim) Sprott, fur baby companion, Tippy, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends he considered family.

Don was a hairdresser in Squirrel Hill for over 50 years. He was known to all who loved him, and his extended family, as “Pap” or “PapPap.” He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who was so proud to attend all of the grandchildrens’ sporting and dancing activities over the years. He loved the Steelers and Pirates. His happy place, since childhood, was at the family property on Lake Berlin, where he enjoyed swimming, water skiing, horse back riding (in his younger years), and the serenity of the lake. He also enjoyed bingo, solitaire and playing card games into the early morning hours with his family.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, December 4th from 2-8 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, from where all are welcome to gather again on Thursday, December 5th at 11 A.M., immediately followed by a funeral service at 12 P.M.

Andrew W. “Butch” Rosepiler (1954-2024)

Andrew W. “Butch” Rosepiler, 70, of Midland, passed away unexpectedly on November 30th, 2024 at home.
He was born in Rochester on June 10th, 1954, the son of the late Andrew and Rosemarie Rosepiler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Andrew Rosepiler. He is survived by his sons, Andrew (Heather) Rosepiler and Shaun (Melissa) Haklo, sisters, Janet (Gerald) Justice and Rosemarie Colatriano, grandchildren, Logan and Andee Rosepiler and Shaun Haklo Jr., along with numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces.
Andrew formerly attended Presentation Catholic Church. He was also an auto mechanic who enjoyed cars, motorcycles and spending time with those he loved.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, Midland. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Donald Springer (1952-2024)

Donald Springer, 72, of Mercer, passed away on December 1st, 2024. He was born on August 8th, 1952, a son of the late William Springer and Thelma Kersnick. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Pete Springer.

He is survived by his brothers: Terry Ray, Rob Springer, George Springer, Paul Kersnick, Tim Kersnick, and Chris Kersnick.

A lover of cars, Donald enjoyed detailing vehicles and collecting model cars. He also enjoyed playing video games on his PlayStation. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

In accordance to his wishes, services will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Margaret Alice “Peg” (Platts) Porada (1938-2024)

Margaret Alice “Peg” (Platts) Porada, 86, of Robinson Township, passed away on November 27th, 2024 in Tapestry Senior Living of Moon Township. She was born in Pittsburgh on May 24th, 1938, the daughter of the late John & Katherine (Skiles) Platts.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband David Frank Porada, Sr., her son, Brian Keith Porada, a granddaughter, Ashlyn Porada and her sisters and brother, Joann Jeffries. John Platts, Jean Smith.

She is survived by her son, David Frank Porada Jr. (Kim) of Coraopolis, daughter, Beth Schogren (Tim) of Pittsburgh, seven Grandchildren: Cassady K. Adams, Maddy E. DeAngelis & Kristina R. Soltez, Timothy D. Jr. & Heather Schogren, daughter in law, Shelley Porada, Jacquelyn & Colson Porada, sister, Mary Monti, great grandkids, Ford DeAngelis, Rosie and Charlie Soltez, Blue, Emma and Anneli Schogren.

Margaret was a graduate of Langley High School.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, December 4th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in the Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, where a Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, December 5th at 10 A.M. Interment will Follow at Robinson Run Cemetery, McDonald.

In lieu of flowers, memorial; contributions can be made to:  The Missionary Fund, at the Allegheny Center Christian Missionary Alliance Church.

(www.huntsmanfuneralhomes.com)

Paul Farkas (1930-2024)

Paul Farkas, 93, of West Mayfield, passed away on November 21, 2024. He was born on November 30th, 1930, a son of the late Louis and Rose Biro Farkas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel (Eiler), grandson Jeffrey Paul, and siblings: Veronika Farkas, Louis Farkas, Rose Bovalino, Goldie Thomas, Gyorgy Farkas, Sylvia Zwieryznski, Margaret Nicgorski, Esther Barnes, Wilma Custer, and Sally Jo Nelson Patton.

Paul is survived by his sons: Paul Michael (Elaine) Farkas, Jeffrey (Carol) Farkas, Kevin (Rhonda) Farkas; cherished grandchildren: Benjamin, Scott, Ashlee (Tom) and Louis; brothers, Steven (Norma) Farkas and Frank (Wilma) Farkas, and his very special friend and companion, Dee Fox.

He was born in Darlington but raised in Beaver Falls. Paul graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1948 and left for the U.S. Navy the very next day. He proudly served aboard the USS Coral Sea (CV43) as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate. After returning home, he married Hazel Eiler in 1952, the same year he was hired by the Babcock & Wilcox company and trained as a machinist. He retired from B&W as plant fire marshal after 38 years.

Paul was an active member of his community, first joining the West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department in 1966 (former fire chief and life member) and then joining Council in 1972. He also served as mayor for 11 years. In total, Paul served in local government for 49 years, the longest serving elected official in West Mayfield’s history. Over the years he was a mentor and friend to many aspiring toward community service, something he believed in very strongly. He never lost faith in younger generations and encouraged people to get involved in making West Mayfield a nicer place to live and raise a family.

Many will remember Paul’s presence for decades at the Beaver County Maple Syrup Festival, where he loved to give tours and talk about handcrafting maple syrup. In his later years, he generously volunteered his time with his church’s charity programs, and he was a strong supporter of St. Jude’s Hospital. With over 50 years of Brotherhood, Paul was a 32nd degree Mason, Scottish Rite.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made in Paul’s name to St. Jude’s Hospital. A celebration of life ceremony will be held in West Mayfield Community Park during the summer of 2025.

Services and arrangements were entrusted to CORLESS-KUNSELMAN Funeral Services, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

James “Jim” M. Boffo (1942-2024)

James “Jim” M. Boffo, 81, of New Sewickley Township, passed away on November 29th, 2024, in Concordia at Villa St. Joseph, Baden.

He was born on December 30th, 1942, in Rochester, the son of the late Leon and Mary (Lewarchik) Boffo. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Thomas. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Diane (Benko) Boffo, a brother, Gary (Cherie) Boffo of Wellsville, Ohio, sister, Ellen Boffo of Durham, North Carolina, niece Whitney, nephew Maxfield and sister-in-law Wendy Boffo.

His mother taught him to be patient, courteous and kind. His father taught him to be curious and hardworking.

He and his father started Boffo Motors in New Brighton in the late 1950’s. Jim has run this specialty automotive shop ever since.

A talent for fabrication and performance car building led Jim to build his first SCCA race car when he was in his early twenties. This blossomed into a successful racing career with his Mini Cooper which led to numerous divisional championships and national accolades.

Jim was always happy when he was in the shop building, repairing and solving mechanical problems on the racing cars and sports cars for his many customers.

Together Jim and Diane enjoyed dancing to the oldies, growing beautiful flowers and petting the many special cats who found a home with them.

He also proudly served 6 years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve attaining the rank of Sergeant.

Friends will be received Wednesday, December 4th, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.  A celebration of life will follow at 6:30 p.m. in the funeral home with Jim Boyd officiating.

Private interment will be held in Lakewood Memorial Gardens, Cheswick, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jim’s name to the PVGP Charities or to a pancreatic cancer charity of your choice