Category: Obituaries

Terry Hawkins (1937-2025)

Terry Hawkins, 87, passed away on November 11th, 2025 at Cedar Hill Rehabilitation Center in Coraopolis. He was born on December 7th, 1937 and was preceded in death by his beautiful and beloved wife, Ginny and his parents. He is survived by his brother, James Hawkins, his dear friend, Pam Robison and her children: Brendan, Kasey, George and Cameron. He is also survived by numerous friends: Rick Granati of “G” Force, Bill Jander, Adam Revelant, Mike Neely, Dave Burhenn, Adrian Wooly, Web Robinson and Fred Perotta, along with many that are deceased, his best friend since the age of 8, Tom Robinson and his wife Gay, as well as: Jerry Stirling, Mike McReady, Rocky Palumbo, Jim and Mary Pasquale and Don Caputo.

Terry was a resident of Freedom for many years and was the owner of Hawkins Music Store in New Brighton for 51 years. He started Hawkins Music Store in Rochester and closed that location shortly after opening the New Brighton location. His instruments were repaired and restored at the very capable hands of John Roebuck. He was an accomplished musician and played trumpet at the age of 15 with members of the Pittsburgh Symphony. He performed at numerous nite spots from the Polo Lounge in Pompano Beach Florida to the Top of the Triangle in Pittsburgh. He played piano at the Wooden Angel in Beaver every week for 35 years. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1955 and attended Geneva College and Point Park University. He was inducted into the Beaver County Hall of Fame. He was also a six year veteran of the US Army 347th Quarter Master at Fort Dix, New Jersey where he was the company bugler.

In lieu of flowers, he would like donations to go to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001, in honor of his beloved cat, Bella, who passed away on April 19th, 2025.

Friends will be received on Sunday, November 16th, from 3-7 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester, 502 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Private interment will take place in Oak Grove Freedom Cemetery, 1101 9th Street Extension, Freedom.

Michelle M. Lester (1968-2025)

Michelle M. Lester, 57, of Harmony Township, passed away at her home on November 12th, 2025. She was born on June 22nd, 1968. She is survived by her best friend and husband of 25 years, Edward Maus, her beloved son, Logan C. Maus, and her cherished pets, Milo and Riley.

Michelle was a graduate of Ambridge Area High School. She was a proud Christian who enjoyed attending church when her health allowed. She loved going to the movies and watching game shows, especially Let’s Make a Deal. She also enjoyed visiting the park with her dogs, spending time in the sun, and, most of all, being with her family. Services are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Mark P. Rawl (1962-2025)

Mark P. Rawl, 63, of New Brighton, passed away at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh on November 10th, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Ellwood City on August 7th, 1962, a son of the late Clayborne Rawl Jr. and Edith Delores Robinson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Craig and Keith Rawl. He is survived by his sons, Antwoine Lamar Rawl and Pierce William Rawl, his daughter, Martika (Adam) Beaver, his brother, Clayborne Rawl III, his sisters, Judy Lindsey, Dawn Monteiro-Jackson and Jackie Rawl and 16 grandchildren.

Mark’s life was filled with laughter, love, and a deep passion for sports, especially his Pittsburgh Pirates and Dallas Cowboys. His enthusiasm was contagious and brought everyone around him together. He had a gift for humor. Mark could make anyone laugh, no matter the situation. His quick wit, joyful spirit, and ability to find the bright side of life made him the heart of every gathering. Beyond this, Mark was devoted to his family. He loved deeply and unconditionally, and his greatest joy was spending time with the people who meant the most to him.

A Celebration of Mark’s life will be held by his family at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mark P. Rawl, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Connie S. Woods (1953-2025)

Connie S. Woods, 72, of New Brighton, passed away at Heritage Valley Beaver on November 12th, 2025. She was born in Gassaway, West Virginia, on March 26th, 1953, the daughter of the late Garnet and Frances (Boone) Putnam. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Woods. She is survived by her daughter, Madelyn (Richard) Woods, her grandson, Darren Woods and three great-grandchildren, Kaylessa Woods, Kyrah Woods and Elias Woods.

Connie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and more who lived a life defined by love, hard work, and quiet strength. She spent many years at Traco, where her dedication and kindness earned her the friendships of those she worked alongside. When she retired, she turned her full attention to the people and things she cherished most.

Connie had a gift for making others feel cared for. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, always filled with the comforting smells of something cooking. She loved new recipes and watching cooking shows for inspiration, often adding her own special touches that made every meal uniquely hers.

Family was everything to her. She was happiest when surrounded by those she loved. Connie lived a very simple life, but one rich with meaning. She didn’t need much to be happy, just her family, a good meal, and time to enjoy the little things.

In keeping with Connie’s simple nature and in accoardance with her wishes, no services are to be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Connie S Woods, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Betty Louise Murphy (1934-2025)

Betty Louise Murphy, 91, formerly of Center Township, passed away peacefully in Martha’s Vineyard in Masschusetts on November 3rd, 2025, where she had made her home for the past six years.

She was born on October 19th, 1934, a daughter of the late Elsie R. (Engle) Patton and Phillip T. Patton Sr. of Center Township. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward T. Murphy Jr. and her siblings, Phillip Patton Jr. and Barbara Rishel. She is survived by her sons and families: Edward T. (and Roberta) Murphy III of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, John P. (and Randy Jardin) Murphy of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts and Kevin D. (and Ronni) Murphy of Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Heather (and wife Ashley) of Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts and Justin Murphy of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. She is also survived by her siblings: William R. Patton, Terry Patton, Edward Patton, and Ellen Eberhardt; as well as their families.

Betty was a proud graduate of Monaca High School with the Class of 1952 who began her career at St. Jo Lead shortly after graduation. She was also a dedicated member of the Pennsylvania State Grange and a longtime member of North Branch United Presbyterian Church in Monaca. On September 28th, 1957, Betty married the love of her life, Edward Thomas Murphy, Jr. Together they built a beautiful life and raised their three sons. The family later settled in Barrington, Rhode Island, a community Betty cherished deeply. She worked for the Town of Barrington for nearly 30 years, all while being a devoted wife, mother and friend.

After retirement, Betty returned to her family homestead in Center Township, where she enjoyed reconnecting with her roots and spending time with family. In her later years, she found joy and comfort living on Martha’s Vineyard, a place where she had long spent much of her free time and held many fond memories, surrounded by the love of her family, friends and the island’s natural beauty. “Bound for the Island” was something you would famously hear Betty quote.

Family and friends will be received at 12 noon on Friday, November 21st, at North Branch United Presbyterian Church, 139 N Branch Rd, Monaca. Graveside service to follow in Union Cemetery, 1346 Chapel Road, Monaca. Arrangements have been entrsuted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Betty’s name to your local animal shelter, a cause close to her heart.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty, please visit the floral store of Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Brian Scott McNamara (1979-2025)

Brian Scott McNamara, 46, passed away peacefully on the morning of November 11th, 2025, surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was born in Rochester on April 17th, 1979, a son of Burt and Carol McNamara. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving wife, Ingrid, his children, Greta and Oscar, his brother, James (Amy) McNamara, his twin sister, Bridgit (Jay) Inman, his aunt, Carol Tanner, his mother-in-law, Karen Bersaas, his sister-in-law, Monique Albrecht and his beloved nieces and nephews: Josh (Ashley), Hunter, Dylan, Grace, Lennon, Sienna and Valentina. He will also be deeply missed by many friends and extended family members.

Brian was a 1997 graduate of Freedom Area High School who went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002. His education led to a dedicated 20-year career with Hussey Copper, where he served as Director of IT. Brian was known for his charismatic personality and a laugh that could light up any room. On June 17th, 2013, Brian married the love of his life, Ingrid Natasha (Albrecht) McNamara, in McDonald, Pennsylvania. Together, they built a beautiful life and were blessed with two wonderful children, Greta (12) and Oscar (9). Brian cherished watching his children play soccer, golfing with his dad, and spending weekends camping with family and friends.

To honor Brian’s legacy, donations may be made at: https://giveahand.com/fundraiser/for-brians-bigmacs-cancer-treatments.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 15th, from 2–4 P.M. and again from 5 P.M. until the time of service at 7 P.M., in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Diana Lynn (Stewart) DeMasso (1957-2025)

Diana Lynn (Stewart) DeMasso, 68, of Moon Township, passed on November 12th, 2025 in Harmony at Diamond Ridge in Moon Township. She was born in McKees Rocks on February 25th, 1957, a daughter of Betty Jane (Bruno) Stewart and the late William C. Stewart. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her sister, Maureen Luzik (Brian), her nieces, Alaina MacFarlane (Patrick), Kirsten Barton (Jeremy), her nephew, Brent Luzik (Madison), her great nieces & nephews, Vivian & Carina MacFarlane, Boyd Barton and Brooks Luzik, her special friend and bonus sister, Maureen Heilmann (Bud) and their son, Nick. In addition to her father, Diana was preceded in death by her husband David DeMasso in 2007.

Diana worked at Ohio Valley Hospital for over 42 years in the Respiratory Care & Sleep Center. She had a special love for dogs and was a strong advocate for pet adoptions. She volunteered at Animal Friends for over 10 years.

Friends will be received on Friday, November 14th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Moon Township. Please meet at the funeral home on Saturday, November 15th at 10 A.M. Committal and entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 100 Resurrection Road, Coraopolis.

Memorial contributions can be made to Animal Friends, at www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org.

Shirley L. Daniels (1935-2025)

Shirley L. Daniels, 90, of Negley, Ohio passed away on November 11th, 2025 in her home. She was born on Norton, West Virginia on April 16th, 1935, a beloved daughter of the late William “Willie” and Leta (Simmons) Bodkins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Bruce N. Daniels, her youngest son, Barry S. Daniels, and daughter-in-law, Donna Daniels. She is survived by her sons: Bruce C. Daniels, Brian L. (Eunice) Daniels, Bradley H. (Paula) Daniels and Blake W. (Patricia) Daniels; as well as her brother, Leonard Bodkins and her sister, Kaye F. (Bodkins) Bell, along with 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Shirley lived a life filled with faith, kindness, and devotion. She shared 65 wonderful years of marriage with her late husband, Bruce N. Daniels, together building a legacy of love and family. She was a faithful attender of New Brighton Free Methodist church and her faith was the foundation of her life. She could often be found with her Bible open.

Shirley had a passion for her home and garden. She took great joy in tending her garden and was well known for her canning and delicious homemade meals. Her kitchen was always filled with warmth and the comforting aromas of her cooking. Above all, Shirley loved her family deeply. She cherished every moment, celebrating their accomplishments, supporting them, and always giving them the reminder of love.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, November 17th, from 3-7 P.M. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements. Services will be held on Tuesday, November 18th, at 11 A.M. at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester. Rev. Steve Forsythe will officiate. A private burial will follow.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Shirley L. Daniels, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Victor Frederick “Fred” Mannerino (1945-2025)

Victor Fredrick “Fred” Mannerino, 80, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on November 10th, 2025, when his family surrounded him. He was born on April 5th, 1945, the devoted husband of Barbara (Forsythe) Mannerino, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. He was also a son of the late Victor Joseph Mannarino and A. Jane (Brocious) Mannarino. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Vincent Mannerino, sisters, Thelma Mannerino and Anita Reese and his life friend, Jerry Cornecki. He is survived by his children: Christopher Mannerino (Jennifer), Colleen LaNeve (Brian), and Natalie Holewski (Richard). He was the proud grandfather: Nicholas Holewski (Jennifer), Brianna Jennings (Matthew), Christopher Mannerino (Leah), Tyler Mannerino (Paige), Lena Fox (Lee), Michaela Sutherland (Ian), Marissa Mannerino, Jonathan Mannerino and Andrew Scialdone. His legacy continues through 22 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Jean Hessenaur (Bob), brother Daniel Mannerino (Ginger), brother-in-law Dennis Reese, sister-in-law Helen Bartholomew and many loving nieces and nephews. Cherished friends Sherry Cornecki, Lynwood Alford, Paul Popovich and Joe Namath. Victor dedicated 43 years of his career as a tooling engineer with Westinghouse/Cutler Hammer, where his precision, dedication, and work taught work ethic to his family. Beyond his professional life, he lived with passion and purpose. He had a love for photography, which he shared with all he photographed, capturing moments at banquets, graduations, weddings, and many political events. His eye for detail and genuine connection with people made his photos more than just pictures; they were reflections of the joy and spirit of those around him. He was an avid supporter and frequent visitor of Gettysburg, a place that held deep historical and personal meaning for him. He was a proud member of the Model Railroad Society, his lifelong interest in trains led him to partner with his dear friend Paul Popovich in running the Little Beaver Creek Valley Railroad, a true labor of love that combined craftsmanship, friendship, and fun. He gave back to his community through years of coaching baseball at many levels in Beaver Falls, mentoring young athletes and fostering teamwork and sportsmanship. Together with Barbara, Fred enjoyed researching their family ancestry, uncovering stories that deepened their shared appreciation for family roots. The two loved traveling, especially to Berlin, Ohio, Myrtle Beach and Maine, creating countless memories along the way. Above all, he will be remembered for his kind heart, love of family, and generous spirit. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on through all who were blessed to know him. There will be a private family burial for Victor. Professional Services and arrangements were entrusted to CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

Dina M. Simoni (1946-2025)

Dina M. Simoni, 79, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend whose life was marked by devotion, kindness, and an unwavering faith, passed away peacefully on November 10th, 2025.
She was born in Rochester on September 12th, 1946, the daughter of the late Albert John and Beatrice (Lisi) Simoni. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Albert G. Simoni, who died 25 years ago and will certainly bring Dina immense joy, yet she always felt the absence of her brother during their senior years, wishing they could have shared those special moments together.
Dina worked as a 4th grade elementary school teacher for 35 and a half years at Conway Elementary in Freedom. She described her career as highly rewarding and enjoyed every day.
She was a member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish and St. Frances Cabrini Church in Aliquippa and she had a deep and abiding connection to her church, where she faithfully sang in the choir since 1972. Her voice was a comforting presence, and her commitment to serving others through music reflected her compassionate spirit and her devotion to her faith.
Dina, known for her gentle nature and especially loved animals like koala bears, baby elephants, cats, and dogs.
Family was at the heart of Dina’s life. She shared a loving relationship with her niece, Yvette (Garrett) Reiber, and cherished her two great nieces, Aria and Maya, always finding joy in their presence. Her role as aunt and great aunt was one she treasured deeply. She is also survived by her uncle, Emilio Lisi, her sister-in-law, Antoinette Simoni as well as many cousins.
Dina surrounded herself with several precious friends, Marie Sundy, Lisa (Bill) Hickman and their two daughters, Ava and Nina who brought love and laughter into her life. She valued these relationships greatly, holding her friends close to her heart and appreciating their support and companionship.
One of Dina’s greatest joys was traveling, especially to her favorite destination: Hawaii. She visited the islands five times; each trip filled with memorable moments and the beauty she so loved. The spirit of “Aloha” resonated with Dina, bringing her peace and happiness.
Above all, Dina wanted her family and friends to know how much she prayed for each of you and how dearly she loved you all. Her legacy is one of devotion, love, and faith: a gift to everyone whose life she touched.
A visitation will be on Monday, November 17th from 5-7 p.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where departing prayers will begin at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18th, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at Saint Frances Cabrini Church, 115 Trinity Drive, Aliquippa. Dina will be laid to rest with her family at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 2186 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dina M. Simoni please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.