Geraldine “Gerri” Hartman, 91, of Beaver, passed away on October 24th, 2024 at her home with her daughter by her side.
She was born in Pittsburgh on February 3, 1933, the daughter of the late Frank and Ruth Hollein. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Matthew Hartman and her brothers Frank Hollein and Fred Hollein. She is survived by her sons, Matthew “Jim” (Anne) Hartman of Beaver, Dave (Cyndy) Hartman of Economy Borough, and John Hartman of Youngwood, her daughters, Melissa Hartman of Beaver, and Laura (Max) Hartman of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; grandchildren: Cory (Renee) Hartman, Troy (Leah) Hartman, Rachael Hartman, Rebecca Hartman, and Jack Hartman and great-grandchildren, Eli, Ty, Morgan, Claire, and Cooper. Geraldine had a great love for her animals, enjoyed traveling with the Baden Circle of Friends, but most importantly, loved traveling with her husband, and spending time with her family.
Friends will be received on Wednesday, October 30 from 10 a.m. until the time of Blessing Service at 12 noon in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Interment for Geraldine and her husband will follow in Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Geraldine’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Marian “Mitzi” Harasin, 92, of Ambridge, passed away at home on October 27, 2024. She was born on September 4th, 1932, the daughter of the late Dan and Amelia Azich.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Harasin, her stepmother, Martha Azich, her siblings, Catherine, Janet, and Chuck Azich, her sister and brother-in-law, Amelia “Babe” and Donald Knezevich and her special aunts, Mildred (Nick) Arbutina and Mary (Roddy) Tepsic.

She is survived by her brother, Danny (Karen) Azich, her nieces and nephews: Melissa (Dave) Deiter, Greg (Mimi) Azich, Christine Knezevich, and Jim (Susie) Knezevich; great-nieces and nephews: Adam (Brittany) Deiter, Rachel (Drew) Logan, Nicole (John) Celich, and Bradley Azich; her special nephew, Glen Shumsky, dear friends Tina and John Sherrock and family, as well as numerous great-great-nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marian actively volunteered at various church events, including making pierogis. She was a lifelong member of Good Samaritan Catholic Church of Ambridge. She was also a passionate Steelers fan who cheered loudly at the television during games.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing starting at 9:30 A.M. on Thursday, October 31 at Good Samaritan Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 A.M., with interment at Economy Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Rita L. Napoli, 100, passed away on October 20, 2024. She was born in Monaca on August 23, 1924. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph. She is survived by her children, Maria (Mike) Altrudo of Saint Louis, Missouri, Joe (Sandy) Napoli of Phoenix, Arizona and Jim (Karen) Napoli of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania along with her seven grandchildren; Michael, Christina, Laura, Jonathan, Rachel, Tim and Becca. She had fourteen great grandchildren.

Rita attended high school at nearby Mount Gallitzin Academy and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Duquesne University in 1946. She married her wartime pen-pal on June 6, 1947 and they lived in Western Pennsylvania for most of their married life. A life-long educator, Rita taught early elementary grades and kindergarten for many years in several schools and retired from the Brooks Elementary School of the Moon Area School District as a second-grade teacher in 1996. Her favorite grade was kindergarten.

This lovely lady had a beautiful life and touched many people along the way. She embraced the role of hostess, serving countless fabulous home cooked meals to all. Her faith has been a constant; we have all benefited from a novena or two. A century filled with cherished memories and love that spans generations.

The Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, November 2nd at 10 a.m. at St. Ambrose Church, 5130 Wilson Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 9:45 a.m. Right of Committal will be at 11 a.m. on November 7th at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery of Aliquippa.

Memorial donations may be made to Pastoral Care to the Elderly at Saint Ambrose Church, 5130 Wilson Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110.

Robert “Terry” May, 77, of Chippewa Township, passed away on October 23, 2024.

He was born on May 21, 1947, in Beaver Falls, the son of the late Orin and Paula (Dennes) May. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dennis May. He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca (Ken Hemer) May, son, Chris (Angie) Smith, grandchildren, Brittany Ziegler and Damian Smith, brothers, Kevin (Barbara) May, Patrick (Donna) May, and Leroy May, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Robert had worked for Conrail for the majority of his professional career and was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps.  He was a long-standing board member and volunteer for the Beaver County Genealogy & History Center. He was also a member of the Pennsylvania Civil War Roundtable, Civil War Trust, New Brighton American Legion Post 19, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, October 30^th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 31^st at 11 A.M. in the funeral home chapel.

Interment with military honors will follow in Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Toys for Tots or the beaver County Humane Society.

Charles “Ken” Knouse, 90, of Moon Township, passed away on October 26, 2024 at Good Samaritan Hospice House of Wexford.

He was born in Ambridge on January 29, 1934, a son of the late George and Verna Viola Knouse. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Knouse, three brothers, George, James, & Larry Knouse, and a sister Arlene Bishop. He is survived by his two sons, Bob Knouse and Don (Patty) Knouse, three granddaughters, Amber (Brent) Wittenauer, Amy (Shane) Humberston, Allison (Jim) Adinolfi, four great-grandchildren, Audrey & Melody Wittenauer, Cora & June Humberston, sister Betty Ann Todd, brother Robert (Carol) Knouse, sister-in-law Sue Knouse and numerous nieces, nephews, & cousins. He was a member of the Baden American Legion and I.O.O.F. Clover Lodge of Ambridge. He also loved telling people stories about his life and enjoyed spending as much time as he could with his loving family.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, October 30th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where a blessing service will be held on Thursday, October 31st at 9:30 A.M. with Rector Clint Kerley and Assistant Rector Collin Reed officiating. Interment will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to the St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, 405 Frederick Avenue, Sewickley, PA 15143.

Sally Blaney, 83, of Leetsdale, passed away on October 24, 2024. She was born on February 11, 1941, a daughter of the late Ralph and Eleanor (Lehner) Blaney. She is survived by her sister, Sue (Raymond) Geffel, niece, Eleanor “Kate” (James) Meny, nephew, Matthew (Dr. Krissy Moehling) Geffel, a great-niece, Natalie Geffel and 2 great-nephews, Noah and Ethan Geffel. Sally was originally from Kittaning. Her working years were spent watching children, and her great loves were animals, especially dogs.

A funeral service and interment are being planned for a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Sally’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society – 3394 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge.

Dianne Patricia Riggi, 82, of Jackson Township, passed away on October 26, 2024 in Good Samaritan Hospice House.

She was born on March 13, 1942, in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Frank and Freda Weaber Markey.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Gino P. Riggi and 3 sisters, Doris, Ginny, and Linda. She is survived by her daughter Michelle Riggi (Matthew) Smith, 7 grandchildren: Jason (Jessica) Smith, Andrea (Andrew) Anderson, Crystal Miller, Nicole Mason, Gino “Scooby” (Laura-Jean) Riggi, Morgan Nicholas, & Marissa DeCanio; 13 great grandchildren: Madeline, Jaiden, Jorden, Jaylynn, Abram, Allie Rae, Luca, Roman, Angelo, Ivy, Maddie, Mila, and Devlin; 4 sisters, Coletta, Susie, Skipper, and Dolly, daughter-in-law Tracey Czopek and numerous nieces and nephews. Dianne was a member of Good Samaritan Catholic Church of Ambridge, the Order of the Eastern Star, and she loved reading and spending time with her loving family.

Friends will be received on Monday, October 28th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, where a prayer service will be offered on Tuesday, October 29th at 10 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 A.M. at Good Samaritan Catholic Church of Ambridge.

Interment will follow in Christ Our Redeemer Cemetery.

Genevieve Mae Taormina, 95, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2024 at her Monaca home surrounded by her loving family.

Genevieve, who went by Gen, was the youngest child of the late Joseph N. and Bertha (Craven) Woods of Beaver Falls. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Phillip L. Taormina, her son, Randy P. Taormina, and her four older brothers. She is survived by her children: Terry (Margaret) Taormina, Rhonda (Jim) Kirkwood, and Tarla (Sam) Strohm, her daughter-in-law, Terri, her husband, Rob Postupac, her nine grandchildren: Marcus (Roxann) Taormina, Randy (Alisha) Taormina, Tara (Justin)Bickerstaff, Christie (Justin) LaPearle, Andrew, Matthew and Laura Kirkwood, and Loghan and Averie Strohm; one step-grandchild, Angela Manigault; and her 12 great-grandchildren: Aiden, Taylam and A’Ella Taormina, Gino and Lorenzo Taormina, Lexie, Connor, Zach, Addy and Emme Bickerstaff, and Alex and Tyler LaPearle. She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. ​

All who knew her were amazed by her quiet strength, determination, and independent spirit, especially following the deaths of her husband and son in back-to-back years. Just a few years later, she miraculously survived a bout with both pneumonia and meningitis, but after her recovery, Gen continued to live alone, by her choice, at her home until her passing. Much can be attributed to her deep faith. She never missed Mass, even faithfully watching every Sunday on TV after her age made it difficult for her to attend in person.

Genevieve also had a great sense of humor and quick wit. She often attributed her longevity to her husband Phillip. She loved to dance and was quite good. Her childhood dream was to be a Radio City Music Hall Rockette, and she bragged that she had the legs for it. Her favorite pastime was shopping, and she could often be found browsingthe aisles with her children in tow. Even after she could no longer get around much herself, she always knew exactly what she wanted to buy and where to find it. However, her greatest virtue was her unconditional love for her family and friends.She always made it a point to stay in touch with her extended family, friends, and neighbors either in person, by phone or through the mail, and she continued to meet regularly with her Beaver Falls High School girlfriends well into her 90s. But her true passion was her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. As her health rapidly diminished in her final days, she fought to survive long enough to see as many of them as possible, and her primary concern was not for herself, but that everyone would get their birthday and anniversary cards on time, and the younger ones would receive their cards and money for Halloween, a tradition that she carried on for numerous holidays.

She also never said “goodbye” at the end of her phone calls. Instead, she said, “Love you!”

Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.

The family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired, in Genevieve’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

William C. Hughes, 82, formerly of Clinton, Pennsylvania passed away on October 25, 2024, at Cardinal Woods Skilled Nursing of Madison, Ohio.

He was born in Aliquippa on March 3, 1942, the son of the late Thomas and Laura (May) Hughes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Hughes, a daughter, Tammy Hughes and his brothers, Thomas Hughes, Carol (Herman) Thomas, and Dewayne Hughes.

He is survived by his children, Brian (Tammy) Hughes and Janet (Paul) Searight, grandchildren: Tyler Hughes, Tyler (Amy) Puharic, Joshua (Aydan) Stillwagon, Kaylee (Damien) VanKirk, Tanner Hughes, Jonathan Stillwagon, and Justin Stillwagon; great-grandchildren, Enzo, Rosee, Halo, Soul, and baby Puharic on the way, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

William had retired from LTV Steel where he had been a foreman for many years.  He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and a member of the Masonic Woodlawn Lodge.

In accordance with his wishes, William will be cremated and a memorial service will be planned in the near future.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls was honored to assist William’s family during this time.

Joel “Craig” Lonkert, 74, of Midland, passed away on October 21, 2024 after an extended illness.
He was born in New Brighton on November 17, 1949, the son of the late Walter and Margaret “Jean” Lonkert. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kathy, his sons, Erik Lonkert of Moon Township, William “Mickey” (Melissa) Lonkert of Moon Township, Eric (Brandy) Seevers of Chester, West Virginia and Jason (Rachael) Seevers of Chester, West Virginia, one brother, Jeff Lonkert of Arizona, three sisters, Laurene Lonkert of Georgia, Barbara (Bob) Volinic of North Carolina and Brenda Charbonneau of North Carolina, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Joel enjoyed spending time caring for his property and assembling R.C. Helicopters.
According to Joel’s wishes, no public services are being held at this time.
Professional Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.