Category: Obituaries

Patricia “Patsy Ann” Cafaro (1947-2026)

Patricia “Patsy Ann” Cafaro, 79, of Moon Township, passed away on September 28th, 2026.

She was born in Monaca on January 31st, 1947, a daughter of the late Michael Danylo and Susan (DiSalle) Danylo.

Patricia attended St. John the Baptist school and church as a child. She lived for the yearly Monaca/Rochester game where the winner claimed the naming rights to their bridge. She met her future husband, James, while working at Koppers. They’d meet underneath the Kaufmann’s clock after work. She went on to get her degrees from Robert Morris University in Marketing/Business Mgt. She retired from Bayer after 38 years. She loved sewing, quilting, needlepoint and crafts. She was the baker of the family. She was proud of her Italian/Ukrainian heritage and was obsessed with genealogy-Researching her family’s immigration to America. She loved singing in the choir of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Coraopolis and burning a hole into any dance floor that would accept the challenge.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Alisa Cafaro (Mark Hampton), her brother, David Danylo (Marilyn) and her sister, Cindy Danylo Mitchell (Jim).

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Michael Danylo (Bert) and James Danylo, three Godchildren: Mychael Danylo, Tara Boyts Matuszewski and Sara Jane Mitchell, her in-laws, Darletta Helms (Roger), Joseph Cafaro (Mindy), Elizabeth Boyts (John) and Mary Ann Sabo (Jim). She was a bonus mom to Jill Ali and Stephanie Merchant Chancy, a beloved friend to Don and Nancy Hampton. She adored all of her nieces and nephews.

Friends and family will be received on Wednesday, October 7th from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M. in The Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Township, 1522 Coraopolis Heights Road, Coraopolis, who was in charge of her arrangements. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 8th at 10 am in St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 1 Parish Place, Coraopolis. Committal will follow at The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The Kitty Co. Cat Rescue & Lounge in her honor. 548 Baldwin St., Bridgeville, PA 15017. Or Venmo, Zelle, PayPal and CashApp@ Kittcocatrescue.

Joseph W. Palakovich, Sr. (1930-2026)

Joseph W. Palakovich Sr., 96, of East Rochester, passed away on October 2nd, 2026 in his home. He was born in Aliquippa on April 19th, 1930, the son of the late Joseph and Mary Palakovich.

He was a United States Air Force Veteran who serves during the Korean War. He owned and operated Joseph’s Jewelers for many years and was a retired mill worker. There wasn’t anything that he couldn’t do. He was a watch maker, gunsmith, woodworker, and all-around handy man. He loved to go shooting, he was a charter member of the Beaver Valley Rifle and Pistol Club. He also enjoyed flying model airplanes with the Beaver County Model Airplane Club. He was longtime member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. Above everything else, he loved his family and spending time with them.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Palakovich.

He is survived by his four children: Yvonne (Robert England) Berg, Joseph (Tressa) Palakovich, David (Leslie) Palakovich and Mark (Kristie) Palakovich, ten grandchildren: Jamie (Brian) Tomlin, Raymond Berg, Andrew (Kelsey) Berg, Kayle (Ryan) Doele; DJ Palakovich, Cameron Palakovich, Marcella (Chris) Murphy, Ethan Palakovich, Mary Morgan Palakovich, and Simone Wallace; as well as ten great grandchildren: Leena, William “Jr.,” Hunter, Autumn, Nolan, Hank, Bruce, Everleigh, Blakely and Harlow; as well as his sister: Evelyn Reda, three nephews, Frank (Mary Jo), Ron, and Randy (Chris) Reda.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, October 7th from 3-7 p.m. in the Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held (tentatively) on Thursday, October 8th at 10 a.m. in St. Cecilia Church, 632 Virginia Avenue, Rochester.

Interment will follow in St. Cecilia Church Cemetery, 632 Virginia Avenue, Rochester.

Christopher Louis Thumm (1983-2026)

Christopher Louis Thumm, 43, of Beaver Falls, passed away at his home on October 1st, 2026.

He was born in Brighton Township on August 4th, 1983, a son of Patricia (Danneker) Thumm and Dennis Thumm.

Christopher was a 2001 graduate of Beaver Falls High School, where he excelled in sports, especially baseball.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, DJ (Melissa) Thumm, a niece, Brynlee, a nephew, Mason and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him dearly.

There are no services at this time for Christopher.

The GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 340 Third Street, Beaver was honored to care for Christopher and his family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory of Christopher, please visit the flower store of the Gabauer Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Hayley Gill Mangerie (1982-2026)

Hayley Gill Mangerie, 44, of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully on September 30th 2026, surrounded by the people who loved her most after a courageous four-year battle with glioblastoma.

She was born on May 24th, 1982, at UPMC Jameson Hospital in New Castle and spent her life being so many things to so many people. She was a devoted mother, wife, daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend. Above all else, she loved her family deeply and was someone whose presence could never be replaced.

Hayley graduated from Geneva College in 2008 with a degree in accounting. She worked as Payroll Administrator at Littell Steel and was known for being strong, honest, caring, and genuine. She had a way of making the people closest to her feel loved and was always true to herself, carrying an honesty and sincerity that those who knew her came to love.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Mangerie, her daughter, Alivia Rabick, her parents, Gary and Terry Gill, her sisters, Courtney Marsilio and her husband, Matt, and Kylee Davis and her husband, Chris, her stepchildren, Anna Mangerie and Ricky Mangerie and her nieces, Sophia Kline, Lilly Taylor, and Oaklynn Davis and her sisters-in-law: Karen (Dave) Zito, Kathy (Robert) Hamilton, Kristine VanKirk, and Leslie (David) Saliba.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Richard and Colleen Musguire, and her paternal grandparents, Robert and Lila Gill. She also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who loved her deeply and will carry her memory with them.

For four years, Hayley faced glioblastoma with an incredible amount of strength and resilience. While cancer became part of her story, it never defined who she was. She will be remembered for the way she loved, her loyalty to family and friends, her honesty, personality, and the countless memories she leaves behind.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, October 6th from 2–4 P.M. and 6–8 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements.

A funeral service will also be held in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, October 7th at 11 A.M. Friends will be received one hour prior to services at 10 A.M.

Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2152 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls,.

A special thank you goes out to her devoted friend, Kathy Dilonardo, who accompanied Hayley through her journey, Dr. Jan Drapatz, MD, the entire team at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Katrina Bosco and the Gateway Hospice staff for all the care, compassion, and support they provided to Hayley throughout her journey, as well as Vicki Javens and Katie Krupa for their compassion and assistance. Her family is incredibly grateful for the kindness, dedication, and guidance shown to her and to all of us during such a difficult time.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Gabauer Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Antoinette “Toni” C. Maga (1933-2026)

Antoinette “Toni” C. Maga, 92, of Darlington, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by the love of her family on September 29th, 2026.

She was born in Rochester on November 5th, 1933, the daughter of the late Andrew and Annabelle (Koehler) Fusco.

Antoinette attended St. Monica Church in Beaver Falls. Throughout her life, she was happiest when she was alongside her beloved husband, Alfred. The two were truly partners in all they did, whether working together at Alfred’s Radiator and Air Conditioning Shop, tending to things around the farm, or simply sharing the everyday moments of life together. She also enjoyed taking trips to Rivers Casino and trying her luck. Anyone who knew her knew that a scratch-off ticket was always a sure way to bring a smile to her face. Above all, she treasured her family and the time she was able to spend with those she loved.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alfred J. Maga and her brothers, Patrick (Betty) Fusco and Bill (Alice) Fusco.

She is survived by her children, Vanessa Maga and Victor (Linda) Maga, her grandson, Michael Maga, her great-granddaughter, Maddie and many dear friends whose lives she touched throughout her 92 years.

Friends will be received on Saturday, October 3rd, from 1 P.M. until the time of a Blessing Service at 3 P.M. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of her arrangements, with Father Kim J. Shreck as celebrant.

Interment will take place at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA-68, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Antoinette’s name to the Darlington Fire Department, 3590 Darlington Road, Darlington, PA 16115.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to nurses Becky and Sammy of Good Samaritan Hospice for the wonderful care, kindness, and compassion they provided to Antoinette during this time.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory of Antoinette, please visit the flower store of the Gabauer Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Bernard A. Gordon, Jr. (1942-2026)

Bernard A. Gordon Jr., 84, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones on September 28th, 2026.

He was born in Pittsburgh on May 15th, 1942, the son of the late Bernard A. and Eleanor (Schade) Gordon.

He was an attendee of Greentree High School and upon graduation, enlisted with the United States Navy and served six years aboard the U. S. S. McNair. Upon honorable discharge, he settled in Mt. Lebanon with Joyce. Upon her death, he and Susan met, married and moved to Beaver County and remained there until his death.

Bernard enjoyed the simple pleasures in life and often after completing a weekend full of tasks, would be found snacking on peanuts and cheese while watching the highlighted golf match or sport team du jour. He found great happiness in the people he dearly loved and treasured time spent with them. Additionally, he enjoyed exploring the outdoors, playing golf, traveling, watching his grandson play baseball and tinkering with his model trains-a love since childhood.

As a child of God, Bernard worshiped in Carnegie as a child, at Sunset Hills United Presbyterian Church in Mt. Lebanon and most recently Redeemer Trinity Lutheran Church in Monaca.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 26 years, Susan (Brewer) Gordon, his daughter, Lori Gordon, his son-in-law, Scott Stooksberry, his grandson, Wilson, his stepdaughter, Amie (Rob) Anke and his beloved dogs, Annie and Mia.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce (Jamison) Gordon.

Friends will be received on Monday, October 5th, from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. in the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Interment will take place at Robinson Run Cemetery, 504 Sunset Lane, McDonald, Pennsylvania.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bernard’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society online at https://beavercountyhumanesociety.org/online-donation/ or by mailing to: Beaver County Humane Society ATTN: Development Office, 3394 Brodhead Road, Center Township, PA 15001, Redeemer Trinity Lutheran Church, American Lung Association, or charity of choice.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory of Bernard, please visit the flower store of the Gabauer Family Funeral Homes and Creamtion Services by clicking here.

Consider a donation, as requested by the family.

Robert E. “Bob” Charski (1953-2026)

Robert E. “Bob” Charski, 73, of Chippewa Township, passed away on September 30th, 2026 at AHN Beaver.

He was born in Beaver Falls on February 18th, 1953, a son of the late Edward and Alice (Landsbach) Charski.

Robert was a devoted sexton at St. Monica Church in Beaver Falls, where he faithfully served his church community for many years. He had a lifelong love of music and especially enjoyed playing the guitar. Music brought him great joy and was a special part of who he was.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Carrie L. (Lansberry) Charski, his children, Amy (Jeremy) Meade, David Charski, and Julia (Anthony) Hupp, his grandchildren: Nikolas, Abbigail, Madelyn, Hailey, Hunter, and Adalynn; as well as his sister, Donna (Michael) DiToro, along with numerous extended family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William Yovanovic.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, October 7th from 3-7 P.M. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

A mass of Christian burial will take place on Thursday, October 8th, at 10 A.M. in St. Monica Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.

Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2152 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls,

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory of Robert, please visit the flower store of the Gabauer Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Linda Marie McKenzie (1967-2026)

Linda Marie McKenzie, 58, of Economy, passed away peacefully on September 30th, 2026. She was born on October 5th, 1967, the beloved daughter of the late Bryon “Junior” and Kathy Johnston.

She is survived by her loving husband, John McKenzie, her three sons, Cody McKenzie, Jesse (Kayla) McKenzie, and Kory (Abee) McKenzie, her cherished granddaughter, Remi McKenzie and numerous friends and extended family members who will miss her dearly.

Linda was a graduate of Ambridge High School with its Class of 1986. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at several nursing facilities throughout her career, where she cared for others with compassion and dedication. She enjoyed taking motorcycle rides with her husband and spending time camping at Marionville. For approximately 25 years, she proudly served as a coordinator for Toys for Tots, giving her time to help bring joy to children and families during the holiday season. She had a special love for dolphins and Bengal tigers, but above all, Linda treasured the time she spent with her granddaughter and her beloved dogs. She will be remembered for the love she had for her family, her generous spirit, and the many lives she touched throughout the years.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 7th, from 3 P.M. until the time of a funeral service at 7 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Paul Leon Barker, Jr. (1961-2026)

Paul Leon Barker Jr., 64, of Koppel, passed away peacefully at home on September 25th, 2026, surrounded by the comfort of home and the love of his family.

He was born in Fairmont, West Virginia on October 29th, 1961, a son of Margaret Jean Hall and the late Paul Barker Sr.

Paul spent the latter part of his career as a dedicated engineering technician for Niagara Bottling, where he took pride in his work and in the people he worked alongside. His coworkers became like family to him, and everyone called him Uncle Paul.

Outside of work, he enjoyed the simple things in life. He had a witty sense of humor that could always bring a smile to those around him. He enjoyed playing pool and golf with friends and loved visiting the casinos.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Minnela, his daughter, Kayla, his grandson, Jack, his grandchildren, Ares, Mark, and Isabella, his sister, Paula, his nephew, John-Paul, his nephew, Bobby,and his great-nephews, Bryan and Bradley. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will be carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bob Barker.

There are no services at this time for Paul.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

William H. (Bill) Engelleitner (1931-2026)

William H. (Bill) Engelleitner, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong learner, passed away on September 29th, 2026, at the age of 95.

He was born in Gross-Gerau, in the German state of Hesse on February 16th, 1931.

He lived a remarkable life shaped by curiosity, discovery, music, family, and a passion for learning.

As a young man growing up in Germany during the difficult years surrounding World War I, his curiosity about the world beyond Germany grew through his experiences helping translate for American Gls. Those encounters introduced him to American culture and sparked a lifelong fascination with America, its people, and its music. In particular, he developed a deep love of American jazz—a passion that would remain with him throughout his life.

He studied Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University at Darmstadt and later studied Business Management at Penn State University. His education opened the door to opportunities in the United States, and in the mid-1950s he immigrated to America, beginning a professional and personal journey that would span decades.

He became a pioneer in agglomeration, specializing in pelletizing and the processing of fine materials (size enlargement by agglomeration). Over a distinguished career with Dravo, Ferro-Tech, Mars Mineral, and Teledyne Readco, he developed patented technologies and became a respected authority in his field. He later shared his expertise internationally as an educator, consultant (AME Pittsburgh), author, and professional leader, serving on industry boards and teaching engineers from around the world.

He was also an avid collector. His love of jazz led him to collect the autographs of prominent musicians on whatever was available-from newspaper clippings and hotel stationery to club cards, envelopes, and cocktail napkins. His collection eventually grew to nearly 200 musicians and was later preserved at the Jazzinstitut Darmstadt.

He and his beloved wife, Marilyn, loved to travel the world together, experiencing different cultures, places, foods, music, and people. Their life together was filled with adventure and discovery. Marilyn preceded him in death in 2003.

For his family, his greatest legacy was the life he shared with them. He was an exceptional grandfather to Chad, Casie, and Robert Jr., sharing with them his love of languages, music, movies, games, food, and learning. He was especially known for his love of cooking and his traditional Christmas Eve soup. Each year, he created a different soup, kept the recipe secret, and never repeated one. He kept his recipes for decades, turning the annual surprise into a cherished family tradition.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, Heinrich and Susana (Daum) Engelleitner, his brother, Walter, his children, Norman, Rebecca “Becky,” and Robert Sr., his daughter, Wanda and husband, David Grove, his grandchildren, Chad, Casie, and Robert Jr. and members of his extended family in Germany, including his cousin, Brigitte, her husband, Wolfgang Junk, and their son, Dennis, and his family, maintaining the family’s connection to Gross-Gerau.

William H. “Bill” Engelleitner leaves behind a legacy of knowledge, curiosity, music, family, and discovery. His work advanced the field of agglomeration technology, his teaching shared that knowledge with professionals around the world, and his love of jazz became part of a collection preserved at the Jazzinstitut Darmstadt.

He will be remembered above all by his family for the life he shared with them-the stories, the music, the meals, the travels, the traditions, and the countless ways he made learning and discovering the world an adventure.

A memorial service honoring his memory will be held on Saturday, October 17th at 1 p.m. at the Church of the Redeemed of Beaver Valley, 4301 Dutch Ridge Road, Beaver (St. Barnabas Building).

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

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.