Joseph R. Barna, 92, of Hopewell Township passed away on September 11, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospice, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on February 14, 1932, a son of the late Michael J. and Mary (Srafin) Barna.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Richard Barna, a brother, Michael (Natalie) Barna, Jr. and two sisters, Barbara Ann Barna and Veronica Barna. He is also preceded in death by two brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law, Henry Klak, Edward (Shirley) Klak, Sophie Andreatta and Dorothy DiNinno.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joann Barna, his three children David (Deborah) Barna, Diane (Tom) Canning, and Jon (Becky) Barna, three grandchildren who he loved dearly, Michael, Alex, and Megan, one brother and two sisters-in-law, Robert (Rita) Barna and Flo Jula and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joseph was a member of Mary Queen of Saints Parish, St. Titus Catholic Church and actively contributed to his community as a member of the Lions Club. His dedication extended to volunteering for Meals on Wheels, where he left an impact on many lives. A proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Joseph’s legacy of service and love for his family will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Good Samaritan Hospice, 146 Neely School Road, Wexford, PA 15090.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 21, in St. Titus Church at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements were entrusted to ANTHONY MASTROFRANCESCO FUNERAL HOME INC., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Nicholas Anthony Fazio, 84, passed away on September 10, 2024. He was born on April 2, 1940, in Toro, Italy, to the late Francis and Josephine Fazio.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Rico, brother-in-law Earl (Bud) Hill, Marge Reynolds, and lifelong friend Jackie Todora.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marion Fazio, son Nicholas Fazio I, and daughter Dawn Fazio.
Nicholas married Marion on August 22, 1964, in Culver City, California. He was trained as a tailor in his hometown by his uncle (Lou Francalancia), and worked his entire career as a tailor, he owned and ran a successful tailor shop in the town of Beaver for 20 years. His business mantra was “A stitch above the rest!” He, his mother, and his brother migrated from his birthplace in Italy to the town of West Aliquippa and graduated from Aliquippa High School, and worked for several premiere clothing retailers including Sak’s 5th Avenue.
He will be sadly missed by his family, many relatives, and cherished friends. In a celebration of his life, the family will have a public viewing at Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. on Friday, September 13th, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Everyone is asked to meet at church for a Mass of Christian burial on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Saint Frances Cabrini Church. A private interment will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Ruth Marie Shull, 85, of Freedom, passed away on September 11, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at Heritage Valley Beaver.

She was born on August 16, 1939, in Freedom, the daughter of the late Henry and Helen (Metzger) Adair. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death her loving husband of more than 50 years, Howard “Hank” Shull, who she loved and missed very much, and her sisters, Virginia (Jack) Reed, Dorothy (James) Nichol, and Mildred (Charles) McCann. She is survived by her children, David (Karla) Shull, Amy (Thomas Kovalesky) Shull, and Jennifer (Patrick Brown) Shull, granddaughter, Megan (Brandon) Adams, and special nephew, Robert (Christina) McCann.

Ruth was raised Lutheran.  She lived on a farm that she loved, where she gardened, enjoyed wildlife, especially Hummingbirds.  She liked to cook and host holidays, sitting on the porch, playing Scrabble and Pinochle, and loved spending time with her grandchild, Megan.

Friends will be welcomed on Friday, September 13, from noon until the time of service at 2 p.m., in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 3rd Avenue, New Brighton, with Pastor Gregory Clagg officiating.

Interment will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery of Freedom.

Martha Jane Pietsch, 91, passed away at Beaver Meadows on September 11, 2024.

She was born in New Brighton on September 9th, 1933, to the late Harold W. Figley and Martha Brown Figley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gary Pietsch; sister, Elaine Zinkham; and two brothers, William Figley and Harold “Bud” Figley. She is survived by her nieces, nephews, sister-in-law, Gretchen Stoughton, and her husband Pete and her special friend and care giver, Susan Hoover.

She was a lifelong member of Steffin Hill United Presbyterian Church. She graduated from Beaver Falls High School and retired from Westinghouse in Beaver. She married Gary “Peachy” Pietsch after he returned from Korea, having served his country. Martha loved to play games, especially cards! Martha and Gary were the best aunt and uncle who were always caring, loving, generous, and fun.

Friends will be received Friday September 13 from 10 A.M. until the time of service at 12 P.M. in the CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. Pastor James Salyers will officiate.

Interment will be private at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank the staff and hospice care of Beaver Meadows for their excellent care.

Memorial contributions may be made in Martha’s name to “Beaver Meadows Free Care Fund”, 5130 Tuscarawas Road, Beaver, PA 15009

Charles Wilbert Noah, 78, of Monaca, passed away September 10, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on October 14, 1945 in Rochester, a son of the late Wilbert and Sarah Noah. In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, John and Ella Cable; sisters, Ruth Berovich, Mary Luzell, Shirley Palombo and Jean Kovalesky; brother-in-law, James Wedgewood.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Mariella Cable Noah, daughters, Dawn Terrill of Midland, Sue (Doug) Dishler of Industry, son, Charles (Jolene Solomon) Noah Jr. of McDonald, sister, Joan Noah of Beaver, sisters-in-law, Leslie Wedgewood of Chester, West Virginia, Jai-Ellen (Duane) St. George of Midland, Shelley Cable of Stubenville, Ohio, brother-in-law, John Cable of Coraopolis, grandchildren, Sarah (Colin) Berkley of Stafford, Virginia, Kenneth (Chelsea) Elkins of Negley, Ohio, Noah (Taylor) Elkins of Industry, Matthew McDole III of Industry, Caitlyn (Robert) Pike of Industry, and Annilyn (Justin Reed) Noah of West Virginia; great-grandchildren, Jordan Leigh, Chase Pike, Gracelyn Pike, Kenneth Elkins, Wyatt Elkins, Savannah Webber, Paul Webber, Aubrianna Martin, Addalyn Martin and Wade Specht.

Charles was a veteran of the US Army, where he was a paratrooper. He also was a heavy equipment operator for T.L. Lawrence in Eastvale and a member of the Midland American Legion.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 22, from 2-6 P.M. at the Midland American Legion. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 600 Beaver Ave., Midland. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Charles name to Amedisys Hospice or the veterans.

The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice for their support.

Sabrina White, 65, of Ambridge, passed away on September 6, 2024. She was born on November 27, 1959, the daughter of the late Gene and Esther Wills. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy White Sr., and her sister, Mary Wills-Taylor.

She is survived by her three children, Garland D. White, Leroy White Jr., and Samirra White, as well as her siblings, Gene Wills Jr. and Garland Wills, her cherished grandchildren: Theodore, Aliziah, Alayna, Lindin, Elijah, Gavin, Bella, Valon, Muhammed, Destiny, and King, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Sabrina was known to her family as an undisputed protector, provider, and grandmother. She was deeply committed to her church, The Lord of the Harvest, and was beloved for her vibrant, social personality that brightened everyone’s day. Her favorite colors were black and silver, and she was a loving and caring mother, sister, and grandmother.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Monday, September 16, from 1:00 PM until the time of funeral service at 3:00 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC., located at 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Donna M. Sofranko, 74, passed away on September 10, 2024 after an extended illness.

She was born on June 3, 1950, the daughter of the late Andrew and Helen Harasin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert. She is survived by her loving husband, Tom, to whom she was married for 51 years. She is also survived by her two daughters, Dori (Dan) and Colleen (Jon), and three grandchildren who loved “Grammy” very much, Zachary, Levi, and Aurora. Donna was a graduate of Edinboro University and was a special education teacher for many years at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit.  She loved to shop, swim, and travel.  She was a terrific wife, mother, and grandmother.

All services will be private.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Donna and her family during this time.

James “Jim” Higgins, 91, of Beaver Falls, passed away on September 7, 2024.

He was born in Indianola, Pennsylvania on May 23, 1933, to George and Blanche Higgins. He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years Jean. He is survived by his children Terri Kedzierski of Indianola, Scott Higgins of Peters Township, Jean’s daughter, Frances Lagana of Worcester, Massachusetts, grandchildren Jeffrey (Jodi) Kedzierski, Eve Kedzierski, Cole Kedzierski, Samantha (Liam) Halferty, Alexander Higgins, Mathew Higgins and great grandsons Owen and Niall.

He grew up in a loving family with his brother Bob. He graduated from Oakmont High School in 1951. A life-long educator, he earned his teaching degree from Slippery Rock College and his doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. He began his teaching career at his Alma mater, Oakmont High School, where he also coached football and basketball. He continued his career in education in the North Hills School district where he served as superintendent until his retirement.

An avid sports fan, he was a Pirate season ticket holder for many years and never missed a Steelers game. He and his wife Jean shared a love of traveling and made many trips together to beautiful places around the world. When not traveling they enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their home in Beaver Falls. His kind and loving spirit will be missed by all the many lives he touched.

Friends and family will be received on Monday, September 23rd, from 2-4 and 6-8 at Oakmont Presbyterian Church, 415 Pennsylvania Avenue, (Fifth Street entrance) Oakmont. A celebration of life service will be followed by a luncheon at the church, on September 24th at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Salvation Army or Doctors Without Borders.

Robert M. Burak, 90, passed away on September 9, 2024 surrounded by his loving children. He was born on December 10, 1933, a son of the late Mitchell and Anna Burak. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Margaret “Peggy” (Acheson) Burak. He was the cherished father of Robert M. (Barbara) Burak, Jr., Pamela A. (Robert) Rosati and Catherine Burak (Ronda). He is survived by his twin brother Edward (Shirley) Burak and brother James (Shirley) Burak. He was the grandfather of Roberta (Jason) Knox, Bradley Rosati, Jonathan R. Burak and Allyson K. (Cameron) Duff, the great-grandfather of Hayden Rosati, Izabelle Knox, Benjamin Rosati. He is survived by twins Olivia and Madelynn Knox, Cash Duff and Cruz Duff and many loving nieces and nephews. Robert was a proud U.S. Army veteran earning the rank of Corporal and playing for the Fort Bragg, North Carolina Army football team. He worked as a steel worker/foreman for Jones and Laughlin/LTV steel. He also served as a consultant for various steel manufacturers in the region. He and his wife Peggy were longtime members of the New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed all Pittsburgh sports teams. He also thrived as an outdoorsman, relishing in the time spent hunting and fishing in nature with family and friends. He will be remembered most as a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. Friends will be received at the R.D. Copeland Funeral Home, 981 Brodhead Road, Moon Township on Thursday, September 12th from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, September 13th at 10 A.M. prior to funeral services at New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church of Aliquippa at 11 AM. Interment will follow at the Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Veterans Administration or Good Samaritan Hospice.