Mark Alan Smilek, 50, of Brighton Township, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospice, Heritage Valley – Beaver.

Born on March 23, 1973, in New Brighton, he was the son of Robert Smilek and Arlene (Frederick) Ciccone.

Mark was a survivor of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, where he was a member of the Pentagon Protection Defense Force.  He was a valued member of the Beaver Valley community as he served as a Police Officer for Sewickley Borough Police Department, Baden Academy SRO, as well as Chief of the Ohioville Police Department.  He was a proud member of the Beaver Valley Chiefs of Police Association, Pennsylvania Association of School Resource Officers, the NRA, and the Steel Valley Lodge.  Mark was an outdoorsman, having been an avid hunter and fisherman.

In addition to his parents, Mark is survived by his loving wife of 8 years, Dr. Hilary (Miller) Jones; stepdaughters, Gwendolyn and Meredith Jones; his sisters, Tammy (Duane) Popham and Adrienne (Walter) Miller; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends throughout the Beaver Valley.

Mark was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Floyd and Stella Smilek; and maternal grandparents, Robert and Freda Frederick.

Friends will be received on Friday, January 12th from 2PM to 7PM at the GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

A Blessing Service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, January 13^th at 11AM with Fr. Kim Schreck as celebrant.

Interment will follow in Beaver Cemetery.

Mark’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to Dr. Rafic Farah of Hillman Cancer Center, along with nurses Linda, Anna, Jules, and Sandy; his nurses at UPMC Shadyside, Stephanie, Tina, and Andrea; as well as his Nurse Practitioner, Densie Winfield.

In lieu of flowers, Mark’s family kindly requests memorial contributions be made in his name to www.reelrecovery.org

Phyllis Rosalie Alice Eaton (Holland) age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 6, 2024. Phyllis was born on October 24, 1932, to the late George and Winifred Holland, in Holmbury St. Mary, Surrey, England. She attended school in Dorking Surrey and Art College in Kingston, Surrey. She was a very talented artist, that talent has been carried on in her children and grandchildren. She was the beloved wife of the late David Malcom Eaton who passed away in 2019.

The family emigrated to the U.S. in 1971 where Phyllis continued to be an amazing wife and mother as they raised their family. She leaves to grieve her 4 children, Sara Young (Anthony) Nassau New York, Matthew Eaton (Kathleen) Beaver Falls, PA, Jeremy Eaton Seattle, WA and Sophie Eaton San Rafael, CA. 6 Grandchildren, Aimee Suchocki (Billy), Jessica Eaton, Zachary Gorrell, Brittany Elwonger (Austin), Katie Eaton, JayJay Eaton and 4 great-grandchildren, Sacred and Brelon Allen, Ella and Ali Suchocki, and her wonderful companion over the years, her cat Ladybird.

The family would like to thank our dear family friend and caretaker Sherry, for the years of companionship and care she gave to Phyllis. Barb our dear aid who gave Phyllis undivided attention and kept her engaged during her final stage of Alzheimer’s.  Kay and Liz for filling in as needed.  Advanced Hospice, for going above and beyond until our last hours together.  You were all God sent and we could not have survived this without you or your prayers.

We will think of Phyllis in heaven with David, her husband, watching over all their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, in their lifetime achievements. Also, cheering on their beloved Pittsburgh sports teams. Love and miss you, Mum.

Services will be held privately at Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Chippewa Township, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

John W. Turner, of Moon Twp. Died on January 4, 2024 in Good Samaritan Hospice House, Wexford.  He was born in Oakmont, on February 25, 1946 the son of the late John & Bette Turner.

John earned his BA from Westminster College in English. John was an avid Ham radio operator. He had an advanced Extra General License. He communicated with multitude of Hams around the world. He received many awards.

John is survived by his wife of 49 yrs. Sandra L. (Sroka) Turner.  Brother-in-law, Larry Sroka, Pittsburgh.  Sister-in-law, Deborah Ehland (Leo), Robinson Twp. Nephews, Patrick Ehland & Sean Ehland. His dog, Toby, will miss him as well.

In addition to his parents John was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Barbara Sroka.

Friends will be received on Tuesday January 9th from 3-7PM in the Huntsman Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Moon Twp. (1522 Coraopolis Hts. Rd.) Where a blessing service will be held on Wednesday at 11AM. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Moon Twp.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:  Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. (www.humaneanimalrescue.org)

Elvira E. Tedys, 80, Baden, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Henry and Angelina Bufalini. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David P. Tedys, sister, Clementine Noble, brother, Louis Bufalini. Surviving are her children, David (Sharon) Tedys, Andrea (Michael) Wise, Daniel (Holly) Tedys, Amy (Greg) Edder, grandchildren, Amber Vargo, Matt, Aaron, and Kyle Tedys, Joshua, Zachary, and Nate Wise, Ashley and Dylan Tedys, Christian and Maddie Edder, great grandchildren, Jack, Bentley, Aubree, Mylah, Enzo, and one on the way, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Elvira enjoyed singing and dancing, but most of all loved and adored her family and friends.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 2 PM until time of funeral service at 6 PM at the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, 724-266-2549. Burial will be private.

Rosemary K. Flajnik, age 75, un- expectedly passed away on January 4, 2024, in her Rochester home. Born on May 1, 1948, in Rochester, Rosie was the beloved daughter of Albert and Nada Flajnik. She was predeceased by her loving parents. Rosie attended St. Cecilia Catholic grade and elementa- ry school in Rochester PA before transitioning to Mount Gallitzin, an all-girls Catholic High School in Baden. She continued her education at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in audiology. Rosie furthered her studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Early Education. Rosie started her career as an audi- ologist for PSEA Beaver County. During this time, she also served on the Hopewell School Board. Rosie left the world of education and started a long and prosperous career at Staples where she retired after 24 years. She also was a loving caregiver for her mother, Nada. Rosie was a dedicated member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church (now Our Lady of the Valley), Where she served on multiple committees, especially working with youth groups. Her faith was an integral part of her life, and her commitment to the church was unwavering. In the 1970s Rosie was the organizer of the St. Cecilia contemporary music group, performing at Masses and throughout
Beaver County in various venues. Rosie is survived by her brother, Martin (Susan) Flajnik of Ellicott City, MD, and her sister, Christine (Ish) Rivera. She also leaves behind three nieces, Ariel (Alfred) Flajnik-Plitt, Natalia Rivera, Amanda Rivera, and one nephew, Miguel Rivera. Rosie was also a cherished godmother to many. The funeral arrangements are being handled by I and J Spratt Funeral Home. Family and friends will gather to celebrate Rosie’s life and bid her farewell, Saturday, January 13, from 9am until the Mass of Christian burial at 10am, in the Our Lady of the Valley, St. Cecilia Parish, Rochester.
Private inurnment will follow the service at St. Cecilia Catholic Cemetery. In memory of Rosie, her family kindly requests donations to be made to St. Cecilia Catholic Church (now Our Lady of the Valley) in Rochester, PA. Rosie’s warm presence, kind heart, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Forrest R. Douglass

Forrest Ray Douglass, 93, of South Beaver Twp. passed away peacefully in his sleep under the care of Good Samaritan Hospice, Saturday, January 6, 2024.
Forrest was born in East Liverpool, OH to Leland Ray and Thecil Mildred (Pearson) Douglass on July 13, 1930.  He graduated from Beaver Falls High School, where he developed his interest in photography and entered the U.S. Air Force in the autumn of 1948. He was trained as a ground photographer and lab technician and with more training became classified as a Senior Aerial Photographer.  He served in that role until honorably discharged in 1952 with the rank of Sgt.  The Air Force was a great experience for him and he had many entertaining stories about his various station assignments in Texas, Arizona, Colorado, England, Europe and Newfoundland.
Forrest, also known as Bub (Uncle), Doug (Uncle), Dad and Hon, was hired by Michael Baker, Jr., a civil engineering company creating an aerial photography team way before there was GPS.  He worked for the company 42 years, the first 20 with his good friend, pilot Dave Metheny and then the rest, as photo lab supervisor.  After building their first house, Forrest became ‘Hon’ marrying Eva Lillian Psik on May19, 1956 in the Campbell Memorial U.P. Church where they first met.  They started their family in 1958.  But before that Doug completely embraced Eva’s little brother and sister, John and Millie, respectively.
Forrest was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Darlington where for many years he served as an Elder and taught an adult Sunday school class. He was a member of Parian Lodge # 662 F & AM, reaching the 32nd degree and a Beaver Falls Elks Club Life member.  Before retirement, Doug joined the Beaver Valley Wood Carvers Club so he’d have something to do afterwards.
Following retirement Forrest worked part-time at McElwain Motors and then delved into the world of kitchen gadgets, helping Eva garden, and, cooking his favorite meal of the day, breakfast.
Doug and Eva always took the kids on camping or history-oriented vacations in the summer times and with buddies, Len, Sonny and Jim, did build a small cabin ‘in the mountains’ of Forest County, PA which was a favorite family get away.  Doug began his life-long interest in wood-working when the kids were little.  He made many cherished and functional pieces of furniture as well as small useful items that both he and Eva created jointly for family gifts through the years.  His wood carving sometimes ventured into the humorous.
He will be sadly missed by his two children, Beth Douglass (Jere Maddux), Ames, IA,  Brian (Kim) Douglass, South Beaver Twp., PA and his sister, Lorena L. Ellefson, Chippewa, PA, his granddaughter, Nicole Douglass, East Palestine, OH, grandson, Joshua (Chelsea) Douglass, Glenshaw, PA and 3 great grandchildren, Sean Hutton, Jr., Owen Hutton and Kyle Douglass.  He is remembered fondly by his in-laws/outlaws, nieces, nephews and cousins for his sense of humor or sometimes, lack thereof, his generosity and loyalty, conversations and very much with Eva in the hospitality they shared with their related families and friends.
Forrest was preceded in death by his wife, Eva L. Douglass in 2020 and his brothers Kenneth V. Douglass and Keith J. Douglass.
The family offers thanks to all the caregivers that served Forrest at Beaver Valley Rehab and Healthcare.  And, very much gratitude is extended to Good Samaritan Hospice and their staff, Jessica, Renee, Ashley, Nicole and Dawn for their care and kindness.
Memorials may include the First United Presbyterian Church in Darlington or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Friends will be received Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the HILL AND KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, www.hillandkunselman.com , 3801 Fourth Ave., Beaver Falls. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at First United Presbyterian Church in Darlington with Pastor Gary Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Seceder Cemetery in South Beaver Twp.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Forrest R. Douglass, please visit our floral store.

Shirley Matthews

Shirley A. Matthews, 92, of West Mayfield passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
Shirley was born on July 31, 1931 in Big Beaver Boro to the late Wray and Edna (Hartman) Stitt. She retired in 1991 after 42 years as an Assembler for Westinghouse Electric Company. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Beaver Falls and the Auxiliary of the Beaver Falls American Legion Post 261.
Shirley was preceded in death by husband of 59 years, Clarence C. Matthews in 2015. Together Shirley and Matt enjoyed fishing in Canada, hunting, camping and traveling, having seen all 50 states. They toured Europe and Greece on a cruise through the Panama Canal, in addition to many other adventures. When home she enjoyed working in her yard and doing arts and crafts.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers Wray, Robert, and Norman Stitt and two sisters, Eleanor Eckman and Gladys Rogan.
Friends will be received Wednesday, January 10th from 12 Noon until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. in the HILL AND KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, www.hillandkunselman.com, 3801 Fourth Avenue, Beaver Falls. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Big Beaver Boro.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1103 – 8th Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Matthews, please visit our floral store.

Robert Hlista

Robert Hlista, 75, a resident of Brighton Rehab and Wellness Center, Brighton Twp., formerly of Baden, died Friday, January 5, 2024. He was born on March 4, 1948 in Ambridge, to the late Stephen Hlista, Sr. and Elizabeth (Tomko) Hlista. He is survived by his brother, Stephen Hlista, Jr. of Baden, aunt, Ann Neish of Center Twp., nieces, Valerie Neish of Center Twp., Rachael Hlista of Coraopolis and a nephew, Anthony (Lexi) Hlista of Bethel Park. There was no public visitation. Private burial will take place in SS Peter and Paul Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. Ambridge, PA.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Hlista, please visit our floral store.

Carol A. Finch

Carol A. Finch, 79, of Harmony Twp., passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 4, 2024. She was born on July 5, 1944, in Rochester.  She was a 1962 graduate of Ambridge High School and received her associates degree in secretarial administration from Robert Morris Junior College graduating Summa Cum Laude. Carol then began her long career as executive secretary at the American Bridge Division of United States Steel Corporation. She was a longtime faithful member of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Ambridge. Her passion in life was being a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ann and George Brodarac. Surviving are her loving husband of 55 years, David J. Finch, daughter, Jacqueline Barkley of Harmony Twp. two grandchildren, Noah and Mallory Barkley along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends will be received on Wednesday from 3 PM until time of Parastas services at 7:30 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. 833 Drive, Ambridge. Translation of the body will take place at 8 PM to St.Vladimir Ukranian Orthodox Church. Addition visitation will take place at on Thursday from 9:30 AM until time of funeral services at 10 AM at the church. Her pastor, the Very Rev. Michael Kochis will officiate. Interment will follow in Economy Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Vladimir Parish Endowment Fund, 313 Ninth Street, Ambridge, PA 15003.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol A. Finch, please visit our floral store.

 

 

Lawrence G. Schad

Lawrence G. Schad, 81, of Brighton Township, passed away on January 5, 2024.
Born on June 16, 1942, in Pittsburgh Pa, he was the son of the late George and Ruth Schad. Lawrence was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served during the Vietnam War, on a submarine, and had been a resident of Beaver since 1971. He went on to work and retire from First Energy, formerly Duquesne Light, where he was superintendent of the BVII and later the training administrator at the simulator building after 30 years. Lawrence was also a member of First Reformed Presbyterian Church, Patterson, Twp.
Along with his parents, Lawrence is preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Schad (2015).
Lawrence will be sadly missed by his second wife, Virginia Houlette Schad; son, Ron (Lori) Schad, Center Twp.; two daughters, Kathy Schad, Vanport, and Missy (Dan) McNutt, Darlington; adopted son, Rich (Melanie) Kessler, Pittsburgh; sister, Lorraine McManus, Pittsburgh; grandchildren, Jim Barnes II, Nathan and Kyle Schad, and a great-grandsons, Jimmy Barnes III, and Bryden Barnes.
Friends will be received in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, on Tuesday January 9, 2024 from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm, where a Funeral Service will be conducted on Wednesday January 10, 2024 at 11am. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Private Interment to follow at Beaver Cemetery.