Category: Obituaries

Jeffrey Shipley (1953-2025)

Jeffrey Lee Shipley, 71, of Beaver Falls, formerly of New Brighton, passed away on Monday, February 10th, 2025 after a battle with a lengthy illness.

He was born in Rochester on February 15th, 1953,  a son of the late James and Shirley Shipley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bernie Shipley. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn, sons, James (Sharon) Shipley, John Shipley and Ryan Shipley, daughter, Megan (Kelly) Corak, sister, Chris (Larry) Seidler, grandchildren: Jordyn (Kevin) Pettigrew, Robert, Josef, Caris Shipley and Jaxson Corak; as well as his great-grandson, Carson Pettigrew. Jeffrey was a plumber and steelworker.

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

JoAnn M. Lako (1949-2025)

JoAnn M. Lako, 75, passed away on February 9th, 2025 surrounded by family.

She was born in Pittsburgh on June 24th, 1949, the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret (Fallucco) Lako. In addition to her parents, JoAnn was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Faye Ann Lako; nephew, Jimmy Whitlatch; and her best friend, Lainey Mickail. She is survived by her brothers: Bill Lako, Mickey (Cheryl) Lako, Richard Lako and John (Lynn) Lako; sister, Terry Thomas, nieces, Marsha Whitlatch and Melissa (Mike) Koehler, nephew, Stevie (Steph) Siget, great-nephews: Jimmy and Chase Whitlatch, Sully Siget and Mason and Wyatt Koehler, step-nephew, Dave Freeman and step-niece, Mandy Kozora.

JoAnn was Catholic by faith and loved all things Christmas, especially cute snowmen that decorated her home year-round. She loved attending craft shows and taking fun vacations. Her generosity, positivity, and love for her family was beyond compare.

Friends will be received on Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 12 noon until the time of Blessing Service at 2 P.M. in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.

Wayne E. Guy (1933-2025)

Wayne E. Guy, 91, of Aliquippa, passed away on February 9th, 2025. Wayne happily answered with “Lord, thank You for all Your love and blessings.”
He was born on October 13th, 1933, the seventh of eight children to Emanuel George and Garnet (Ripper) Guy of Freedom. He was preceded in death by his dear daughter, Mary Catherine Brodzeller, sisters, Mamie Rice and Helen Retzer and brothers, George, Harry and Wilbur. He is survived by his wife, Liz, two daughters, Bernadette Guy-Marshall (Robert) and Lisa Ann Marchionda (Pete), a son, Anthony (Sylvia) Guy, son-in-law, Ray Brodzeller, grandchildren: Marissa Jo Hayward (Zachary), Justin Michael Marchionda, Christopher Guy Marchionda and Vanessa Rae Marchionda (Elijah Mihalik), great-grandchildren: Cooper Guy Hayward, Noah Paul Hayward, Archer Wayne Mihalik, Adeline Jo Hayward and Callahan Ray Mihalik, two sisters, Gene Cline, and Alice Dyminski, a brother-in-law, Gregory Harding, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wayne was a graduate of Freedom High School with the Class of 1951. He felt the call to help our nation, and volunteered to the United States Army. He was sent to the 38th Parallel (DMZ), South Korea, as a member of an Artillery Unit, upon the signing of the Armistice Agreement. Wayne was exceedingly proud to be a veteran of the U.S. Military. Upon returning to the States, he followed in his father and brothers’ footsteps, and began a long career working for the Pennsylvania Railroad, as a freight conductor, and retiring from Conrail in 1996. He was a very active member of St. Titus Church, part of Mary Queen of Saints Parish. Wayne was a member of the Holy Name Society, St. Vincent DePaul. He also volunteered to help in the kitchen during fish fries and spaghetti dinners.
Wayne met his wife, Elizabeth Harding on New Year’s Eve of 1956, and they married on June 20th, 1959, at St. Titus Church in Aliquippa. They enjoyed 65 years of being married.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 12th from 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, February 13th from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc. 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, February 14th at 10 a.m. in St. Titus Church, 952 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa. Everyone is asked to meet at the church for the Mass. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery where the Beaver County Special Unit will provide military honors for Wayne.
In lieu of flowers, the family recommends contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Mary Queen of Saints Parish in memory of Wayne.
A rosary service will be held Thursday, February 13th at 5:50 p.m. in the funeral home by the former St. Titus Holy Name Society, Saint Vincent DePaul Society and current members of St. Titus Fellowship Group.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, please visit the link below:

Linda Marie Ritchie (1953-2025)

Linda Marie Ritchie, 71, of Aliquippa, formerly of California, passed away with her family by her side on February 6th, 2025 at Sewickley Valley Hospital.

She was born in San Francisco, California on October 10th, 1953, a daughter of the late Marie Eloise Estrada and Forest Wayne Ritchie. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Richard Espana and Eddie Joyner and her sister, Tina Joyner. She is survived by her loving husband of forty years, Kenneth Overton, three daughters, Latonia M. Avalos, Natalie M. Mack and Keneisha M. Overton, her grandchildren: Anthony, Raymond, Darrin Jr., Cheyanne, Jaya, Ashantae, Rhylee, Aliyah, and Nina; nine great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Linda was an aspiring cosmetologist as a young woman before she fulfilled her greatest joy of becoming a mother to her daughters. She immensely cherished her family and loved having a good time. She was always the life of the party.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses and staff at Sewickley Valley Hospital who took care of Linda.

In accordance with Linda’s wishes, she will be laid to rest with her mother at the Live Oak Cemetery in Monrovia, California. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Linda Marie Ritchie, please visit the link below:

Click here to visit the Sympathy Store for the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Michael Vuckovich (1950-2025)

Michael Vuckovich, 74, of Industry, passed away at home on February 7th, 2025.

He was born in East Liverpool, Ohio, on May 27th, 1950, a son of the late Pete and Kathryn Torbica Vuckovich. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Pam McDade Vuckovich, his sons, Ryan (Casey) Vuckovich and Mark Smith, his brother, David (Vickie) Vuckovich, his grandchildren: Kira Vuckovich, Ashley Smith, Evin Smith and Nicole Acon; as well as his great-granddaughters, Kelsey and Evelyn.

Michael retired following a long career at Koppel Steel. He was a resident of Industry all of his life. He was a member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church of Midland.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, February 12th from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland. A Pomen Service will be conducted on Wednesday evening at 7:30 P.M. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, February 13th at 11 a.m. at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 30 10th Street, Midland. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Memorial donations in Michael’s name may be made to St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 30 10th Street, Midland.

Angela (Roma) Lukens (1963-2025)

Angela (Roma) Lukens, 61, of Aliquippa passed away on February 6th, 2025 at Allegheny General Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 21st, 1963, she was the youngest of seven children born to Antonio and Elizabeth (Slizik) Roma. She is survived by her loving and devoted sons, Michael (Taylor) and Brian (Jennifer), their father, Michael “Luke” Lukens, her adoring granddaughter, Sloane, her brother Joe Roma, sisters: Toni Romano, Sylvia Roma, Bernadette (Ron) Morelli, Beth (Eric) Lohner, Theresa (Blake) Nero; as well as her longtime partner, Augie Topetta and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and in-laws.
Throughout her life, Angela was the consummate giver and caretaker. Anytime that a friend or relative was in need, she was the first to offer assistance. Perhaps that trait is what led her to a long career in the food service industry that began when she was sixteen. She later transferred her skills to the healthcare sector, specializing in geriatric care. A hardworking and dedicated employee, Angela’s most recent position was with Life Beaver County.
From an early age, Angela made friends easily. Classmates, work colleagues and those who met her even once will attest to her quick wit, generosity, her humor and her sometimes off-color, irreverent, yet never offensive remarks. A fun loving and spirited woman, Angela was a cat lover and an ardent fan of reality tv shows, cooking, trivia games and travelling. She was not a fan of driving.Humility was one of Angela’s many virtues. Her unassuming nature led her to rarely take credit for the countless good deeds she did for others. Angela’s role with her two sons was important to her. She took great pride in her children and their accomplishments. She also reveled in the relationship as Nonna with her only granddaughter, taking on the role of weekend babysitter prior to her illness.

An optimist at heart, Angela always looked for the best in others. One of her lasting and often said sentiments was “God has been good to me.” In truth, it was Angela who was so good to all. People were touched by knowing her and who were blessed to be a part of her life. Her loss will forever be felt.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 12th from 2 p.m. until the time of service at 4:30 p.m. in the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Angela.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Angela (Roma) Lukens, please visit the Sympathy Store of the Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, Inc., 2026 McMinn Street, Aliquippa.

Elizabeth E. Fife (1928-2025)

Elizabeth Eleanor Fife (Aukscunas), 96, of Wooster, Ohio passed away on February 8th, 2025 with family by her side.
She was born on March, 17th, 1928 on her family’s milk farm in Industry. Lee, as she was called, was the youngest child of Enoch and Anna Aukscunas, along with six older brothers and sisters, who all preceded her in death. She was the beloved wife of 61 years to the late Samuel Robinson Fife Jr, the loving mother of the late Rachel Fife Derr (Tom) and Samuel Robinson Fife III and the most beloved grandmother to the late Thomas Benjamin Derr (Tyler) and Amanda Lee Derr (deceased). She is survived by sister-in-law Rae Nancy Zuberbuhler, her brother-in-law Dick Zuberbuhler and many nieces and nephews.

After moving to several job destinations with her husband Samuel, Elizabeth settled onto the Fife family’s 1830s homestead outside of Beaver. She rejoiced in beautifying her home and property with creating bountiful gardens of vegetables and flowers into the garden spot of Brighton Township. That bounty she grew was generously shared with friends and family throughout the area. Her visiting grandchildren were the beneficiaries of a master class in gardening and nature.
Her resolute strength and spirit will remain close in our hearts always.
Friends will be received on Friday, February 14th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, 333 Third Street, Beaver. Interment will take place on the family plot at Scrub Grass Presbyterian Cemetery of Emlenton, Pennsylvania. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.
Donations in her memory can be given to Ohio’s Hospice Lifecare of Wooster.
In lieu of flowers, Elizabeth would have loved that you plant flowers to continue honoring her legacy.

Peggy Lou Dellera (1946-2025)

Peggy Lou Dellera, 78, of Rochester, formerly of Kittanning, passed away on January 29th, 2025 in the Rochester Manor. She was born in Rochester on December 11th, 1946, a daughter of the late Philip E. Sr. and Stella A. Jurich Sullivan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, James A. Craig, her second husband, Luigi J. Dellera, one sister, Mary A. Tyma and a grandson, Dakota J. Marshall. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Dorothy Jean and James Marshall of Hocus Pocus, New Mexico, one son, Barry J. Craig of Rochester, fourteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, two brothers and a sister-in-law, Philip E. “Skip” Sullivan, Jr., John E. “Jack” and Judy Sullivan of Brighton Township and numerous nieces and nephews.

Peggy was a housewife and homemaker and was Protestant by faith.  Her wishes were to have no visitation with a private service that was held on February 3rd in William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. Arrangements were entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. Interment followed in Oak Grove Cemetery, Freedom. The family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Beaver County Cancer Association.

Shirley Mae Means (1943-2025)

Shirley Mae Means, 81, of Brighton Township, formerly of Rochester, passed away on February 9th, 2025 in Heritage Valley Beaver. Shirley was born October 28, 1943 at home in Rochester. She is the daughter of the late John L., Sr. and Emma Atchison Means. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, John L. Means, Jr. Shirley is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary and a nephew, Tyler Means, seven cousins: Susan L. and Bruce Johnson, Jay and Marguerite Hunt, David and Mary Haney, Judy Lokomski, Joanne Means, Mary Anne Means and Gerry Means. She is also survived by her caregiver for many years, Julie Drewnowski.

Shirley was a retired LPN with The Medical Center Beaver and was a member of Faith Community United Methodist Church of Rochester. She was a 1961 graduate of Rochester High School and then went on to receive her Associate Degree in Nursing through CCBC. Shirley’s wish was to be cremated with no services. Arrangements are entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester. Shirley’s wish was for memorial contributions to be made in her name to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Preston “Ross” Fischer (1962-2025)

Preston “Ross” Fischer, 62, of Monaca, formerly of Chippewa Township, passed away on February 7th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born in Buffalo, New York on July 26th, 1962, a son of Richard and Mary Lou (Hart) Fischer. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Patricia (Hiles) Fischer, his children: Ryan Fischer, Brandon (Brooke Kemery) Fischer, Allie Fischer, Rachelle (Shawn) Bunnell and Michael (Andria) Misco; grandchildren: Lincoln, Cole, Logan, Nolan and Madden; his siblings: Todd (Martha) Fischer, Betsy Fischer, Scott Fischer and Duff (Angela) Fischer; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preston was a Claims Manager for Liberty Mutual Insurance who attended the Chippewa United Methodist Church.  He was a proud volunteer for many organizations and was the coach of his grandson’s baseball team.  He was a football fanatic and his favorite team was the Buffalo Bills. Preston was an athlete who was a self-proclaimed “great pitcher.”

Friends will be received on Friday, February 14th from 2-4 P.M. & 5 P.M. until the time of services at 7 P.M. in the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls.

In accordance with Ross’ wishes, he will be cremated following services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Table of Grace Ministry, https://www.tableofgracefm.org/donate/