Category: Obituaries

Gary C. “Gilligan” Shingleton (1957-2025)

Gary C. “Gilligan” Shingleton, 68, of New Brighton, passed away on November 26th, 2025, surrounded by the love of his daughter and sister. He was born on September 11th, 1957, a son of the late Frances Hollinback and Gale Shingleton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Thomas Hollinback and his brother, Gregory Shingleton. Their memories remained close to his heart throughout his life. He is survived by his daughter, Kylee (Chad) Byrd, of New Braunfels, Texas, his sister and best friend, Victoria (Dave Burr) Shingleton, his beloved grandson, Gabriel Shingleton, his wife, Rhonda Shingleton and his stepson, Ryan Campbell. He also leaves behind extended family and countless friends who will forever feel the loss of his generous spirit and warm presence.

Gary retired in 2019 after 34 years of dedicated service with the New Brighton Area School District, where he made a lasting mark on those he worked with. He was also a proud, lifelong member, trustee and Past Worthy President of the New Brighton Fraternal Order of the Eagles #1342. He would do anything for anyone without hesitation and always with a kind smile. Gary was a true lover of music and he could often be found lost in a song playing his legendary air guitar with a grin that could light up a room. He lived life always on his own terms. Those lucky enough to know him will carry his memory forward with every laugh and every song.

Friends and family will be received  on Sunday, November 30th, from 12 noon to 4 P.M. at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc., 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of his arrangements. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, December 1st at 10 A.M. at Holy Family Church, 521 7th Avenue, New Brighton. Everyone is supposed to meet at the church. Private interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 1501 1st Avenue, New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you raise a toast as that’s what Gary would want.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary C. Shingleton, please visit the flower store of the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Samir Elsabee (1933-2025)

Samir Elsabee, 92, of Moon Township, passed away on November 26th, 2025. He was born in Cairo, Egypt on January 1st, 1933. He was preceded in death by his brother, Nabil Elsabee. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Victoria Elsabee, his daughter, Miranda Gabriel, his sister, May Elias and his grandsons, Andrew and Christopher Gabriel.

Samir devoted his life to his greatest passion, art. He was a professional artist, he continued creating until his final days. His work lives on in the beautiful pieces displayed in museums around the world. He also loved dining out and spending time in nature and sharing meaningful moments with his family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Mass will be held at 12 noon on Friday, November 28th, at St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, 995 Melrose Avenue, Ambridge, with a burial following at Resurrection Cemetery, 100 Resurrection Road, Coraopolis.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Jane (Henry) Lucaric (1932-2025)

Jane (Henry) Lucaric, 93, formerly from both East Palestine, Ohio and Beaver County, passed away on November 20th, 2025. She was born on July 14th, 1932, and was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Edward William Lucaric.  She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and many great grandchildren.

Jane enjoyed her stories, her dancing and her creative hands for crafts, crochet, and other arts.

In accordance with Jane’s wishes, there will be no services. The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Jane and her family during this difficult time and was the funeral home that was in charge of her arrangements.

Sandie Lynne Osga (1973-2025)

Sandie Lynne Osga, 52, of Beaver Falls, passed away on November 24th, 2025, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, following a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Flint, Michigan on April 5th, 1973, a daughter of Daniel Sykes and Peggy Dimick. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her children, Bruce Douglas and Cheyenne (Phoenix Campbell) Douglas, her grandchildren, Dune Sikorski and Ontaya Campbell, her sisters, Cheryl (Frank) Gray, who took such great care of her, and Lee (Ed) Storch, her nieces, Samantha Cunningham and Paidge Gray Riggins, her nephews, Jordan, Andrew, and Tyler Shaffer and her great nieces and nephew, Ivy, Quentin, and Logan, with whom she had a special relationship with.

Sandie received her Bachelor’s Degree from Davenport University. She then completed her master’s in business at the University of Phoenix. She worked in many different places, but most notably working as a prep cook. She loved the Detroit Lions, especially their running back, Jahmyr Gibbs. She cherished her kids and grandbabies more than anything. Sandie was her son, Bruce’s number one supporter throughout starting his music career to which he will be forever grateful.

All services for Sandie were private. The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Sandie and her family during this most difficult time and was the funeral home that was in charge of her arrangements.

Chester John “Sonny” Smith (1947-2025)

Chester John “Sonny” Smith, 77, of Crescent Township, passed away on November 22nd, 2025.  He was born in Sewickley on December 28th, 1947, a son of the late Delores June (Bradley) & Chester James Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Diann Morrida. He is survived by his siblings: Judy Stuby, Debi Wells, Charlie (Martha) Smith, Mary Barcheski, and Delores (Harold) Jones; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and good friends.

Chester retired after working at J&L LTV Steel. He liked to have a good time and loved to go out dancing.  He always enjoyed spending his time at Tinkers and Trenny’s Bar and Grills.

A Celebration of Chester’s life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Robert E. Blake (1947-2025)

Robert E. Blake, 78, of New Sewickley Township, passed away at his home on November 21st, 2025. He was born in Glen Easton, West Virginia on July 26th, 1947, the son of the late Linduff E. and Imogene Crow Blake. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Michael and Louise Gerace. He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Kathleen M. (Gerace) Blake, two daughters and a son-in-law, Michele R. Blake of Daughterty Township and Colleen M. and Damion Nickel of Florida, two grandsons, Dawson and Cody Nickel, one sister and brother-in-law, Patricia I. and Lonnie Vodenichar of New Sewickley Township, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joann and Bill Teets of Rochester, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, two great-great-nieces and his K-9 companion, Maddie.

Robert was a retired furnace operator with Horsehead Industry in Potter Township. He was baptized Lutheran through the Oak Grove Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Sewickley Township. He was a 1966 graduate of New Brighton High school and was a member of the Rochester Sportsman Club, the Unionville American Legion Post 512, the Center Township V.F.W Post 1821, the New Brighton Croatian Club and the Beaver Falls Turners Club. He also loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter. He was also a U.S. Army Veteran who served in the Vietnam War.

Friends and family will be received on Sunday, November 30th, from 4-8 p.m., at the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc., 349 Adams Street, Rochester, who was in charge of his arrangements and where a service will be held Monday, December 1st, at 10 a.m. Officiating will be Reverend Steve Slepecki, the Pastor of Oak Grove Evangelical Lutheran Church. Interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, 273 PA 68, Rochester. The Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 862 will provide full military honors for their fallen comrade following the service. The family wishes memorial contributions go to the Rochester Sportsman Club, Sportsman Lane, Rochester, PA 15074. The family would also like to thank Three Oaks Hospice for the care and comfort they provided.

Paul Nicholas Duraney, Jr. (1944-2025)

Paul Nicholas Duraney Jr., 81, of New Brighton, passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 27th, 2025. He was born in Rochester on May 21st, 1944, a son of the late Paul and Frances Duraney, Sr. He is survived by his daughter, Brooke (Christina) Duraney, a brother, Richard (Rebecca) Duraney and two sisters, Carol (Gary) Nattersted and  Susan Duraney. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nepehws.

Paul was a U.S. Airforce Veteran. He also ran the Harmony Inn for Carl Beers, his best friend for many years. He previously had worked as a hot finisher at B&W. He also loved sports and enjoyed playing softball with the Palace Inn. He was also a loving and wonderful father.

In accordance with Paul’s wishes, all of his services are private. Arrangements have been entrusted to the branch of Huntsman Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Madeline Lutz (1938-2025)

Madeline Lutz, 87, of Economy Borough, passed away at Heritage Valley Beaver, on November 24th, 2025.  She was born in Ambridge on June 2, 1938, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Laura (Phillips) Matanick. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lutz, a daughter, Renee Lutz, a special grandson, Nicholas Soltis, a brother, Robert Matanick and 2 sisters, Loretta Mickey and Kathleen Petcash. She is survived by her 3 daughters, Roxanne (Jeffrey) Soltis, Rhonda (Gary) Lazzaretti and Rochelle (Randy) Hinzman, a combination of granddaughters/grandsons and great-granddaughters/great-grandsons, Chanda (Max) Fallecker and their children, Eli and Serena and Melinda (Andrew) Pisano and their children, Lucas and Cameron, Becky Hinzman (J.C. Reboton) and Breanna (Larry) Musgrave and their children, Eva and Larry, and soon-to-be expected, River: Laura Hinzman, Mitchel Lazzaretti, Ashton (David) Weatherly and their child, Margo and a sister, Roberta Kwiatanowsky.

Madeline was a graduate of St. Veronica’s High School in Ambridge. She and her husband owned the Pine Inn Lounge on Big Sewickley Creek Road.

All are welcome to gather for a visitation on Tuesday, November 25th, from 3-7 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements and where Funeral Prayers will be offered on Wednesday, November 26th at 10:30 A.M., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M., in the Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue
Ambridge and interment will follow in Good Samaritan Cemetery there.

Sharon Kay Hendershot (1952-2025)

Sharon Kay Hendershot, 73, of Industry, passed away on November 22nd, 2025 at her residence.

She was born in East Liverpool, Ohio on May 26th, 1952, a daughter of the late Arthur Ray and Juanita “Bonnie” (Balser) Hendershot. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Tracy Brandao, her daughter, Tammy Lynn Elkins, her grandson, Mark “Allen” Shreaves Jr. and her brothers, Arthur “Ray” Hendershot and Kevin Hendershot. Sharon was a devoted mother to her surviving daughter, Virginia “Ginny” (Mark) Shreaves and her surviving pet, Lulu. She cherished her siblings, Clyde (Hilda) Hendershot, Lynn (Tony) Joseph and Cindy (Jerry) Kersey, her grandchildren: Dallion Elkins, Caitlyn Mata, Jessica Shreaves, Isaac Shreaves, and Kaylynne Shreaves; as well as her great-grandchildren, Devon, Emilio, Xander, and Elena, and she also held dear many nieces, nephews, and cousins, who all survive her who were touched by her warmth and generosity.

Sharon was the heart of her family and a constant source of connection and compassion. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome. For the past 38 years, Sharon has shared her life with her beloved partner, Wayne Wilson, who also survives her. Their enduring bond was a testament to love’s strength and resilience. One of Sharon’s greatest joys was crocheting Afghans for family, friends, and disabled veterans, a labor of love that wrapped those she cared about in comfort and beauty. Her legacy is one of inclusion, kindness, and unwavering love. She was also a life member of the VFW post 8168 lady’s auxiliary. Her presence will be deeply missed. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.

Friends will be received on Sunday, November 30th from 1 p.m. until the time of a funeral service at 4 p.m. in the GABAUER-TODD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 340 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. The funeral service will be officiated by Christy Knetsch, a niece with whom Sharon always shared a special bond.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice, especially Jesse, Renee, and Ashley for taking such great care of Sharon and her family.

In lieu of flowers, Sharon’s family requests donations be made in Sharon’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Virginia G. “Ginger” (Brougher) Brown (1937-2025)

Virginia G. “Ginger” (Brougher) Brown, 88, passed away peacefully on November 23rd, 2025. She was born in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania on July 7th, 1937, a daughter of the late Byron “Dutch” and Roberta Brougher. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Ernest H. Brown, Jr., their son, Matthew, and her brother, Byron R. Brougher. She is survived by her loving family including her daughter, Karen (Darrell) Hooker, her son, Ernest “Buzz” (Mary) Brown, her sister, Nancy Brougher Davis, her sister-in-law, Lillian Brown Stout, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Virginia spent many years in Aliquippa, Grove City, and then making her home in Williamsburg, Virginia for the past thirteen years. In her younger years, she worked for People’s Natural Gas Company in Hopewell, where she met the love of her life, Ernest H. “Ernie” Brown. The two built a beautiful life together and were blessed with 61 years of marriage. She led a full and joyful life. She was an active member of card clubs, and she loved traveling with friends and family. She was creative at heart and enjoyed crafting and painting, often sharing her work with those she loved. She was a positive, uplifting person who always looked for the best in others. Faith and fellowship were central to her life. In Pennsylvania, she and Ernest were devoted members of North Branch Presbyterian Church in Monaca, and after moving to Virginia, she continued her worship at Wellspring United Methodist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia. She served as a Deacon, sang in the choir, attended community bible studies, as well as participating in Meals-on-Wheels.

Friends will be received on Saturday, November 29th, from 12 noon until the time of a service following at 4 p.m. at Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements. Interment will take place at Beaver Cemetery, Buffalo Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Virginia’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to share in her life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ginger’s name may be made to Wellspring United Methodist Church, 4871 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188 or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Virginia G. “Ginger” Brown, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.