Gregory Jula, 64, of Ambridge, passed away on August 25th, 2025. He was born on April 5th, 1961 and was preceded in death by his stepfather, Michael Connelly and his sister, Christine Jula. He is survived by his mother, Mary Ann Connolly, his brother, Michael “Micky” Connolly, his uncles, Gene and Shawn Gerace, as well as his special friends, Mike and Val Fitzpatrick and Mark and Dana Pazzanita.

Gregory was a proud graduate of Ambridge High School with their Class of 1979. He was a three-year letterman and team captain in football. He continued his love of the sport by playing at Slippery Rock University. After earning his degree from Connelly Trade School, he built a career as a mason. He also honorably served his country in the United States Army. He will be deeply loved and greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Cedar Hill Healthcare and Rehab and to AHN Cancer Center in Monaca for the compassionate care they provided. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Gametime Sports Bar and Grill, 1101 Merchant Street, Ambridge. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Julius Roosevelt Torcasso, 86, of Industry, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on September 2nd, 2025 peacefully at home.

He was born in Industry on July 11th, 1939, a son of the late Domenick and Vincenza (Varvaro) Torcasso. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Fiorina Brookley, and three brothers, Raymond, Richard and Riale Torcasso. He married his wife, Marilynn (Hagerty) Torcasso, on Saturday, June 16, 1962, sharing over 63 years of marriage.

Julius was a man who always put his family first and is survived by many who will cherish his memory along with his wife: his three sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Mary Torcasso of Industry, Mike and Amy Torcasso of Raleigh, North Carolina, Bill and Kim Torcasso of Garner, North Carolina, his grandchildren: Matthew and wife, Rachel Torcasso, Rebekah Torcasso Sanchez and husband, Elliot Torcasso Sanchez and Noah Torcasso: along with his his great-grandchildren: Daniel, Jacob, Caleb and Joshua Torcasso; as well as his niece and her husband, Teresa (Terri) and Robert Burbidge.

Julius was a skilled and talented carpenter, gardener and auto enthusiast. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and traveling with his family, and close friends, Joseph Aquino and Louis Steele.

In 2003, he retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation after 43 years of Service. Julius served 6 years in the Army until he was honorably discharged in 1965. After Julius and his brother Riale both returned from their time in the service, they started the business, Torcasso Brothers Building and Remodeling, in Industry, PA. In 1995, Julius’s son, Michael, reopened the business for an additional 25 years in North Carolina.

He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, quiet loyalty, and commitment to living with integrity, reason and practicality.

A Celebration of Life Service for Julius will be held on Saturday, September 13th from 1 P.M. until the time of service at 4 P.M. in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of his arrangments.

Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

Anthony R. Morrell, 45, of Baden, passed away on September 5th, 2025, at Heritage Valley Health System, Sewickley Campus.

He was born in Beaver on May 28, 1980, the son of Richard (Carol) Morrell and Linda (Micucci) Swartzwelder. In addition to his parents and stepparents, he is survived by his loving wife of 5 years, Deborah “Debbie” (Goughnour) Morrell, his children: Richard Morrell, Mackenzie Morrell, Anthony Thanos Morrell, and Cruz Thor Morrell; as well as his stepchildren, Ariel Goughnour and Trinity Goughnour, a sister, Suzanne Morrell, and numerous extended family members and friends.

Anthony worked as a bar manager for many years and was a member of the New Brighton Eagle’s Club as well as the New Brighton Sons of the American Legion.  He was currently working towards being a tattoo artist. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening in his backyard, riding mini bikes, stickering his cars, and spending time with his children.

A Celebration of Anthony’s life will be held on Saturday, September 13^th from 3-5 P.M. at the New Brighton Eagle’s Club, 900 8^th Avenue, New Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family, C/O Gabauer Family Funeral Homes, 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

The GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Penn Avenue, New Brighton, was in charge of his arrangements and was honored to provide care and guidance to Anthony’s family during this time.

Helen (Vuckovich) Cubra, 96, of Midland passed away peacefully at home on September 5th, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 15th, 1929, a daughter of the late Milan and Helen Lovorja Vuckovich. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Nick, Pete, Brownie and Mike; along with her sisters: Rosie Vuckovich, Cinny Vanfosson, Mutzie Stepanovich, Zecky Langone, Cucie Bulet; as well as her niece, Sally Brooks and her nephews, Michael Vuckovich and Nick Vuckovich, Jr. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Helen was a faithful member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church of Midland. She was also a Member of The Circle of Serbian Sisters and the Midland Serbian Club. She was also a graduate of Midland High School who worked for Smalls Cleaners, Lincoln Learning Solutions and the Midland Serbian Club.
Known to all, Aunt Honey loved to read, do word searches, listen to Serbian music and watch her favorite tv shows but her favorite thing to do was clean, iron everything in sight, and care for her home. She took great pride in that and it showed by all who would enter her home.
Aunt Honey will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
The family would like to thank Jackie Forrester who cared for Aunt Honey, made her laugh, loved and supported her and became our family. Words cannot express the appreciation we have for you. Love you always. We would also like to thank Jess, Jenna, Renee and Chaplin Thomas from Good Samaritan Hospice for providing Aunt Honey with care and compassion.
Friends will be received on Monday September 8th from 4-7pm in the Schwerha-Noll Funeral Home, 629 Midland Avenue, Midland, who was in charge of her arrangements, and where a pomen service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, September 8th. A funeral service for Helen will also be held on Tuesday, September 9th at 11 a.m. at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 30 10th Street, Midland by Fr. Dejan Barac of Midland followed by entombment at the Beaver Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in Helen’s name to the Carnegie Free Library in Midland, St. Geroge Serbian Orthodox Church, 30 10th Street, Midland, PA 15059 or The Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

Barbara Rose Messick, 74, of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of New Brighton, passed away peacefully on September 2nd, 2025. She was born in New Brighton on September 23rd, 1950, a daughter of the late Ralph and Rose (Petuch) Sayre. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Richard “Butch” Messick, a grandson, Jay Dylan Spratt and a son-in-law, Jay Daniel Spratt in 2022.

Barb enjoyed spending time with her husband of 57 years, Richard (Rick) Messick, playing Pickleball, going to bingo with her friends and cheering on her beloved Pittsburgh Steelers at the clubhouse.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughters, Renee Messick and Richael Spratt, her grandchildren: Joshua (Nicole) Caminite, Ashley Menges, Allison Menges, Zachary (Leah) Spratt, and Jacob Spratt; as well as her great grand-children: Noah, Caden, and Emma Caminite, Rowan, Makai, Koa, Ryleigh, Jay, Adrien and Leo Spratt; along with her sisters, Beverly (Butch) Merriman and Betty Jo (Bill) Johnson, her brother-in-law, Bob (Bev) Messick and her loyal dog, Quincy.

A memorial service in Barbara’s honor will be held at at a later date at the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Regis M. Paxton, 89, of Center Township, passed away on September 3rd, 2025, after a brief illness and a lifetime marked by unwavering dedication to family, hard work, and service to his community. He was born in Aliquippa on July 21st, 1936, a son of the late Lawrence and Marie Paxton, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Regis Paxton, Jr., a sister, Charlotte Paxton and three brothers: Lawrence Paxton Jr, Wilbur Paxton, and Stanley Paxton. For 67 years, Regis was the beloved husband of Elaine (Pietrandrea) Paxton, a partnership that stood as a testament to enduring love and devotion.Regis was a loving father to his devoted daughter, Sherry Paxton and his son and daughter-in-law: Stephen (Kristin) Paxton. He was affectionately called “Papa Reg” by his two granddaughters, Kara and Sienna Paxton. Regis found an immense amount of joy and pride with his granddaughters, he touched their lives with wisdom, stories, and joy that will never be forgotten. He is also survived by a brother, Joseph Paxton, numerous nieces and nephews and his cherished cat Bud.He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and will be forever missed.

Regis would witness tremendous change and heartache. He met life’s challenges with quiet strength and a gracious spirit. Over nearly nine decades, Regis built a legacy defined not by accolades, but with warmth, wisdom and love. Regis was a member of  Our Lady of Fatima Church of Aliquippa, part of Mary Queen of Saints Parish.

Born with an indomitable spirit, Regis spent his life providing for his loved ones. Over the years, he worked three jobs to ensure the comfort and well-being of his family. He began his career with J&L Steelworks in the Blooming Mill as a crane operator and later gained employment with Hussey Copper working as a material handler. Before deciding to retire, Regis worked at Mannheim Auto Auction for several years. Throughout his life, his work ethic was one of perseverance and selflessness in all that he did. Regis was a lifetime retired member of the Center Township Volunteer Fire Department and was deeply committed to the safety and welfare of his neighbors. His service was marked by courage, generosity, and a steadfast sense of civic duty to the community he served so faithfully.

Joseph A Vitunic, Jr., 77, of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, passed away on September 3rd, 2025. He was born in Pittsburgh on May 9th, 1948, in Pittsburgh, the son of the late Joseph and Ellen Vitunic. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Eliza. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Valerie Vitunic, his children Laura, with children, Jacob, Josh, Nathan, and Kate, Katie (Jason) with daughter, Grace, and Tim (Kristen) with sons. Alex, Zack, and Ethan; as well as his sisters:Linda (John), Janet (Larry), Carol (Keith) and Judy (Jim).

Joseph lived his life for the Lord in thought, word, and deed. Prayerful, intentional, servant-hearted, and generous, he followed his calling to leave engineering to start and pastor Church of the Savior in Ambridge, PA.  His devotion to Christ was bold, unashamed, consistent and his legacy, forged in eternal hope, lives on in the lives of many.

Nothing brought him greater joy than time with his family and treasured friends. He could be found in the stands at baseball, soccer, and volleyball games, or in the audience at plays and concerts, always cheering on those he loved. He prayed earnestly for his family and set before them an enduring example of love, care, and laughter.

He was known for his quick wit and his unmistakable laugh. He loved to joke, tease, and share humor with anyone he met, never taking himself too seriously but using joy to connect deeply with others.

Gifted athletically, academically, and professionally, he achieved much in life from excelling as a Division I athlete to earning an Ivy League education. If you met him, these would be the last things he would ever mention. His humility ran deeper than his accomplishments, and at his core he found his true identity in Christ.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 7th, from 1-5 PM, in the John Syka Funeral Home Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements and where prayers will be offered on Monday, September 8th at 10 A.M. and a funeral service will follow at 10:30 A.M. in St. Stephens Anglican Church, 405 Frederick Avenue, Sewickley. A Christian burial will follow in Sewickley Cemetery, 501 Hopkins Street, Sewickley. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.

Craig Edward Hocanson, 60, of Patterson Township, passed away unexpectedly on August 31st, 2025. He was born in Beaver Falls on November 13th, 1964, a son of the late Harold Leroy and Caroline Virginia Douds Hocanson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Katlyn Marie Hocanson, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hengust and Jean Robinson and two brothers, Phil Hocanson and Brian Hocanson. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Jean Robinson Hocanson, one sister, Cheryl and John Fabyanic, four sisters-in-law and their spouses: Lindaly and Winfield Stewart, Susan Robinson, Dana and Tony Snow, and Jane and Victor Bovalino; and special friends Niki and Wyatt; as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, along with one on the way.

Craig enjoyed sports and going hunting, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. He was also a committed member of the PA Snow Seekers and the West Mayfield Vets. A memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, September 10th, from 6 P.M. until the time of service at 8 P.M. in the CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements. Pastor Allan Brooks will officiate and the Beaver County Honor Guard will perform full military honors.

James Kenneth Ford, 72, of South Heights, Pennsylvania passed away on the morning on September 2th, 2025 at Heritage Valley Hospital of Sewickley. He was born in South Heights on July 29th, 1953, a son of the late Francis E. and Helen A. (Diamond) Ford.
He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline L. (Quattelbaum) Ford, with whom he celebrated 32 years of marriage with in June of 2025. He is also survived by two sons, James Patrick Ford and his wife, Shana and Michael Joseph Ford, three grandchildren, Maddie, Leah, and Adam Ford, four brothers: Edward H. Ford and his wife Patty, Francis E. Ford Jr., Robert V. (Vic) Ford and Mark D. Ford, three sisters, Elaine M. Possino and her husband, Alex, Sue A. Grunewald and Shirley A. Zick, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
James retired from Safeway Supermarket in Maryland where he worked as a Store Manager for 20 years. After relocating to Florida, he continued to work as a Produce Manager for The Fresh Market in Florida. He moved back home to South Heights in 2021 after living in Boynton Beach, Florida for sixteen years. He loved the warm weather, beaches, and fishing, but wanted to be closer to family.
He was an avid sports fan and closely followed the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates. He especially enjoyed family gatherings to celebrate special occasions, tell stories, and play cards, but most of all, he loved his family.
He made a lasting impression on everyone he met and his presence will be greatly missed by all.
In accordance with James’ request, there will be no viewing or funeral service. The family appreciates the love and support during this difficult time. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge.

Norma Jean Soisson, 88, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully on September 1st, 2025, in the comfort of her home with her family by her side.

She was born in Rochester on August 7th, 1937, the daughter of the late Floyd and Edna (Egan) Murton-Depner. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald R. Soisson, Sr., her siblings, Floyd Murton, Bobbie Murton, and Johnny Murton and a son-in-law, Rich Medziuch.

She is survived by her loving children, Donald (Kathy) Soisson, Jr., Christine Medziuch, Darla (Mike) Davis, and Laura Thompson, her grandchildren: Michael (Jessica), Christiana, Casey (Dennis), Shannon (Warren), Jami, Donnie (Jenessa), Ryan (Crystal), and Andrew (Nicole); as well as her great-grandchildren, Joshua, Talon, Devon, Addison, Brantley, Weston, Dalton, Hudson, Jaiden, Connor, Calli, Emersyn, and Grant; along with her brother, Raymond Murton and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Norma was a homemaker and an adored mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She loved her family fiercely and cherished the precious moments she spent with them. In later years, Norma was a cook at Lil Joe’s Bar & Grille in beaver Falls for 18 years, where she was affectionately known as “Mamaw”.  In her free time, she enjoyed traveling to Florida, making jewelry, and spending time with her animals.

In accordance with Norma’s wishes, she will be cremated and no services are being planned at this time.

The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls was honored to provide care and guidance to Norma’s family during this time and was in charge of her arrangements.