John N. “Jack” Groves, 88, of Beaver died January 9, 2024, at St. Barnabas, Beaver Meadows.
Friends will be received Thursday 2-4 pm and 6-8pm in Gabauer-Todd Funeral Home & Cremation Services (Branch) 340 3rd street, Beaver. Prayers will be held Friday, January 12th, in the funeral Home at 10:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 am at Sts. Peter & Paul Church of Our Lady of The Valley Parish. The complete obituary will appear shortly.
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Deloris Tilbrook, 97, of Patterson Township, died on Sunday, January 7, 2023, at Providence Care Center, Beaver Falls.
Born on February 14, 1926, in Darlington, she was the daughter of the late Phillip and Antoinette (Valle) Marazzi.
Deloris had been a potter for the W.S. George Pottery Company in East Palestine for many years and had also worked as a baker before retiring to Florida. She was a member of St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish and the former St. Rose Ladies Guild. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, and was known as the BINGO queen at Providence Care Center.
In addition of her parents, Deloris was preceded in death by her husband, William Tilbrook; her siblings, Robert Marazzi, Angeline DiCarlo, Rose Marie Rossi, and an infant sister, Irene Marazzi.
Deloris is survived by her children, Richard (Dorothy) Tilbrook, Janice (W. Gary) Paumen, and Phillip (Kathy Baker) Tilbrook; grandchildren, Christina (Douglas), Laura (John), Marci, Delores, Gerrad, Casey, Jessica, and Joshua; 16 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Saturday, January 20th at 12 Noon at St. Monica Church of St. Augustine Parish, 116 Thorndale Dr., Beaver Falls with Fr. Kim Schreck as celebrant.
The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., Chippewa Twp., was honored to provide care and guidance to Deloris’ family during this time.
Frances M. “Fran” Kathary, 81, of Center Twp., passed away at home, on Saturday, January 6, 2024, with her husband by her side.
Born on July 14, 1942, in Pittsburgh, Fran was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Elizabeth Huffman. Fran was a member of the Slippery Rock Camp Ground, where she enjoyed spending a majority of her summers for the past 40 years. She will be remembered as loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Along with her parents, Fran is preceded in death by her brother, Raymond Huffman; and sister, Carol Huffman.
Fran will be greatly missed by her beloved husband of nearly 59 years, Donald C. Kathary; daughters Crystal (Gregory) Conjeski, Beaver, and Tina (James) Lowman, Plum; grandchildren, Michael ( Whitney) Conjeski, Eric (Maggie) Conjeski, and Colton Lowman; great-grandchildren, Benjamin Conjeski, Alexia Conjeski, and Zackary Conjeski; and her faithful four-legged companion, Susie-Q.
Friends will be received in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009, on Thursday January 11, 2024 from 2pm until the time of service at 5:30pm. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.
Inurnment to take place at a later date at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.
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 13th 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 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.
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