Pennsylvania Obituary and Marriage Records, 1947-2010
John R. Raffle, Sr.
John R. Raffle, Sr., 84, of Aliquippa, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004, in the Sewickley Valley Hospital.
Born Dec. 2, 1919 in Aliquippa, a son of the late Walter and Maude Raffle, he was a Presbyterian by faith. He was a retired foreman from the J&L; Steel Corp., as well as being a US Army Veteran who proudly served during WWII. He was a member of the Center Twp. VFW and the Toastmasters Club. He was also known for his passion he shared for gardening. John was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, who will be greatly missed by all.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Betty (DeLong) Raffle, Aliquippa; two sons, Brad Raffle and wife Kathy, Hopewell and James Raffle, North Braddock; a daughter, Rhoda Krystyniak and husband Richard, Crafton; a daughter-in-law, Charlotte Michaelson, CA; four grandchildren, J.T. Raffle and wife Kathy, CA, Samantha Steele and husband Jeff, Maryland, Johnna Zorbas and husband Nick, Slippery Rock and Katy Krystyniak, Crafton; six beautiful great grandchildren, Casey and Abby Raffle, CA, Sarah and Ben Steele, Maryland and Steven and Nyla Zorbas, Slippery Rock. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, John Raffle, Jr., a brother, Robert Raffle and a sister, Eleanor Snowden.
Friends will be received on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8pm in the Darroch Memorial Chapel, 2640 Mill St., Aliquippa, where a funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10am, with Rev. Jack Patrick officiating.
The Beaver Co. Special Unit is to meet at the funeral home on Saturday at 10:30am to perform full military honors.
Filomena (DiCosmo) Paluzzi
Filomena Paluzzi, 86, 0f Aliquippa, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2004, in the Aliquippa Community Hospital.
Born April 17, 1917 in Santa Eufemia Prov. Pescara, Italy, a daughter of the late Francesco and Annafelecia Salvitti, she was a member of the St. Titus Catholic Church, Aliquippa. She was a homemaker her entire life who took great pride in her baking.
She is survived by a step daughter, Joanna Mazzocca, Hopewell; three grandchildren, Edward Mazzocca and wife Kristie, Nicole Mazzocca and Jodi Munao; two nephews, Franco and Dante Salvitti, Italy and three very special friends, Audrey Fedor, Antonetta DeSantis and Delia Leone.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Carmen DiCosmo and her most recent husband, Raniero Paluzzi, as well as a brother, Antonio Salvitti.
Friends will be received on Tuesday from 9am until the time of the service at 10:30am in the Darroch Memorial Chapel, 2640 Mill St., Aliquippa. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11am in the St. Titus Catholic Church.
Entombment will follow in the Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.
Floyd H. Myers
(Formerly of Hopewell Twp.)
Floyd H. Myers, 85, of Moon Twp., passed away Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, in the Aliquippa Community Hospital.
Born Feb. 22, 1918 in McKees Rocks, a son of the late John and Eva Myers, he was a member of the Ohio United Presbyterian Church, Aliquippa. He was a retired employee of J&L; Steel Corp. and was also a US Army Veteran who proudly served during WW II. Floyd was an avid stamp collector who also loved the outdoors and camping.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Myers, Moon Twp.; two daughters, Dolores Jones and husband Arnold, Moon Twp. and Margaret “Peggy” Helms, West Aliquippa; four grandchildren, William Helms and wife Rachel, W. Aliquippa, Arnold Jones Jr., Charlotte, NC, Raymond Helmes and wife Kira, Aliquippa and Doug Jones and wife Cathy, Moon Twp.; eight great grandchildren, Charles, Michelle, Nicole, Kayla, Kandy and Hanna Helms, all of Aliquippa, and Andrew and Devan Jones, of Moon Twp. He is also survived by two very special friends, Floyd and Joanne Stickles, Hopewell Twp., as well as many nieces and a nephew.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Larry Myers and five brothers, Charles, Roy, Arthur, Walter and D. Earl Myers.
Floyd was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, who will be greatly missed by all.
Friends will be received on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9pm in the Darroch Memorial Chapel, 2640 Mill St., Aliquippa, where a funeral service will be held on Thursday at 10am.
Interment will follow in the Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.
Margaret J. Ciccarelli
(Formerly of Center Twp.)
Margaret J. Ciccarelli, 78, of Moon Twp., passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 26, 2004 in the Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.
Born Aug. 26, 1925 in NewKensington, PA, a daughter of the late John and Pauline Bongiovanni, she was a member of the St. Titus Catholic Church, Aliquippa. Margaret was a homemaker her entire life who also had her cosmetology license.
She is survived by a daughter, Lisa Ciccarelli, Robinson Twp.; a son Mark Ciccarelli and wife Lorraine, Hopewell Twp. and three beautiful grandchildren, Megan, Nicole and Eric Ciccarelli, all of Hopewell Twp; two brothers, Mr. and Mrs. John Bongiovanni, Haddam, CT and Carl Bongiovanni and wife Natalie, Allison Park, PA.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank D. Ciccarelli; a sister, Grace Grill; a brother, Chester Bongiovanni and a grandson, John M. Ciccarelli.
Friends will be received on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9pm in the Darroch Memorial Chapel, 2640 Mill St., Aliquippa where a service will be held on Thursday at 10:30am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am in the St. Titus Catholic Church.
Entombment will follow in the Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.
Gerard “Jerry” Tormey
Gerard “Jerry” Tormey, of Lorain, OH, passed away unexpectedly Jan. 20, 2004 in his home.
Born in Sewickley, PA, a son of Eileen Tormey and the late James M. Tormey, he was a member of the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Aliquippa and a graduate of St. Veronica High School and Youngstown University. Jerry was a self-employed electrician and was also a US Navy Veteran who was in the Fireman Second Class Engineering Dept. on the USS Forrest Royal DD876, who proudly served during Vietnam.
He was also an avid hunter an outdoorsman who was famous in Beaver County for shooting one of the largest deer.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by three brothers, Thomas Tormey and wife Sheila, NJ, Terrance Tormey and wife Donna, New Hope, PA and Michael Tormey and wife Lori, Monaca, PA, as well as two sons, a daughter and several grandchildren.
Jerry was a loving and caring friend to all who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Friends will be received on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9pm in the Darroch Memorial Chapel, 2640 Mill St., Aliquippa, where a Blessing service will be held on Saturday at 1:00pm.
Memorial contributions may be made in Gerry’s name to a charity of choice.
RICHARD C. KUGEL
Richard C. Kugel, 71, of Hopewell Twp., passed away Wednesday January 28, 2004 in the Medical Center, Beaver.
Born January 25, 1933 in Aliquippa, a son of the late Louis and Helen Kugel, he retired from LTV Steelworks as production foreman in the Tin Mill after 46 years of service. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and was a lifetime member of the Hopewell Twp. VFW.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Dorothy (Bires) Kugel, Hopewell Twp; a son, Ken Kugel and his wife Judy, Moon Twp; a daughter, Karen Prawucki and her husband Jay, Hopewell Twp; Four grandchildren, Ken and Kimberly Kugel, and Zachary and Paige Prawucki; Threee sisters, Olive Walters and her husband Glenn; Shirlee Ann Kugel; and Carol Reinbeau and her husband Rich. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by a brother, Karl Kugel; and a sister, Betty Yeager.
William C. “Bill” Arnold
William C. “Bill” Arnold, 72, of Hopewell Twp., passed away, Thursday, January 29, 2004, in his home surrounded by his loving family.
Born Aug. 16, 1931 in Arnold, PA, a son of the late Joseph and Anna Arnold, he was a member of the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Hopewell Twp. and a 1950 graduate of Moon High School. He was a retiree of Bell Atlantic for 36 years as a system technician and was also a US Army Veteran who proudly served during the Korean Conflict. Bill was known for his craftsmanship, home improvement skills and building ingenuity. Among other things he built homes, boats and motor bikes. He also loved to try his luck gambling at Mountaineer Race Track. Bill was an inspiration to us all, through his patience and humor all the way to the end.
He is survived by his loving wife, Rose (Avolio) Arnold, Hopewell Twp.; a son Bill Arnold and wife Barb, Malvern, PA; a daughter, Nancy Buterbaugh and husband Dave, Imperial, PA; three brothers, Joe Arnold and wife Mary, Moon Twp., Tom Arnold and wife Shirley, Moon Twp. and Ed Arnold and wife Kitty, Pymatuming, PA; two brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law, George and Franny Avolio, Crescent, PA, Phil and Shirley Avolio, Ambridge, Lucy Joyce, Hopewell and Mafalda Vukovcan, W. Aliquippa. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Bill was a loving and caring husband, father and brother, who will be greatly missed by all.
Friends will be received on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8pm in the Darroch Memorial Chapel, 2640 Mill St., Aliquippa, where a service will be held on Monday at 9:30am. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10am in the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.
The Beaver Co. Special Unit will meet in the cemetery on Monday at 11am to provide full military honors.
REVEREND MONSIGNOR DANIEL H. BRENNAN
Monsignor Daniel H. Brennan, 85, of Costa Mesa, California, passed away Thursday October 30, 2003, in Costa Mesa.
Born January 18, 1918 in West Aliquippa a son of the late Edward and Mary (Tolan) Brennan.
Residing since 1976 at St. John the Baptist Church in Costa Mesa, California while serving as Judicial Vicar of the Tribunal for the Diocese of Orange in California.
A graduate of St. Vincent Prep, College, and Seminary in Latrobe, PA. Ordained June 6, 1943, at St. Vincent Basilica in Latrobe by Most Reverend Hugh C. Boyle, Bishop of Pittsburgh.
First Mass celebrated June 13, 1943, at St. Joseph Church, West Aliquippa. Formerly Assistant Pastor at St. Joseph Church, Coraopolis, PA., Assistant Pastor and Pastor at Epiphany Church, Pittsburgh, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Executive Secretary of THE PITTSBURGH CATHOLIC newspaper, Executive Secretary of the Pittsburgh Catholic Publishing Associates, Assistant Pastor at St. Patrick’s Church, Pittsburgh, Secretary to His Eminence John Cardinal Wright, and Pastor of St. Raphael Church (Morningside) Pittsburgh.
Named Papal Chamberlain in 1964 by Pope Paul VI, Named Prelate of Honors in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.
Surviving are five nieces: Mrs. Mary Therese (John) Miller of Pittsburgh, PA; Ms. Mary K. Brennan, Slippery Rock, PA; Miss Geraldine Brennan, Aliquippa, PA; Mrs. Marianne (Lawrence) Schneider, Ambridge, PA; Mrs. Patricia (Anthony) Ross, Myrtle Beach, SC; Three nephews: Reverend John D. Brennan, St. Gerard Majella Church, Penn Hills, PA; Mr. Regis (Veronica) Brennan, Indiana, PA; and Mr. Thomas (Noreen) Brennan, Crescent, PA; and fifteen grand nieces and nephews and eleven great-grand nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Johanna Marie Donahie and Beatrice Shockey and four brothers, John Brennan, Edward Brennan, Regis Brennan, and Thomas Brennan.
Friends will be received Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 at Darroch Memorial Chapel, www.darrochfuneralhome.com, 2640 Mill Street, Aliquippa, where a service will be conducted Thursday at 10am followed by a concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am at Our Lady of Fatima Church with Rev. John Brennan officiating.
Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Miss Geraldine Brennan, 304 Baker Drive, Aliquippa, PA 15001 to establish a scholarship in Monsignor’s name at Mater Dei Catholic High School on California.
Laina Jade Stamm
Laina Jade Stamm, age 7, of Hopewell Twp., went to be with her lord on Monday, Jan. 26, 2004 due to complications from surgery.
Laina was born Dec. 2, 1996, in Sewickley, PA, a loving and caring daughter of Terry and Lisa Stamm, Hopewell Twp. She was a member of the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Aliquippa. Laina was enrolled in Kindergarten at Hopewell Elementary School, where she loved to attend and had made so many wonderful friends. She was also a member of the Spina Bifida Association of Pittsburgh, where she also met many special people. Laina enjoyed collecting baby dolls and riding her jeep throughout the neighborhood.
In addition to her parents she is survived by her big sister and best friend, Brenna Stamm, Hopewell Twp.; her maternal grandmother, June Slaiman (BeBe), Center Twp.; her paternal grandparents, Paul (PaPa) and Bernadine(Grammy) Stamm, Hopewell Twp.; an aunt, Lori Slaiman, Greentree, PA, as well as her very special friends, -------.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather, William Slaiman.
Laina loved life and her soaring spirit and fierce independence was an inspiration to all who knew her. Her memory will live on forever in the hearts of all who have been touched by her. Our angel has been called home.
Friends will be received on Thursday from 7-9pm and Friday from 2-4 and 7-9pm in the Darroch Memorial Chapel, 2640 Mill St., Aliquippa, where a service will be held on Saturday at 9:30am. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10am in the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Donations can be made to the Laina Stamm Memorial Fund at ESB Bank 2301 Sheffield Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.
Frank J. Bendig
Frank J. Bendig, 58, of Hopewell Twp., passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Feb. 5, 2004 in the Aliquippa Community Hospital.
Born July 1, 1945 in Pittsburgh, PA, a son of Mary Bendig and the late Frank Bendig, he was a member of the Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Aliquippa. He currently worked as a mechanic at the Airport Honda car dealership, Moon Twp. He was a former employee of the Dravo Corp., ARMCO, Pittsburgh Forgings, and Allegheny West maintenance. Frank took great pride in coaching the Hopewell midget football team in the 80’s.
He was the jack of all trades, helping neighbors and friends with a variety of different projects. Frank could never say no to anyone. He also shared a great pride for his Harley Davidson Motorcycles, which he and his wife Sam both enjoyed.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife, Susan “Sam” (Musta) Bendig, Hopewell Twp.; a son, Robert McGuffin and fiance Angela, New Philadelphia, OH; two daughters, Shannon Bellis, Poconos and Erin Bendig, Connecticut; one beautiful grandson, Jacob Issac McGuffin; a father-in-law, Cornelius J. Musta, Coraopolis; a sister, Diana Raymo and husband Skip, Moyock, NC; a brother-in-law, James A. Musta, Moon Twp.; his loving dogs, who will greatly miss him, Harley and Tara “Teetee”, as well as three cats, Bubba, Milo and Lexie. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by a brother, Allen Bendig and his mother-in-law, Viola M. Musta.
Frank will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Friends will be received on Saturday from 2-4 and 6-8pm in the Darroch Memorial Chapel, 2640 Mill St., Aliquippa, where a Blessing Service will follow at 8pm.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Frank’s name to the Beaver County Humane Society, Rt. 18, Monaca, PA 15061 and Animal Friends, 2643 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4621
Alfred A. Christopher, Sr.
Alfred A. Christopher, Sr., 80 of Monaca, passed away peacefully February 16, 2004 in the Beaver Medical Center, with his family by his side.
Born Jan. 1, 1924 in Cohoes, NY, a son of the late Alex and Louise (Di Cristofaro) Christopher, he was a member of the St. Frances Cabrini Church, Center Twp. He was a graduate of Emberey-Riddle University, Fl. Alfred was an employee of US Airlines. He is also a US Air Force veteran who proudly served during WWII. He was a member of the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers of the Pittsburgh airman local lodge # 1044 of Coraopolis, PA.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann (Magnotta) Christopher, whom he married in 1957; devoted father of Alex Christopher, Monaca, Alfred A. Christopher, Jr. and wife Jann, Monaca, Peter Christopher and wife Donna, Houston, TX, Stephen Christopher and wife Karen, Nashville, TN, Louise Stashak and husband Brian, Aliquippa; brother of Rocco Christopher, Clifton Park, NY and the late Daniel Christopher; cherished grandfather of Andrew and Alexandra. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday at 9:15am in the St. Edward the Confessor Church, Clifton Park, NY. A memorial service will be announced at a later date and entrusted to the Darroch Memorial Chapel, 2640 Mill St., Aliquippa.
ANTHONY BATTISTI
Anthony Battisti, 45, of Center Twp., passed away Sunday February 8, 2004.
Born January 29, 1959 in Patrica, Italy, a son of Filomena (Refice) Battisti and the late Giovanni Battisti, he attended St. Titus Grade School and Aliquippa High School.
Anthony retired from the United States Marine Corps. as a Master Sergeant after 22 years of faithful service. He was also an employee of the U.S. Postal Service in New Brighton.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his lovely wife of 19 years, Eileen Mary (Wentz) Battisti, Center Twp.; three children, Kevin, Sean, and Michelle Ann Battisti, all of Center Twp.; a brother, Louis Battisti and his wife Anna Maria; his mother-in-law, Anne Scelfo and her husband Joseph, Long Island, NY.; a sister-in-law, Anne Marie Orlowski and her husband Ben, Long Island, NY; two nephews, Michael Battisti, and Mark Orlowski; and three nieces, Stephanie and Daniela Battisti, and Marissa Orlowski.
In addition to his father, Anthony was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Angela Refice; his paternal grandparents, Obilio and Anna Battisti; an aunt, Maria Ferrari, and three cousins, Pino, Maurizzio, and Paolo.
Friends will be received at Darroch Memorial Chapel, 2640 Mill Street, Aliquippa, www.darrochfuneralhome.com on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9pm where a service will be conducted Thursday at 12:00pm followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30pm at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church.
Entombment will follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Parkvale Bank, Battisti Children College Fund.
