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William Murphy Funeral Home, 349 Adams Street, Rochester, PA (2026)

10/20/2026

With broken hearts, we share the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Brandon Shafer, who passed away on October 16, 2026. Brandon leaves behind his beloved wife of 25 years, Raelene and their four children: Riley (18), Sutton (16), Ashdon (13), and Aiden (10). A devoted husband and father, Brandon’s family was the center of his world, and the love he had for them was evident in everything he did. A 1997 graduate of Freedom High School and proud 2001 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Brandon began his career serving our country as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy. He later earned a master’s degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and went on to build an accomplished career spanning more than 25 years. Following leadership roles at GE Transportation, Brandon became Regional Vice President of Transit Americas at Wabtec Corporation. Throughout his career, he was respected for his leadership, dedication, and genuine commitment to helping others succeed. Outside of his professional life, Brandon poured his time and heart into coaching youth wrestling and football. He brought the same energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to coaching that he brought to everything he did. He believed sports were about more than winning and losing. They were an opportunity to build character, confidence, and lasting friendships. To the young athletes he coached, Brandon was more than a coach. He was a mentor, a role model, and someone who believed in them, both on and off the field. To his friends, Brandon was simply someone you always looked forward to being around. With an unwaveringly positive outlook on life and a wonderful sense of humor, he was never one to take himself too seriously. He loved a costume, never hesitated to grab the karaoke microphone, and was happiest when bringing people together for a good time. His warmth and enthusiasm were contagious, and he had a way of making everyone feel welcome and included. Brandon showed up for the people in his life, and those fortunate enough to know him were better for it. Brandon lived with love, laughter, and a genuine appreciation for the people around him. His sudden passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, and community. Though his time was far too short, the love he shared, the joy he brought, and the countless lives he touched will remain a lasting part of his legacy. Brandon is also survived by his father and step-mother, Jeffrey and Beth Shafer; his brothers Aaron Shafer (Amy), and Clinton Shafer (Julie); his father-in-law and mother in-law, Carl and Bev Holsinger; his sister-in-law, Stephanie Mayle (Andrew); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Luann Shafer. There will be no viewing. A memorial service will be held at Faith Community United Methodist Church, 341 Jefferson Street, Rochester, PA 15074 on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Brandon’s name to the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation to support the Naval Academy Fund to benefit of the Brigade of Midshipmen. https://www.usna.com/give

10/19/2026

Stephen J. Vastano, age 62, of Beaver Falls, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 17th, 2026, at AHN Swickley. Steve was born March 31st, 1964, in Vineland, New Jersey, to the late Francis and Eileen Scarani Vastano. He was a graduate of Vineland High School, New Jersey, and Drexel University, where he joined Theta Chi Fraternity. Ultimately Steve's passion was cooking, specifically pastries, therefore, he attended and graduated from the Restaurant School of Philadelphia, becoming a pastry chef. Stephen also loved to sing, and sang in numerous choirs throughout his life. He was Catholic by faith, a eucharistic minister, and a member of Knights of Columbus. Stephen is survived by his wife, Anna M. Vastano, two children, Taylor M. (Blaine) Krause, and Christopher M. Modro, three brothers and one sister-in-law, George, Vastano, Paul Vastano and David (Joy) Vastano, one sister and a brother-in-law, Gina (Henry) Zerella, nieces and nephews, Matthew (Mary Claire), Eric, Pelle, and Karin (Brendan), five great-nieces and nephews, Ellie, Nicholas, Mia, Nathan and Teddy, two brothers and sisters-in-law, Eugene Jr. and Sue Mittica and Doli and Tom Weir, as well as numerous cousins, and a very special, supportive group of friends from Steve's hometown, Vineland NJ, and his buddy, canine companion, Aurora. Stephen was also a “ very good friend of Bill’s “ for 27 years. Friends will be received Thursday, October 22nd, 2026, from 3pm until 7pm, at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc. 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074. A service will be held Friday, October 23rd, starting at 10am, at St. Monica Roman Catholic Church, Chippewa. Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Beaver Falls. The family would like to thank the staff at Encompass Health Wexford for their kindness and compassion shown to Stephen.

10/17/2026

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Robert J. Belus of Conway, on Friday, October 16, 2026. Bob was born on December 10, 1938 in Freedom, Pa. and the only son of Joseph and Mildred Belus. A lifelong resident of Conway, Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ruthanne; daughters Jeanne, Heather Shull (husband Brian) and Bobbie Jo (companion Joe Molliere); and sister-in-law Susan Camberg. Bob grew up on what was called the “East End” of Freedom with his many cousins and childhood friends. He attended Freedom Schools and graduated in 1956 while lettering in both football and basketball and participating in the East-West All-Star football game. Upon receiving scholarships from Slippery Rock, Dartmouth and the University of Pennsylvania, he chose to attend Penn State University. There he was fortunate enough to earn a spot on the Freshman team as walk-on. Under the tutelage of Head Coach Rip Engle, Bob continued to play “both ways” for Penn State until his junior season. Later, as a Senior, he became an assistant coach for the freshman squad. The 1959 Penn State team participated in the first-ever Liberty Ball and defeated the Bear Bryant coached Alabama team by the score of 7-0! One player on the freshman team that Bob coached was the legendary Green Bay Packer, Dave Robinson. Bob was also coached by assistant coach Joe Paterno and remained a friend to Joepa over the next sixty years as a season ticket holder to Penn State football games. He also is a lifetime member of the Penn State Football Lettermen’s Club. After graduating from Penn State in 1960, Bob returned to his alma mater where he served the school district for the next 35 years in several capacities: teacher, coach and athletic director until retiring in 1995. While teaching was a priority, coaching was his passion. Mr. B as he was known, established the “All School Olympics” a one-day school-wide athletic Olympic style event where students competed against their classmates. As head track coach his team won four WPIAL men’s section championships in ’67, ’69, ’70 and ‘72. He coached several athletes to PIAA State Champions and others who achieved individual success as WPIAL champions. He established the Beaver County Track Invitational where the best of the best of Beaver County high school track teams competed
against one another. This event still takes place today. During his many years of coaching, Mr. B always believed his Freedom teams could beat anybody and made sure they were well
prepared for any competition, often taking his teams on the road to play bigger and tougher opponents. He said his teams were as tough as any and could compete with the best of best. This mentality allowed his teams to be better prepared for conference play and gave his Freedom teams an edge against their local opponents. The only time Bob left his hometown was when he received a letter from “Uncle Sam” asking for his service. He spent a total of four years with the Air National Guard, two as an Air Evac Medic. He concluded his time at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Bob then went on to earn his master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh and his principal’s certification from Youngstown State University. Bob had a strong family background instilled in his family’s Serbian heritage. Born into a family of Serbian relatives on both his parents and grandparents sides, he acknowledged the customs and religious activities he was taught from childhood. Most notably he coached and played basketball for the Freedom Serb teams as a participant in the Serb National Federation for over 20 years. His basketball teams won three SNF titles in 1974,1975 and 1988. In an
unprecedented once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Bob took his combined SNF and Croation basketball team to Croatia to play in a country-wide tournament sanctioned by the Croation National Team and sponsored by both the NCAA and SNF. His team won 5 of 8 games and nearly defeated the Croatian National Team! Bob was recently inducted into their American Hall of Fame. Bob and his family have many lifelong associations as members of St. Elijah
Serbian Orthodox Church, Freedom Serbian Club, Aliquippa Serbian Club and the Serb National Federation. Whether he was selling raffle tickets or cooking lamb and pig on the
spit, Bob was always ready to raise money for one of his clubs. He was always known to lend a hand when duty called and to give his time and talents to the things and people he loved.
Bob joined many fraternities and organizations during his lifetime. He held 65 years of membership to both the Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, Rochester Lodge #229 and The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry New Castle. He was a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association, Sigma Chí Fraternity and Penn State Football Lettermen’s Club. Bob held a 66 year membership in the Rochester Elks Lodge #283 and held the office of Past Exulted Ruler and Elk of the Year. For two consecutive terms Bob held the office of president of the Beaver County Federation of Fraternal and Social Clubs and then went onto holding the office as state president of the Federation of Fraternal and Social Clubs in Harrisburg, PA. He was also a member of the Vets, Owls, Eagles and American Legion. Never one to not join a club where he could get a cold Budweiser b**r, he enjoyed the friends he met at each and every club he belonged to. One of his last unique expressions of gratitude for public service in education and coaching was his induction into the Freedom Area Hall of Fame in 2024. He proudly accepted the award to join his many fellow classmates, teammates, former student-athletes and fellow administrators in the Freedom area where he gave of his time and talents to the things and people he loved for so long. On any weekend during football season, whether it be a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, Bob and Ruthanne would be sitting in their seats at a Penn State or Pittsburgh Steelers game. Their love of the game took them to five Super Bowls and numerous Penn State bowl games across the country. Love for the game and the friends who shared many a tailgate party made for lasting friendships and good times over the many years they saw both the wins and losses of their favorite teams. Always a happy-go-lucky man, Bob will always be known as the guy who had a ticket to sell you or a joke to tell you. He always had an ability to see things in people that they couldn’t see in themselves. And no matter the situation, you always knew him for his firm and fair advice, honest opinions, and the unique ability to encourage others to achieve their goals. Bob’s legacy of humor, perseverance, and learning will be carried forward by those who had the privilege of calling him their friend. His was a well-lived and deeply loved life. The family wishes to acknowledge the love and support over the
years of family and friends: Kumovi Martha Padezanin; cousins Paul and Kathy Belosh, Tom and Janice Frazzini, and Gerry and Michael Pivar; and Conway neighbors the Greene’s, Shafer’s and Martin’s who were always there for the family. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 19, 2026, from 3pm until 8 PM at the William Murphy Funeral Home, 349 Adams Street, Rochester, PA 15074. A private service for the family will be on Tuesday. Entombment will follow at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum. All are welcome to a Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 12 noon at the Rochester Elks Lodge #283. Memorial contributions can be directed to the Rochester Elks Lodge
#283, 440 Pinney Street, Rochester, PA 15074.

10/06/2026

Joseph H. Widmer, age 97, of Cranberry Township, formerly of Rochester Township, passed
away, Monday, October 5th, 2026, at UPMC Passavant, McCandless. He was born March 19,
1929, in Connellsville, PA, to the late Karl and Catherine Mulsalvage Widmer. Joseph was the
founder and former owner of Widmer Engineering Inc., of Beaver Falls, a former member of
Faith Community United Methodist Church, Rochester, and was attending St. Ferdinand Roman
Catholic Church, Cranberry. He was an Air Force Veteran during the Korean war, a graduate of
Immaculate Conception Catholic School, in Connellsville, PA, and received a bachelor's degree
in engineering from Geneva College. Joseph was a former employee in engineering with Michael
Baker Inc. for 21 years. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Society for Professional
Engineers as well as the Beaver County Chapter of Professional Engineers. He was honored as
the Engineer of the Year in 1984. He was a former member of the Rochester School Board,
Rochester Township Commissioners, and former Chairman of the Beaver County
Commissioners. Joseph was the former president of the United Methodist Home in Mt. Lebanon
and a life member of the American Legion. Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Aloha R.
(Roush) Widmer, in 2013, as well as five brothers, Albert, Robert, Charles, Bernard, and Victor
Widmer, and one sister JoAnn Palazzo. Surviving are one son and daughter-in-law, David H. and
Linda L. Widmer, of Rochester Township, three grandchildren, Jamie M., Anuskewic and her
fiance Joel Webber, Tracy A. and her husband Bryan Pratte, and Alexus L. and her husband A.J.
Sieger, seven great-grandchildren, Addilynn, Sawyer, Mila, Aria, Ezra, Emmett, and Nora, and
numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Thursday, October 8th, from 2pm
until 4pm and 6pm until 8pm, with a service following Friday, at 10:30am, at the William
Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074. Officiating will be
Reverend Heather J. Wakefield, of Faith Community United Methodist Church, Rochester.
Interment will be held in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Rochester. The family asks that those
who wish to honor the memory of Joe consider making a donation to the Ronald McDonald
House of Charities of Northeast Ohio in honor of his great-grandson, Ezra. The family feels this
is a beautiful way to honor Joe while supporting someone he loved dearly. The family extends
their heartfelt thanks for all of the love, prayers, and support received during this difficult time.
Please make checks payable to RMHC Northeast Ohio, Ronald McDonald House Charities of
NEO PO Box 72764 Cleveland, OH 44192-0004.
Website: rmhcneo.org/ways-to-give/donate/
Full military honors will be provided by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #862 at
11:30, at the cemetery, for their fallen comrade.

09/28/2026

Ruth M. Harris, age 95, of Rochester Township, passed away Saturday, September 26th, 2026, at St. Barnabas - Beaver Meadows. Born February 22nd, 1931, in North Wilksboro, NC, Ruth is the daughter of the late Charles and Jessie Parks Whittington. She was a retired employee with Westinghouse Corporation, a member of the Second Baptist Church, Rochester, and was the longest serving member of the church. Ruth was a former choir member, usher, and Sunday school teacher within the Second Baptist Church and also served on the funeral dinner committee and was in charge of most church dinners. She volunteered with many community projects, including the Thanksgiving dinners at the St. Cecilia social hall, that originated at the Second Baptist Church, Rochester. She was the former owner, charter member, and secretary of the Harris Cleaning Service, Rochester. Ruth was preceded in death by her former husband William H. Harris Sr., as well as two sons, Dana A. Harris (1971) and William H. Harris Jr. (2017), a grandson, Carter Harris, one sister, Betty Ford, and one brother, Garfield Raymond Whittington. Surviving her is one son, Timothy C. Harris, of Rochester, a daughter-in-law, Lorene Harris, of Rochester, two grandchildren, Dana W. and his wife Sherry L. Harris, of Ohioville, and Alana R. McKeel and her husband Jim Gryck, of Moon Township, and five great-grandchildren, Jared, Makenna, Zachery, Jacob, and Isabella, two great-great-grandchildren, Ellis and Vivianna, a sister, Elease Clark, of Wilksboro, NC, an aunt, Grace Ellicot, a good friend, Racquel Cook, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, cousins, and beloved friends. The family will receive friends Saturday, October 3rd, from 10am until 12pm, at the Second Baptist Church, Rochester, where a service will be held at 12:30. Officiating will be Ruth's pastor, Reverend Bryan Crawl. Private interment will follow in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Rochester. All arrangements are entrusted to the William Murphy Funeral Home, Inc. 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074. The family wishes in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Second Baptist Church, 200 Clay St, Rochester, PA 15074.

09/23/2026

Robert C. Basinger Sr., age 93, of McDonough, GA, formerly of Waynesburg and Freedom, PA, passed away Saturday, September 19th, 2026, at his home. He was born October 9th, 1932, in Lone Pine, PA, Washington County, to the late Jason and Rosa Jane Phillips Basinger. Robert was a retired employee with the former Armco Steel and a former Pilot as well as instructor. He was an FAA Designee instructor and flight examiner. He was Methodist by faith. He received his Pilot Licensee through the FAA from CCBC. His ATP rating for private, commercial, multi-engine instruments, and Sea-Plane. He was a member of Beaver Valley Skydivers, a member of the Butler Farm Show, Air Heritage Museum, and commander in charge of the C-123 for ten years. Roberts main interests were in single and multi-engine aircraft flying, corporate aircraft flying, and deer hunting. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War. Surviving Robert is his wife of 73 years, Ina Marlene (Edge) Basinger, as well as two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert C. Sr and Karen Basinger, of Fairfax Station, VA, and Ken J. Sr. and Teri Basinger, of McDonough, GA, three grandchildren, Kenneth J. Jr. and Becky Basinger, of Jackson, GA, Major Dustin S. Basinger, of Fort Bragg, NC, and Melissa and Robert Maloch, of Commerce, GA, and nine great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Bette Halavanja, of Baden, and a friend Emil Pecori, of Oakdale. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Francis, Jason, Jim, and Wilbur Basinger, three sisters, Sara Roberts, Jane Rager, and Joretta Schoaf. The family will receive friends Friday September 25th, from 1pm until 3pm, at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074. A service will follow at 3:15. Interment will take place at the National Cemetery of Alleghenies. Full military honors will be held by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #862 for their fallen comrade, taking place at the funeral home after the service.

09/14/2026

Harold L. Bingle, son of the late Franklin and Elizabeth Ifft Bingle, passed away peacefully in his home, on Sunday, September 13th, 2026, after a six year battle with cancer. He was a graduate of Rochester High School and received a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Geneva College. Harold was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, having served four years in the security agency of the United States Army. He spent eighteen months in Bangkok, Thailand during the war. He was a retired self-employed Accountant and was previously employed as a Beaver County Deputy Controller for many years. Harold was a lifelong member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rochester, where he served in various capacities. Harold is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judith M. (Headland) Bingle, three children, Patrick and his wife Kathy Bingle, Jeffrey “Jake” J. Bingle, and Wendy Simmons, four grandchildren, Lana, Tarra, Tyler, and Mason, as well six great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, one brother, Donald Bingle, and a sister-in-law, Joanne Bingle. He is preceded in death by two brothers and a sister-in-law, Wilbur and Margaret Bingle, and William D. Bingle, and two sisters, Betty Ann and Lois JoAnn Bingle and a son-in-law, Russ Simmons. The family will receive friends Wednesday September 16th, from 2pm until 4pm and 6pm until 8pm at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074. A service will be held Thursday September 17th at 11am, in the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 392 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074, where everyone is requested to meet. Officiating will be Pastor Gregory S. Clagg. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Irvin Cemetery, Rochester. In lieu of flowers the family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001. The family wishes to thank Dr. Tarabay and her staff, for the excellent caring and compassionate treatment shown to Harold over the last six years, as well as Concordia and Pinnacle Hospice.

08/18/2026

Lawrence A. DePaolis Sr., age 94, of New Sewickley Township, passed away August 17th, 2026, at his residence. He was born June 1st, 1932, in Freedom, to the late Carlo Sr. and Elide Barzanti DePaolis. Lawrence was a retired employee with the former Dravo Corporation. He was a member of St. Felix Roman Catholic Church - Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Freedom, and an Army Veteran during the Korean War. He was a life member of the North Hills Historic Auto club, and a life member of the Beaver County Model Airplane club. Lawrence was a loving father and grandfather. He is preceded in death by his wife Marjorie C. (Hoover) DePaolis, in 2024, as well as three brothers, Joseph, Casper J. “Cappy”, and Carlo Jr. DePaolis, and three sisters, Flora Steel, Pauline Rusnak, and Lena Catana. Surviving Lawrence are two sons and daughters-in-law, Lawrence A. and Judy DePaolis, of Vienna, Virginia, and Michael A. and Diane DePaolis, of Rochester, three daughters and two sons-in-law, Vickie and Rodney Eichhorn, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Donna DePaolis McKeever, of Gig Harbor, Washington, Tracy and Mark Drago, of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, seventeen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 19th, from 2pm until 4pm, and 6pm until 8pm, at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, August 20th, beginning at 10am, at St. Felix Roman Catholic Church - Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Freedom. All attendees are requested to meet at church. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Freedom.

08/13/2026

Hazel A. Withers, age 92, formerly of New Sewickley Township, passed away, Tuesday, August 11th, 2026, in Good Samaritan Hospice, of Wexford. Born December 24th, 1933, in New Brighton, Hazel was the daughter of the late Alfred and Sarah Mather Altenbaugh. She was a retired assembler with Westinghouse Corporation, of Vanport, a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rochester, a former volunteer with the Rochester Meals on Wheels organization, former member of the Eastern Star - Naomi Chapter, a longtime volunteer with the Syria Shrine and the Daughters of the Nile, and the Hillbillies Chapter. Hazel is preceded in death by her husband, Theodore L. Withers (2022), as well as two sisters, Dorothy L. Altenbaugh and Roberta G. Black, and a niece, Sherree Richards. She is survived by two nieces, Deborah and John Newton and Denise and Larry Parks, both of New Sewickley Township, three great-nephews, Greg and Cathy Altenbaugh, Robert Richards, and Chad and Katie Parks, a great-niece, Caitlin Newton, and numerous paternal nieces and nephews, including Deb Garnes, Jack and Neal Klann, and Donna Johnson. The family will receive friends Monday, August 17th, from 2pm until 5pm, at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074, with the service following at 5:15. Officiating will be Pastor Gregory Clagg. Interment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607.

08/11/2026

Linda M. Yothers, age 77, of Freedom, passed away, Monday August 10th, 2026, at Friendship Rehab and Health. Born August 15th, 1948, in Monaca, Linda was the daughter of the late Robert W. and Dorothy Mae Cozad Miller. She was a retired employee with Giant Eagle, of Rochester, and Lutheran by faith. Linda enjoyed camping and fishing at their camp, at Pymatuning, as well as bird and animal watching. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Larry Vuletich (1989), and her second husband, Frank M. Yothers Jr. (2024). Linda is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Sue Ellen and Steven Dill, of Hopewell, and Karen Stuckwish, of Freedom, two sons and a daughter-in-law, John and Tracy Yothers, of Monaca, and Adam Yothers, of Oakdale, three grandchildren, Ashley Moakley and her husband Walter, Mason Elmer, and Abigale Yothers, and a great-grandson Jason, as well as three sisters, Barbara Huth, of Tionesta, Robin Tolbert, of Freedom, and Karen Willison, of Salem, OH. Friends will be received Friday, August 14th, 2026, from 3pm until 5pm, at the William Murphy Funeral Home Inc., 349 Adams Street Rochester, PA 15074. A service will follow at 5:15pm. Officiating will be Linda’s Aunt, Reverend Harriet Hutton. Interment will be in Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Beaver County Humane Society.

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