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Memorial service

PA Fire Lt. Michael Bastian Dies Suddenly, Leaving Infant, Pregnant Wife PA Fire Lt. Michael Bastian Dies Suddenly, Leaving Infant, Pregnant Wife
PA Fire Lt. Michael Bastian Dies Suddenly, Leaving Infant, Pregnant Wife Lt. Michael Bastian, a decorated firefighter and instructor with the Williamsport Bureau of Fire, died suddenly on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, at the age of 39, leaving behind a wife, a young daughter, and another baby on the way. Lt. Bastian was known for his passion for firefighting and dedication to teaching, training countless emergency responders across Pennsylvania. Hired by the Williamsport Bureau of Fire on Sept. 9, 2015, he was a trusted leader on “C” Platoon and a State Fire Instructor. “Michael was one of the smartest and best firemen we ever had,” his colleagues wrote in a tribute. …
PA Mom Remembers Infant Daughter In Heartbreaking Obituary PA Mom Remembers Infant Daughter In Heartbreaking Obituary
PA Mom Remembers Infant Daughter In Heartbreaking Obituary The mother of an infant who died in a tragic co-sleeping incident on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Middletown shared a moving tribute to her daughter in the weeks before her arrest announced by police on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Jenna Beachley, 25, is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child following the death of her two-month-old daughter, Azriel Marie Renee Beachley. Azriel’s obituary, posted by Matinchek Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., describes the infant as her mother’s source of unconditional love and healing. “Azriel Marie Renee Beach…
PA Woman Hits, Kills 3 FL Deputies Standing On Roadside: Police PA Woman Hits, Kills 3 FL Deputies Standing On Roadside: Police
PA Woman Hits, Kills 3 FL Deputies Standing On Roadside: Police A Pennsylvania woman struck three Palm Beach County motorcycle deputies on Thursday, Nov. 21, killing two on the scene and a third who died days later, Florida authorities said. The deputies—identified as Corporal Luis Paez, 58, Deputy Ralph “Butch” Waller, 54, and Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, 51—were conducting traffic enforcement on the right shoulder of Southern Boulevard near Loxahatchee when the crash occurred, Florida Highway Patrol said in a release. At the time, the deputies were waiting for jumper cables to restart one of their motorcycles, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw explained during a p…
Flags At Half-Staff After Pittsburgh Fire Chief Dies In Line Of Duty Flags At Half-Staff After Pittsburgh Fire Chief Dies In Line Of Duty
Flags At Half-Staff After Pittsburgh Fire Chief Dies In Line Of Duty Governor Josh Shapiro has ordered all U.S. and Commonwealth flags in Allegheny County to be flown at half-staff in honor of Pittsburgh Fire Battalion Chief John P. Walsh, who died while responding to a fire Wednesday night, Nov. 20, 2024. Walsh, 60, collapsed at the scene of a house fire on the 700 block of Wilkinsburg Avenue in the East Hills neighborhood around 9 p.m., according to Pittsburgh Public Safety. He was rushed to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. “Chief Walsh tragically passed away while in command of a structure fire last night. His unwavering passion…
PA Motorcyclist Killed In Crash With Deer, Family Grieves Their Loss PA Motorcyclist Killed In Crash With Deer, Family Grieves Their Loss
PA Motorcyclist Killed In Crash With Deer, Family Grieves Their Loss The family of a Montgomery County motorcyclist is grieving his death after he died from injuries sustained in a crash involving a deer. Mikael Nihart, 25, of Pottstown, was riding a motorcycle west on Route 724 near Red Corner Road in Union Township, Berks County, when a deer ran out in front of him on Saturday, Nov. 2, according to a Pennsylvania State Police report. Nihart was thrown from the motorcycle and struck a guiderail, the police report states. He was taken to Reading Hospital where he died from his injuries with his mother, Amy Hartman, by his side on Monday, Nov. 4. "With …
Family Grieves Loss of David Brown After Fatal Dump Truck Crash Family Grieves Loss of David Brown After Fatal Dump Truck Crash
Family Grieves Loss of David Brown After Fatal Dump Truck Crash The family of a North Whitehall Township man is grieving their loss following a fatal dump truck crash that took his life on Tuesday, Oct. 15. David A. Brown, 68, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash that happened when the dump truck he was driving in the 2700 block of Valley Road struck an embankment. Brown was employed as a machinist and mechanic at Nestle Purina, formerly ALPO, for 43 years before his retirement in 2022, according to his obituary from Heintzelman Funeral Home. He was a member of Jordan United Church of Christ in Allentown. He is survived by his wife, Debra…
Northampton Woman Known As 'Beacon Of Positivity' Remembered By Family Northampton Woman Known As 'Beacon Of Positivity' Remembered By Family
Northampton Woman Known As 'Beacon Of Positivity' Remembered By Family The family of a woman known to them as a "beacon of positivity" is celebrating her life following a fatal crash in Heidelberg Township. "We celebrate the beautiful life of a beloved, daughter and sister, Raquel Muneca Monique Perez, who passed away on Oct. 2," her family said in an obituary they shared with Daily Voice. Perez, 26, of Wilson Borough, died in a tragic crash when her vehicle struck a tree in the 5000 block of Route 309 in Heidelberg Township on Wednesday, Oct. 2. She was pronounced dead at Lehigh Valley Hospital at 4:34 p.m. on the same day. She was a charismatic, determined …
'Beacon Of Positivity': Former Villanova Golfer, Newtown Square Dad Dies In Fiery Crash 'Beacon Of Positivity': Former Villanova Golfer, Newtown Square Dad Dies In Fiery Crash
'Beacon Of Positivity': Former Villanova Golfer, Newtown Square Dad Dies In Fiery Crash A Pennsylvania family was mourning the death of a father and Hudson Valley native who was killed on the New Jersey Turnpike. Colin Mahon of Newtown Square, PA, died in a chain-reaction crash in Cranbury, NJ, on Tuesday, Oct. 8, a New Jersey State Police spokesperson said. The father of three children was 40 years old, according to his obituary from Donohue Funeral Homes. A GoFundMe page in Mahon's memory had raised more than $118,900 from at least 326 donations as of Monday, Oct. 14. "Colin was a beacon of positivity and strength, touching the lives of everyone around h…
US Army Paratrooper, Philly Dad Of 3 Killed In Crash, Ex-Wife Says US Army Paratrooper, Philly Dad Of 3 Killed In Crash, Ex-Wife Says
US Army Paratrooper, Philly Dad Of 3 Killed In Crash, Ex-Wife Says  A US Army paratrooper and father of three was tragically struck and killed by a bus, according to a GoFundMe campaign started by his family. Christopher "Chris" McGarvey was killed in a crash at 11:47 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, his ex-wife, Coleen McGarvey, said in the GoFundMe.  "Chris was a veteran who served multiple tours overseas with the US Army," according to the GoFundMe campaign. "If you knew Chris you were lucky, because you knew that you had a good friend! You would also know how much he loved his kids." GoFundMe/Coleen McGarvey McGarvey, a Philadelphia resident,…
Popular PA BBQ Pitmaster Mike Wister Of NJ Dies From Short Illness Popular PA BBQ Pitmaster Mike Wister Of NJ Dies From Short Illness
Popular PA BBQ Pitmaster Mike Wister Of NJ Dies From Short Illness A Pennsylvania BBQ pitmaster and business owner with roots in New Jersey has died suddenly, according to his obituary posted by Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home. Michael "Mike" C. Wister, 58, originally of Elizabeth, NJ, but most recently of Lansdale, PA, passed away suddenly after a short illness at home on Saturday, Sept. 28, as detailed in his obituary. For 20 years, Mike ran small roadside BBQ stands, then he ran Wister’s Barbecue on Main Street for five years before moving to Broad Street in Lansdale where it's been for over two years, as explained in his obituary.  In his spa…
Lunch Lady Killed In Allentown Murder-Suicide, Daughter Says Lunch Lady Killed In Allentown Murder-Suicide, Daughter Says
Lunch Lady Killed In Allentown Murder-Suicide, Daughter Says A 44-year-old Allentown mom "didn’t deserve to die the way she did," her daughter wrote in a GoFundMe on Friday, Sept. 6 following a murder-suicide. Livi E. Beltran Fernandez was found shot dead in a home in the 2000 block of East Cedar Street around 1:10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, as explained by the Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio and previously reported by Daily Voice. Her cause of death was ruled a homicide. Jesus J. Cruz Ortiz, 53, of Easton, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot at the same address, Buglio said. His cause of death was ruled a suicide. Livi, a native of Puert…
Coroner IDs Motorcyclist, 68, Killed In MontCo Crash Coroner IDs Motorcyclist, 68, Killed In MontCo Crash
Coroner IDs Motorcyclist, 68, Killed In MontCo Crash Officials have identified the 68-year-old Lansdale motorcyclist killed in a crash on Monday, Sept. 9. David F. Yacko died in the crash at Geigel Hill and Cafferty roads in Lansdale on Monday, Sept. 9, Bucks County Coroner Patricia Campi tells Daily Voice. A Philadelphia native, Yacko was passionate about cars, and worked as a skilled mechanic for more than 50 years, according to an obituary published by Huff and Lakjer Funeral Home.  "He was known by all for his ability to fix or make anything that you could need," it reads. "From birdwatching, to te…
Sydney Ritter, Norristown Area HS Grad Dies, 18 Sydney Ritter, Norristown Area HS Grad Dies, 18
Sydney Ritter, Norristown Area HS Grad Dies, 18 Family and friends are mourning the loss of 18-year-old Sydney Ritter of Montgomery County who died on Tuesday, Sept. 3, according to an obituary published by Boyd-Horrox-Givnish Funeral Home. A photo on her Instagram page shows her holding degrees from Norristown Area High School and Central Montco Tech. "Joy is happiness that does not depend on what happens. If you are lucky enough to be blessed with a child, your heart is full of JOY," the obituary reads. She loved makeup, finding just the right outfit and "blinging out her car," her obituary reads. "She just shined. She loved sw…
Champion HS Wrestler, Business Owner 47-Year-Old Andrew Cook Dies Suddenly Champion HS Wrestler, Business Owner 47-Year-Old Andrew Cook Dies Suddenly
Champion HS Wrestler, Business Owner 47-Year-Old Andrew Cook Dies Suddenly Andrew C. Cook, of Chester Springs, died suddenly on Friday, Aug. 30, according to an obituary published by James J. Terry Funeral Home. He was 47 years old. Andy was a champion wrestler at Ridley Park High School, his obituary said. He ran a successful landscaping business for many years, according to his obituary. A GoFundMe campaign had raised more than $26,000 for his family as of Tuesday, Sept. 3. "Andrew found his passion in the financial world as an accountant for Fearless Restaurants," as noted in his obituary. He had a gift for mathematics and numbers. Andy loved being…
Vince Mazzotta, 62, Lifetime Darby Fire Company Member Dies Vince Mazzotta, 62, Lifetime Darby Fire Company Member Dies
Vince Mazzotta, 62, Lifetime Darby Fire Company Member Dies A Pennsylvania fire department is mourning the loss of one of their own. Vincent "Vince" John Mazzotta, a life member of the Darby Fire Co., died on Sunday, July 28. He was 62 years old.  The volunteer fireman, of Newtown Square, graduated from the Monsignor Bonner High School (Class of 1980) and King’s College in Wilkes-Barre (Class of 1984), his obituary on the Danjolell Memorial Home website says. Vincent's lifelong career as a federal civil servant began right out of college, 38 years of which were with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), his obituary says…
Allentown Cheerleader's Sudden Death Prompts Outpouring Of Support Allentown Cheerleader's Sudden Death Prompts Outpouring Of Support
Allentown Cheerleader's Sudden Death Prompts Outpouring Of Support Support is on the rise for the family of a 14-year-old Allentown girl who died unexpectedly last week. Gabriella "Gabby" Velazquez, a rising sophomore at Allentown Central Catholic High School died on Thursday, July 11, according to her obituary on the Schantz Funeral Home website. As of press time, more than $6,500 had been raised on a GoFundMe for her family launched by Sarah Kleppinger. "Gabby was a vibrant, energetic, young woman who loved her family and had a passion for cheerleading," the campaign said. "She will be dearly missed by all who knew her." Gabby's obituary says cheerlead…
Late Montco High School Grad Was Planning To Join Air Force, Fund Says Late Montco High School Grad Was Planning To Join Air Force, Fund Says
Late Montco High School Grad Was Planning To Join Air Force, Fund Says A class of 2024 graduate of Wissahickon High School, died on Monday, July 1, loved ones wrote in a GoFundMe launched to help the family.  Domenic G. Dugas, was 17-years-old, and slated to leave for training in the US Air Force at the end of the summer, fund organizer Denise Sabia explained. "No one is ever prepared to bury a child, and the financial burden of a memorial service is unimaginable during this difficult time," she wrote.   "Please consider contributing to help with the costs of medical bills, transporting Dom's body from NJ to PA, cremation, a…
US Air Force Member, Dad Killed In PA Motorcycle Crash, Fund Says US Air Force Member, Dad Killed In PA Motorcycle Crash, Fund Says
US Air Force Member, Dad Killed In PA Motorcycle Crash, Fund Says Edgar Guadarrama Jaimes, a Coopersburg father and husband, died in a motorcycle accident last Wednesday, June 26, officials have said. He was 30.  Guadarrama Jaimes was pronounced dead at the scene of the Interstate 78 crash, according to the Lehigh County Coroner's Office. Two other drivers involved in the accident were not injured.  His obituary from Stephens Funeral Home says the 30-year-old served in the United States Air Force and was a server at the Coopersburg Diner. The restaurant was closed on Monday, July 1 in Guadarrama Jaimes' memory.  Dear friends …
Autopsy Results Released For Son Of Former US Ambassador Shot Dead In Harrisburg (UPDATE) Autopsy Results Released For Son Of Former US Ambassador Shot Dead In Harrisburg (UPDATE)
Autopsy Results Released For Son Of Former US Ambassador Shot Dead In Harrisburg (Update) The autopsy results for the 52-year-old son of a former US Ambassador have been released following a shooting in Harrisburg, authorities announced on June 25.  Paul Kattouf of Susquehanna Township was found shot dead in the 200 block of State Street (between Second and Third streets) around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, according to the releases by Harrisburg police and the Dauphin County Coroner's office.  "Officers in the area were also able to quickly stop and detain a person of interest," as stated in the police release.   Kattouf's autopsy was conducted on Tue…
17-Year-Old Killed In Philadelphia Shooting Was Recent High School Grad, Family Says 17-Year-Old Killed In Philadelphia Shooting Was Recent High School Grad, Family Says
17-Year-Old Killed In Philadelphia Shooting Was Recent High School Grad, Family Says Isya Stanley, a Philadelphian who recently received her high school diploma, was killed in a shooting at Fairmount Park last Friday, June 14, according to police and loved ones. She was 17.  Authorities said Stanley was one of five people shot on the 2400 block of Greenland Drive around 10:45 p.m. She was struck multiple times and taken to Temple University Hospital where she was pronounced dead, PPD said.  The other four victims were placed in stable condition and the shooting remains under investigation, officials said.  In a GoFundMe campaign, family members said Stanley …
Fundraiser Launched For Lehigh Valley Teen Killed In Motorcycle Crash Fundraiser Launched For Lehigh Valley Teen Killed In Motorcycle Crash
Fundraiser Launched For Lehigh Valley Teen Killed In Motorcycle Crash Community members have raised thousands for the 19-year-old who died in a Walnutport crash over the weekend.  Eliam Buchanan-Ramos' motorcycle collided with another vehicle on Riverview Drive around 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 1, officials have said.  He was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital Muhlenberg where he died from complications of multiple traumatic injuries on Sunday afternoon, according to the Coroner's Office. His death was ruled accidental.  On GoFundMe, his older sister said Buchanan-Ramo was a "beloved brother, son, uncle, cousin, nephew, friend and brother in Christ…
Pequea Valley High School Student Killed In ATV Rollover Crash Pequea Valley High School Student Killed In ATV Rollover Crash
Pequea Valley High School Student Killed In ATV Rollover Crash An all-terrain vehicle rollover crash has led to the death of a Pequea Valley High School student.  Tyler Yoder, 18 of Narvon previously of Rohrerstown and Lancaster, passed away following the ATV crash in the 5800 block of Northeimer Road in Salisbury Township, according to Pennsylvania State Police. That crash happened around 8:41 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, PSP explained in a release. State police continue to investigate this deadly crash but they have explained that "The victim was operating an all-terrain vehicle in a field when the vehicle flipped. The victim was partially ej…
PA Firefighter Dies On Wife's 30th Birthday: 'I Will Never Recover From This' PA Firefighter Dies On Wife's 30th Birthday: 'I Will Never Recover From This'
PA Firefighter Dies On Wife's 30th Birthday: 'I Will Never Recover From This' This next decade was supposed to be the best one yet for Rachel Kay. The Bucks County resident had married the love of her life, Joe Kay, who honored her in part with a Facebook post on her birthday, June 1. UPDATE: Slain Firefighter Was Passenger In Unregistered UTV That Crash During Pursuit, Bucks DA Says Bu t Joe Kay, a member of the Plumstead Fire Department and sprint racer, died later that day. Not much is known about Kay's death, only that it came as a total shock to all who knew him, especially his wife. "My sweet, full of life, perfect husband passed away in an accident…
Driver Who Died In Allentown Crash Was Temple Grad And Software Engineer, Family Says Driver Who Died In Allentown Crash Was Temple Grad And Software Engineer, Family Says
Driver Who Died In Allentown Crash Was Temple Grad And Software Engineer, Family Says Abeil Adilow, a Philadelphia man and Temple University alumnus, died in a crash in Allentown on Tuesday, April 30, authorities have said. He was 27.  Police said Adilow crashed on the 1900 block of Lehigh Street just after 1 a.m. He was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest where he later succumbed to his injuries.  In a GoFundMe set up by family members to assist with his funeral costs, loved ones said Adilow was a Philadelphia native and a member of Central High School’s 273rd graduating class. He went on to receive a degree from Temple and was most recentl…
Thousands Raised For Family Of Late Delco Fitness Trainer Thousands Raised For Family Of Late Delco Fitness Trainer
Thousands Raised For Family Of Late Delco Fitness Trainer Ruth (nee Kent) Vellucci, a beloved wife, mother, and instructor at Fight Shape gym in Broomall, died on Wednesday, April 17, according to her obituary. She was 42.  "Ruthie was a beacon of light in our lives, radiating warmth, love, and compassion to all who knew her," wrote Lauren McGilligan on GoFundMe.  "She was the rock that held her family AND the Fight Shape family together." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fight Shape (@fightshapegym) According to her obituary, Vellucci is survived by her husband Vincent a…
Lower Merion Teacher Killed In Crash Was 'Amazing Husband, Father, And Friend': Fundraiser Lower Merion Teacher Killed In Crash Was 'Amazing Husband, Father, And Friend': Fundraiser
Lower Merion Teacher Killed In Crash Was 'Amazing Husband, Father, And Friend': Fundraiser Friends and community members are collecting donations for the family of the Lower Merion teacher who died in a car accident last Tuesday, April 2.  Tim Mohan, 53, was a social studies teacher at Bala Cynwyd Middle School for 30 years and also served as the school's Athletics and Activities Director, school district officials have said. A GoFundMe to benefit his wife and children has raised nearly $15,000 in three days.   "Tim was an amazing husband, father, and friend," wrote campaign organizer Megan Nieberle.  "Tim's love of his family and friends, contagious sm…
Fiery Crash Kills Chambersburg Native 24-Year-Old In Carlisle: PA State Police Fiery Crash Kills Chambersburg Native 24-Year-Old In Carlisle: PA State Police
Fiery Crash Kills Chambersburg Native 24-Year-Old In Carlisle: PA State Police A 24-year-old man died at the scene of a crash in Central Pennsylvania, State Police announced on Monday, April 8. Mason Allen Kelley originally of Chambersburg most recently of Carlisle, was heading west on East Old York Road near Lerew Road in Carlisle when he left his lane for an unknown reason at 12:21 a.m. on April 6, the state police detailed in the release. Kelley exited the right-hand lane, and entered into the eastbound lane before leaving the roadway entirely, striking a tree head-on, and becoming engulfed in flames, according to PSP. Citizens Fire Company, Yellow Breeches EMS, C…
Temple University President Collapses, Dies Following Memorial Event Temple University President Collapses, Dies Following Memorial Event
Temple University President Collapses, Dies Following Memorial Event Temple University Acting President JoAnne A. Epps died suddenly on Tuesday afternoon, the university has announced. Epps was attending a memorial service at Temple when she "became ill," the university said in a statement. She was rushed to Temple University Hospital and pronounced dead at 3:15 p.m., they said. "There are no words that can describe the gravity and sadness of this loss," the statement reads. "President Epps was a devoted servant and friend who represented the best parts of Temple. She spent nearly 40 years of her life serving this university, and it goes without saying…
PA Star Student-Athlete Dies In Crash On US Rt. 22 PA Star Student-Athlete Dies In Crash On US Rt. 22
PA Star Student-Athlete Dies In Crash On US Rt. 22 Tonee Ellis a star wrestler at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, died following a car crash on Tuesday, Aug. 1, state police said.  Troopers believe the Norristown native was driving west on US Route 22 in Perr County when his car left the roadway and hit a tree, catching fire.  The 22-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a state police report.  Born in 2001, Ellis was a graduate of Methacton High School in Worcester Township, where he launched his athletic career, loved ones said.  I love you so much Baby brother, and i will miss you so much, Even tho You ar…
Bucks Firefighter George Sottung Passes Away Bucks Firefighter George Sottung Passes Away
Bucks Firefighter George Sottung Passes Away Longtime Bucks County volunteer firefighter and trustee George Sottung has died, his colleagues announced on Facebook Monday, April 10.  Sottung was an active life member and insurance trustee for the Croydon Fire Company, officials said. He was also previously a Captain with the company.  "This is a very difficult time for our members and his family," wrote Croydon's Station 11 staff. "We ask that everyone keep us in your prayers as we process this loss." A memorial service will be held at the Croydon Fire Company on Thursday, April 13, officials continued. A viewing is schedule…
Kevin Neary Dies 12 Years After Violent Philadelphia Robbery Kevin Neary Dies 12 Years After Violent Philadelphia Robbery
Kevin Neary Dies 12 Years After Violent Philadelphia Robbery Kevin Neary, a well-known Philadelphian whose recovery from a life-altering attack inspired his community, died Monday, Feb. 20, his loved ones announced on his website.  Kevin was a young man in his 20s when he was shot in an armed robbery in the Northern Liberties in November 2011, according to his online bio.  The bullet punctured his spinal cord at the C5 level and percussed up to affect the C1 level, leaving Kevin "largely paralyzed" from the neck down. But his indomitable spirit and the embrace of his neighbors carried him through, loved ones wrote in his obituary. …