Beaver County Special Unit

11/11/2023

Veterans Day started back in 1919 but was called Armistice Day. It marked the end of fighting in WW I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Thus, Armistice Day always fell on Nov, 11 regardless of the day of the week it fell on.

This day was set aside to honor the Veterans of World War I with a day of remembrance and parades. It also held an added pause of activities at 11am. In 1938 this day was made a federal holiday for all.

President Woodrow Wilson honored the first Armistice Day with these words in 1919: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

However, after WW II and the Korean War, Congress expanded the meaning of this day to honor all Veterans. In 1954, "Armistice" was replaced with "Veterans" to honor all Veterans of all American Wars

Veterans day is not only to remember those who have died in the service of our country, but to honor those who continue to serve to protect our freedom today.

10/17/2023

Dale E. McDonald
US Army - World War II

Dale E. McDonald 5/20/1923 ~ 10/10/2023 US Army – WW II Dale E. McDonald, 100, of Sewickley, formerly of Beaver, passed away on October 10, 2023, at Masonic Village Sewickley. Born on May 20, 1923, in Swissvale, PA, he was the son of the late Alex and Anna Baker McDonald, Dale was a faithful membe...

10/05/2023

John J. Siget, Jr
US Army

John J. Siget, Jr 4/8/1950 ~ 10/3/2023 US Army John J. Siget, Jr., “My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my Heart and my portion forever,” Psalm 73:26,- “I met God today. Do not keep your sad face, I’m in a much better place. Live every moment as if it […]

10/04/2023

James Howard Pogue
US Army

James Howard Pogue 1/29/1956 ~ 8/13/2023 US Army James Howard Pogue (Smackey) passed away on August 13, 2023, at Brighton Wellness and Rehabilitation Center, Brighton Township, PA, after a brave battle with cancer. He was loved by family and friends and will be fondly remembered. Born on January 29,...

10/04/2023

Jerry M. Taylor
US Navy

Jerry M. Taylor 9/26/1933 ~ 10/2/2023 US Navy Jerry M. Taylor, 90, of Center Township, passed away Monday, October 2, 2023, in his home. He was a resident of Aliquippa since 1939. Born September 26, 1933, in Corbin, KY, he was a son of the late Mack and Izetta Taylor. Jerry was a member of […]

10/03/2023

Joseph Kosmal
US Army - Korea

Joseph Kosmal 11/14/1931 ~ 8/31/2023 US Army – Korea Joseph Kosmal, 92, of Hopewell Township, passed away Thursday, August 31, 2023. Born on November 14, 1931, in Pittsburgh, Pa, he was the son of the late Joseph and Dorothy Kosmal. Joe retired from Shippingport Nuclear Power Plant as the Director...

10/03/2023

Robert Lee Nail
US Navy

Robert Lee Nail 10/2/1937 ~ 9/26/2023 US Navy Robert Lee Nail, 85, of East Palestine, Ohio, formerly of South Beaver Twp., passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Born October 2, 1937 in Butler, Pennsylvania, he was a son of the late Harold and Marion Nail. Robert was a faithful member o...

09/27/2023

Joseph M. Tribone
US Army - WW II

Joseph M. Tribone 8/15/1926 ~ 9/18/2023 US Army – WW II Joseph M. Tribone, 97, of New Brighton, passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023. Joe was born on August 15, 1926 in Beaver Falls, PA, he was the son of the late Francesco (Tripodi) Tribone and Lillie (Gaudio-Phillips) Tribone. He was a vete...

09/27/2023

Lester J. Blaho
US Army - WW II

Lester J. Blaho 3/18/1926 ~ 9/22/2023 US Army – WW II Lester J. Blaho, 97, of Harmony Township, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 22, 2023, at Allegheny General Hospital. He was born on March 18, 1926, in Beaver Falls, the son of the late John and Helen Fedak Blaho. Lester’s thirst for...

09/27/2023

David Lodovico Sr
US Navy - Vietnam

David Lodovico Sr. 4/11/1941 ~ 9/21/2023 US Navy – Vietnam David Lodovico Sr. passed away peacefully on Thursday 9/21/2023 @ 1444 at Good Samaritan Hospice Center surrounded by love. Dave was born 4/11/1941 in Rochester Hospital and a graduate of Freedom Area High School in 1959. Son of Nick and R...

08/29/2023

William George Godfrey Sr.
US Army - Korea

William George Godfrey Sr. Date of Death: 8/26/2023 US Army – Korea William George Godfrey, Sr. 88 of Center Township answered his Heavenly Father’s call at Cambridge Pointe, Brighton Township on Saturday, August 26, 2023. Born in Crafton, Bill was the beloved son of the late George Godfrey and ...

08/08/2023

Keith G Christmann
US Marine Corps.

Keith G. Christmann 11/10/1951 ~ 8/5/2023 US Marine Corps. Keith G. Christmann, age 71, of Monaca, passed away on August 5, 2023 while under the care of UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Born November 10, 1951 in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Ludwig C. Christmann and Anna Jedlicka Christmann. Kei...