Obituaries
October 21, 2021

Sandra Ann Derrico – Rostraver Township

By obits

Sandra Ann Derrico, 75, of Rostraver Township, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021. A daughter of the late Michael Fransko and Emma Sisler Fransko, she was born in Monongahela on Jan. 16, 1946. Sandy was a member of the Christian Center Church for over 45 years, where she had been a secretary for her husband, Pastor John, for several years. During her time at the church, she held the Women’s Tea around Easter time every year, was the director of multiple plays and was the head of the women’s ministry for many years, being known for her skits. Sandy was an absolute blessing to her community and church. After earning a degree in photography, she enjoyed photographing a variety of subjects and developing her own photos in her dark room. Sandy always enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband to whom she was married 57 years, Pastor John Derrico; a daughter and son-in-law, Tina and Brian Barnhart of Mt. Joy, Pa.; a son, Doug Derrico, at home; four grandchildren, Jessica Barnhart, Benjamin Barnhart, Jana (Ryan) Brooks and Brian Joseph Barnhart; a great-granddaughter, Elaine Ann Brooks; a sister and brother-in-law, Dawna and Gary Heinz of Washington, Pa.; and a brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Joanne Fransko of Chardon, Ohio. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Dolores McCullough and Irene White; and two brothers, Edward Fransko and Ronald Fransko. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, in the Christian Center Church, 130 Charity Lane, Rostraver Township. Friends will also be received from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, in the church prior to a 10 a.m. funeral service with Pastor Tim Burgan and the pastors of the Christian Center Church co-officiating. Interment will follow in Mon Valley Memorial Park. Arrangements have been entrusted to the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC., 700 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon, 724-929-5300, www.FergusonFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Graduation day at PennWest California
Latest News, Main
December 15, 2025
Hannah Smith, an elementary education major from Cecil, celebrates with fellow graduates during PennWest California’s Fall 2025 commencement ceremony Saturday at the Convocation Center. See more photo...
BVA investigating social media threats
Latest News, Main
December 15, 2025
In response, police will have an increased presence today at Rostraver Elementary. By LADIMIR GARCIA and TAYLOR BROWN lgarcia@yourmvi.com tbrown@yourmvi.com Belle Vernon Area School District officials...
Up to 6 inches of snow blankets the Mon Valley
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 15, 2025
The storm was followed by bitter cold, but a warmup is in the forecast for later this week. Snow from a weekend winter storm tapered off early Sunday morning, but not before dropping several inches ac...
Latest winners honored in Ideas 2 Enterprise program
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 15, 2025
Hannah Widdifield of Simple String Studio won first-place honors and a $5,000 grant. Big ideas and small businesses were in the spotlight Thursday as local entrepreneurs gathered to celebrate the late...
Carnegie Free Library of McKeesport has new director
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 15, 2025
Michael Chirichella wants people to feel at home whenever they visit the library. By COLETTE FUNCHES McKeesport Community Newsroom When visitors enter the doors of the Carnegie Free Library of McKeesp...
Elizabeth Township sets water shut-off procedure
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 15, 2025
It runs through March 31, covering non-payment issues for the winter. Elizabeth Township has approved a water shut-off procedure with Pennsylvania American Water for customers who don’t pay their bill...