Charles Alan Bova
Obituaries
July 9, 2024

Charles Alan Bova

ROSTRAVER TOWNSHIP Charles Alan Bova, 74, of Rostraver Township, passed away due to complications from surgery at Allegheny General Hospital on F r i d a y, July 5, 2024. He was born June 8, 1950, in New Eagle, the son of the late Charles and Lorraine Robb Bova. After his 1968 graduation from Monongahela High School, he attended Gateway Technical School in Pittsburgh for drafting. He worked for Frank Irey Construction from the late ’70s into the early ’80s. He then started his own painting business, C. Bova Paint Contracting, and continued in this business until retirement. He prided himself on being voted the Valley’s Favorite Painter several years in a row. He loved riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and feeling the wind in his hair. He and his wife, Debbie, enjoyed their many trips to Myrtle Beach Bike Week over the last 20 years. He had a great passion for and was an avid collector of antique safety razors, mechanical blade sharpeners and barbershop memorabilia. His knowledge of these razors and sharpeners was amazing. He was highly respected in the shaving collector’s community and eBay with fellow collectors. Chuck was a jack of all trades and if he couldn’t fix it, he always “knew a guy.” He made lifelong connections, both personal and professional, from all walks of life. His ability to talk to people and develop these relationships and connections not only benefited him, but also family and friends quite often throughout the years. Anyone who knew him knew that he enjoyed a good conversation and had so many stories to tell. No one had a better memory of the events of his youth than he did. He was always available to lend an ear to anyone or help in any way. He gave good, practical advice when needed, which was always appreciated. He was such a supportive, nonjudgmental person to have around in time of need. If you needed something done or researched, he was the person to ask. He loved being referred to as the “Smartest Man in the World” by his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Chuck had a unique and charismatic personality. His intelligence and wit along with his sense of humor made him the extraordinary person that he was. There was no one quite like him, nor will there ever be again in our lives. He can never be replaced and will forever be missed by those who knew and loved him. He genuinely loved life and his family and friends. Our hearts are broken. He is survived by his wife, Debbie (Zimmerman) Bova; daughter and son-in-law, Dawn and Sam McPherson of Finleyville; granddaughter, Taylor McPherson (Bryan Lloyd) of Belle Vernon; grandson, Chase McPherson of Finleyville; two special greatgrandchildren, McKenna McPherson and Cruz Lloyd; brother, Gary Bova of Rostraver Township; sister and brother-in-law, Karen Bova (Mike) DiFranco of Parma, Ohio; mother-in-law, Janice Zimmerman of North Charleroi; sisters-in-law, Karla Zimmerman and Alesa Dague, both of Charleroi; brothers-in-law, Dr. Mark (Diane) Zimmerman of New Hampshire and Michael (Marti) Beazell of Charleroi; nephew, Dino DiFranco; niece and nephew, Lauren and Chris Hause; special great-nephews, Owen and Matteo Hause; niece, Rachael Dague; nephews, Don Dolan (Hollee Kelly), Sean Dolan, Adam Bova; niece, Kaylee Tomasiak; greatnephews, Odin Shaw and A.J. and Richie Bova; and several special cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Patty Bova; father-inlaw, Merlyn (Zim) Zimmerman; and brother-in-law, Dr. Kenneth Zimmerman.

Pancake tradition unites Valley on Shrove Tuesday
Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
February 18, 2026
The annual event serves as a fundraiser for Belle Vernon Area Rotary. Hot griddles, stacks of pancakes and a steady line of guests marked another year of service as Belle Vernon Area Rotary hosted its...
Construction starts on McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge
Main
February 18, 2026
Work on the nearly 100-year-old structure is expected to continue through late 2028. By the MVI Lane restrictions began Monday, marking the start of the $51 million McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge project....
Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
February 18, 2026
Marion Elementary School Principal Dr. Eric Knorr will move into the position beginning July 1. At Tuesday’s meeting, the Belle Vernon Area school board appointed a current district administrator to f...
News
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
February 18, 2026
The company will receive a five-year agreement with service expected to start within 60 to 90 days. West Mifflin’s new cable provider will be Verizon Pennsylvania LLC. Council approved the cable franc...
News
By By THOMAS LETURGEY For the MVI 
February 18, 2026
Police Chief Shawn DeVerse is hoping to add two more license plate readers in the borough. Glassport council approved a motion Tuesday to enter into an agreement with Allegheny County District Attorne...
Shooter killed ex-wife and son in Rhode Island ice rink attack
News
February 18, 2026
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) — The person who opened fire Monday during a youth hockey game at a Rhode Island ice rink was specifically targeting family members, killing an ex-wife and son as many fans dived ...