Obituaries

Richard Alan “Hoppy” Hopkins, 54, of Koppel passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at VA Medical Center – Oakland. Born November 15, 1967 in Bethesda, MD, he was the son of Kenneth Hopkins and Ruth London Hopkins Middleton. He was a lifelong member of the United States Military, where he started his career in the Marine Corp. and retired from the Army as an Administration Sergeant. He was in Kuwait during the 1st Desert Storm. Some of his interests were refinishing and restoring furniture, bowling, video games, wrestling, and watching the Sci-Fi and Science Channels. He enjoyed celebrating his favorite…

Betty J. Frank, 82, of Wampum, passed away Thursday, August 4, 2022 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family, following a short illness. Born April 12, 1940 in Columbiana, OH, she was the daughter of the late John and Harriett Stanley Frank. Betty was a retired school bus driver. Survivors include two daughters, Tina (Jim) Bridge of Wampum, and Brenda (Clifford L.) Hughes of Mercer; son, Bill Lindsay of Wampum; brother, Lonzo (Carol) Frank; two sisters, Linda (Marvin) Ash and Peg (Morris) Ash; grandson, Clifford W. Hughes of Mercer and three great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she…

Richard H. Gardner, 91, of Wayne Township passed away Thursday, August 4, 2022 at his residence. Born July 12, 1931 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Harry and Frances Stevenson Gardner. He was married to Ruth Gables Gardner when she passed in 2002. Richard was retired from W.R. Grace Zonlite, where he worked as a truck driver. He was formerly active with the Slippery Rock and Berean Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed farming and loved to mow grass. Survivors include three daughters; Diana Gardner of Ellwood City, Donna (Charles) Behm of Evans City and Patty (Troy) Chapman…

Ronald N. Scala Sr., 84, of Espyville (formerly of Wampum) passed away Monday, August 1, 2022 at The Grove at New Castle. Born February 10, 1938 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Nick and Amanda “Mundy” (Fontana) Scala. He was married to Patti Postlewait when she passed in 1985. Ron was a veteran of the Navy. He was a member of the former St. Monica’s Church in Wampum. Ron owned and operated Ron’s Barber Shop in Wampum for 63 years until his retirement on March 21, 2015. He knew everyone in town and was always ready…

Robert E. “Bob” McMichael Jr., 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 31, 2022 at Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry, Mars, PA. Born September 23, 1940 in New Castle, PA, he was raised in Wampum, PA, graduating from Wampum High School in 1958. He received a Congressional appointment as a Midshipman to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY, where he served as Battalion Commander. At the Academy, he gained experience in the operation and navigation of ships through voyages to Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, and South America. Upon his 1962 graduation, he was commissioned an Ensign…