Obituaries

Michael Milnes, of Ellwood City, passed away on Thursday February 29, 2024 peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. For those who knew him, he lived his life curious, adventurous, brave, funny, hard-working, passionate, generous, and loving. While employed by the YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee in Fombell, he organized many projects including hayrides for ARC and the Blind Association, construction projects for the Navy Seabees, and many other organizations across PA. In addition, he was a man of many talents. He always had a plan to build, create, or serve. He cherished the memories of the times he coached Lil…

Daniel V. Nonnemacher, 54, of Wampum passed away unexpectedly Saturday, February 24, 2024 at his residence. Born February 9, 1970 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Richard W. Nonnemacher and Anita Leonard Hunter of Wampum. Daniel worked as a mail carrier for the US Post Office. He was a gifted artist and enjoyed painting. A loving son, father, brother and friend, he is survived by his mother Anita (Jerry) Hunter; son, Zachary Lee (Kathleen) Nonnemacher of Florida; daughter, Sydney Rae Nonnemacher of Enon Valley; sister, Theresa (Bill) Coates of New Castle; brother, Michael W. (Lisa) Nonnemacher…

Mr. James N. Higgins, 87, of Fombell passed away on Sunday, February 25th, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Higgins was born on November 10th, 1936 in Ellwood City to the late Earl and Dorothy (Skewis) Higgins. He had attended Lincoln High School and then enlisted with the United States Marine Corps on January 30th, 1954 and served until his honorable discharge on January 29th, 1957 with the rank of Corporal, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Following his service with the Marines, Jim worked for Halstead Industries in Zelienople, the Babcock & Wilcox…

Al C. Kocher, 85, of Ellwood City passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Shenango On the Green after a brief illness. Born August 13, 1938 in Beaver Falls he was the son of the late Harry A. and Helen Groscost Kocher. Al graduated from Ellwood City Lincoln High School in 1956 and from Geneva College where he earned his B.S. degree. He spent his career in the steel industry, first working at Blaw Knox and then United Engineering in sales and management. While working at United Engineering he was the co-inventor of the Kool Flo product. He then worked…

Kirk P. Derrow Sr., 48, of Franklin Township passed away on Wednesday, February 21st, 2024 at his residence. Kirk was born on February 25th, 1975 in Ellwood City to Milo Derrow and the late Yvonne (Francis) Winkle. He graduated in 1994 from Riverside High School where he participated in cross country and other track and field activities. Kirk worked for Allied Rubber and Supply Company in the hydraulic shop as a counter operator. An outdoorsman, he was an avid hunter, and enjoyed fishing and taking canoe trips with his family. Kirk also was a NASCAR fan and previously played softball…

Mr. Ralph F. “Fred” Tritt, 83, of Frisco passed away on Monday, February 19th, 2024 at the UPMC Jameson Hospital in New Castle. Mr. Tritt was born in Ellwood City on July 26th, 1940 to the late Ralph L. and Jean (Funkhouser) Tritt. He is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1959 and the First Church of God. Fred enlisted with the United States Army on March 5th, 1962 and served until his honorable discharge on March 4th, 1965 with the rank of SP4. He was awarded the Expert Marksman and Good Conduct Medals. For a brief…