Frances Irene Sbarro, 97

Frances Irene Sbarro of New Castle, formerly of Chewton departed this world for heaven on March 21, 2025 at the age of 97.

Frances was born August 5, 1927 in Beaver Falls, PA to the late Frank and Florence Cleck Murphy. She was married for 68 years to her husband Nick Sbarro until his death in 2015.

Frances is survived by her son Dr. Mark J. (Holly) Sbarro of St. Augustine, Florida, daughter-in-law Nora L. Sbarro of New Castle and one beloved grandson Nico Sbarro in whom she poured an abundance of love always instilling a love for Jesus that will last his lifetime. Also surviving are 5 special nieces: Patty Allen, Cyndy Kirkwood, Carol Walker, Karen Baker and Kathleen Tetamanza who preceded her in death. Being Aunt Fran was a great joy to her and these gals were like daughters. In addition to her husband she is preceded in death by her loving and devoted son, Richard K. Sbarro, her parents, three brothers: Frank Murphy, Lyle Murphy, Richard Murphy and one sister, Edith Murphy Weber.

Frances was a founding charter member of the Chewton VFD Ladies Auxiliary in 1953. Frances developed the recipe for Chewton pizza which was sold to raise money to support the Chewton Volunteer Fire Department for over 70 years. Fran’s delicious pizza recipe is still used today and sold at the Chewton Fire Department. Fran also spent many years as the Supervisor of Elections at the fire hall on Election Day.

Frances was a faithful servant to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ until her last breath brought her into her savior’s arms. She led a Ladies Prayer group and Bible Study for many years where they started each meeting by reciting Psalm 91 by memory. Frances was a member of the Primitive Methodist Church in New Castle for many years where she served on the Church Board, taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School.

Fran was a baker extraordinaire and delighted in baking an abundance of Christmas cookies each year that she shared with family, friends and neighbors. Her Thanksgiving dinner table where many gathered over the years was full of an abundance of delicious homemade recipes. She used this gift to bring joy to others proclaiming Psalm 34:8 “Taste and See that the Lord is Good.”

Frances will be remembered most as a mighty prayer warrior. She would receive calls from far and wide for prayer, keeping many prayer journals and prayer chains going as a testimony to the power of prayer. Her beautiful spirit and unwavering faith will live forever within our hearts. Thessalonians 4:13 is a scripture very dear to Frances. It tells believers to have a firm hope of life beyond the grave and that death is only a temporary separation from our loved ones. We rejoice in the promise of eternal life knowing that Frances has been welcomed by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ into glorious heaven her eternal home.

A Private family service was held at Marshall Funeral Home in Wampum with Pastor Matthew Bupp officiating.