Articles by Marshall Funeral Home

Debbie Jane Majors, 65

Debbie Jane Majors, 65, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, February 5, 2026, in her home. Born in New Castle on April 6, 1960, she was the daughter of the late James Howard and Mary Jane Woods Wimer. Debbie was a 1978 graduate of Lawrence County Vo-Tech and had a continued love of learning as she was actively pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Recently retired from Strayer University, Debbie enjoyed an active social life. She was a longtime member of the Chewton Polish White Eagles, where she could be found playing in the Women’s Pool league every Tuesday night. Debbie…


Gerald L. “Pee Wee” Orock, 88

Gerald L. “Pee Wee” Orock, 88, of Perry Twp. (formerly of Fombell) passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026, at UPMC – Jameson Hospital following a brief illness. Born August 4, 1937, in Fombell, he was the son of the late William and Keturah McFarland Orock. He was married to Patti “Putsy” Kirkham Orock for 66 years when she passed away on February 18, 2022. He held many jobs throughout his life, including at National Plumbing, 33 years at J&L Steel in Aliquippa retiring as a foreman, and later worked at the Butler Auto Auction. In addition, he operated his own…


Brent J. Maggi, 51

Brent J. Maggi, 51, of Wampum passed away on Tuesday January 27, 2026, at UPMC Presbyterian. Brent was born on December 10, 1974, in New Castle to James Maggi and the late Charlotte (Fosnaught) Maggi. He graduated from Mohawk High School in 1992. He is survived by his three children; Madeline, Cayden, and Devin Maggi whom he loved very much; father, James Maggi; two brothers, Charles (Kristi) Maggi and Timothy (Brooke) Maggi, and niece, Rachel Maggi. He was preceded in death by his mother, Charlotte, maternal grandparents, Charles and Virginia Fosnaught, and his paternal grandparents, Angelo and Evelyn Maggi. Brent…


Paul R. Surma, 88

Paul R. Surma, 88, of Ellwood City passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Beaver Valley Nursing and Rehab Center following a brief illness. Born February 1, 1938, in McKees Rocks, he was the son of the late Michael Stanislov and Dorothy Catherine McClusky Surma. Paul was an insurance salesman for many years. He was an avid golfer and member of the Connoquenessing Country Club. Survivors include daughter, Sharon (Chris) Razani of Ellwood City; two sons, Ronald (Sally) of Hermitage and David Surma of Cranberry, and three grandchildren; Caityln, Christian, and Luke. In addition to his parents, he was preceded…


George E. Schrantz, 85

George Eugene Schrantz, 85, of West Pittsburg passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, at UPMC – Jameson Hospital following a short illness. Born July 25, 1940, in New Castle, he was the son of the late Edward G. and Bernice McConnell Schrantz. He was married to Darlene L. Boughter Schrantz for 52 years when she passed away on February 6, 2021. George graduated from New Castle High School in 1958 and then served in the Navy until his honorable discharge. A machine operator by trade, he worked at B&W and the Ellwood City Forge. An avid car enthusiast, he enjoyed…


Linda L. Musser, 77

Linda L. Musser, 77, of New Castle passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026, at UPMC Mercy Hospital. Born August 25, 1948, in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Leon and Bessie Jones Williams. Linda graduated from Union High School.  She married James P. Musser Sr on December 26, 1968. They shared 41 years of marriage until his passing on May 21, 2010. Linda was a devoted homemaker and enjoyed playing bingo, but her most cherished moments were spent with her family. Survivors include son, Jim (Linda Imler) Musser of Volant; daughter, Hope Walker of Shenango Twp; six…


Rosemarie Moser, 94

Heaven gained a beautiful angel as Rosemarie Moser, 94, of Ellwood City, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Struthers, Ohio. Born October 20, 1931, in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Damiano and Brigida Lopiano Viccari. She was married to Bill Moser for 59 years when he passed away on October 26, 2012. Rosemarie’s love of cooking was evident as she worked many years in the cafeteria at Riverside High School. After retirement, she spent summers at Camp Allegheny preparing meals for campers and staff – especially her famous pepperoni bread….


Michael R. Van Kirk, 79

Michael R. Van Kirk, 79, of Enon Valley, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 6, 2026, following an extended illness. Michael was born on September 26, 1946, to the late Robert Wayne and Hilda Mae Connors Van Kirk. He retired from United Local Schools after 40 years as a high school math teacher. He was a graduate of the former Northwestern High School in Darlington, PA and then from Slippery Rock University. Michael spent his life on the farm bailing hay, cutting firewood, and loved his horses. He was known for breeding prize winning horses in…


Joseph E. Yost, 87

Joseph E. Yost, 87, of Wayne Twp. passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, at Quality Life Services in New Castle. Born July 8, 1938, in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Earl J. and Viola Mae Houk Yost. Joseph graduated from Lincoln High School in 1956 and then from Slippery Rock University. He taught Driver’s Education and Geometry for both Union and Riverside High Schools before eventually retiring from Riverside. A skilled photographer, he captured weddings, sporting events, and forensic scenes, as well as photos of his friends and animals. He also enjoyed telling jokes and driving…


Carol Lee Hairhoger, 82

Carol Lee Hairhoger, 82, of Grove City (formerly of Shenango Twp., New Castle) passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Allegheny General Hospital. God gained a remarkable woman whose life was filled with love, devotion, and joy. Carol was a deeply loving person, and that love showed in everything she did and everyone she cared for. Carol was born on June 11, 1943, in Ellwood City to the late Matthew and Elizabeth Stevenish Kalac-Bowman, and she lived a full and meaningful life until December 27, 2025. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961. Following high school, she…