Articles by Marshall Funeral Home

Dean Allen Friend, 53, of Big Beaver Borough, passed away on May 9, 2026. Born on May 16, 1972, in Rochester, Pennsylvania, Dean spent his life in Beaver County and built his world around hard work, loyalty, family, and helping anyone who needed him. He was the kind of man who would show up without being asked, give away his last dollar if someone needed it more, and quietly carry burdens for the people he loved. Dean was a proud Teamster Local 341 CDL truck driver. He could never quite park a Mini Cooper straight at Walmart but put him…

Mary Grace Zelic, 86, of Chewton passed away Friday, May 1, 2026 at Quality Life Services New Castle. Born April 13, 1940, in Youngstown, she was the daughter of the late Stephen Sr. and Eileen Markovich. She was married to Dann S. Zelic for 33 years when he passed on February 7, 2025. Mary worked at various places over the years including at Leeds and Northrup, and as a cook at the Hillview Manor and Golden Hill Nursing Home. She cherished time with her family. Survivors include daughter, Lorrie (Fred) Hess of New Castle; step-daughter, Dana (Mark) Cirelli of Ellwood…

Mark L. Gehley, 66, formerly of Big Beaver, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Providence Care Center following a short illness. Born April 13, 1960, in Beaver Falls, he was the son of the late Eamile O. and J. Rosalie Covert Gehley. Mark was a proud Marine Corp Veteran. He worked for many years as a finish line machine operator for Armstrong Industries in Beaver Falls. He was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church. For 48 years, Mark dedicated himself as a volunteer firefighter with the Big Beaver VFD. He served in many roles, including President, Chief, Assistant…

Nancy Jane Leslie, 85, of Edinburg passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Quality Life Services Mercer. Born February 8, 1941, in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Margaret Montinger Bees. She married James Stuart Leslie on October 25, 1963, at Kings Chapel United Methodist Church. Nancy graduated from Union High School. She drove bus for Mohawk High School for many years until her retirement in 2014. She enjoyed shopping, but most of all, she cherished spending time with her family. Survivors include her beloved husband of 62 years, James; son, Jim (Kim) Leslie of…

Bronson E. Allman, 39, of Ellwood City passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital following a car accident. Born December 9, 1986, he was the son of Bernard Dillaman and the late Annette Marie Allman. A lifelong resident of Ellwood City, Bronson graduated from Lincoln High School in 2005, where he played football. He went on to attend SRU where he received his degree in Sports Management. Bronson worked at the Woodforest Bank in Chippewa. An avid and knowledgeable sports fan, Bronson enjoyed NASCAR, racing, football, golf, WWE, baseball and hockey. He played roller hockey as…

With deep love and steadfast faith, we celebrate the life of Kathryn Marie “Kate” Wear who was called home to be with the Lord on April 25, 2026, and entered peacefully into eternal rest. Born November 8, 1930, in Wampum, she was the daughter of the late Frank G. and Sylvia Rose Portugallo Ferrante. She was married to Harry L. Wear Jr. when he passed away on April 29, 2010. Kate graduated from Lincoln in 1948. She was a current member of the 1st Assembly Church in New Castle. Kate worked as a clerk at the Ellwood City Forge for…

Darl J. “Jack” Allen, 87, of Portersville passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at his residence. Born April 21, 1939, at the Jameson Hospital in New Castle, he was the son of the late L.D. “Skinny” and Emma B. Cragle Allen. Jack graduated from Lincoln High School. He was employed at Medusa Cement for 20 years where he worked as a kiln burner and also served as Chief of Police in Wayne Twp. for 20 years. He enjoyed listening to and playing country music on his bass guitar. His most cherished times were spent with his family. Survivors…

John L. Schutte Jr., 65, of Beaver Falls passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 20, 2026, at his residence. Born October 16, 1960, in Rochester, he was the son of the late John Sr. and Elva Teapole Schutte. John enjoyed driving his fast cars and attending car shows. He also enjoyed visiting flea markets, especially Rodgers, bowling, and loved the Tasmanian Devil. Above all, he cherished moments spent with his family. Survivors include his beloved wife Virginia Nicholson Schutte; two daughters, Chantal Schutte and Abigail Schutte; son, Jeremy Bundy; sister, Dusty (Curt) Schutte-Fenchel; niece, Sophia, and nephews, Scott Jr. and…

Mary Jane Hergenrother Navolio, 93, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospice House following an extended illness. Born July 27, 1932, in Chewton, she was the daughter of the late John Oliver and Dorothy May Wigley Hergenrother of Chewton. Mary Jane graduated from Lincoln High School, Class of 1950, and was a graduate of Geneva College. She worked for Scharr Jewelry Distributors from Hartford, CT as a District Manager. She was a member of the former St. Agatha’s Church in Ellwood City. Mary Jane is survived by two daughters, Melissa (Ken) Gates of…

Shaelyn Beachem, 28, of Robinson Twp. (formerly of Ellwood City) passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital. Born June 11, 1997, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of John Beachem of Portersville and Nan Wilson Beachem of Ellwood City. She was married to the love of her life, Alex Coates of Stevenage, England. They met in Nashville in September of 2023 and continued a life of travel to destinations all over Europe. They married on June 20, 2025 in a private ceremony with just the two of them. At her bedside, Alex shared he would…