Articles by Teolis Funeral Home

Mr. Norman L. Giancola, Sr., 95, of New Wilmington, formerly of North Sewickley Township, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at the Avalon Care Center. Norman was born on October 28, 1928, in Ellwood City, to the late Clemente and Anna D.(Perrotta) Giancola. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1946 and from Geneva College with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Norman is a veteran of the United States Air Force with the rank of Sergeant. He then joined the United States Air Force Reserves, where he retired as a Major from the 9-11th airlift wing,…

Mr. Darryl E. Ruby Sr., 85, of East Palestine, Ohio passed away on Sunday, September 29th,2024 at the Heritage Valley Medical Center in Beaver. Mr. Ruby was born in New Brighton on May 6th, 1939 to the late Norman and Cleora (Funkhouser) Ruby. Darryl graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1957. On December 10th, 1962 Darryl enlisted with the United States Army and served until his honorable discharge on June 17th, 1963 earning the rank of Private E2. He had worked as a retail bread salesman for Liberty Bakery, the Babcock & Wilcox steel mill in Beaver…

Ms. Pamela Creese, 63, of Fombell passed away on Sunday, September 29th, 2024 at AHN Wexford Hospital. Pam was born in Ellwood City on June 20th, 1961 to the late George H. and Dorothy M. (Hawke) Creese Jr.. She is a member of the Riverside High School class of 1979. For 25 years Pam worked at BNZ Materials Inc. in Zelienople as a fork lift operator. She enjoyed reading, traveling, camping, biking, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her significant other of 45 years Jim Funkhouser, daughter Diane Creese (John Kremer) of Koppel,…

Ryan D. Russo, 43, formerly of Ellwood City passed away in St. Petersburgh, Florida, in a heroic effort he made to save his girlfriend’s life in 2018, after pushing her out of the way of an erratic driver, Ryan was left in a coma which later claimed his life on September 5th, 2024 . Ryan was born on October 8th, 1980 to Peter and Lorraine (Izzo) Russo-Fresca. He attended both Lincoln High School and the Lawrence County Vo-Technical School. In Florida Ryan worked as a handyman for various construction companies. He loved writing and listening to music. Ryan also enjoyed…

Mrs. Bertha I. Wright, 91, of Franklin Township passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 at her daughters residence surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Wright was born in Ellwood City on July 24th, 1933 the daughter of the late Raymond R. and Florence Mae (Wimer) Evans. She married the love of her life Richard J. “Dick” Wright on October 1st, 1953 after which they raised their seven children together. Bertha enjoyed crocheting, cooking, watching Fox News, listening to country music, and most of all time spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her beloved dogs. She is survived…

Veronica Pacella, aged 67, passed away after a courageous six-year battle with cancer on August 31,2024. A dedicated community leader, journalist, and library advocate, she leaves behind a legacy of service and commitment to her hometown of Ellwood City. Born on May 12,1957 to Arthur and Edith (Rocco) Pacella, she was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 1975. Veronica furthered her education at Slippery Rock University, graduating in 1979. Her professional journey began at the Ellwood City Ledger, where she quickly made history as the youngest and first woman editor of the newspaper in 1981 . A…

Mrs. Patricia Ann Sturgis, 70, formerly of Franklin Township passed away on Tuesday, August 27th, 2024 at The Village at Unity in Rochester , New York. Mrs. Sturgis was born in Laurel Garden, PA on December 27th, 1953 to the late Arthur J. and Theresa (Polome) Marziale, Sr.. She is a member of the North Hills High School class of 1972, and the Lillyville Church of God. She had worked at the Seneca Valley School District for eight years as a teacher’s aide, and later at Passavant Retirement Community for another eight years in the housekeeping department. Patty’s favorite past…

Ms. Gail M. Frisk, 70, of Fombell passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 at her residence. Gail was the daughter of the late Joseph R. and Louise (Brown) Frisk born on August 7th, 1954 in Ellwood City. She is a member of the Quigley High School class of 1962, and graduated from St. Francis University in Loretto, PA where she earned a degree in Medical Technology. Over the years she had worked at various hospitals in the area as a medical technologist. She is a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church where for many years she,…

Mrs. Patricia (Main) Rukovena, 77, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, August 25th, 2024 at Quality Life Services in New Castle. Mrs. Rukovena was born the daughter of the late Chester K. and Teressa (DeBlasio) Main in Ellwood City on October 29th, 1946. She had graduated from Riverside High School with the class of 1966. Patty was Catholic by faith, a homemaker, an avid Pittsburgh Steeler’s fan, and loved spending time with her grandchildren. Patty is survived by her son Michael “Beno” Rukovena of Ellwood City, grandchildren Joseph Lyle, Tyler Lyle, and Addison Yaromey, great-grandson Riley Lyle, sister Karen…