Articles by Teolis Funeral Home

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…

Mrs. Joyce Jean Cappello, 75, of Ellport passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Thursday, August 22nd, 2024. Mrs. Cappello was born in Ellwood City on October 10th, 1948. She is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1966. She married her loving husband of 56 years Dennis W. Cappello on February 3rd, 1968. Over the years, Joyce had worked at Mom’s Pies which was located in Frisco as a baker and later at Giant Eagle in the Deli Department. She was a great homemaker and enjoyed gardening, doing yardwork, and loved all her pets. She is survived…

Mr. Terry L. Froce Sr., 75, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, August 18th, 2024 at the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Terry was born on November 15th, 1948 in Ellwood City to the late Louis S. and Marjorie (Averill) Froce. He attended Lincoln High School and briefly served in the United Sates Air Force. Terry worked at the General Shale Brickyard as a setter and later as a kilm operator. Terry enjoyed being active in activities such as fishing, bowling, golfing, and hunting. He is survived by his wife, Gloria (Hairhoger) Froce whom he married on June 18th, 1968, daughter,…

Patricia L. “Patty” Gibbs, 54, formerly of North Sewickley Township passed away on Friday, August 16th, 2024 at the UPMC Passavant Hospital in McCandless Township. Patty was born in Ellwood City on October 5th, 1968 to the late Howard W. and Margaret H. (Weidle) Gibbs. She had graduated from Riverside High School and attended classes at the Community College of Beaver County. She had worked at the Beaver County Human Society and more recently at the Franklin Township Plaza, Giant Eagle. Patty then devoted herself to taking care of her parents. She had a great passion for animals especially her…

Mr. Lee A. Nocera, 80, of Ellwood City, passed away on Sunday, August 11th, 2024 at his residence. Lee was born on April 12th, 1944 in Ellwood City, to the late John and Jessie (Perrotta) Nocera. Lee graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1962. After business school, Lee began working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, DC, working in the printing department. While working at the FBI, he met Sandra McQauin, whom he later married.  Lee and Sandy made Northern Virginia their home, where they raised their four sons.  After leaving the FBI, Lee began his 30+ year sales…

Mrs. Joann L. Docchio, 94, formerly of Koppel, and Trinity Oaks in Ellwood, passed away at the UPMC Jameson Nursing & Rehab Center on August 9th, 2024. Mrs. Docchio was born on July 14th, 1930 to the late Harold C. and Anna (Houk) Marshall. She was a working mother of five, Painting plates, cups, and dishes at Mayer China in Beaver Falls before owning and operating the Paramount Cafe in Wampum for over 20 years through the worst economic times of the 70’s and 80’s. She played catcher until her early 50’s for McDowell’s women’s softball team, bowled at Park…