Articles by Teolis Funeral Home

Mr. Robert (Herbie) Wright, 85, of Franklin Township, peacefully passed into eternal rest on the morning of November 21st. Born December 11, 1936, in Fombell. He was the son of the late Joseph and Dorothea (Kirkwood) Wright. Herbie was a magnet for fun, a lover of life, never missing an opportunity to make you feel like the most important person in the room. Herbie loved yard sales, camping, and admiring classic cars. He would never turn down spending time shooting the breeze. Most importantly, Herbie adored his family and spending time with them at the Outer Banks. He had worked…

Mr. David W. Byler, 79, of Wayne Township passed away on Sunday, November 20th, 2022 at the Heritage Valley Medical Center. Mr. Byler was born in New Castle on June 27th, 1943 to the late David A. and Agnes (Donnely) Byler. He had graduated from New Castle High School with the class of 1962. Following high school Dave started his career as a truck driver until his retirement. He is a member of the Wampum Methodist Church, Union Twp. Lions Club, and life member of the Shenango China Rod & Gun Club. An outdoorsman, Dave enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding…

Mr. Gregory “Greg” Ritorto, 62, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, November 20th, 2022 at his residence following a short illness. Greg was born on September 9th, 1960 in Ellwood City to the late Frank and Joanne E. (Timpano) Ritorto Sr.. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1978. Greg was a member of the Divine Grace Parish Holy Redeemer Church, the Son’s of Italy #608, and the Ellwood City Saxon’s Club. He enjoyed golfing, especially at Del-Mar Golf course, and always lending a helping hand. Greg cared for others, and was very active in his…

Mrs. Rosalyn Marie Peffer, 73, of Franklin Township passed away on Monday, November 14th, 2022 at the UPMC Passavant-McCandless Hospital. Mrs. Peffer was born on August 4th, 1949 in Ellwood City to the late John and Rose Marie (DeCola) Gurgacz. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1967. Rosalyn had worked at Shenango Pottery in New Castle, and later for the Riverside School District at both the Middle School and High School cafeterias. For over 40 years she along with her husband Doug was a co-owner/operator of Doug Peffer’s Deer Cutting and Smoke House located in…

Mr. Charles A. Schweinsberg, 88, of Franklin Township passed away at his residence on Sunday, November, 13th, 2022. Mr. Schweinsberg was born in Ellwood City on May 14th, 1934 to the late Emmett and Bertha (Mook) Schweinsberg. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1952, and served with the U.S. Army in Korea after the Korean Conflict had ended with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Charles had worked at the U.S. Steel bar mill in Ellwood City from 1952 to 1958. Following his service with the army he was employed by Columbia Gas for 37 years…

Mrs. Diane Proper, 69, of Wayne Township passed away at her residence on Saturday, November 12th, 2022. Diane was born in Sewickley, Pa on November 29th, 1952 to the late Mike and Stella (Maravich) Lackovich. She had graduated from Hopewell High School. She , along with her husband Brian, was the co-owner and operator of Animal Box Distributing, a sharpening service. She had been affiliated with the St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa. She was a member of the AKC where she showed her English Springer dogs, and enjoyed camping. She is survived by her husband, Brian Poper, and…

Darlene C. Carcaise, 86, of Ellwood City passed away on Thursday, November 10th, 2022 at the Butler Memorial Hospital. Darlene was born on October 7th, 1936 in Ellwood City to the late William L. and Mary Margaret (Hinkle) Atkinson. She graduated from the Lincoln High School with the class of 1955. Darlene worked at the Pentagon as a secretary for four years, was the co-owner and operator at Bill’s Bargain Bedding in Ellport, and lastly, at the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission at the West Gate toll both as a toll collector. She is a member of the Free Methodist Church and…

Mrs. Catherine Prestia, 94, of Ellwood City, passed away Monday, November 7th, 2022 at the Allegheny Health Network Hospital in Wexford, after a lengthy illness. Born June 16th, 1928 in Bari, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Gennaro and Angela Lorusso. She was married to Rocco Prestia who passed away January 27th, 2002. They met while her husband served in the Army in World War 2, instantly fell in love and then married on April 25th, 1946 and went on to enjoy 56 wonderful years together. She was an exceptional cook, had a beautiful voice, and she enjoyed…

Mrs. Kathleen A. Szakelyhidi, 72, of Franklin Township passed away on Tuesday, November 8th, 2022 at the Heritage Valley Medical Center in Beaver. Kathleen was born on June 23rd, 1950 in New Castle to the late Clyde E. and Ethel (McKinney) Miller. She graduated from Riverside High School with the class of 1968, and from the Butler County Community College where she studied nursing. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for various hospitals and nursing homes in the area, including, Providence in Beaver Falls, Evergreen Nursing Home, Jamison Care Center, Hillview Manor, and the Ellwood City Hospital, from where…

Mrs. Yolanda “Penny” (Paxson) Arkett went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born December 27th, 1948 to the late Joseph Paxson Sr. and Yolanda (DeCaro) Morrison. She married her beloved husband James Arkett on August 22nd, 1981, who survives. She is also survived by her daughter Amy (Mike) Westcott of Edinburg and son Andrew (Jenny) Arkett of West Mifflin. Loving grandmother to Michael Arkett, David and Abbey Westcott and cherished sister to Joseph “Sonny” Paxson of Mississippi, Michael (Sherry) Paxson of Alabama, and Terri (Chris)…