Articles by Teolis Funeral Home

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…

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,…