Articles by Tomon Funeral Home

Joseph Francis Valerian Jaeger, 96, of Hermitage, passed away peacefully at home on November 29, 2021 with family at his side. Born March 16, 1925 in Lyons, IL, he was one of seven children born to Joseph and Frances (Rezabek) Jaeger. Both his parents passed suddenly. Joseph and his brother Jerry were raised at St. Joseph’s orphanage near Chicago while his other siblings were adopted. Joseph’s religious upbringing in the orphanage was a core influence that led him to pursue priesthood studies at St. Procopius College. During his novitiate and schooling, he chose St. Valerian as his professed name. Father…

Leslie Gail McAnallen, 70, of Ellport, passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at UPMC Passavant in McCandless Township. Born in Brea California on August 4, 1951, Leslie was the daughter of Anita VanDyke Poland of Post Falls, Idaho and the late Allen Poland.  Leslie is survived by her husband, Frederick “Mac” McAnallen whom she married on November 27, 1976.  She had worked as a criminal docket clerk for the U.S. Federal Court in Nevada. Besides her mother, Anita and husband, “Mac”, Leslie is survived by 2 daughters, Kristan (Michael) Giddinge, Jr. of Dayton, Ohio and Nicole (Scott) Bartholomew of…

Bertha J. Smith, 84, of Fombell, passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at UPMC Presbyterian. Born in Fombell on April 17, 1937, Bertha was the daughter of the late Leroy and Frances Steffler Smith.  She enjoyed painting, coloring, making latch hook crafts and going for walks. Bertha is survived by her sisters, Nellie “Eleanor” Shaffer and Linda Matheny, both of Fombell, and several nieces and nephews, including William “Bill” Matheny, Karen Matheny, Jake Matheny, Billy Matheny and Beth Matheny. In addition to her parents, Bertha was preceded in death by a sister, Birdella “Birdie” Smith and two brothers, David…

Carol B. Kirkham Cutich, 86, of Fombell, passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021 at The Grove at Harmony. Born in Ellwood City on September 26, 1935, Carol was the daughter of the late John & Frances Kwolek Kirkham. She worked at Leeds & Northrup in Ellport and later retired from Heraeus in Ellwood City. Carol enjoyed reading, watching old movies, shopping and doing yardwork. She also enjoyed taking walks and frequently went to McConnell’s Mill State Park and Hereford Manor Lake. Holidays were big events for Carol. She loved hosting large gatherings for every single holiday, including her birthday….

Joseph J. Barberio, 82, of Cranberry Township, passed away at UPMC Passavant on Monday, November 15, 2021. Born in Ellwood City on March 26, 1939, Joseph was the son of the late George T. and Abigail M. Hughes Barberio.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Theresa Hullihan on December 15, 2011.  They were married on April 17, 1982.  Joseph worked as a Computer Technician and later in management for RCA, Telex and Wang.  He retired from Erie Insurance.  Joseph was an active member of St. Ferdinand Catholic Church where he was a member of the Blessing Fund. …

Amber (Hardisky) Lucas, June 8, 1985-November 8, 2021. Like a shooting star, Amber Lucas lit up the sky of those who loved her.  Amber’s kindness, warmth and humor brightened the lives of everyone she touched.  Just as one never forgets the magnificence of a shooting star, so Amber’s life will never be forgotten. Amber, the beloved daughter of Marcy and Greg Cooper, passed away on Monday, November 8, 2021.  Leaving behind her husband Zach; brother Donny, sister-in-law Liz and niece Hailey Hardisky; step brothers Brandon and Justin (Abbey) Cooper; grandparents Vince and Ruth Assalone, Annabelle and Wayne Zikeli, and Wayne…

Claire E. Jones, 52, of Perry Township, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at UPMC Jameson surrounded by his loving family from complications of COVID pneumonia. Born in Ellwood City on November 19, 1968, Claire was the son of Devona French of Ellwood City and the late David E. Jones.  Claire is survived by his wife, Deanna Shaffer, whom he married on September 18, 2004.  Claire had worked for over 30 years at Adams Manufacturing.  He enjoyed spending time in his 1950 F1 Ford truck and on his Harley-Davidson.  Claire was a devoted father and grandfather, he loved helping…

Kathy J. Berthold, 66, formerly of Portersville, passed away at The Grove at New Wilmington on Saturday, November 6, 2021. Born in Ellwood City on July 5, 1955, Kathy was the daughter of the late William C. and Anna Koenig Berthold.  She enjoyed visiting Moraine and McConnells Mill State Parks and also enjoyed crocheting. Kathy is survived by a sister, several nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to her parents, Kathy was preceded in death by three sisters. In accordance with Kathy’s wishes, there were no services.  Memorial contributions can be made in Kathy’s name to…

Patricia J. Emilko, 89, of Ontario, California passed away in Whittier, California on September 8, 2021. Patty was born in Ellwood City on February 28, 1932 to the late Martin and Mary (Powol) Emilko.  Before moving to California, Patty worked at the Ellwood City Knitting Mill.  Patricia attended St. George Roman Catholic Church near her home in Ontario, California where she served as a Eucharistic Minister.  She was employed by Verizon (formerly GTE) before her retirement.  Patty participated in and taught knitting at the Women’s Knitting Club near her home. Patty is survived by four nephews, Bob (Rita) Lindgren of…

Louise Delores Volpe Vitullo, 90 of Ellwood City passed away at Northview Estates on Saturday, November 6, 2021. Born in Ellwood City on September 1, 1931, Louise was the daughter of Frank “Grundy” and Stella DeVinney Volpe.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Mauro Vitullo, on December 14, 2007. They were married on June 9, 1951.  Louise was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish and the Christian Mothers of the Church.  She was very active and played a major role in the Coronna D’Italia Lodge until their disbandment in 2019.  Louise enjoyed playing bingo and crocheting.  She loved…