Articles by Tomon Funeral Home

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…

Merle H. Rhodes, 76 of Youngstown, OH formerly of Ellwood City passed away on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at Canfield Place Assisted Living. Born in Olean, NY on April 3, 1945, Merle was the son of the late Cleone L. and Millie Remington Rhodes.  Merle was an operations supervisor for Columbia Gas Transmissions.  He was a veteran of the Army serving with the 82nd Airborne in Vietnam and Korea.  Merle will be remembered as a kind and accepting person with a good sense of humor, who never met a stranger.  He always knew how to light up a room.  He…

Mary Bollinger, 77, of Ellwood City, passed away in her residence on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. Born in Ellwood City on September 12, 1944, Mary was the daughter of the late John and Viola St. Clair Lample.  Her husband, Robert Bollinger preceded her in death in 2013. Mary is survived by her children, Bob Bollinger and Tammy Taylor, her grandchildren, Leslie Freshkorn and Justin Taylor, four great-grandchildren, Cydney Smith, Cayden Freshkorn, Baron Taylor and Cain Taylor, six brothers; John (Judy) Lample, William (Sandy) Lample, Albert (Carole) Lample, Earl (Carol) Lample, Daniel (Maria) Lample and Joe (Brenda) Lample, a sister, Nancy…

Jo Ann Schotsch, 72, of Minerva Ohio, formerly of Ellwood City, passed away in her residence on Sunday, October 17, 2021. Born in Ellwood City on June 17, 1949, Jo Ann was the daughter of the late Joseph and Ada Stansfield Summers.  Her husband, Dean B. Schotsch preceded her in death in 2013.  Jo Ann owned and operated Bulk Foods and More in Volant and later moved her business to Ellwood City. She is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Patty and Joe Bognoski of Ellwood City. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death…