Articles by Tomon Funeral Home

Keith C. “Buster” Houk, 89, of Chewton, passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at Avalon Nursing Center. Born in Chewton on January 13, 1931, Keith was the son of the late Keith H. and Erma M. Parker Houk.    He was employed at the Ellwood Works of US Steel and later retired from American Bridge where he was an electrician.  He also ran Jimmy’s Spa in New Castle and worked as a bartender at Rosina’s in Mahoningtown.  A Veteran of the US Army, Keith served during the Korean War.  He was a member of the American Legion.  Keith enjoyed baking,…

Kelly J. Rice, 55, of New Castle, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2020 at UPMC Jameson. Born in Ellwood City on January 21, 1965, Kelly was the daughter of R. Joann Kelly VanGorder of Boyers, PA and the late Kenneth VanGorder.  She married Scott Rice on September 26, 1992.  Kelly enjoyed baking, cooking and canning but most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. In addition to her mother and her husband, Kelly is survived by her children; Nakita Saras of New Castle, Kailie (Tommy) Stillwagon of West Pittsburg, Brittany (John Stevenson) Rice of…

Barry Lee Smith, 41 of New Castle, formerly of Ellwood City, passed away at his residence on Saturday, October 17, 2020. Born in Ellwood City on June 15, 1979, Barry was the son of the late Raymond D. and Shirley Jean Gahagan Smith.  Barry had worked as a loan officer at US Bank in Pittsburgh.  He was affiliated with the City Rescue Mission in New Castle. Barry is survived by his two brothers, Danny (Joyce) Smith and Shawn Smith both of Ellwood City, a niece, Taylor Smith of Erie, PA and several aunts and uncles. A private service was held…

John J. Illig, 93, of Ellwood City, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at his daughter’s residence in Conway. Born in Ebensburg, PA on July 12, 1927, John was the son of the late Phillip and Mary Duman Illig.  He married the former Mae Grasser in 1956 and she preceded him in death on November 17, 1983.  John retired from Conrail in 1991 where he worked as everything from a brakeman to a conductor.  A member of Holy Redeemer Parish, John was a Veteran of WWII, serving in the US Army Air Corps.  He was also a member of…

Stanley A. Wrona, 86, of Ellwood City, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at Villa St. Joseph in Baden. Born in New Castle on October 15, 1933, he was the son of the late Stanley S. and Stella Bartkowski Wrona.  He married the former Joan Jaskey on October 24, 1959 and she preceded him in death on December 6, 2011.  A graduate of New Castle High School and the University of Cincinnati, Stanley worked for Medusa and later Cemex as an assistant plant manager.  He was a Veteran of the US Army and a member of Holy Redeemer Church…

Janet (Saliga) Ramella, 80, of Aliquippa, passed away on October 1, 2020, at Providence Care Center in Beaver Falls, PA.  Janet was born in Beaver Falls on November 28, 1939, to the late George and Ann (Seidler) Saliga.  She is survived by her children, Beth Ramella (Todd Reeves) of Marshall Township; Stephen (Jennifer) Ramella of Boston, MA; Nikki DeLuca of Ellwood City; and her grandchildren, Keyawna Harris, Mia Perry, Riley DeLuca, Travis Novotny, Giovanna DeLuca, and Xander Bowens.  In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her fiancé, Herman “Chuck” Udick. A graduate of Beaver Falls High…

Robert H. Lauten, 87, of Fombell, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2020 at UPMC Passavant McCandless. Born in Zelienople on November 1, 1932, Robert was the son of the late George and Esther Rape Lauten.  He married the former Evelyn Dawson on March 23, 1956.  He and Evelyn owned and operated Lauten’s Dairy Farm in Fombell. In addition to his wife, Evelyn, Robert is survived by his children, Burt (Janet) Lauten, Sr., of Ellwood City, Lynn Lippert of Ellwood City, Diane Durnell of Evans City, Kenneth (Brenda) Lauten of Fombell, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two sisters, Ruth Thoma…

Lawrence Kadunce, 71, of Ellwood City, passed away at his residence on Friday, September 25, 2020 surrounded by his family. Born in New Castle, PA on June 1, 1949 Lawrence was the son of the late Maximilian and Sophia Graliski Kadunce.  A Veteran of the US Air force, Lawrence served in Vietnam.  Lawrence was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steeler fan.  His family was the most important thing in his life, he taught his children how to hunt, fish and how to just have fun together.  A wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he will be deeply missed by those who knew…

Emilia Kardasz Carcaise, 90, of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2020 at the Lutheran Senior Life Passavant Community in Zelienople, PA. Born in Freedom, PA on May 15, 1930, Emilia was the daughter of the late Peter and Pazia Fedyn Kardasz.  Upon graduation from Freedom High School and later Duff’s Business College in Pittsburgh, she moved to Washington, D.C. where she worked as an administrative assistant for the Secretary of State.  Emilia was a charter member of the Ellwood City Lioness Club and was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish.   Emilia married Dr. Michael A. Carcaise on…

Mary T. Bartolomeo, 62 of Ellwood City passed away at her residence on Friday, September 18, 2020. Born in Ellwood City on November 8, 1957, Mary was the daughter of Joseph and Joann Black Lordi of Ellwood City.  She is survived by her husband, Orlando E. Bartolomeo whom she married on June 16, 1984.  Mary worked as a baker at Kimmel’s Bakery and was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish.  In her earlier years Mary worked as a nail tech and hairdresser.  She enjoyed arts and crafts but mostly enjoyed her time with her grandchildren. Besides her parents and husband,…