Articles by Tomon Funeral Home

Raymond Andrew Venezie, 74, of San Antonio, TX, formerly of Ellwood City, PA passed away on March 21, 2023 following a brief illness. Born on August 5, 1948 in Ellwood City Ray was the son of the late Pasquale A. “Pat” and Ann (Galati) Venezie. Ray, a proud veteran of the United States Army, faithfully served his nation for 20 years as a combat engineer and non-commissioned officer club manager. Throughout his career, he supported global military operations in countries covering four different continents. He initially served two tours of duty in Vietnam from 1969-1971 where he earned a Bronze…

Valarie Jean Viccari, 73, of Ellwood City passed away Saturday, March 18, 2023 at UPMC Jameson Hospital following a brief illness. Valarie was born October 30, 1949 in Ellwood City. She was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Mary Lou Lembo Ferrante. Valarie was a graduate of Lincoln High School and later in life married her late husband Martin “Buck” Viccari. Occupationally, she was a Jack-of-all-trades, working in multiple capacities, including working as a roofer and then as a cashier and assistant supervisor at the West Pointe Mint.  Her longest held position was in New York at a glass…

Frances Buccelli, 94, of New Castle (formerly of Ellwood City), passed away at UPMC Jameson on Thursday, March 9, 2023 surrounded by her family. Born in Universal, PA on June 18, 1928, Frances was the daughter of the late Joseph and Rose Ortz Yvorra.  She married Carmen Buccelli on June 5, 1948 and they enjoyed forty eight years together until he preceded her in death on May 22, 1997.  She was a member of Holy Redeemer Church.  Frances was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother.  She enjoyed many things including cooking, baking, making pizza and bingo- but…

Dr. Ivy Elaine Frederick, 49, of Ellwood City, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023.   Born in Ellwood City on July 10, 1973, Ivy was the daughter of the late Paul Frederick and Diana Kondrasuk Frederick.  She graduated with honors from Lincoln High School with the class of 1991.  Ivy then went on to graduate from Duquesne University and Pennsylvania College of Optometry.     Ivy is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Shannon and Rick Myers of Ellwood City, her niece, Madison Myers, also of Ellwood City, her aunt Carol Kondrasuk of Bradenton, FL, her aunt and uncle,…

Minnie Jo Lutz, 71, of Wayne Township, passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at PAM Health Specialty Hospital in Brighton Township. Born in Finleyville, PA on August 8, 1951, Minnie was the daughter of the late Rudy and Betty Patton Kelosky.  She married Ronnie Lutz on December 3, 1994.  Minnie loved to paint and take walks with her dog.  She enjoyed gardening as well.  But most of all, Minnie loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Minnie is survived by her husband, Ronnie Lutz, four children and their spouses; Rochelle (Rick) Chaput of Ronks, PA, Lisa (Brian)…

Christopher “Chris” Sean Thomas, 45, formerly of Ellwood City, passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2023 in Bridgewater, Virginia. Born in New Castle on March 4, 1977, Chris was the son of Fridolin and Marilyn Lepsik Thomas, of New Wilmington. He was a 1995 graduate of New Wilmington High School and a United States Air Force Veteran, where he was an Aerospace Ground Equipment Journeyman. Most recently, Chris was a maintenance supervisor for Perdue in Bridgewater, Virginia. Besides his parents, Chris is survived by his wife, the former Shelly Nine, his son, Joshua, daughter, Amberlyn, a sister, Dr. Amanda (Chad)…

Richard E. “Rick” Higley, 68, of Wayne Township, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023 at UPMC Passavant. Born in Butler on December 21, 1954, Rick was the son of the late Donald and Dorothy Lutz Higley.  He is survived by his wife, the former Joy Ramsey whom he married on May 19, 1995.  Rick was a retired roofer working for Penn-Perry.  Rick was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan.  He enjoyed working around his home and working on cars, but mostly enjoyed the time he spent with his grandchildren. Besides his wife, Joy Higley, Rick is survived by his 3…

John E. Lample, 79, of Ellwood City, passed away in his residence on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. Born on May 10, 1943 in Perry Township, John was the son of the late John and Viola St. Clair Lample.  Upon graduation, John enlisted in the US Navy.  When his enlistment ended, John moved to Hawaii and worked at Hawaii Western Steel and then later retired from Love’s Bakery.  While in Hawaii, John met his wife, Haeng Cha “Judy” and they were married for thirty-eight years.  After he retired, John and Judy moved back to Ellwood City so they could be near…

Mary L. Young, 65, of Ellwood City, passed away in her residence on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Born in Streetsboro, Ohio on May 4, 1957, Mary was the daughter of the late Felix and Erika Babinski Gronostaj.  She graduated from James Ford Rhodes High School in Cleveland in 1975.  After graduating, Mary started working for State Wholesale and eventually retired from Global Trading as executive assistant to the president.  She married Terry Young in 1991.  Mary was a member of St. John’s Burry’s Church in Rochester.  She loved crafting, reading sci-fi books, playing board games with her family, watching TV…

Robert Edward “Bob” Hines, 85, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on January 3rd at his son’s home. Bob was born on December 19, 1937, the son of the late Edward John Hines and Helen (Smith) Hines. He graduated from Lincoln High School and served in the U.S. Air Force, then moved to California to work for Matthews Conveyor, where he met and married Sylvia Eleanor Wilson. Bob and family later moved to Nebraska, where he earned an A.A. degree and worked as the general manager at MFS/York/StorMor. Over time his work came to involve more and more sales to…