Obituaries

Patricia Ferguson

Patricia Ferguson passed away on Tuesday September 15th, 2026 at Greystone Country Estates in Fredonia, Pa.

Born on February 7, 1942 to the late Charles and Juanita Watson Perine in Midland Pa.

On April 20, 1963 she married Jack Ferguson. He preceded her in death on April 6, 2021.

Patti graduated from Mohawk High School in 1960. After graduation she moved to California and was employed by Goodyear Tire Company. A few years later, Patti and Jack moved back to the area and over the next 60 years made their home in Ellwood City. Patti was employed by the Ellwood City Moose Lodge #93 from 1975-2005. She also held various positions throughout her lifetime as a waitress, home health professional, and office assistant. Patti enjoyed her work and serving others. She was fond of decorating her work and personal spaces for each holiday. She celebrated birthdays and shared her holiday table with those less fortunate. Patti enjoyed ensuring those around her experienced a good day. She pursued and advocated volunteering, fundraising and assisting the elderly whenever she could find a cause or individual to support.

She is survived by her two children; a son John (MaryJane) Ferguson of Mount Vernon Ohio, and a daughter Shari (Andrew) Diaz of Ellwood City. Four grandchildren; Matthew Diaz of Arizona ; Jacob Ferguson, Jack Ferguson and Joseph Ferguson all of The Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio. One sister Deanna Lukas of Arizona; three bothers, Gary Perine of Colorado; Larry(Jackie)Perine of West Pittsburg and Charles Perine of Colorado and many nieces and nephews.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jack Ferguson and her two sisters Winnie Miles and Jane Olinger.

Patti will be remembered for her warmhearted, friendly spirit, and beautiful smile. Her high school yearbook described her as “ the friendliest girl with the prettiest smile,” words that truly captured the person she was and the way she touched the lives that knew her.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at Greystone Country Estates and Medi Hospice for the compassionate care, kindness and dignity they showed our mom during her final days.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no services. The cremation arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..


Paul Robert Cragle, 56

Paul Robert Cragle, 56, of North Sewickley Twp passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at AHN Beaver Hospital. He was the son of the late Donald and Nancy (Haswell) Cragle and was born November 6, 1969, in Ellwood City.

He is survived by his sisters; Kim Kaszer and her husband Mark of Ellwood City, Holly Cornelius and her husband Bill of North Sewickley, his sister-in-law; Pam Cragle of Ellwood City, his nieces and nephews; Mark Kaszer and his wife Kylee of Ellwood City, Amy Cragle of Patterson Twp, Ryan Kaszer of Kennerdell, PA, Retta Krepps of Denver, CO, Donnie Cragle, III, Parker Cornelius, Paige Cornelius, Tyler Cornelius and his wife Rebekah all of North Sewickley Twp, great nieces and nephews; Logan Rees, Noah, Brooklynn, and Lyric Kaszer, Finley, William, and Emery Cornelius.

Paul was born and raised in Ellwood City. He loved country music, going to camp, riding his golfcart and visiting the neighbors. He loved dancing and playing his guitar. His favorite country artists were Johnny Cash and George Jones. He was also named the Mayor of Belton by his good buddy, Randy Tallon and to Paul, Randy was his Sheriff. Paul was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend to so many who will miss him dearly.

Paul was preceded in death by his brother; Donnie Cragle, Jr.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 12:00pm-4:00pm at Turner-Hyde Funeral Home with a Funeral Service the following day, Monday, September 21, 2026, beginning at 11:00AM at Turner-Hyde in Ellwood City.

A graveside committal will immediately follow at Clinton Cemetery in Wampum.

Arrangements entrusted to the Turner-Hyde Funeral & Cremation Services located at 6th and Park in Ellwood City.


Diana Pflugh, 63

Diana Pflugh, 63, of Frisco, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 11th, 2026 at AHN Wexford. Born in Homestead, PA on February 9th, 1963.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, her life was made full by caring for her family. She cared for others in unimaginable ways. She was a foster parent for 20 years, taking care of over 50 kids. She always helped her family in any way possible, even before taking care of herself. She enjoyed attending and supporting her kids and grandkids during all of their activities.

She is survived by her husband Charles Pflugh of Frisco; mother Annette Moody, of Franklin Township; sister’s Deb (Ralph) Runyan of Michigan and Vivian (Randy) Fitzgerald of Texas; son Heath Pflugh of Chewton, daughter’s Tara (Guy) Mohr of Franklin Township and Halley Book of Frisco; grandchildren Cain McCandless, Mackenzie Mohr, Gage Pflugh, Zoey Pflugh, Preston Book, Isaac Mohr, Malachi Mohr; great-grandchildren Mia Karenbauer, Avori McCandless. She is also survived by many cousins, nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Monica Pflugh; father John Moody; grandparents Lotti Johnston, Sumner Moody, and Myrtle Moody; aunt’s Myrtle (Silas) Patton, Alice “May” Macaulay; uncle’s, Michael Moody, Raymond Moody.

There will be no public services; her family will hold a private celebration.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..


Corazon Veda L. Africa-Williams, 65

Corazon Veda L. Africa-Williams, 65, of Wampum passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 11, 2026 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital.

She was born May 5, 1961 in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines to the late Artemio D. and Genoveva Latorza Africa.

Corazon previously worked as a nurse but her most fulfilling job was being a homemaker. An accomplished singer, she was the winner of a singing competition in Singapore in 1988. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her family.

Survivors include her beloved husband of 30 years, Alan Williams; daughter, Jody Africa-Williams; son, Sean Owen Africa-Williams both of Wampum; sister, Mia Acriaf Barro of the Philippines, and brothers Vincent and Encil Africa.

No services will be held at this time.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com


Nancy R. Britton, 86

Mrs. Nancy R. Britton, 86, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, September 6th, 2026 at Quality Life Services in New Castle.

Nancy was born on October 31st, 1939 in Ellwood City to the late Charles Lancet and Laura E. (Eicholtz) Kennedy. She is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1957.She had worked at Universal Rundle, Econo Wash Laundromat, Pee Wee’s Hot Dog Shop, Airway Luggage, and Joyce’s Café. Nancy enjoyed cooking and taking care of her family.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Edward “Buster” and Marilyn Wymer Sr. of Ellport, grandchildren Krystie, Katherine, John, Tommy, Randy Jr., Don III, and Edward Jr., 9 great-grandchildren, brother Wilbert C. (Kathline) Kennedy Sr., and son-in-law Kelly Brownfield.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jess W. “Pete” Britton, daughters, Louann Altman and Laura Brownfield, son Donald Wymer Jr., grandson Joshua M. Wymer, sisters Ann Meskell, Jenny Racaw, and Doris Richie, and her brothers Lance Kennedy, William F. Kennedy, Ron Kennedy, and Russell Thomas.

Following Nancy’s wishes there will not be a public service. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..


Debbie Novakovich, 66

Debbie Novakovich, 66, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Texas Health Harris Methodist Emergency Room during her visit with her beloved grandson Ryder, and daughter-in-law Amber.

Born September 16, 1959 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late John and Mildred “Millie” Mrkva Novakovich.

Debbie graduated from Lincoln High School in 1977. She spent 30 years working as a steel cutter at Acutran Transformers, retiring nine days before her passing. Debbie was a true source of light, always bringing warmth and optimism into the lives of others, even on the cloudiest of days. Known as the voice of reason, Debbie always gave good advice on everything and anything. She enjoyed thrifting and yard sale shopping with her sisters and loved tending to her flowers. Most of all, she cherished time with her family, especially her grandson Ryder.

Survivors include her lifelong companion and father to her sons, Robert Mulig of Ellwood City; two sons, Robert J. (Chelsey) Mulig of Beaver Falls and Jason Mulig of Ellwood City; grandson; Ryder Laird of Texas; sister, Annie (Tim) Novakovich of North Sewickley Twp; twin sister, Diane (Larry) Parker of Ellwood City.

She was preceded in death by her son Alex Mulig on January 1, 2023, sister, Joan Novakovich Householder of New Beaver Borough, and brother, Richard Novakovich of Texas.

Friends and family will be received on Thursday September 10, 2026 from 3 until the funeral service at 7 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City.  Rev. Tod Custer will officiate.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.


Edward G. Gold, 94

Edward G. Gold, 94, of Freedom passed away on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford.

Mr. Gold was born in New Sewickley Township on April 5th, 1932 to the late Robert and Mary E. (Whalin) Gold. He started his working career at Freedom Oil Works, then at Spang Shelving and for twenty years he was an over the road truck driver for CREST, who drove over a million miles. Ed enjoyed gardening, raising bee’s to make honey, riding his 1967 Triumph motorcycle until age 90, and was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler’s fan.

He is survived by his daughter Christine (Ray) Sowinsky of North Sewickley Township, sons Eddie (Sherri) Black of Florida, Greg Gold of Freedom, and Brian Gold of Canonsburg, grandchildren Ray (Laura) Sowinsky Jr., Renee (Matt) Mendicino, great-grandchildren Ellie and Avery Mendicino, Kayla and Kenzie Sowinsky, sister Alice Dietrich of New Sewickley Township, and sister-in-law Lorraine Hogue of Ellwood City.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Nadine (Antinossi) Gold, sisters Mary Palmquist and Katherine McClellan, and brothers Robert Gold, David Gold, and William “Barney” Gold.

There will not be a public service. Interment will be at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Ellwood City. The final arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..


Rosemary Prestopine, 78

Rosemary Prestopine, 78, of Ellwood City, passed away at her residence on Monday, August 31st, surrounded by her family.

Born in Ellwood City on May 12, 1948, Rosemary was the daughter of the late William and Rose May Nardone Sheeler. She married Natale “Natty” Prestopine on April 9, 1967. Rosemary worked for many years at the Ellwood City Hospital, where she was Chief Radiological Technician, and later retired from Dr. Madder’s office in Beaver. An avid sports fan, Rosemary loved to watch the Pirates and the Steelers. She also loved to decorate for her two favorite holidays, Halloween and Christmas. The official family genealogist, Rosemary could tell you exactly who went where on her family tree. Whether it was sports, holidays or any other day, Rosemary enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of fifty-nine years, Natty Prestopine, her son and daughter-in-law, Donnie and Shelly Prestopine of Ellwood City, three sisters and brothers-in-law, Sondra (Donald) Viccari of Ellwood City, Teresa (Pat) Boyle of Ellwood City and Connie (Sean) Kearney of Chippewa, three grandchildren, Kira, Alyson and Rylee, two great-grandchildren, Gunner and Millie and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, Rosemary was preceded in death by her grandson, Ryan.

Services for Rosemary were private. Inurnment will take place in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Joseph A. Tomon, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 97 Grim Avenue, Ellport.


Jeffrey K. Welsh, 70

Jeffrey K. Welsh, 70, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, August 31, 2026 at Grove Manor in Grove City.

Born December 2, 1955 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Martha Madish Welsh.

Jeff graduated from Lincoln High School in 1973. He was a self-employed heavy equipment operator, specializing in the installation of water, gas, and sewer lines, and was also part owner of Uniglobe Allstar Travel. A union member, he belonged to Local #66 and the Local PA Heavy and Highway Union.

Through the years, Jeff was deeply involved with the Ellwood City Amateur Baseball Federation as a player, manager, coach, and league officer. He also served as Assistant to the Commissioner, Director of Field Maintenance, and was instrumental in the re-design and re-construction of both Freidhoff Field and Sanders Field. He cherished time with his family especially watching his children and grandchildren play sports.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 36 years, Doreen Ottavio Welsh, whom he married in 1990; daughter, Renee (Max) Brahler of Grove City; son, Brad Welsh of Ellwood City; eight grandchildren, Brady (Tayler) and Ryan Welsh, Lucas, Madison, and Nicholas Miller, and Luke, Mya, and Cruz Brahler; one great-granddaughter, Vivian Welsh; three sisters, Ruth (Bill) Evans of Ohio, Linda (Duane) Findling of Idaho, and Debi (Barry) Smigel of Idaho.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Wednesday September 2, 2026 from 5 -7 pm at the Ellport Community Center.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Ellwood City Amateur Baseball Federation.

Arrangements entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com


Brandon Fisher, 53

Brandon J. Fisher, 53 of Ellwood City died Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Quality Life Services of Grove City. He was the son of Joseph “Joe” and Sidney (Gulentz) Fisher and was born August 30, 1972, in New Brighton.

He is survived by his daughter; Elyse Fisher, brothers; Paul Fisher and his wife Alison of Cranberry Twp, Elliot Fisher and his wife Alexis of Economy Borough, his nephew; Devin and Niece; Carys, his uncle; Robert Fisher and his wife Donna of Houston and his aunt; Robyn Webb and her husband Bruce of Houston. He enlisted in the US Army Reserves in 1991 and served eight years and was honorably discharged. Brandon was also and an active member of the J. Wilbur Randolph Post 157 of the American Legion. He was a full-time Civil Engineer working in the greater Pittsburgh area as well as Erie. He was an avid hockey fan, especially the Pittsburgh Penguins. Brandon enjoyed fishing, collecting hockey cards, building custom Lego structures, playing vintage pin ball machines and video games. He loved to bake and cook, most enjoying making chocolate chip cookies. He enjoyed music especially listening to Nine Inch Nails. Brandon was a loving father, son, and brother. He will be missed by so very many.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; John and Julia Fisher and John Gulentz and Velma Kuhn.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 4-7pm at Turner-Hyde Funeral Home of Ellwood City. An American Legion Service will be conducted at 6:30PM by the J. Wilbur Randolph American Legion Post 157. Additional calling hours will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at North Sewickley Presbyterian Church located at 106 Chapel Drive Ellwood City from 10:00am-11am. Military Honors will be rendered by the Veteran’s Honor Guard immediately before the Funeral Service following at 11:00AM with Rev. Dr. Rebecca Collins, officiating.

Interment will be in North Sewickley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made in Brandon’s name to the J.Wilbur Randolph Post 157 of the American Legion at Post Office Box 569 Ellwood City, PA 16117

Arrangements entrusted to the Turner-Hyde Funeral & Cremation Services located at 6th and Park in Ellwood City.