Obituaries

Shirley Francis Swesey, 88, of Ellwood City was called home on April 29, 2026. She spent her final days surrounded by family and friends before relinquishing her earthly body and going to be with her Lord and Savior and reuniting with her loved ones that have preceded her.

She is survived by her son Allison Michael “Mike” Swesey; who was her world; her daughter-in-law Catherine “Cass” (Pinkle) Swesey; her granddaughter Ashley Pinkle; her great-grandchildren, that devotedly cared for her for years up to her last moments: Alayah Pittrell and Cameron Swesey. She is also survived by her brothers Roy “Bud” John (Kathy) McKelvey and Mathew Robert (Diane) McKelvey. She is also survived by four additional grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was born on September 11, 1937, in Monaca, PA to the late Roy and Ida (Tice) McKelvey. She was a 1957 graduate of Lincoln High School in Ellwood City. She married Patrick Warren Swesey on July 25, 1959. She worked many years at the Knitting Mill in Ellwood City. She was extremely active in the scouting program for over 50 years. She was an avid bowler; was on many leagues throughout her life and appeared on the show Bowling for Dollars. She has been a member of the Franklin Township Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary. One of her greatest joys in life was being a “booster mom” for the Riverside High School Marching Band. Shirley was devoted to her faith and was a member of the Faith Fellowship Baptist Church in Ellwood City. She enjoyed living life to its fullest; fishing, camping, shopping, sitting by the fire…anything she could do to spend time with those she loved-especially the children in her family.

Cass and Mike would like to give special recognition to the people that helped with Shirley’s care over the last ten years, even though some help may not have been long term or seemed like much, words cannot express what it takes to care for someone-especially when the body outlives the mind. Through the years, Nancy “Nanny” StClair, was our rock in the beginning and for the first couple of years. Judy Johnston, Rachel Swesey, Hailee Hooks, and Amy Pinkle: each of you helped through the years in different ways to some degree or another and it is not forgotten. Ashley Pinkle, you were always the “constant adult.” Cameron Swesey: words can’t express our gratitude; you did so much while juggling so much. Alayah Pittrell: Gramma’s little “Mini Me.” You did it ALL from the time you were 8.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Patrick Timothy Swesey in 2017. Her sisters Carolyn Mae (Evan) Lambert, Nancy Lou (Walter) Hudson, and Sarah “Sally” Victoria Law.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 4:00PM-6:00PM at Turner-Hyde Funeral Home, with a Funeral Service immediately following at 6:00PM with Pastor Dennis Arndt, Officiating.

Arrangements entrusted the TURNER-HYDE FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES located at 6th and Park in Ellwood City.

Bronson E. Allman, 39, of Ellwood City passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital following a car accident.

Born December 9, 1986, he was the son of Bernard Dillaman and the late Annette Marie Allman.

A lifelong resident of Ellwood City, Bronson graduated from Lincoln High School in 2005, where he played football. He went on to attend SRU where he received his degree in Sports Management. Bronson worked at the Woodforest Bank in Chippewa.

An avid and knowledgeable sports fan, Bronson enjoyed NASCAR, racing, football, golf, WWE, baseball and hockey. He played roller hockey as a goalie for many teams over the years and was most recently tending goal for his championship winning Team Goose at Stiefel Park. He enjoyed attending comic conventions/meet and greets, local sports legends would recognize Bronson. He also enjoyed singing karaoke, trivia nights, laughing, and above all, spending time with his friends and family.

Bronson was a gentle giant with a big heart and an infectious smile. He was everyone’s biggest cheerleader and had the ability to make strangers feel like old friends. He was loved by everyone who knew him.

Survivors include his father, Bernard; brother, Nelson (Candice) Allman of Bradford; nephew, Jaxxon Allman; two nieces, Elliana and Aaliyah Allman; uncle, Hank Allman of New Castle, and many good friends.

Friends and family will be received on Saturday May 2, from 2 to 6 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. All attendees are asked to wear their favorite jersey in his honor. Following visiting hours friends and family are invited to continue celebrating Bronson’s life at the Ellwood City Saxon Club 901 Millview St.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

With deep love and steadfast faith, we celebrate the life of Kathryn Marie “Kate” Wear who was called home to be with the Lord on April 25, 2026, and entered peacefully into eternal rest.

Born November 8, 1930, in Wampum, she was the daughter of the late Frank G. and Sylvia Rose Portugallo Ferrante. She was married to Harry L. Wear Jr. when he passed away on April 29, 2010.

Kate graduated from Lincoln in 1948. She was a current member of the 1st Assembly Church in New Castle. Kate worked as a clerk at the Ellwood City Forge for over 25 years until her retirement in 1988.

Kate was a devoted Servant of God whose life reflected grace, kindness, and unwavering trust in the Lord. She brought comfort and light to all who knew her, living each day guided by faith and compassion. She was a devoted sister, wife, aunt, and friend, whose loving, kind, and generous spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. Known for a truly giving heart, Kate found joy in helping others, always ready with a warm smile, listening ear, or helping hand. Her life was a reflection of Christ’s love.

Survivors include sister, Yvonne D. Diehl of New Galilee; brother, James E. Ferrante of New Castle, and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families who will continue to honor her legacy of faith, love, and humility. Though deeply missed, we find comfort knowing Kate now rests in the arms of the Lord.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Frances Schotsch, sister-in-law, Connie Ferrante, and brothers-in-law, John Schotsch and Paul Diehl.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday April 29, 2026, from 3 until the funeral service at 5 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main Street Wampum. Rev. Daniel Muir of the Chippewa Alliance Church will officiate.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Tim 4:7

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Darl J. “Jack” Allen, 87, of Portersville passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at his residence.

Born April 21, 1939, at the Jameson Hospital in New Castle, he was the son of the late L.D. “Skinny” and Emma B. Cragle Allen.

Jack graduated from Lincoln High School. He was employed at Medusa Cement for 20 years where he worked as a kiln burner and also served as Chief of Police in Wayne Twp. for 20 years. He enjoyed listening to and playing country music on his bass guitar. His most cherished times were spent with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Viccari Allen; daughter, Tonya R. Allen; son, John Douglas (Judy) Allen; two grandsons, John (Courtney) Allen and Tommy Corwin; granddaughter, Bonnie Corwin and six great grandchildren; Mandy, Lucy, Benny, Teddy, Kyra, and Stanley.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Denice Corwin, brother, Frank D. Allen, and sister-in-law, Nora Allen.

Per his request, no services will be held. Interment will be in Clinton Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

David Lee Stone, 47, of Ellport, passed away at his residence on April 21st, 2026.

David was born on May 26th, 1979 to Sheree (Miskolcze) Hockenberry and David Stone. He graduated from Lincoln High School. David was an equipment operator, excavator, and auto mechanic for his grandfather’s company, “Jul’s Auto Repair” and through out the local area. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working on cars.

He is survived by his mother, Sheree, of Ellport, and son Julian Stone of Ellport.

As per David’s wishes there will be no public service. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.

Jennie (Calve) Safreed, 105, Franklin Twp passed away peacefully in her sleep at Trinity Oaks in Ellwood City. She was the daughter of the late Nick and Caterine (Tornese) Calve and was born in the region of Calabria, Italy on March 11, 1921.

After going through immigration procedures at Ellis Island, Mrs. Safreed arrived with her family in Ellwood City on December 6, 1926.

Jennie Safreed lived and worked her entire life in the Ellwood City community. She worked in the accounting offices of the local US Steel plant from 1941 until the plant’s closing in 1975. During that time, she received further education. Mrs. Safreed was certified in Industrial Accounting from Penn State College in 1943 and received additional certification in the field of Business Machine Calculating from the Garfield Business Institute in 1947.

On December 19, 1970, Jennie married Paul Safreed, to whom she was married for 35 years. Mr. Safreed died on October 27, 2005. Jennie led an active life in the community. She was a CCD instructor at the former Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish. Mrs. Safreed was also a member and past president of the Ellwood City Garden Guild. She persisted in pursuing friendly card club activities offered in the Ellwood area. She maintained a gracious manner with numerous families, friends, and acquaintances, including a multitude of neighborhood children.

Other surviving family members include Wesley Ann (Calve) and her husband Vince Meneice of Franklin Twp., Paul (Rusty) Young of New Brighton. Mrs. Safreed also has several nieces and nephews living across the United States: John, Jim, and JoAnn Calve, Laura and Nancy LoBianco, Patricia, Josephine, Gene, and Edward Romano. Numerous great-nieces and great-nephews also survive, including those individuals living in the Ellwood City community: Carli (Young) and her husband Tanner Gilchrist and Samantha Young, Sarah (Calve) and her husband Zach Kruger, Andrew Calve, and her two great-great nieces; Lucy Ann and Mya Drew Gilchrist.

She is preceded in death by her husband Paul Safreed, by two sisters: Mary (Calve) LoBianco and Rose (Calve) Romano, three brothers: Francis Calve, Joseph Calve, and Nick Calve, and one nephew, David Calve and two nieces; Barbara (Calve) YoungJoAnn (LoBianco) Seidel.

The family would like to thank Trinity Oaks for their continued care, love and compassion shown to Jennie over the years she was a resident.

Friends may call on the family from 12:15pm-2:15pm on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Turner-Hyde Funeral Home in Ellwood City. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at Divine Grace Parish-Holy Redeemer Church at 2:30PM with Fr. James A. Wehner celebrating the mass.

Interment will be in Holy Redeemer Cemetery located in Ellwood City

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made in Jennie’s name to the Ellwood City Library.

Arrangements entrusted to the TURNER-HYDE FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES located at 6th and Park in Ellwood City.

John L. Schutte Jr., 65, of Beaver Falls passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 20, 2026, at his residence.

Born October 16, 1960, in Rochester, he was the son of the late John Sr. and Elva Teapole Schutte.

John enjoyed driving his fast cars and attending car shows. He also enjoyed visiting flea markets, especially Rodgers, bowling, and loved the Tasmanian Devil. Above all, he cherished moments spent with his family.

Survivors include his beloved wife Virginia Nicholson Schutte; two daughters, Chantal Schutte and Abigail Schutte; son, Jeremy Bundy; sister, Dusty (Curt) Schutte-Fenchel; niece, Sophia, and nephews, Scott Jr. and Sean Estermyer all of Beaver Falls.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Johnny III, brother, Scott, and niece, Amber Fenchel.

Friends and family will be received on Friday April 24, 2026, from 5 to 7 pm at the Spratt Funeral Home, 1901 7th Ave. Beaver Falls.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the funeral home in care of the family.

Mary Jane Hergenrother Navolio, 93, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospice House following an extended illness.

Born July 27, 1932, in Chewton, she was the daughter of the late John Oliver and Dorothy May Wigley Hergenrother of Chewton.

Mary Jane graduated from Lincoln High School, Class of 1950, and was a graduate of Geneva College. She worked for Scharr Jewelry Distributors from Hartford, CT as a District Manager. She was a member of the former St. Agatha’s Church in Ellwood City.

Mary Jane is survived by two daughters, Melissa (Ken) Gates of Ellwood City and Melinda (Brad) Miles of Henderson, NV; two sons, Mark Navolio of White Oak, PA, and Michael (Brenda) Navolio of Darlington; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; a sister Valli (Dave) Mittner Ripley of Gilbert, AZ; one nephew and one great nephew.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two-year-old sister, Helen May Hergenrother.

There will be a private Catholic Rite of Committal at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Ellwood City, and a memorial Mass later in the year at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Tempe, AZ.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.