Obituaries

Veda Mae Michaels, 96, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Townview Rehabilitation Center in Cannonsburg. She was the daughter of the late Ralph and Alice Mae (Dambaugh) Snyder and was born August 28, 1929, in Ellwood City. She is survived by her children; Gary Michaels of Ellwood City, Ronald Michaels and his wife Kim of Ellwood City, Bonnie Funari of Beaver Falls, her grandchildren; Amanda Funari of West Chester, PA, Seth Michaels and his wife Melissa of Ellwood City, great-grandchildren; Makenzie, Connor, and Austin Michaels, her sister; Virginia Snyder of Ellwood City, and two nieces;…

Mrs. Carolyn D. Craven, 85, of Perry Township passed away on Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at the UPMC Passavant Hospital in McCandless Township. Mrs. Craven is the daughter of the late George and Millie (Ungham) Boy born on February 8th, 1941 in Ellwood City. She had attended Lincoln High School and married the love of her life, Robert G. Craven, on August 15th, 1958. A home maker, Carolyn enjoyed gardening, cooking, and taking care of her family. She is survived by her grandchildren, Tarah (Jason) Hardie, Natasha (Lane) Brewster, Robert (Megan) Craven, Steven (Kristen) Hampton, and Bradley (Sam) Hampton, 11…

Rocco Jay Gatto Sr., 70, of Butler (formerly of Ellwood City) passed away Thursday, May 21, 2026 at UPMC Passavant. Although in ill health, death was unexpected. Born September 12, 1955, in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Angelo and Barbara Hall Gatto. He was married to Jennifer Cornelius Gatto when she passed away on May 4, 2013. Rocco graduated from New Castle School of Trades. He worked 38 years for Allegheny Steel Distributors, retiring as a maintenance manager. He was Christian by faith. He cherished time with family, especially his grandchildren. Survivors include three sons, Jeremy…

Mr. Richard A. Higgins, 98, formerly of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at the Edison Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in New Castle. Richard was born on March 9th, 1928 in Ellwood City. His parents where the late Earl and Dorothy (Skewis) Higgins. He had worked at Lark Enterprises in Shenango Township where he refinished furniture and printed T-shirts having retired at the age of 80. Richard was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates and Steeler fan and enjoyed building puzzles, playing bingo, and being with people. He will be remembered by his friends at the nursing…

Mr. Brian D. Conti, 73, of Ellwood City passed away on Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at his residence. Brian was born in Ellwood City on September 24th, 1952 to the late James A. and Mary Frances (Babcock) Conti. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1970 and attended Point Park University and played on their baseball team. While in high school Brian was a multi sport athlete, excelling at baseball and basketball. He secured a tryout with the Pittsburgh Pirates and letters from major league scouts. He was a standout shortstop. His claim to fame was when…

John W. Coleman Jr., 78, of New Beaver Borough passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Heritage Valley – Beaver following a lengthy illness Born September 12, 1947, in Rochester, PA, he was the son of the late John W. Sr. and Anna Ethel Doyle Coleman. John proudly served in the Army during the Vietnam War and later worked as a driver for Recycled Fibers until his retirement. He was a current member of the Church of the Nazarene in New Galilee. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and always keeping busy at home. His most cherished moments were spent…

David Bruce Smith, 67, of Ellwood City passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was the son of Sandra Bishop Smith and the late David John Smith and was born March 9, 1959, in Ellwood City. He was survived by his nephews; Vinnie of South Carolina, as well as Tyler and Ryan both of New Brighton, and his sister-in-law; Janet Smith of New Brighton, his aunt; Delores Bishop-Morida of Ellwood City, one uncle; George King Smith and his wife Barbara of Texas; as well as numerous cousins. He was a 1977 graduate of…

William M. Swick, 83, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born March 22, 1943, in Beaver Falls, he was the son of the late Milton and Ethel Goehring Swick. William graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1961. He was a devoted member of Concord Church, loved God, his family, and farming. A proud 4th generation dairy and fruit orchard farmer, William served on the land preservation committee and enjoyed sharing his fresh produce at the Beaver County Farmer’s Market for 40 years. He cherished time spent with his…

Beverly L. Mars, 64, of New Castle passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at her residence. Born February 5, 1962, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Gustave and Nancy Lawrence Linn. Beverly’s was last employed as a manager for Krogers. She was artistic and enjoyed crafts, especially ceramics. Survivors include her husband Eugene G. Mars; three sons, Eric, Matthew, and Joshua Mars; two sisters, Peggy Antosh and Susan White; two brothers, Norman Linn and Greg Downs, and six grandchildren. Per her wishes, no services will be held. Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

John Richard “Dick” Shaffer, 89, of Shenango Twp. passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, at Northview Estates following a brief illness. Born January 2, 1937, in New Castle, he was the son of the late John B. and Sara Badger Shaffer. Dick received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Slippery Rock University. He taught geometry and trigonometry at Shenango High School for many years until his retirement. He loved collecting military memorabilia and driving his tractor on his property. A skilled woodworker, he crafted many beautiful pieces of furniture that his family will enjoy for generations. In his younger years,…