Obituaries

Laura Gravatt, a long-time resident of Franklin Park, passed away following a well-fought battle against illness on June 14, 2026, at UPMC McGee Hospital in Pittsburgh. She is predeceased by her father Harry M, mother Mona L, brother Harry, and two aunts. She is survived by her life partner of 33 years Rick Steranko, and her many cherished horses, Mastiffs, and Parson Russell Terriers. Laura worked 43 years as an engineering assistant, first with Westinghouse and later Emerson.Twice educated, first in retail management and later in computer programming at Allegheny Community College, just shy of a four-year degree. Laura worked…

Mary Jo Vesco, 85, of Johns Lane, Wayne Twp. passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026 at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Born September 12, 1940 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Anna Johns Babcock. She was married to Robert E. Vesco for 56 years when he passed away on December 22, 2013. Mary Jo attended Lincoln High School and earned her GED in 1968 from Riverside. A caring and compassionate person, she dedicated many years to home health care. She also worked at the Ellwood City Knitting Mill and Airway. She was a current member of…

Troy A. Follett, 56, of Frisco passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at UPMC Hamot, in Erie. He is the son of Connie (Barton) Follett and the late Larry J. Follett and was born July 31, 1969, in Ellwood City. He is survived by his wife, of 15 years, and the love of his life, Kris Follett, one step-daughter; Ashley Bishop and her husband Ben of Tiffin, OH, two grandchildren; Bailey and Braxton Bishop, his siblings; Lori Ziegler and her husband Bill of Mercer, Jennifer Miloszewski and her husband Mike of Darlington, his sister-in-law; Cheryl Barnhart and her husband…

Michelle L. Farone, 51, of Ellwood City passed away on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 at the UPMC Jameson Hospital in New Castle. Michelle was born in New Castle on September 20th, 1974 to Rita (Siesing) Farone with whom she resided and the late George “Tippy” Farone Jr.. In 1992 she graduated from Lawrence County Vo-Tech where she studied health assistance and later from the New Castle Beauty Academy where she studied cosmetology. She had worked at Lori L’s and Famous Hair as a beautician. Michelle is a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. She is a die-hard Pittsburgh…

Steven “Steve” Bernard Vardzel, 57, of Portersville, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 27th, 2026, at AHN Allegheny General. He was born on July 25th,1968, in Pittsburgh, PA to Kathy Lynne (Wasko) Vardzel and the late Bernard Joseph Vardzel. Steve was a graduate of Slippery Rock High School and attended Butler Community College and IUP. He worked for various transportation companies in the western PA/eastern Ohio area. Steve was a member of the Ellwood-Parian Lodge No. 599 and New Castle Consistory. Steve Vardzel is survived by his wife Beth (Hogue) Vardzel, sons Elijah (Gabby) Vardzel, and Alexander Vardzel. Granddaughters…

David “Brian” Schweinsberg, 65, of Perry Twp. passed away Monday, June 15, 2026 at his residence following a courageous four-month battle with cancer. Born December 28, 1960 at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, VA, he was the son of David Mook and Margaret Joyce Lepley Schweinsberg of Ellwood City. Brian graduated from Lincoln High School in 1978 and then from BC3 in 1984. He was affiliated with the Portersville Presbyterian Church. A talented and skilled mechanic, he worked on motorcycles and painted cars throughout his life. He enjoyed motocross and built Brian’s Backyard Track, where many friends came to…

David Robert Ekey Sr., 69, of Cranberry Twp. passed away unexpectedly on Friday June 12, 2026 at his residence. Born March 30, 1957, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Charles and Virginia Roy Ekey. David graduated from Slippery Rock University and earned his CPA license in 1991. He then worked many years for the Miami Foundation Charity. An avid Beatles fan, he enjoyed rollerblading and surfing in his youth. He loved staying informed and enjoyed watching the news, especially Face the Nation. Survivors include son, Brandon (Whitney) Ekey of Ellwood City; daughter, Jessica (David Zychowski) Ekey of…

Mrs. Patricia Lee Annarumo, 83, formerly of Ellwood City, passed away on Sunday, June 14th, 2026 at her residence in New Castle. Patricia was born on October 8th, 1942 in Ellwood City to the late Edward and Verda (Bosley) Streit. She is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1961. For many years she worked at the former Ellwood City Hospital in the dietary department. Patty is survived by her daughter, Gina Mattola of Chippewa Township, son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Debbie Recce of Ellwood City, grandchildren, Kera Recce (Joey Galmarini), Tamra (Chad) Parise, Tonya (Cory) Wreitmeyer, Steven…

Robert E. Tupper Jr., 70, of Koppel passed away Friday, June 12, 2026 at his residence. Born May 29, 1956 in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Robert E. Sr. and Jeanne Grable Tupper. Robert worked as a truck mechanic for many years. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, cutting trees, and chopping wood. Above all he cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren who were the loves of his life. Survivors include his beloved wife of 31 years, Jeannine Oswald Tupper; daughter, Bobbie Lynn Schinler of West Deer; two stepsons, Keith Sines of Natrona Heights and Shawn…

Robert Lodovico, 98, of Ellwood City, passed away on June 9th, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford. Robert was born on May 20th, 1928 in Ellwood City to the late Domonick and Assunta (Bettoni) Lodovico. He attended Lincoln High School as well as the Terrace School of Craftsman in New Castle. Robert worked for Cerianni Construction as a Union Carpenter Supervisor for many years. Robert served in the U.S. Navy, specifically on the Destroyers; U.S. Gyatt and the U.S.S. John W. Weeks., he was honorably discharged as a Seaman, First Class. He was a member of Divine…