Obituaries

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Robert “Bob” Michael Herko, 62

Robert “Bob” Michael Herko, 62, of Ellwood City, left this world Monday, April 24th, 2023 in his home. He was born March 10th, 1961 in Ellwood City. Bob was a man of humor, wisdom, and strong faith. He ran his family business with his wife, Debbie Herko, for over 30 years, giving them the freedom to live around the country, spend time with their kids, and live true to their mission statement, “Do whatever you want, when you want, and how you want to do it.” Even after leaving us, Bob remains the solid cornerstone of his family – wife…


Imogene “Gene” Gallaher Stich, 88

Imogene “Gene” Gallaher Stich, 88, formerly of New Sewickley Twp. and Ellwood City joined her late husband Clarence Stich in Heaven on May 1, 2023. Born August 19,1934 in Fombell, she was the daughter of the late J. Carl and Martha Gallaher. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School and Geneva College, where she studied elementary education. Most of her professional life was devoted to teaching, tutoring, and sharing her love of reading. Over the years, she was active in the PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Beaver Valley Vagabond Camping Club, and volunteering with her daughters as part of…


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Joseph J. Blaskowitz, 64

Joseph J. Blaskowitz, 64, of Ellwood City passed away on Friday, April 28th, 2023 at The Grove in New Wilmington. Joseph was born in Ellwood City on February 20th, 1959 the son of the late Joseph J. and Yolanda (Chiaro) Blaskowitz Sr.. Joe enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and playing the lottery. He is survived by his sister Janet Simmons of Beaver, niece Courtney (Jimmy) Schwab, nephew Charles L. (Samantha) Simmons IV, and many cousins. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, sister Patricia Blaskowitz, and brother-in-law Charles L. Simmons III. Joseph’s family would like to thank the staff…


Jairus E. Zerbe, 89

Jairus Edward Zerbe, 89 of Portersville, Perry Township, PA, formerly of Sinking Spring, PA passed away Monday, April 24, 2023 at the VA Community Care Center in Butler, PA. Jairus was born in Bowmansville PA on December 21, 1933 to the late John and Mary Irene (Lorah) Zerbe. Jairus married his high school sweetheart, the late Mary Ellen Wickel on January 1, 1953. A 1951 graduate of Wilson High School, he was a self-employed auctioneer for over 20 years and had previously worked at Rich Maid Kitchens for many years and Pagoda Candies. He enlisted with the United States Army,…


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Martha Ann Beatty, 84

Martha Ann Beatty, 84, of Enon Valley passed away unexpectedly Thursday, April 27, 2023 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital following complications from surgery. Born November 13, 1938 in Darlington, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Isabelle Davis Zeh. She was married to Kenneth J. Beatty for 49 years when he passed away on February 6, 2009. Martha Ann had graduated from Darlington High School. She was a member of the Mt. Jackson Presbyterian Church where she served by helping with Bible School and Church Dinners. She was an avid sports fan, enjoyed babysitting, luncheons with friends, shopping,…


John M. Stubbs, 69

John M. Stubbs, 69, of Ellwood City passed away Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Avalon Place following a brief illness. Born June 10, 1953 in Kittanning, he was the son of the late John P. and Alice Chappell Stubbs. He was married to Loretta Anderson Stubbs. It would have been their 52-year anniversary this July. John had retired from the American Red Cross after working there for 30 years. He was active with the Koppel Volunteer Fire Department. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and hunting. Survivors include his wife Loretta; daughter, Rebecca Bailey of Scottdale, PA; son, Daniel Stubbs of…


Charlotte L. Miller, 86

Charlotte L. Miller, 86, of Ellwood City, passed away on Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 at her residence. Charlotte was born on July 8th, 1935 in Pittsburgh to the late Michael and Ella (Magella) Sproch. She graduated from Schenley High School with the class of 1952. Charlotte was a former member of the Silver Sneakers club in Ellwood City, and belonged to Victory Church in Cranberry Township. She was a “Pittsburgher” who loved cheering on the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. Charlotte enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their various sporting events. She will be deeply missed. She is survived…


Ronald “Ronnie” W. Hollinback, 73

Ronald “Ronnie” William Hollinback, 73, years of Ellwood City, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023 at The VA Community Center in Butler, PA. He was the son of the late William Thomas and Clysta (Dambach) Hollinback and was born on September 28, 1949, in Ellwood City. He is survived by his sisters; Shirley and her husband Tom of Ellwood City, Caroll Young and her husband Edd of Sewickley, Nieces and Nephews; Jeffrey Syphrit and his wife Jackie of Ellwood City, Richard Syphrit and his wife Nicole of Ellwood City, Lori Syphrit of Ellwood City, Carrie Froce and her husband Neil…


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Jimmie L. Gross, 73

Jimmie L. Gross, 73, of New Castle went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 17, 2023 at his residence. Born February 26, 1950 in Harlan County, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Murphy and Grace Skidmore Gross. He was married to Diana Pumphrey Gross. Jimmie drove truck all over the United States for over 30 years. He enjoyed fishing, music, singing, dancing, doing yard work, going to car shows, and being the life of the party. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially talking to his cousin (brother) Jimmy and his sister Janice. Survivors include…


Mary A. Truby, 89

Mrs. Mary A. Truby, 89, of Franklin Twp., Ellwood City, Pennsylvania joined her husband Charles A. Truby in Heaven on Tuesday, April 11th, 2023. Mary was born to the late Frank and Martha C. (Milnes) Sobczak in Ellwood City on September 29th, 1933. Mary enjoyed traveling. She traveled many times throughout the United States to visit family. Even as she became older, she thought nothing of it to board a Greyhound bus to visit loved ones. She was an avid reader and could finish most books within a few hours. Throughout the years she had crocheted many blankets for children…