Obituaries

Augustine A. “Gus” Fornataro, 92, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on Tuesday April 11, 2023 at his home, surrounded by family. Born on January 4, 1931 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Augustine V. and Lena Geramita Fornataro. Gus’ humble intelligence, generosity and kindness were evident to all: at work, in the community, but especially with his family. Gus was a graduate of New Castle High School, achieved a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Pittsburgh and did further graduate work at George Washington University. He was a registered professional engineer. Gus began…

It is with great sadness that the family of Richard R. (Rich) Moran Jr., 73 of Ellwood City, Pa announces his unexpected passing on Sunday, April 9, 2023 at the J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown WV. He was born April 4, 1950 in Bellevue, Pa, the son of the late Richard R. Sr. and Nancy (Dickinson) Moran. Rich will forever be remembered by family and friends for his passion for cars, love of animals and tinkering in his garage. Rich was the true definition of hard-working and dedication. Not only to his career but his family. He was the…

Betty J. Tillia, 87, of Princeton passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at her Son’s Residence in Strongsville Ohio. Born June 24, 1935 in, Fort Myers FL, she was the daughter of the late Henry L. and Guynell Preston Croco. She was married to William H. Tillia Jr. for 65 years when he passed away on September 3, 2018. She owned and operated, with her husband, W.H. Tillia Furniture on Ellwood Rd. for many years. She was an active member of the Portersville Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. Some of her interests were reading, knitting, and collecting antiques….

Carolyn G. Hinkle, 83, of Perry Twp passed away peacefully, at her home with the love of her family surrounding her, on April 5,2023. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Esther (Brown) Magee and was born in New Castle. She was survived and will be lovingly remembered by her husband, of 64 years, Bud “Earl” Hinkle, her son; Bobby Hinkle and his wife Tammy, her daughter; Debbie Galbreath and her husband Chris, her grandson; Jason Hufnagel and his wife Britney and one granddaughter; Brianna Kauffman, great-granddaughters; Alexis and Kenna Hufnagel, her sister; Bonnie Lansberry and her husband…

Adrienne L. (McGinnis) Haegg, of Ellwood City went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 surrounded by her family. Adrienne was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Lynch) McGinnis and was raised in her beloved “Bucks County”. She attended Edinboro University with an Art Major and met the late Paul Dodds Johnson Sr. whom she married and later had seven children. In 1991 she married Vernon Haegg and added more members to her beloved family. She is survived by her children Gailyn (Mark) Matscherz of Zelienople, PA, Alison (Jeff) Scott of Ellwood City, PA,…

Mr. Vincent J. Bellissimo III, 74, of Ellwood City went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 after a lengthy illness. Vince was born in Ellwood City on July 22nd, 1948 to the late Vincent J. and Lillian F. (Pezzi) Bellissimo. He is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1967, and Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Vince enlisted with the United States Army on April 24th 1968 and served with the Fourth U.S. Army until his discharge on April 23rd, 1971 with the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the National Defense Medal,…

Dianne Ludwiczak, 57, of Fombell passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at her home. She was the daughter of the late Fred and Patricia(Michaels) Upperman and was born February 3, 1966 in New Castle. She is survived by her daughters; JoLynne Garzel and her husband Brady of Fombell, Ashley McCune of New Castle, Chelsea Haswell of Pittsburgh, her grandchildren; Ian Hartzell, Isabella Hartzell, Aurora Brown, Patrick Fuller, III, Rylee Haswell, Adalynn Ross, Colton Hamilton, her siblings; Laurie Monaco, Eddie Upperman, and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends. Dianne loved music, she loved going to concerts especially Kenny Chesney, the…

Cheryl D. Gallagher, 75 of Ellwood City, passed away on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023 at the UPMC Passavant Hospital in McCandless Township. Cheryl was born on August 18th, 1947 in Ellwood City to the late, Lawrence “Larry” and Mary M. (LaPenta) DeBlaso Sr.. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1965. Cheryl worked for Loccisano’s as a clerk for 15 years, Walmart in the receiving department, and most recently, at Disney World as part of their retail cast, where she was awarded the Walt Disney Legacy Award. She is a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer…