Obituaries

Benjamin Panella Jr, of Wampum, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025. Ben was born May 23, 1943 to the late Benjamin and Ann Panella (Paolini). He is survived by Sister Patricia Smail (Ed), Brother James Caruso, daughters Billie Jo Wyant (Michael) and Robin Luffman (Ransom), companion Donna McConnell, 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Ben, a man of few words, but shared a life of great stories and memories not to be forgotten. If you didn’t find Ben elbow deep in the garage working on his latest project, he would be on his Harley. The sun to his back,…

Andrew B. Gierlach, 82, of Shenango Twp. passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at his residence following an illness. Born March 6, 1943, in New Castle, he was the son of the late Dante A. Fusco and Bernice Gierlach. Andrew enlisted in the Army in 1960, serving until 1963. For 25 years he worked for UPS as a truck driver. He was a member of the local Teamsters, loved trucks, and enjoyed gardening and feeding birds. Survivors include his beloved wife of 49 years, Helen McDonald Gierlach; four sons, Henry “Hank” (Paula) Gierlach, Christopher (Lisa) Gierlach, Mark Gierlach, and Steve…

Mr. Anthony “Tony” Recce, 85, of Ellwood City passed away on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025 at the UPMC Jameson Hospital in New Castle, Pa. Tony was born in Ellwood City on May 25th, 1940 to the late Domenico and Louise (Noschese) Recce. He was a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Tony worked many years at the Babcock & Wilcox Steel Mill in Koppel and then for Koppel Steel as a brick layer until his retirement. Over the years, Tony enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to casinos, and spending time on Thursdays with his buddies at the SOI in…

Shawn Andrews, 45, of Fombell, passed away on October 20th, 2025 at the Heritage Valley Medical Center. Shawn was born on July 20th, 1980 in Beaver, to the late Alfred C. Andrews and Tina O’Neil. He attended Beaver Falls High School. Shawn worked at Feezles Auto Wrecking as a laborer in his younger years, and was currently employed at Tony’s Beer Distributor as manager. He is also the president of the Ellwood City Eagles Club #1246, a member of the Zelienople Sportsman’s Club and played on many local dart teams. Shawn enjoyed hunting, fishing, video games about hunting and fishing,…

Mr. George M. Gobrich, 91, of Perry Township passed away on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, at Quality Life Services in New Castle. Mr. Gobrich was born in Ellwood City on December 6th, 1933, to the late Nick and Anna (Baser) Gobrich. He is a 1951 graduate of Lincoln High School and a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. While in high school, George worked as a cook and manager at the former Wolverine Restaurant in Park Gate. On January 20th, 1955, George enlisted with the United States Army and served until his honorable discharge on January 18th, 1957,…

Rita Morini Shaffer (nee DeTullio), age 88 of Hudson, OH and previously Avondale, AZ passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Ellwood City, PA on September 25, 1937 to the late Arnold DeTullio and Catherine (nee Ferrese) Matthews. She is also preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul “Pete” Shaffer and former husband Mario Morini; a sister Jean (Russ) Fondelier, a daughter Marilyn Morini (at age 2), and a grandson Jason Kardish. Rita is survived by four loving children, Linda (Marty) Kardish of Hudson, Anthony (Chris) Morini of Ellwood City, PA,…

Mr. Robert W. Hewitt, 70, of North Sewickley Township passed away on Thursday, October 16th, 2025 at his residence. Mr. Hewitt was born in St. Louis, MS on January 1st, 1955 to the late Fred L Hewitt and Mary (French) Hewitt McFarland. He had attended Lincoln High School, and was an avid Pittsburgh Penguins fan. He is survived by his daughter, Kayla (Jesse) Boles of Hermitage, sons, Justin (Charlotte) Hewitt of Cranberry Township, Dalton Hewitt and his fiancé’ Emma DeSanzo of Ellwood City, grandchildren, Marshall Hewitt, Deacon Hewitt, Blake Boles, Caleb Boles, Alivia Hewitt, and Ethan DeSanzo, brothers, Edward Lee…