Obituaries

It is with great sadness that the family of Mr. Donald J. McMichael, 90, of Franklin Township announces that he passed away on Monday, May 10, 2021 at the Butler Memorial Hospital. Mr. McMichael was born in Ellwood City on January 9, 1931 to the late Marion and Caroline (McCloskey) McMichael. He is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1949, and the Holy Redeemer Parish. On June 11, 1953 Don enlisted with the U.S. Army and served with the Company C 701st Military Police until his discharge on May 10, 1955. Following his service with the army…

Joseph Colavecchia, 83, of Ellwood City, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at Good Samaritan Hospice. Born on February 5, 1938 in the Village of Limosano, in the Province of Campobasso in the southern Italian region Molise he was the son of the late Frank and Josephine Giancola Colavecchia. He married the former beautiful Susan Razzano on June 29, 1963 and they shared fifty-five years together until she preceded him in death on May 1, 2019. Joseph retired from B&W in Beaver Falls where he worked in the cold draw. A member of Holy Redeemer Parish and the…

Mr. Samuel B. “Sam” Crangi, 84, of Koppel, devoted and loving father passed away at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 2nd, 2021 at 7:05 am. Sam was born on November 6, 1936 in Ellwood City to the late Anna (Wittmer) and Philip Crangi. He graduated from Beaver Falls High School with the class of 1954, and was a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish. Sam and his deceased wife Patty (Barry) Crangi were the proud owners of Phil’s Inn in Koppel, PA from 1962 to 1999, a landmark at the corner of Rt. 18 and Arthur St…..

James W. “Jim” Buccelli Sr., 77, of North Sewickley Township passed away on April 30th, 2021 at his residence. Jim was born on February 2nd, 1944 in Ellwood City to the late Bruno and Mary (Pezzi) Buccelli. He graduated from the Lincoln High School with the class of 1962. Jim worked at Calgon for 30 years and was a proud member of its HAZMAT and Fire Brigade teams. He is also a member of the Holy Redeemer Church. He is survived by his partner of 28 years, Dorene McLaughlin of North Sewickley Twp., his son, James “Jim” (Lisa) Buccelli Jr….

Mrs. Joann R. DeCarbo, 87, of Ellwood City passed away on Tuesday, April 27th, 2021 at her residence with her loving family at her bedside. Mrs. DeCarbo was born on January 19, 1934 in Ellwood City to the late John and Rose A. (Colao) Pacella. She is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1952. Joann had worked at Eiselen Drug Store which was on Wampum Avenue in Ellwood City as a clerk, for Ray Hoffman and later WKST radio station both as a bookkeeper, and ESB Bank as a teller. She is a member of the Holy…

Mr. Dennis L. Patterson, Sr., 79, of Franklin Township passed away on Tuesday, April 27th, 2021 at his residence. Mr. Patterson was born in Bluffton, Ohio on December 23, 1941 to the late Lowell E. and Eunice M. (Chester) Patterson. He had graduated from high school in Finley, Ohio and then from the University of Phoenix with a degree in Engineering. For many years he worked as a drafting engineer. While living in Ohio he attended the Faith Family Church in Canton. He was an avid car enthusiast especially for Ford products, and Nascar fan. He will be remembered as…

Mr. Paul D.” Jiggs” Boots, Sr., 87 of Franklin Township passed away on Monday, April 26th, 2021 at the Allegheny General Hospital. Mr. Boots was born on February 1, 1934 in Ellwood City to the late Lester and Edna (Blum) Boots. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1951. In the 1950’s and 1960’s he played slow pitch softball and was always the leading hitter in the leagues. He played for several teams including Jolly’s Service Station, Fred’s Service Station, New Deal Bar, and Johnny Dan’s. After injuring his knee he switched to playing golf and…

Mrs. Betty J. Freson, 93 of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, April 24th, 2021 at the Beaver Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Betty was born on June 11th, 1927 in Rochester to the late Frank G. and Bessie (Brewer) Smith. She had graduated from the Lincoln High School with the class of 1945 and then attended West Minister College for accounting. Betty worked for her father’s company, Ken Fox and Frank Smith Developers as a secretary. She was a devoted member of Bell Memorial Church and enjoyed reading and sewing. She is survived by her son Joel (Sherry) Freson…

Mr. Donald G. Covert, 83, of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, April 26th, 2021 at his residence. Mr. Covert was born in Ellwood City on May 31, 1937 to the late Ira and Gladys (Flinner) Covert. Don had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1957. He worked at the Babcock & Wilcox Steel Mill in Beaver Falls, YDC, and was the co-owner of Uptown Beer & Beverage and Flowers N Things flower shop. He is a life member of the Ellwood City MOOSE Lodge #93, the Ellwood City Elks Club, and a 50 year member of…