Obituaries

Jeffrey C. McDonald, 59, of Wampum, passed away Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at Heritage Valley Sewickley following a short illness. Born April 25, 1963 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Robert G. and Peg (Gishbaugher) McDonald. He was married to Diana L. (Grinnen) McDonald. She survives. Jeff was a graduate of Vo-Tech in New Castle. He was employed by Wickmac Machine in New Castle, where he worked as a machinist. Jeff was affiliated with the Clinton United Methodist Church, was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan, and enjoyed his yearly fishing trip to Canada. He was preceded…

James L. Mason of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, August 8, 2022 at AHN Wexford Hospital. He was 74 years old. Jim was born on August 28, 1947 in Grand Mound, Iowa to Reginald and Inez Mason.  Jim proudly served in the Air Force after receiving his BA from Western State College of Colorado. On August 16, 1971 he married the love of his life, Ann Clark Mason.  In addition to family and faith, Education and learning was paramount in Jim’s life. He earned a Master of Education in both Developmental Reading and School Management from Loyola College.  He…

David A. Wiltrout, 69, of Franklin Township passed away on Sunday, August 7th, 2022 at the Good Samaritan Hospice at Heritage Valley. David was born on September 2nd, 1954 in Ellwood City to the late William and Mildred Wiltrout. He had graduated from Riverside High School with the class of 1972. For 35 years he worked at the Ellwood City Forge as a machine operator. As per David’s wishes there will not be a public service. The final arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..

Raymond W. Dicks, 85, of Wayne Township passed away Friday, August 5, 2022 at his residence. Born April 19, 1937 in New Castle, he was the son of the late G. Lester and Norma Patterson Dicks. He was married to Martha Griffin Dicks. Ray was first employed by Lockley’s Machine Shop and then Tasa Coal Company. He was the Sexton at the Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church Cemetery for 57 years. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Martha; three sons, Karl R. of Shippenville, Keith W. and Clinton J. (Lana) Dicks both of Ellwood City; daughter, Janet L. Dicks of…

Joseph R. Trocci, 72, of Ellwood City, passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at Good Samaritan Hospice in Brighton Township following a brief illness. Born in New Castle on March 7, 1950, Joe was the son of the late Joseph and Christina Papa Trocci.  He married the former Madelyn Hervatine on April 29, 1978.  Joe worked for Sparmon Fichler for twenty-five years, then at Trader Horn in Ellwood City for ten years until it closed.  Most recently, Joe spent his summers working at Pittsburgh International Race Complex and his winters substitute teaching at both the New Castle and Ellwood…

Mr. Frank A. “Cheech” DeCaria, Sr., 90, formerly of Ellwood City, passed away on Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022 at the Cape Coral Hospital in Cape Coral, Florida. Mr. DeCaria was born on October 23rd, 1931 in Ellwood City to the late James and Pauline (Venezie) DeCaria. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1949. From 1950 until 1952 Frank worked for the Garrett Company as a packer. On November 25th, 1952 he enlisted with the U.S. Army and served with the rank of Corporal until he was discharged on November 24th, 1954. He was awarded the…

Robin Barkley Hickman, 61, of Harmony, passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at UPMC McCandless surrounded by her loving husband and daughter.Born in Butler on April 28, 1961, Robin was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Sylvia Hartle McCune. Growing up, Robin spent most of her time with the late Harry “Duck” and Emma Hartle, who treated Robin as their own. She married Robert Hickman on May 15, 2008. Robin worked at the former ALSY Lighting in Ellwood City where she was a shipping clerk. Everyone who came into Robin’s life was loved fiercely, most especially her granddaughter,…