Obituaries

Mrs. Frieda Theresia Pitelka, 93, of Ellwood City passed away the afternoon of January 14, 2024 at Quality Life Service of New Castle. Born in Zemun, Yugoslavia on August 23, 1930, Frieda was the daughter of the late Josef and Jovanika (Dragutinovic) Viola. Frieda married her beloved husband Frank Pitelka in Austria on September 11, 1948. They had made their home in Ellwood City since 1952. After sixty-nine years of marriage Frank preceded her in death in 2018. Frieda was a homemaker and well known for her baking skills. Her Christmas cookies, German Tortes and Strudel were enjoyed by many….

Mr. George R. “Rick” Miller, 74, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away peacefully on Monday, January 15th, 2024 at his residence. Mr. Miller was born on May 19th, 1949 to the late George R. and Geraldine (Walton) Miller Sr.. He had graduated from Riverside High School with the class of 1968. Rick worked at the Babcock & Wilcox Steel Mill until it closed and then at Koppel Steel in both Ambridge and Koppel as a super craft, which included welding, pipe fitting, and maintenance mechanic. After retiring from Koppel Steel Rick worked as a parts runner for Advanced Auto in…

Audrey J. Latshaw, 100, of Ellwood City beloved mother and grandmother passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on January 11, 2024 at the Cambridge Falls Retirement Home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 21, 1923, in Pittsburgh to the late George W. and Grace (Dierker) Huff. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years Paul E. who passed away January 21, 2010. They were married on September 18, 1942. Audrey was a member of the Calvin Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City. Besides her parents and husband, Audrey was preceded in death by…

Richard P. Himes, 86, of North Sewickley Township passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at his residence. Born February 22, 1937 in Porter, PA. He was married to Maxine M. Hollabaugh Himes for 61 years when she passed away on April 16, 2016. Richard had graduated from Punxsutawney Area High School in 1955. He worked at Colonial Clay Production in Fallston for 19 years and retired from Littell Steel in Fallston after 25 years. He enjoyed traveling, especially going to casinos. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and working in his garden. Richard…

Brett Kevin Gess, age 55, of Wampum, Pennsylvania passed away January 9th 2024. He is survived by his wife Lori, children: Jared, Robin, Paul and Josh with four grandchildren and one expected. Brett was incredibly proud of his wife’s and children’s military service. Brett was born November 26,1968 in Winter Park, Florida – the first-born child of David and Grace Gess. He became big brother to Shawn, Tiffany, Keisha, Ericka, Carrie, Anthony, Kyle and Annie. His father, David and youngest brother Kyle preceded him in death. Brett graduated from Northwest High School in Jackson, Michigan class of 1987 and loved…

Leonard Anthony “Dominic” Gratteri, 80, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away Friday, January 12, at Good Samaritan Hospice in Beaver, PA. Born August 16, 1943, in Reggio Calabria, Italy, he was the son of the late Samuel and Rosa Politano Gratteri. He was married to Barbara Straley Gratteri for 60 years, she survives. Dominic attended Beaver Falls High School. He was the owner and operator of Dominic’s Restaurant in Beaver Falls for 25 years, from 1985 to 2010. Dominic loved horse racing and watching the line in Vegas, “occasionally” placing bets. He enjoyed working in his back yard, gardening and…

Paul A. Stefura, 62, of Ellport, passed away peacefully on January 5th, 2024, at his home. Paul was born on January 8th, 1961 in Ellwood City to Paul and Joyce (Agostinelli) Stefura. He graduated from Big Beaver High School with the class of 1979 and from Technician Trade School in 1982. After school, Paul enlisted with the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1986, after serving 4 years with the engineers as a plumber, with the rank of SP4. He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Army Lapel Button. Paul was…

Mary Ann Fascetti, 59, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at her residence. Mary was born in New Castle on April 17th, 1964 to the late John and Mary (Stoughton) McCurdy. She graduated from Slippery Rock High School with the class of 1982 and from Shenango Valley School of Business in 1992. Mary loved all animals and the wonders of nature. She is survived by her daughters, Richelle McCall of New Castle, Casey McCall and her companion Robert Bissell of Weirton, West Virginia, Autumn (Mark) Akins of Scott Twp., and Annabelle Fascetti also of Scott Twp.,…