Obituaries

Shirley Francis Swesey, 88, of Ellwood City was called home on April 29, 2026. She spent her final days surrounded by family and friends before relinquishing her earthly body and going to be with her Lord and Savior and reuniting with her loved ones that have preceded her. She is survived by her son Allison Michael “Mike” Swesey; who was her world; her daughter-in-law Catherine “Cass” (Pinkle) Swesey; her granddaughter Ashley Pinkle; her great-grandchildren, that devotedly cared for her for years up to her last moments: Alayah Pittrell and Cameron Swesey. She is also survived by her brothers Roy “Bud”…

Bronson E. Allman, 39, of Ellwood City passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital following a car accident. Born December 9, 1986, he was the son of Bernard Dillaman and the late Annette Marie Allman. A lifelong resident of Ellwood City, Bronson graduated from Lincoln High School in 2005, where he played football. He went on to attend SRU where he received his degree in Sports Management. Bronson worked at the Woodforest Bank in Chippewa. An avid and knowledgeable sports fan, Bronson enjoyed NASCAR, racing, football, golf, WWE, baseball and hockey. He played roller hockey as…

With deep love and steadfast faith, we celebrate the life of Kathryn Marie “Kate” Wear who was called home to be with the Lord on April 25, 2026, and entered peacefully into eternal rest. Born November 8, 1930, in Wampum, she was the daughter of the late Frank G. and Sylvia Rose Portugallo Ferrante. She was married to Harry L. Wear Jr. when he passed away on April 29, 2010. Kate graduated from Lincoln in 1948. She was a current member of the 1st Assembly Church in New Castle. Kate worked as a clerk at the Ellwood City Forge for…

Darl J. “Jack” Allen, 87, of Portersville passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at his residence. Born April 21, 1939, at the Jameson Hospital in New Castle, he was the son of the late L.D. “Skinny” and Emma B. Cragle Allen. Jack graduated from Lincoln High School. He was employed at Medusa Cement for 20 years where he worked as a kiln burner and also served as Chief of Police in Wayne Twp. for 20 years. He enjoyed listening to and playing country music on his bass guitar. His most cherished times were spent with his family. Survivors…

David Lee Stone, 47, of Ellport, passed away at his residence on April 21st, 2026. David was born on May 26th, 1979 to Sheree (Miskolcze) Hockenberry and David Stone. He graduated from Lincoln High School. David was an equipment operator, excavator, and auto mechanic for his grandfather’s company, “Jul’s Auto Repair” and through out the local area. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working on cars. He is survived by his mother, Sheree, of Ellport, and son Julian Stone of Ellport. As per David’s wishes there will be no public service. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral…

Jennie (Calve) Safreed, 105, Franklin Twp passed away peacefully in her sleep at Trinity Oaks in Ellwood City. She was the daughter of the late Nick and Caterine (Tornese) Calve and was born in the region of Calabria, Italy on March 11, 1921. After going through immigration procedures at Ellis Island, Mrs. Safreed arrived with her family in Ellwood City on December 6, 1926. Jennie Safreed lived and worked her entire life in the Ellwood City community. She worked in the accounting offices of the local US Steel plant from 1941 until the plant’s closing in 1975. During that time,…

John L. Schutte Jr., 65, of Beaver Falls passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 20, 2026, at his residence. Born October 16, 1960, in Rochester, he was the son of the late John Sr. and Elva Teapole Schutte. John enjoyed driving his fast cars and attending car shows. He also enjoyed visiting flea markets, especially Rodgers, bowling, and loved the Tasmanian Devil. Above all, he cherished moments spent with his family. Survivors include his beloved wife Virginia Nicholson Schutte; two daughters, Chantal Schutte and Abigail Schutte; son, Jeremy Bundy; sister, Dusty (Curt) Schutte-Fenchel; niece, Sophia, and nephews, Scott Jr. and…

Mary Jane Hergenrother Navolio, 93, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospice House following an extended illness. Born July 27, 1932, in Chewton, she was the daughter of the late John Oliver and Dorothy May Wigley Hergenrother of Chewton. Mary Jane graduated from Lincoln High School, Class of 1950, and was a graduate of Geneva College. She worked for Scharr Jewelry Distributors from Hartford, CT as a District Manager. She was a member of the former St. Agatha’s Church in Ellwood City. Mary Jane is survived by two daughters, Melissa (Ken) Gates of…