Obituaries

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John A. Schotsch, 95

John A. Schotsch, 95, of Wampum passed away Monday, February 8, 2021 at Shenango On The Green in New Wilmington. Born November 5, 1925 in Wampum, he was the son of the late John A. and Mary Bender Schotsch. He was married to Frances Ferrante Schotsch for over 73 years, they married on May 3, 1947. John graduated from Wampum High School in 1943. He was a WWII veteran, serving in the United States Navy from October 1943 until April 1946. John was a heavy equipment operator for 42 years, retiring in 1987 from Medusa Cement. He was a member…


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Marjorie A. Boots, 59

Mrs. Marjorie A. Boots, 59, of Perry Township passed away on Monday, February 8, 2021 at her residence. Mrs. Boots was born in Lock Haven, PA to the late James and Barbara (Yohe) Madden, Sr.. She is a member of the Slippery Rock High School class of 1979. She had worked at Cal’s in Portersville, Dom’s IGA in Ellwood City, and the Ellwood City Hospital as a therapy aide. She also had attended the Union Good Wheel Community Church. Marjorie is survived by her husband, Charles R. Boots whom she married on August 30, 1980, her daughter, Jennifer Black and…


Darlene L. Schrantz, 77

Darlene L. Schrantz, 77, of West Pittsburg passed away Saturday, February 6, 2021 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital. Although in ill health, death was unexpected. Born February 18, 1943 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Albert J. and Goldie Young Boughter. Darlene was affiliated with the Grace Bible Church. She enjoyed watching the Wheel of Fortune and Days of our Lives, shopping with her granddaughters, and face timing with her grandkids. Her most cherished time was spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, George E. Schrantz; daughter, Darla (Bob)…


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Dustin M. Vignolini, 18

Dustin M. Vignolini, 18, of Franklin Township, passed away on February 5th, 2021 at his residence. Dustin was born on September 24th, 2002 in Ellwood City to Nicholas “Nick” and Laura A. (Schaffer) Vignolini. Dustin was a senior at Riverside High School. He enjoyed many activities such as playing x-box, quad riding, hunting, fishing, archery, motor-cross, and hanging out with his friends, especially his big brother, Dylan. He is survived by his parents, his brother, Dylan Vignolini of Franklin Twp, his sisters, Nataly Vignolini of Wampum, Nichole Vignolini of Franklin Twp., his maternal grandparents Jeff and Barb Schaffer of Franklin…


Jerry Sapienza, 78

Francis Gerald “Jerry” Sapienza, 78, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at his home. Born June 11, 1942 in Zelienople, he was the son of the late R. Samuel and Jennie Tomei Sapienza. He was married to Gloria Panella Port Sapienza. They married February 16, 2009. Jerry was a lifelong entrepreneur which included planning and developing a housing complex, operating Sapienza Super Market, building and running farm markets in Harlansburg and Zelienople. Upon retirement, he continued to manage the family holdings which included apartment rentals. Jerry loved telling stories about his family history. His family…


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Carl A. Fresca, 68

Carl A. Fresca, 68, of Ellwood City passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at the St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Boardman, Ohio. Carl was born in New Brighton on September 22, 1952 to the late Carmen (aka Carlo Frisk) and Betty (Workman) Freska. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1970, and later earned a degree in computer science. For 30 years he worked for the Norfolk Southern Railroad in Michigan and later in Greentree as a computer analyst. He had been a very active member of the First Baptist Church in Ellwood City. Carl enjoyed…


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Shari Lynn Best, 35

Shari Lynn Best, 35, of New Brighton, PA was granted her angel wings on Monday, February 1, 2021 at 9:45PM at Heritage Valley Medical Center in Beaver, PA. Her final days were spent happily at McGuire Memorial Home where she spent 32 years of her life. The family would like to thank McGuire for loving and caring for Shari like their own throughout her life. They truly are a “special place for special people.” Shari was small but mighty. When she was born on August 6, 1985 the doctors said she may only have one week on this earth, but…


Ralph Frelin, 69

Ralph Frelin, 69, of North Sewickley Township passed away Monday, February 1, 2021 at his residence following a lengthy illness. Born May 2, 1951 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Harry R. and Marion K. Pisani Frelin . He was married to Betty Altman Frelin for 45 years. She survives. Ralph was employed by Advanced Auto in Michigan for many years. He had a joy for fishing. He was interested in technology, starting with ham radios and into computers. Ralph was an avid Steelers fan. He had a great sense of humor and never took things…


Ann Vignovich Staymates Lemke, 92

Ann Vignovich Staymates Lemke, 92, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on January 31, 2021. She was the daughter of the late Nikolai and Melicia (Evolivich) Vignovich and was born July 30, 1928 in Wayne Twp. Ann is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She will be profoundly missed by many; including the following family members whom she so dearly loved and cherished: Paula Ford of South Beaver Township; Wendy Davis of New Galilee; Kathy Davis Dyke of Chillicothe OH; Kelly Davis of Ashville OH; Stacy Lemke Lawson from Courtland OH, and Sonia Brezniak Thorpe of Tewksbury NJ. A graduate of…


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Roxanne Hoffman, 64

Roxanne Hoffman, 64, of Ellport, passed away on January 29, 2021, at the Grove in New Wilmington after a brief battle with cancer. She was born in Ellwood City, on July 20, 1956 to the late Orville Ray and Edna (Park) Miller.  She was a teacher’s assistant at the Blackhawk Area School District and a member of the Dayspring Harvest Ministries.  She was a very active member of her church, loved to travel, enjoyed sewing and crafting.  Roxanne was an avid swimmer, but above all loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Roxanne is survived by her…