Obituaries

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…

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, 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…

Marion Louise Downey, 88, of Wampum passed away Friday, January 29, 2021 at her residence following an extended illness. Born June 12, 1932 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late William and Catherine Locke Martin. She married the late Ernest E. Downey Sr. on March 5, 1949. He died on July 10, 1989. Marion was a member and past president of the Wampum American Legion Auxiliary. She retired after over 20 years from Joseph’s Supermarket. She enjoyed traveling, going to Las Vegas Casinos, camping, and sitting around the campfire. Marion loved being surrounded by her family. Survivors…

Charles E. “Chuck” Crawley Jr., 59, of Ellwood City lost his short but valiant battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family on January 26, 2021 at UPMC Passavant Hospital in McCandless Twp. Born June 24, 1961 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Charles E. Crawley Sr. and Vivian M. (Eady) Crawley. Chuck graduated from Lincoln High School in 1980. He had been employed at many places in Ellwood City including the Recycling Center, Trader Horn, Ellwood City Hospital, and currently at Tony’s Beer Distributor. Chuck enjoyed playing, managing, and coaching softball as well as playing…