Obituaries

Henry J. Rafacz, 90

Henry J. Rafacz, 90, of Wampum passed away Friday, September 18, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born July 10, 1930 in Fallentimber, PA, he was the son of the late John and Josephine Gaul Rafacz . He was married to Bessie Elizabeth Stiles Rafacz for 66 years when she passed away August 31, 2020. Henry retired from Babcock and Wilcox Hot Finish in Beaver Falls following 33 years of service. He was an active member of the former St. Monica’s and Queen of Heaven Parish in Wampum. He was a member of the Holy Name Society…


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Mary T. Bartolomeo, 62

Mary T. Bartolomeo, 62 of Ellwood City passed away at her residence on Friday, September 18, 2020. Born in Ellwood City on November 8, 1957, Mary was the daughter of Joseph and Joann Black Lordi of Ellwood City.  She is survived by her husband, Orlando E. Bartolomeo whom she married on June 16, 1984.  Mary worked as a baker at Kimmel’s Bakery and was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish.  In her earlier years Mary worked as a nail tech and hairdresser.  She enjoyed arts and crafts but mostly enjoyed her time with her grandchildren. Besides her parents and husband,…


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Donald R. Holfelder, 82

Donald R. Holfelder, 82 of Franklin Township, passed away at Providence Care Center in Beaver Falls on Wednesday, September 16, 2020. Born in Ellwood City on January 25, 1938, Donald was the son of the late Harry and Velma Bowers Holfelder.  Donald was preceded in death by his wife, the former Ernestine Takas on October 25, 2017.  They were married on October 4, 1958.  Don attended North Star School and Lincoln High School.  He had worked for American Planting in Zelienople and Veka in Fombell.  Don was a custodian at North Star School, Riverside School District and PNC Bank.  He…


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George A. Tengeres, Jr., 62

George A. Tengeres, Jr., 62, of Ellwood City, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at UPMC McCandless. Born in Windber, PA on May 12, 1958, George is the son of Jean Yocca Tengeres of Windber, PA and the late George A. Tengeres.  George married the former Patricia Smith on August 31, 1986.  He worked as both a mechanic and manager of Monro Auto Service in Butler.  George was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and he enjoyed woodworking. In addition to his wife and his mother, George is survived by his son, Jonathan Tengeres of New Galilee, PA, a sister,…


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Carol Ann Richards, 80

Carol Ann Richards, 80, of Franklin Township, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 15, 2020.  She drifted peacefully having spent her final two days with her children by her side and surrounded by the loving voices of her grandchildren, who she loved more than anything in this world. Carol was born April 7, 1940 in New Brighton to the late Catherine and Charles Oliver.  She was well known for being a cashier at Murphy’s Mart in Ellwood City.  She also worked at Ames Department Store and as one of the most loving aides to…


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Shirley P. Gotjen, 59

Mrs. Shirley P. Gotjen, 59, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Mrs. Gotjen was born in Ellwood City on November 2, 1960 to the late Paul and Shirley (Craven) Hogue. She had attended Lincoln High School, and worked at making her house a home. Shirley enjoyed decorating for the holidays, cross stitching, reading, cooking, and most of all spending time with her family. She also loved taking care of her cats. She is survived by her husband, Daniel Gotjen whom she married on November 21, 1985, her daughter, Sherrie…


Dorothy I. Doherty, 83

Dorothy I. “Peannie” Doherty, 83, of Wampum passed away peacefully after a short illness Monday, September 14, 2020 at home surrounded by her loving family. Born January 14, 1937 in Wampum, she was the daughter of the late William G. and Sarah E. Hairhoger Barber. She was married to Edward D. Doherty for 57 years, he passed on August 23, 2015. She was a member of Clinton United Methodist Church. Peannie formerly owned and operated Doherty Personal Care Home. She enjoyed traveling and camping but her most cherished time was spent with her family. Survivors include daughter, Vivian (Jim) Champion…


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Debra A. Voland, 65

Debra A. Voland, 65, of 1117 Agnew St., New Castle passed away the morning of September 10, 2020, at her residence. Debra was born June 12, 1955, in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late William E. and Mary R. (Makepeace) Newman. Debra was married to the late Harry Voland. They were married for 15 years. Debra was a high school graduate. She enjoyed playing bingo and spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren. Debra is survived by two children, daughter Georgette (Anthony) D’Ambrosia Sr. of New Castle and son Harry Voland of California;…


Carrie E. Shaffer, 99

Carrie E. Shaffer, 99, of Shenango Twp., New Castle passed away Friday, September 11, 2020 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital following a short illness. Born January 24, 1921 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Albert Will and Elva (Rolshaus) Will. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Leslie Shaffer, a son, Albert Shaffer, sister, Helen Mottle, and a brother, Chuck Will. Carrie was formerly a member of the Greenwood Methodist Church and the Christ Gospel Church. Currently she is a member of Word Alive Church in New Castle. She played the organ and piano…


Ronald R. McCready Sr.

Ronald R. McCready Sr. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at his home in Kingsville, MD surrounded by the ones he loves most. Ron was born on July 2, 1951 in New Castle, PA to the late James Arthur and Bertha Mae McCready (nee Murphy). He will be laid to rest at a private ceremony at the family cemetery in PA. He is survived by his amazing wife of 43 years, Carole (nee McGonigle), son Rusty and wife Maria, daughter Kelly (Rawleigh) and husband Brian, 6 amazing grandchildren; Kaylee, Eric, Jaxon, Landon, Owen and Jordan, his brother Jimmy…