Obituaries

Violet E. Hennon 68, formerly of Wayne Township, passed away on October 19, 2020 at Quality Life Services in New Castle. Violet was born on October 25, 1951 in Ellwood City to Earl W. and Martha Eleanor Craven Hennon. She attended Shenango and Wayne Township schools, graduating from Ellwood City in 1969. Violet was the caregiver of her family, having lovingly and faithfully cared for her parents, sister, and niece whenever they were in need. Many cats and a few fortunate dogs also had the privilege of being loved and cared for. An ardent Christian, Violet was a member of…

Kelly J. Rice, 55, of New Castle, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2020 at UPMC Jameson. Born in Ellwood City on January 21, 1965, Kelly was the daughter of R. Joann Kelly VanGorder of Boyers, PA and the late Kenneth VanGorder.  She married Scott Rice on September 26, 1992.  Kelly enjoyed baking, cooking and canning but most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. In addition to her mother and her husband, Kelly is survived by her children; Nakita Saras of New Castle, Kailie (Tommy) Stillwagon of West Pittsburg, Brittany (John Stevenson) Rice of…

Barry Lee Smith, 41 of New Castle, formerly of Ellwood City, passed away at his residence on Saturday, October 17, 2020. Born in Ellwood City on June 15, 1979, Barry was the son of the late Raymond D. and Shirley Jean Gahagan Smith.  Barry had worked as a loan officer at US Bank in Pittsburgh.  He was affiliated with the City Rescue Mission in New Castle. Barry is survived by his two brothers, Danny (Joyce) Smith and Shawn Smith both of Ellwood City, a niece, Taylor Smith of Erie, PA and several aunts and uncles. A private service was held…

Mr. Joseph A. Nocera, 97, of Ellwood City passed away on Thursday, October, 15, 2020 at the Northview Estates. Mr. Nocera was born on September 7, 1923 in Ellwood City to the late Michael and Camilla (DiTommaso) Nocera. He had graduated from Lincoln High School and then enlisted with the U.S. Army on March 23, 1943. Joe served with the Battery “B” 557th Anti Aircraft Artillery Battalion 84th Division with the rank of Private First Class. He had fought in the battles of Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Medal, Victory…

Mr. Herbert F. Patton, 85, of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, October 12, 2020 at the UPMC Cranberry Place in Cranberry Township. Mr. Patton was born on June 20, 1935 in West Homestead, PA to the late Herbert F. and Minnie L. (Miracle) Patton. For 23 years Herb worked at the U.S. Steel Mill, and later as a security officer for a local factory. He also worked alongside his family members with their construction business. Herb enjoyed horses, CB radio, and was a Pittsburgh Steeler fan. He is survived by his companion of 40 years, Joann McCullough, her son…

Mr. Peter J. Agostinelli, 93, of Franklin Township, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2020 at the UPMC Passavant Hospital in McCandless Twp. Mr. Agostinelli was born on December 25, 1926 in Ellwood City, to the late Peter and Esther (Dinello) Agostinelli. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1944, and enlisted into the U.S. Army. Mr. Agostinelli worked for the National Tube Mill as a boiler-maker and later at Strohecker’s in Enon Valley, where he did welding design. He is a member of the Union Goodwill Community Church in Franklin Twp. Mr. Agostinelli was known for…