Obituaries

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…

John J. Illig, 93, of Ellwood City, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at his daughter’s residence in Conway. Born in Ebensburg, PA on July 12, 1927, John was the son of the late Phillip and Mary Duman Illig.  He married the former Mae Grasser in 1956 and she preceded him in death on November 17, 1983.  John retired from Conrail in 1991 where he worked as everything from a brakeman to a conductor.  A member of Holy Redeemer Parish, John was a Veteran of WWII, serving in the US Army Air Corps.  He was also a member of…

Stanley A. Wrona, 86, of Ellwood City, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at Villa St. Joseph in Baden. Born in New Castle on October 15, 1933, he was the son of the late Stanley S. and Stella Bartkowski Wrona.  He married the former Joan Jaskey on October 24, 1959 and she preceded him in death on December 6, 2011.  A graduate of New Castle High School and the University of Cincinnati, Stanley worked for Medusa and later Cemex as an assistant plant manager.  He was a Veteran of the US Army and a member of Holy Redeemer Church…

Mr. Frank Ottaviani, 94, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at his residence. Mr. Ottaviani was born in Ellwood City on May 26, 1926 to the late Cesare and Zelinda (Funari) Ottaviani. Frank had graduated from Lincoln High School and then enlisted with the U.S. Navy on May 25, 1944. He served as a Motor Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class until his discharge in June of 1946. He was awarded the Pacific Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, and the Victory Medal. Following his service with the Navy, Frank graduated from carpentry school. For many years he worked…