Obituaries

Russell E. Barge, 66, of New Castle, formerly of Ellwood City, passed away at Jameson Hospice at Jameson Hospital following a 3-month battle with cancer. He was the son of the late Howard L. and Rose Mary (Frisk) Barge of Ellwood City. Russell was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and his domestic partner of over 30 years Joyce Rigotti. Mr. Barge attended Riverside High School where he was an accomplished swim team diving champion, he competed in meets at many regional colleges and universities. Russell, known to many as “Rusty”, was a gunsmith for several years. He was…

Ruth E. Kuntz, 98, of Ellwood City passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at her residence. Born October 7, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Martha (Barkley) McClymonds . She was married to the late George Kuntz. They were married in November of 1950 in the middle of the snow of 1950 by a snow plow driver at the Dixie Inn in Portersville. Ruth graduated in 1939 from Portersville High School. She was the last surviving graduate from her class. Following high school, she helped a family raise ten kids and worked at Humphrey’s Store (Cals’)….

Bessie Elizabeth “Betty” Rafacz, 89, of Wampum passed away peacefully Monday, August 31, 2020 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital in New Castle following an extended illness. Born April 1, 1931 in Coalport, PA, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Vanda (Gmerek) Stiles Sr. She was married to Henry J. Rafacz for 66 years, he survives. Betty was a member of the former St. Monica’s Parish in Wampum, and more recently Holy Redeemer in Ellwood City. She formerly worked at Airway Luggage and Shenango Pottery. She also cleaned St. Monica’s for several years. Betty’s truest love was being…

James R. Marshall, 62, of Fombell went home to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, August 30, 2020 following a brief illness. Born September 28, 1957 in Ellwood City, he was the son of William R. Marshall and the late Eva (Harriet) Marshall who passed away in 2016. He was married for 39 years to Becky (Pelloni) Marshall as they were married January 3, 1981. She survives. Jim graduated from Vo-Tech High School in 1976. He was a talented florist, owner and designer of the former Bittersweet Shop in Ellwood City and Amaryllis in Cranberry. He was a member…

Tom Barberio, 82, of Ellwood City passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital in New Castle. Born February 14, 1938 in Ellwood City, PA, he was the son of the late George T. and Abigail Margaret (Hughes) Barberio . He was married to Lois Jean McDowell Barberio for 43 years, she passed on October 6, 2003. Tom was a graduate of Lincoln High School class of 1956. He owned and operated McDowell’s in Koppel until his retirement. He was a member of the IMBS in Koppel and the SOI and Hungarian Home in Ellwood City. Tom…

Patrick Somerville Sr., 62, of North Sewickley Township passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital following a short illness. Born March 15, 1958 in Bellevue, PA, he was the son of the late James S. and Winfield Joanne Schwemm Somerville. He was married to Diana M. Tibolet Somerville for 38 years. Patrick was a member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors. He retired as an escalator repair mechanic. Along with his wife Diana, survivors include a daughter, Amanda (Ryan) Benedict; two sons, Patrick Somerville, Jr., Scott (Janine) Somerville; Stepmother Barb Somerville; four sisters, Paula (Shelly) Somerville,…