Obituaries

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Thomas “Tom” R. Saras, 57

Thomas R. Saras, 57, of West Pittsburg, passed away in his residence on Friday, May 29, 2020. Born in Ellwood City on October 14, 1962, Tom was the son of Leona Houk Saras of Ellwood City and the late Thomas L. Saras.  He married the former Renee Bettoni on November 29, 2003.  Tom was a sports fan, he enjoyed watching the Steelers and Penguins play.  He also enjoyed hunting but most of all, Tom loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Tom is survived by his wife, Renee Saras of West Pittsburg, his mother, Leona Saras of Ellwood…


Joel W. Mariacher Sr., 81

Joel W. Mariacher Sr., 81, of New Beaver Boro passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital following a brief illness. Born December 23, 1938 in New Castle, he was the son of the late John “Jack” and Josephine (Walzer) Mariacher. Joel graduated from Shenango High School in 1957. He retired after 27 years from Babcock and Wilcox, primarily the Koppel facility where he worked in the melt shop. He had formerly worked at Shenango Pottery. Joel was an active member of the Wampum United Methodist Church where he served as a member of the Advisory Board and…


Robert “Bob” Eugene Foley, 87

Mr. Robert “Bob” Eugene Foley, 87, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Mr. Foley was born on January 27, 1933 to the late Thomas E. and Margaret M. (Kozak) Foley. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1951, where he excelled in both football (where he was a half-back with Carl “Rizzo” Mantz) and baseball where he was a pitcher and was scouted several times by the pros. Bob enlisted with the U.S. Navy on September 23, 1952 and served during the Korean crisis until his discharge on…


Philip M. DeSanzo Jr.

Mr. Philip M. DeSanzo Jr., of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at UPMC Passavant in McCandless. Philip was born October 22, 1936 in Ellwood City, to the late Philip and Esther (DiGiacomo) DeSanzo, Sr.. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1954. Philip then enlisted into the U.S. Army on November 23, 1959 until his discharge on November 1, 1960. He worked at U.S. Steel in Ellwood City for 20 years and later at Morella’s Beer and Pete’s Uptown Beer distributor. Philip belonged to the Ellwood City Moose Lodge #93, and the…


Mary DeMark Allgood, 103

Mary DeMark Allgood, 103, of New Middletown, Ohio passed away Saturday, May 23, 2020 at Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital. Born September 2, 1916 in Wampum, PA, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Theresa (Aiello) DeMark. She was married to John E. Allgood MD for 31 years when he died in 1973. Mary graduated from Wampum High School in 1935. The first in her family to attend college, Mary graduated from Slippery Rock University with a Teaching Degree. She began her teaching career in Frizzleburg, Pa where she taught in a one room school house….


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James A. Shablesky, 55

James A. Shablesky, 55, of Ellwood City, passed away at his residence on Sunday, May 24, 2020. Born in Ellwood City on May 29, 1964, James was the son of the late Joseph J. and Shirley M. Scheidemantle Shablesky.  James was the owner and operator of JAS Manufacturing.  He was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish and the Ellwood City Masonic Lodge #599.  James enjoyed cooking and entertaining family, friends and clients.  He also loved spending time with his grandchildren. James is survived by his companion, Ashley Hedglin, his 4 children, Jamie (Mark) Shablesky of Shenango Twp., Jared (Koral) Shablesky…


David L. Cory, 73

David L. Cory, 73, of Wampum passed away Saturday, May 23, 2020 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital following a brief illness. Born October 24, 1946 at home in Wampum, he was the son of the late John and Alyce (Allen) Cory. David was a graduate of Mohawk High School. He worked as a Water Treatment Operator at the former Republic and LTV Steel Companies in Beaver Falls. He was a member of the Ellwood City Eagles Club. He enjoyed sports and followed all of the Pittsburgh teams. His favorite interest was his grandchildren, and he was involved in everything that…


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Kathleen “Kathy” Smiley, 78

Kathleen “Kathy” Smiley, 78, of Frisco, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 22, 2020. Born in Beaver Falls, PA on June 14, 1941, Kathy was the daughter of the late Robert and Nelly McClure Boyd.  She was married to Robert Charles Smiley on March 25, 1961 and they enjoyed 58 years together.  Kathy worked at Christy’s Restaurant, Fisher’s Big Wheel, Hessler’s Bus Garage as a bus driver, Ellwood City Hospital cafeteria and retired from the hospital business office. Out of all of her work, her passion was her catering business, All Occasion Catering, where she was able…


Christine Kalac, 63

Christine Marie (Vith) Kalac, 63, formally of McKees Rocks, PA passed away peacefully on May 21st 2020 at home in Darlington, PA. Born May 27th 1956, in McKees Rocks, PA. She joined the US Navy in 1979 and served as one of the first female crew members aboard a US Navy ship the USS Point Loma (AGDS-2). After leaving the navy to start a family she moved to Washington state and opened a very successful pet store. Her love of animals was infinite as she was always surrounded by dogs, cats, birds and tropical fish. 20 years later the family…


Mary C. McKerahan, 73

Mary C. McKerahan, 73 of Ellwood City A private committal service will take place for Mary who died May 9, 2020 on Friday, May 22. It will be conducted by Rev. Father Mark Thomas. All are welcome to a Celebration of Mary’s life on Saturday, May 23 at 3:30 at the family residence.  Please bring a favorite memory of Mary to share.  Address and directions may be acquired by contacting the family.