Obituaries

Helen M. Powell, 97, of Ellwood City, well known for her community spirit and accomplishments, passed away peacefully at her residence, on Thursday, June 18, 2020. She was born in Wurtemburg (Ellwood City), on October 26, 1922, the only child to the late Clifford L. “C.L” Bauder and the late Hilda M. Wallis Bauder. She was raised in Hazel Dell, (Ellwood’s North Side), then she moved to a farm in Wayne Twp, as a teenager. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School, class of 1941 and then she attended Southern Seminary in Buena Vista, VA. She then returned to…

Helen Mae Plaveczki, 92, born on February 17, 1928, to the late John King Brouwere and Geraldine Amelia Brouwere, died on Wednesday, June 17th, at Northview Estates. Helen was a 1947 graduate of Lincoln High School. She was a homemaker who enjoyed her flower garden and was an avid reader. She was married to her husband, Michael Joseph Plaveczki, Sr. for 64 years before his passing on October 7, 2011. She was a member of the Beaver Falls Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She is survived by a daughter, Marsha (Gary) Rutter, of Ellwood City, and a son, Michael Joseph (Michele)…

Amber Cherie LaGala, 32, Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly Sunday, June 14, 2020 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital. Born November 7, 1987 in Beaver, she was the daughter of the late Bill Rankin and Tina Boots who survives. Amber was a graduate of Mohawk High School. Amber enjoyed motorcycle rides and outdoor activities, especially camping, fishing, and canoeing. Survivors include her mother and Step-father, Bill Pierce in Florida; daughter, Cynthia Frum of Wampum; four brothers, Joseph LaGala of Virginia, Daniel LaGala, Jr. of Wampum, Joshua and Ryan LaGala of Ellwood City; three sisters, Kayla Boots of Florida, Heidi LaGala of…

Gerald Lee Gasper, 66, of Beaver Falls passed away in the comfort of his home on June 15th after a 3 1/2 year battle with mesothelioma. Born November 22, 1953 in Ellwood City he was the son of the late Vincent T. Gasper, Sr. and Margaret (Eckler) Gasper and a stepmother, Irvina (Wright) Gasper. Upon graduating from Riverside High School in 1971 Jerry served in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany. Jerry was retired from Reyerson Steel in Ambridge and prior to that he owned and operated the 5th Street Lounge in New Brighton. Jerry will be greatly missed by…

Mr. Nick Patsy Rocco, 88, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at the Beaver Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center. Mr. Rocco was born on July 13, 1931 in Ellwood City to the late Samuel and Elizabeth (Arena) Rocco. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1949, and is a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish. Nick enlisted with the U.S. Army on October 9, 1952 and served with the 160th Field Artillery Battalion during the Korean War until his discharge on August 19, 1954. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with…

David P. Colas, 68, of West Pittsburg passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at his residence following a brief illness. Born March 3, 1952 in North Charleroi, PA, he was the son of the late Paul G. and Eleanor D. Zadrozny Colas. Dave graduated from Monessen High School. He worked at Remacor (a steel additive producer) as a lab technician. Dave was a member of the Moravia Presbyterian Church. He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and also enjoyed attending high school football and basketball games. He also enjoyed camping. Survivors include brother, Kevin Lee Colas of Monessen, PA; and…

Mrs. Addie G. Hogue, 82, of Ellwood City passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at the Heritage Valley Medical Center. Addie was born on November 1, 1937 in Ellwood City to the late Paul and Margaret (Moore) Minett. She attended New Castle High School. Addie was an animal lover who enjoyed cooking, baking, and most of all, gift-giving. She is survived by her son, William (Tadley Taylor) Hogue Jr. of Ellwood City, her granddaughter Tonia (Timothy Anderson Jr.) Hines, her great-grandchildren, Madison Hines, Hazen Anderson, and Harlee Anderson, her great-great granddaughter, Faith Taylor, her brothers Perry and Denny Minett…