Obituaries

Carl R. “Duke” Campbell, 87

Mr. Carl R. “Duke” Campbell, 87, of Park Gate passed away on Friday, May 17th, 2024 at his residence with his loving family at his bedside. Mr. Campbell was born in Ellwood City to the late Lemont and Elizabeth (Burr) Campbell on June 14th, 1936. He is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1954. He enlisted with the United States Army on October 1st, 1959 and honorably served until his discharge on September 29th, 1961 with the rank of E-4. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. Following his service with the Army, Duke worked at the…


Donald H. Simpson, 88

Donald H. Simpson, 88, of New Castle (formerly of Chapel Drive, Ellwood City) passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at The Grove at New Wilmington following a lengthy illness. Born July 15, 1935 in Beaver Falls, he was the son of the late James Albert and Frances Alberta Headland Simpson. He was married to Alice Catherine Rhodes Simpson for 43 years when she passed away in 2002. Donald had retired from the B&W after 33 years. He was a former member of the Providence Baptist Church. An avid deer hunter, Donald also enjoyed working on his farm and playing cards….


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Dianne M. Smith, 76

Dianne M. Smith, 76, of Ellwood City, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at Avalon Springs Place in Coolspring Township. Born in New Castle on May 12, 1948, Dianne was the daughter of the late Clifford Deemer and Barbara Sheehy Gumminey. She married Rodger Clair Smith on March 17, 1990 and he preceded her in death on June 9, 2014. Dianne was a 1966 graduate of Riverside High School. She retired from Ro-Mar Textiles in Ellport. Dianne is survived by her children, Michelle Harter of Transfer, Robert Hickman of Portersville and Richard Hickman of Ellwood City, two sisters, Denise…


George Tita, 101

George Tita, formerly of Koppel, PA, died peacefully at the age of 101 on May 9, 2024 at Sunrise Assisted Living in Annapolis, MD. Born in 1923, he lived through the depression, served in WWII, saw the landing of a man on the moon, and the witnessed the advent of the television, cell phone, PC and the internet – a life well lived! George was preceded in death by his bride of more than 50 years, Anne (Gulevich) Tita in 2001, brothers John, Mike, and Nicholas, and sisters Susan Augustine and Ann Rossa. He is survived by his son and…


Harold R. McConnell, 93

Harold R. McConnell, 93, of Salisbury North Carolina (formerly of Old Rt.18 Wampum) passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at his daughter’s residence following an illness. Born February 19, 1931 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Russell and Susie Park McConnell. He was married to Pearl E. Brommer McConnell for 62 years when she passed away on January 13, 2016. He first worked for Reliable Luggage where he met his future wife Pearl, then owned and operated McConnell Tax Service for over 40 years with her assistance. Survivors include daughter, Glenda L. (Edward) Daley of Salisbury…


Brenda L. Hughes, 60

Brenda L. Hughes, 60, of Mercer passed away Monday, May 13, 2024 at UPMC Farrell following a courageous battle with cancer. Born June 10, 1963 in New Galilee, she was the daughter of the late William B. Lindsay and Betty J. Frank. A graduate of Shenango High School, Brenda worked as a nurses aide at the Golden Hill Nursing Home. She was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Mercer. Her most cherished moments were spent with family. Survivors include her husband of 27 years Clifford L. Hughes; son, Clifford W. Hughes who is a Sr….


Gregory D. LaCava, 71

Mr. Gregory D. LaCava, 71, of Ellwood City passed away on Tuesday, May 14th, 2024 at the Heritage Valley Medical Center. Greg was born the son of the late Joseph H. and Virginia Y. (Hazen) LaCava in Ellwood City on March 11th, 1953. He is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1971 and attended the Community College of Beaver County. He earned an Associates Degree in machinist from the New Castle School of Trades. Greg worked at the Babcock & Wilcox Steel Mill in Beaver Falls, Vesuvios in Zelienople, High Tech in Cranberry Twp., and retired from…


Donna Sue (Beckman) Bailey, 63

Donna Sue (Beckman) Bailey, 63, of Ellwood City, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep May 10th, 2024. Donna is survived by her parents John and Ruthann Beckman of Patterson Twp, her sister Deborah (Gary) Brooks of Winston-Salem, NC, and brother David (Heather) Beckman of Patterson Twp. Her four children, Joan (Chris) Sprague of Huntington Beach, CA, Jennifer Dodds of Ellwood City, John David (Rachel) Bailey of Koppel, and Julie (Devin) Foley of New Castle. Her four grand children, Elle, Violet, Olive and James. She is preceded in death by her Grandmother Florence Haberle, grandfather Louis Haberle, and uncle, Charles “Ray”…


Susan E. Bennett, 94

Susan E. Bennett, 94, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on Monday, May 13, 2024 at UPMC Jameson Hospital following a brief illness. Born January 22, 1930 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Elizabeth McCullough Hollinback. She was married to Guy J. Bennett for 44 years when he passed away on July 14, 2012. Susan had graduated from Lincoln High School. For many years, she worked at Medusa in Wampum as a secretary. Susan was a member of the former St. Monica’s Church in Wampum where she was a member of the Rosary Guild…


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Louis A. Beatrice, 76

Louis A. Beatrice, 76, of Ellwood City, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at Butler Health System. Born in Ellwood City on September 16, 1947, Louis was the son of the late Lewis and Sara Ruscille Beatrice.  He was a graduate of Lincoln High School and a Veteran of the US Army, serving during the Vietnam War.  Catholic by faith, Lou enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attended their sporting events and activities whenever possible. He is survived by his children, Jeffrey (Tricia) Beatrice of New Brighton,  Andew (Noi) Beatrice of Owasso, OK,  and Alison (Thomas) Fowlow of…