Obituaries

Melvin “Mel” Straley, 88, of Wampum PA passed away at Heritage Valley Medical Center on Friday, June 21st, 2024. Mel was born, raised and lived in Wampum PA. He was born on November 28th, 1935 to the late Robert Ellis and Josephine Straley and was one of 11 children. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Ellwood City PA and went on to get his undergraduate degree from Geneva College. He further went on to get his Master’s degree from Youngstown State University. Mel worked in the accounting department for Armco Steel, Babcock & Wilcox Steel Mill, and Zinc Corp….

Robert L Hackett, 86, of Possum Hollow Road Wampum died on Saturday, June 22nd following an extended illness at his home. Born January 21, 1938 in New Castle, PA. He was the second of four children to Hansel “Jack” and Esther (McQuiston) Hackett He graduated from Wampum High School in 1955. He maintained friendships with many classmates and enjoyed breakfasts for years with his fellow teammates. He married Betty (Dolly) Straley on March 31, 1956 and had four children. He worked at the B&W and Medusa. He was a member of the Clinton Methodist Church. Mr. Hackett enjoyed many activities…

Diane S. Gallo, 67, of New Beaver Boro passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at UPMC Shadyside Hospital. Born March 24, 1957 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Glen Ray and Annie McConahy Boyer. She was married to Nick Gallo. A graduate of Mohawk in 1975, Diane had retired from the PA Turnpike where she worked as a toll collector. She enjoyed gardening, golfing, and gambling. Above all, she cherished moments spent with her family. She is survived by her husband of 37 years Nick Gallo; daughter, Nicole Ann Gallo of the home; two…

Helen Suzanne “Pudy” Pander, 84, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Northview Estates. Born July 6, 1939 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late John and Jeane (Helling) Krestel Sr. She was married to the late William K. “Biff” Pander Jr. for 64 years as they were married August 29, 1959. He passed away January 6, 2024. Pudy retired after 25 years from the Ellwood City School District where she was a 4th Grade Teacher at West End and North Side Elementary Schools. She was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church. Pudy…

Kenneth J. Nagel, 65, of Ellwood City passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Beaver Valley Nursing and Rehab Center following a lengthy illness. Born February 11, 1959 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Don Nagel and Shirley Crowl Nagel Cox of Beaver Falls. Kenneth graduated from Riverside in 1977 then from Penn State Behrend with High Honors and ultimately from YSU, where he earned his master’s degree in electrical engineering. He worked at Seco/Warwick Corporation in Meadville, taught at the New Castle School of Trades, and had retired from SPX Flow Technologies in Ocala FL….

Jeanne Sokol, 81, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on Monday, June 17th, 2024 at her residence. Jeanne was the daughter of the late Eugene and Anna (Gib) Cavallaro born in Ellwood City on May 25th, 1943. She is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1961 and St. Elias Romanian Orthodox Church. She had lived in Detroit, MI for 15 years and moved back to Ellwood City in 1977. What brought her the most joy in life was being with her children and grandchildren. She had a strong passion and love for Romanian cooking, dancing, and gardening….

Victoria Marie Nairn, 75, of Beaver, PA passed away on Saturday, June 15th, 2024 at Quality Life New Castle. Victoria was born in Ellwood City on April 5th, 1949 to the late Felix and Gloria (Piccolo) Carrozza. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1967 and attended Edinboro State College. She was a longtime dedicated employee at Family Services of Western PA/Northco where she helped persons with disabilities overcome barriers and find meaningful work. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law Jason and Kelly Nairn of Portland, OR and James and Kati Nairn of Beaver,…

Kathleen (Syphrit) Martin, age 65, passed away on May 19, 2024, after a very brief illness. She was born December 24, 1958, in Ellwood City, PA to Theodore & Lois (Dawson) Syphrit. She married her high school sweetheart and one true love, Stephen V Martin, on August 11,1978. Kathy is survived by her parents, husband, children: Kristen & Andrew (Leslie), two grandchildren: Avery & Theodore Martin, sister Karen (Mike) Morrone, and a very large extended family. Kathy had a kind & gentle spirit and was always wearing a smile. She marched in the Riverside High School band as a majorette,…