Obituaries

John L. Cory Jr., 82

John L. Cory Jr., 82, of North Beaver Twp. passed away Saturday, November 23, 2019 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital following a short illness. Born February 15, 1937 in Wampum, he was the son of the late John L. and Alyce (Allen) Cory Sr. He was married to Donna J. Swogger Cory for 62 years as they were married June 28, 1957. She survives. John retired from Medusa Cement Company. He was a member of the Wampum Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder. John was a life member of the VFW Auxiliary Post # 8106 in New Galilee….


Jimmy M. Yargo, 74

Mr. Jimmy M. Yargo, 74, of Ellwood City passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at the Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople. Mr. Yargo was born on March 13, 1945 in New Castle to the late Evan D. Yargo and Sarah (Santangelo) Yargo Court. He enlisted with the U.S. Navy on March 5, 1963 and served on the USS Sandoval until his discharge on June 15, 1966. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Following his service with the Navy, Jim worked at the Babcock & Wilcox Steel Mill in Beaver Falls, Halstead Industries in Zelienople as a crane…


Justine Croston, 89

Justine Croston, 89, of Koppel passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Born May 10, 1930 in Philippi, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late George and Virginia (Kennedy) Newman . She was married to Denver Croston who died in May of 1996. Justine was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother. She enjoyed cooking and taking care of her family. Survivors include two sons, Thurwood “Jim” (Barb) Croston of Texas, Randy (Lori) Croston of Ellwood City; two daughters, Karen Lash of Beaver Falls, Pamela (Barry) Cody of Wampum;…


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John J. LaRitz, 85

John J. LaRitz, 85, of Ellwood City, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at Providence Care Center in Beaver Falls. Born in Ellwood City on March 8, 1934, John was the son of the late Samuel and Antonette Malizia LaRitz.  He married the former Hazel Black on October 26, 1957 and they enjoyed 59 years together until  she preceded him in death on December 1, 2016.  John retired from B&W where he worked as a millwright.  A member of First Church of God in Ellwood City, John was a Veteran of the US Army.  He enjoyed restoring cars and…


Martin L. Seman, 76

Martin L. “Marty” Seman, 76, of West Pittsburgh passed on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at his residence with his loving family at his side. Mr. Seman was born on July 28, 1943 in Mahoningtown to the late Michael and Edith (Perrotta) Seman. He had graduated from New Castle High School with the class of 1962. He enlisted with the U.S. Navy on June 27, 1962 and served on the U.S.S. Oglethorpe until his honorable discharge on August 26, 1966. Following his service with the Navy, Martin worked for Penn Power for 35 years mainly as a welder. He is a…


Beverly J. Lucarelli, 81

Beverly J. Lucarelli, 81, of Ellwood City died Tuesday morning at the Good Samaritan Hospice Unit at the Heritage Valley Medical Center in Beaver, following a lengthy illness. Born Feb. 9, 1938, to the late Kenneth and Josephine Kaufman Cowan, Beverly attended Lincoln High School. On Sep. 10, 1955, she married John L. Lucarelli, who preceded her in death. A lifelong area resident, Beverly was an avid baker, known for her elaborate Christmas trays which she gifted to friends and families. She volunteered as a cook at the Holy Redeemer School kitchen and church bazaars for several years and worked…


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Ezekiel Allen Smith, 9 days

Ezekiel Allen Smith, 9 days, of White Twp. passed away Saturday, November 16, 2019 at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was born November 7 in Heritage Valley Beaver Hospital. Survivors include his mother, Angela E. Smith of White Twp., grandmother, Bonnie Smith of White Twp.; three uncles, Randall Smith of Darlington, Nelson (Dusty Heater) Smith of East Palestine, Ohio, Robert Smith of New Castle; and an aunt, Amber Lack of Beaver Falls. Family and friends will gather at the Edgewood Baptist Church on Thursday, November 21 from 3 pm until the time of the Memorial Service at 5 pm….


Deborah A. Bubb, 65

Mrs. Deborah A. Bubb, 65, formerly of Ellwood City passed away at her residence in Utica, Pa on Sunday, November 10, 2019. Mrs. Bubb was born on September 5, 1954 in Ellwood City to the late John E. and Marie (Phillippi) Tindall. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1972. Debbie worked for the United States Postal Service in Ellwood City as a rural postal carrier for 20 years. She enjoyed flower gardening, photography, working puzzles, but most of all being with her family. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Paul Bubb Sr….


Anthony C. Santillo, 82

Mr. Anthony C. “Tony” Santillo, 82, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2019, at the Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. Mr. Santillo was born on July 27, 1937, in Ellwood City to the late Louis F. and Mary S. (Carinci) Santillo. He had attended Lincoln High School and is a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish. Anthony enlisted with the U.S. Army on September 20, 1956, and served with the Company B 704th Tank Battalion as a Tank Commander until his discharge on March 27, 1957, with the rank of Private-2. Following his service with the Army,…


Ryan J. Coonfare, 44

Ryan J. Coonfare, 44, of Ellwood City died on Saturday, November 9, 2019, at the Ellwood City Medical Center Emergency Room. Ryan was born on October 14, 1975, in Ellwood City to Dale Coonfare of Wampum and Debbie Zona of Ellport. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1993 and later from the DCI Career Institute. For his entire life, Ryan worked at every aspect of the family business (Ellwood City Transit/Zona Tours). A history buff, he was a proud supporter of the United States Constitution and the NRA. He also enjoyed Star Wars movies and…