Obituaries

Connie J. Lutz, 63, of Wampum passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital. Born October 24, 1957 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Lenora Widdowfield McKinney. She was married to Bill Lutz for 45 years. Connie graduated from Riverside High School in 1975. She enjoyed reading and visiting the casino. Her favorite moments were spent with her family and friends. Survivors include her husband Bill; two daughters, Brandie (Bill) Butler and Kara Lutz; and a brother, Keith McKinney all of Wampum. She was preceded in death by two sisters;…

Clifford L. “Cliff” Herron, 74, of North Sewickley Township, passed away unexpectedly at Heritage Valley Beaver on Monday, March 1, 2021. Born in New Brighton on October 5, 1946, Cliff was the son of the late Clifford W. and Margaret Bonomo Herron.  He married the former Joyce Thompson on October 21, 1967.  Cliff was a 1964 graduate of Riverside High School and Slippery Rock University.  He was a member of the Carpenter’s Union Local 420 and retired from Ceraini Construction.  Cliff was also a member of Concord United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, traveling out west and camping…

Robert A. “Bobby J” Jeffries, 56, of New Castle, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021 surrounded by his family. Born on January 13, 1965 in Beaver Falls, Robert was the son of the late Richard and June Emes Jeffries.  A 1984 graduate of Beaver Falls High School, Robert was a Veteran of the US Marine Corps.  He worked as a heavy equipment operator for over 25 years for Kerry Coal in Wampum and most recently as a crane operator at IPSCO in Koppel. Robert is survived by his sons, Robert A. Jeffries of New Castle, Mathew P. (Sofia) Tatasco…

Donald C. Huffman, 81, of New Beaver Borough passed away Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Twin Lakes Rehabiltiation and Nursing Center in Greensburg following a brief illness. Born August 9, 1939 in Ellport, he was the son of the late Wilbert L. and Martha Stanyard Huffman. Donald graduated from Beaver Falls High School. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He retired from Dallas Mavis Trucking. Survivors include sister, Helen Jane Tanner of New Castle. He was preceded in death by three brothers; David, Wilbert Jr., and Robert Huffman. Per Donald’s wishes there will be no services….

Jeff Shablesky, 72, formerly of Ellport, passed away in his residence peacefully on Wednesday, February 24, 2021. Arrangements were entrusted to the JOSEPH A. TOMON JR. FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 97 Grim Ave., Ellport.

Mr. Daniel T. La Gala Sr., 64, of Wampum passed away on February 24th, 2021 at the UPMC Jameson Hospital in New Castle. Mr. La Gala was born on March 28th, 1956 in Ellwood City to Guiseppe “Joe” and Rose (Russiello) La Gala. He graduated from Lincoln Highschool with the class of 1974. He then enlisted with the U.S. Army on June 29th, 1974 and was discharged on June 28th, 1977 with the rank of SP-4 and received the National Defense Service Medal. Mr. La Gala worked at Castle Cheese in Slippery Rock as a plant manager for 20 years….