Obituaries

Mr. Paul D.” Jiggs” Boots, Sr., 87 of Franklin Township passed away on Monday, April 26th, 2021 at the Allegheny General Hospital. Mr. Boots was born on February 1, 1934 in Ellwood City to the late Lester and Edna (Blum) Boots. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1951. In the 1950’s and 1960’s he played slow pitch softball and was always the leading hitter in the leagues. He played for several teams including Jolly’s Service Station, Fred’s Service Station, New Deal Bar, and Johnny Dan’s. After injuring his knee he switched to playing golf and…

Mrs. Betty J. Freson, 93 of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, April 24th, 2021 at the Beaver Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Betty was born on June 11th, 1927 in Rochester to the late Frank G. and Bessie (Brewer) Smith. She had graduated from the Lincoln High School with the class of 1945 and then attended West Minister College for accounting. Betty worked for her father’s company, Ken Fox and Frank Smith Developers as a secretary. She was a devoted member of Bell Memorial Church and enjoyed reading and sewing. She is survived by her son Joel (Sherry) Freson…

Mr. Donald G. Covert, 83, of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, April 26th, 2021 at his residence. Mr. Covert was born in Ellwood City on May 31, 1937 to the late Ira and Gladys (Flinner) Covert. Don had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1957. He worked at the Babcock & Wilcox Steel Mill in Beaver Falls, YDC, and was the co-owner of Uptown Beer & Beverage and Flowers N Things flower shop. He is a life member of the Ellwood City MOOSE Lodge #93, the Ellwood City Elks Club, and a 50 year member of…

Ralph W. Richt Jr. 94, of Perry Township passed away Thursday, April 22, 2021 at UPMC Mercy Hospital. Born July 20, 1926 in Harmony, he was the son of the late Ralph W. and Florence Floringer Richt. Ralph graduated from Lincoln High School in 1944. He served in the United States Army from November 1944 until August 1946. Ralph retired from US Steel where he worked as a store room attendant. Ralph started his mornings listening to Les Feldrick. He enjoyed landscaping and walking, especially in Ewing Park. Ralph was an avid Steelers fan. Ralph also loved animals, especially dogs….

Mr. Robert Lee Hawk, 66, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at the UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh. Mr. Hawk was born on June 14, 1954 in Monaca, Pa to the late Bud and Nellie (Russell) Hawk. He was known to many as “Bob”, he enjoyed spending his time outdoors hunting, fishing, and gold-digging. He especially enjoyed these times with his brothers and teaching his grandchildren how to do different things. Bob was an extremely hard working man and always made time to help others in any way he could. He is survived by his wife,…

Mr. Frank W. Zona, 82, of Fombell passed away on Saturday, April 17th, 2021 at the UPMC Jameson Hospital. Mr. Zona was born in Ellwood City on July 6, 1938 to the late Harry and Elizabeth (LaCava) Zona. He is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1957, and the Holy Redeemer Parish. Frank had worked at Garrett’s for 15 years, the Babcock & Wilcox Steel Mill in Beaver Falls for 10 years, and for the Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople for 24 years as a maintenance man. He also is a member of the Sons of Italy…

Mrs. Jennifer I. Martino, 64, of New Castle passed away on Friday, April 16th, 2021 at the UPMC Jameson Hospital. Mrs. Martino was born on April 1, 1957 in New Brighton to the late Howard and Ruth (Shaver) McDonald. She had graduated from New Brighton High School. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she was a wonderful homemaker. She is survived by her husband, John Martino whom she married on April 23, 1982, her daughters, Sherry (Jesus) Rivera and Desiree Marie Martino both of New Castle, her grandchildren, Ethan Block, Bradon Block, Lexis Block, Mercedes Spalding, Lilly Stewart, and Vennesa…