Obituaries

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Concetta “Mae” Contino, 97

Concetta “Mae” Contino, 97 formerly of Ellwood City passed away at the Grove in Harmony on Thursday, November 28, 2019 at 12:30 PM. Born in Ellwood City on January 21, 1922, Mae was the daughter of the late Alphonso and Virginia Colucci Magnifico.  Mae was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish.  She was also a member of C.D. of A. Court 901, the Christian Mothers and Golden Agers all of the church.  She taught CCD and helped with Tuesday lunches at Holy Redeemer School.  She helped coordinate weddings at Purification B.V.M. Church.  She was a graduate of Lincoln High School….


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Janet R. Hinkle, 83

Janet R. Hinkle, 83 formerly of Lakeland, FL, passed away at the Grove in Harmony on Sunday, November 24, 2019. Born in North Sewickley Twp. on September 4, 1936, Janet was the daughter of the late Francis and Alberta Bartley Beachem.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald J. Hinkle on October 17, 2019.  They were married on August 2, 1952.  Janet was a member of the Wurtemburg United Methodist Church. Janet is survived by her 5 sons, Donald J. Hinkle, Jr. of Portersville, Dale Hinkle of Hubbard, OH, Jeff Hinkle Emlenton, PA, Randy Hinkle of Portersville and…


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Mia Vespaziani Damato, 53

Mia Vespaziani Damato, 53, of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, November 25, 2019 at Heritage Valley Beaver. Born in Aliquippa on September 21, 1966, Mia was the daughter of the late Paul and Judith Evasovich Vespaziani.  She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1984 and then from the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy in 1989.  She married Charles Damato on October 7, 1989 and they celebrated 30 years of marriage last month.  Mia worked as the Director of Quality Control for Pharmacy Systems, Inc. of Dublin, Ohio and she was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish.  She enjoyed spending…


Nancy L . Dietrich

Mrs. Nancy L . Dietrich went to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, November 25, 2019 at Concordia Good Samaritan Hospice in Cabot, Pa. Mrs. Dietrich was born to John F. Gongaware and Dorothy (Duncan) Gongaware on June 28, 1944 in Ellwood City. Nancy went to Lincoln High School. Nancy worked at several places including SAE, Holy Family , Traco, Lifesteps, and she was the owner of Maid For You. She belonged to the Community Alliance Church in Butler and Concord United Methodist Church in North Sewickley Twp.. Nancy enjoyed camping in Dubois , was an avid reader, and…


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…