Obituaries

Mr. George M. Gobrich, 91, of Perry Township passed away on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, at Quality Life Services in New Castle. Mr. Gobrich was born in Ellwood City on December 6th, 1933, to the late Nick and Anna (Baser) Gobrich. He is a 1951 graduate of Lincoln High School and a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. While in high school, George worked as a cook and manager at the former Wolverine Restaurant in Park Gate. On January 20th, 1955, George enlisted with the United States Army and served until his honorable discharge on January 18th, 1957,…

Rita Morini Shaffer (nee DeTullio), age 88 of Hudson, OH and previously Avondale, AZ passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Ellwood City, PA on September 25, 1937 to the late Arnold DeTullio and Catherine (nee Ferrese) Matthews. She is also preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul “Pete” Shaffer and former husband Mario Morini; a sister Jean (Russ) Fondelier, a daughter Marilyn Morini (at age 2), and a grandson Jason Kardish. Rita is survived by four loving children, Linda (Marty) Kardish of Hudson, Anthony (Chris) Morini of Ellwood City, PA,…

Mr. Robert W. Hewitt, 70, of North Sewickley Township passed away on Thursday, October 16th, 2025 at his residence. Mr. Hewitt was born in St. Louis, MS on January 1st, 1955 to the late Fred L Hewitt and Mary (French) Hewitt McFarland. He had attended Lincoln High School, and was an avid Pittsburgh Penguins fan. He is survived by his daughter, Kayla (Jesse) Boles of Hermitage, sons, Justin (Charlotte) Hewitt of Cranberry Township, Dalton Hewitt and his fiancé’ Emma DeSanzo of Ellwood City, grandchildren, Marshall Hewitt, Deacon Hewitt, Blake Boles, Caleb Boles, Alivia Hewitt, and Ethan DeSanzo, brothers, Edward Lee…

Mrs. Dorothy J. Orr, 96, of Franklin Township passed away on Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 at Franciscan Manor. Mrs. Orr was born in Ellwood City on April 26th, 1929 to the late Herbert M. and Ethel Mae (Brown) Rice. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1947. For three years she worked at the U.S. Steel Tube Mill. She was a member of the former Knox Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Bible School instructor, and volunteered with the church Nursery School. She also served as the Judge of Elections…

Sally J. Pander, 84, of Ellwood City passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at her residence following a lengthy illness. Born October 14, 1941 in Oil City, she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Connie Mullin Bridge. Sally was a member of the Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed antiques, home decorating, creating floral arrangements for weddings, traveling, and riding motorcycles. She is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Harold “Hap” Pander, whom she married on October 10, 1966. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter Kelly McDanel on April 19,…

Sandra L. McCullough, 43, passed away on Saturday, October 11th, 2025 at her residence. Sandra was born on February 25th, 1982 in New Castle to Ronalyn (Reed) Parsons and the late David A. McCullough. She attended the Independent Methodist Church in New Castle. Sandra enjoyed the outdoors especially camping. She is survived by her mother, Ronalyn (Wayne) Parsons of Ellwood City, daughter, Cheyenne Walker, sons, John Tindall, and Jackson Walker, and her sister, Josalyn (Mark) DiFrischia of Portersville. She was preceded in death by her father and her brother, Allen McCullough in infancy. A private service will be held for…

Mr. Bruno Joseph Sciote, 92, of Chippewa Township, formerly North Sewickley Township, passed away on Monday, October 13th, 2025 at his residence. Mr. Sciote was born in Ellwood City on March 21st, 1933 to the late Vincenzo James and Erma (Ferrigno) Sciote. At the age of 17, Bruno enlisted with the United States Navy on September 17th, 1951 and served until his honorable discharge on August 12th, 1955 with the rank of Navy Boatswain’s Mate, 3rd class. He served on the USS Denebola and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Following his service with the Navy, Bruno worked at…

Nancy Jane Horton, 85, of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh with her family by her side. She was the daughter of the late Herbert and Margaret (Blank)Miller and was born February 1, 1940, in Ellwood City. She is survived by her son; Terrence “T” Horton and his wife Shelley of Ellwood City, her grandchildren; Tyler Horton and his significant other Shayla Polite of Ellwood City, Abigail Buonpane and her husband Vincent of New Castle, two great-grandchildren; Ava Morella and Stella Buonpane. Nancy was a 1958 graduate of Lincoln High School….