Obituaries

Stephen Thomas Goebel, 49, of Wampum, passed away unexpectedly on February 6, 2021. Born February 9, 1971 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Thomas L. and Karen S. Chappell Goebel. She survives. Stephen was formerly employed by Michael Baker’s and Agway in New Castle. He was a member of the Chewton Christian Church. Stephen had a quirky sense of humor. He enjoyed music, hunting, and helping his father on the farm. He was a fan of the coast to coast radio station and had special love for his Chevy Blazer. Survivors include son, Stephen T. Goebel,…

Darlene L. Schrantz, 77, of West Pittsburg passed away Saturday, February 6, 2021 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital. Although in ill health, death was unexpected. Born February 18, 1943 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Albert J. and Goldie Young Boughter. Darlene was affiliated with the Grace Bible Church. She enjoyed watching the Wheel of Fortune and Days of our Lives, shopping with her granddaughters, and face timing with her grandkids. Her most cherished time was spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, George E. Schrantz; daughter, Darla (Bob)…

Francis Gerald “Jerry” Sapienza, 78, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at his home. Born June 11, 1942 in Zelienople, he was the son of the late R. Samuel and Jennie Tomei Sapienza. He was married to Gloria Panella Port Sapienza. They married February 16, 2009. Jerry was a lifelong entrepreneur which included planning and developing a housing complex, operating Sapienza Super Market, building and running farm markets in Harlansburg and Zelienople. Upon retirement, he continued to manage the family holdings which included apartment rentals. Jerry loved telling stories about his family history. His family…

Ralph Frelin, 69, of North Sewickley Township passed away Monday, February 1, 2021 at his residence following a lengthy illness. Born May 2, 1951 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Harry R. and Marion K. Pisani Frelin . He was married to Betty Altman Frelin for 45 years. She survives. Ralph was employed by Advanced Auto in Michigan for many years. He had a joy for fishing. He was interested in technology, starting with ham radios and into computers. Ralph was an avid Steelers fan. He had a great sense of humor and never took things…

Ann Vignovich Staymates Lemke, 92, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on January 31, 2021. She was the daughter of the late Nikolai and Melicia (Evolivich) Vignovich and was born July 30, 1928 in Wayne Twp. Ann is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She will be profoundly missed by many; including the following family members whom she so dearly loved and cherished: Paula Ford of South Beaver Township; Wendy Davis of New Galilee; Kathy Davis Dyke of Chillicothe OH; Kelly Davis of Ashville OH; Stacy Lemke Lawson from Courtland OH, and Sonia Brezniak Thorpe of Tewksbury NJ. A graduate of…