Obituaries

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Catherine A. Leindecker, 73

Catherine A. Leindecker, 73, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. Born January 31, 1946 in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Alice (Tschannon) Bauer. Catherine formerly worked at the Haines Company. She enjoyed attending flea markets, especially the Clearview Flea Market. She also enjoyed gardening. Her most cherished time was spent with her family. Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Timothy Leindecker; five daughters, Cathy Martinson of Montana, Diane King of Ellwood City, Karen Connley and Carol Caton, both of Pittsburgh, and Linda…


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Raymond J. Tomaszewski, 88

Raymond J. Tomaszewski, 88 of Economy Borough, passed away at Rochester Manor on Thursday, July 18, 2019. Born in Ambridge on February 15, 1931, Raymond was the son of the late John F. and Marie Szewczyk Tomaszewski.  He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Maryann Zajac on December 2, 1998. Raymond retired as an accountant from American Bridge.  He later retired as the Code Enforcement Officer of Economy Borough.  Raymond was a member of Our Lady of Peace in Conway and a Veteran of the Air Force serving in the Korean War.  An avid outdoorsman, Raymond was…


Charles R. Gardner, 77

Charles R. Gardner, 77, of Wayne Twp., Ellwood City passed away Monday, July 15, 2019 at his residence following a brief illness. Born September 30, 1941 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Harry and Frances (Stevenson) Gardner. Charles retired from Value Structures in Ellwood City. He was a member of the Berean Presbyterian Church. In his earlier years, Charles went to Kansas to become a herdsman. He participated with the 4H Club for over 25 years. He enjoyed showing cattle at the fairs and working with his twin brother on his farm. He is survived by…


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Shirley M. Shablesky, 81

Shirley M. Shablesky, 81, of Ellwood City, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at UPMC Jameson surrounded by her family. Born September 18, 1937, Shirley was the daughter and step-daughter of the late Olive and Jack Graham.  She married Joseph J. Shablesky, Jr. on August 24, 1957 and he preceded her in death on January 20, 1997.  A member of Holy Redeemer Church, Shirley retired from Giant Eagle where she was the manager of the health and beauty department.  Shirley enjoyed everything about cooking, from reading one of her many cookbooks to watching cooking shows on television.  She loved…


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Mary M. Magnifico, 89

Mary M. Magnifico, 89, of Ellwood City, passed away in her residence, on Saturday, July 13, 2019 surrounded by her family. Born in Beaver Falls on April 13, 1930, Mary was the daughter of the late Domenic and Agnes Muoio Morelli.  She married Thomas Magnifico on June 26, 1954 and he preceded her in death on September 22, 2015 after 61 years of marriage.  Mary was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish.  She loved her family, and she absolutely loved taking care of her eight grandchildren. Mary is survived by her three children and their spouses: Thomas A. & Cyndi…


Jacob M. “Jake” Daubenspeck, 23

Jacob M. “Jake” Daubenspeck, 23, of   Freedom PA , passed away without suffering,  from injuries sustained  in an auto accident  on   Thursday evening, July 11 2019. He was born in Ellwood City    on November 17, 1995 to Crissy (and Bob) Nadzam of Freedom   and Matt (and  Kenda )  Daubenspeck  of  Monaca. Jacob graduated from Freedom High School in 2014. He worked at Maier Heating and Cooling in Rochester. Jake enjoyed sports, hunting, fishing, dirt bike riding, working on cars, always being goofy, & doing wheelies around the neighborhood. Jake’s smile and infectious personality lit up every room. He was always…


Ruth Ann Voland, 72

Ruth Ann Voland, 72, of Neshannock Twp. passed away Friday, July 12, 2019 at Heritage Valley – Beaver Hospital following a short illness. Born August 17, 1946 in Beaver Falls, she was the daughter of the late Phillip and Anna B. (Mielke) Zokvic. Ruth retired from Mohawk School District after 37 years teaching Math and Computer Science. She graduated from Mohawk High School, Slippery Rock University where she received her Bachelors Degree, and the University of Pittsburgh where she received her Masters in Computer Science. Following her retirement, Ruth did tax preparation for H & R Block. She enjoyed Tai…


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Father Pitirim (Peter) Stehnach, age 90

Father Pitirim (Peter) Stehnach, age 90, fell asleep in the Lord on the evening of July 10. Having served the Orthodox Church in America faithfully for over 50 years as a parish priest at St. Gregory, Wappingers Falls, NY; St. Andrew, Lyndora, PA; Holy Transfiguration, Steubenville, OH; Holy Resurrection, Forest Hills, PA; St. John the Baptist, Black Lick, PA, from where he retired on his 85th birthday. Father also served as a personal aide and driver for the late Archbishop Kyrill of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania for over 20 years. Born in Conemaugh, PA to the late Michael and Mary…


Michael P. Sera, 98

Mr. Michael P. Sera, 98, formerly of Ellwood City passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at the St. Mary of Mercy Hospital in Livonia, MI. Mr. Sera was born on May 7, 1921 in Ellwood City to the late Benardo and Damiana (Losacco) Sera. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1939. He enlisted with the U.S. Army on August 7, 1942 and served with the Service Battery 766th Field Artillery Battalion until he was discharged on November 11, 1945 with the rank of Private First Class. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Victory…


George J. Durbin, 87

George J. Durbin, 87, formerly of Wurtemburg Heights passed away Monday, July 8, 2019 at Jameson Hospital in New Castle. Born August 23, 1931 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Norman and Joyce Durbin. He was married to Cora Ruth Burns Durbin for 49 years when she passed away May 3, 2006 . Bud retired in 1985 from the Aetna Standard. He was a member of the Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church and Life member of the Wurtemburg Perry Volunteer Fire Department. Bud served in the Marines during the Korean War and was a member of the American…