Obituaries

Marie E. Baker, 64, of Wampum passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026, following a car accident on Union Valley Rd. Born September 21, 1961, in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Ethel Reno Annerelli. Marie was a devoted homemaker, Christian by faith, and loved all animals. Above all, she loved her family, especially caring for her grandchildren. Survivors include her beloved husband of 45 years, Mark R. Baker; son, Noah M. (Amanda) Baker of Wampum; daughter, Stephanie N. Baker of West Pittsburg; three grandsons, Tyler Baker, Rahmel Wise, Jr., and Andrew Baker; five granddaughters, Alexis…

Philip Michael Fabich, 76, of Shenango Twp. passed away Friday, February 6, 2026, at UPMC – Jameson Hospital. Although in ill health, death was unexpected. Born July 31, 1949, he was the son of the late Philip James and Pelagia Woloszyn Fabich. Philip graduated from Lincoln High School in Ellwood City in 1967. A proud Army veteran, he served his country until being honorably discharged. He retired after a long career with the Laborers Union. He was a member of Holy Spirit Parish in New Castle and of the VFW in Ellwood City. He cherished time spent with his family,…

Merle Dean Young, 60, of Shippenville passed away on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was the son of the late Bernard “Boots” and Delores June Rhodes Young and was born December 11, 1965, in Clarion. He is survived by his son Matthew Young his fiancé Kasey of Shippenville, another son; Cody Young and his fiancé Tristen Kovarik of Cantis, OH, his grandchildren; Chloe, Rosa, Maddox, Daimon, Asher, his sisters; Louella Neiswonger and her husband Randy and Brenda Hartman and her husband Jim. He was a graduate of Redbank High School in New Bethlehem. He…

Debbie Jane Majors, 65, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, February 5, 2026, in her home. Born in New Castle on April 6, 1960, she was the daughter of the late James Howard and Mary Jane Woods Wimer. Debbie was a 1978 graduate of Lawrence County Vo-Tech and had a continued love of learning as she was actively pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Recently retired from Strayer University, Debbie enjoyed an active social life. She was a longtime member of the Chewton Polish White Eagles, where she could be found playing in the Women’s Pool league every Tuesday night. Debbie…

Gerald L. “Pee Wee” Orock, 88, of Perry Twp. (formerly of Fombell) passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026, at UPMC – Jameson Hospital following a brief illness. Born August 4, 1937, in Fombell, he was the son of the late William and Keturah McFarland Orock. He was married to Patti “Putsy” Kirkham Orock for 66 years when she passed away on February 18, 2022. He held many jobs throughout his life, including at National Plumbing, 33 years at J&L Steel in Aliquippa retiring as a foreman, and later worked at the Butler Auto Auction. In addition, he operated his own…

Brent J. Maggi, 51, of Wampum passed away on Tuesday January 27, 2026, at UPMC Presbyterian. Brent was born on December 10, 1974, in New Castle to James Maggi and the late Charlotte (Fosnaught) Maggi. He graduated from Mohawk High School in 1992. He is survived by his three children; Madeline, Cayden, and Devin Maggi whom he loved very much; father, James Maggi; two brothers, Charles (Kristi) Maggi and Timothy (Brooke) Maggi, and niece, Rachel Maggi. He was preceded in death by his mother, Charlotte, maternal grandparents, Charles and Virginia Fosnaught, and his paternal grandparents, Angelo and Evelyn Maggi. Brent…

Paul R. Surma, 88, of Ellwood City passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Beaver Valley Nursing and Rehab Center following a brief illness. Born February 1, 1938, in McKees Rocks, he was the son of the late Michael Stanislov and Dorothy Catherine McClusky Surma. Paul was an insurance salesman for many years. He was an avid golfer and member of the Connoquenessing Country Club. Survivors include daughter, Sharon (Chris) Razani of Ellwood City; two sons, Ronald (Sally) of Hermitage and David Surma of Cranberry, and three grandchildren; Caityln, Christian, and Luke. In addition to his parents, he was preceded…

George Eugene Schrantz, 85, of West Pittsburg passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, at UPMC – Jameson Hospital following a short illness. Born July 25, 1940, in New Castle, he was the son of the late Edward G. and Bernice McConnell Schrantz. He was married to Darlene L. Boughter Schrantz for 52 years when she passed away on February 6, 2021. George graduated from New Castle High School in 1958 and then served in the Navy until his honorable discharge. A machine operator by trade, he worked at B&W and the Ellwood City Forge. An avid car enthusiast, he enjoyed…

With hearts full of love and sorrow, the family of Jacqueline C. Powell, 68, announces the unexpected passing of our amazing wife, mother, sister, and “Ya-Ya.” She passed away on Thursday, January 29th, 2026, at her residence. Her life was a beautiful reflection of her deep faith, unwavering kindness, and boundless love for her family. Jacki was born on May 9th, 1957, in Ellwood City, and was a lifelong member of the community she loved so deeply. She was the daughter of the late John “Jack” Jr. and Verna Lee (Chapman) Cortes. Jacki was a 1975 graduate of Lincoln High School and remained proud of…

Jacqueline Anne Streckeisen (79) of Ellwood City passed into Heaven on Friday, January 30th, 2026. She was born December 20, 1946, to loving parents, Wallace & Betty (Boots) Carroll, both deceased. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard (Dick) Streckeisen of 51 years, sisters Dawn Contrucci, Bonnie Strabayla, and a beloved grandson, Jarred Streckeisen. Jackie leaves behind her dear sister, Cindy (Dwayne) Martin of Clearbrook, Virginia, sister-in-law Mary Ann Streckeisen, her children: Donald & Jason (Angela) Streckeisen, and Tara (Ron) Spiker, 7 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. Jackie held many positions throughout her life, her most cherished besides…