Obituaries

Pauline Bradford, 76

With grateful hearts of a life well-lived, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Pauline Bradford, who went home to be with the Lord on October 12, 2025, at the age of 76. Pauline was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and service to others. A woman of deep faith and compassion, she poured herself into helping her family, friends, church, and community. Volunteering was never a “duty” to her—it was her joy. She was always finding ways to bless others. She was a long-time member of the Winchester Volunteer Rescue Squad and…


Brian Leslie Taylor, 75

Brian Leslie Taylor, age 75, of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on March 3, 1950, in New Castle, PA, Brian was the beloved son of the late Trevor and Vesta Taylor. He was preceded in death by his brother, Teri Taylor, daughter, Jennifer, and his uncle Warren Michaels. Brian is lovingly remembered by his surviving family: Vesta and Tom Nave, Llew and Colei Taylor; grandchildren Justin, Thomas, Bean, Kesena, and Mayah; his sister Linda Holmes; his Aunt Veda Michaels; cousins Bonnie, Ron, and Gary Michaels; and niece and nephews…


Samuel Fotia, 86

Mr. Samuel Fotia, 86, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, October, 11th, 2025 at Quality Life Services in New Castle. Mr. Fotia was born in Ellwood City on May 1st, 1939 to the late Frank and Josephine (Barillaro) Fotia. He is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1957 and the Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Sam was the co-owner and operator of JoMar Manufacturing  and Fotia Brothers Draperies in Ellwood City along with his brother Joseph. He enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking, stone masonry, and using all sorts of tools. Sam is survived…


Sally Jo Fraser, 82

Sally Jo Fraser, 82, of Ellwood City passed away Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Heritage Valley – Beaver. Born March 2, 1943, in Ellwood City, and raised on Squaw Run Rd., she was the daughter of the late James and Elizabeth Jean (MacMurdo) Maxwell. Sally graduated from Lincoln High School and for over 20 years was employed by the Beaver Valley Medical Center as a Clinical Tech. She was a devoted and active member of Calvin Presbyterian Church. Above all, family was the most important part of her life. Survivors include son, John Fraser of Ellwood City; daughter, Jean (Pete)…


Mary Jane (Harbert) “Jane” Timmerman, 84

Mary Jane (Harbert) “Jane” Timmerman, 84, of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph in Baden. Born on March 18, 1941, in Spencer, West Virginia, Jane was the daughter of the late Robert R. and Rebecca Raines Harbert. Jane proudly earned her B.S. degree from West Virginia University and her M.S. degree from Slippery Rock University. She began her career as an educator in the Ellwood City and Riverside school districts, where she touched the lives of many students. Later, she found great fulfillment as a realtor,…


Sharon G. “Sherry” Donnelly, 74

Sharon G. “Sherry” Donnelly, 74, of Wampum passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Heritage Valley Beaver following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Born March 5, 1951, in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late William C. and Violet L. (Houk) Tillia. Sherry worked several jobs in her life. She was a beautician, but her longest career was as Quality Assurance and Billing Manager for Hill Railcar from where she retired after 30yrs of service. She was well known and respected in the Railroad Industry. Sherry graduated from New Castle Beauty Academy and was an active…


Mark Alan Hudspath, 75

Mark Alan Hudspath, 75, of Ellwood City, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on October 2, 2025. His earthly address changed to Heaven, where he is now fully healed and rejoicing in eternal life. Born on June 16, 1950 in Lorain, Ohio, Mark was the son of the late William M. Hudspath and Lillian T. Appollino Hudspath. On June 22, 1973, he married the love of his life, Betty Bernd, with whom he shared 52 wonderful years of marriage. Together they raised two beloved daughters, Tina (Chad) Hamon and Jeri (Chris) Beale, who were his greatest…


Jerry M. Spencer, 95

Mr. Jerry M. Spencer, 95, of Shenango Township passed away on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 at The Addison of Clen-Moore Place in New Castle. Mr. Spencer was born the son of the late Samuel and Christine (Cangey) Spencer on September 11th, 1930 in Mahoning Town. Jerry had graduated from New Castle High School. He enlisted with the United States Navy on February 21st, 1952 and served on the USS Maloy until his honorable discharge on February 15th, 1956, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He had worked briefly for the United States Postal Service, and later for the…


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Michael Zaparyniuk, Jr., 92

The servant of God, the Archpriest Michael Zaparyniuk, Jr., reposed in the Lord in hope of the resurrection on September 22, 2025. He was 92 years old and leaves behind two grieving families, his relatives and his Church family. He will be greatly missed. Fr. Michael was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Michael Zaparyniuk, Sr. and Pani Mary Zaparyniuk. This Zaparyniuk family last lived in Trenton, New Jersey, where his father, Father Michael Sr., built the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox church in 1939, for a community that had been founded in 1919. His father, Fr. Michael Sr. served…


Robert L. Stunkard, 70

Robert L. Stunkard, 70, of New Galilee passed away Saturday, September 27, 2025, at his residence following a lengthy illness. Born January 6, 1955, in New Castle, he was the son of the late Robert H. and Irene Fay Dexter Stunkard. Robert was the owner and operator of Robert Stunkard Construction and previously worked at the Ellwood City Forge. He was Christian by faith. An avid tennis player, he also enjoyed fishing at French Creek, riding his motorcycle, gardening, and taking care of his property. He is survived by his son, Dan J. Stunkard with whom he resided; three grandsons,…