Obituaries

Cecil Eugene Roof Sr., 65 of Ellwood City, went to be with the Lord from his home on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 after a hard fought health battle. He was born in Richland, South Carolina on March 28, 1955. Cecil was the son of the late Robert William Roof and Margie Ruth Bertrand. He married Susie Sellers on July 3, 1983. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. A member of Edgewood Baptist Church, Cecil was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle. His family was the most important thing in his life and he will be…

Mrs. Clementina Amadio, 90, of Ellwood City passed away on Tuesday, October, 20, 2020 at the Heritage Valley Medical Center, Good Samaritan Hospice. Mrs. Amadio was born on August 26, 1930 in Miglierina Provincia Cantanzaro Italy to the late Dominick and Lucia (Torhia) Mazzei. She had come to Ellwood City at the age of 17 in 1927, and attended Lincoln High School. She is a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish and the Holy Redeemer Christian Mothers. Clemie had worked at the Ellwood City Hospital in the dietary department for 9 years, Mine Safety for 4 years, and with Aurora’s…

Keith C. “Buster” Houk, 89, of Chewton, passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at Avalon Nursing Center. Born in Chewton on January 13, 1931, Keith was the son of the late Keith H. and Erma M. Parker Houk.    He was employed at the Ellwood Works of US Steel and later retired from American Bridge where he was an electrician.  He also ran Jimmy’s Spa in New Castle and worked as a bartender at Rosina’s in Mahoningtown.  A Veteran of the US Army, Keith served during the Korean War.  He was a member of the American Legion.  Keith enjoyed baking,…

Violet E. Hennon 68, formerly of Wayne Township, passed away on October 19, 2020 at Quality Life Services in New Castle. Violet was born on October 25, 1951 in Ellwood City to Earl W. and Martha Eleanor Craven Hennon. She attended Shenango and Wayne Township schools, graduating from Ellwood City in 1969. Violet was the caregiver of her family, having lovingly and faithfully cared for her parents, sister, and niece whenever they were in need. Many cats and a few fortunate dogs also had the privilege of being loved and cared for. An ardent Christian, Violet was a member of…

Kelly J. Rice, 55, of New Castle, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2020 at UPMC Jameson. Born in Ellwood City on January 21, 1965, Kelly was the daughter of R. Joann Kelly VanGorder of Boyers, PA and the late Kenneth VanGorder.  She married Scott Rice on September 26, 1992.  Kelly enjoyed baking, cooking and canning but most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. In addition to her mother and her husband, Kelly is survived by her children; Nakita Saras of New Castle, Kailie (Tommy) Stillwagon of West Pittsburg, Brittany (John Stevenson) Rice of…

Barry Lee Smith, 41 of New Castle, formerly of Ellwood City, passed away at his residence on Saturday, October 17, 2020. Born in Ellwood City on June 15, 1979, Barry was the son of the late Raymond D. and Shirley Jean Gahagan Smith.  Barry had worked as a loan officer at US Bank in Pittsburgh.  He was affiliated with the City Rescue Mission in New Castle. Barry is survived by his two brothers, Danny (Joyce) Smith and Shawn Smith both of Ellwood City, a niece, Taylor Smith of Erie, PA and several aunts and uncles. A private service was held…

Mr. Joseph A. Nocera, 97, of Ellwood City passed away on Thursday, October, 15, 2020 at the Northview Estates. Mr. Nocera was born on September 7, 1923 in Ellwood City to the late Michael and Camilla (DiTommaso) Nocera. He had graduated from Lincoln High School and then enlisted with the U.S. Army on March 23, 1943. Joe served with the Battery “B” 557th Anti Aircraft Artillery Battalion 84th Division with the rank of Private First Class. He had fought in the battles of Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Medal, Victory…