Obituaries

Vesta A. Taylor, 93, of New Castle, passed away peacefully, at her home, on October 1, 2020. She was the daughter of the late Lewis F. and Cora A. (Miller) Michaels and was born February 23, 1927, in Ellwood City. She is survived by her daughter; Linda S. Holmes of New Castle, son; Brian L. Taylor of Ellwood City, 2 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Vesta was a 1945 graduate of Lincoln High School and she was retired from the Lawrence County Board of Assistance. After she retired, she worked at City Rescue Mission. She was a longtime member of the…

Brant Cooper, 55, of Marion Township went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at Heritage Valley in Beaver. Born December 18, 1964 in Ellwood City, he was the son of John Sr. and Betty Hawke Cooper of Fombell. He was married to Janice Douglas Cooper. Brant was a member of Concord United Methodist Church. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed muscle cars. Prior to being paralyzed, he loved his job as a carpenter. His children and grandchildren gave him the greatest joy. Along with his wife and parents, survivors include two daughters, Jaclyn (Mark) Reader…

William G. O’Brien, 90, of Ellwood City passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at his residence following a brief illness. Born November 1, 1929 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late George and Grace Stiefel O’Brien. He was married to Mary Joan O’Brien until her death on June 26, 2006. Bill was a graduate of Lincoln High School. A veteran, serving four years in the Navy. He retired from the B & W in Beaver Falls after 37 years, working as the coal drawer inspector. An avid Steeler fan, he played football throughout his life, as a…

Joyce M. Kraynak, 71 of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at her residence. Born March 22, 1949 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Virgil and Dorothy Chapman Newton . She was married to Ron Kraynak for 46 years, he survives. Joyce owned and operated the Homestead Bar in Ellwood City for 10 years. She was a member of the Keystone II women’s pool team and the treasurer of the pool league. She was a bus driver for the Ellwood City School District. Joyce attended the First Baptist Church in Ellwood City. She…

Helen M. Nicely, 96, of Wampum, PA passed away on September 28, 2020 at Beaver Health and Rehabilitation and Elder Care, in Aliquippa, PA. She was the daughter of the late Edward G. and Martha (Ritter) McBride. She was born June 18, 1924, in Ellwood City, PA She is survived by her close and longtime friends; Bob and Beverly Hairhoger of Wampum, PA and Robert and Dorothy Miller, of Wampum. Helen was 1942 graduate of Lincoln High school and a longtime and faithful member of Wampum Presbyterian Church. She was also a 50 plus, year member of the Eastern Stars….

James A. Gallaher Sr., 84, of Franklin Township passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at Good Samaritan Hospice at Concordia in Cabot following a brief illness. Born December 11, 1935 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late John Glenn and Pearl Young Gallaher. James was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Ellwood City. He retired as a master machinist; first from Blaw-Knox Manufacturing in Ellwood City and from HerrVoss until his retirement. James liked to be outdoors, hunt, and fish. He was a Steelers fan. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. Survivors include four…

Mabel R. Householder, 94, of New Beaver Borough, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2020, at Providence Care Center following a short illness. Born January 27, 1926, in Chewton, she was the daughter of the late Russell F. and Annie Bessell Murphy. She was married to Raymond Householder who passed away on December 4, 1962. Mabel graduated from Wampum High School in 1943. She was a member of the Wampum Presbyterian Church where she served as a deacon and assistant treasurer. Mabel retired from Vital Records after 20 years of service. She was a former tax collector in New Beaver Borough. Mabel was…

Richard “Zuba” Lee McCormick, 65, of Ellwood City, PA passed away unexpectantly, on September 28, 2020, at his home. He was the son of Gail McCormick and the late William McCormick and was born January 6, 1955 in Ellwood City, PA. He is survived by his mother; Gail McCormick of Ellwood City, PA, Daughter; Heather Rayner and her husband, Tim of Edinburgh, PA, sister; Cindi (Butch) Baldwin of New Castle, PA; Terri McCormick of Ellwood City, PA, Zuba’s close friend Mary Kelly of Ellport PA; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Rick was a 1972 graduate…