Obituaries

Albert M. Erka, 44, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. Albert was born on September 29, 1974 in Ellwood City to Mike and Oranija (Nastevska) Erka. He is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1992, and graduated from Clarion University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. Most recently he had been working for Arconic in Cranberry Twp.. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and playing golf. He is survived by his parents, his brother, Borche (Lisa) Erka of Hampton Twp., his niece and nephews, Brendan Erka, Arianna Erka, and Matthew…

Mrs. Agnes H. Zikeli, 96, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at the Ellwood City Medical Center. Mrs. Zikeli was born on June 24, 1922 in Beadling, Pa to the late Anthony and Marguerite (Leymarie) Leymarie. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1940. During World War II she worked at the U.S. Steel Tube Mill in Ellwood City, and later as a beautician. She also worked as a sorter at Townsend for 20 years. Agnes is one of the oldest members of the Trinity Lutheran Church. She enjoyed quilting, reading, walking,…

Mrs. Mary Ann Thomas, 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 21st. The daughter of the late Thomas and Mildred Warsing, Mary Ann was born on July 22, 1931, in the town of Alicia in Green County, Pennsylvania. She was a 1948 graduate of Slippery Rock Township High School in Princeton, PA. Mary Ann was Protestant by faith and was united in marriage to Ronald H. Thomas on June 17, 1969. As a young woman, Mary Ann worked for a number of years for Dustproof and also at the G.C. Murphey Company as a window dresser and sign maker. Over…

William C. Zeh, 91, of New Beaver Boro passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 22, 2019 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Born June 18, 1927 in Enon Valley, he was the son of the late Fred K. and Margaret Houston Zeh. He was married to Helen J. Zeh for 68 years when she passed away December 22, 2016. Bill retired from Medusa Cement Company where he operated a bulldozer. He was an active member and former Deacon of the Wampum Presbyterian Church. Bill was a member and former Master of the Big Beaver/Mahoning Valley Grange. He was also a…

Talia I. Durnell, 38, of Ellwood City died unexpectedly Friday, February 22, 2019 at her residence. She was born September 30, 1980 in Harmony, Pa and attended Riverside High School where she was a cheerleader and majorette. She was a talented gymnast. Talia had a brilliant mind, she enjoyed participating in both academic games and Bible quizzing. She formerly worked as a waitress at Christy’s and at Shakespeare’s. Talia had the heart of a lion and was generous and loving. Survivors include her mother, Darla LeRoy of Ellwood City; her father and step mother, Randy (Tammy) Durnell of Slippery Rock;…

Mr. Joseph M. Tesone, 72, of Ellwood City passed away on Friday, February 22, 2019, at his residence. Mr. Tesone was born on February 16, 1947 in Ellwood City to the late Giuseppe “Joseph” and Concetta “Mae” (Pratt) Tesone. He is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1964 and the Holy Redeemer Parish. Joe also graduated from Youngstown State University with a degree in Accounting. Joe worked as a journeyman carpenter through the Local 922. He belonged to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, the Sons of Italy Lodge 608, and the Ellwood City…

Jeff “Harpo” Wright, 64, of Ellwood City passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh following a lengthy illness. Born February 25, 1954 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Arthur Verno and Esther Gaskell Wright. Harpo was a 1972 graduate of Lincoln High School. He furthered his education at CCBC. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler, Penguin, and Pirate fan. He also enjoyed watching Pitt basketball. Harpo was a longtime member of Christ Presbyterian Church and the Hungarian Home. Surviving is his brother, Steve Wright of Ellwood City; Visiting hours will be held…