Obituaries

Betty Rafacz, 89

Bessie Elizabeth “Betty” Rafacz, 89, of Wampum passed away peacefully Monday, August 31, 2020 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital in New Castle following an extended illness. Born April 1, 1931 in Coalport, PA, she was the daughter of the late Andrew and Vanda (Gmerek) Stiles Sr. She was married to Henry J. Rafacz for 66 years, he survives. Betty was a member of the former St. Monica’s Parish in Wampum, and more recently Holy Redeemer in Ellwood City. She formerly worked at Airway Luggage and Shenango Pottery. She also cleaned St. Monica’s for several years. Betty’s truest love was being…


James R. Marshall, 62

James R. Marshall, 62, of Fombell went home to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, August 30, 2020 following a brief illness. Born September 28, 1957 in Ellwood City, he was the son of William R. Marshall and the late Eva (Harriet) Marshall who passed away in 2016. He was married for 39 years to Becky (Pelloni) Marshall as they were married January 3, 1981. She survives. Jim graduated from Vo-Tech High School in 1976. He was a talented florist, owner and designer of the former Bittersweet Shop in Ellwood City and Amaryllis in Cranberry. He was a member…


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Edward R. Gasper, 75

Edward Raymond Gasper, 75, of West Pittsburg PA, passed away August 11, 2020 at Cadia Healthcare in Hagerstown, MD following a lengthy illness. Born November 26, 1944 in Ellwood City, PA, he was the son of the late Vincent T. Sr. and Margaret (Eckler) Gasper. Edward was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He enjoyed attending NASCAR races. He was a truck driver and was proud of being a teamster. He also liked going to the casino. Survivors include two sons, Justin (Amber) Gasper of Martinsburg, WV, Jason Gasper of Pittsburgh, PA; two daughters, Arvada (Jeff) Morrissey of…


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Mollie R. Mazzanti, 90

Mollie R. Mazzanti, 90, formerly of Ellport passed away in Northview Estates on Thursday, August 27, 2020. Born in New Castle on November 27, 1929, Mollie was the daughter of the late Luigi and Virginia Pacella Nocera.  Mollie was preceded in death by her husband, Jacob “Jake” Mazzanti on October 27, 2015.  They were married on July 9, 1947.  Mollie was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish.  Mollie was a full time mother, she enjoyed time spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Surviving are her 7 children, Virginia “Ginger” Rodgers of Ellport, Jacob (Cynthia) Mazzant of Hermitage, Jeri…


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Matushka Janet Mihalick, 68

Choir Director emeritus, Matushka Janet Mihalick, 68, fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at the St. Claire Hospital in Pittsburgh. Mrs. Mihalick was born on January 21, 1952 in Youngstown, Ohio to the late Protodeacon Vladimir and Mary (Eodchik) Maksimoff. She had graduated from the Chaney High School in Youngstown, Ohio with the class of 1971 and then from Youngstown State University with a Bachelor of Music in Education in 1975. Janet then became the director of the St. John’s Girls Octet and recorded the album “New Valaamo”. She then joined the faculty of St. Herman’s…


Tom Barberio, 82

Tom Barberio, 82, of Ellwood City passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital in New Castle. Born February 14, 1938 in Ellwood City, PA, he was the son of the late George T. and Abigail Margaret (Hughes) Barberio . He was married to Lois Jean McDowell Barberio for 43 years, she passed on October 6, 2003. Tom was a graduate of Lincoln High School class of 1956. He owned and operated McDowell’s in Koppel until his retirement. He was a member of the IMBS in Koppel and the SOI and Hungarian Home in Ellwood City. Tom…


Patrick R. Somerville Sr., 62

Patrick Somerville Sr., 62, of North Sewickley Township passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital following a short illness. Born March 15, 1958 in Bellevue, PA, he was the son of the late James S. and Winfield Joanne Schwemm Somerville. He was married to Diana M. Tibolet Somerville for 38 years. Patrick was a member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors. He retired as an escalator repair mechanic. Along with his wife Diana, survivors include a daughter, Amanda (Ryan) Benedict; two sons, Patrick Somerville, Jr., Scott (Janine) Somerville; Stepmother Barb Somerville; four sisters, Paula (Shelly) Somerville,…


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Ronald “Ronnie” Thomas, 84,

Mr. Ronald “Ronnie” H. Thomas, 84, a lifelong resident of Frisco Franklin Township passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, August 22nd, 2020. Ronnie was born on November 7, 1935 in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania to the late Joseph and Mary (Demarsh) Thomas. Ronnie was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary Ann (Warsing) Thomas on June 17, 1969. Ronnie was Catholic by faith, attended Northstar Elementary School and was a member of the Lincoln High School Class of 1953. Ronnie was an Airman in the United States Air Force from 1954-1957, serving as an Aircraft Mechanic while stationed in Germany….


Glenn M. Freed, 79

Glenn M. Freed, 79, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully with his family by his side at UPMC Presby Hospital on August 23, 2020. Born November 9, 1940 in Beaver Falls, PA he was the son of the late Martin and Olive Freed. He was married to the late Robyn Wasser Freed. He served as an accountant at Fort Eustis, Virginia in the United States Army from 1959 until 1962 when he was honorably discharged. He then served in the Army Reserves until 1964 in St. Louis, Missouri. He had the pleasure and honor of being the General’s driver during…


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Virginia R. Dice, 101

Virginia R. Dice, 101, of North Beaver Township passed away Saturday, August 22, 2020 at the Jameson Care Center. Born April 11, 1919 in Enon Valley, PA, she was the daughter of the late Balcer and Lulu Mae Baird Wright . She was married to William R. Dice Sr. for 66 years when he passed away on November 28, 2006. She was formerly employed at Craig’s Eggs as a grader. She was a member of the Moravia Presbyterian Church. Survivors include two sons, Charles W. Dice of New Mexico, William R. Dice, Jr. of North Beaver; a daughter, Becky (Larry)…