Obituaries

Jacob A. Kaskalavich, 28, of Darlington passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 10, 2018. Jacob was born on August 11, 1990 in Beaver to Benjamin Kaskalavich and Shelly (Wade) Pander. He had attended Blackhawk High School. Jacob worked at Valley Waste in Beaver Falls and most recently for UPS in Freedom in the shipping and receiving department. He enjoyed riding dirt bikes and physical fitness. Jacob was known for having a big heart and being a kind soul to all he met. He is survived by his parents, his brother, Ben “B.J.” (Heather) Kaskalavich of Elkton, Ohio, his maternal grandparents,…

Thelma Louise Figurel of Ellwood City, surrounded by family, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, December 10, 2018, after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. Born December 27, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Catherine (Vollrath) Ferrese. Thelma was preceded in death by her husband Raymond T. Figurel, her son Charles (Chuck) L. Figurel, and her brother Robert Ferrese. She is survived by her daughters: Diane M. Linn of Ellwood City, Susan L. (Patrick) Byrne of Pittsburgh, Melissa A. Figurel of Ellwood City, and grandchildren: Taryn L. Byrne (fiancé Bill Hertzler) of Pittsburgh, Jocelyn…

Mr. Evan Nardone, 93, of Koppel passed away on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at the Canterbury Place Family Hospice in Pittsburgh. Mr. Nardone was born on January 4, 1925 in Bellaire, Ohio to the late Saverio Nardone and Theresa (DiPalma) Nardone Esoldo. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1942. He enlisted with the U.S. Navy on March 30, 1943 and served as a Motor Machinist’s Mate, Second Class until his discharge on February 27, 1946. Following his service with the Navy, Evan graduated from the State Teachers College in Edinboro, Pa with a B.S. Degree…

James N. Porter, 78, formerly of Ellwood City passed away Sunday, December 9, 2018 at the Passavant Retirement Center in Zelienople following an extended battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born December 8, 1940 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Harry N. and Martha Balkan Porter. He was married to Evelyn Mehard Porter for 54 years. She survives. Jim worked as a mechanical engineer at the former Aetna Standard in Ellwood City and at ARMCO in Butler. He graduated from Lincoln High School and received his degree in Engineering jointly from Geneva and the University of Pittsburgh. Jim…

Mr. Edward S. Fray, 97, of Ellwood City passed away on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at the UPMC Jameson Hospital in New Castle following a brief illness. Mr. Fray was born on August 14, 1921 in Ellwood City to the late Martin and Mary (Krystynski) Fray. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1940 and is a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish. He enlisted with the U.S. Army on June 10, 1943 and served with the Headquarters Company 75th Infantry Division until his discharge on February 15, 1946 with the rank of Private First Class….

Patty Welsh, 86, formerly of Big Beaver Boro, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at the Swedish Memorial Hospital in Englewood, Colorado. Born October 4, 1932 in Big Beaver Boro, she was the daughter of the late Howard and Pearl Baker Crees. She was married to William D. Welsh for 64 years when he passed away June 2, 2016. Patty will be remembered as a woman with a sweet smile, a gently spirit and a fierce love for her family and friends. She generously gave her time, attention and a listening ear to many who relied on…

Mrs. Marion V. Gruber, 77, of Fombell passed away on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, at her residence. Mrs. Gruber was born on April 16, 1941, in Pittsburgh to the late Clarence and Josephine (Kasterik) Kaylor. She had graduated from the Mount Gallitzin Academy in Baden. Marion had worked for the Riverside School District in the cafeteria, and later at Acutran in Fombell as a custodian. She is a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish where she served as a Eucharistic Minister, CCD Teacher, and was very active with the RCIA program. Mrs. Gruber is survived by her daughters, Julie Houk…

Brea Autumn Street, 39, of Butler passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Friday, November 30, 2018 at her residence. Born November 14, 1979 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of William L. Street and Denise C. Vandevort Street. Even though Brea had a short time on Earth, she lived life to the fullest. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1998 and from Butler County Community College with an Associate Degree in Physical Therapy. Brea was a Physical Therapy Assistant working in facilities in Montana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. She touched many peoples lives and made them feel so…