Obituaries

Ethel M. Ritorto, 76, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. Born February 20, 1942 in Big Beaver Boro, she was the daughter of the late Robert E. “Nick” and Josephine Lechner Straley. Ethel graduated from Beaver Falls High School. In 1959, she was named Mrs. Body Beautiful. Ethel was a member of the Victory Family Church in Cranberry. She was an avid flower gardener and painter. Ethel enjoyed puzzles and playing scrabble. Her most cherished time was spent with her family, especially with her grandchildren. Survivors include three daughters,…

Mrs. Patricia A. Snyder, 80, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at the Providence Care Center in Beaver Falls. Mrs. Snyder was born on November 2, 1937 in North Sewickley Twp. to the late Paul and Bernadine (Litzinger) Safreed. Patty had attended Beaver Falls High School and later earned her GED from the Riverside High School. She had worked at Strayer’s Coin Bag Co. in New Brighton as a packer, and then for the Beaver County Times. She is a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, and enjoyed sewing, cross stitch, and crocheting. She will…

Carol E. Sbarra, 70, Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Butler Memorial Hospital. Born March 4,1948 in New Castle, PA, she was the daughter of the late Leon and Erma Cotherman Shoup. She was married to Frank L. Sbarra on March 14, 1966, he survives. Carol was a graduate of Lincoln High School class of 1966. She formerly worked for Attorney Ken Fox and the District Magistrate, Wayne Shaffer. She also worked at Mazers Dry Goods store. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star #212 and belonged to the Calvin Presbyterian…

Regis E. Orock, 85, of Portersville passed away peacefully Friday, September 7, 2018 at his home. Born October 21,1932 in Fombell, he was the son of the late William C. and Keturah McFarland Orock. He was married to Virginia Myers Orock for 64 years, she survives. Regis worked at the Honey Creek Stone/City Asphalt, where he was a master mechanic, teaching apprentices to run heavy equipment for 28 years.He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 66. He was an Army veteran serving during the Korean Conflict, later serving the National Guard for 11 years. He was a member…

Donald Merle Spiker, 86, of Franklin Twp. passed away Monday, September 3, 2018 at the Ellwood City Medical Center following a brief illness. Born July 4, 1932 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Harvey and Mary McConnell Spiker. He was married to Mary Hutchison Spiker for 64 years when she passed away January 14, 2018. Don retired in 1989 from AT&T where he had been a Communications Tech for 20 years. He was a member and former Sunday School teacher at the Free Methodist Church. A Veteran of the Army, Don served from 1953-1955. He enjoyed…

William H. Tillia Jr., 85, of Martin Rd., New Castle (Princeton) passed away Monday, September 3, 2018 at the Southwest General Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio following a brief illness. Born June 22, 1933 in Portersville, he was the son of the late William H. and Mary Elva Cornelius Tillia Sr. He was married to Betty Croco Tillia for 65 years who survives. Bill retired in 1986 from Babcock and Wilcox, Koppel Works where he was a mechanic for 30 years. He was a member of the Portersville Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. He and Betty enjoyed spending their winters in…

Susie D. Downey, 62, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, September 2, 2018 at her residence. Born January 21, 1956 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late James E. and Louise Welsh Davis. Susie loved to read and cherished time spent with family. Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Ernie E. Downey, son, James E. Downey of Wampum; sister, Laurie Davis of Florida; brother, George Davis of Michigan; two grandchildren, Hazen and Harlee Anderson; her mother in law, Marion Downey of New Beaver Boro and many loving in-laws, nieces…

Donna J Gallaugher, 78, of Zelienople passed away Friday, August 31, 2018 following a brief illness. Born April 17, 1940 in Ernest, PA, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Erma Bennett Clark . She was married to Edward Gallaugher Sr. who passed away May 8, 1995. Donna graduated from Zelienople High School. She worked at the former Ames in Ellwood City. She was a former member of the Park Gate Baptist Church. Donna was a member and past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star. She was an avid Bingo player. Survivors include three sons, Brian…

Kathy Jo “KJ” Frelin, 69, of Wampum, formerly of Ellwood City passed away Monday, August 27, 2018 at the Butler Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness. Born May 8, 1949 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Harry R. and Marion K. Pisani Frelin. KJ graduated from Lincoln High School in 1967. In her heyday, she was an accomplished softball player who won many state championships. She retired as an Executive Chef having worked in Georgia and Texas. She loved all animals, especially horses. KJ was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Survivors include two sisters, Anita Bauer…