Obituaries

Kathryn M. Schiraldi, 75, of New Beaver Borough passed away Thursday, September 19, 2019 at UPMC-Shadsyide following a several month illness. Born March 21, 1944 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late James and Betty June (Emery) Pollyblank. Kathryn was a lifetime member and past president of the Mahoning Township Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary Ladies. Survivors include son, Martin J Schiraldi of New Galilee; daughter, Jessica (Andrew) Shanor of New Castle; two sisters, Patricia Huffman of Wampum, Linda Pollyblank of Wampum; brother, James (Shirley) Pollyblank of California; six grandsons, Robbie James Schiraldi, Martin Schiraldi III, Vincent Michael…

Frank Boyd Steffler, 92, of Franklin Twp., Ellwood City passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at his residence. Born May 12, 1927 in Camp Run, he was the son of the late Frank I. and Elizabeth (Hess) Steffler. He was married to Wilma Boots Steffler who died in 1994. Frank retired from the Ellwood City Forge where he operated the “Big Press” for 41 years. He was one of the last operators when the press was converted from steam to hydraulic. Frank was a Veteran of the Army serving in WW II. He was a member of the Union Goodwill…

Mrs. Naomi C. Howell, 80, of Baden passed away on Monday, September 16, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Hospice in Beaver. Mrs. Howell was born on June 28, 1939, in Ivydale, West Virginia to the Late Holly R. and Lora (Cart) Lowers. She had worked for the Jamison Madison University in the housekeeping department. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Harbein on Harrisonburg, VA, her son, David Howell of Baden, her stepdaughters, Millie Rae Eaton and Terry Lynn Creese, her stepson, Herbert Howell of Ellwood City, her grandchildren, Shakira Simmers, Skylar Harmon, and Maxwell Howell, three step-grandchildren, and four…

Barbara Ann (Gongaware) Hufnagel, 80, went to be with the Father on the evening of September 11, 2019. She was able to spend her last days surrounded by family at her home. Born on January 5, 1939, she was the daughter of Frank and Mary (Bellian) Gongaware who are deceased. She had two sisters, Sylvia (Donald) Miller deceased and Lydia (Charles) Lewis of Waynesburg Ohio. She was formerly married to William Hufnagel, Sr. who is deceased. Barb had five children, Debbie Leddon (Rodger), Bev Galbreath (Paul Gazzo), William Hufnagel Jr. (Kitti Lucchesi) Sylvia Murray (Jim) and Pam Graham (Brad) She…

Deborah J. Langer, 66, of North Beaver Twp. passed away, while surrounded by family, on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at Avalon Place following an extended illness. Born December 7, 1952 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Ralph I. “Carbite” and Lucille (Goodland) Brommer Jr. Debbie married Stanley C. Langer, Sr. on June 15, 1972, who predeceased her on September 4, 1994. A homemaker, Debbie especially enjoyed caring for her grandchildren and her many nieces and nephews. Survivors include two children, Stanley (Adrienne) Langer, Jr. of Edinburg and Rhonda (Earl) Lample of Ellwood City; three sisters, Nancy…

Velia Giovannini, 95, of Ellwood City, passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2019. She was born in Ellwood City on December 19, 1923 to the late Filippo and Irene (Peuto) Giovannini. She enjoyed a long career in cosmetology, and was a well-known beautician at her Vel’s Salon in Ellwood City for more than 30 years. Before beginning her career in cosmetology, she worked at the Ellwood City Glass Company for 10 years. She graduated from the Maison Felix School in Pittsburgh in 1959, then continued her training at the Arnold Zegarelli School of Design, graduating in 1963. She then worked…

Betty J.  Weingartner Fontana, 96, of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday afternoon,  September  9,  2019. She was born  in Ellwood City on  January  11, 1923,  to the late Clarence  and Grace Newton                   Weingartner. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1941, and worked as a telephone operator at the Bell Telephone office in Ellwood City.  She also worked at the Bell Memorial  Church Youth Center. She was a longtime member of Bell Memorial Presbyterian Church, where she took attendance for years, and belonged to the Leona Lash Guild and Bell Tower Sunday School class. She…

Lois “Jean” (St. Clair) Milnes, 94, of Ellwood City passed away Sunday, September 8, 2019 at Life Lawrence Services in New Castle. Born October 9, 1924 in Bessemer, she was the eldest child of the late Clarence and Carrie (White) St. Clair. She was married to James Milnes who passed away on January 28, 1994. Jean was a graduate of the Lincoln High School Class of 1942. She was a Lifelong member and Deacon at the Chewton Christian Church. She also belonged to the Wampum Senior Citizens Club and the Wampum American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed gardening and sewing. Her…