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Obituaries

January 21, 2018

Mary Ann Rosati, 70

Mary Ann Rosati, 70, of West Pittsburg passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, January 21, 2018 surrounded by her loving family following a short illness. Born January 16, 1948 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Albert Paul and Josephine Theresa Macchiarelli Dudich. Mary Ann graduated from New Castle High School and was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Parish. She was an avid Pittsburgh Sports fan and enjoyed solving crossword puzzles. Mary Ann was a loving mother and grandmother who was an inspiration to the entire family. Survivors include two sons, Randy…

January 21, 2018

Robert E. McFate, 67

Robert E. McFate, 67, of North Beaver Twp. passed away Saturday, January 20, 2018, at UPMC Jameson following a two year illness. Born November 22, 1950 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Robert J. McFate and June Henry McFate of Bessemer. He was married for 41 years to Janet Householder McFate who survives. Following graduation from Mohawk High School in 1969, Bob served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He retired from Youngstown Tube Company and was affiliated with the Wampum Presbyterian Church. An avid hunter, Bob was a member of the Mahoning…

January 21, 2018

Josephine Baker, 72

Josephine Funari Baker, 72, of Davidson St., Wampum, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family, Friday, January 19, 2018 following a courageous two and a half year battle with pancreatic cancer. Born October 12, 1945 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Anthony Funari Sr. and Millie Rainey Funari of Mahoningtown. She was married for 45 years to Gary Baker who survives. Josephine retired from the Union Area School District, where she taught High School English for many years. She was also part owner of the former Cousins Three Restaurant in New Castle….

January 20, 2018

Lydia M. Simmons, 81

Lydia M. Simmons, 81, of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, January 19, 2018 at the VNA Inpatient Hospice in Butler. She was born in Zelienople PA on March 28 1936 to the late Charles Mathes  and Lydia Josephine Davidson.   She also was preceded by her stepfather, Scotty Davidson. Lydia was preceded in death by her late husband, Herman Simmons, who died in 1980, and by her longtime companion, Earl R. Edinger, who died in 1995. She was also preceded by a granddaughter, Crystal Dawn Simmons in infancy. She is survived by five daughters and two sons:   Donna…

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January 19, 2018

Raymond M. Bettoni, 60

Raymond Michael Bettoni, 60, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Ellwood City, passed away on October 19, 2017, ending his courageous battle with cancer. Born in Ellwood City on April 22, 1957, Raymond was the son of the late Raymond and Rose Delorenzo Bettoni.  He graduated from Riverside High School in 1975 and enlisted in the United States Navy the following year.  He served on the USS Tarawa during Desert Storm.  Raymond retired from the Navy in 2000 as a Petty Officer 1st Class.  He then worked as a computer analyst for CVS until he retired in March of 2017. Raymond…

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January 19, 2018

George E. Strabel, 53

George E. Strabel, 53, of Ellwood City passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at the Heritage Valley Medical Center. George was born on September 4, 1964 in New Brighton to the late Emery and Bertha Ann Cumberledge Strabel. He had graduated from Center High School with the class of 1982, and later from the New Castle School of Trade where he studied auto mechanics. George had worked for J.B. Boots Pittsburgh Welding Forge, Doren Inc., and the Ellwood City Forge. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working on cars. George is survived by his daughters Jordyn Strabel of Ellwood City and…

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January 19, 2018

Christefer J. Curtaccio, 30

Christefer J. Curtaccio, 30, passed away at his residence on Argonne Blvd. in Ellwood City, Pa on January 13, 2018. Chris will be dearly missed and is survived by his daughter Cameron Curtaccio, mother and step-father Emily (Don) Morris, father James Curtaccio, sisters Elysia Morris, and Amber (Josh) Haydo, brothers Travis and Nathan, aunt Teri (Edward) Dibuono, aunt Annamaria (Phillip) Elliot, cousins Isaac and Daniel Elliot, Noah DiBuono, and grandmother Vittoria DiBuono. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Itala G. Dibuono. Chris graduated from Lincoln High School. He enjoyed playing basketball, gaming, traveling, spending time with his…

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January 19, 2018

Guido R. “Bob” Clerici, 93

Mr. Guido R. “Bob” Clerici, 93, of New Galilee peacefully went to be reunited with his loving wife and son on Sunday, January 14, 2018. Mr. Clerici was born on November 30, 1924 in New Galilee to the late Anthony and Giacinta Franchi Clerici. Guido is a member of the Beaver Falls High School class of 1942. After high school he was drafted into the Glider Troops and later into the U.S. Army during World War II. He served with the 17th Airborne Division, Company H. 515th Parachute Infantry Regiment  with the rank of Private First Class from April 29, 1943 until his…

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January 18, 2018

Ida Ottaviani, 93

Ida Ottaviani, 93, of Hazel Avenue, Ellwood City, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at VNA Hospice in Butler Township. Born in Ellwood City on May 19, 1924, Ida was the daughter of the late Vincent and Mary Grace Zona Riccardi.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Ottaviani in 2010 after 68 years of marriage.  A member of Holy Redeemer Parish and the Christian Mothers of the Church, Ida was also a member of the Opti-Mrs. Club.  She enjoyed golfing and playing cards. Ida is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Alice Nunes and Regis Young…

January 18, 2018

George L. “Butch” Dwyer, 76

George  L. “Butch” Dwyer, 76, of  Ellwood City (Franklin Township), passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening,  January 16 2018 at  The Grove at Harmony  PA. He was born in Ellwood City  on April 4 1941  to the late George W.  and  Alberta  Geary    Dwyer. George  graduated from Lincoln High School in Ellwood City. He  was a machine operator at the former Ellwood City Knitting Mill for over 25 years. George  enjoyed riding bikes, and mowing  grass.  He especially loved his  family. He is survived by three  brothers:   Thomas R.    (and Anita) Dwyer  of Ellwood City;   Ronald  (and Jessie) Dwyer…