Obituaries

Robert F. Smorada Sr., 80, of Ellwood City, passed away Saturday at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Born April 21, 1937 in Haydenville, PA, he was the son of the late Rudolph R. and Valeria Ann Buran Smorada.  He was married for 59 years to Marcia Lee Osterwise Smorada who survives. They were married September 29, 1958. Bob graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering in 1960. He was certified to practice Chemical Engineering in the States of Pennsylvania, California, New York, Massachusetts and South Carolina. Bob began his engineering…

Ricky L. Blaskowitz, 48, of Second St., Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly at work on Tuesday, November 14, 2017. Born October 5, 1969 in Sharon, he was the son of Dennis and Emma L. Lutz Blaskowitz of Ellwood City. Ricky graduated from Lincoln High School in 1987 where he was a member of the football team. He was a member of the Local 373 Laborer’s Union in Pittsburgh. For many years, Ricky served as the Union Steward. He was a Veteran of the Navy, serving four years during Desert Storm aboard the USS Sampson. He was a member of the…

Ira Clifford   Boyer, 71, of Fombell, (Franklin Twp.) passed away peacefully at his home on Monday morning, November 13,  2017. He was born in Ellwood City  on December 31,  1945  to the late Ira W. Boyer and the late Mary Daufen Boyer. Cliff was a graduate of Riverside High School, class of  1964.  He then volunteered for service in the US Army, serving  as a sergeant for more than one tour in Vietnam, where he drove supply trucks in battle areas. Upon his return, Cliff worked  for many years as maintenance superintendent at the Ellwood City Forge Co. (now Ellwood…

David Samuel Kerr, 32, of Ellwood City went home to be with his Lord and Savior the morning of November 10, 2017. Born March 11, 1985 in New Castle, he was the son of Samuel and Patricia Kerr. David was a lifelong resident of Castlewood. He attended Portersville Christian School until his senior year where he graduated from Shenango High School in 2003. David was employed with the USPS as a mail carrier. He was a member of Word of Life Family Church. David loved politics. He was proud to share his views and truly lived what he believed. David…

Frederick D. “Buz” Stelter, 86, of Boyd School Rd., Wampum (Shenango Twp.) passed away Thursday, November 9, 2017 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital following an extended illness. Born April 13, 1931 in Wampum, he was the son of the late Fred D. and Virginia Bowden Stelter. He was married for 64 years to Florence “Allie” Alden Stelter as they were married February 26, 1953. She survives. Fred graduated from Shenango High School. He served in the Army from 1952-1954 being stationed in Korea for thirteen months. He retired in 1993 from Penn Power where he was the Yard Supervisor. He…

Elaine Marie Barillaro, 65, formerly of Ellwood City, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2017. She was born in Ellwood City on May 9, 1952 to the late Bruno Anthony and Ellen Marie (Lascoula) Barillaro. Elaine graduated from Lincoln High School in Ellwood City with the class of 1970. She worked at the Team Enterprises and ICE both in Chicago, IL, as a product demonstrator. Elaine enjoyed cooking and being with family and friends. She was a caring, compassionate, loving, honest person who was everyone’s best friend that was always smiling. Elaine is survived by her daughter, Michele Caruso of Woodridge, IL whom…