Obituaries

Richard P. Himes, 86, of North Sewickley Township passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at his residence. Born February 22, 1937 in Porter, PA. He was married to Maxine M. Hollabaugh Himes for 61 years when she passed away on April 16, 2016. Richard had graduated from Punxsutawney Area High School in 1955. He worked at Colonial Clay Production in Fallston for 19 years and retired from Littell Steel in Fallston after 25 years. He enjoyed traveling, especially going to casinos. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and working in his garden. Richard…

Brett Kevin Gess, age 55, of Wampum, Pennsylvania passed away January 9th 2024. He is survived by his wife Lori, children: Jared, Robin, Paul and Josh with four grandchildren and one expected. Brett was incredibly proud of his wife’s and children’s military service. Brett was born November 26,1968 in Winter Park, Florida – the first-born child of David and Grace Gess. He became big brother to Shawn, Tiffany, Keisha, Ericka, Carrie, Anthony, Kyle and Annie. His father, David and youngest brother Kyle preceded him in death. Brett graduated from Northwest High School in Jackson, Michigan class of 1987 and loved…

Leonard Anthony “Dominic” Gratteri, 80, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away Friday, January 12, at Good Samaritan Hospice in Beaver, PA. Born August 16, 1943, in Reggio Calabria, Italy, he was the son of the late Samuel and Rosa Politano Gratteri. He was married to Barbara Straley Gratteri for 60 years, she survives. Dominic attended Beaver Falls High School. He was the owner and operator of Dominic’s Restaurant in Beaver Falls for 25 years, from 1985 to 2010. Dominic loved horse racing and watching the line in Vegas, “occasionally” placing bets. He enjoyed working in his back yard, gardening and…

Paul A. Stefura, 62, of Ellport, passed away peacefully on January 5th, 2024, at his home. Paul was born on January 8th, 1961 in Ellwood City to Paul and Joyce (Agostinelli) Stefura. He graduated from Big Beaver High School with the class of 1979 and from Technician Trade School in 1982. After school, Paul enlisted with the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1986, after serving 4 years with the engineers as a plumber, with the rank of SP4. He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Army Lapel Button. Paul was…

Mary Ann Fascetti, 59, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at her residence. Mary was born in New Castle on April 17th, 1964 to the late John and Mary (Stoughton) McCurdy. She graduated from Slippery Rock High School with the class of 1982 and from Shenango Valley School of Business in 1992. Mary loved all animals and the wonders of nature. She is survived by her daughters, Richelle McCall of New Castle, Casey McCall and her companion Robert Bissell of Weirton, West Virginia, Autumn (Mark) Akins of Scott Twp., and Annabelle Fascetti also of Scott Twp.,…

Mother Elizabeth, née Helen Mann Lutz, 96, fell asleep in the Lord just prior to the Liturgy on the Feast of Theophany, January 6, 2024, at the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, Ellwood City, PA, where she has lived and served for the past 43 years. Born May 15, 1927 in Methuen, Massachusetts, she earned Bachelors and Masters degrees, as well as an RN nursing license. She was a talented writer, poet and pianist. The book she wrote and illustrated for her own children many years ago, Micha Mouse, was recently published and is sold in the monastery bookstore. At…

William K. “Biff” Pander Jr, 85, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully Saturday, January 6, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Born January 7, 1938 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late William K. Pander Sr. and Jean Schantz Pander Weingartner. He was married to Helen ” Pudy” (Krestel) Pander for 64 years as they were married August 29, 1959. She survives Biff retired from the Ellwood City School District where he was a 5th grade teacher at Walnut Ridge. He was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church. Biff graduated from Lincoln High School…