Obituaries

Mr. Guy P. “Nootch” DeFonde, 95, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away on Monday, October 30, 2017 at the Butler Veterans Administration Hospital. Mr. DeFonde was born on May 30, 1922 in Ellwood City to the late Angelo and Mary Innocent DeFonde, Sr.. He had enlisted with the U.S. Army on October 31, 1942 and served with the 1st Base Air Depot 39th supply section with the rank of corporal  until his discharge on February 5, 1946.  He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.  Following…

Mrs. Rose Sberna, 88, of Ellwood City passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at her daughters residence. Mrs. Sberna was born on April 17, 1929 in Ellwood City to the late Joseph and Lucy Frisk Segretti. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1947 and from the Garfield Business School in Beaver Falls. Rose had worked at the Eastvalle Clay Products for 4 years as a bookkeeper. She later worked for the Ellwood City Area School District in the Business and Superintendents Office as a secretary for 23 years. She retired in 1996. Rose is…

Betty Anne Rassman, 83, of Perry Township, passed away at her residence on Thursday, November 2, 2017. Born in Pittsburgh on October 11, 1934 Betty was the daughter of the late George F. and Emma A. Hein Asche.  After graduating from West View High School, Betty worked at the Federal Reserve Bank and later as an assembler for Adams Manufacturing.  Betty was a member of Unity Baptist Church of Harlansburg and the Beta Gradeles of Zelienople.  An avid bowler, Betty also enjoyed being a farmer and had a love for horses her entire life.  In her later years, Betty enjoyed…

Michael Douglas Partridge, 42, of East Pittsburgh, formerly of Ellwood City, passed away in his residence on Monday, October 30, 2017. Born in Ellwood City, Michael was the son of Brad and Barbara Stone Partridge.  A 1993 graduate of Lawrence County Vo-Tech, Michael was a member of the Boy Scouts in his youth.  He loved to draw, and he was a musician who could play just about any instrument he picked up.  He liked tie-dye and Michael was able to teach sign language to others. Michael is survived by his parents, Brad and Barbara Partridge of Edinburg, his daughter, Zoe…

Verna Zukowski, 96, of Ellwood City, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Jameson Care Center in Neshannock Township. Born in Chewton on April 14, 1921, Verna was the daughter of the late Michael and Karoline Krrystinski Stabryla.  Her husband, Raymond J. Zukowski preceded her in death on May 16, 1995.  Verna worked at American Bridge during WWII.  She was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish and its Christian Mothers.  Verna enjoyed spending time with her family. Verna is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Karoline Zukowski and Burton Holt, of Ellwood City and four nieces Carol, Jan, Joy…

George A. Kirkham, 88, of Ellwood City passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at Butler Memorial Hospital. Born in Ellwood City on March 15, 1929, George was the son of the late Joseph and Hazel Main Kirkham.  He married the former Phyllis Fosnaught on June 30, 1951.  George retired from US Steel as a machinist.  He had also worked at American Bridge, the Aetna Standard and for the Borough of Ellwood City.  A US Army Veteran, George served in Germany and Switzerland.  He was Presbyterian by faith.  George had a passion for fishing. George is survived by his wife,…

Mary H. Fray, 70, of Darlington Twp., formerly of Ellwood City, passed away at her residence on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 following a brief illness. Born in Ellwood City on September 16, 1947, Mary was the daughter of the late John Moroz and Stella Kasicki Moroz Powell.  Mary is survived by Thomas E. Fray, whom she married on June 1, 1969.  Mary was a lifelong member of Holy Redeemer Parish.  She owned and operated Mary’s Pizza and several other Ellwood City restaurants.  Mary enjoyed traveling and spending time with her friends. Mary is survived by two cousins; Stanley (Ann) Silvester…