Obituaries

Denis H. Boots, 66, of Ellwood City passed away at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 17, 2019 following a courageous battle with cancer. Born November 2, 1952 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Donald D. and Ethel Hutchison Boots. A 1970 graduate of Riverside High School, Denny served in the US Air Force in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He retired from General Electric in Grove City. Denny enjoyed woodworking, fishing, camping, and traveling to Alaska. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Diana Ecenrode Boots and their son, Nathan Boots, both of…

Mrs. Vilma Bellissimo, 89, of Ellwood City, passed away in the comfort of her home on Sunday, January 13,2019, surrounded by her family. Vilma was born on May 7, 1929, in Ellwood City, to the late Johan “John” Bizyak and Jerca “Gertrude” Baloh Bizyak. She was married for 58 years to the late Vito Bellissimo, who passed away in September 2011. After Vilma graduated from Lincoln High School in 1947, she worked as a bookkeeper for Joe Summers’ Lawrence Motor Sales (Ford) in Ellwood City. Vilma was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish and a member of Ladies of Charity….

Mrs. Julia Kotuba, 79, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away on Sunday, January 13, 2019 at the Passavant Retirement Community. Mrs. Kotuba was born on June 27, 1939 in Ellwood City to the late Metro and Olga (George) Tamelcoff. She had attended Lincoln High School, and was a member of the Free Methodist Church in Ellwood City. She, along with her husband Paul, was the co-owner/operator of Paul’s Market in North Sewickley Twp. from 1963 until it closed. Julia was a fabulous cook, and loved being with her family. She is survived by her daughters, Tina (Fred) Pflugh of North…

Mr. Pasquale S. “Pat” Marinaccio, 92, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at his home. Mr. Marinaccio was born in Ellwood City on Easter Sunday, April 4, 1926 to the late Dominic “Luigi” and Angela Rosa Marinaccio. Pat was a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish in Ellwood City. Pat enlisted with the U.S. Army Air Corp on December 27, 1943. After basic training he was switched to the U.S. Army Infantry, and had to go through a second basic training. He saw active duty in Germany with the 104th Infantry division. He was with the…

James P. Douglas, 83, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away Sunday, January 13, 2019 at Heritage Valley Hospital in Beaver. Born December 18, 1935 in Wampum, he was the son of the late Charles E. and Julia I. Laughlin Douglas. He was married to Donna Irwin Douglas who survives. Jim served as the Union President of Local # 8183 of the United Steelworkers of America for 29 years. He worked at St. Joe’s Zinc Corporation. Jim served in the United States Marine Corp. He was a member of the Concord United Methodist Church. Jim enjoyed gardening and taking care of…

Mr. Joseph P. Bonfield, 79, of Ellport passed away on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the Golden Hill Nursing Home. Mr. Bonfield was born on May 15, 1939 in New Castle to the late Joseph and Ida (Latess) Bonfield. He is a member of the New Castle High School class of 1957. Joe worked as the manager of his mothers service station in New Castle following the passing of his father until they sold the business. He then worked at the Ellwood City Boron Station, later known as the BP Station, for 24 years as a mechanic. Joe then worked…

Gina J. Ferrucci, 90, of Wampum passed away Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Although in ill health, death was unexpected. Born May 5, 1928 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late John A. and Camille Peltier Aniceti. She was married to Orlando T. Ferrucci for 41 years when he passed away January 12, 1990. Gina was a member of Holy Redeemer Church in Ellwood City and a member of the former St. Monica’s Parish in Wampum. She was an active member of the Christian Mothers Society at both churches. Gina was an…