Obituaries

Mrs. Anna J. Butchelli,95, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at The Grove in Harmony. Mrs. Butchelli was born on April 13, 1923 in Ellwood City to the late Gesualdo and Josephine (Buona) Pirrera.  Anna is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1941. She had worked at the U.S. Steel Tube Mill in Ellwood City during World War II. After the war, Anna worked at Loccisano’s as a sales clerk. She later worked at the Ellwood City Knitting Mill as a seamstress. From 1969 to 1996, Anna served on the Wayne Twp. election…

Sharon M. Badger Pistorius, 66, of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully on  Thursday  morning, September 20,  2018 at Allegheny General  Hospital in Pittsburgh. She was born in Ellwood City PA on  April 19 1952,  to the late Earl B. Badger Sr., and the late Naomi J. Cupps Badger. Sharon graduated from Lincoln High School in Ellwood City. She belonged to Wurtemburg  Presbyterian Church,   where she served as a deacon. She enjoyed  playing bingo but most of all she loved spending time with her family. Sharon is survived by  two daughters and one son:    Danielle Marie  (and Scot)  Dennis;   Elizabeth Ann…

Jean M. Hartzel  Duncan, 73, of Ellwood City (North Sewickley), passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, September 18  2018 in the emergency department at the Ellwood City Medical Center. She was born in Ellwood City  on April 29 1945 to the late Harvey William Hartzel and the late Marie Minett Hartzel. Jean was a beautician, and worked for many years at Especially for You salon. She  enjoyed crafting, and in earlier years, enjoyed camping with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband,  Samuel  J.  Duncan, Sr., who died   September 18 2002. Jean is survived by  one sister, …

Richard E. Burnett, 61, of New Beaver Boro passed away Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at UPMC Mercy Hospital following a sudden and brief illness. Born August 31, 1957 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Elmon “Al” Burnett and Angie Maravola Burnett Kelley. He was married to Jody Hairhoger Burnett for 18 years. They had been together for 28 years. Richard worked for Fiber Cable Services in Beaver Falls. In addition to his wife, Jody, survivors include two half sisters, Patty Sutherland and Darlene Van Hart; father in-law, David Hairhoger; brother in-law, David (Dr. Richard Moriarty) Hairhoger;…

Mary Ann Gearhart, 84, of Foch St., Ellwood City passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at Providence Care Center following a brief illness. Born July 12, 1934 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Carmen and Ethel Stephenson Venezie. She was married to Harry E. Gearhart who passed away in 1982. Mary Ann graduated from Lincoln High School in 1952. She worked at J.C. Penney’s as the catalog manager for many years. She also formerly worked at K-Mart and Value King. She was a member of Bell Memorial Presbyterian Church. Mary Ann enjoyed going to Challenges and…

Marjorie L. Brown, 77, of Ellwood City passed away Sunday, September 16, 2018 following a brief illness. Born September 20, 1940 in Perry Twp., she was the daughter of the late Clarence M. and Pearl E. Francis Singloub. Marge was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed cooking and baking and was known for her delicious apple pies. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, James E. Brown; her son and daughter in law, Curt and Kate Brown of Pittsburgh; sister, Pearl Knight of Volant; and brother, Earl Singloub of New Castle. She was preceded in death…

Ruth E. Frickanish, 88, of Slippery Rock Twp., Ellwood City passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Born December 28, 1929 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Alberta Black Leonhardt. She was married to John T. “Jack” Frickanish for 65 years when he passed away December 24, 2015. Ruth graduated from New Castle High School and Jameson School of Nursing. She worked for over 20 years as a Registered Nurse in the Maternity Department of the former Mary Evans Hospital in Ellwood City. She was also the owner of…

Joseph Stefura, 83, of Wampum passed away Monday, September 17, 2018 at the Ellwood City Medical Center following a brief illness. Born October 11, 1934 in Koppel, he was the son of the late John and Sophia Kwasnicki Stefura Sr. He was married to Patty Tukalo Stefura for 58 years. She survives. Joe graduated from Beaver Falls High School. He retired from Babcock and Wilcox following 43 years of service as a machinist. He was a member of the former Holy Trinity Orthodox Church where he served as the President of the Church Council for many years. He currently was…

Ethel M. Ritorto, 76, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. Born February 20, 1942 in Big Beaver Boro, she was the daughter of the late Robert E. “Nick” and Josephine Lechner Straley. Ethel graduated from Beaver Falls High School. In 1959, she was named Mrs. Body Beautiful. Ethel was a member of the Victory Family Church in Cranberry. She was an avid flower gardener and painter. Ethel enjoyed puzzles and playing scrabble. Her most cherished time was spent with her family, especially with her grandchildren. Survivors include three daughters,…