Obituaries

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,…

Mrs. Patricia A. Snyder, 80, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at the Providence Care Center in Beaver Falls. Mrs. Snyder was born on November 2, 1937 in North Sewickley Twp. to the late Paul and Bernadine (Litzinger) Safreed. Patty had attended Beaver Falls High School and later earned her GED from the Riverside High School. She had worked at Strayer’s Coin Bag Co. in New Brighton as a packer, and then for the Beaver County Times. She is a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, and enjoyed sewing, cross stitch, and crocheting. She will…

Carol E. Sbarra, 70, Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Butler Memorial Hospital. Born March 4,1948 in New Castle, PA, she was the daughter of the late Leon and Erma Cotherman Shoup. She was married to Frank L. Sbarra on March 14, 1966, he survives. Carol was a graduate of Lincoln High School class of 1966. She formerly worked for Attorney Ken Fox and the District Magistrate, Wayne Shaffer. She also worked at Mazers Dry Goods store. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star #212 and belonged to the Calvin Presbyterian…

Regis E. Orock, 85, of Portersville passed away peacefully Friday, September 7, 2018 at his home. Born October 21,1932 in Fombell, he was the son of the late William C. and Keturah McFarland Orock. He was married to Virginia Myers Orock for 64 years, she survives. Regis worked at the Honey Creek Stone/City Asphalt, where he was a master mechanic, teaching apprentices to run heavy equipment for 28 years.He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 66. He was an Army veteran serving during the Korean Conflict, later serving the National Guard for 11 years. He was a member…

Donald Merle Spiker, 86, of Franklin Twp. passed away Monday, September 3, 2018 at the Ellwood City Medical Center following a brief illness. Born July 4, 1932 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Harvey and Mary McConnell Spiker. He was married to Mary Hutchison Spiker for 64 years when she passed away January 14, 2018. Don retired in 1989 from AT&T where he had been a Communications Tech for 20 years. He was a member and former Sunday School teacher at the Free Methodist Church. A Veteran of the Army, Don served from 1953-1955. He enjoyed…

William H. Tillia Jr., 85, of Martin Rd., New Castle (Princeton) passed away Monday, September 3, 2018 at the Southwest General Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio following a brief illness. Born June 22, 1933 in Portersville, he was the son of the late William H. and Mary Elva Cornelius Tillia Sr. He was married to Betty Croco Tillia for 65 years who survives. Bill retired in 1986 from Babcock and Wilcox, Koppel Works where he was a mechanic for 30 years. He was a member of the Portersville Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. He and Betty enjoyed spending their winters in…

Susie D. Downey, 62, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, September 2, 2018 at her residence. Born January 21, 1956 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late James E. and Louise Welsh Davis. Susie loved to read and cherished time spent with family. Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Ernie E. Downey, son, James E. Downey of Wampum; sister, Laurie Davis of Florida; brother, George Davis of Michigan; two grandchildren, Hazen and Harlee Anderson; her mother in law, Marion Downey of New Beaver Boro and many loving in-laws, nieces…