Obituaries

John A. Calabria, 87, of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully at the Community Living Center at the VA Medical Center in Butler, on Sunday afternoon, June 11 20017. He was born in  Sabraton WV  on September 29 1929, to the late Angelo Mario “Charley” Calabria, and the late Mary Elena Rocco  Calabria. He graduated from New Castle High School in 1948. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving during the Korean War from 1951-1953. He worked first at Shenango China in New Castle, then in yard shipping  at the former Babcock and Wilcox Tubular Products Div. in Beaver…

Warren Peffer, 75, of Perry Township passed away Friday, June 9, 2017 following a long battle with cancer. Born March 6, 1942 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Marion and Thelma Rupert Peffer. He was married for 48 years to Nancy M. Peffer who passed away November 21, 2016. Warren retired from BNZ Materials in Zelienople where he was a machine operator. He was an active member and longtime Sunday School teacher at the Wurtemburg United Methodist Church. Prior to that, he attended the Zion Lutheran Church. A Veteran of the US Air Force, Warren served…

James J. Scala, 84, of 35th St., Beaver Falls passed away Friday, June 9, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Hospice in Beaver. Born September 14, 1932 in Wampum, he was the son of the late Andrew and Mary Norge Scala. He was married to Rose Marie Keppen Scala who passed away in 1967. James retired in 1987 after 35 years with Babcox and Wilcox where he was a hydraulic repairman. He graduated from Wampum High School in 1950. He enjoyed bowling and working in his yard. Survivors include a daughter, Karen (Tom) Trzcinski with whom he resided; two sisters, Virginia…

Leonard A. “Bobo” Agnello, 80, of Kittanning (formerly of Wampum) was called home by his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. “Bo” was a Veteran of the US Army, serving in Frankfurt, Germany. He was a cottage parent, barber instructor, and bounty hunter all at George Jr. Republic, At George Jr, he also coached and instructed the drill team, winning many competitions. There were many other occupations and he owned several businesses thereafter, but the business he enjoyed the most was the amusement business. He was a ride owner/operator and concessionaire for over 50 years, traveling to fairs…

Ralph Melfi Jr., 82, formerly of Mt. Vernon Dr., Ellwood City passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at the Community Living Center of the Veterans Hospital in Butler. Born February 7, 1935 in Wampum, he was the eldest son of the late Ralph and Philomena Barile Melfi Sr. He was married to Kay Takako Melfi for 40 years when she passed away January 4, 2000. Junior graduated from Wampum High School where he played basketball and earned an athletic scholarship to attend Youngstown State University. While in college, he was drafted into the Army and served during the Korean War….

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelations 21:4 Sandy Lynn Boots, 41, passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Saturday, June 3, 2017. Born May 6, 1976 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of Barry and Beth Peeples Boots who both preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Ruth Ann Boots. Sandy is survived by her son, Zachary Griffith and daughter Haleigh Robinson, both of Ellwood…

Joseph F. Butera Jr., 77, of HIckory Twp., New Castle, formerly of Wampum, passed away Monday, May 29, 2017 at UPMC – Greenville Hospital following an extended illness. Born August 30, 1939 in West Pittsburg, he was the son of the late Joseph F. Butera Sr. and Margaret Woods Butera of West Pittsburg. He was married for 57 years to Anna Louise Pacielle Butera who survives. Joe retired from B & W Steel Co. after 29 years of service. He then worked at Koppel Steel until 1998. Joe graduated from New Castle High School and served in the US Army…

Robert C. Beitsch, 65, of Clover Ave., Ellwood City passed away Sunday, May 28, 2017 at the VNA Hospice in Butler following a courageous battle with cancer. Born December 1, 1951 in New Brighton, he was the son of the late Job C. Beitsch and Mildred Virginia Long. He was married for 46 years to Patty A. Gahagan Beitsch who survives. Bob retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad after 42 years of service as a machinist. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, yard work, and riding his motorcycle. His most cherished time was spent with his family especially his grandchildren. In addition to…