Obituaries

Dr. Milton L. Caplan was born in 1915, son of the late Jacob L. Caplan and Gertrude Goldman Caplan, in Ellwood City, and lived in Ellwood most of his life, until  2003, at the age of 88, when he retired to West Palm Beach Florida. Dr. Caplan lived to be over 101, when he passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 7 2017.  He would have celebrated his 102 birthday in May. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Smith Caplan, as well as his two sons, Mark Jeffrey Caplan, and Ronald Jay Caplan.  The last of his family,…

Charles (Charlie) Vance Solbrig, 88, of Ellwood City, PA passed away on March 5, 2017 at his home in Harrisburg, PA where he has been living with his wife, Rita Joyce Solbrig since becoming ill several years ago. Born December 7, 1928 in South Bend, IN, he was the son of Hardin Elsby and Maude Elizabeth Solbrig, and the brother of Betty (Solbrig) Spaid. He graduated from Washington Clay HS in South Bend, IN in 1946, then attended Indiana University in Bloomington, IN, where, in 1951, he earned a B.S. degree in Geology. In college he served in the Air…

 James L.  “Captain Jim” Smith, of (Wayne Twp.) Ellwood City, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, March 3 2017 at the Ellwood City Hospital.  Jim was a loving family man.   He loved mowing his lawn, caring for his cars and was an avid boater.   Jim has spent his entire life, 92 years, in Ellwood City and has lived in the same house his father built. He was born in Ellwood City to the late Harry and Louise McKelvey Smith. He served in the US Army during World War II.   Jim worked at the former Ellwood Works of US Steel…

Esther Jean Aiken, 86, of North Sewickley Twp. Ellwood City passed away peacefully Thursday, March 2, 2017 at her residence. Born February 21, 1931 in New Brighton, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Mildred Gorby Welsh. She was married for 64 years to Donald R. Aiken, who survives. Esther was a professional homemaker, taking pride in raising her four children. She was an active member of North Sewickley Presbyterian Church. Spanning 64 years, Esther was involved as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and served on the Kitchen Committee. She also worked on the Global Links Medical Mission…

Helen E. Jackson, 85, of Jackson Lane, New Beaver Boro passed away Thursday, March 2, 2017 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital following a two day illness. Born May 16, 1931 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late James Ralph and Helen Esther Anderson Little. She was married for 66 years to Robert B. Jackson Jr who survives. Helen began her working career as a draftsman with Rexnord and Matthews in Ellwood City and then at Koppers in Pittsburgh. She was currently the Jury Commissioner for Lawrence County. She was an active member of the Wampum Presbyterian Church, serving…

Jacklyn McMillan Hoffman, 34, of Freedom (formerly of Ellwood City) passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at her residence. Born January 2, 1983 in Merced, California, she was the daughter of Jeff and Kerri Eichenberger of Ellwood City. She was married to Scott Hoffman who survives. Jackie attended Riverside High School. She had previously worked at the Marriott in Cranberry Twp. She was affiliated with the New Hope Lutheran Church. Jackie was a talented artist. She enjoyed dancing and the outdoors, especially thunderstorms. She loved her kids. In addition to her parents, Jeff and Kerri, husband, Scott, survivors include children,…

Joseph J. Buzzelli, 92, of Franklin Twp., Ellwood City passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Hospice in Beaver following a lengthy illness. Born August 29, 1924 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late John and Girloma Frazzini Buzzelli. He was married to Mary Ann Pasquarelli Buzzelli who passed away on August 26, 2013. Joe retired from J & L Steel in Aliquippa. Following his retirement, he was well known as recently as two years ago as a handyman. He was a Veteran of the Army, serving in the European Theatre during WWII. Joe…