Obituaries

Mrs. Helen E. Rocco, 96, formerly of Shenango Twp. passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at the Fairview Manor in Fairview, Pa. Mrs. Rocco was born on April 17, 1922 in New Castle to the late Anton and Emma (Kline) Schultz. She had worked for many years at Airway Luggage in West Pittsburgh. While living in Shenango Twp., Helen was a member of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church and the Amvets Ladies Auxiliary. She is survived by her granddaughters, Bobbie Jo (David) Mahaffey and Billie Jo (David) Ziacik, her 14 great-grandchildren, her sister, Ruth Smelzer of Cleveland, her special…

Henry G. Sommers, 85, of Sechen Dr., Portersville (Muddy Creek Twp.) passed away Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at the VNA Hospice in Butler following a brief illness. Born August 14, 1932 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late George B. and Irene L. Kline Sommers . He was married for 63 years to Janis E. Hawthorne Sommers when she passed away February 4, 2018. Henry retired as the Camp Manager at the Seneca Hills Bible Camp. He had also worked at Mathews Conveyer. Henry was an active member of the Portersville Presbyterian Church where he served as…

Evelyn M. Deemer, 89, of New Galilee (New Beaver Boro), passed away peacefully on Monday morning, July 9 2018 at Butler Memorial Hospital in Butler. She was born in Ellwood City on October 8 1928 to the late Nestor Peters, and the late Mary Tassin Peters. Evelyn attended Lincoln High School in Ellwood City,  and was a longtime faithful  member of First Christian Church in Ellwood City, where she belonged to   Speeders. She was a member for many years of the North Sewickley Volunteer Fire Dept. Auxiliary. She worked  until retiring at  Riverside High School, in the cafeteria, and later…

On Sunday, July 8, 2018, Robert E. Nye Beachem passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by family. He was born July 5, 1961 and at the age of 57, he lost his courageous battle with cancer. He was the son of Mary and Kermit “Joe” Beachem.. Robert was the beloved companion of Joann Johnson for 28 years. He was also the step father to Ashley Gutshall and Andrew Johnson and a grandfather to Ashley’s four children, Ariel, Makayla, Cayden, and Ella Murray. Robert also had two children of his own, a daughter Shana Nye who has three daughters of…

Mrs. Mary Rugh, 94, formerly of Ellport, passed away on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at Rhodes Estates in New Castle. Mrs. Rugh was born on November 12, 1923 in Ellwood City to the late John and Mary (Maier) Neghiu. She had graduated from Lincoln high School with the class of 1941. For many years Mary worked at the Ellwood Glass Company. She was an active member of the St. Elia’s Romanian Orthodox Church, the St. Elia’s Ladies Auxiliary, and the Carol 1 Romanian Aid Society. She enjoyed line dancing and going to Challenges. Mary is survived by her sisters-in-law; Florence “Zina”…

William  A.  Snyder,  75, of   New Castle, (Shenango Township), passed away peacefully on Monday evening, July 2 2018 at the Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Beaver . He was born in Ellwood City on August 12 1942 to the late Robert and Norma Baker Snyder. Bill belonged to the former  Church of the Nazarene in Ellport. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School, class of 1960. He then served in the US Air Force from 1960-62. Until his retirement, Bill worked for many years  mainly as a welder at the former Babcock and Wilcox Tubular Products Co. plant…

Mr. Ronald D. Lefever, Sr., 74, of Fombell passed away on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at the Ellwood City Medical Center. Mr. Lefever was born on May 31, 1944 in Pittsburgh to the late Ray and Emma (Tritt) Lefever. Ron had worked for the Borough of Ellwood City  street department for over 40 years. he enjoyed fishing and hunting. Ron is survived by his daughter, Sandra Lefever,  his son Ronald D. Lefever, Jr. both of Ellwood City, and his sister Wanda Taylor of California. He is also survived by his former wife, Joann (Zigler) Lefever of Ellwood City. He was preceded…

Mrs. Jean Neve, 97, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away on Sunday, July 1, 2018 at the St. John Specialty Care. Mrs. Neve was born on December 18, 1920 in Wampum to the late Michael and Antonette (Celetti) Altobello. She had worked for a fireworks company in New Castle, the WPA (Works Progress Administration, and the Ellwood City Knitting Mill. She also worked for Mary Kocevar at the Elton Hotel and her catering business. Jene is also a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish. She enjoyed cooking and playing bingo. Mrs. Neve is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Janet…

Martha M. Ippolito, 86 of Wampum, went to her eternal home on Sunday, July 1, 2018 to be with her Lord whom she loved. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt who always put others before herself. She was truly a blessing to her family and friends, creating bonds that can never be broken. Martha will live on forever in our hearts as we celebrate her life and remember the joyous times spent in her presence. Born July 30, 1931 in Dallas, West Virginia, Martha was the daughter of the late Charles C. and Melba E. Strickler Howard….

Mrs. Norma Szabo, 95, of Ellwood City died peacefully on Saturday, June 30, 2018 in the Northview Estates Assisted Living Facility. Born on February 13, 1923 in Ellwood City, Norma was the daughter of Anthony Young (Iacovine) and Loretta (Fusco) Young. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School with the class of 1942. On June 14, 1945, she married Andrew Szabo and that happy marriage lasted 55 years until his death on December 29, 2000. Norma was a warm, engaging and giving person to everyone she met. She was an exceptional cook and baker. Her greatest joy was preparing…