Obituaries

Steven C. Palatka, 69, of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at his residence. Born February 27, 1949, Steven was the son of the late Steve Z. and Pauline (Savu) Palatka. A 1967 graduate of Lincoln High School, Steven subsequently studied engineering technology at Point Park College, where he was a member of Lamda Chi Alpha fraternity. Upon culminating his education at Point Park College, Steven worked at U.S. Steel as an engineering technologist. With members from both side of his family having worked at U.S. Steel, Steven was a third generation U.S. Steel employee. Steven…

Henry Eugene Krupa, 13 months, of Ellwood City passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 20, 2018 at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. Born April 19, 2017 in Magee Hospital in Pittsburgh, he was the son of Henry Joseph Krupa Jr. and Davina Marie Clark, both of Ellwood City. Henry was very brave and a strong fighter. He was always smiling regardless of his circumstances and overcame many obstacles in his short time with us.  Henry touched many lives. He was loved by his family and the staff at Children’s Hospital among others. In addition to his parents, survivors…

Nikki Ann Beachem, 33, of Fombell passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May, 17, 2018 at her residence. Nikki was born on November 16, 1984 in Ellwood City to Mark and Cathy (Wimer) Beachem, Sr.. She is a member of the Riverside High School class of 2003. Nikki had worked at the Walmart in Cranberry Twp. for several years. She enjoyed playing darts, and was a member of the Double Dealin’ Café dart team, going to Turkey shoots, and playing bingo. Nikki is survived by her parents, her son, Jake Cox and his father Charles Cox of Ellwood City, her brother, Mark (Amanda) Beachem…

Joyce A. McDanel, 72, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at her residence following a courageous three year battle with cancer. Born April 15, 1946 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Collins Dell and Ethel Main Streckeisen. She was married to Donald G. McDanel for 47 years as they were married September 20, 1970. He survives. Joyce graduated from Lincoln High School in 1964. She formerly worked at the Dustproof Mattress Company. She was a 45 year member of the Concord United Methodist Church where she was a member of the United…

Dale E. White, 88, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at the Ellwood City Medical Center. Born September 14, 1929 in Wurtemburg, he was the son of the late Homer and Gertrude Challis White . He was married to Dorothy Patricia Vetica White for 62 years as they were married November 19, 1955. She survives. Dale was a 1948 graduate of Lincoln High School. He studied and earned a degree in metallurgy with the American Society for Metals Institute. He spent his entire working career within the steel industry. He was first employed with US Steel,…

Joseph A. Mazzei, Jr., 56, of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, May 14, 2018 at the Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. Joe was born on April 14, 1962 in Ellwood City to the late Joseph A. “Lucky” Mazzei, Sr. and Connie (DeBaise) Mazzei. He graduated from Lawrence County Vo-Tech in 1980 where he earned a diploma in Industrial Electricity. Joe enlisted with the U.S. Army on July 13, 1980 and served with the 6th Battery Battalion as a Weapons Support Radar Repairer at Fort Sill, OK with the rank of SP-4 until his discharge on July 12, 1986. Joe then served with…

Joan C. Lees, 84, of Hermitage passed away Monday, May 14, 2018 at Shenango on the Green in New Wilmington following a lengthy illness. She was born August 3, 1933 in New Castle, the daughter of the late John N. and Elizabeth Reno Cornelius. Joan graduated from New Castle High School and later from Grove City College. It was while attending Grove City that she met the love of her life, Robert E. Lees, to whom she was married for 61 years. He survives. She was a Junior High school teacher in the New Castle School District where she retired…

Janey Swanik, 101, formerly of Wampum passed away Sunday, May 13, 2018 at Wyngate Senior Living in Weirton, West Virginia. She was born on June 15, 1916 in Clarksburg, WV. She was one of twelve children born to her Spanish immigrant parents, Jesus and Dolores Artinez Gonzalez The family moved to Langeloth, PA when Janey was a child and she lived there until her marriage to Michael Swanik on July 29, 1937. She was a 1935 graduate of Burgettstown High School. Janey and Mike moved to Wampum in 1946 when Michael purchased the Sno-Top Mushroom Farm. Janey was a member…