Obituaries

Betty J. Crawford, 93, formerly of North Sewickley Twp. passed away Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the Blair Personal Care Home following a lengthy illness. Born January 17, 1923 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late James E. and Dorothy Forbush Houk. She was married to Eugene E. “Curly” Crawford for 27 years when he passed away in 1969. Betty, along with her son, “Crete” owned and operated the Shelby Bar for 14 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church. An avid bowler, Betty bowled at Park Lanes for many years. Survivors include a…

Santiago E. “Jimmy” Martinez, 53, of Dushane St., New Castle passed away Thursday, January 12, 2017 at his residence. Although in ill health, death was unexpected. Born November 10, 1963 in Cotulla, Texas, he was the son of the late Santiago Martinez and Adela Elizondo Perez with whom he resided. Santiago was a self employed sign fabricator. He was affiliated with the Wampum United Methodist Church. In addition to his mother, Adela and step father, Ernest Reyna, survivors include his significant other, Dora Lee Bove; seven children, Paul Michael Martinez of Cotulla, TX, Christina, Herlinda, and Patricia Martinez all of…

Bruce M. Hockenberry, 64, of Harper’s Ferry Road,   Ellwood City (North Sewickley Twp.) , passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 12 2017 at his residence. He was born in  Ellwood City  on  June 27 1952 to the late Donald L. Hockenberry, who died Sept. 29 2016, and the late Donna J. Majors Hockenberry, who died March 19 2015. Bruce graduated from Riverside High School, class of 1970, and later Geneva College, and also graduate work at the University of South Carolina at Columbia SC. He was employed as a metallurgy  chemist, working at Koppers Co. in Pittsburgh, and Inmetco in…

Mrs. Martha Mancini, 94, of Ellwood City passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 in the Ellwood City Hospital. Mrs. Mancini was born on April 25, 1922 in Ellwood City to the late Nick and Virginia Filoia Perazzoni. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1940. She was employed at Ellwood Oldsmobile Agency (McElwains) and worked in the accounting department of the United Tube Corporation. She was a devoted member of the Holy Redeemer Church and the Holy Redeemer Christian Mothers. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and gardening. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her family and…

Helen M. Fabian, 84, of Wayne Twp., Ellwood City passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at the home of her daughter in Carnegie, PA following a brief illness. Born May 20, 1932 in New Castle, she was one of ten children born to the late Adolph and Winifred Jones Forkey. She was married for 53 years to Paul R. Fabian who passed away on December 6, 2005. Helen graduated from New Castle High School with the Class of 1950. Immediately after high school, she began her working career at Isaly’s in New Castle. She then worked at Shenango China where…

Steve Burcik, 92, of Hutter Ave., Ellwood City passed away peacefully at his home with his family at his side on Tuesday, January 10, 2017. Born December 31, 1924 in Finleyville, PA, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Ignatowicz Burcik. Steve was married for 65 years to Evelyn Kniess Burcik who survives. Steve retired after 38 years of service from Babcox and Wilcox where he worked in the pickle house. He served his country in the Army during WWII. Steve was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Middle Lancaster, and Ellwood City’s Moose Club…