Obituaries

Randy “OB” O’Brien, 56, of Hazel Ave., Ellwood City died Thursday, October 27, 2016 at his residence. Born November 27, 1959 in Beaver Falls, he was the son of the late Ronald O’Brien who passed away in 2015 and Susan Butler O’Brien of Beaver Falls . Randy graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1977. He worked at the Ellwood City Forge until 2015. He was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson. Randy played on a number of bocce leagues at the IMBS Club in Koppel where he was a social member. His most…

Robert VanTine Baird, 84, of Kate Houk Rd., Wayne Twp. passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at his residence. Born August 6, 1932 in Allegheny County, he was the son of the late Thomas and Josephine VanTine Baird. He was married for 62 years to Donna Mae McCaslin Baird as they were married June 11, 1953. She passed away January 21, 2016. Bob retired in 1985 following 25 years as the owner and operator of Baird Pump Service and Well Drilling. At the same time, he owned Baird’s Pump and Supply Plumbing Service in Ellwood City. Following his retirement in…

Mr. Wilfred O. Greco, 85, of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, October 24, 2016 at the Grove in Harmony.Mr. Greco was born on July 8, 1931 in New Brighton to the late Domenic and Eleanor Greco. Wilfred had worked for the U.S. Steel Mill in Chicago as a foreman for many years. After returning to Ellwood City he worked at the Giant Eagle in Franklin Twp. as a bagger for several years. A craftsman, he enjoyed woodworking. Wilfred also enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, and fixing things around his home. Mr. Greco is survived by his loving companion, Hildegard Rough…

Frederick “Yardbird” M. Bender , 69, of Bender Lane, Marienville (formerly of Ellwood City) passed away Friday, October 21, 2016 at the VA Medical Center in Butler. Born April 25, 1947 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Frederick M and Alberta Swoger Bender Sr. He was married to Judy Newton Bender who passed away in 2012. Fred retired in 2002 from Calgon (now NALCO) following 33 years of service. He began working in 1969. He attended Lincoln High School, leaving early to enlist in the Army where he served in Vietnam. Upon his honorable discharge, Fred…

Janet R. Reeher, 78, of Wilson Dr., Wampum (Big Beaver Boro) passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at Allegheny General Hospital following a short illness. Born October 9, 1938 in Koppel, she was the daughter of the late John and Anna Schnitzki Percic. She was married for 59 years to Ronald D. Reeher, who survives. Janet retired following 38 years of service as the Food Director for Big Beaver Falls High School. She was a lifelong member of the former St. Theresa Parish in Koppel where she was active with the Christian Mothers Society. She currently is a member of…

Nellie V. Nye Brown, 88, of the Carriage Court, Ellwood Road, New Castle, formerly of Glen Avenue, Ellwood City, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 19 2016 at Golden Hill Nursing Home, New Castle. She was born in North Sewickley,  Beaver County, on January 19 1928 to the late Joseph “Bert”  Nye and the late Florence Lena Weil Nye. Nellie  graduated as valedictorian  from the old Portersville-Muddy Creek  High School, and later attended Butler Business College. Nellie was a lifetime member of the Ellwood Free Methodist Church, where she served on the church board and was church treasurer for 35…

David M. McDanel, 74, of Fombell passed away Friday, October 14, 2016 at the Villa St. Joseph of Baden following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Born May 26, 1942 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late H. Lewis and Ada Graham McDanel. He was married for 23 years to Paula Leathers McDanel who survives. David served in the US Army as a mechanic and truck driver. He continued his truck driving career throughout his life as both a company driver with Warren Sauer’s Trucking in Cranberry and then as an owner/operator with D& M Trucking. With…