Obituaries

William E. Gillespie, 68, of Grove City, PA, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024 after a brief illness. Bill was born in New Brighton, PA on February 21, 1956 to William K. and Olive Mae (Balderson) Gillespie. Bill attended North Liberty Presbyterian Church and Grace Community Church. He was an ordained deacon, and a youth ministry leader. Bill was a volunteer fire fighter at North Sewickley Fire Department and worked as a contractor in woodworking and restoration. Surviving are his two daughters, Amanda Gillespie and Megan (Gary) Williams all of North Sewickley Twp., PA; two sisters, Susan Black in…

Ms. Mary Ann Hilliard, 54, of New Castle passed away on Thursday, October 17th, 2024 at Edison Manor. Mary was born on October 18th, 1969 in Ellwood City to the late Russell W. and Theodora F. (Lutz) Hilliard Sr. She enjoyed being on social media such as instagram and tik-tok, watching various videos for entertainment. She is survived by her sister, Richelle Owens of Ellwood City, and brothers, Russell Hilliard Jr., and Mike (Janet) Hilliard of Arvada, CO. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Ronald and Terry Hilliard, sister-in-law, Teresa Hilliard and brother-in-law, John Owens. As per…

Bruce R. Jerome Jr., 41, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on Thursday October 17, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was the son of Sharon Dziennik and the late Bruce R Jerome Sr. He was born February 24, 1983, in Ellwood City. He received his education in the Ellwood City Area School District. He also attended Lawrence County Vo-Tech for autobody repair. He was employed for several years at Heraeus Electro-Nite, then Trader Horn, Allied Lighting, and most recently at Adams Manufacturing as a forklift operator. He also worked for many years alongside his grandfather Al Jerome, with his…

Christine D. Costello “Chrissy” went to be with her sweet Jesus and join the Heavenly Choir on October 19, 2024. She was born November 29, 1946 in Aliquippa PA to the late John Dorchnic Sr. and Catherine Pless Dorchnic Barna. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Malcolm Gray Costello “Mack”, her daughter, Catherine “Carrie” (Alan) Marsh, her son, Jeremy Gray Costello, sister, Janet (Chuck) Morris, brother, Ed Dorchnic, grandchildren, Tara Marsh (Buk) Phillips, and Brennen Marsh. Also surviving are her brother-in-law, Richard Sulkowski, one niece and four nephews as well as four great-nieces and six great-nephews. She…

Erin Rae Plavecsky, 40, of Mt. Lebanon passed away Thursday, October 17, 2024 at her residence. Born June 2, 1984 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of David L. Plavecsky and Robin Silvester. Erin graduated from New Brighton in 2002. Following graduation, she continued her education at both the Pittsburgh Art Institute and Slippery Rock University. A talented artist, Erin enjoyed playing the harp, drawing, and painting. She is survived by her father, David (Anna Marie) Plavecsky of Koppel, mother, Robin Silvester of Oregon, and brother, Brett Plavecsky of Koppel. A private family gathering will be held on Sunday…

Jeffrey D. Pierce, 59, of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024 surrounded by loved ones in his home. Born on May 19, 1965, in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late David and Helen (Burry) Pierce. Jeff graduated from Seneca Valley in 1983. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Tri-State University in Angola, IN, in 1988. He excelled in entrepreneurship, problem solving, sales and manufacturing. Jeff worked with his father Dave at Mayfield Foundry in Beaver Falls, PA. Together they purchased Milltex and then acquired Medart Inc., an engineering and…

Philip James Nerti, 70, of Oakdale passed away unexpectedly Sunday, October 13, 2024 at his residence. Born June 18, 1954 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Phillip A. Nerti and Anna Mae Frickanish Nerti of North Beaver Township. Philip graduated from Duquesne with a bachelor’s in science and then from the University of Pittsburgh Katz School of Business where he earned his MBA. He was an active member of the Archangel Gabriel Parish in McKees Rocks. Philip held numerous positions throughout his life as a pharmacist and then he moved into administration, as the Vice President…

Pamela Virginia Kifer, 75, of Ellwood City passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at St. Barnabas Nursing Home. Born June 2, 1949 in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Harry J. and Betty V. Rebson Thompson. Pamela was retired from West Penn Hospital where she served as a nurse. She was a member of the East Liberty Presbyterian Church, an active member of the Eastern Star Ellwood City Chapter 212, and in her younger years a member of the Fox Chapel Rifle Club. Crafting and cross-stitching gave her great pleasure. Survivors include two daughters, Malinda (Ryan) Young of…

Ms. Helen G. Mantz, 98, of Ellwood City, passed away on October 14th, 2024 at her residence. Helen was born on November 11th, 1925 in Ellwood City to the late James and Mary (Minnocci) Mantz. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1941. Helen belonged to Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church, and was also a Christian Mother. She starting working for Shapiro’s Dress Shop in 1942, and eventually bought the business upon the previous owner’s retirement. Once hers, she renamed the business “Helen’s Dress Shop, Bridal and Formal” and remained in business until her retirement, at…

Kathy Ann Olsen, 71, of Enon Valley passed away following a lengthy illness Sunday, October 13, 2024 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Born October 4, 1953 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Merle Copper and Vera Mitchell Gotchen. She married Richard Olsen on October 25, 2001. Kathy graduated from Mohawk in 1971. Throughout her life she worked numerous jobs, but her most fulfilling was as a social worker at Cray Youth Services in New Castle. She served as a member of the former McKees Rocks Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Survivors include her…