Obituaries

Maryann Jackson, 93, a longtime resident of Wampum, Pennsylvania, entered her eternal home in Heaven on August 14, 2026. Maryann lived a long life distinguished by the love, faith and quiet service she gave so freely to others. Artistic, loving, humble and gentle, she was perhaps best described simply as a servant. She instinctively looked for ways to care for the people around her and was happiest when doing something for someone else. Born January 2, 1933 in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, Maryann was bright, creative and curious from an early age. In high school, she served as editor of her school…

Gloria Heckendorn, public school teacher and art club member, passed away on the morning of Tuesday, August 11. She was 92. She was born Gloria Mae Iorfido in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, at her parents’ home in 1933. She grew up in Ambridge with six siblings and attended the Ambridge Area School District, graduating in the class of 1951. She attended Slippery Rock University and would eventually earn her bachelor’s degree in Health & Physical Education. While at college, she also met a former U.S. Navy sailor, Thomas Heckendorn. They wed shortly after her graduation from Slippery Rock in 1955. Gloria was…

Charles W. Kahne, aka “No Coat Charlie”, 79, of Ellport passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 surrounded by his loving family at UPMC Jameson Hospital following a brief illness. Born January 28, 1947 in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Elizabeth Moss Kahne. Charles worked at Edro Steel and Quality Rolls for many years as a machinist until his retirement. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed traditional hunting with muzzleloaders and bow and arrows, as well as fishing. Music was an important part of his life, especially the Rolling Stones. He was a fan of the Steelers and…

Christopher Daniel Stunkard, 25, of New Galilee passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 10, 2026 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Born February 19, 2001 in New Castle, he was the son of Daniel J. Stunkard of New Galilee and Tanya Reno Stunkard of Washington, PA. Chris was a devoted caregiver for his grandmother, Katherine. He enjoyed playing video games, collecting squishmellows, and loved his dog Velma. Survivors include his parents; brother, Isaiah Matthew Stunkard of New Castle; sister, Danni Lynn Stunkard of New Galilee; two grandmothers, Katherine Link of New Galilee and Lori Schoettker of New Castle. He was preceded in…

Kathleen Lois Yarzebinski Chill died at the age of 79 peacefully on August 9th, surrounded by her family. It was a beautiful sunny day. As a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother – she was a wonderfully complex person. A sophisticated, artistic, stylish, and cosmopolitan woman who happily lived her life in the village of Chewton next to a farm. Kathleen was strong-willed and fair, always able to speak her mind with honesty. She devoted her life to her family, she loved us as much as anyone possibly could, always there, always listening, always with open arms. She will be missed. Born…

Dorothy J. Sudano, 97, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at her residence. Born September 24, 1928 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Catherine Volrath Ferrese. She married Anthony Sudano on June 26, 1948. He preceded her in death on November 22, 2007. Dorothy was a longtime member of Divine Grace Parish Ellwood City. She enjoyed crocheting, listening to music, and crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed baking and hosted a weekly tradition of having coffee and doughnuts for her family after Sunday Mass. A…

Richard Jacob Figurel, 77, of Chewton passed away Thursday, August 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at Heritage Valley – Beaver following a brief illness. Born January 7, 1949 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Jacob Figurel. He married Karen Hairhoger on August 27, 1994. Richard graduated from Lincoln High School in 1967 and later earned his bachelor’s degree in art education from YSU. Throughout his life he held many jobs, working as a paralegal, a Primerica broker, and the owner of several printing and computer businesses in Canada, New Castle, and Ellwood City. He…

Joyce R. Garcia, 74, of, Ellwood City passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital following an extended illness. Born March 7, 1952 in Beaver Falls, she was the daughter of the late Sylvester and Thelma Pifer Pelloni. She married Peter Garcia on December 22, 1978. Together they shared over 32 years of marriage until his passing on November 26, 2011. Joyce graduated from Lincoln High School in 1970. She was a member of Park Gate Baptist Church and later attended the Victory Family Church in Zelienople. She found joy in sharing her faith in God. A devoted…

Barbara Ann Hall, 65, of Tionesta, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026, surrounded by her family at UPMC Hamot in Erie. Born December 16, 1960, in Ellwood City to Lawrence and Etta Hall, she was a graduate of Riverside High School. She worked at a variety of places over the years, including the Young Adult Conservation Corps in the Quehanna Wild Area, Dambach Nursery and Camp Kon-o-Kwee in Fombell, and Cambio’s Bar in Koppel. She particularly enjoyed her final job as a driver for the Brookville Area School District. After ultimately moving to Tionesta, she became a vendor at…

Rafaelle J. (Ralph) DiBello, age 88, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 1st, 2026. Born on November 6th, 1937 in Castelforte, Latina, Italy he was the son of the late Gennaro and Olinda DiBello. As a young man at the age of 23 and trained as a mechanic in Rome, he immigrated to the United States in 1960. After a few years, he purchased the property at 735 Lawrence Ave and became the owner of Ralph’s Super Service. Over the years, the gas station and minor repair shop became a staple on the main street…