Obituaries

Bertha J. “Birdie” Hawrylak, 85, formerly of Ellwood City passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016 in the Good Samaritan Hospice. Bertha was born on June 9, 1930 in Ellwood City to the late Alexander and Verna A. Onada Pavlin. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1948. Birdie had worked at Loccisano’s Grocery Store as a cashier in her youth, and later as a secretary for several years. She had belonged to the St. Agatha Catholic Church Christian Mothers, and served on the St. Agatha Church Bazaar Committee for many years. Her main joy was being…

Elsie H. Sommer Forsyth, 94, formerly of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016 at her home surrounded by her family. Elsie was born on June 19, 1921 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late John and Mary Binder Sommer. She is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1939, and the Bethel Lutheran Church in Glenshaw. Elsie had worked at the Ellwood City Water Co. for several years as a clerk and later at the Ellwood Federal Savings & Loan as a teller. She enjoyed crocheting and needlepoint. She leaves her beloved sons, David Forsyth of…

Glenda K. Nicklas, 65, of Short St, Ellwood City died Monday, Feb. 22 at the Ellwood City Hospital following a 30 year courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Born April 25, 1950 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Curtis Glenn Brown and Elva Vogler Brown of Ellwood City, formerly of Castlewood. Glenda graduated from Shenango High School in 1968. She was the manager at T&M True Value Hardware Store in Ellwood for many years. She was an active member of the Lillyville Church of God. She will be remembered for her hand made greeting cards commemorating her…

Benjamin R. Pellicano, 79, of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully into God’s hands on Sunday, Feb. 21 2016 at St. Johns Specialty Care Center in Mars, Pa. He was born in Ellwood City on Nov. 3, 1936 to the late Rev. Salvatore Pellicano, Sr. and the late Stella Santangelo Pellicano. Ben graduated in 1954 from Lincoln High School in Ellwood City, and later King’s College in New York. He served in the US Army from 1959-1965. He was employed until his retirement, as a systems analyst at PPG Industries in Pittsburgh. Ben lived his life for his God and his…

Frank Frederick, Jr., 73, of Perry Twp. passed away on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016 in the VNA Hospice. Mr. Frederick was born on Feb. 8, 1943 in Sewickley, Pa. to the late Frank and Dolores Holman Frederick, Sr. Frank enlisted with the U.S. Army on April 12, 1965 and served until his discharge on April 11, 1971. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Parachute Badge, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Frank worked as a Chrysler-Dodge Master Technician for 40 years. He retired in 2006 from Ellwood City Motor’s. He is a…

Ronald A. Folino, 59, of Hazel Avenue, Ellwood City, passed away on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 at Forbes Regional Hospital in Monroeville after an extended illness. Ron was born on March 15, 1956 in Ellwood City to the late Anthony and Lucille Catello Folino. He was a 1974 graduate of Lincoln High School and a member of Holy Redeemer Church. Ron formerly owned and operated ABC Pest control. He enjoyed classic cars and going to car shows. Ron is survived by his children and their spouses; Jamie and Brian Partridge, Mark and Tricia Folino, and Alan and Mary Folino, all…

Francis C. Piper, Sr., 89, formerly of Franklin Twp. passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016 in the Mill Creek Community Hospital in Erie. Francis was born on March 2, 1927 in Ellwood City to the late Joseph C. and Frances Fox Piper. He had attended Lincoln High School before joining the U.S. Navy on Jan. 11, 1945. He served with the 28th and 125th NCB until his discharge on June 17, 1946. He was awarded the Pacific Theater Ribbon with one star, Good Conduct Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon and the Victory Medal. Francis worked at the Babcock & Wilcox…

Barbara M. Walker, 80, of Longvue Ave. Ellwood City (North Sewickley Twp.) passed away Monday, Feb. 15, 2016 at Cranberry Place following an extended battle with diabetes. Born Sept. 20, 1935 in Youngstown, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late William and Harriet Ellen Wardle Maronde. She was married for 50 years to Dale Walker who survives. Barbara graduated from East High School in 1953 where she had the leading role in many high school plays. She worked in the offices at Century Food Market and National Tea Company, both in Youngstown. She retired from Keystone Bakery in West…