Obituaries

Bruce E. Shidemantle, 59, of New Castle, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, Jan. 21, 2016 in the VNA Inpatient Hospice in Butler following a brief illness. He was born in Ellwood City on Aug. 10, 1956 to the late Arthur Mervin Shidemantle, Sr., and Barbara Joanna Boak Scheidemantle, of Portersville, who survives. Bruce graduated from Riverside High School in the class of 1974 and was a heavy equipment operator and truck driver for Kerry Coal Company for many years. He enjoyed hunting and was a Harley-Davidson motorcycle enthusiast. In addition to his mother, he is survived by two daughters:…

Tamey L. Zak, 60, of Fombell passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016 in her residence. Tamey was born on March 18, 1955 in Canonsburg to Gordon and Marlene Wade Baumgardner. She was a member of the Riverside High School class of 1973, and was Catholic by faith. Tamey enjoyed arts and crafts, but most of all spending time with her grandchildren. Tamey is survived by her husband, Robert S. Zak whom she married on Dec. 29, 1972, her two sons, Chad Zak and his fiance Dr. Sara Mendoza of Colombia, South America, and Robert (Millicent) Zak of Franklin…

Dr. Allen Clinton Struble Jr., 91, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016 at his home under the care of Vitas Hospice. Born Jan. 18, 1924 in Masury, Ohio, he was the son of the late Allen C. and Celia Edwards Struble Sr. He was married on Dec. 3, 1996 in Kona, Hawaii to Dawn Ray Struble, who survives. Dr. Struble practiced Podiatry in Ellwood City for 48 years. He received his Pre-Med Degree from Ohio State University in 1949 and then continued his education at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine earning his Doctorate Degree in…

Pearl E. McConnell, 82, of Old Rt. 18, New Beaver Boro passed away Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016 at UPMC Mercy Hospital following a brief illness. Born May 3, 1933 in Wampum, she was the daughter of the late Ralph W. and Ida M. Smith Brommer. She was married for 62 years to Harold R. McConnell who survives. They were married Aug. 7, 1953 Pearl worked with her husband, Harold for 47 years in McConnell Tax Service. She had previously worked at Reliable Luggage in West Pittsburgh. Pearl enjoyed playing the lottery and trips to the casino. She also enjoyed feeding…

John J. “Jack” Bowers, 87, of Wurtemburg Heights, Ellwood City, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday morning, Jan. 14, 2016 in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was born in Muddy Creek Township on Aug. 3, 1928 to the late John C. Bowers and the late Blanche McCartney Bowers. Jack graduated from Zelienople High School in the class of 1946 and attended Geneva College. He served in the U.S. Army in Japan from 1946-48 and was recalled in 1950-51. He was a longtime member of Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church, where he had served as both a deacon…

Bernice Ruth Poholsky, 89, formerly of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, Jan. 11, 2016 at Family Hospice and Palliative Care Canterbury Campus in Pittsburgh. She was born in Ellwood City, on April 9, 1926 to the late John W. Duffy and the late Minnie Ladebu Duffy. Bernice graduated from Lincoln High School in the class of 1944. She was a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star #212 in Ellwood City. Bernice worked in the industrial relations department at Aetna Standard Engineering until retiring in 1986. In…

Joseph G. Mesko, 66, of Franklin Twp. passed away on Friday, Jan. 8, 2016 in Allegheny General Hospital. Joe was born on Dec. 3, 1949 in Ellwood City to the late Steve and Rose Irene Markus Mesko. He is a member of the Riverside High School class of 1967. He served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a helicopter mechanic. Joe then worked as a owner/operator Truck Driver for over forty years. He is also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Joe is survived by his daughter, Jessica (Ryan) Dick of Parker, Pa, his son,…

Michael R. Reed, 54, of Blake Lane, Wampum (Taylor Twp.) passed away Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016 at the Jameson Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. Born Aug. 20, 1961 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Raymond D. Reed Sr. and Annette Fandozzi Reed of Hubbard, Ohio. Michael enjoyed working on cars, hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his dogs. In addition to his mother, Annette, survivors include his former wife, Norma Kendall Reed; two sisters, Laura (John) DePolis of Corona, Calif., Cynthia (Dennis) Vestal of Hubbard; two brothers, Raymond D. (Susan) Reed of Mt. Jackson,…

Donna M. Ippolito, 65, of Ella St., Wampum passed away Friday, Jan. 8, 2016 at the Cleveland Clinic following an extended illness. Born Sept. 27, 1950 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Gene W. and Helen Irene Mecklem Roberts. She was married for 45 years to Kenneth F. Ippolito who survives. Donna graduated from Lincoln High School. She enjoyed gardening and making candy. In addition to her husband, Ken, survivors include two sons, Lucas and Thomas Ippolito, both of Wampum; sister, Jane (Dave) Badgett of Navarre, Fla.; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by…