Obituaries

Kelly Renna McDanel, 59, of Ellwood City passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital surrounded by her family. Born February 9, 1966, in Virginia, she was the daughter of Hap and Sally Pander. She married Alan McDanel Sr. on October 2, 1999. Kelly earned her degree from Geneva College and currently worked as an insurance agent for Beneigh Insurance in Zelienople. She was fond of her pets, both past and present, and enjoyed going camping. Above all, Kelly cherished moments spent with her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Survivors include her beloved husband of…

Anita J. Bookamer, 83, formerly of Ellwood City passed away Friday, April 18, 2025, at the Lakeview Personal Care Home following a prolonged illness. Born June 19, 1941, in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Joe and Nilda (Fantone) Carney.  She was married to George Bookamer who passed away in 2003. Anita was an avid Pittsburgh Pirate Fan. She loved playing cards and with her dogs. Her most cherished time was spent with family especially her grandchildren. Survivors include a son, Mark (Holli) Osborne of Ellwood City, brother, Donald (Margaret) Carney of Venice, Florida; three granddaughters, Kessi…

Paul R. Bara, 79, of Greeley, PA, a devoted husband, loving father, and esteemed professional passed away peacefully Saturday, April 5 2025, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late Joseph J. Bara and Yolanda Quintana Bara of Wampum, PA. He was born in Newcastle, PA on March 16, 1946, and was a 1964 graduate of Mohawk High School. He was a star athlete in basketball and baseball and played with the likes of Richie Allen and Don Hennon. Paul is survived by his wife of 44 years, Arlene Hampe Bara, the love…

Mr. William S. Montgomery, Sr., 86, of Fombell passed away on Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at his residence with his loving family at his bedside. Mr. Montgomery was born in Tarentum, PA on March 23rd, 1939 to the late William and Eleanor Lucille (Hilty) Montgomery. Bill had graduated from Scott Township High School and the Pittsburgh Technical Institute where he learned the trade of welding. He enlisted with the United States Marine Corps on May 29th, 1959 and served with the Company B 8th Engineering Battalion until his honorable discharge on April 12th, 1963 with the rank of Corporal (E-4)….

David Paul Rambo Sr., 78, of Tionesta passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Wampum, at his daughter’s residence. Born August 20, 1946, in New Brighton, he was the son of the late Francis “Fritz” and Mary Young Rambo. He was married to the late Jeraldyne “Jerry” Ann Haswell Rambo. They shared 54 years of marriage until her passing on May 9, 2019. In David’s younger years he worked as a mechanic, bodyman, and skilled car painter, first at Bachman’s Garage in New Brighton, and then at Poor Boys Auto Body in Beaver. An avid outdoorsman, David enjoyed hunting…

With our hearts heavy, full of sadness and sorrow, we announce the passing of Kiera “Kiki” Marie Mayville who passed away unexpectedly on April 12th, 2025 at the age of 20. She was born on December 14th, 2004 in Youngstown, OH. Kiera was a beautiful, vibrant soul, who was always the life of the party and would shine like a bright star in the night sky everywhere she would go. Her beautiful smile would light up a whole room as soon as she would walk in. She enjoyed singing and dancing and would do it no matter where she was…

Lizbeth M. Brandenburg, 70, of Ellwood City passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at UPMC Jameson Hospital in New Castle. She was the daughter of the late Michael and Agnes (Crowe) Smith and was born June 21, 1954, in Ellwood City. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, James A. “Jim’ Brandenburg of Ellwood City, James R. Brandenburg of Ellwood City, her siblings; Michael Smith and his wife Joann of Ellwood City, Jane Faix and her husband Richard of Sarasota, FL, Ann Colella and her husband Michael of Beaver Falls, numerous nieces and nephews and friends. She…

Justin Fitzgibbons, 71, of Portersville Rd. Perry Township, Ellwood City passed away Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at UPMC – Jameson Hospital following a brief illness. Born April 12, 1953, in Connellsville, PA, he was the son of the late William T. and Anne R. Coyne Fitzgibbons. Justin graduated from Riverside in 1971 and later earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Robert Morris University in 1976. His love for sales led him to pursue a successful career in the field. He retired from Tennant Industrial, where he worked as a commercial cleaning equipment salesman. He also had worked at HerrVoss…

Mrs. Antoinette “Toni” (Ferrante) Main, 88, of Ellport passed away on Sunday, April 6th, 2025 at Quality Life Services New Castle. Mrs. Main was born on July 21st, 1936 in Ellwood City to the late Flem “Babe” and Jennie (Mascia) Ferrante. She is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1955. Over the years Antoinette had worked at Greenshear Bakery, Leeds & Northrup, Romar Textile, and was co-owner and operator of Main’s Texaco Service Station which was located on Route 18 in Wampum. She had served as a member and leader for the Girl Scouts of America for…