Obituaries

Mr. Charles Ray “Rat” Cortez, 77, of New Castle passed away on Thursday, June 19th, 2025 at the UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. Mr. Cortez was born on June 7th, 1948 in Ellwood City to the late Leroy and Betty Louise (Newton) Cortez. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1967. After high school Rat was drafted by the United States Army and served with the 101st Airborne Rangers during the Vietnam War Era doing many search and destroy missions. Following his service with the Army he worked at Calgon later know as Nalco as a…

Mr. Russell A. Pelligrene, 75, of Koppel passed away on Thursday, June 19th, 2025 at the Heritage Valley Medical Center. Russell was born in Beaver Falls on June 11th, 1950 to the late Frank “Geene” and Julia (Hawrylak) Pelligrene. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1968 and attended Edinboro University. Russell had worked at the Babcock & Wilcox Steel Mill in Koppel, was a self employed contractor, and following his retirement he worked at Pitt Raceway in the maintenance department. He is a member of the Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church in Ellwood City. Russell…

Mary Jane (Boyer) Boots, 84, of Fombell passed away June 18th peacefully with family by her side. Mary Jane was born on January 16th, 1941 in Ellwood City to the late Ira and Mary (Daufen) Boyer of Fombell. Mary Jane was the 5th generation to live on her family farm founded in 1820 located in Fombell, Pa. She graduated from Zelienople High school in 1958. After graduation, Mary Jane worked at the Ellwood Knitting Mills. She married the love of her life on July 16th, 1961. Following this, they moved to Frankfurt, Germany for three years while Wilbur served in…

Mary M. Kaufman, 87, of Fombell passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 16, 2025, at her residence. Born March 14, 1938, in Middle Lancaster Twp., PA, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Catherine Deemer Miller. She was formerly employed as a secretary for Lillyville Church of God and was a member of the Concord Community Church, serving in the Bell Choir, and with the beloved believers. She found pleasure in crocheting and sewing with the ladies’ group at the church. Mary also delivered for meals on wheels and was a devoted homemaker. Survivors include two sons, Cliff…

John R. “Bob” Richardson, 68, of Ellwood City passed away, Monday, June 16, 2025. He was born to the late John W. and Ruth (Ball) Richardson on October 20, 1956, in Kittanning, PA. John is survived by his wife, of 48 years, Stephania Richardson, his sons; Jeremiah Richardson and his wife Rachel of Gibsonia, Nathaniel Richardson and his wife Deborah of New Galilee, his grandchildren; Gracie Richardson, Isabelle Richardson, Brooke Richardson, Reid Richardson, and his sister; Mary Ann Cerchiaro of Hawaii. John was a 1974 graduate of Kittanning High School. He met and married the love of his life, Stephania…

Robert Hinkle, 78, of Portersville passed away Sunday, June 15, 2025, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Born January 27, 1947, in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Robert E. and Ada Stratton Hinkle. He met his soul mate, Goldie Elizabeth “Betty” Bixler in High School and they were later married on February 11, 1966, at the United Methodist Church in Slippery Rock, PA. They shared 57 years of marriage until her passing on March 4, 2023. Robert retired as president of Mars Mineral where he was employed for over 40 years. He was a member of the Presbyterian…

Thomas E. Shaffer, 79, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. He was born on June 23, 1945, in New Castle, PA. Tom proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army Military Police, stationed domestically during the Vietnam War. After returning home to New Castle, he built a long and accomplished career at New Castle Refractories, where he worked for over 40 years. Starting in an entry-level position, he rose through the ranks to become Vice President and General Manager and later became majority owner and President of the company prior…

Mrs. Sandra L. York, 66, of Edinburg passed away at her residence on Thursday, June 12th, 2025. Mrs. York was born on May 2nd, 1959 in Ellwood City the daughter of the late Richard and Nancy J. (Lample) Husing. She is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1977 and attended the Lillyville Church of God. Sandra worked as a manger at Four Seasons Flea Market in Youngstown and as a supervisor at Walmart in Union Township. Her passions where going to casinos, playing bingo, hunting, gardening, cooking, baking, and most of all time spent with her family….

Mr. Cecil D. Miller, 79, of Ellwood City passed away on Friday, June 13th, 2025 at the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Mr. Miller was born in Ellwood City on March 31st, 1946 to the late W. Cecil and Pearl (Duncan) Miller. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1964. Cecil had worked for U.S. Steel in Ellwood City for 10 years, owner and operator of Miller Printing which was located on Fifth St. in Ellwood City for 10 years, the Ellwood City Forge for 10 years, and Badger Industries until retiring in 2014. He also…