Obituaries

James O. Yhelka, 50, a lifelong resident of Ellwood City passed away Friday, Oct. 30, 2015 at UPMC Montefiore Hospital following a short illness. Born July 1, 1965 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late James Yhelka and Peg Duncan Casuccio of Ellwood City. Jim retired from VEKA in Zelienople. He was Catholic by faith. Jim enjoyed cooking, baking, reading and fishing. He loved his border collies. His most cherished time was spent with family, especially his brother, Joe. Survivors include his wife, Kathy Leindecker Yhelka who he was with for 17 years, his mother and step…

Vivian M. Johnson Hudson, 79, formerly of Charles St., Portersville (Muddy Creek Twp.) passed away Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015 at the Autumn Grove Care Center in Harrisville, Pa. Born May 2, 1936 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late William and Josephine Majors Duncan. In addition to her parents, Vivian was preceded in death by her former husbands, Richard O. Johnson and Donald Hudson, and two brothers, Bill and Ronnie Duncan, and a grandson, Jagger Lee Hogue. Vivian was a Nurses Aide for many years at many area nursing homes, including Silver Oaks, Belvedere, and St Joseph….

Charles C. “Chuck” Landolfi, 68, of Ellwood City went to be with his loving savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 surrounded by his loving family and “The Boys.” Chuck was born on April 14, 1947 in Ellwood City to the late Dominick L. and Angela “Lena” Adamo Landolfi. Chuck graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1965 and was the first athlete from Lincoln High School to have his football jersey number retired. Chuck wore the number 48 while playing for the Fighting Wolverines. Chuck still holds many of the schools football rushing records. He was…

Bonnie V. Dawson, 83, of North Sewickley Twp., passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015 at Evergreen Nursing Center. Born in Ellwood City on Oct. 28, 1931, Bonnie was the daughter of the late Melvin and Lady Dot Coates Butler. She married William E. Dawson on Aug. 12, 1949 and he preceded her in death this past December. Bonnie was a 1949 graduate of Lincoln High School. She was an avid reader who enjoyed bird watching. She and her husband loved to go camping and travel, especially to the Outer Banks. She retired from the cafeteria at Riverside High School…

Jacob M. “Jake” Mazzanti, Sr., 92, of Ellport passed away in his residence on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015 at 11:22 am. Born in Ellwood City on Feb. 2, 1923, Jacob was the son of the late Alfredo and Mary Lordo Mazzanti. He married the former Mollie Nocera on July 9, 1947. Jake graduated from Lincoln High School in 1942 and then served in the US Army during WWII. He retired from US Steel in 1977 where he worked as an inspector. A member of Holy Redeemer Parish, Jake was an avid golfer and bowler. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing….

David L. Biddle, 73, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 in his residence with his loving family at his bedside. Mr. Biddle was born on Aug. 29, 1942 in Ellwood City to the late Galen Biddle, Sr. and Hazel Alben Biddle. Dave had worked for over thirty years as a heavy equipment mechanic for the Eichley Corp. in Pittsburgh. He also was the owner and operator of D&P Sales where he made customized caps and campers for pickup trucks. Dave enjoyed hunting, fishing, being at his camp in Pymatuning, and most of all spending time…

Harold J. Buchta, 53 of Woodside Ave., Wayne Township passed away at his residence on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015 at 11:30 p.m. Born in Pacoima, California on Sept. 9, 1962 Harold was the son of the late Harold B. and Shirley L. Squires Buchta. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lisa Marie Ott Buchta on March 4, 2015. He began working with his father at Harold’s Auto Electric where he developed a passion for tinkering with cars and motorcycles. He later became the owner of his father’s business. Harold was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and…