Obituaries

Rosemary V. Johns, 75, of Ewing Park, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12, 2025, following an extended illness. Born December 24, 1949, in Ellwood City, Rosemary was the beloved daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Carone) Verdecchia. A proud graduate of Lincoln High School, and member of Holy Redeemer Church. Rosemary’s passion for hospitality shone through her work at the Kaufman House, Butler Country Club, and as the proud owner and operator of Brandan’s Restaurant in Ewing Park. Known for her culinary talents, she delighted family and friends with her delicious meals. Rosemary also had a keen eye…

Mr. Robert Perrone, 95, of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, May 12th, 2025 at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph, Baden. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, Robert had a long and meaningful life rooted in family and hard work. Born on June 18th, 1929, son of the late Pasquale and Dominica “Minnie” (Castellucci) Perrone, beloved husband of Margaret (Mastilak) Perrone whom he married on September 2nd, 1950 and passed away August 20,2021. Together they shared 70 years of marriage. Loving father of Barbara Snedeker and Janet (John) Benedict. Proud grandfather of Justin (Kelli) Benedict, Jocelyn (Van) Sage, Lauren…

Randall “Randy” Blinn, 70, of Perry Twp, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at his home. He was the son of the late Virgil and Helen (Bintrim) Blinn and was born May 31, 1954, in Ellwood City. He is survived by his brother; Kevan Blinn and his wife Jill of Perry Twp, his niece; Nicole Maunder of Ellwood City, and one great-nephew; Aaron Maunder, one nephew; Christopher Maunder and his wife Ashley of Ellwood City, and one great-nephew; Luca Maunder, his cousins; Jake O’Neil and his wife Michelle of Indianapolis. Randy was born and raised in Ellwood City. He…

Vicki Reeher, 71, of Koppel passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Providence Care Center following a courageous battle with cancer. Born December 26, 1953, in St. Johns, Newfoundland Canada she was the daughter of the late George L. and Catherine (Williams) Hatch. Before her time in Koppel, Vicki lived in Denver where she worked as a mortgage closer. One of her favorite things about living in Colorado was the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, which she loved. Above all she cherished time with her grandchildren and her stepson Jordan and his wife Melissa. Survivors include her husband of 29…

William Emmett Challis, 83, of Ellwood City, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at his home. He was the son of the late William and Margaret (Lawrence) Challis and was born February 28, 1942, in New Castle. He is survived by his second wife, Mary J. Challis, of Ellwood City, his children; Jacquelyn Carol Kunzler and her husband Charles of Ashtabula, OH, William E. Challis, Jr of Frisco, Kristina L. Maietta and her husband Travis of Ellwood City, Daniel Paul Challis of Pittsburgh, as well as 15 grandchildren,16 great grandchildren, his sister; Jane Gongaware and her husband Dick of…

Cindi A. Whitford, 55, of New Galilee passed away Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at her residence following a courageous battle with cancer. Born July 16, 1969, in Warwick, RI, she was the daughter of Edwin Whitford and Marjorie (Whitford) Heise. In Cindi’s younger years she worked many jobs as an employee and a manager. Her favorite job, which she held for the longest time, was serving as the manager of Engine Foodlane in Rhode Island. She was a former member of the New Beaver Borough Volunteer Fire Department. A people person, Cindi was a hard worker with a passion for…

Douglas E. “Bunger” Curry, 63, of New Beaver Borough passed away Thursday, May 8, 2025, at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer. Born August 15, 1961, in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Frederick P. Curry and Martha Rorabaugh Curry of New Beaver Borough. After graduating from Lawrence County Vo-Tech, Bunger worked as a self-employed mason and bricklayer. Methodist by faith, he was a member of the Ellwood City Moose and the Johnson Club in Hillsville. In addition to his masonry skills, he was an avid and accomplished baseball and softball player, lastly playing for…