Obituaries

Rita M. Scopellite, 97, formerly of Ellwood City passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at her home in Huntington Beach, Calif. Rita was born on Feb. 3, 1919 in Pittsburgh to the late Sam and Theresa DelGaudio Botte. She was raised in Koppel, Pa. and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1936. She moved to Ellwood City when she married the love of her life, Anthony Scopellite on Oct. 28, 1939 and they had 42 wonderful years together before he passed away on June 6, 1981. In the end she felt she led a full and happy life having…

Jeffrey S. Johnson, 58, of West Pittsburg passed away at his home on May 25, 2016, following his courageous battle with cancer. He was born on June 4, 1957 in New Castle, the son of the late Edwin R. and Nancy K. Armstrong Johnson. Surviving at home is his beloved wife and soul mate, the former Tracey L. Rice, whom he married June 22, 1990. He graduated from Neshannock High School in 1975 and enlisted into the US Army, proudly serving 12 years, participating in search and recovery of US soldiers missing-in-action from the Vietnam Conflict. He was a graduate…

Patrick M. Moran, 81, of Fombell passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2016 in his residence. Mr. Moran was born on May 22, 1935 in Franklin Twp. to the late Thomas J. and Anna Catherine Roth Moran. Patrick had worked at the Babcock & Wilcox Steel Mill in both Koppel and Beaver Falls for 33 years as a truck driver. He then worked for Ritter Engineering for 10 years in the janitorial department. He retired in 2000. Patrick absolutely enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a great babysitter to his great-grandchildren. He was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers…

David James Aiken, 69, of St. Rt. 488, Portersville (Perry Twp.) passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at his residence. Born May 3, 1947 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Arthur and Helen McElwain Aiken. He was married for 47 years to Patricia Young Aiken who survives. David graduated from Lincoln HIgh School in 1965. He was a self employed farmer and owned and operated Aiken Custom Meats. He was a member of Mountville Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed muscle cars and tractor pulls. He also enjoyed anything that was farm related. In addition to…

Judith Cupac Wilson, 81, of Ellwood City passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at Carriage Court in New Castle, following a lingering illness. Born November 18, 1934 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Judson and Ruth Haines Liebendorfer. She was preceded in death by husbands, Joseph M. Cupac whom she married on October 10, 1953 until his passing on April 26, 1991 and Paul Wilson whom she married in 2000 until his passing in 2008.. Judy graduated from Lincoln High School. She formerly worked at the Aetna Standard and then at Vivienne’s Antiques for eleven years….

Betty L. Koch, 89, of Locust Terrace , Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at Heritage Valley – Beaver Hospital. Born November 23, 1926 in Newport, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Geraldine Cook Boots. She was married to Wallace R. Carroll who passed away January 9, 1978. She then married Wallace L. Koch who survives. They have been married for 25 years.. Betty worked with Dr. Allen Struble for 30 years as his Assistant Podiatrist. She also worked as a May Kay Consultant for 21 years. She currently was a member of…

James A. Nye, 86, of Utica, PA, formerly of Rose Point, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, May 24, 2016 at his residence in Utica. He was born in Ellwood City on August 4, 1929 to the late Henry Richard Nye and the late Mary Willa Williams Nye.  He was a graduate of Lincoln High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  James married his wife of 44 years, Sara Jean Wimer Nye, on June 9, 1956.  She preceded him in death on December 4, 2000.  He worked as a farmer and also the former Ellwood…

Ronald A. Houk, 67, of Ellwood City passed away on Friday, May 20, 2016. Ron was born on Jan. 17, 1949 in Ellwood City to the late Walter “Bud” and Eleanor D. Brewer Houk. He is a member of the Laurel High School class of 1967. On March 8, 1968 Ron enlisted with the U.S. Navy and served until his discharge on Nov. 28, 1969. He had served on the USS Sierra and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. Following his service with the Navy, Ron worked at Calgon, which later became Nalco, for 43 years. An outdoorsman, Ron…

So I’ll cherish the Old Rugged Cross, till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the Old Rugged Cross, and exchange it someday for a crown. Margaret L. “Peg” Warnick, 78, went to her heavenly home Tuesday, May 17, 2016. Born October 13, 1937 in Wampum, PA, she was the daughter of the late William and Julie Andrews Seaburn. She married her husband Elmer Warnick Sr, who passed away in 1989, and together they raised three children, Elmer Warnick Jr who passed away in 2013, George E. (Sheila) Warnick of New Castle and Lisa (Randy) VanKirk…