Obituaries

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…

Donald R. Wymer, Jr., 54, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015 in his residence. Donald was born on Oct. 26, 1960 in Ellwood City to the late Donald R. Wymer, Sr. and Nancy R. Kennedy Britton of Ellwood City. He had worked for the Southern Corrosion Co. painting water towers, and later for Wood Floor Designs as an installer. Donald is survived by his mother, his wife, Terri Gallagher Wymer, his two sons, Joshua M. Wymer, and Donald R. Wymer III, both of Ellport, his grandson, his sister, Laura (Kelly) Brownfield of Virginia, and his…

Robert M. “Bob” Hozick, 54, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 in his residence. Bob was born on Nov. 28, 1960 in New Castle to the late Robert J. Hozick and Helen Louise Rychlicki Hozick of Chewton. Bob is a member of the Shenango High School class of 1978, and the Holy Redeemer Parish. He had worked for the Ellwood City Forge for many years , and then with North American Forge Masters in New Castle for several years as a forging supervisor. He is also a member of the Polish White Eagles in Chewton….

Marlene Hairhoger, 82, of Wampum New Galilee Road, New Beaver Borough passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015. Born April 9, 1933 in Wampum, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Edith Rush Harper. She was married for 63 years to David O. Hairhoger Sr. who survives. A homemaker, Marlene graduated from Wampum High School and was a member of the Wampum Presbyterian Church. In addition to her husband, Dave, survivors include a son, David O. (Richard Moriarty) Hairhoger Jr.; two daughters, Robin (Paul) Chiappetta, Jody (Richard) Burnett. She was “Nanny to five grandchildren,…

Jean Hampe, 94, of Third Ave., New Brighton passed away the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015 at Northview Estates in Ellwood City. Born Oct. 22, 1920 in Sagamore, Pa., she was the daughter of the late George and Mayme Rowland Nolf. Jean grew up in the Plumville, Smicksburg Pa. area, where she enjoyed helping her father on their small family farm. Jean married Lawrence Wingard in 1939 and they moved to the Ellwood City area in 1950, with their two daughters. After her husbands death in 1960, Jean became the Wayne Township School Cafeteria Manager and later owned and…

Paul E. McElwain, 91, of Soap Run Rd., Fombell (Franklin Twp.) passed away Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 at his residence following a one year illness. Born April 20, 1924 in Koppel, he was the son of the late Arthur and MaBelle Reeher McElwain. Paul was married for 63 years to Margaret Nye McElwain whom he married on Aug. 22, 1952. She survives. Paul retired from MSL Industries, formerly known as George K. Garrett Co. He also managed the Freeway Lanes in Zelienople from 1970 to 1979. Paul graduated from Lincoln High School. He served two tours of duty for his…

Sue R. Simi, 89, of Ellwood City, passed away on Monday, Oct. 19, 2015 at 11:40 p.m. at Marion Manor in Greentree, Pa. Born in Ellwood City on Jan. 7, 1926 Sue was the daughter of the late Pietro and Lilly Mariani Simi. Sue retired from Matthews Conveyor and later Ro-Mar Textiles. She was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish and a former member of the Ellwood City Lioness Club. Sue enjoyed bowling and line dancing, but she enjoyed spending time with family and friends most of all. Sue is survived by her sister, Erma Yanniello of Ellwood City, a…

Gertrude M. Kingston, 92, of NorthView Estates, Ellwood City, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, Oct. 19, 2015 at the Ellwood City Hospital. She was born in Renfrew, Pa. on May 13, 1923 to the late Frank C. Stubbel and the late Elizabeth Nicolaus Stubbel.  She married the late Giles D. Kingston on June 30, 1941.  He preceded her in death on Feb. 2, 1975.  She attended Lincoln High School and was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish Church (formerly St. Agatha).  She was active for several years in Christian Daughters of America, Christian Mothers, the American Legion in Wampum,…