Obituaries

Alfred N. Sberna, 91, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2016. He was born on Oct. 24, 1924 in Ellwood City to the late Virgilio and Lisena Foiani Sberna. Alfred is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1942. On June 21, 1943 he enlisted with the U.S. Army and served with the 75th Bomb Squadron until his discharge on March 12, 1946 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was awarded the American Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. Following his service…

Mary A. Cilli, 87, of New Beaver Boro, passed away at her home, surrounded by her loving family on Monday, April 18, 2016. Born December 25, 1928 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Anna Shultz Caimano. She was married for over 50 years to Alfred G. Cilli who passed away March 11, 2002. Mary was a homemaker who loved her six children. She was a member of the former St. Monica Catholic Church in Wampum. She enjoyed cooking and baking, but her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family. Survivors include…

Ann A. Kovach, 101, of Ellwood City passed away on Friday, April 15, 2016 in the Northview Estates. Ann was born on July 17, 1914 in Ellwood City to the late Pavel and Constance Crych Voitowich. She is a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish. A home maker, Ann was a devoted and supportive wife to her husband Martin. She was a knowledgeable cook, and enjoyed traveling to California to visit with her family. She is survived by her daughter, Constance (Richard) Mank of El Cerrito, Calif., her son, Edward (Kathleen) Kovach of Chevy Chase, Md., her grandchildren, Nancy Mank,…

Maxine M. Himes, 78, of Pikes Corner, North Sewickley Twp. passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Heritage Valley – Beaver Hospital. Born May 10, 1937 in Punxsutawney, PA, she was the daughter of the late Loy Hollabuagh and the late Dorothy Dixon Hollabaugh Pearce. She was married for 60 years to Richard Himes as they were married in August of 1955. He survives. Maxine was an escort for 20 years at Heritage Valley, Beaver Hospital. She enjoyed reading, flower gardening and doing crafts. Her most cherished time was spent with her family. In addition to her husband,…

Anthony “Nanu” Franz, 78, of Koppel passed away on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Tony was born on Nov. 16, 1937 in Serra San Bruna, Italy to the late Frank and Carmella Valenti Semi. Anthony came to America in 1954. He worked for the Frank Ceriani Construction Co. in Beaver Falls until he retired in 1997. He is a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish and the Holy Name Society of the Holy Redeemer Parish. He also is a member of the Labor Union #833 in New Brighton. Tony had built two homes for his wife…

Virginia “Ginger” M. Loccisano, 81, of Plymouth Lane, Ellwood City passed away at the Ellwood City Hospital ER on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 3:16 a.m. Born in Los Angeles on Nov. 28, 1934, Ginger was the daughter of the late Tony and Dorothy Kaluza Catroppa. Ginger is survived by her husband, Richard G. Loccisano whom she married on April 25, 1954. She was co-owner of Loccisano’s Golden Dawn with her husband. Ginger was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Ginger is survived by four children, Daniel M. and Stephanie Loccisano of…

Joan M. Fotia, 87, of Ellwood City passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 in her residence with her loving family at her side. Joan was born on Dec. 4, 1928 in Ellwood City to the late Cecil (Cesare) and Loretta Vita Berry Giardine. Joan is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1946, and the Holy Redeemer Parish. She had worked at the Manos Theater and National Plumbing as a secretary for several years. She later worked as a seamstress for Fotia Bros. for numerous years. A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Joan enjoyed sewing, decorating and…

Kenneth H. Walton, 72, of Wayne Township, Ellwood City, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, April 13, 2016 at his residence following a lengthy illness. He was born in Ellwood City on April 8, 1944 to the late John J. Walton, who passed away Oct. 21, 1999, and the late Eva B. McQuiston Walton, who passed away Jan. 17, 2013.  He graduated from Lincoln High School in the class of 1963 and married his wife of 49 years, Sarah Ketterer Walton, on July 29, 1967. He worked at the former George K. Garrett Company (MSL) in Ellwood City, Conn Construction…

Thomas C. Remler, 76, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in the Ellwood City Hospital. Tom was born on Sept. 23, 1939 in Ellwood City to the late Charles W. Remler and Ellen Rice Remler of North Sewickley Twp. Tom had worked at the Babcock & Wilcox steel mill in Beaver Falls from 1959 until 1986. He then worked for Angels Cleaning Service from 1989 until his retirement in 2010. He enjoyed sunbathing, going to flea markets and especially being with his grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Christi Venglass and her husband Bob…