Obituaries

Mary Grace Zelic, 86, of Chewton passed away Friday, May 1, 2026 at Quality Life Services New Castle. Born April 13, 1940, in Youngstown, she was the daughter of the late Stephen Sr. and Eileen Markovich. She was married to Dann S. Zelic for 33 years when he passed on February 7, 2025. Mary worked at various places over the years including at Leeds and Northrup, and as a cook at the Hillview Manor and Golden Hill Nursing Home. She cherished time with her family. Survivors include daughter, Lorrie (Fred) Hess of New Castle; step-daughter, Dana (Mark) Cirelli of Ellwood…

Mark L. Gehley, 66, formerly of Big Beaver, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Providence Care Center following a short illness. Born April 13, 1960, in Beaver Falls, he was the son of the late Eamile O. and J. Rosalie Covert Gehley. Mark was a proud Marine Corp Veteran. He worked for many years as a finish line machine operator for Armstrong Industries in Beaver Falls. He was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church. For 48 years, Mark dedicated himself as a volunteer firefighter with the Big Beaver VFD. He served in many roles, including President, Chief, Assistant…

Mr. Richard Louis Walker, 85, of Freedom passed away peacefully on Friday, May 1st, 2026 at Lakeview Personnel Care in Darlington. Mr. Walker was born in Rochester, PA on May 5th, 1940 to the late Louis and Ida (Kirchner) Walker. He had graduated from Freedom High School. For 35 years Richard worked for Penn-DOT  as a heavy equipment operator. An outdoors man, Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing, and held memberships at Monaca Rod and Gun Club and Zelienople Harmony Sportsmen’s Club. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Mary Jo Hogue of Ellwood City, grandsons and their…

Nancy Jane Leslie, 85, of Edinburg passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Quality Life Services Mercer. Born February 8, 1941, in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Margaret Montinger Bees. She married James Stuart Leslie on October 25, 1963, at Kings Chapel United Methodist Church. Nancy graduated from Union High School. She drove bus for Mohawk High School for many years until her retirement in 2014. She enjoyed shopping, but most of all, she cherished spending time with her family. Survivors include her beloved husband of 62 years, James; son, Jim (Kim) Leslie of…

Darla May, 59, of North Sewickley passed on Friday, May 1, 2026 at her home, after a long battle with cancer. She is the daughter of the late Robert and Maureen (McCurdy) Beatty and was born April 12, 1967 in Beaver Falls. She is survived by her children; Ryan May of Chippewa and Kortney May of Butler; her four grandchildren who she loved and cherished, 10 nieces and nephews along with 8 great nieces and nephews, her step siblings; Jodi Przybysz, Keith Beatty, Sr, and Todd Beatty. Darla was a 1985 graduate of Riverside High School. She was a member…

Shirley Francis Swesey, 88, of Ellwood City was called home on April 29, 2026. She spent her final days surrounded by family and friends before relinquishing her earthly body and going to be with her Lord and Savior and reuniting with her loved ones that have preceded her. She is survived by her son Allison Michael “Mike” Swesey; who was her world; her daughter-in-law Catherine “Cass” (Pinkle) Swesey; her granddaughter Ashley Pinkle; her great-grandchildren, that devotedly cared for her for years up to her last moments: Alayah Pittrell and Cameron Swesey. She is also survived by her brothers Roy “Bud”…

Bronson E. Allman, 39, of Ellwood City passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital following a car accident. Born December 9, 1986, he was the son of Bernard Dillaman and the late Annette Marie Allman. A lifelong resident of Ellwood City, Bronson graduated from Lincoln High School in 2005, where he played football. He went on to attend SRU where he received his degree in Sports Management. Bronson worked at the Woodforest Bank in Chippewa. An avid and knowledgeable sports fan, Bronson enjoyed NASCAR, racing, football, golf, WWE, baseball and hockey. He played roller hockey as…

With deep love and steadfast faith, we celebrate the life of Kathryn Marie “Kate” Wear who was called home to be with the Lord on April 25, 2026, and entered peacefully into eternal rest. Born November 8, 1930, in Wampum, she was the daughter of the late Frank G. and Sylvia Rose Portugallo Ferrante. She was married to Harry L. Wear Jr. when he passed away on April 29, 2010. Kate graduated from Lincoln in 1948. She was a current member of the 1st Assembly Church in New Castle. Kate worked as a clerk at the Ellwood City Forge for…