Obituaries

Patricia L. “Patty” Gibbs, 54, formerly of North Sewickley Township passed away on Friday, August 16th, 2024 at the UPMC Passavant Hospital in McCandless Township. Patty was born in Ellwood City on October 5th, 1968 to the late Howard W. and Margaret H. (Weidle) Gibbs. She had graduated from Riverside High School and attended classes at the Community College of Beaver County. She had worked at the Beaver County Human Society and more recently at the Franklin Township Plaza, Giant Eagle. Patty then devoted herself to taking care of her parents. She had a great passion for animals especially her…

Mr. Lee A. Nocera, 80, of Ellwood City, passed away on Sunday, August 11th, 2024 at his residence. Lee was born on April 12th, 1944 in Ellwood City, to the late John and Jessie (Perrotta) Nocera. Lee graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1962. After business school, Lee began working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, DC, working in the printing department. While working at the FBI, he met Sandra McQauin, whom he later married.  Lee and Sandy made Northern Virginia their home, where they raised their four sons.  After leaving the FBI, Lee began his 30+ year sales…

Alan R. McBride, 64, of North Beaver Township passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at his residence. Born March 4, 1960 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Mont L. and Margaret E. “Peg” Cotton McBride. He was married for 35 years to Debra A. Himes McBride. Alan worked on his family’s dairy farm until his retirement. He graduated from Mohawk in 1978 where he was a member of the FFA. He was also a member of the Big Beaver Grange and the Westfield Presbyterian Church. He took great pleasure and enjoyment working on the…

Sophia (Sophie), Eva Wright Giffen, 94, of Ellwood City passed away Monday, August 12, 2024. She was born February 28, 1930, to the late Clarence and Stella (Weil) Wright in Ellwood City. Sophie was a 1948 graduate of Lincoln High School. She met and married the love of her life, William E. Giffen, on March 10, 1951, who preceded her in death in 1991. She was also a longtime member of Christ Presbyterian Church. She also worked at the Ellwood A&P for 16 years, working the meat counter. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend to all…

Mrs. Joann L. Docchio, 94, formerly of Koppel, and Trinity Oaks in Ellwood, passed away at the UPMC Jameson Nursing & Rehab Center on August 9th, 2024. Mrs. Docchio was born on July 14th, 1930 to the late Harold C. and Anna (Houk) Marshall. She was a working mother of five, Painting plates, cups, and dishes at Mayer China in Beaver Falls before owning and operating the Paramount Cafe in Wampum for over 20 years through the worst economic times of the 70’s and 80’s. She played catcher until her early 50’s for McDowell’s women’s softball team, bowled at Park…

Patricia (Patty) Skvarla, 89, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at UPMC Montefiore, Pittsburgh. Born July 30, 1935 in Lower Chewton, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Sylvia Leopardo. Patty graduated from Lincoln High School in 1953. She was very active in the community, being a member of the Women of the Moose, the Municipal Women’s Club, Challengers, and various card clubs. Patty married William (Bill) Skvarla on February 12, 1955 and enjoyed 66 years of marriage. Survivors include her four children, William (Regina) Skvarla Jr. of Saginaw, MI; Janis…