Obituaries

Joseph A. Yhelka, 59, of Wayne Twp. passed away Friday, March 20, 2026, at his residence. Born July 13, 1966, in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late James Yhelka Sr. and Margaret “Peg” Duncan Cassucio of Ellwood City. Joe was a welder by trade and served as the caretaker of Rock Point Boat Club. An avid outdoorsman, he loved being in nature, the woods, and fishing. His most cherished moments were spent with his family especially his grandchildren. Survivors include his beloved wife of 29 years, Tonya Yhelka; mother, Peg; five sons, Kenneth (Alex) Shirley of Ellwood…

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Georgianna Coppess, 77, of New Brighton who passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at her residence. Born December 3, 1948, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Catherine Pancurak Senules. Georgianna graduated from Duquesne University and worked as a case worker in Beaver County for over 30 years. She loved bird watching and turtles. She also enjoyed baking, shopping, and going on adventures. Her most cherished moments were spending time and playing games with her three grandsons, whom she adored. Survivors include two sons, Kendall (Erika)…

James A. “JJ” Jones Jr., 49, of Bessemer passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2026, following a two-vehicle automobile accident. Born July 2, 1976, in Youngstown, OH, he was the son of the late James A. Jones Sr. and Linda Aeschbacher Mitchell of Butler. JJ was a graduate of Lawrence County Vo-Tech and worked as a diesel mechanic for McClymonds Trucking. He was a member of Victory Family Church New Castle Campus. He loved riding and racing quads and dirt bikes. He was a football fan who also enjoyed playing pool, watching movies, and sports on TV. Survivors include his mother,…

Mrs. Esther Santilo, 93, of Wayne Township passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15th, 2026 at her residence. Mrs. Santilo was born in Ellwood City on March 28th, 1932 to the late Joseph and Mary Assunta (Innocent) Frisk. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1950 and from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1953. Later in life she graduated from Slippery Rock University earning a Bachelor Degree in Education. She had worked for many years at the St. Francis Hospital in New Castle and the Ellwood City Hospital as a Registered Nurse. She is a…

Mr. Tom H. Kelosky, 84, of Fombell passed away on Sunday, March 15th, 2026 at his residence. Tom was born in West Homestead, Pa on April 22nd, 1941 to the late Rudy and Betty (Patton) Kelosky. He enlisted with the United States Army Airborne on October 26th, 1958 and served until his honorable discharge on February 19th, 1962 with the rank of Private First Class, and was awarded the Parachutist Badge. Following his military service, Tom worked for the Steamfitter’s Local Union 47 until his retirement. He is a member of the Lillyville Church of God and Air Fitness. In…

William J. “Bill” Lutz, 70, of Wampum passed away Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Covington Place East Palestine following a one-year illness. Born January 10, 1956, in New Castle, he was the son of the late William D. and Alberta J. Moore Lutz. He was married to Connie J. McKinney Lutz for 45 years when she passed away on March 3, 2021. Bill retired from Cemex in 2020 following an over 30-year career in maintenance. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and long walks with his dog Tucker. His most cherished moments were spent with his family. Survivors include…

Nicholas A. Manzo, 83, of Ellwood City, passed away on Sunday, March 8th, 2026 at his residence. Nicholas was born on October 14th, 1942 in Ellwood City to the late Rocco and Teresa (Cioffi) Manzo Sr.. He was employed at both the Ellwood City Knitting Mill and Airway Luggage. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and coin collecting. He is survived by his daughter, Teresa (Edward) Enos of Ellwood City, sons, Bryan (Lori) Landman of Patterson Township, and Steven (Summer) Landman of West Middle Sex, grandchildren, Savannah and Jessie Enos, Samantha (Jacob) Faller, Laina (Jake) Fagnano, Chelsie (Andrew) Seminara, and Steven (Alishia)…

Mary K. Palinski, 85, of Fombell passed away Friday, March 6, 2026, at her residence. Born September 2, 1940, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Elizabeth Murphy. She was married to John E. “Buddy” Palinski for 57 years when he passed away on April 10, 2016. Mary retired from the Riverside High School Cafeteria. She was Catholic by faith. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, traveling, and going camping in Tionesta. Survivors include her daughter, Theresa (Jim) Calhoun of New Castle; two grandsons, Jonathon (Kaitlyn) Palinski of Butler and James Calhoun of Ellwood City; two granddaughters, Victoria…