Obituaries

Charles Jospeh “Charlie” Hoffman, Jr, 72, of Tarentum, PA, formerly of Charlotte, NC, passed away January 3, 2025, at his home. He was the son of the late Charles, Sr. and Meredith (Glaab) Hoffman and was born May 27, 1952, in Port Jefferson, NY. He is survived by his son; Charles J. Hoffman, III (Hannah) one daughter; Jamie Lynn Hoffman, his grandchildren; Gauge, Sincere, Caliber, Emily, Matthew, Caleb and Sofia, his brothers and sisters; Theresa H. Rolfe (Mel), Joan Capobianco (Anthony Polizzo), George P. Hoffman (Margaret), James A. Hoffman (Susan), Diane M. Mongiori (William), Robert C. Hoffman (Francine) and he…

Richard A. Lechner, 83, of Shenango Twp passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday January 7, 2025 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital following a heart attack. Born February 16, 1941 in Shenango Twp., he was the son of the late Theodore and Delpha Brandon Lechner. He was married to Wanda J. Dean Lechner for 61 years when she passed away on October 23, 2024. Richard graduated from Shenango High School in 1959. He retired from McElwain Motor’s in Ellwood City after 43 years of employment as a service advisor. After his retirement he worked for Tractor Supply in New Castle. He was…

Mrs. Patricia A. Mullen, 87, formerly of Perry Township, passed away on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 at the Avalon Care Center in New Castle. Patricia was born on July 8th, 1937 in Pittsburgh to the late Clarence Arthur and Margaret “Mary” (Coleman) Ericson. She graduated from Perry High School in Pittsburgh and worked as a Registered Nurse at various places in the United States while traveling with her military based husband. Patricia is a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church, Holy Redeemer Christian Mothers, and VFW Axillary Post 315. She liked being outside, tending to her gardens and…

Darin L. Hoak , 61, of Franklin Township passed away on Monday, January 6th, 2025 at his residence. Darin was born in Ellwood City on September 12th, 1963 to the late Shelby J. (Jacobs) Hall and Leroy Hoak of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is a member of the Riverside High School class of 1982. A contractor by trade, Darin was the owner/operator of Hoak Construction and had worked for Gant Restoration and Eric Boots Contracting. In his earlier years he had played slow pitch softball on a local travel team and was an avid hunter. He also enjoyed watching football…

Arnold F. Irwin, 68, of New Castle passed away Monday, January 6, 2025 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital following a one-week illness. Born March 3, 1956 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Arnold Lawrence and Elizabeth Headland. Arnold graduated from Lawrence County Vo-Tech. Through the years he worked many jobs in the area including at Golden Hill Nursing Home, Infocision as a telemarketer, N.C. Battery, and delivering for West Gate Furniture. He was an avid reader especially Steven King and a Steelers fan. Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Debra A. Lutz Irwin; sister, Darlene…

Mrs. Leona M. Puz, 96, of North Sewickley Township, passed away on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 at her residence. Mrs. Puz was born on April 30th, 1928 in Ellwood City to the late Leo and Michalean (Olzak) Franus. She graduated from the Lincoln High School with the class on 1946 and from Comptometer School in Youngstown, Ohio. She worked for the Ellwood City Knitting Mill, Ellwood City Water Company, and U.S Steel National Tube Mill. Mrs. Puz was an avid reader, who enjoyed playing the organ and dancing to Slovenian music. She was also known for being an incredible listener…

Mark Eric Mielke, 61, of Wampum passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital. Born July 11, 1963 in Shirley, Long Island NY, he was the son of Samuel L. Mielke Sr. of New Beaver Borough and Patricia Panella Smail of New Brighton. Mark attended Mohawk High School and graduated from Lawrence County Vo-Tech. Following high school he served in the United States Navy. Mark owned and operated T-Bones Paramount in Wampum and worked as a machinist for Precision Feed Screws in New Castle. He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan. Survivors include his father…

Harold L. “Bucky” Weingartner, 93, of Wayne Township passed away Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Allegheny General Hospital following complications from a fall. Born July 12, 1931 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Jesse G. and Meryl F. Hazen Weingartner. He was married to Delores M. Filippone Weingartner for 66 years until her death on June 12, 2017. Bucky worked at Arthur F. Hazen and Sons until his retirement in 1986. He was a lifelong farmer and the owner/operator of the Breezy Hill Farm. He was a lifelong member of the Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church where…