Obituaries

Janet Elizabeth Hall, 82, of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at The Grove at Harmony following a lengthy illness. Born on August 17, 1942, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Alexander and Clara Lostetter Warren. She was blessed to share 55 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, William E. Hall, until his passing on May 4, 2024. Janet was a woman of unwavering faith, boundless kindness, and selfless love. A devout Catholic, she was a dedicated member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church, where her faith guided her every…

Frances “Fran” Aldan, 102, of Shenango Twp passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Haven Convalescent New Castle. Born February 26, 1923 in Bessemer, she was the daughter of the late Joe and Theresa Puz Mohorich. She was married to Daniel Aldan Jr. for 67 years when he passed away on December 20, 2014. Fran graduated from Bessemer High School in 1941. As a teenager she worked at Isaly’s in Bessemer. During WWII she worked at the Bessemer Brick Yard hacking bricks and also supported the war effort in the production of shells at United Engineers. Following WWII she worked…

Frances Irene Sbarro of New Castle, formerly of Chewton departed this world for heaven on March 21, 2025 at the age of 97. Frances was born August 5, 1927 in Beaver Falls, PA to the late Frank and Florence Cleck Murphy. She was married for 68 years to her husband Nick Sbarro until his death in 2015. Frances is survived by her son Dr. Mark J. (Holly) Sbarro of St. Augustine, Florida, daughter-in-law Nora L. Sbarro of New Castle and one beloved grandson Nico Sbarro in whom she poured an abundance of love always instilling a love for Jesus that…

Cindy M. Hogue, 68, of Ellwood City entered eternal rest on Sunday, March 23rd, 2025. Born in Ellwood City on October 6th, 1956 Cindy was the daughter of the late Charles and Alice (Hover) Rogan. Cindy is survived by her daughter, Michele Zimmer, siblings; Patrick Rogan of New Port News Virginia, Michael Rogan of Ellport, Margie Barshow of Portersville, and Terry Rogan of Spartansburgh, PA, and grandchildren; Brittney Bacon, Riley Charles, Braedon Sammartino, Cameron Houk, Mason Bacon, and Liam Miller. Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Sandra Lutz, her husband, Richard Hogue whom she married on May…

Mrs. Shirley M. Smith, 96, of Shenango Township passed away on Sunday, March 23rd, 2025 at her residence. Mrs. Smith was born in Wayne Township on April 15th, 1928 to the late Ralph E. and Edith P. (Moore) McMunn. A homemaker, she enjoyed playing cards and games, bowling, needlework, working on puzzles and camping, and most of all spending time with family and friends. She was an active member of the Corner Stone Community Church in New Castle, and belonged to a camping club and a travel club. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law; Judie and Don Minteer…

Mrs. Shirley Jean (King) Larry, 89, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 at her residence. Shirley was born on December 31st, 1935 to Richard and Frances (Holler) King in New Galilee (Wampum, PA). Some of her favorite activities were painting and crafting, which she enjoyed with her dear friend Betty Phillippi. She also enjoyed playing cards and spending time with her family. Shirley enjoyed her flower gardens, listening to Tom Jones, and reading James Patterson novels. She is survived by her children: Sharon McCullough, Toni (Dan) Lutz, Sam (Renee) Larry, Jeffrey (Janice) Larry, and Jeffrey McCullough….

Jessie Virginia Berkebile, 82, of Koppel passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family following a brief illness. Born September 28, 1942 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret McCloskey Swogger. She was married to Robert Russell Berkebile when he passed away on January 17, 2023. Jessie graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1960. After graduation she enlisted in the United States Air Force where she worked in the Medical Career Field until her discharge in 1966 after six years of honorable service. She returned…

Robert J. O’Brien, 93, of Ellwood City passed away March 19, 2025 at Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. Born May 16, 1931 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late George O’Brien and Grace (Stiefel) O’Brien. He was married to Jane Karen (Merritt) O’Brien until her death on February 1,1973. Bob was a graduate of Lincoln High School. He worked as paper boy for the Ledger for several years. He was a veteran, serving four years in the Navy, May of 1951 through April 1955. He worked briefly at Ellwood City Forge and then attended Kentucky Christian College…