Obituaries

David P. Butler, 58, of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, March 23rd, 2026 unexpectedly at his residence. David was born in Beaver Falls on December 9th, 1967 to the late Milton J. “Rags” and Mary A. (Connolly) Butler. He is a member of the Beaver Falls High School class of 1984. Dave loved to cook and had worked as a chef in the past. He is survived by his sisters, Maureen Butler and Kathleen Cornelius both of Beaver Falls, his brothers, Michael (Debbie) Butler of Ellwood City and Kevin Butler of Kansas, and several nieces and nephews. He was…

Mr. James “Jim” L. Barry, 85, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, March 14th, 2026 at the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Jim was born in Ellwood City on July 23rd, 1940 to the Late Anthony C. and Mary (Lasso) Barry Sr.. He is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1958. For over 50 years Jim was the owner and operator of Barry’s Service Station and owner of Barry’s Homemade Ice Cream for over 30 years. He was an Ellwood City Amateur Baseball Federation coach for many years, served on Ellwood City Borough Council for 12…

Patrick Edward Locke, 46, of Wayne Township passed away on Friday, March 20th, 2026 at his residence surrounded by family and friends. Patrick was born in Ellwood City on November 15th, 1979 to Sandy (Maietta) Locke and the late Gary Scott Locke. He enjoyed fishing, working outside in the yard planting flowers, and playing his favorite game Mortal Combat. He loved helping people who needed Him. He is survived by his mother, Sandra Ann Locke, his brother, Scott Allan Locke, niece, Katie Luann Locke, and nephew, Tyler Simmons. He was preceded in death by his father, and his maternal grandparents,…

Carl Otis Dietrich, 68, of Butler passed away peacefully with his family by his side March 23, 2026, following a brief illness. He was born December 3, 1957 in Butler to Ralph and Cynthia Pierce Dietrich. Carl was a self-employed truckdriver. He is survived by his former wife, Mary Dietrich, son, Matthew, daughters Kitzie, Brandi and Darlene and special friend Laura Slaback. He is also survived by sisters Evelyn Oesterling, Vera Angles, Winifred Hiles, Rose Mainhart, Edna Mae Neff, and Kathleen Sherman. Brothers Howard Dietrich and Chester Dietrich and 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death…

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…