Obituaries

Erin Rae Plavecsky, 40, of Mt. Lebanon passed away Thursday, October 17, 2024 at her residence. Born June 2, 1984 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of David L. Plavecsky and Robin Silvester. Erin graduated from New Brighton in 2002. Following graduation, she continued her education at both the Pittsburgh Art Institute and Slippery Rock University. A talented artist, Erin enjoyed playing the harp, drawing, and painting. She is survived by her father, David (Anna Marie) Plavecsky of Koppel, mother, Robin Silvester of Oregon, and brother, Brett Plavecsky of Koppel. A private family gathering will be held on Sunday…

Jeffrey D. Pierce, 59, of Ellwood City, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024 surrounded by loved ones in his home. Born on May 19, 1965, in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late David and Helen (Burry) Pierce. Jeff graduated from Seneca Valley in 1983. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Tri-State University in Angola, IN, in 1988. He excelled in entrepreneurship, problem solving, sales and manufacturing. Jeff worked with his father Dave at Mayfield Foundry in Beaver Falls, PA. Together they purchased Milltex and then acquired Medart Inc., an engineering and…

Philip James Nerti, 70, of Oakdale passed away unexpectedly Sunday, October 13, 2024 at his residence. Born June 18, 1954 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Phillip A. Nerti and Anna Mae Frickanish Nerti of North Beaver Township. Philip graduated from Duquesne with a bachelor’s in science and then from the University of Pittsburgh Katz School of Business where he earned his MBA. He was an active member of the Archangel Gabriel Parish in McKees Rocks. Philip held numerous positions throughout his life as a pharmacist and then he moved into administration, as the Vice President…

Pamela Virginia Kifer, 75, of Ellwood City passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at St. Barnabas Nursing Home. Born June 2, 1949 in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Harry J. and Betty V. Rebson Thompson. Pamela was retired from West Penn Hospital where she served as a nurse. She was a member of the East Liberty Presbyterian Church, an active member of the Eastern Star Ellwood City Chapter 212, and in her younger years a member of the Fox Chapel Rifle Club. Crafting and cross-stitching gave her great pleasure. Survivors include two daughters, Malinda (Ryan) Young of…

Ms. Helen G. Mantz, 98, of Ellwood City, passed away on October 14th, 2024 at her residence. Helen was born on November 11th, 1925 in Ellwood City to the late James and Mary (Minnocci) Mantz. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1941. Helen belonged to Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church, and was also a Christian Mother. She starting working for Shapiro’s Dress Shop in 1942, and eventually bought the business upon the previous owner’s retirement. Once hers, she renamed the business “Helen’s Dress Shop, Bridal and Formal” and remained in business until her retirement, at…

Kathy Ann Olsen, 71, of Enon Valley passed away following a lengthy illness Sunday, October 13, 2024 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Born October 4, 1953 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Merle Copper and Vera Mitchell Gotchen. She married Richard Olsen on October 25, 2001. Kathy graduated from Mohawk in 1971. Throughout her life she worked numerous jobs, but her most fulfilling was as a social worker at Cray Youth Services in New Castle. She served as a member of the former McKees Rocks Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Survivors include her…

Donna G. Wright, 91, of Franklin Township passed away Friday, October 11, 2024 at Trinity Oaks Nursing Center following a four month illness. Born June 7, 1933 in Rochester, she was the daughter of the late Merrill and Laureme Darling Brenner. She married the late William Wright on December 3, 1954. He passed away on December 31, 2006. Donna graduated from Rochester High School. She was the former owner of Wright’s Country Fruit Market. A member of First Church of God, Donna was steadfast and had an unwavering faith in her savior Jesus Christ. Survivors include two Sons, Robert D….

Mrs. Kathryn Jeanne Manzo, 75, of Ellwood City passed away on October 10th, 2024 at her residence. Kathryn was born on December 9th, 1948, in Beaver, to the late Michael and Elsie (McConnell) Landman. She was a graduate of Riverside High School. Kathryn worked as a cook at Cully’s Restaurant in Ellport, Fray’s Restaurant, and the Ellwood Hot Dog Shop, which later became, Breakfast and Burgers, all on Lawrence Avenue. Kathryn enjoyed reading, gardening, candy-making, and most of all, spending time with her family. She is survived by her husband, Nicholas Manzo of Ellwood City, whom she married on October…

Denis E. Graf Sr., 83, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at his residence. Born January 27, 1941 in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Edward L. and Laura Mae Flaherty Graf. Denis worked at numerous mills in the area and also at Penn State University where he devoted 25 years of service until his retirement. He was a member of the teamsters and a lifetime member of ABATE. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and most of all riding his motorcycle. Survivors include his wife of 64 years Carole Stephan Graf;…

Frederick L. Schry, 91, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on October 9, 2024 at his home surrounded by his beloved family. He was born in Kittanning, PA on December 30, 1932. He was the son of L.A. and Mary O’Connor Schry. Fred graduated from Kittanning High School in 1951. He served in Korea for two years with the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Corporal. He attended St. Vincent College graduating in 1957. During this time he met his future wife, Donna Bearer, who happened to be a sister of his friend. They were married in August of 1958….