Obituaries

Mr. Ronald L. Riccardo, 74, of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, November 4th, 2024 at the VA Hospital H.J. Heinz Campus. Mr. Riccardo was born on September 22nd, 1950 in Ellwood City to the late Armond H. “Hardy” and Angeline (Labor) Riccardo. Ron graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Levittown, PA with the class of 1969. During his senior year of high school he started the high school work program at US Steel, Fairless Works and worked there for 45 years. After he retired Ron moved back to his beloved hometown of Ellwood City, PA. After graduation Ron…

Richard L Brewer, 78, of Franklin Twp. passed away Friday, November 8, 2024 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital. Born May 1, 1946 in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Ralph and Frieda Hangst Brewer. He married Janice McMichael Brewer on August 1, 1980. A proud veteran, Richard served in the Army during Vietnam. He attended RMU where he earned his degree in accounting. He worked as an accountant for the Hampton Inn and was also a personal caregiver. An active member of the Ellwood City Lions Club, he was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church, and 32nd Masonic…

Ella Smilek, 97, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Providence Care Center. Born August 4, 1927 in Beaver Falls she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Annie Higgens Gleeson. Ella graduated from Beaver Falls High School in 1945. She was formerly employed as a secretary at G.C. Murphy and then Mellon Bank both in Beaver Falls. In her youth, she was a member of the 1st Methodist Episcopal Church in Beaver Falls until she moved to North Sewickley in 1952. She then became a member of the North Sewickley Presbyterian Church. For over…

Evelyn Duncan, 90, Shenango Twp, passed away Monday, November 4, 2024, at her home. She was the daughter of the late Wade and Anna Belle (Kildoo) Mills and was born January 31, 1934, in Steubenville,OH She is survived by her son; F. Donald Duncan of New Castle and her daughter; Linda Beilby and her husband John of Austintown, OH, her grandchildren; J.D. Duncan and his wife Rachel of Chewton, Frank Duncan and his wife Lior of Pittsburgh, John Beilby, III and his wife Rosaleena of Austintown, OH, Ross Beilby of Poland, OH, and her great-grandchildren; Eliora, Ella, and Ian. Evelyn…

James Edward Jones, 72, of Chippewa Twp. Pennsylvania, formerly of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, went to the Lord on November 3, 2024, at AHN Wexford Hospital in Wexford, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born in 1952 in Glassport, Pennsylvania, he was a son of the late Rodger and Olivia (Welsh) Jones of McKeesport. A graduate of McKeesport Area Senior High School, Jim received an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Penn State – McKeesport in 1989. He was a veteran of the Air Force and Navy, serving as an avionics technician, working on various electronic systems for the…

Shawn M. Smith, 49, of Beaver Falls passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Heritage Valley Beaver due to complications from a lengthy heart condition. Born December 14, 1974 in New Brighton, he was the son of the late Gerald Smith Sr. and Donna Yaria Smith of New Castle. Shawn graduated from Beaver Falls High School. Over the years, Shawn has worked at Wendys, and for the last 18 he has served as manager of the Aliquippa location. He was an avid lifelong Pittsburgh Penguins fan and enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews. Shawn was a…

Chauncey P. Swogger, 88, of North Beaver Township passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Born September 9, 1936 in Wampum, he was the son of the late Hubert and Goldie May Snyder Swogger. Chauncey graduated from Wampum High School in 1956. He worked as a crane man at B&W until his retirement. After his retirement, Chauncey drove truck for McClymonds and was a crane man for Koppel Steel. He enjoyed hunting, watching NASCAR, and was an avid Pirates and Penguins fan. His most cherished times were spent with his family. Survivors include…

Steven B. Keener, 73, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 28, 2024 at UPMC Jameson in New Castle, PA. Born June 3, 1951 in Fairmont, WV, he was the son of the late Karol K. Keener and Shirley Nuzum Gates. He is preceded in death by his brother-in-law Bruce Matthews and his brother Michael Keener. Steven retired as a truck driver, working for SSD, where he delivered McKesson pharmaceuticals. In his younger years he was employed by Union Carbide in Clarksburg, WV. He was a jack of all trades, a talented welder, and enjoyed working with his…