Obituaries

Ryan D. Russo, 43, formerly of Ellwood City passed away in St. Petersburgh, Florida, in a heroic effort he made to save his girlfriend’s life in 2018, after pushing her out of the way of an erratic driver, Ryan was left in a coma which later claimed his life on September 5th, 2024 . Ryan was born on October 8th, 1980 to Peter and Lorraine (Izzo) Russo-Fresca. He attended both Lincoln High School and the Lawrence County Vo-Technical School. In Florida Ryan worked as a handyman for various construction companies. He loved writing and listening to music. Ryan also enjoyed…

Josephine Shubert, 103, of Glendale California (formerly of Wampum) passed away peacefully on August 26, 2024. Born February 28, 1921 in Renton, PA, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary Jordano Mento. She was married to Frank Shubert when he passed away on July 27, 2000. Josephine worked at the Ellwood Knitting Mill for 24 years as a seamstress and was a member of the former Queen of Heaven St. Monica Church in Wampum. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. The last of her family, she was preceded in death by her parents, husband, six…

Crystal Wawrzynski, 37, of Ellwood City tragically passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Born October 11, 1986 in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of Randal Cunningham and Jean Diegdio and the stepdaughter of Diane Himes Cunningham. She married Jonathan Wawrzynski on September 19, 2009. Some of Crystal’s interests were reading, watching dramas, playing pool, and throwing darts. She loved cats and riding motorcycles. Above all, she cherished the moments shared and the memories made with her children, grandson, and her husband Jon. Survivors include her parents and stepmother, her beloved husband Jon who she spent 21 years of her…

Mrs. Bertha I. Wright, 91, of Franklin Township passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 at her daughters residence surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Wright was born in Ellwood City on July 24th, 1933 the daughter of the late Raymond R. and Florence Mae (Wimer) Evans. She married the love of her life Richard J. “Dick” Wright on October 1st, 1953 after which they raised their seven children together. Bertha enjoyed crocheting, cooking, watching Fox News, listening to country music, and most of all time spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her beloved dogs. She is survived…

Richard “Rich” Bofinger, age 87, passed away peacefully at his home on September 3, 2024. He spent his childhood in Punxsutawney with his father, Albert Bofinger. Richard always spoke fondly of several uncles, aunts and cousins who assisted in his upbringing. Following high school he served in the US Air Force for four years. He then attended Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and became and aircraft mechanic. On May 19, 1961, he married Carol Marie Brinker of Brookville, PA. They were married for 58 years living first in New Jersey and then moving to Beaver County in 1976. They enjoyed gardening,…

Kay (Tarver) Panella, 74, passed away in her home with her family by her side on September 2, 2024 following an extended illness. She was born September 17, 1949. She is preceded in death by her parents, Donice Hughey and Alcus Tarver, her brothers John and Tom Tarver, and brother-in-law Jim Croston. Kay made the world a more beautiful place both figuratively and physically with the care she provided to those in need, the haircuts, color, and stylings she performed as a beautician for many years, and her remarkable ability to design, develop, and decorate any area she felt needed…

Letitia M. “Tish” Shick, 89, of Shenango Township passed away Monday, August 26, 2024 at Northview Estates Born April 11, 1935 in Possum Hollow, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Grace McKim Market. She was married to Joseph E. Shick for 29 years until he passed away on May 14, 1991. Tish graduated from Lincoln High School and was associated with the Highland Presbyterian Church in Slippery Rock. She spent her early years as a wife and mother and enjoyed taking care of her family. She had several jobs as her children got older, her favorites were…

Veronica Pacella, aged 67, passed away after a courageous six-year battle with cancer on August 31,2024. A dedicated community leader, journalist, and library advocate, she leaves behind a legacy of service and commitment to her hometown of Ellwood City. Born on May 12,1957 to Arthur and Edith (Rocco) Pacella, she was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 1975. Veronica furthered her education at Slippery Rock University, graduating in 1979. Her professional journey began at the Ellwood City Ledger, where she quickly made history as the youngest and first woman editor of the newspaper in 1981 . A…