Obituaries

Matthew Ryan Plavecsky, 45, of Cranberry Township passed away unexpectedly on February 21st, 2026. Matt was born in New Castle on March 15th, 1980 to Marie (Liska) Plavecsky and the late Robert Plavecsky. Matthew graduated from Lincoln High School, Class of 1998. After graduation, he worked for Trader Horn, Airway Industries, Great Lakes Cold Storage, and KIK Corporation. During his youth, he participated in Ellwood City Amateur Baseball Federation, playing Instruction League through the Colt league. Matthew was also active in the BVM CYO activities, playing basketball. Matthew’s passion was fishing and deer hunting. He enjoyed fishing at the Zelienople…

Jack Reda, of North Sewickley Twp., passed away on Thursday, February 26th,2026. Jack was the beloved husband of wife Dawn (Dettinger), father of daughter Lori, and dog Daisy Jane. Born on July 17th ,1 953, in Ellwood City, Pa, he was the son of the Late Ralph and Rose (Duca) Reda. ln addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his brothers, Lou, Nick and Andy, and his sister Patty Ann in infancy. He is survived by his sister Rachel Reda, sister-in-law Cindy Reda, Connie Reda, and JoAnn Reda, Debbie (Ron) Atkinson, and brother-in-law Bill (Devona) Dettinger. Jack…

David Louis “Buck” White, 59, beloved son and brother, passed away on February 23, 2026, surrounded by his family. Buck lived in Wampum all his life with his loving parents and brother. For over 20 years, he worked at Lark Enterprises helping assemble various products. In his later years he enjoyed participating in activities at the Lawrence County Adult Training Facility in New Castle. Buck had a strong spirit; he faced several medical crises during his life but never complained. Buck loved watching Don Knotts as Deputy Barney Fife in the Andy Griffith Show. He was also fan of Hogan’s…

Glenda L. Kelly, 82, of West Pittsburg, PA passed away on February 22, 2026, at her residence after a 2-year battle with cancer. Glenda was born on March 15, 1943, to the late Glenn B. and Bernice (Yoho) Hennon of Chewton. She married Dale G. Kelly on December 2, 1961. She was raised in Chewton, attending Chewton Elementary School to 8th grade and graduated from Lincoln High School Ellwood City, PA with the class of 1961. She attended Chewton Christian Church, where she later sang in the choir and served as the song leader. After marriage, Glenda was a member…

Theresa M. Jones, 90, of Brookville and formerly of Pittsburgh, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2026. She was born October 18, 1935, in Pittsburgh, the youngest child of the late Joseph and Caroline (Cyganik) Kanoza. She is survived by her daughters, Rose Hufnagel and her husband, Bill of Ellwood City, Vivian Tobin-Zimbicki of Brookville, Dorothy Carr of Zelienople; 10 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. Theresa grew up in Sheridan, PA and attended Langley High School. She was married to Samuel A. Jones for 60 years prior to his death in 2014; they had six daughters and raised their family in the…

Karen L. Whitlatch, 82, of Fombell passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at home surrounded by family. She was the daughter of the late Edgar and Harriet (Nye) Waterfield and she was born on April 8, 1943 in Ellwood City. She was a 1961 graduate of Lincoln High School. She met and married James “Jim” Whitlatch, the love of her life, on May 15, 1964. She spent her career at various restaurants as a waitress. She loved shopping, going out to eat, spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and hanging out with her “Goose Girls”. Her…

James Clayton Conner, 79, of New Castle passed away Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Quality Life Services following an extended illness. Born April 12, 1946, in New Castle, he was the son of the late Charles Clayton and Irene Forrest Conner. James attended Union High School and then worked at Lark Enterprises as a furniture refinisher. Protestant by faith, he loved everything “Godzilla” and watching Westerns. Survivors include sister, Cheryl (Robert) Hackett of Wampum; brother, Randy (Heather) Conner of Edinburg; many nieces and nephews, and his special friend and roommate, Randy Adams. Per his wishes, no services will be held….

Kevin Thomas Eckenrode, 58, of Butler, passed away at his residence on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. Born April 6, 1967, in Ellwood City, he was a son of the late Thomas L. Eckenrode and Judith L. Ketterer Eckenrode. He was a member of New Beginnings Free Methodist Church, Butler. He loved baseball and football, and he was an avid fan of both Penn State and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He enjoyed listening to music and taking care of his lawn and flowers. Most of all, he adored spending time with his grandchildren. Kevin is survived by his daughter, Kayla Wise; two…

Mrs. Kathleen Cogley, 87, of Franklin Township, passed away on February 16,2026, surrounded by love. Born on October 22nd,1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Catherine (Schlegel) and Charles Gilligan. ln October 1956, she married the love of her life, Matthew W. Cogley $r., who preceded her in death, along with their youngest daughter, Chris Cogley. Kathleen worked for Verizon until her retirement and was a proud and passionate member of the CWA union. She was known for her strong work ethic, determination, and loyalty. She had a well-known love for trips to the casino and…