Obituaries

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…

Dale E. Shaw, 97, of New Castle (formerly Ellwood City), passed away peacefully on Friday, August 23, 2024, at home with his family. Born April 22, 1927, in New Castle, Dale was the son of the late Frank M. and Bertha M. (Patterson) Shaw. He married the late Donna M. (Neuman) Shaw on July 21, 1950. They were married for 64 years until Donna’s passing on January 24, 2015. Dale was a veteran of the Army, serving in Manila between 1946 -1947. Dale began his career at US Steel, then Kroger company for 15 years, and ultimately worked for State…

Mrs. Patricia Ann Sturgis, 70, formerly of Franklin Township passed away on Tuesday, August 27th, 2024 at The Village at Unity in Rochester , New York. Mrs. Sturgis was born in Laurel Garden, PA on December 27th, 1953 to the late Arthur J. and Theresa (Polome) Marziale, Sr.. She is a member of the North Hills High School class of 1972, and the Lillyville Church of God. She had worked at the Seneca Valley School District for eight years as a teacher’s aide, and later at Passavant Retirement Community for another eight years in the housekeeping department. Patty’s favorite past…

Ms. Gail M. Frisk, 70, of Fombell passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 at her residence. Gail was the daughter of the late Joseph R. and Louise (Brown) Frisk born on August 7th, 1954 in Ellwood City. She is a member of the Quigley High School class of 1962, and graduated from St. Francis University in Loretto, PA where she earned a degree in Medical Technology. Over the years she had worked at various hospitals in the area as a medical technologist. She is a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church where for many years she,…