Obituaries

James Charles “Charlie” Leslie, 86, of Wampum passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 17, 2024 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital. Born May 14, 1938 in New Castle, he was the son of the late William B. and Florence A. Youkers Leslie. He was married to Loretta E. Czartorski Leslie for 60 years when she passed away on January 2, 2021. A quick, sharp, and keen sense of humor, Charlie enjoyed making people comfortable and leaving them laughing. Charlie had previously owned and operated the Ewing Park Market and also worked at Inmetco. A veteran of the US Army, he loved…

Joyce M. Bender (Simoff), 82, of East Palestine, OH passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Elyria, Ohio on Monday, May 17, 2024. She was born in Ellwood City, Pa. on February 21, 1942, the daughter of the late Boris and Mary Simoff. Following her graduation from Lincoln High School in 1959, she attended Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA. where she received her BA in Spanish, graduating in 1964. She taught English and Spanish in Geneva, OH her first year out of college and then at Salem High School in Salem, OH from 1967 to 1968. Taking time…

Hannah Joy Patterson, 33, of Scott Township passed away on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024 at her residence. Hannah is the daughter of the late Frank Patterson and Sheila Patterson of Shenango Township born on September 25th, 1990 in New Castle. She had graduated from Laurel High School. Hannah was employed by Dollar General as a store manage and had opened stores in Wayne Twp., Plain Grove, and Slippery Rock Twp.. She enjoyed primitive antiquing, loved all animals, crafting, and was a talented artist. She is survived by her mother Sheila Patterson and step father Jeff Hankinson of Shenango Twp., fiancé…

Mr. Carl R. “Duke” Campbell, 87, of Park Gate passed away on Friday, May 17th, 2024 at his residence with his loving family at his bedside. Mr. Campbell was born in Ellwood City to the late Lemont and Elizabeth (Burr) Campbell on June 14th, 1936. He is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1954. He enlisted with the United States Army on October 1st, 1959 and honorably served until his discharge on September 29th, 1961 with the rank of E-4. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. Following his service with the Army, Duke worked at the…

Donald H. Simpson, 88, of New Castle (formerly of Chapel Drive, Ellwood City) passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at The Grove at New Wilmington following a lengthy illness. Born July 15, 1935 in Beaver Falls, he was the son of the late James Albert and Frances Alberta Headland Simpson. He was married to Alice Catherine Rhodes Simpson for 43 years when she passed away in 2002. Donald had retired from the B&W after 33 years. He was a former member of the Providence Baptist Church. An avid deer hunter, Donald also enjoyed working on his farm and playing cards….

George Tita, formerly of Koppel, PA, died peacefully at the age of 101 on May 9, 2024 at Sunrise Assisted Living in Annapolis, MD. Born in 1923, he lived through the depression, served in WWII, saw the landing of a man on the moon, and the witnessed the advent of the television, cell phone, PC and the internet – a life well lived! George was preceded in death by his bride of more than 50 years, Anne (Gulevich) Tita in 2001, brothers John, Mike, and Nicholas, and sisters Susan Augustine and Ann Rossa. He is survived by his son and…

Harold R. McConnell, 93, of Salisbury North Carolina (formerly of Old Rt.18 Wampum) passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at his daughter’s residence following an illness. Born February 19, 1931 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Russell and Susie Park McConnell. He was married to Pearl E. Brommer McConnell for 62 years when she passed away on January 13, 2016. He first worked for Reliable Luggage where he met his future wife Pearl, then owned and operated McConnell Tax Service for over 40 years with her assistance. Survivors include daughter, Glenda L. (Edward) Daley of Salisbury…

Brenda L. Hughes, 60, of Mercer passed away Monday, May 13, 2024 at UPMC Farrell following a courageous battle with cancer. Born June 10, 1963 in New Galilee, she was the daughter of the late William B. Lindsay and Betty J. Frank. A graduate of Shenango High School, Brenda worked as a nurses aide at the Golden Hill Nursing Home. She was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Mercer. Her most cherished moments were spent with family. Survivors include her husband of 27 years Clifford L. Hughes; son, Clifford W. Hughes who is a Sr….

Mr. Gregory D. LaCava, 71, of Ellwood City passed away on Tuesday, May 14th, 2024 at the Heritage Valley Medical Center. Greg was born the son of the late Joseph H. and Virginia Y. (Hazen) LaCava in Ellwood City on March 11th, 1953. He is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1971 and attended the Community College of Beaver County. He earned an Associates Degree in machinist from the New Castle School of Trades. Greg worked at the Babcock & Wilcox Steel Mill in Beaver Falls, Vesuvios in Zelienople, High Tech in Cranberry Twp., and retired from…