Obituaries

Matushka Anne “Anya” Hopko, née Schmemann, for the last two decades of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, and previously, for many years, of Crestwood (Yonkers), New York, fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday afternoon, August 4, 2022. She was 78 years old. At the time of her repose in the Lord, Matushka Anne was in care in a hospital in L’Annonciation (Rivière-Rouge), Quebec. She had suffered a sudden stroke on Wednesday, August 3, while with family members together on summer holiday in Lac Labelle, Quebec. Matushka Anne was the beloved wife of the late Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko (+2015). She is survived…

Mary Florence Loccisano, 95, died peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospice Beaver on Friday, August 12, 2022. She was born in Forestville, PA on December 5, 1926 to the late Michael and Angeline Isacco Carozza. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School. Mary was the adored and adoring wife of Raymond Paul Loccisano whom she married on April 12, 1948. Mary was a homemaker and a marvelous cook. In earlier years, she served as a Cub Scout den mother. A quiet woman, she possessed a generous and caring heart and was deeply loved by family and friends. She was a…

John L. Wiley, 86, of Franklin Township, passed away at his residence on Thursday, August 11, 2022. Born in Ellwood City on January 29, 1936, John was the son of the late Jack B. and Evelyn B. McKinney Wiley.  John is survived by his wife, the former Helen Wilson, whom he married on January 9, 1956.  John retired as a meat packer after 37 years at Luger Meat Packing.  He was a member of Lillyville Church of God.  An avid hunter, John was past president and a 50-year member of the Beaver County Coon Hunters Association. Besides his wife Helen…

Mrs. Marilyn “Dusty” Minnocci, 76, passed away peacefully in the early mornings of August 9, 2022. She was surrounded by her family. Dusty was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Dusty was born August 12, 1945 to the late Kathryn “Kappy” Linville and the late Paul “Dwayne” Jessop. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1963 and earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Geneva College. In March 1966, she married her high school sweetheart Marty Minnocci. Some of Dusty’s hobbies were baking and cooking and many can attest to her abilities in the kitchen. She touched the lives of…

Jeffrey C. McDonald, 59, of Wampum, passed away Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at Heritage Valley Sewickley following a short illness. Born April 25, 1963 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Robert G. and Peg (Gishbaugher) McDonald. He was married to Diana L. (Grinnen) McDonald. She survives. Jeff was a graduate of Vo-Tech in New Castle. He was employed by Wickmac Machine in New Castle, where he worked as a machinist. Jeff was affiliated with the Clinton United Methodist Church, was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan, and enjoyed his yearly fishing trip to Canada. He was preceded…

James L. Mason of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, August 8, 2022 at AHN Wexford Hospital. He was 74 years old. Jim was born on August 28, 1947 in Grand Mound, Iowa to Reginald and Inez Mason.  Jim proudly served in the Air Force after receiving his BA from Western State College of Colorado. On August 16, 1971 he married the love of his life, Ann Clark Mason.  In addition to family and faith, Education and learning was paramount in Jim’s life. He earned a Master of Education in both Developmental Reading and School Management from Loyola College.  He…

David A. Wiltrout, 69, of Franklin Township passed away on Sunday, August 7th, 2022 at the Good Samaritan Hospice at Heritage Valley. David was born on September 2nd, 1954 in Ellwood City to the late William and Mildred Wiltrout. He had graduated from Riverside High School with the class of 1972. For 35 years he worked at the Ellwood City Forge as a machine operator. As per David’s wishes there will not be a public service. The final arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..

Raymond W. Dicks, 85, of Wayne Township passed away Friday, August 5, 2022 at his residence. Born April 19, 1937 in New Castle, he was the son of the late G. Lester and Norma Patterson Dicks. He was married to Martha Griffin Dicks. Ray was first employed by Lockley’s Machine Shop and then Tasa Coal Company. He was the Sexton at the Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church Cemetery for 57 years. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Martha; three sons, Karl R. of Shippenville, Keith W. and Clinton J. (Lana) Dicks both of Ellwood City; daughter, Janet L. Dicks of…