Obituaries

Paul Robert Zurynski passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at his residence with his loved ones steadfastly surrounding him. Paul was born on September 17, 1956, in Beaver Falls, PA to the late Paul and Jane (Watson) Zurynski. He graduated from Big Beaver Falls Area High School with the Class of 1974. He was a long-time member, and even an altar boy, at the former St. Teresa’s Roman Catholic Church in Koppel, PA (now a part of the Divine Grace Parish). Paul spent his employment years as a dedicated and skillful machinist and a tool and die maker….

Mrs. Arlene M. “Pinky” Maielli, 87, of Ellwood City passed away on Tuesday, January 16th, 2024 at her residence. Mrs. Maielli was born in Ellwood City to the late Albert and Mary E. (Onada) Siesing on December 5th, 1936. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1954 and has served for many years as an officer and organizer of the class’s annual reunion. Pinky had worked at Fashion Bug at the Franklin Twp. Plaza as a salesperson. She enjoyed painting and crafting of which she designed holiday themed ties, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and ceramics. She had been…

Donna E. Krepps, 75, of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024, at her home. She was the daughter of the late Richard and Elsie Mae (Bryant) Blinn and was born May 5, 1948, in Ellwood City. Donna is survived by her husband, of 53 years, DeWitt Krepps; her son; J.D. Krepps of Shenango Twp. and one daughter; Amy Elizabeth Frederiksen of Minnesota, one grandson; Owen DeWitt Krepps; and one granddaughter; Petra Elizabeth Frederiksen. Donna was born and raised in Ellwood City and was a graduate of Lincoln High School, class of 1966. She met the love of…

Mrs. Frieda Theresia Pitelka, 93, of Ellwood City passed away the afternoon of January 14, 2024 at Quality Life Service of New Castle. Born in Zemun, Yugoslavia on August 23, 1930, Frieda was the daughter of the late Josef and Jovanika (Dragutinovic) Viola. Frieda married her beloved husband Frank Pitelka in Austria on September 11, 1948. They had made their home in Ellwood City since 1952. After sixty-nine years of marriage Frank preceded her in death in 2018. Frieda was a homemaker and well known for her baking skills. Her Christmas cookies, German Tortes and Strudel were enjoyed by many….

Mr. George R. “Rick” Miller, 74, of North Sewickley Twp. passed away peacefully on Monday, January 15th, 2024 at his residence. Mr. Miller was born on May 19th, 1949 to the late George R. and Geraldine (Walton) Miller Sr.. He had graduated from Riverside High School with the class of 1968. Rick worked at the Babcock & Wilcox Steel Mill until it closed and then at Koppel Steel in both Ambridge and Koppel as a super craft, which included welding, pipe fitting, and maintenance mechanic. After retiring from Koppel Steel Rick worked as a parts runner for Advanced Auto in…

Audrey J. Latshaw, 100, of Ellwood City beloved mother and grandmother passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on January 11, 2024 at the Cambridge Falls Retirement Home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 21, 1923, in Pittsburgh to the late George W. and Grace (Dierker) Huff. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years Paul E. who passed away January 21, 2010. They were married on September 18, 1942. Audrey was a member of the Calvin Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City. Besides her parents and husband, Audrey was preceded in death by…

Richard P. Himes, 86, of North Sewickley Township passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at his residence. Born February 22, 1937 in Porter, PA. He was married to Maxine M. Hollabaugh Himes for 61 years when she passed away on April 16, 2016. Richard had graduated from Punxsutawney Area High School in 1955. He worked at Colonial Clay Production in Fallston for 19 years and retired from Littell Steel in Fallston after 25 years. He enjoyed traveling, especially going to casinos. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and working in his garden. Richard…

Brett Kevin Gess, age 55, of Wampum, Pennsylvania passed away January 9th 2024. He is survived by his wife Lori, children: Jared, Robin, Paul and Josh with four grandchildren and one expected. Brett was incredibly proud of his wife’s and children’s military service. Brett was born November 26,1968 in Winter Park, Florida – the first-born child of David and Grace Gess. He became big brother to Shawn, Tiffany, Keisha, Ericka, Carrie, Anthony, Kyle and Annie. His father, David and youngest brother Kyle preceded him in death. Brett graduated from Northwest High School in Jackson, Michigan class of 1987 and loved…