Obituaries

John Richard “Dick” Shaffer, 89, of Shenango Twp. passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, at Northview Estates following a brief illness. Born January 2, 1937, in New Castle, he was the son of the late John B. and Sara Badger Shaffer. Dick received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Slippery Rock University. He taught geometry and trigonometry at Shenango High School for many years until his retirement. He loved collecting military memorabilia and driving his tractor on his property. A skilled woodworker, he crafted many beautiful pieces of furniture that his family will enjoy for generations. In his younger years,…

Dean Allen Friend, 53, of Big Beaver Borough, passed away on May 9, 2026. Born on May 16, 1972, in Rochester, Pennsylvania, Dean spent his life in Beaver County and built his world around hard work, loyalty, family, and helping anyone who needed him. He was the kind of man who would show up without being asked, give away his last dollar if someone needed it more, and quietly carry burdens for the people he loved. Dean was a proud Teamster Local 341 CDL truck driver. He could never quite park a Mini Cooper straight at Walmart but put him…

Honey Jo McKeough, 84, of Ellwood City passed away at Quality Life Services in New Castle on May 10, 2026. She was the daughter of the late James and Evelyn (Wright) McKeough and she was born June 6, 1941, in Ellwood City. She is survived by her brother; Gary McKeough and his wife Betty of Ellwood City, and one sister-in-law; Elizabeth McKeough. Honey was a 1959 graduate of Lincoln High School. She also had perfect school attendance for her entire school area from 1st to 12th grade. After graduation, she worked at J. C. Murphys after she graduated high school….

Mrs. Dorothy H. Paglia, 100, passed away on May 8th, 2026 at her loving granddaughter’s house in East Liverpool, Ohio. Dorothy was born on April 26th, 1926 in Ellwood City to the late Ambrose and Frances (Mayer) Nedesky. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1944. She was a member of the Saint Vincent DePaul Parish in New Castle, and a former member of both Holy Redeemer Church in Ellwood City and the Holy Cross Parish in New Castle. Dorothy worked as a secretary to the Superintendent of the Ellwood City Area School District from 1944-1950, then…

James David Mundo, the beloved anchor of our family, completed his journey on earth on May 5, 2026. While history will remember him as an innovator in the automotive and aerospace industries, his family will remember the man who believed a sharp mind was best used in the service of those he loved. ​James was a man who never stopped learning. His journey began with a rigorous education at John Carroll University and the University of Michigan. Still, he was exceptionally proud of his degree in Aerospace Engineering from Northrop University. These years weren’t just about the titles; they were…

Mr. Gary A. Smiley, 72, of West Pittsburgh passed away peacefully at his residence on Saturday, May 9th, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. Gary was born in Youngstown, Ohio on October 4th, 1953 to the late Betty (Como) Caravaggio. He graduated from the Nurnberg American High School in Germany. Gary enlisted with the United States Army on December 20th, 1971 and served until his honorable discharge on December 19th, 1977 with the rank of SP4. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. After serving with the Army, Gary worked at Rockwell International until it closed and then for…

Mary Grace Zelic, 86, of Chewton passed away Friday, May 1, 2026 at Quality Life Services New Castle. Born April 13, 1940, in Youngstown, she was the daughter of the late Stephen Sr. and Eileen Markovich. She was married to Dann S. Zelic for 33 years when he passed on February 7, 2025. Mary worked at various places over the years including at Leeds and Northrup, and as a cook at the Hillview Manor and Golden Hill Nursing Home. She cherished time with her family. Survivors include daughter, Lorrie (Fred) Hess of New Castle; step-daughter, Dana (Mark) Cirelli of Ellwood…

Mark L. Gehley, 66, formerly of Big Beaver, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Providence Care Center following a short illness. Born April 13, 1960, in Beaver Falls, he was the son of the late Eamile O. and J. Rosalie Covert Gehley. Mark was a proud Marine Corp Veteran. He worked for many years as a finish line machine operator for Armstrong Industries in Beaver Falls. He was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church. For 48 years, Mark dedicated himself as a volunteer firefighter with the Big Beaver VFD. He served in many roles, including President, Chief, Assistant…

Mr. Richard Louis Walker, 85, of Freedom passed away peacefully on Friday, May 1st, 2026 at Lakeview Personnel Care in Darlington. Mr. Walker was born in Rochester, PA on May 5th, 1940 to the late Louis and Ida (Kirchner) Walker. He had graduated from Freedom High School. For 35 years Richard worked for Penn-DOT  as a heavy equipment operator. An outdoors man, Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing, and held memberships at Monaca Rod and Gun Club and Zelienople Harmony Sportsmen’s Club. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Mary Jo Hogue of Ellwood City, grandsons and their…