Obituaries

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…

Donna Sue (Beckman) Bailey, 63, of Ellwood City, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep May 10th, 2024. Donna is survived by her parents John and Ruthann Beckman of Patterson Twp, her sister Deborah (Gary) Brooks of Winston-Salem, NC, and brother David (Heather) Beckman of Patterson Twp. Her four children, Joan (Chris) Sprague of Huntington Beach, CA, Jennifer Dodds of Ellwood City, John David (Rachel) Bailey of Koppel, and Julie (Devin) Foley of New Castle. Her four grand children, Elle, Violet, Olive and James. She is preceded in death by her Grandmother Florence Haberle, grandfather Louis Haberle, and uncle, Charles “Ray”…

Susan E. Bennett, 94, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on Monday, May 13, 2024 at UPMC Jameson Hospital following a brief illness. Born January 22, 1930 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Elizabeth McCullough Hollinback. She was married to Guy J. Bennett for 44 years when he passed away on July 14, 2012. Susan had graduated from Lincoln High School. For many years, she worked at Medusa in Wampum as a secretary. Susan was a member of the former St. Monica’s Church in Wampum where she was a member of the Rosary Guild…

Mr. Larry E. Jacobs, 77, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, May 11th, 2024 at the Butler Memorial Hospital. Larry was born in New Martinsville, Maryland on July 14th, 1946 to the late Joseph and Yetta Jane (Baker) Jacobs. He is a member of the Riverside High School class of 1967 and the Lillyville Church of God. Following his high school graduation Larry enlisted with the United States Army on June 15th, 1967 and served with the 31st Engineering Company until his Honorable Discharge on April 5th, 1969 with the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the National Defense…

Vern R. Ault, 101, of New Galilee passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Edison Manor following a short illness. Born March 10, 1923 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late John and Sara King Widdowfield . She was married to Roy W. “Jack” Ault until he passed away in 1984. Vern was a member of the former Koppel United Methodist Church. In her younger years she enjoyed bowling in many leagues, going to casinos, and playing scratch tickets. She cherished time spent with her family. Survivors include two sons, Dennis (Linda) and Ronald Ault both of…