Obituaries

Shawn L. Knechtel, 53, of Ellwood City passed away on Friday, July 1st, 2022 at his residence. Shawn was born in Ellwood City on February 18th, 1969 to the late Bruce C. and Marilyn D. (Kent) Knechtel. He had worked as a welder for his brother Bruce’s welding business. Shawn enjoyed motorcycles and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers. Shawn is survived by his wife, Michele (Davis) Knechtel whom he married in 1996, son, Shawn Knechtel of New Brighton, sisters, Lisa Sheldon, Lori (Mark) Ables, Tonya (Joseph) Yhelka, and Dawn Tyson, and brothers, Bruce (Pam) Knechtel, Kenneth Knechtel, Maximillion Knechtel, and Benjamin…

Mrs. Jean Cummings, 86, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, June 25th, 2022 at her residence. Mrs. Cummings was the daughter of the late Damiano “Domenic” and Bridget (Lopiano) Viccari born on October 19th, 1935 in Ellwood City, She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1953. For several summers, Jean along with her sisters, worked at Camp Allegheny as a cook. She is a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish, and enjoyed ceramics and playing bingo. She is survived by her daughters, Ramona Cornelius of Ellwood City, Colleen (Bud) Williams of Beaver Falls, Diane (Adam)…

Mike Yuricha, 90, of Ellport passed away at the Haven Convalescent Home in New Castle on Thursday, June 23, 2022. Born in Koppel on November 5, 1931, Mike was the son of the late John and Elizabeth Bon Yuricha.  He is survived by his wife, the former Helen Cesarini.  They were married on July 12, 1952.  Mike was retired from the Ellwood Works of U.S. Steel and was a member of Holy Redeemer Parish and SNPJ.  A handyman, Mike enjoyed working on cars or any of his childrens’ projects.  He liked to take care of his yard and his garden…

Mrs. Linda D. Balin, 74, of Ellwood City passed away on Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022 at the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Mrs. Balin was born in Philadelphia on December 24th, 1947 to the late William E. and Delores E. (Yeager) Valentine. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1965. Linda is a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish and had taught CCD at the former Purification BVM School. For many years she had volunteered with the Ellwood City Football Mothers and the After Prom Committee. Linda was also a member of the Ellwood City MOOSE…

Loren F. “Sonny” Bubb, 85, of Ellport, passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2022 at Rochester Manor. Born in Ellwood City on February 3, 1937, Sonny was the son of the late Francis Elmer and Verna Belle Kiesling Bubb. He is survived by his wife, the former Evelyn “Ramona” Ritter whom he married on June 8, 1957. Sonny was employed as a crane operator at Hydrol in Rochester and after they closed, he worked for Herr Voss in Callery, PA. He was a member of Providence Baptist Church. Sonny enjoyed woodworking and in his earlier years, he enjoyed hunting, but…

Col. Max Giovannini (USAF-Ret.) died on 10 May 2022 at the age of 93 in San Antonio, Texas. His long life was characterized by unwavering devotion to his family and country. He epitomized the “officer and gentleman.” He was born to Filippo and Irene Giovannini in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Geneva College, he was awarded a commission in the U.S. Air Force and began a 29-year military career in the new USAF Security Service. At his first tour of duty, he met and married Mary Bethel Kincaid. They raised four children in six states and five overseas assignments,…