Obituaries

Richard “Rich” Bofinger, age 87, passed away peacefully at his home on September 3, 2024. He spent his childhood in Punxsutawney with his father, Albert Bofinger. Richard always spoke fondly of several uncles, aunts and cousins who assisted in his upbringing. Following high school he served in the US Air Force for four years. He then attended Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and became and aircraft mechanic. On May 19, 1961, he married Carol Marie Brinker of Brookville, PA. They were married for 58 years living first in New Jersey and then moving to Beaver County in 1976. They enjoyed gardening,…

Kay (Tarver) Panella, 74, passed away in her home with her family by her side on September 2, 2024 following an extended illness. She was born September 17, 1949. She is preceded in death by her parents, Donice Hughey and Alcus Tarver, her brothers John and Tom Tarver, and brother-in-law Jim Croston. Kay made the world a more beautiful place both figuratively and physically with the care she provided to those in need, the haircuts, color, and stylings she performed as a beautician for many years, and her remarkable ability to design, develop, and decorate any area she felt needed…

Letitia M. “Tish” Shick, 89, of Shenango Township passed away Monday, August 26, 2024 at Northview Estates Born April 11, 1935 in Possum Hollow, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Grace McKim Market. She was married to Joseph E. Shick for 29 years until he passed away on May 14, 1991. Tish graduated from Lincoln High School and was associated with the Highland Presbyterian Church in Slippery Rock. She spent her early years as a wife and mother and enjoyed taking care of her family. She had several jobs as her children got older, her favorites were…

Veronica Pacella, aged 67, passed away after a courageous six-year battle with cancer on August 31,2024. A dedicated community leader, journalist, and library advocate, she leaves behind a legacy of service and commitment to her hometown of Ellwood City. Born on May 12,1957 to Arthur and Edith (Rocco) Pacella, she was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 1975. Veronica furthered her education at Slippery Rock University, graduating in 1979. Her professional journey began at the Ellwood City Ledger, where she quickly made history as the youngest and first woman editor of the newspaper in 1981 . A…

Dale E. Shaw, 97, of New Castle (formerly Ellwood City), passed away peacefully on Friday, August 23, 2024, at home with his family. Born April 22, 1927, in New Castle, Dale was the son of the late Frank M. and Bertha M. (Patterson) Shaw. He married the late Donna M. (Neuman) Shaw on July 21, 1950. They were married for 64 years until Donna’s passing on January 24, 2015. Dale was a veteran of the Army, serving in Manila between 1946 -1947. Dale began his career at US Steel, then Kroger company for 15 years, and ultimately worked for State…

Mrs. Patricia Ann Sturgis, 70, formerly of Franklin Township passed away on Tuesday, August 27th, 2024 at The Village at Unity in Rochester , New York. Mrs. Sturgis was born in Laurel Garden, PA on December 27th, 1953 to the late Arthur J. and Theresa (Polome) Marziale, Sr.. She is a member of the North Hills High School class of 1972, and the Lillyville Church of God. She had worked at the Seneca Valley School District for eight years as a teacher’s aide, and later at Passavant Retirement Community for another eight years in the housekeeping department. Patty’s favorite past…

Ms. Gail M. Frisk, 70, of Fombell passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 at her residence. Gail was the daughter of the late Joseph R. and Louise (Brown) Frisk born on August 7th, 1954 in Ellwood City. She is a member of the Quigley High School class of 1962, and graduated from St. Francis University in Loretto, PA where she earned a degree in Medical Technology. Over the years she had worked at various hospitals in the area as a medical technologist. She is a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church where for many years she,…

Connie M. Dwyer, 77, of New Beaver Borough passed away Monday, August 26, 2024 at her residence. Born May 26, 1947 in New Brighton, she was the daughter of the late William and Katheryn Barbara Irvine Dwyer. Connie had worked as a hairdresser at Bauman Beauty Academy, at the Beaver Valley Medical Center as a unit clerk, an office assistant at Pamela Corotto’s Beauty Salon in Rochester. The most memorable part of her life was living and working in Florida at the Gessler Clinic where she was employed as a medical secretary. Connie was Baptist by faith. Survivors include son,…

Guy Prestia, 102, of Ellwood City, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. He was a man of action whose service to his family, community, country, and faith radiated throughout his life. Born April 26, 1922 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Madeline (Violante) and Joseph Prestia. He married the late Patricia Prestia, his wife of 54 years, on June 29, 1957. Guy was a 1940 graduate of Lincoln High School. He served during WWII as a Sergeant in the 45th Infantry Division, 157th Infantry Regiment, E Company. His unit spent an…

Mrs. Patricia (Main) Rukovena, 77, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, August 25th, 2024 at Quality Life Services in New Castle. Mrs. Rukovena was born the daughter of the late Chester K. and Teressa (DeBlasio) Main in Ellwood City on October 29th, 1946. She had graduated from Riverside High School with the class of 1966. Patty was Catholic by faith, a homemaker, an avid Pittsburgh Steeler’s fan, and loved spending time with her grandchildren. Patty is survived by her son Michael “Beno” Rukovena of Ellwood City, grandchildren Joseph Lyle, Tyler Lyle, and Addison Yaromey, great-grandson Riley Lyle, sister Karen…