Obituaries

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Cole S. Jackson, 31

Cole S. Jackson, 31, of Ellwood City, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 10, 2022. Cole was a devoted husband, father, uncle and football coach. He loved being outdoors and spending his time coaching and throwing the football round to his boys. Football and sports were Cole’s life and he inspired so many young people to love the game of football. Cole was a 2009 graduate of Riverside High School and played football; doing big things on the field. Most of all, family was important to Cole and especially the time he spent with his children, his wife, and his…


Ann C. Oprisu, 94

Ann C. Oprisu, 94, of New Beaver Borough passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Avalon Place. Born November 19, 1927 in Wampum, she was the daughter of the late Hugo and Elizabeth DeLeonardis Ciro. She was married to Eugene Oprisu for 47 years when he passed on September 5, 1997. Ann was a graduate of Wampum High School. She was a member of the Holy Redeemer Church in Ellwood City. She loved tending to her flowers and was well known for how beautiful they looked. She was a very giving woman, especially to her family. Survivors include her niece…


Roy Lee Herr Sr., 70

Roy Lee Herr Sr., 70, of Mesa AZ (formerly of Wampum) passed away Friday, April 8, 2022. Born December 24, 1951 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Joseph and Dolly Mielke Herr. He was married to Cynthia “Cindy” Klinesmith Herr. Lee was a graduate of Shenango High School and then Geneva College. He came from a lifelong history of involvement with dogs and Animal Husbandry on his family farm, that led to him becoming a breeder, exhibitor, handler, club member, Show Chairman, and an AKC Rep and Judge. He had served as the president of the…


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Domenic “Dom” A. Viccari, 89

We mourn the loss of Domenic (Dom) A. Viccari, who enriched our lives with his love, dedication and service to the community that shall endure for generations to come.  It is said that the good steward is the one who receives God’s gifts with gratitude, cultivates them responsibly, shares them, and then returns them with an increase to the Lord.  Dom treated all of life as the consummate gardener that he was.  He planted seeds in both people and projects, tended and nurtured them along the way until they produced an abundance of fruits to be shared by many. Domenic…


Eileen Kirkham, 88

Eileen Kirkham of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 10, 2022, at age 88. She was surrounded by love and family to the end, just as she was throughout her beautiful life. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Charles Kirkham, their three children, Brad Kirkham, Shari (Brian) Robinson, and Dave (Elvy) Kirkham, her sister Nancy Mathieu, her grandchildren, Brett Watson and Austin Robinson, and her many nieces and nephews. Born on June 12, 1933, Eileen attended Lincoln High School and graduated in the class of 1951. She held various careers throughout her life, formerly being…


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Derek Sturges, 39

Derek Sturges, 39, formerly of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, April 9th, 2022 at his residence in Meadville. Derek was born in Ellwood City on July 25th, 1982 to Charles Sturges of Ellwood City and the late Mary (Collier) Sturges. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 2000. Over the years Derek worked as a cook for various nursing homes. He is survived by his father, Charles, sisters, Stacy (Mike) Harper, Brandi (Jim) Collier Beachem, brother, Eric (Earline) Sturges, many nieces and nephews, and his girlfriend, Amanda Raible. There will not be a public service….


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Ross S. Paswell, 30

Ross S. Paswell, 30, of Ellwood City, passed away unexpectedly on April 9th, 2022 at his residence. Ross was born on February 24th, 1992 in Ellwood City to Frank R. “Lucky” and Janine (Farkas) Paswell. Ross graduated from the Lincoln High School with the class of 2010. While still in school, Ross was the lead anchor for the ECTV telecast which broadcasted to the class rooms at the beginning of each school day. He was currently working at the Second Ward Sanctuary as a cook and enjoyed spending time at the Stiefel Park Hockey Rink. Ross will be remembered as…


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John Herbert Stephens, 83

Mr. John Herbert Stephens, 83, of Ellwood City passed away on Friday, April 8th, 2022 at the UPMC Passavant Hospital in McCandless Twp.. Mr. Stephens was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 27th, 1938 to the late Rose Stephens. John served with the Army National Guard from February 11th, 1957 until his discharge on January 14th, 1958 with the Battery A, 107th Field Artillery Battalion earning the rank of Private E-2. He then enlisted with the United States Army on January 15th, 1958 and served until his honorable discharge on April 30th, 1963 with the rank of Private First Class….


Mary A. Carney, 65

Mary A. Carney, 65, of New Castle passed away Thursday, April 7, 2022 at Allegheny General Hospital following a short illness. Born August 10, 1956 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Edward L. and Lucille B. Stickle Freed. She was married to Carl V. Carney. Mary was retired from Universal Refractories in Wampum where she served as their controller. Mary was an avid reader. She enjoyed planting flowers, being in her garden, and the beach. She cherished time with her friends and family. Survivors include her husband of 28 years Carl; two nephews, Brian (Jessica) Latcheran…


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Paul R. Rader, 80

Paul R. Rader, 80, of Harmony, passed away on Friday, April 8, 2022 at UPMC Passavant Hospital. Born in New Brighton on August 5, 1941, Paul was the son of the late John Russell and Mary Elizabeth (Aiken) Rader.  Paul is survived by his wife, the former Karen Downing whom he married on October 22, 1960.  He was a member of St. Peter’s Reformed Church.  Along with his sons, Paul owned and operated JJ Kennedy, Inc. in Zelienople.  Paul and his wife spent their winters in Melbourne Beach, Florida.  He enjoyed collecting classic cars and tractors but mostly Paul enjoyed…