Obituaries

Mr. James M. “Jim” Norton, Sr., 88, of Fombell passed away on Friday, April 8th, 2022 at his residence. Mr. Norton was born in Beaver Falls on December 15th, 1933 to the late Hubert and Minnie (Spence) Norton. Jim is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1952 and the Holy Redeemer Parish family. He enlisted with the U.S. Army on March 2nd, 1955 and served with the rank of SP 3 until his discharge on March 1st, 1957. Jim had worked at J.C. Penny in Ellwood City, and then at the Ellwood City Forge for 42 years…

You knew Ellie. If you ever took sheer joy in observing something beautiful in nature, such as a whitetail deer grazing in a field or feeling the warmth of the sun while sitting on the beach, you knew her. You knew Ellie if you ever witnessed someone getting a momentous thrill from winning something as simple as the 50/50 raffle at a family reunion. You knew Ellie if your most elevated happiness stemmed from watching your children or grandchildren succeed. If you are able to fully appreciate the beauty and wonder of God’s Earth, then you knew Ellie. As the…

Our beloved matriarch, Sandra Winchell, surrounded by her family, went home to the loving arms of Jesus after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Always the optimist, she fought with her whole heart, never wavered in her faith, and was so very brave, even when faced with unimaginable illness and adversity. Sandy was born to the late Rocco and Elizabeth Esposito Gatto, the baby girl of six brothers, who forever placed her on a pedestal. She was, and always will be, their baby sister, who they lovingly called “sis”. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of…

Mrs. Catherine E. Procopio, 79, of Chewton passed away on Monday, March 28th, 2022 at her sons residence surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Procopio was born in Ellwood City on May 22nd, 1942 to the late Lloyd D. and Mabel B. (Wise) Kelly. She had graduated from Shenango High School with the class of 1960, and is a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish. Catherine had worked at the 1st Street Bakery in Ellwood City, New Model Bakery in New Castle, and at Hillview Manor from 1983 until retiring in 2002 in the laundry department. She also worked as…

Mr. James “Red” Ritorto, 77, of Chippewa Township passed away on March 23rd, 2022 at the Good Samaritan Hospice in Beaver. James was born July 31, 1944, the son of the late James Rocco Ritorto and Mary Ritorto of Ellwood City, Pa. James had two brothers, William and Thomas Ritorto and one sister, Patricia Ritorto. James was a graduate of Lincoln High School class of 1962 in Ellwood City, Pa. Upon graduation, he attended Colorado State University on a full athletic scholarship for 2 years before moving back home to complete his mechanical-civil engineering degree at Geneva College. After working…

Donna Evans, 79, of Ellwood City, PA, passed away on March 27 2022, surrounded by her loving family at her home following a courageous battle of cancer. Donna was born on June 26th, 1942 to the late Christina (DeMasse) Condi and Anthony Condi in Ellwood City, PA. After graduating from Lincoln High School, the class of 1961. Donna worked for Loccisano’s in the bakery for many years until she retired in 2014. She spent the rest of her retirement and life spending time with her family, friends and beloved grandchildren. Donna was often referred to as the neighborhood grandma, you…

Wayne J. Bowser, 72, of Koppel, passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2022 at Heritage Valley Beaver. Born in Kittanning, PA on October 1, 1949, Wayne was the son of Margaret McAfoose Bowser of Koppel and the late Wayne H. Bowser.  Wayne was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, kayaking and camping.  Wayne was a school bus driver for Valley Lines, a job he enjoyed immensely. In addition to his mother, Wayne is survived by his two children, Wayne (Gail) Bowser of Coudersport, PA and Paula (Chris) Kalmar of Leechburg, PA, five grandchildren; Clay Kalmar, Colt Kalmar, Trent Bowser,…