Obituaries – Ellwood City, PA news (2024)

John A. Pounds, 60, of Ellwood City passed away on June 27th, 2024 at his residence.

John was born on June 27th, 1964 in New Castle, to Ralph L. and Edith (Duncan) Pounds Sr. He graduated from Lincoln High School and was a member of the Zion Baptist Church in Slippery Rock. Before becoming disabled, John worked for his parents’ business, “Park Gate Cleaning Service”. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and listening to classic rock.

He is survived by his wife, Bernadette (Peluso) Pounds, daughter, Rinay Pounds, father, Ralph, sister Irona Carr, grandson, Dakota Olinger and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Edith, son, John A. Pounds, step-son, Dylan Haley, brothers, Ralph L. Pounds II and Andrew M. Pounds II, nephews, Ralph L. Pounds III and Franklin Pounds, and great-niece, Brielle Pounds.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 1st, 2024 from 6:00 pm until the time of service at 8:00 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., with Rev. Rick Sikora officiating. Inurnment will be at the Parkside Cemetery in Shenango Township with his son.

Mrs. Ursula M. Lallement, 75, of New Castle, passed away on June 25TH, 2024 at the UPMC Passavant Hospital in McCandless Township.

Ursula was born on February 26th, 1949 in Cheshire, Connecticut. She was a clerk at the former Ames in the Franklin Township Plaza for many years.

She is survived by her son, Henry Marshall and his fiance Kassi Streckeisen of Wayne Township, grandsons, Alex and Donavian Marshall, her husband, John Lallemement and step-daughter, Stephanie.

As per Ursula’s wishes there will be no pubic visitation or service. Final arrangements have been entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..

Dorothy A. Pogozelec, 80, of Chewton passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at her residence.

Born February 17, 1944 in Waynesburg, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Bernice Tedrow. She married the late Bernard J. Pogozelec on June 22, 1963.

She was a member of the former St. Monica’s in Wampum, a current member of the Divine Grace Parish in Ellwood City, and a longtime member of the Wampum Women’s Club. She enjoyed bowling, playing bingo, and working in her garden.

Survivors include three sons, Bernard E. (Karen) of Chewton, Anthony M. (Wendy) of Mercer, and Edward J. Pogozelec of Chewton; two daughters, Teresa A. Pogozelec of Rochester and Christina (Michael) Baka of New Castle; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Lisa Procopio of West Pittsburg; and many nieces and nephews.

The last of her family she was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years Bernard, brother Carl Tedrow, two sisters Patricia Yovich and Carol Myers.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday July 1, 2024 from 3:00 pm until the Blessing Service at 7:00 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main Street Wampum.

Interment will follow in Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Melvin “Mel” Straley, 88, of Wampum PA passed away at Heritage Valley Medical Center on Friday, June 21st, 2024.

Mel was born, raised and lived in Wampum PA. He was born on November 28th, 1935 to the late Robert Ellis and Josephine Straley and was one of 11 children. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Ellwood City PA and went on to get his undergraduate degree from Geneva College. He further went on to get his Master’s degree from Youngstown State University. Mel worked in the accounting department for Armco Steel, Babco*ck & Wilcox Steel Mill, and Zinc Corp. in Monaca, but his love was auto racing. He crashed many (many) times at Clinton, Mercer, Hickory and even flipped over a few times at Butler. He always raced the number 50 car that was usually painted – any color that was free.

He was predeceased by his parents and his daughter Deborah Lee Straley, 71 formerly of Monaca PA.

Mel is survived by his wife Virginia Lee Straley of 71 years and his remaining children, Mevin D. Straley, Melanie Budkey (Kurt Wolfe) and Ellis Straley (Matthew Hofacker). Mel was known as “Pappy” and dearly loved by his 8 grandchildren.

At Mel’s request there will be no public services. Interment will be at the Clinton Cemetery. The final arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in his name to Lifesteps where his daughter Debbie lived until her death earlier this year : Lifesteps Central Office, 383 New Castle Rd., Butler, Pa 16001.

Robert L Hackett, 86, of Possum Hollow Road Wampum died on Saturday, June 22nd following an extended illness at his home.

Born January 21, 1938 in New Castle, PA. He was the second of four children to Hansel “Jack” and Esther (McQuiston) Hackett

He graduated from Wampum High School in 1955. He maintained friendships with many classmates and enjoyed breakfasts for years with his fellow teammates.

He married Betty (Dolly) Straley on March 31, 1956 and had four children.

He worked at the B&W and Medusa. He was a member of the Clinton Methodist Church.

Mr. Hackett enjoyed many activities and hobbies, including collecting antiques, playing guitar, deer hunting, and trips to Colorado to elk hunt. In the seventies he rebuilt a Model A truck that he rode in local parades. He was old-fashioned and liked stone masonry.

He played basketball and baseball in high school, and later on softball for the Hungarian Club. He enjoyed coaching basketball and baseball in Wampum. He found his niche coaching with young teenagers and coached Pony League for many years. Later he enjoyed golf and also bocce at the LMBA.

Mostly he enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Dolly; son and daughter-in-law, Robert Jr and Cheryl Hackett of Wampum; daughter and son-in-law, Judith and Robert Blair of Portersville; and daughter-in-law, Carla Hackett. Six grandkids: Stefanie Hackett, Brian Hackett, Adam (Christie) Blair, Christy (Jacob) Trautman, Alyssa (Tyler) King, and Breanna Hackett. And eleven great-grandkids: Catherine, Lacey, Alexa, Scarlett, Allison, Emma, Holden, Jackson, Kora, Giovani, and Alexander. And many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Elaine Sue, in 1985; his son, Ronald, in 2007; his brothers, Gary and Jack; and his sister, Marilyn Griffin.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday June 26, 2024 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and from 6:00 until the time of the Funeral Service at 8:00 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main St. Wampum. His Pastor Dave Keppen will officiate.

The family would like to thank Three Oaks Hospice, the staff at AHN Cancer Institute, and Dr Beth Magnifico.

Memorial donations may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, P.O. Box 414238 Boston MA, 02241-4238.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Diane S. Gallo, 67, of New Beaver Boro passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at UPMC Shadyside Hospital.

Born March 24, 1957 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Glen Ray and Annie McConahy Boyer. She was married to Nick Gallo.

A graduate of Mohawk in 1975, Diane had retired from the PA Turnpike where she worked as a toll collector. She enjoyed gardening, golfing, and gambling. Above all, she cherished moments spent with her family.

She is survived by her husband of 37 years Nick Gallo; daughter, Nicole Ann Gallo of the home; two sisters, Nancy Leroy and her Mike Hunyady of Kennerdell and Dora (Ken) Hemphill of Ft. Pierce FL.

She will be interred in Clinton Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Helen Suzanne “Pudy” Pander, 84, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Northview Estates.

Born July 6, 1939 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late John and Jeane (Helling) Krestel Sr. She was married to the late William K. “Biff” Pander Jr. for 64 years as they were married August 29, 1959. He passed away January 6, 2024.

Pudy retired after 25 years from the Ellwood City School District where she was a 4th Grade Teacher at West End and North Side Elementary Schools. She was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church. Pudy graduated from Lincoln High School in 1957 and continued her education at Westminster and Geneva Colleges earning her Bachelor Degree in Education. She was a devout Steeler fan and loved watching football with her family. She enjoyed bus trips with her friends, her 500 bid card club, visiting her Amish friends in Lancaster, and spending time with Biff at their camp in Tionesta. Her most cherished time was spent with her family.

Survivors include two daughters, Shelly (Brian) Reiser and Melissa (Harry) Frelin; granddaughters, Hannah (Kyle) Jamison, Erica (Chris) Sutkowski Gray, and Abby (Bob) Sutkowski Maine; eight great grandchildren, River, Londyn, and Cruz Jamison, Preslie Frelin, Bryn and Declan Gray, and Gracie and Tynan Maine, all of Ellwood City, sister, Rebecca Marcella of Poland, Ohio; and sisters in law, Linda Krestel and Sandy (Ed) Wigton, both of Ohio.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, John Krestel Jr and Thomas Krestel in 2022.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday June 23, 2024 from 2 – 6 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Monday at 11 am. with her pastor, Rev Tod Custer officiating.

Final interment will take place in Slippery Rock Church Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of Northview Estates and Amedysis Hospice for taking such good care of Pudy.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Club Hope, 237 6th St. Ellwood City or through their website clubhopefoundation.com.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Mrs. Mary E. DiFrischia, 83, of Chippewa Township, passed away on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Mary was born on March 17th, 1941, to the late Roy and Margaret (Flynn) Armann. On May 16th, 1957, she married her husband, Joseph M. DiFrischia. Mary graduated from Pittsburgh Beauty Academy and shortly thereafter, opened her own hair salon in Chippewa Township, “Tangles and Tans Beauty Shop”. She was an endearing member of Chippewa United Methodist Church and most recently, Prayer Mountain Ministries. Mary loved the beach, crafting, and baking. Her greatest joy in life was the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary will be remembered for her gift to make everyone laugh.

She is survived by her daughters, Debra (Barry) Balmer and Patricia (Ed Gerwick) Connell; son-in-law, Robert Connell; grandchildren, Jacob (Trisha) and Domenic Balmer, Bradley and Bryan DiFrischia, and Justin (Nicole) and Kristen Connell; brother, Robert Armann; as well as 8 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild; and her beloved dog, Cooper.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joseph M. DiFrischia; son, Joseph C. DiFrischia; granddaughter, Brie Ann Hilton; daughter-in-law, Melissa DiFrischia; sisters, Ellen Bingham and Francis Flynn; and brother, James Armann.

A private service will be held for the family. Final arrangements have been entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. Interment will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions in Mary’s name may be made to Allegheny General Hospital, Hospice Care: 4 Allegheny Square E#603, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Kenneth J. Nagel, 65, of Ellwood City passed away Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Beaver Valley Nursing and Rehab Center following a lengthy illness.

Born February 11, 1959 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Don Nagel and Shirley Crowl Nagel Cox of Beaver Falls.

Kenneth graduated from Riverside in 1977 then from Penn State Behrend with High Honors and ultimately from YSU, where he earned his master’s degree in electrical engineering. He worked at Seco/Warwick Corporation in Meadville, taught at the New Castle School of Trades, and had retired from SPX Flow Technologies in Ocala FL. Ken was a member of the Steffin Hill Presbyterian Church, a Pittsburgh and Penn State sports fan, and loved family functions.

Survivors include his mother Shirley and his stepfather Charles Cox; two brothers, Kevin (Joyce) of Ellwood City and Karl (Crystal) Nagel of Columbus, GA; sister, Kim Clyde of Ellwood City; two stepsisters, Mollie Cox of Virginia and Rebecca Gay of Butler, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews all of whom he loved very much.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Steffin Hill Presbyterian Church 2000 Darlington Rd. Beaver Falls, 15010 on June 25, 2024 at 11:00 am with Rev. James Salyers officiating.
Interment will follow in Lillyville Church of God Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Steffin Hill Church.

The family would like to thank the Francescan Manor and Beaver Valley Nursing and Rehab for their kind and compassionate care.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Jeanne Sokol, 81, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on Monday, June 17th, 2024 at her residence.

Jeanne was the daughter of the late Eugene and Anna (Gib) Cavallaro born in Ellwood City on May 25th, 1943. She is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1961 and St. Elias Romanian Orthodox Church. She had lived in Detroit, MI for 15 years and moved back to Ellwood City in 1977. What brought her the most joy in life was being with her children and grandchildren. She had a strong passion and love for Romanian cooking, dancing, and gardening. She loved entertaining her family and friends. Jeanne brought so much love and joy to everyone. She will be missed eternally and forever in our hearts.

A loving mother, Jeanne is survived by her daughters Beth Sokol and Kim (William) Chapman both of Ellwood City, son Chris Sokol of Ohio, grandchildren Domenic Chapman (Hannah) and Demi Chapman, sister Marlene DeOtto of Cranberry Township, nieces Trisha Katkich of Beaver and Joey (David) Young of Wexford, and great nieces Anika and Ava Katkich.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter Karan Marie Sokol.

Following Jeanne’s wishes there will not be a public service. The final arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..