Randy Lee Swogger, 65

Randy Lee “Spider” “Happy” Swogger, 65, of South Beaver Township passed away peacefully on Friday, September 22, 2023 at his residence surrounded by his loving family following a lengthy illness.

Born January 25, 1958 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late LaVerne D. “Weasel” Swogger who passed away on February 26, 2008 and Evelyn Hackett Swogger of Wampum.

Randy had graduated from Mohawk High School. For most of his working life, he worked at the Darlington Brick Yard as a Production Foreman. After the Brick Yard ceased operations, he worked as a Supervisor until his retirement from Koppel Steel. He was affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene in New Galilee. Through the years he had many passions in life from camping, gardening riding his ATVs and lighting up the sky for the 4th of July with his Zambony fireworks. An avid hunter and fisherman, he was also a NASCAR fanatic and a weekend warrior of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He loved spending time with family and friends and having an ice-cold Coors!

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Kim Crees Swogger, his mom Evelyn; four daughters, Jennifer Faraglia of West Pittsburg, Casey (Derick) Squicquero of Wampum, Shawna (Josh) Glass of Darlington, and Sebrina (Darian) Burden of Koppel; two brothers, Mark Swogger of Wampum and Todd (Corrine Miller) Swogger of New Castle; two sisters, Patti (Ronald) Shirilla of Mount Jackson and Carrie (Stephen) Grinnen of Wampum; 13 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter on the way.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday September 25, 2023 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main Street Wampum.

Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home on September 26, 2023 at 11:00 am with Pastor Andy Russell of the Church of the Nazarene officiating.

Interment will be in Clinton Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses at Grane Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Larry D. Gaiser, 74

Larry D. Gaiser, 74, of Ellport passed away Thursday, September 21, 2023 at Cambridge Falls following a three-year battle with Alzheimer’s.

Born November 3, 1948 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late John and Johanna Crowe Gaiser. He married Jill Young Gaiser on September 21, 1968 in the Calvin Presbyterian Church, where they are both members.

Larry had graduated from Lincoln High School in 1966 along with his wife Jill. He joined the Army Reserves in 1967. Larry started washing cars at McElwain’s when he was in high school, advanced to a mechanic, and ultimately held the position of Service Manager until his retirement after 49 1/2 years of service in 2014. He also worked with his father-in-law “Youngie” and his father at Young’s Garden Center until he eventually bought the business in 1991. An avid runner, Larry participated in many 10Ks in the area, especially the Ellwood City 10K, finishing in the top 5 in most. He was invited to run in the Boston Marathon in 1987 which he finished in 2 hours 46 minutes.  He belonged to the Masonic Lodge 599 and the V.F.W in Ellwood City.

Survivors include his wife Jill; son, Matt (Stacy) Gaiser of Beaver; daughter, Sarah (Jeremy) Cox of New Brighton; five grandchildren, Katie, Logan, and Kiera Cox, Olivia and Alicia Gaiser; great-granddaughter Alanna; sister, LeeAnn (John) Moyer of Wampum; sister-in-law, Linda (Roger) Pflugfelder of New Jersey, and his best friends Frank McElwain and Raymond Santillo.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday September 25, 2023 from 3:00 pm until the Funeral Service at 7:00 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. Rev. Sean Brubaker of the Calvin Presbyterian Church will officiate. Interment will follow in Mountville Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Cambridge Falls or to the Calvin Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Cambridge Falls and Three Oaks Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Joshua P. Lease, 36

Joshua P. Lease, 36, of Wampum passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at UPMC – Jameson Hospital following a short illness.

Born May 3, 1987 in Beaver, PA, he was the son of the late Jeffrey P. Lease and Patsy McKinney Stoops of Wampum.

Josh had graduated from New Castle School of Trades and worked as an HVAC Technician for Maier’s in Rochester. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and pets.

In addition to his mother, Patsy; survivors include his fiancée, Desiree McQuiston of Wampum; daughter, Louise K. Lease at home; step-son, Kaden McQuiston of Fombell; mother-in-law, Darlene McQuiston of Fombell; three brothers-in-law, Joshua, Justin, and Timmy McQuiston; two uncles, Ken Hartzell of Ellwood City and Doug McKinney of Ellport; aunt, Louise McKinney of Ellport and cousins, Kaitlan McKinney of Ellport and Amy Sechrist of Mechanicsburg, PA.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jeffrey, aunt, Donna Hartzell and his grandparents.

Per Joshua’s request there will be no services.

Arrangements entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main St. Wampum.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the GoFundMe account set up in Joshua’s name.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Richard M. Cini, 88

Richard Michael Cini, 88, of Monroeville and formerly Wampum, died on September 12, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. The deceased was born on November 1, 1934, in Chewton to Stella Sobczak Cini and Joseph Cini.

During the depression, Richard and his brother were raised by his single mother with help from her siblings. Richard graduated from Wampum High School in 1952. He enlisted in the U.S. Army for two years, graduating Signal School in Fort Gordon, Georgia, and then serving in the reserves. His military records were destroyed in a fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri in 1973. The federal government refused to acknowledge his service.

He married Carole Golla on June 11, 1960, at St. Mary’s Church of New Castle. They have one daughter.

His professional life varied, working in finance, agriculture and remanufacturing. During his senior years, he was very proud to be a top-rated seller on Ebay, shipping water pumps for industrial engines to customers across America and as far away as France.

Richard was a cowboy at heart. Friends and family often referred to him as John Wayne. He loved watching Gunsmoke; listening to country music; and, when irritated, cursing up a storm. He wore his cowboy boots until his final days.

Richard is survived by his daughter Mary Warwick and son-in-law Robert Warwick of Murrysville, PA, grandson Connor Warwick of Pittsburgh, PA, brother Joseph Cini and his wife Elizabeth of Wampum, and numerous nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and wife Carole.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main Street, Wampum. Viewing hours are on Sunday September 17, 2023 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Funeral Home. Burial will be private at the request of the deceased.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wampum Chapter of the North Country Trail Association, PO Box 795, Wampum, PA 16157.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Kenneth L. Jenkins, 89

Kenneth L. Jenkins, 89, of New Galilee passed away unexpectedly Sunday, September 10, 2023 at his residence, the house where he was born.

Born March 23, 1934, he was the son of the late Frank W. and Sylvia F. Russell Jenkins. He was married to Olga A. Franchi Jenkins for 65 years until her passing on January 13, 2020.

Kenneth was a Veteran of the Army serving from 1955 until his honorable discharge in 1957. He was a group leader at Westinghouse until his retirement. He was a member of the Galilean Presbyterian Church where he served as a former trustee, a longtime member of the White Church Cemetery Board, a member of the New Galilee VFW, and the LMBA where he enjoyed playing bocce. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. He enjoyed watching the Steelers and Pirates, but only when they won. Most of all, he cherished time spent doing projects with his grandson Jake.

Survivors include daughter, Lynn (Jonathan) Deal of Shenango Township and his grandson, Jacob Deal.

In addition to his parents and wife Olga, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Harold, Robert, and Keith Jenkins.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday September 14, 2023 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main Street Wampum. Friends will also be received by the family at the Funeral Home on Friday September 15, 2023 from 10:00 am until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 am. Rev. Dr. Judy Angleberger and Rev. C.F. Hoffman will officiate. Military Honors will be observed.

Interment will follow in White Church Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Shari E. Kennedy, 63

Shari E. Kennedy, 63 of Ellwood City, went home to her Lord and Savior on September 6, 2023 following a valiant fight against Alzheimer’s.

She is survived by her husband, James, her father William R. Marshall, her sister Patricia (Jay) Petrak, and many in-laws, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

A graduate of Lincoln High and Slippery Rock University, she crafted a successful executive career at Nationwide Mutual in Butler, Pittsburgh, Annapolis, and Columbus.

She was a lifetime member of Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder.

She was preceded in death by her mom E. Harriet Foster Marshall and her brother Jim Marshall.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday September 9, 2023 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. The family will also receive friends on Sunday, September 10, 2023 from 12:30 pm until the time of the Funeral Service at 1:00 pm at the Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church, Ellwood City. Her Pastor Rev. Rob Guy will officiate.

Memorial Contributions may be sent to Pittsburgh Alzheimer’s Association or St. John’s Senior Care, Mars, PA.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Rev. David Alleman, 63

Rev. David Alleman, 63, of Ellwood City passed away Monday, September 4, 2023 at Heritage Valley – Beaver following a brief illness.

Born September 26, 1959 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Raymond Alleman who passed away in 2009 and Jean Reed Alleman of Ellwood City.

Rev. David had graduated from Riverside High School, then attended Geneva College, Point Park, and Robert Morris University where he earned his Master’s Degree. He then attended the Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, after which he became ordained as a Reverend. He served as a chaplain for the Beaver Falls Fire Department from April 2006 until December 2017. Throughout his career as a Rev., he served many local churches, including the Bennetts Run United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church, Clinton United Methodist Church, Central United Methodist Church, and the Wampum United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his mother Jean of Ellwood City; three aunts, Betty (Jim) Cyphert of New Wilmington, Sue Alleman of Colorado, and Shirlene Alleman of Michigan, and several cousins.

A Private Funeral Service will be held with Rev. Dr. Howard Gaston of the Neshannock Presbyterian Church officiating.

Interment will follow in Castle View Memorial Gardens.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

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

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Wendy L. Hienz, 56

Wendy L. Hienz, 56, of Ellport passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at PAM Unit at Heritage Valley Hospital following a short courageous battle with cancer.

Born July 31, 1967 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late John “Jack” and Janice M. Martin Hienz.

Wendy had graduated from Riverside in 1985 and then from Carlow where she earned her BSN. She started her R.N. career first working at West Penn Hospital then at the Ellwood City Hospital, and currently in the Heart and Vascular Unit at Heritage Valley. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Ellwood City. Wendy enjoyed following her son with his marching band at Ellwood City and then Robert Morris University.

Survivors include her son, Kevin M. Hienz of Ellport; three sisters, Christine (Mark) St. George-Gray of Ravenna, OH, Deborah Hienz of Fombell, and Patricia Hienz of Cranberry and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law Alex St. George and her aunt Brenda Oliver.

Friends will be received by the family on August 26, 2023 from 12:00 pm until the time of the Funeral Service at 1:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Ellwood City. Rev. Jay Sterling will officiate.

Interment will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Heritage Valley and the PAM Unit.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Karl R. Dicks, 63

Karl R. Dicks, 63, of Oil City passed away Monday, August 21, 2023 at his mother’s residence in Ellwood City following a short battle with cancer.

Born November 13, 1959 in Grove City, he was the son of the late Raymond W. and Martha Griffin Dicks.

Karl had graduated from Lawrence County Vo-Tech in 1977. For many years, he worked as a fabricator for Clarion Bath Ware. He was an avid Elvis fan and enjoyed singing, riding horses, and working on cars.

Survivors include his mother, Martha; forever friend Deb Rhoades; daughter, Sherrie (Jason) Schliffka of Fombell; son, Raymond W. (Kayla) Dicks of Hopwood, PA; four grandsons, Austen (Kenzie) and Cale Schliffka, Ross and Charles Dicks; two granddaughters, Mara and Raelyn Dicks; sister, Janet L. Dicks of AZ; two brothers, Keith W. and Clinton J. (Alana) Dicks both of Ellwood City.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father Raymond.

Per his wishes no services will be held.

Interment will be in Pleasantview Cemetery in Venango.

Memorial Contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Karl’s family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice, his friends, and his family for their compassionate care.

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

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Perry W. Phillippi, 89

Perry William Phillippi, 89, a lifelong resident of Ellwood City passed away Saturday, August 19, 2023 at his residence.

Born in Ellwood City on March 24, 1934, he was the son of the late William Perry and Minnie Belle Snyder Phillippi. Perry attended Lincoln High School. He had worked 43 years for the Geo. W. Blank Company as a truck driver. Perry formerly attended Christ Presbyterian Church, and most recently listened to church on Slippery Rock Presbyterian Church’s Facebook service.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 68 years as they were married on August 28, 1954, Betty Louise Alderman Phillippi; two daughters, Dorothy (Glenn) D’Amico and Susan Malcolm both of Ellwood City. In addition, “Pap” will be missed by his six grandchildren-Matt (Melissa) D’Amico, Jess (Cris) Schiavoni, Perry (Giovanna) Malcolm, Mark (Rachel) D’Amico, Tori (Scott) Kincaid, and G.W. (Pam) Malcolm; twenty-two great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. A brother, Sam Phillippi of Ellwood City, sister-in-law Helen Phillippi, brothers and sisters-in-law Robert and Marge Varner, and Robert and Betty Alderman also survive. Perry is also survived by an abundance of beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters; Anna (Ralph) Wimer, Mary (Claire) French, Pearl (Herm) Stafford, Carrie (Cliff) Emrick, and Marie (John)Tindall, his three brothers and a sister-in-law, Ferling (Beatrice), Calvin, and Chuck Phillippi, and granddaughter Amy Lynn D’Amico.

Besides spending time with his family, Perry loved to camp, read Western books, and play guitar. He was self-taught starting at the age of 12 and taught several people to play, started jam sessions while wintering in Florida, and played at nursing homes. Perry was also very proud serving as a volunteer for The Carpenter’s Project.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

Donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association, Club Hope, or the Ellwood City Public Library.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.