Augustine A. “Gus” Fornataro, 92

Augustine A. “Gus” Fornataro, 92, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on Tuesday April 11, 2023 at his home, surrounded by family.

Born on January 4, 1931 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Augustine V. and Lena Geramita Fornataro.

Gus’ humble intelligence, generosity and kindness were evident to all: at work, in the community, but especially with his family.

Gus was a graduate of New Castle High School, achieved a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Pittsburgh and did further graduate work at George Washington University. He was a registered professional engineer. Gus began his working career at Aetna Standard before moving to Voss Engineering as chief engineer. Voss became Herr-Voss where Gus was later named President and C.E.O., ultimately being promoted to President and C.E.O. of its international parent company, Salem Corporation. During his career he was awarded several patents for the Strand Extensioner for processing rolled flat steel. His knowledge and expertise afforded him travels across the globe to all continents save Antarctica, many times accompanied by his wife, Grace. Following his retirement in 1999, he served as an industry consultant. Gus was a distinguished and respected colleague and mentor throughout his life both professionally and personally.

A Veteran of the Army serving in White Sands, New Mexico in the Missile Department, Gus was active in the community as well as his church. He was a member of the Concerned Citizen’s of North Sewickley, the Riverside School Board, the Board of Directors at Ellwood City Hospital, and the North Sewickley Township Sewer Authority. He was instrumental in the designing and building of ramps for the Carpenters Project. He was an active member of Divine Grace Parish (Holy Redeemer) serving in various ways including the building and grounds committee, finance committee, choir, and the annual bazaar.

Gus enjoyed many passions throughout his life. His children recall how he patiently outfitted the entire family with ski equipment, and still had the energy to give instruction on the slopes. His grandchildren have fond memories of him teaching them how to fish on the waters of Lake Erie and Florida. His Floridian friends enjoyed countless rounds of golf and lasting friendships. Family and neighbors alike benefited from his bountiful garden harvests. He was a gentleman with an astute sense of humor. Perhaps he will be best remembered as a loving husband, a patient teacher and an endless source of wisdom.

Despite his professional and community involvements, Gus’ main love and priority was his family.

He will always be remembered and cherished by the love of his life, Grace (Gottuso) Fornataro. Their marriage of 65 years was a beautiful example to their four children: David and Sally Fornataro, Lisa and Fred Clerici, Gina and Jim McKenna, and Gregg and Suzanne Fornataro. He was beloved by his ten grandchildren: Chris (Abbie) Fornataro; Rachel (Brent) Courville; Jim (Taylor)McKenna; Maggie (Adhemar) Renuart; Cameron, Lena, and Maylee Clerici; Clint (Logan) Fornataro; and Jesse and Bo Fornataro.
Great grandchildren are Liam and Raegan, Luca and Liliana, McKenna and AJ, and Ellis and Blake. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Frank Fornataro and Mary Lou McGonigle, grandson, Jeremy Colt Fornataro and great-granddaughter, Marcella Grace Courville.

Visitation will be held on Friday April 14, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave., Ellwood City.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday April 15 at 10:00 am at Holy Redeemer Church, Ellwood City. Father Mark Thomas will officiate. Interment will follow in Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

The family would like to give its sincere thanks to Alaina Pickell for her compassion and unwavering devotion and care to Gus and the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Divine Grace Food Bank, 300 Crescent Avenue, Ellwood City or to a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Richard R. (Rich) Moran Jr., 73

 

It is with great sadness that the family of Richard R. (Rich) Moran Jr., 73 of Ellwood City, Pa announces his unexpected passing on Sunday, April 9, 2023 at the J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown WV. He was born April 4, 1950 in Bellevue, Pa, the son of the late Richard R. Sr. and Nancy (Dickinson) Moran.

Rich will forever be remembered by family and friends for his passion for cars, love of animals and tinkering in his garage. Rich was the true definition of hard-working and dedication. Not only to his career but his family. He was the first to offer a hand in any project as well as his opinion whether it was favorable or not.

Rich was a veteran of the United States Air Force and worked his entire career in the automotive industry. He is well known by family and friends for his quick wit and keen sense of humor.

He is survived by his mother Nancy of Pittsburgh; his loving and devoted wife of 48 years Deborah J. (Barna) Moran; his four children, Shawn (Tina Marie) Moran of Colorado, Jennifer LeGue Moran of Tennesee, Ryan (Hope Laughlin) Moran and Victoria (Charles) Reagle both of Ellwood City. His grandchildren Samantha, Haley and Xander.

Rich is preceded in death by his father, Richard R. Moran Sr., and his maternal & paternal grandparents as well as his uncle Burt.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 15th from 2 pm to 5 pm at Word Alive Church 124 Scenic Blvd Ellwood City.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Richard’s name to the ASPCA, Local Humane Society or by donating blood to the American Red Cross.

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

Online Condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Betty J. Tillia, 87

Betty J. Tillia, 87, of Princeton passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at her Son’s Residence in Strongsville Ohio.

Born June 24, 1935 in, Fort Myers FL, she was the daughter of the late Henry L. and Guynell Preston Croco. She was married to William H. Tillia Jr. for 65 years when he passed away on September 3, 2018.

She owned and operated, with her husband, W.H. Tillia Furniture on Ellwood Rd. for many years. She was an active member of the Portersville Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. Some of her interests were reading, knitting, and collecting antiques. She enjoyed spending the winters in Florida. Betty loved the Lord and prayed for her family daily.

Survivors include daughter, Cheryl Johnston of Portersville; two sons, James of Princeton and Timothy (Cheryl) Tillia of Strongsville; 6 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, and a special niece, Sue Kirn Mullett who was raised with her as a sister.

She was also preceded in death by her son Richard; stepfather John Kirn; grandson, Billy Tillia; great-granddaughter, Patience Myers; sister, Geraldine Perez; son-in-law Robert Johnston, and step granddaughter Katarina Nissel.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday April 13, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City.

Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home, on Friday April 14, 2023 at 11:00 am with Rev. Robert Frey of the Portersville CMA officiating.

Entombment will follow in the Slippery Rock Church Cemetery Mausoleum.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Portersville Christian School or the Mahaffey CMA Camp in Mahaffey PA .

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Sharon Arbogast, 58

Sharon Arbogast, 58, of South Beaver Township was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 26, 2023 following a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loved ones and battled her illness with strength, grace, and unshakable faith.

Sharon always found the strength to smile and care for others in every circumstance. She was a blessing to all who knew her and was the light in every room she entered. Sharon insisted on putting others first and found ways to offer random acts of kindness to all she encountered.

Born December 27, 1964 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late William and Alberta Moore Lutz. She was a loving wife to her husband Kevin for 40 years.

Sharon was a 1983 graduate from Mohawk High School. She was a devout Christian and member of the Chippewa United Methodist Church. She enjoyed planting flowers, gardening, and Corvette rides, but her greatest passion was helping others.

Sharon had insurmountable love in her heart for her entire family and friends. Sharon was a devoted caregiver and a beloved “Nunny” to her five beautiful grandsons. She was an amazing mother, wife, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. Any conversation with Sharon was truly a blessing and one that left you feeling comfort and love.

She is survived by her husband Kevin; daughter, Alaina (Shane) Swogger of South Beaver Township; son, Alan (Lindsey) Arbogast of Chippewa; three sisters, Georgia (Steve) Biega of Enon Valley, Brenda (Les) Herb of New Castle, and Kim (Robert) Feezle of Hillsville; two brothers, Bill Lutz, and Bryan (Linda) Lutz both of Wampum; five grandsons: Jackson and Samson Swogger, and Brody, Braxton, and Brooks Arbogast.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law Connie Lutz.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main St, Wampum.

Funeral Services will be held at the Clinton United Methodist Church on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Clinton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, share a smile and be a blessing to someone who least expects it in Sharon’s honor.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Barbara Anne Ferrucci, 90

Barbara Anne Cowher Ferrucci, 90, passed away peacefully at 2:12 pm, March 26, 2023 in her home in West Pittsburg, surrounded by her loving family.

The daughter of the late Daniel and Clara Boos Cowher, she grew up in West Pittsburg with two brothers and four sisters.

She graduated from New Castle High School in 1951 and married the love of her life, William Sylvester Ferrucci of Ellport, in October of that year.

Barbara loved nothing more than getting the family together for holidays, and you could count on something yummy to eat any time you stopped by. Her faith and family were the cornerstone of her life.

She is survived by sons; William Jr. (Cindy) of Greensboro, NC, Gregory (Carol) of Edinburg, and Sylvester (Patty) of West Pittsburg; daughters, Kathleen Deloplaine of Anderson, SC and Lori (Terry) Cumberledge of West Pittsburg; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Eileen (Ed) Onofray of Coldwater, MI, Sally (Tom) Carangi of West Pittsburg, and Virginia (Robert) McLaughlin of Wexford, and one brother, Hal Cowher of New Castle.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William, son Russell, son-in-law Jack Deloplaine, her in-laws Sylvester and Hazel Ferrucci; brother Daniel M. “Sonny” Cowher, and sister Clara “BeBe” Coyne.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday March 29 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main St. Wampum. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 10:00 AM at St. Vitus Church with Rev. Father Joseph McCaffrey officiating. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in New Castle.

Online Condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Linda Vidrick, 73

Linda Vidrick, 73, of Beaver Falls (formerly of Ellwood City) passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Brighton Rehab & Wellness Center following a lengthy illness.

Born February 27, 1950 in Monaca, she was the daughter of the late John and Sara Milligan Roble.

Linda enjoyed bowling and was in a league at Sims Lanes.

Survivors include daughter, Tammie (Mark Kennard) Williams of Edinburg; son, John (Carol Kelly) Vidrick of Mercer; boyfriend, Kevin Martin of Beaver Falls; sister, Becky Kellis of Greece; one granddaughter, Stephanie (Angelo) Greco; two grandsons, Bobby (Kelsey Starcher) Williams and Garren Vidrick, and a great-grandson, Theo Greco.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter Christina Williams in 2008 and two sisters, Betty Matthews in 1985 and Judith Bott in 2014.

A Celebration of Linda’s life will be held at a later date.

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

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Beverly A. Chiodo, 88

Beverly A. Chiodo, 88 of Ellwood City, formally of Sharon, PA went home to be with her Lord & Savior surrounded by loved ones on March 23, 2023 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.

Beverly was born on October 27, 1934 in Sharon, to parents Arloene Leonard & Harold Bodamer. She was a graduate of Hickory High School. Beverly married the love of her life the late David R. Chiodo on November 10, 1956.

She is survived by her children Arloene (Denni) Cusato, Lois (Richard) Stem, Judy (James) Banick, & David (Tracy) Chiodo. Grandchildren Domenic, Rocco, Saverio Cusato & Nicole Bastide, Jovan (Marty) Tappel, Justine (Scott) Jennings, Rebecca (John) Manguno & Abraham (Brittan) Stem. She also had 10 great grandchildren & many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins & friends. She was preceded in death by husband Dave & granddaughter Renee Bastide.

Visiting Hours will be held on Monday March 27, 2023 from 5:00 pm until the time of the

Memorial Service at 8:00 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home 200 Fountain Ave, Ellwood City.

Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Sharon.

Another Celebration of Beverly’s Life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com

Carol A. Blackwell, 80

Carol A. Blackwell, 80, of Franklin Township passed away Thursday, March 23, 2023 at the Avalon Place in New Castle following a brief illness.

Born September 1, 1942 in Beaver Falls, she was the daughter of the late Eugene and Hazel Powell Fosnaught. She was married to Alva “Bud” Blackwell when he passed away in 2009.

Carol had worked at Airway Luggage in Ellwood City. In her youth, she bowled a perfect 300 game. Some of her interests were playing Atari and video games, playing cards, crosswords and word finds, watching game shows, and using her iPad. She had a love/hate relationship with camping and loved Elvis.

Survivors include son, Charles (Angel) of New Castle; daughter, Debbie (John) Miller of Ellwood City; two brothers, Richard of Phoenix, AZ and Eugene (Peggy) Fosnaught of Darlington; sister, Janet Hottel of Tulsa, OK; grandson, Owen Miller and a granddaughter, Kali Blackwell.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Bud.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday March 28, 2023 from 5:00 pm until the time of the Memorial Service at 7:00 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. Pastor Stacey Cox will officiate.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Karaoke for a Cure, 1259 Savannah Rd. New Castle PA, 16101.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Tina Marie Peters, 62

Tina Marie Peters, 62, of New Beaver Borough passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at her residence.

Born September 20, 1960 in Fort Knox, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Ira L. and Esther M. Farkas Barnes Jr.. She was married to Kevin J. Peters when he passed away on September 19, 2021.

Tina graduated from New Brighton High School in 1979. She worked for the Ramada Inn in Beaver Falls as a housekeeper. Tina was a member of the New Beaver Fire Department Auxiliary. She was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, loved dolphins, her beagle puppy Kelly, and especially loved time with her family. Her many friends will remember her as a kind, generous, and special soul.

Survivors include her son, Brian J. Peters of New Beaver Borough; three brothers, David L. (Rosemary) Barnes of New Brighton, Ronald Joseph “Joe” (Nita) Barnes of New Castle, and Gary A. “Chip” (fiancé Mary Ellen Johnson) Barnes of Koppel, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Kevin.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday March 18 from 10:00 am until the time of the Memorial Service at 1:00 pm at the New Beaver Borough Fire Hall, 898 Wampum New Galilee Rd. 16141. Pastor Dave Keppen of the Wampum Methodist Church will officiate.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the New Beaver Fire Department.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, Wampum.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Frances J. “Frannie” Goebel, 80

Frances J. “Frannie” Goebel, 80, of Wayne Township passed away Monday, March 13, 2023 at Avalon Place following an extended illness.

Born December 21, 1942 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Russel and Velma Grinnen Mohr. She was married to John O. Goebel Sr. on August 25, 1961.

Frannie enjoyed working on the family farm. Her most cherished moments were spent with family, especially her grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years John; two sons, John O. (Rose) Jr. and James R. (Jodi) Goebel both of Wampum; two sisters, Carol (Louis) Miller and Bonnie Bessell both of Wampum; two granddaughters, Casey Jo Goebel, DVM of Kittanning and Jamie Lynn Goebel of Wampum; grandson, Ricky (Kristin) Curry of Edinburg, and great-granddaughter, Olivia Curry.

She was preceded in death by her brother Earl James Cameron.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday March 17, 2023 from 4:00 pm until the Funeral Service at 7:00 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main Street, Wampum. Pastor Dave Keppen of the Wampum Methodist Church will officiate.

Interment will follow in Pinewood Memorial Park.

Memorial Contributions in Frannie’s name may be made to the Lawrence County Farm Building Fund.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.