John H. Dahl, 71

John Howard Dahl (Jack), 71, of Denver, North Carolina, passed away on Sunday May 1st. He passed away in his sleep at home, after a year long battle with lung cancer.

Jack served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War and later went on to serve the community as a police officer in Ellwood City. In retirement, Jack began a custom millwork business which focused on serving the customers of 84 Lumber in Charlotte NC. His shop was his pride and joy and where he spent his time.

Jack was a fun loving, comedic individual. He could make most people laugh with a quick joke and by simply being a fun guy to be around. He would swear that he never got into any trouble unless he was with either of his best friends Jack Main Sr., Alex Cessac or with his crew at Joey’s in Denver. He was occasionally (wink), known to sip his favorite bourbon drink while celebrating the little wins of life as well as the victories of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Shortly after Jack moved to North Carolina in 2009, he rekindled a courtship with the love of his life, Suella Volpe. Together they built a beautiful home and life in Denver NC. The blended family became one, as the love for the children and grandchildren was so very evident by both of them.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Hazel Dahl, as well as his brother Henry Dahl, Daughter Lisa Jones and Grandson Danny Jones.

He is survived by a large loving family, his sisters Debbie (John) Davenport and Sandra Oefinger, his brother Jeff (Esther) Landrum, and his beautiful wife Suella Volpe. Between Jack and Suella there are 4 children, Dan (Jennifer) Jones Dahl, David (Dana) Dahl, Skip (Erin) Volpe, and Cheri (Ed) Kaufman; 8 grandchildren, Ashley Hyatt, Addison Dahl, Ryan Dahl, Abbigail Dahl, Jillian Kaufman, Allison (Scott) Smith, Taylor (Royce) Deyber and Angela Volpe; and lastly his littlest fans, three beautiful great grandchildren, Nathan Jones, Ezra Hyatt and Brooklyn Deyber.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 12 from 5:00-8:00 PM at Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 13 at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at Locust Grove Cemetery. Following the committal service, a lunch reception will be at Sons of Italy, 808 Lawrence Ave, Ellwood City, PA. Also a celebration of life will be held in the Denver, NC area in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VFW Post 6724, 8520 Mt. Holly Rd, Charlotte, NC 28214.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, NC, and Marshalls Funeral Home, Ellwood City, PA, are serving the Dahl family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com or marshallsfh.com.

Jennifer Anne Houk, 39

Jennifer Anne Houk, 39, of Wexford passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, November 25, 2020.

Born December 1, 1980 in New Castle, PA, she was the daughter of the Clyde W. Houk of St. Petersburg, FL and Andrea Schenker Houk of Ellwood City.

Jennifer was a 1999 graduate of Lincoln High School. She attended Gannon University in Erie, where she obtained her Bachelors degree in business in 2003. She was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City. Jen loved to cook, exercise, and go to the beach.

Besides her parents, survivors include her grandmother, Joyce Stander of Ellwood City; three half brothers, Jeff and Dave Houk both of St. Petersburg, FL, and Tim (Bonnie) Houk of Ellwood City; and her two beloved cats, Sophia and Gia.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Paul and Betty Houk; and Andrew Schenker.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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

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

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Barbara Strohecker, 68

Barbara Strohecker, 68, of Beaver Falls passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at her residence.

Born December 6, 1951 in Ellwood City, PA, she was the daughter of the late Floyd and Gladys Flesher Strohecker. She was formerly married to Robert Lutz, he survives.

Barb worked at Pee Wees in Ellwood City for many years. She enjoyed volunteering at the former Ellwood City Hospital. She inspired many to follow their hearts and dreams. She was loved and will be missed by many.

Survivors include two daughters, Tracy Lutz of Beaver Falls, and Karen (William) Huff of Canton, OH; her son Todd (Jennifer) Lutz; four grandchildren, Mykalia and William Huff Jr., Serenity and Emilee Lutz; her brother, William (Brenda) Strohecker;.

She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Ronald (Mary) and Roy (Dori) Strohecker; and her sister Darlene (Paul) Klinesmith.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic a memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Janice H. Wawrzynski, 54

Janice H. Wawrzynski, 54, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly Monday, October 5, 2020 at her residence.

Born August 4, 1966 in Rochester, she was the daughter of Albert Spratley of Ellport and Nancy Hall Spratley of Ellwood. She was formerly married to Michael Wawrzynski of Ellwood.

Janice attended Lincoln High School. She formerly worked at the Kimmels Bakery in Ellwood and was also a caregiver for a period of time. She belonged to the Full Gospel Assembly Church in Beaver Falls. Janice enjoyed puzzle books, coloring, reading her bible, and times spent with her family.

 

Survivors besides her parents are a daughter, Kimberly (Jason Fleagle) Wawrzynski of New Castle; her son, Jonathan (Crystal) Wawrzynski of Ellwood; a sister, Debbie Faraoni of Ellport; four grandchildren, Rachelle, Arionna, Jonathan Jr., and Destinee; and one great-grandson, Dalton;.

She was preceded in death by her brother in law, Fred Faraoni.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday October 7, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City.

Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday October 8, at 11:00 am with Pastor Phil Conklin of First Church of God officiating.

Interment will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Jude Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Henry J. Rafacz, 90

Henry J. Rafacz, 90, of Wampum passed away Friday, September 18, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 10, 1930 in Fallentimber, PA, he was the son of the late John and Josephine Gaul Rafacz . He was married to Bessie Elizabeth Stiles Rafacz for 66 years when she passed away August 31, 2020.

Henry retired from Babcock and Wilcox Hot Finish in Beaver Falls following 33 years of service. He was an active member of the former St. Monica’s and Queen of Heaven Parish in Wampum. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and always looked forward to their annual Easter Bread Sale. He currently is a member of Holy Redeemer Parish. Henry enjoyed going back to his family homestead and reminiscing about his many years in the Boy Scouts. Henry was a Veteran of the Army serving during the Korean War. An avid outdoorsman, Henry especially enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Family was his life, he cherished time spent with them. He loved joking playfully with his grandchildren.

Survivors include two daughters, Denise (Mark) Loccisano of Fredericksburg, VA, Carol (Charlie) Monks of Franklin, TN; two sons, John (Tom) Rafacz of Skokie, IL, Jim (Melissa) Rafacz of Enon Valley sister, Irene Zajac of Wampum; nine grandchildren; and six great grandchildren with another one on the way any day.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Frank, John, Joe, Chester, Raymond, and Edward Rafacz .

Visiting hours will be held on Monday September 21 from 5-7 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, Wampum. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Redeemer Church on Tuesday at 11 am. Rev. Father Mark Thomas will officiate. Interment will follow in Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Tara A. Boariu, 32

Tara A. Boariu, 32, of Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at her residence.

Born November 19, 1987 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of Terry “Turk” Boariu of Ellwood City and the late Laura Stoyanoff who passed away in 2018.

Tara graduated from Lincoln High School. She was a waitress at Hugger Muggers in New Castle. She was an avid Steeler and Penguin fan.

In addition to her father, survivors include her boyfriend, Qualin Davis; two sons, Azzure and Atavian; two grandmothers, Vonnie Boariu and Octavia Stoyanoff, all of Ellwood City; two sisters, Melissa Boariu of Ellwood City, Lauren Miles of Virginia Beach; two half sisters, Dusti Henline of Florida, Shanin Wilfong of Fombell; and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins. She will be missed by many.

Tara was preceded in death by her mother and grandfathers, John Boariu and Jim Stoyanoff.

A Celebration of Tara’s life will be celebrated at a later date. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City. Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Ray B. Sutherland, 59

Ray B. Sutherland, 59, of Franklin Twp., Ellwood City passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at his residence.

Born August 12, 1960 in Connellsville, PA, he was the son of the late Ray Sutherland and Willa Fern (Shelling) Sutherland of Hopwood, PA. He was married to Marcia Greenberg Sutherland for 35 years as they were married June 9, 1985. She survives.

Ray graduated from Laurel Highlands High School in 1978 and Penn State University with an Engineering Degree in 1985. He earned his MBA from Point Park University in 2011. Ray worked as a Civil Engineer in Land Development. Most recently he worked for Civil and Environmental Consultants Inc. in Pittsburgh. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking, and clay shooting. He also enjoyed playing pool with the APA League at Rick’s Place. Ray was a member of the Ellwood City Saxon Club and the Castlewood Rod and Gun Club. He loved to go on long motorcycle trips and listening to music, especially the blues.

In addition to his mother and wife, survivors include two children, Ray Matthew (Kayleigh Vetovich) Sutherland and Pamela Hoffman, all of Ellwood City; two grandchildren, Amelia Grace and Langston James Hoffman; sister, Kathy (Mitch) Masi of Hopwood; his in laws, Sam and Beverly Greenberg of Ellwood City; and two sister in laws, Michelle (Michael) Wilson of Ellwood City, Diane (Michael) Kane of Delaware. He also leaves behind best friends, Bill and Crystal Welsh of Ellwood City.

Family and friends will gather on Saturday from 1-5 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. A Celebration of Ray’s life will take place at 5 pm.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Ellwood City Public Library, the Humane Society, or aamds.org.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Albert R. “Ray” Reeher Jr., 74

Albert “Ray” Reeher JR, 74, of Wampum passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at Elmcroft Senior Living following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born February 25, 1945 in Hoytdale, PA, he was the son of the late Albert and Helen Hacket Reeher. He was married to Constance Jean Bender for 49 years. She passed away September 29, 2018.

He retired from the Babcock and Wilcox and Koppel Steel where he was a hydraulics maintenance man. He graduated from Mohawk High School in 1963. Ray was a member of the Masonic Lodge 599 in Ellwood City and an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include daughter, Sharon (Floyd) Williams of Ellwood City, PA; three grandsons, Nicholas (Katya) Williams, Joshua (Rylee) Williams, Nathan Williams; five granddaughters, Catherine (Levi) Illig, Rebecca (Michael) Davis, Emily Williams, Julia Williams, Anna Williams; three great-grandsons, Hunter Illig, Damen Davis, Jeremy Williams; great-granddaughter, Genesis Williams;.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday June 2, 2019 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main Street Wampum.

A Memorial Mass will be held at the Holy Redeemer Church on June 3, 2019 at 10:00am with Rev. Father Mark Thomas officiating.

Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Ellwood City Library.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

 

Melvin G. Ringer, 88

Melvin G. Ringer, 88, of Ellwood City passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at Allegheny General Hospital.

Born October 16, 1930 in Ellwood City, PA, he was the son of the late Harry and Maybelle Denniston Ringer. He was married to Eva Snare on May 31, 1952. She survives.

A draftsman, Melvin retired from Billco Manufacturing in Zelienople and Rexnord in Ellwood City. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1950. Melvin was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church in Ellwood City. He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan and enjoyed following high school football each year. He dearly loved his family and was terribly proud of all their accomplishments.

Survivors include one son, David (Christine) Ringer of Wampum; daughter, Robin (Robert) Weaver of Harmony, three granddaughters, Miranda (Justin) Murphy of Pittsburgh, Nicole Weaver of Harmony Katelyn (Dmitri) Shub of Philadelphia, two grandsons, Douglas Ringer of Vanport, Derek Weaver of Harmony three great-granddaughters, Maddie and Olivia Murphy, Reva Shub; two great-grandsons, Jack Murphy, Archer Shub;. He is also survived by his three cats, Larry, Mo, and Curly.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Douglas Robert Ringer and an infant daughter. Also his beloved dog, Boomer, died in April.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday May 31, 2019 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City.

Funeral Services will be held at the Marshall Funeral Home, on June 1, 2019 at 1:00pm.

Interment will follow in Slippery Rock Church Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Humane society.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.

Victoria Scialdone, 96

Victoria “Vicki” Scialdone, 96, Ellwood City passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at Jameson Care Center following a brief illness.

Vicki was born October 21, 1922 in Ellwood City to the late James Ferrese and Adeline Nugent Ferrese. Her mother died when Vicki was 3 years old. She married Anthony “Toy” Scialdone in 1951 and he predeceased her in 1985. She is survived by her daughter, Veda (Michael) Gallagher of Ellwood City and her son, Robert Barbarowicz of Los Angeles, California.

Vicki attended Lincoln High School, class of 1940. She worked at the National Tube Mill during World War II, and later worked at the Ellwood Knitting Mill and the Ellwood City Hospital in the dietary department.

From 1982 until late 2015, Vicki was an active walker. She crisscrossed Ellwood City from one end to the other most days, weather permitting or not.

Vicki was a member of Holy Redeemer Church. She was active in RCIA, was an Eucharistic minister bringing communion to the sick and homebound, and participated in the choir until her health began to decline.

She was also preceded in death by her brother, James R. Ferrese of New Castle and Miami Beach, FL and her step mother, Regina Ferrese.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday April 22, 2019 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home. 200 Fountain Ellwood City. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, April 23 at Holy Redeemer Church. The Rev. Robert Cedolia will celebrate the Mass. Interment will follow at Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

The family expresses gratitude to Doctors Larry Fazioli, David Schober, and Walter Dickson, the staff of Jameson Care Center and Three Rivers Hospice Service for their care.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a memorial contribution be made to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.