Mary Elizabeth Murphy, 79, of Park Avenue, passed away the morning of February 6, 2015 at UPMC Passavant. Born on December 12, 1935 in Helena, AL, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Hudson and Rebecca Lane Hudson Witherspoon. She is also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Nathaniel Murphy, whom she married in 1950. In 1988, Mary retired from her job as a phlebotomist for the American Red Cross in St. Louis, MO. She belonged to St. Paul the Baptist Church. Mary loved fishing, but her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Mary is survived by her daughters, Margaret Johnson and husband Charles of Goodlettsville, TN, Barbara Lee and husband Jackie, Linda Starkey, and Curlene Whittier and husband Alonzo, all of New Castle; sister, Thelma Hampton of New Castle; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. In addition to parents and husband, she is preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers. Visitation will be held Wednesday 11:00am to 12:00pm at St. Paul Baptist Church. Services will be conducted Wednesday at 12:00pm at the church, officiated by Pastor Robert Mills.
Mary Murphy
Kathy Strayer
Kathy A. Strayer, 71, of W. North St. died February 3, 2015 at the Jameson Hospital. Born in New Castle on July 5, 1943, Kathy was the daughter of the late James and Rose Russo.She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Strayer. Kathy is survived by her son, Thomas C. Elliott and her sister, Mary Ann McDonald, both of New Castle. There are no calling hours and services were private. Arrangements are entrusted to the Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 941 S. Mill St.
Louise Dudash
Louise Dudash, 89, formerly of Riverside Apartments, passed away the morning of February 1, 2015 at Jameson Memorial Hospital. Born on September 15, 1925 in Ramey, PA, she was the daughter of the late Ira Theodore and Mamie Albert Henderson. On June 2, 1947, she married her beloved husband, George Dudash, and the two spent over 40 wonderful years together until he preceded her in death in May 1988. Louise was a member of Mary Mother of Hope Parish. She enjoyed attending flea markets and shopping. Louise also loved talking and being with her friends and family. Louise is survived by her brother, Donald T. Henderson and wife Elvera of New Castle, and sisters, Dorothy H. Boyd of New Castle and Marian G. Bridge of Seal Beach, CA. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her infant son; brother, Gordon Henderson; and sisters, Irene Carson and Betty Lou Ritchie. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 941 S Mill St. A procession will leave the funeral home Wednesday at 9:30am to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Church, officiated by Father Frank Almade. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Kenneth Book
Kenneth L. Book Jr., 66, of New Castle passed away the afternoon of February 8, 2015 at his residence. A complete obituary with date and time of service will be announced at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 941 S Mill St.
Mary Ross
Mary E. Ross, 90, of New Castle passed away the evening of February 8, 2015 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Calling hours will be held Thursday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 941 S Mill St. A full obituary will be available tomorrow.
Michael Ritenour
Michael F. Ritenour, 52, of Francis Place, passed away the afternoon of February 7, 2015 at Jameson Memorial Hospital. Born on March 1, 1962 in Southgate, CA, he was preceded in death by his parents, Grant C. and Corrine Trott Miller. Also preceding him in death were his adoptive parents who raised him, Paul and Alma Miller Ritenour. Michael owned a lawn care business in the New Castle area. He also previously served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed restoring furniture, playing cards, fishing, and camping, but Michael’s greatest joy came from spending time with his daughter. Michael is survived by his daughter, Kristina Ritenour of New Castle; stepchildren, Caitlin, Joyce, and Hunter; brothers, Dave Miller of New Castle, Frank Miller and wife Tina of Hillsville, Paul Ritenour and wife Traci of Canfield, PA, Larry Miller of New Castle, and Samuel Ritenour and wife Becky of Hubbard, OH; sisters, Corrine Miller, MaryAnn Miller, Nicola Miller, and Billie Dawn Gallick and husband Bruce, all of New Castle; and nieces, Michele Neuroch and Missy Wetherill. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Rona Elias. A memorial service will be conducted Wednesday at 1:00pm at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 941 S Mill St.
Agnes Perry
Agnes B. Perry, 104, of Golden Hill Nursing Home, passed away the morning of February 12, 2015 at her residence. Born on October 20, 1910 in New Castle, PA, she was the daughter of the late Jacob and Agnes Kelly Must. On June 12, 1929, she married her beloved husband, James “Butch” Perry, and the two spent over 54 wonderful years together until he preceded her in death on June 5, 1984. Agnes was a member of Mary Mother of Hope Parish and the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary. Agnes is survived by her children, Raymond Perry and wife Joyce, Mary Aller, Agnes Rooks, Jean Kleckner, all of New Castle, and Frances Steffler of Ellwood City, PA; 17 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her son, Joseph Perry; daughter, Caroline Simmons; grandson, Joseph Perry, Jr.; granddaughter, Michelle Price; and brothers, Mark, Joseph, and Monsignor Raymond Must. Private services will be held at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 941 S Mill St. Interment will take place in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Mary Russo
Mary C. Russo, 91, formerly of Pearson St. passed away the evening of February 13, 2015 at Golden Hill Nursing Home. Born in New Castle on September 26, 1923, Mary was the daughter of the late Salvatore and Teresa Orrico Fava. Preceding her in death on September 26, 1991 is her husband, Anthony T. Russo. Mary was a former employee of Shenango Pottery. She was a devoted member of the Christian Assembly Church in New Castle. She was a Sunday School teacher, a member of the choir and was active in the Women’s Ministries. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved spending time with her family and friends. Mary is survived by her son, Rev. Dale Russo and his wife Sandi of Beaver Falls, Pa.; her brother, Joseph Fava of New Castle and her two granddaughters, Noelle and Natalie. In addition to her parents and husband, Mary is preceded in death by her sisters, Virginia Valentino, Vera Krause, Rose Massaro and her brother, Eugene Fava. Visitation is Tuesday from 3:00PM to 8:00PM at the Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 3000 Wilmington Rd. New Castle, Pa. A service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday at 11:00AM officiated by her son, Rev. Dale Russo, pastor of Christian Assembly Church of Beaver Falls. Burial will take place at Castle View Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be mailed to World Missions 1294 Rutledge Rd. Transfer, Pa. 16154.
Giovanni Costa
Giovanni C. (Gino) Costa, 19, of Avalon Drive, passed away the morning of February 15, 2015. Born on February 24, 1995 in Las Vegas, NV, he is survived by his loving mother, Cynthia L. Cercone Costa of New Castle, and father, Joseph C. Costa of Youngstown, OH. Gino was a sophomore majoring in Public Relations at Youngstown State University. A 2013 graduate of Union Area High School, he loved playing basketball and had played for the Scotties in high school. Gino will always be remembered as a wonderful young man who loved life and will be missed by all who knew him. In addition to his mother and father, Gino is survived by his brothers, Thomas P. Costa II and Saivon Watt, both of New Castle, and Reggie Johnson, Jr. of Las Vegas; sisters, Kyla D. Costa and Angeleque Johnson, both of Las Vegas; and great-grandmother, Patty Costa of New Castle. He is also survived by many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins, and many great friends. He is preceded in death by his great-grandfathers, Thomas P. Costa and Donald Cercone, and great-grandmother, Sandra A. Ryan and her husband, Mike Ryan. Gino’s family will receive friends and family on Thursday from 2:00pm to 7:00pm at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 941 S Mill St. A service will be conducted Thursday at 7:00pm at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Dominick Cestrone of New Castle Revival Center.
Rev. Joseph Langston
Rev. Joseph Langston, Jr., 90, of St. Charles Place, New Castle, died Tuesday morning, February 17, 2015 at Jameson Hospital. Rev. Langston was born April 2, 1924 in Tarentum, PA to the late Joseph and Vera Howell Jackson. He is preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife, whom he married on May 12, 1954, the former Genevie L. Wilson who died on March 17, 2011. He has been a minister and devoted servant of God throughout his journey and was a devoted member of Union Baptist Church in New Castle. Rev. Langston was a veteran of WWII where he was a recipient of a Purple Heart. He was a member of NAACP, a former custodian at the Public Library of New Castle and was associated with many affiliations within Lawrence County. He was a strong presence in our local community, always lending a helping hand to people in need. Rev. Langston will always be remembered by his famous words “Never Better”. Survivors include his four children, Kenneth Langston of New Castle; Karen Kennedy of New Castle; Gale Brothers of Kentucky; Debbie Johnson of New Castle; his brother-in-law, Deacon Isaiah Martin of New Kensington, PA; his sister-in-law, Ada Thompkins of Pittsburgh; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife and his two sisters, Arlene V. Martin and Lucille Langston-Smith. Visitation is Monday, February 23, 2015 from 5PM to 7PM at the Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 941 S. Mill ST. A homegoing service will be held at 11AM on Tuesday at the funeral home conducted by Pastor Richard Rue of Union Baptist Church. Burial will take place at Castle View Memorial Gardens.
Charles Donofrio
Charles Donofrio, 90, of Hillsville passed away the evening of February 17, 2015 at his son’s residence in Bessemer. Born in Hillsville on November 25, 1924, Charles was the son of the late Joseph and Rose Micco Donofrio. Surviving at home is his loving and devoted wife, the former Vilma Moricz, whom he married on January 27, 1945. Charles was a veteran of U.S. Navy and served during WWII. He retired from Sears where he worked as a service technician. He was a member of Christ the King Parish. Charles was also a member of the Mohawk Lions, the American Legion and the former St. Lucy Club. For many years, Charles devoted his time coaching youth baseball. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be sadly missed by all the lives he touched. He is survived by his wife, three sons, Charles R. Donofrio and his wife Shere of Crown Point, IN; Archie J. Donofrio and his wife Kathy of Bessemer, PA; Timothy P. Donofrio of Lake Elsinore, CA; his sister, Madeline (Lena) Donofrio of Hillsville; six grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents Charles is preceded in death by his brother, Gabe Donofrio and sister, Marie Swanson. Visitation is Friday from 5PM to 8PM at the Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 3000 Wilmington Rd. A procession will leave the funeral home on Saturday at 9:45AM for St. Lawrence Church, Christ the King Parish where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30AM officiated by Rev. Father James Downs. Burial will take place at St. Lawrence Cemetery.
Marissa Montgomery
Marissa A. Montgomery, 43, of Pin Oak Drive, went to be with her Lord the evening of February 19, 2015 at Allegheny General Hospital following a lengthy illness. Born on May 25, 1971 in New Castle, she was the daughter of James Montgomery of New Castle and the late Delores Roye Montgomery. In her earlier years, Marissa worked as a bookkeeper for Community Alternatives. She also worked as a bus driver for First Student. A devoted member of Bethel AME Church, she sang in the choir and directed the youth program. She was also a member of the Stewardess Board. Marissa will always be remembered as a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother who loved her family dearly. In addition to her father, Marissa is survived by her children, Battista Montgomery and D’Avion Montgomery, both of New Castle; sisters, Michele Montgomery, Maxine Rose, Lucille Marva Montgomery, all of New Castle, and Marguerite Montgomery of Denver, CO; and granddaughter, Epiphany Kitt. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 941 S Mill St. Homegoing services will be conducted Wednesday at 12:00pm at the funeral home, officiated by Reverend Jeannette Hubbard. Interment will take place in Parkside Cemetery. Friends will also be received at Maxine Rose’s home at 2009 Delaware Avenue New Castle PA.
Lyvonnus Prowell
Lyvonnus Prowell, 52, of New Castle, passed away the evening of February 16, 2015. Born on August 10, 1962 in Alabaster, AL, she was the daughter of Waddell and Ethel Waters Prowell. Her mother survives in New Castle and her father preceded her in death. Lyvonnus enjoyed playing bingo, but her greatest joy came from spending time with her family. In addition to her mother, Lyvonnus is survived by her children, Jay Prowell, Derek Caraway, Tirishi Prowell, Lee Plotts, all of New Castle, Lavelle Prowell, Lachelle Prowell, both of Oil City, PA, Levaughn Prowell, and Lefaughn Prowell, both of New Castle; sisters, Irene Prowell and Cheryl Mitchell and her husband Gary, all of New Castle; best friend, Marsha Jackson; thirteen grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to her father, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Mariah Jai Anderson. Calling hours will be held Friday from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 941 S Mill St. Services will be conducted Friday at 12:00pm at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Parkside Cemetery.
Debra Marcantino
Debra A. Marcantino, of Marion Street, passed away the morning of February 21, 2015 at UPMC Passavant Hospital. Born on April 7, 1954 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Amiel and Rose Rauso Marcantino. In her earlier years, Debra worked as a cashier for Joseph Supermarket. She most recently worked for Nabisco Foods. She was a member of St. Vitus Church. A compassionate animal lover, Debra rescued and found homes for many stray cats and dogs. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her sister and her dog Max. Debra is survived by her sister, Rosemary Eazor and husband John of New Castle, and her aunts and uncles, Madeline Gurneal of Hermitage, PA, Mary Ann Rauso of New Castle, Regina Chiafullo and husband Carl of New Castle, and James Rauso and wife Judy of Hermitage, PA. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 3000 Wilmington Rd. A blessing service will be conducted Wednesday at 11:00am at the funeral home, officiated by Father Lawrence Evans of St. Vitus Church.
Doris Hennon
Doris W. Hennon, 95, of Orchard Manor Nursing Home, passed away the evening of February 21, 2015 at her residence. She was born July 8, 1919 in Duryea, PA. On December 24, 1938, she married her beloved husband, Dale C. Hennon, and the two spent over 74 wonderful years together until he preceded her in death on July 30, 2013. She was married in Hoover Heights Christian Missionary Alliance Church by her father who was pastor of Hoover Heights Church, Reverend A. T. Williams. An active and devoted member of Hoover Heights Christian Missionary Alliance Church, Doris served in different offices for the church. She was also a charter member of the South New Castle Borough Fire Department Auxiliary. Doris will always be remembered as a loving mother, sister, and grandmother who was devoted to her Lord and family. Doris is survived by her children, Doris Ketzel and husband Lee of Grove City, PA and Jeff Hennon and wife Jill of New Wilmington, PA; brothers, Robert Williams, Gene Williams, and Tom Williams, all of North Carolina; sister, Shirley O’Callaghan of Florida; grandchild, R. Kelly Smith and husband Brendan; and great-grandchildren, Torin and Dalee Smith. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Dale A. Hennon, grandson, Randall L. Ketzel, and sister, Marian Newhold. A memorial service will be conducted Saturday at 11:00am at Hoover Heights Christian Missionary Alliance Church, officiated by Reverend Larry Llewellyn. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions take the form of donations to Orchard Manor Nursing Home 20 Orchard Drive, Grove City, PA 16127. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 941 S Mill St.
Michael Sapienza
Michael A. Sapienza, 48, of Old Route 19, passed away the morning of February 24, 2015 at Jameson Memorial Hospital. Born on June 8, 1966 in New Castle, he was the son of Joyce E. Pacelli Sapienza of New Castle and the late Charles P. Sapienza, Sr. Michael had worked as a machinist for Rockwell International Axle Division. He was a member of St. Vitus Church. A New Castle High School graduate, Michael played football during high school. Michael was also an amateur boxer and an avid sports fan. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family. In addition to his mother, Michael is survived by his daughter, Nicole Sapienza of Ellwood City, PA; brothers, Charles P. Sapienza, Jr. and wife Maria, Christopher M. Sapienza, all of New Castle, and Vincent D. Sapienza of Pittsburgh; one nephew; and three nieces. Visitation will be held Thursday 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 941 S Mill St. A procession will leave the funeral home Friday at 9:30am to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at St. Vitus Church, officiated by Father Frank Almade. Entombment will take place at Parkside Mausoleum.
Frank Caffro
Frank Caffro, Sr., 86, of Hickory Drive, passed away the morning of February 25, 2015 at his residence. Born on March 4, 1928, he was the son of the late George and Sadie Cialella Caffro. In 1950, he married his beloved wife, the former Louise (Wee Wee) Pagley, and the two spent 60 wonderful years together until she preceded him in death on February 4, 2010. Frank retired from his job as an operating engineer and foreman for Ro Med Construction. After retirement, he enjoyed working on lawn movers and small equipment, and he also enjoyed gardening. He was a member of St. Vitus Church and Duca Degli Abruzzi Club. Frank is survived by his sons, Frank Caffro, Jr. and wife Diana of New Castle, Michael Caffro of Cranberry, PA, and Robert Caffro of Orlando, FL; brother, George Caffro of Pompano Beach, FL; sisters, Carol Glorioso and husband Joseph and Mary Castaldi, all of New Castle; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia Caffro, and brother, Richard Caffro. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 941 S Mill St. Blessing services will be conducted Saturday at 10:00am at the funeral home, officiated by Reverend Father Lawrence Adams of St. Vitus Church. The New Castle Area Honor Guard will conduct military rites Saturday at the funeral home. Entombment will take place at Parkside Mausoleum.
Rose Bloise
Rose Bloise, 86, of New Castle, passed away the afternoon of February 14, 2015 at Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. Born on June 15, 1928 in Youngstown, OH, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Pasqua Bagnasco Geraci. Surviving her at home is her beloved husband of over 59 years, James Bloise, whom she married on February 19, 1955. Rose was a member of St. Vitus Church. She loved sewing and baking, but Rose’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially having family dinners on Sundays. In addition to her husband, Rose is survived by her children, Terry Bobosky and husband James, Doreen Vitullo and husband Jimmy, and Brenda Bloise, all of New Castle; sister, Fran Vecchione of Struthers, OH; and grandchildren, Angela and Amanda Bobosky and Anthony and Michael Vitullo. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Joseph, Anthony, and Samuel Geraci; and sister, Patricia LaGrasta. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:30am to 12:30pm at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 941 S Mill St. A procession will leave the funeral home Saturday at 12:30pm to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00pm at St. Vitus Church, officiated by Father Larry Adams. Interment will take place in Parkside Cemetery.
Mildred Johns
Mildred E. Johns, 88, of Union Township, passed away the morning of February 27, 2015 at her home with her three loving daughters at her side. Born on September 29, 1926 in West Winfield, PA, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Amanda Spithaler Wohlgemuth. On January 7, 1950, she married her beloved husband, George Johns, and the two spent over 25 years together until he preceded her in death in January 1976. Mildred was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church. She enjoyed gardening. Mildred will always be remembered as a loving and devoted mother and grandmother to whom her family was the most important thing in her life. Mildred is survived by her children, Georgiana Churchill and husband Herb of Avon, OH, Susan Garczewski and husband Eugene of New Castle, and Tammy Crist and husband Joseph of Bessemer, PA; grandchildren, Bryan Garczewski and wife Tara, Johnathan Garczewski and wife Christina, Ashley Churchill, Scott Churchill, Joey Crist, Kendall Garczewski, and Megan Stacy and husband Bryan; and four great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Elmer and Earl Wohlgemuth, and sister, Esther Wohlgemuth. Per her wishes, a private service will be held at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 3000 Wilmington Rd, officiated by Pastor Wayne Schar of Epworth United Methodist Church. Interment will take place in Graceland Cemetery. The family would like to offer special thanks to Jameson Hospice, Dr. Coleman and staff, Dr. Amina and staff, and Dr. Ahmed and staff for their wonderful care of Mildred.
James Phillips
James D. Phillips, 81, of New Castle, passed away the afternoon of March 1, 2015 at Jameson Memorial Hospital. Born on March 29, 1933 in New Castle, he was the son of the late James and Marian Heinline Phillips. Surviving him at home is his beloved wife of 64 years, the former Pearl Pritchard, whom he married on September 23, 1950. After 45 years of working, James retired from his job as a foreman for Blair Strip Steel. An active member of Hoover Heights Christian Missionary Alliance Church, he was a prayer warrior and friend to all. He loved woodworking, hunting, and painting, and he was an avid sports fan. James will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and a very special man. In addition to his wife, James is survived by his daughters, Terry Llewellyn and husband Reverend Larry Llewellyn and Debbie Thompson and husband Ken Thompson, all of New Castle; brother, Carl “Bucky” Phillips and wife JoAnn of New Castle; sister, Beverly Greaf and husband Robert of New Castle; grandchildren, James Llewellyn and wife Cindy, Michael Llewellyn, Christopher Thompson and wife Alison, and Phillips Thompson and wife Sarah; and great-grandchildren, Dylan Llewellyn, Lilly Llewellyn, Kayla Thompson, D’Wayne Thompson, and Isaiah Thompson. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Doris Rigby, Vivian Roush, and Carol Daugherty; brother, Samuel Phillips; and mother-in-law, Helen Fehl. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 3000 Wilmington Rd. Services will be conducted Thursday at 11:00am at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Larry Llewellyn, his son-in-law, and Reverend James Llewellyn, his grandson. Interment will take place in Castleview Memorial Gardens. The family asks that memorial contributions take the form of donations to Hoover Heights Christian Missionary Alliance Church 1947 Morris St New Castle, PA 16102.