Samuel Teolis Funeral Home, Inc. and Cremation Services

02/27/2026

Matthew Ryan Plavecsky, 45,of Cranberry Township passed away unexpectedly on February 21st, 2026.

Matt was born in New Castle on March 15th, 1980 to Marie (Liska) Plavecsky and the late Robert Plavecsky.

Matthew graduated from Lincoln High School, Class of 1998. After graduation, he worked for Trader Horn, Airway Industries, Great Lakes Cold Storage, and KIK Corporation. During his youth, he participated in Ellwood City Amateur Baseball Federation, playing Instruction League through the C**t league. Matthew was also active in the BVM CYO activities, playing basketball.

Matthew’s passion was fishing and deer hunting. He enjoyed fishing at the Zelienople Sportsman’s Club and Hereford Manor. His cherished memories were hunting with his father and uncles at Cleland Rock, Portersville and biking with little sister. He had a soft spot in his heart for animals and never let a stray cat or wild animal go hungry. One of his favorite pastimes was watching the Pittsburgh Pirates, Penguins and Steelers on television.

Matthew was preceded in death by grandparents Louis and Ann Plavecsky of Ellwood City and Charles and Mildred Liska of Cleveland, Ohio, father Robert Plavecsky, cousin Jamie Sansone of Erie, and his beloved cats Vern, Mayne, and Sox.

Matthew is survived by his mother Marie (Liska) Plavecsky, sister Allison Plavecsky of Erie, companion Sheila Schirnhofer of Franklin Park, Uncles Brian of Ellwood City, James (Heidi) of Pickerington, Ohio, Aunts Maryanne of Erie, Geralyn (Rob) of Erie, and Lulu (Richard) from Winter Park, Florida, and Betty (John) Presti of Stow, Ohio, and his beloved cats Sammy and Rambo.

Per Matthew’s wishes, services will be private. Celebration of life will be held at a later date. Final arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..

02/27/2026

Jack Reda, of North Sewickley Twp., passed away on Thursday, February 26th,2026. Jack was the beloved husband of wife Dawn (Dettinger), father of daughter Lori, and dog
Daisy Jane.

Born on July 17th ,1 953, in Ellwood City, Pa, he was the son of the Late Ralph and Rose (Duca) Reda. ln addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his brothers, Lou, Nick and
Andy, and his sister Patty Ann in infancy. He is survived by his sister Rachel Reda, sister-in-law Cindy Reda, Connie Reda, and JoAnn Reda, Debbie (Ron) Atkinson, and brother-in-law Bill (Devona) Dettinger.

Jack loved his family deeply. He lived his Life through his faith believing that God’s greatest commandments are to love the Lord and to love your neighbor. He was involved in kid’s
ministry at his church, Northway Beaver Valley.

Jack was very proud to have graduated f rom Geneva College through their adult degree completion program, completing his degree in 1 992. He worked as a purchasing manager
and never met a salesperson he didn’t enjoy negotiating with.

Jack loved Pittsburgh sports especially the Steelers and the Pirates.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday from 1-4 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. A service honoring Jack’s life will be held on Monday at 11:00 am at Northway Christian Community Church Beaver Valley, 300 Brighton Ave., Rochester, Pa 15074 with Pastor Chris White officiating.

Memorial donations in Jack’s name may be made to: Christ Temple Church of God, 2420 9th Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010, checks payable to: Christ Temple, which will benefit the Christian Character Development Group at Christ Temple Church of God.

02/16/2026

Mrs. Kathleen Cogley, 87, of Franklin Township, passed away on February 15, 2026, surrounded by love.

Born on October 22nd,1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Catherine (Schlegel) and Charles Gilligan. ln October 1956, she married the love of her life, Matthew W.
Cogley Sr., who preceded her in death, along with their youngest daughter, Chris Cogley.

Kathleen worked for Verizon until her retirement and was a proud and passionate member of the CWA union. She was known for her strong work ethic, determination, and loyalty.

She had a well-known love for trips to the casino and never passed up a scratch-off ticket -always convinced the next one would be the big winner. Her feisty spirit, quick wit, and
unmistakable determination carried through every part of her life.

She is survived by her two children: Matthew Cogley Jr. of Pittsburgh and Beth Cogley of Franklin Township; five grandchildren: Alan Cogley, Matthew, Cogley, Tierney Smith, Bryan
Cogley, and Ashley Lees; and twelve great-grandchildren, who will forever remember her strength, humor, and fierce love. Her family was her greatest treasure – more valuable than
any jackpot she ever chased.

A celebration of Kathleen’s life will be held privately at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society in her honor.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..

02/15/2026

Mr. William John Schwartz, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, February 14th, 2026 at the age of 85. Bill peacefully went home to be with the Lord surrounded by his entire family by his side whom he loved dearly.

His whole life revolved around the love of his life, his “Chick”. She was his rock, his partner, and his greatest blessing.

Bill was an avid hunter. The woods were where he felt most at home. He loved hunting, but what mattered most to him was who he shared it with. Nothing made him prouder than watching his nephews, grandsons, and later his great-grandsons carry on the tradition. Even in his later years, when his health made things harder, he still climbed into “Bucks and Bacon”, the hunting blind where he hunted with his grandsons and great-grandsons, soaking in the quiet, the laughter, the love and the memories that will live forever.

Bill was born on January 15th, 1941 in Royal Oak, MI to the late William H. and Janet M. (Todd) Schwartz. He had graduated from Beaver Falls High School, and then enlisted with the United States Navy and served until his honorable discharge. Bill was the owner and operator of Bill Schwartz Construction Company, and was an over the road semi truck driver, hauling mainly U.S. Mail. An avid outdoorsman, he is a lifetime member of the Castlewood Rod and Gun Club.

He is survived by his loving wife, Connie “Chickie” (Statti) Schwartz, daughters, Lori (Mike) Jeannette, Debbie (Howard) Nelson, Janet Rogan, and Cindy (Tommy) Lucchesi, grandchildren, Chris DeSanzo, Joe (Randi) DeSanzo, Brooke (Sam) DeHority, Kristen Jeannette, Tyler Edwards, Jamie Nelson, Brittany (Chris) Shurtz, Taylor (Brady) Lutz, Alex Rogan, and Justin Nelson, great-grandchildren, Braden, Caleb, Ethan, and Maddyn DeSanzo, Dante DeSanzo, Penelope and Cameron DeHority, Olivia Lutz, and Bennett Rogan.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Margie, Mary Lou, and Betty, and brothers, Dutch and Harry.

A private family service will be held at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. with Pastor Sam Fidell officiating. Interment will follow at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

02/14/2026

Lois Snare Hoffman 88, passed away at home the morning of Friday, February 13th 2026 after a 2 month illness.

Lois was born in Ellwood City, 1937 to Gerald Snare and Mary Cathern (Wilson) Snare. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1955. While attending night classes at Geneva College she started dating, then married, in 1959, the love of her life, Raymond Hoffman who was also a member of Lincoln 1955 graduating class. She was an active member of The First United Methodist
Church and United Methodist Women’s society of Ellwood City, serving on many boards and committees over the years. She also taught Sunday School for United Fellowship Class for many years.

Lois worked at H &R Block, she then returned to Geneva College to complete her bachelor’s degree in Business Education.

Following earning her degree she worked teaching at CCBC in the business education department. When that program was discontinued at the college, she went to work at Connoquenessing Country Club where she worked as accounts manager tor 22 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1992, parents, and brother Chuck Snare.

Survivors include 2 children, Bryan (Cheryl) Hoffman of St. Augustine, FL and daughter Wendy of Ellwood City. 2 grandchildren, Justin (Alecia) Hoffman of Medina, OH and Lauren
(Nick) of St John’s County, FL. 2 great-grandchildren, Emmy and Charlotte of Medina Ohio.

The family would like to thank all the amazing staff at the east wing of Quality of Life Services in New Castle, Family Home Health Care and Three Rivers Hospice. Their compassion white caring for Lois was amazing. They went above and beyond their call of duty.

ln lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Club Hope or First United Methodist Church Memorial.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20th, 2026 from 4:00 pm until the time of the service at 7:00 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. Interment will be at the Locust Grove Cemetery.

02/13/2026

Mr. Bruno D. “Toad” Suppa, age 93 of New Castle, formerly of Ellwood City, passed away on Thursday, February 12th, 2026 at the Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Bruno was born on February 18th, 1932 in Ellwood City to the late Gregorio and Anna (Pileggi) Suppa. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1950. A proud veteran, Bruno enlisted with the United States Army on September 5th, 1950 and served stateside during the Korean War as a radio communications officer, where he was proficient with Morse Code. He was honorably discharged on April 29th, 1952 with the rank of Corporal. Bruno then worked for the Aetna Standard Engineering Company for 32 years and 12 years for the Ellport Borough in the Street Department. He also is a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church.

Bruno was an excellent bowler, always at the top of his league, which included multiple 700 series. He enjoyed fishing, making numerous trips to Canada. He will be best known for his great work ethic and wonderful sense of humor, being the center of attention with his vast joke repertoire.

Bruno is survived by his wife, Margaret (Hobrat) Suppa, daughter, Georgiann (Thomas) Wolf of Stroudsburg, PA, son, Michael Suppa of Ellwood City, stepsons, Mark Hobrat of Butler, PA and Michael Hobrat of Ohio. Also surviving him are his grandchildren, Aaron (Dulce) Wolf, Amanda (Michael) Guarino, Beth (Thomas) Delawder, Bruno J. (Matti) Suppa, Alaina Harding, and his great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Nicholas, Fiona, Kristian, Allexia, Jase, Asa, Isla, Jaiden, and Jackson.

Bruno was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Mary Jane “Peppy” (Manzo) Suppa to whom he was married for 48 years, daughter, Michele and her husband Fred Harding, daughter-in-law, Dr. Mary Ann DiBiagio-Suppa, sister, Roseann Galati, and brothers, James Suppa and Domenick Suppa.

Per Bruno’s wishes, visitation will be private with family only at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. Inurnment will be at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Bruno’s name may be made to: Divine Grace Parish Social Services.

02/12/2026

On the evening of February 11, 2026, Frank Joseph Losos III passed away peacefully with his son, David, by his side. He leaves behind a rich legacy of eleven grandchildren: nine through his only son, David Losos, (daughter in law, Andrea), of Portersville PA; Deanna, Darren, Damian, Adella, Dominic, Daniella, Desirae, Andrew, and Dustin. He also has two grandchildren, Zach and Reese, through his step-son, Ryan Madar (daughter in law, Jennifer) of Nashville TN. He is survived by his first wife, and David’s mother, Kathleen Losos of Pittsburgh PA, his sister Rose Marie (Jerome) Aschenbrener of Braidwood IL, his 3 nieces, Janet (Kevin) Klimek, Karen (John) Miklic , and Linda Aschenbrener. He also has two great nephews, Blake and Conrad Klimek.

He was preceded in death by his father, Frank J. Losos II, his mother, Anna Ludmila (Kroca) Losos and his second wife, Christina (Ritchie/Madar) Losos.

Frank grew up on a farm in Wilmington IL in a home that his Father built from the ground up.

He attended St Rose Catholic School, Wilmington High School, and the University of Illinois.

His parents were devout Catholics of Czechoslovakian descent. In his youth, his family ran a restaurant and drive-in called “Little Bohemia” where he learned the value of responsibility and hard work. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving in Turkey, Germany, and Florida. Trained as a medical technician, he later expanded his expertise into computer programming, working in Visual Basic, Fortran, and Unix. At Montefiore Hospital, he and his team helped build what would become UPMC’s information systems and pathology infrastructure. The databases and server systems in place today stand upon foundations he helped establish more than forty years ago.

He was a great lover of musical theater, having participated in numerous plays and performances in his community of Thornburg PA. He enjoyed traveling, following politics, playing the concertina, and would drive a great distance for a good kolache.

We entrust Frank to God’s boundless mercy, mindful that each of us stands in need of that same grace. We pray that he may be received into the Kingdom of Heaven, and that we may one day be reunited in eternal life.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 16th, from 1-3 PM and 5-7 PM at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 309 Spring Ave., Ellwood City, PA 16117. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church at 11:00 AM on Tuesday February 17th, 2026, 415 4th St, Ellwood City, PA 16117. Members of the Veterans Honor Guard are asked to meet at the church by 11:50 am to conduct full military honors.

He will be laid to rest in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Losos’s name may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project.

02/12/2026

Mrs. Dolores J. Majors, 88, formerly of Perry Township passed away on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 at the Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople.

Mrs. Majors was born on June 13th, 1937 in Uniontown, Pa to the late John and Elizabeth (Balchak) Hidock. She had graduated from the South Union High School. Dolores worked for American Standard in Pittsburgh for six years as a secretary and later for Peffer Cleaning Company in Zelienople. She is a long time member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Dolores greatly enjoyed music, dancing, and gardening.

She is survived by her sons, Mark (Kelly) Majors of Indianapolis, IN, Alan (Lori) Majors of Monroeville, Brian (Deb) Majors of Pittsburgh, and Shawn (Jill) Majors of Zelienople, and her grandchildren, Charlie, Ben, Maddie, Nick, Jack, Allison, and Ian Majors.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Charles H. Majors whom she married on September 5th, 1960 and passed away on September 23rd, 1996.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 4-7 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday at Noon at Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church with Father James Wehner officiating. Interment will follow at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Mrs. Majors name may be made to; Passavant Benevolent Care Fund, 105 Burgess Dr., Zelienople, Pa 16063

02/09/2026

Paula Arkwright, 74, of Ellwood City passed away on Friday, February 6th, 2026 at the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Paula was born on February 11th, 1951 in Ellwood City to Antoinette (Tomeo) Pansera of Ellwood City and the late Paul D. Swesey. She graduated from the Lawrence County Vo-Tech with the class of 1969 and attended the Community College of Beaver County for nursing. She worked as a nail technician at various salons in the area and as a care giver for many years. She was a women of many talents, and enjoyed crafting and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her mother, Antoinette, sister, Ida Darr of Chippewa Township, brothers, Ron (Lori) Swesey of West Pittsburgh, and Dave (Nora) Swesey of Franklin Township, step-brothers, John “Stretch” (Kathy) Pansera, Joseph (Marcella) Pansera, and James (Maureeen) Pansera, brother-in-law, Randy Whelan, her beloved cat, Tiger, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jeff Arkwright, father, Paul D. Swesey, step-father, Batiste “Butts” Pansera, step-sister, Joni Whelan, brother-in-law, Theodore Darr, nephew, Ben Swesey, and niece, Christina M. Whelan.

Family and Friends will be received on Saturday, February 14th, 2026 from 2:00 pm until the the time of the memorial service at 4:00 pm, with Pastor Warren Sullivan officiating at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.

Memorial donations in Paula’s name can be made out to: Lawrence County Humane Society at https://lawrencecountyhumane.com/donate/

01/31/2026

With hearts full of love and sorrow, the family of Jacqueline C. Powell, 68, announces the unexpected passing of our amazing wife, mother, sister, and “Ya-Ya.” She passed away on Thursday, January 29th, 2026, at her residence. Her life was a beautiful reflection of her deep faith, unwavering kindness, and boundless love for her family.

Jacki was born on May 9th, 1957, in Ellwood City, and was a lifelong member of the community she loved so deeply. She was the daughter of the late John “Jack” Jr. and Verna Lee (Chapman) Cortes.

Jacki was a 1975 graduate of Lincoln High School and remained proud of her Ellwood City roots. She was an active and devoted member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church where her faith and sense of community were an important part of her life. Jacki faithfully served as a member of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers. She always put the needs of those around her before her own, and her compassionate heart and encouraging words brought comfort and light to everyone she met.

In October 1977, Jacki married the love of her life, Zachery Powell, with whom she shared many years of partnership, family, and work. Together, they built both a life and a career, working side by side at R.W. Powell Real Estate, where Jacki was a licensed Pennsylvania real estate agent. Over the years, she also worked at Hillside Pharmacy and Hyde Drug Store, and was known for her friendly presence and strong work ethic.

As a mother, she was extraordinarily loving, selfless, and endlessly supportive. Jacki loved her family fiercely and gave endlessly of herself. Her laughter, beautiful smile, warmth, and caring heart made you feel safe, welcomed, and genuinely loved. She had a way of showing up for others that will never be forgotten.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Zachery Powell; her daughter, Ashlee (Aaron) Gray of Bellwood, PA; her son, Tyler Powell, and his fiancée, Jessica Figurel of Ellwood City; and her cherished grandsons, Connor Zachery and Carson James Gray, who brought her immense joy and whom she loved to the moon and back 60–90 times. She is also survived by her siblings, Steven (Donna) Cortes of Lake Worth, FL, and Leslie (Robert) Bortz of New Galilee; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Jackie also leaves behind her beloved dog, Sam, a constant and faithful companion.

Aside from her parents, she is preceded in death by many beloved family members including Mr. Robert W. and Helen M. Powell and Mr. Timothy Powell.

Friends and family will be received for visitation on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. in Ellwood City. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, February 5th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Members of the Holy Redeemer Christian Mothers are asked to meet at the church on Thursday by 9:50 am to form an honor guard.

Jacki will be missed more than words can express and remembered always. Memorial donations may be made to: Divine Grace Parish Social Services, the Ellwood City Area Historical Society, or the Ellwood City Area Public Library.

01/22/2026

01/20/2026

Antonio “Tony” John Carusone, 74, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, January 18th, 2026 at his residence.

Antonio was born the son of the late Cataldo “Aldo” and Maria (Napolitano) Carusone on April 19th, 1951 in Roccaramo, Italy. His family come to America in 1954 and settled in New York City. He attended the PS 16 Newton High School in New York. Tony then enlisted with the United States Navy on November 25, 1970 and served until his honorable discharge on March 7th, 1972. He served on the USS Wasp Aircraft Carrier, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He later worked at Alsy Lighting as an assembler and Trader Horn as a Floor Manager. He is Catholic by faith and loved time spent with his family.

He is survived by his daughter Mary Carusone and her husband Wanza Robinson, Jr. of Indianapolis, IN, step daughter and her husband, Lisa and Eric Rodgers of New Castle, grandchildren, Patricia, Wanza III, Shelby, Adrianna, and Cheyenne, two great-grandchildren, sister, Rose (George) Fenechi, brothers, Albert (Susan) Carusone, and Stefano Carusone all of Ellwood City, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Growing up in an Italian family means growing up surrounded by love, noise, food, and togetherness. Our uncles aren’t just relatives — they’re second parents, storytellers, protectors, and friends. Losing him feels like losing a piece of our foundation. He was part of the laughter around the table, the traditions we hold close, and the bond that keeps our family strong. His presence will always live on in our memories, our stories, and in the way we continue to show up for one another.

Please keep my dad (along with my aunt & uncles) as they go through the loss of their big brother ❤️ written by Nicole Carusone Main

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