Mantini Funeral Home, Inc.

Mantini Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral Home

04/03/2026

Our condolences to the family of Thomas A. Space, who passed away in his home on Wednesday, April 1,2026.

Thomas A. Space,75, lifelong resident of Ford City passed away om Wednesday, April 1,2026 in his home.

Born July 2,1950 in Kittanning, he was the son of Angelo and Vasa ( Yarovich) Space.

Thomas was a graduate of Ford City high school. He worked at Keystone Power Plant and then retired from Edgewater Steel. He also worked for Space Hauling.

Thomas was a member of the Greek Orthodox Catholic Church, a member of the Macedonian Club of Ford City, and spent many days working and just hanging out at Space’s Fruit Market. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, and mostly just hanging out with his friends.

In addition to his parents Thomas was preceded in death by his brother James Space; and sister Eleanor and Alex Szaszy.

He is survived by brother Christy Space; niece Kristina (Sean) Jones and family; nephew Ben Space and family; Rose Bell and daughter Billie Jo Brennen and family; and a large number of extended family and friends.

Per Thomas’ wishes, all services were private and entrusted to Mantini Funeral Home, Inc.

03/26/2026

Our condolences to the family of Amy Marie Mechling, who passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Amy Marie (Young) Mechling, 86, of Latrobe and formerly of Ford City, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Born May 4, 1939, in Camp Joann, she was the daughter of the late Wilber and Grace (Love) Young.
Amy worked for Numec and Alcoa as a secretary and also for Armstrong School District. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, flea markets, collecting various items and treasuring her family.
Amy and her husband Floyd F. Mechling, Jr. (who passed away on September 8, 2018) designed and built their home, enjoying it for over 50 years.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Amy is preceded in death by her brother, George Young. She is survived by her son, Floyd F. “Frank” (Julie) Mechling III, of Latrobe; step-granddaughter, Katherine Quigley, of Pittsburgh; brother, Daniel Young; and extended family and friends.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Mantini Funeral Home, Inc., 701 Sixth Ave., Ford City.
Service and interment private on Monday.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Brookdale for her wonderful care.

03/18/2026

Our condolences to the family of Cathy C Kluciar who passed away on March 9,2026 in her home in Florida.

Cathy Celeste Kluciar, age 75, of Pompano Beach, Florida, passed away on March 9, 2026. She was born on April 23, 1950, in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, to the late Liberato and Catherine Vergari.
She graduated from Ford City High School in 1968. Throughout her life, she worked in and helped manage several family taverns and restaurants, where her warmth, humor, and easy smile made her a natural at bringing people together. She loved cooking and enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends.
She will be remembered for her humor, her generous spirit, and her ability to make people feel welcome. Whether sharing a meal, telling a story, or simply enjoying time with those she loved, she had a way of making people feel at ease.
Survivors include her son, James Hutchens, and his partner, Christina Raschke; her brother, Louis Vergari, and his wife, Natalie; her nieces and nephews, Dylan Vergari, Vito Vergari, Nina Rogers, Anthony Vergari, Mia Vergari, and Jodie DiMiceli; and close family friend, Ezra Raschke.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Liberato and Catherine Vergari; her brother, Albert Vergari; her niece, Catherine Vergari; and her husband, Andrew “Butch” Kluciar.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in the Mantini Funeral Home, Inc., 701 Sixth Ave., Ford City.
A Blessing service will be held on Saturday March 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home.
Burial to follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery.

03/16/2026

Our condolences to the family of Betty Stivason who passed away on March 11, 2026.

Betty (Flanders)Stivason, 99, of Ford City passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11,2026 in QLS Sugarcreek Personal Care Home, Worthington.

Born June 13,1926 in Kittanning (Garretts Run), she was the daughter of the late Fred and Catherine (Snee) Flanders.

Betty was a longtime member of Appleby Manor Church in Ford City. She married Paul Stivason and happily became a homemaker and raised children. She also worked for 20 years at Miller’s Hoagies. Betty was a very kind and giving lady who will be well-remembered for her faith and giving nature.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Paul Stivason; cherished son Father Paul Randall Stivason; grandsons Brian Schaul and Scott Stivason; and granddaughter-in-law Tabitha Stivason.

Betty is survived by her adored children, daughter Linda (Dave) Schaul of Worthington and son Robert (Sandy) Stivason of Cochranton, PA; grandchildren Kristen (Jason) Guthrie and Jeff (Emily) Stivason; 5 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; extended family and friends.

Per Betty’s wishes, all services and burial at Ford City Cemetery were private. Arrangements entrusted to Mantini Funeral Home, Inc., Ford City.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local animal rescues or to the charity of your choice.

03/11/2026

Our condolences to the family of Sandra L. “Sandy” Kostek who passed away on Tuesday, March 10,2026.

Sandra “Sandy” L. (Kaliszewski) Kostek, 76, of Ford City passed away peacefully in the care of and surrounded by her family on Tuesday, March 10,2026.

Born July 13,1949 in Kittanning, she was the daughter of the late Alexander W. and Wanda P. (Bishop) Kaliszewski.

Sandy was a lifelong resident of Ford City, a member of the former St. Francis DePaola Catholic Church and a longtime member of Christ, Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Ford City. She was a homemaker, who loved raising her children, cooking, baking, bowling, gardening, and canning. Sandy loved playing cards. She was a devoted caregiver to numerous people in the area.

For Sandy, no mere words could capture who she was.

In addition to her parents, Sandy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willian A. Kostek; brothers-in-law Theadore C. Beers and Harold “Butch” Flaherty; and her beloved pooch “Peanutt”.

Sandy is survived by her children Kelly Anne Kostek of Ford City, and sons Brian (Amy) Kostek of Lower Burrell and Todd M. (Shannon) Kostek of Sarasota, FL; grandchildren Andrew and Tucker; twin sisters Alexis (the late Theadore) Beers of Slate Lick and Alice (Roger) Micciche of Maryland, sister Alana (the late Harold “Butch”) Flaherty of North Port, FL; numerous nieces and nephews on the Kostek side, extended family, neighbors and friends.

Visitation Thursday, March 12,2026 from 2-4 and 6 -8 PM in the Mantini Funeral Home, Inc., 701 Sixth Avenue, Ford City.

A Blessing service will be held on Friday, March 13,2026 in the funeral home at 10 AM.

Burial private in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Pittsburgh.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Orphans of the Storm, PA-85, Kittanning, PA 16201.

03/09/2026

Our condolencesto the family of Richard J. Vojna who passed aeay on Saturday, March 7,2026.

Richard J. Vojna, 92, of Ford City, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in his residence on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Born Oct. 14, 1933, in Ford City, he was the last surviving child of John T. and Mary (Varadi) Vojna.
Richard was a graduate of Ford City High School. He was a lifelong resident of Ford City and well known for being a hardworking craftsman. He worked well into his 80s, changing out hot water tanks and replacing roofs.
Richard was a member of the former Holy Trinity Catholic Church, loved building things with wood for his children and grandchildren, staying active, gardening, and building and flying RC Airplanes. He was devoted to his family, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters.
He is survived by children: Theresa Uyema, of Ford City, Cynthia (William Sirochman) Crissman, of Kittanning, Shelly McCollough, of Leechburg, Deanna (Paul Lloyd) Farester, of Slippery Rock, Richard, Jr.(Peggy Gaston) Vojna, of Echo and John (Julie) Vojna, of Ford City; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.
To honor his wishes, all services private.
Burial in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Ford City.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mantini Funeral Home, Inc., 701 Sixth Ave., Ford City.

03/05/2026

Our condolences to the family of Richard Placek who passed away February 27,2026.

Richard S. Placek, 77, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, at Magnolia Place of Saxonburg, with his loving wife by his side.

Born July 1, 1948, in Kittanning, he was the son of the late Andrew and Margaret (Infelice) Placek. Following graduation, Rich proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.

Rich dedicated more than 50 years to his work as a contractor throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio. He lived in Ohio from 1995 until returning to the area in 2005, where he later started his own fencing company. Known for his strong work ethic and craftsmanship, he built not only homes and fences, but lasting friendships with those he worked alongside.

Rich never met a stranger and loved being around people. He especially enjoyed playing Santa during the holidays, mingling at the Butler Flea market, and browsing local thrift stores. His warm smile, sense of humor, and generous spirit made him a friend to many.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda; his sons, Richey (Maureen) of Hilliard, Ohio and Matthew of Manhattan; his grandsons, Fearghus, Aidan, and Giovanni, all of Hilliard; his brothers, Jim and John; and his sister, Veronica of Arizona.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Andy, his sister Mary Ann, and his daughter, Marty Helmers.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Magnolia Place and Suncrest Hospice for the excellent care they provided.

Per Richard’s request, there will be no viewing.

Rich will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him

02/23/2026

Our condolences to the family of Albert L. “Al” Humenik who passed away on Minday, February 23,2026.

Albert L. Humenik,89, of Ford City passed away on Monday, February 23,2026 in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.



Born November 12,1936 in Ford City at the family farm, he was the son of the late Michael “Mitej” and Frances “Frantiska” (Vatos) Humenik.

Albert worked for PPG prior to his retirement. He was a longtime member of Christ, Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Ford City. He loved gardening, canning, the Westerns channel, the great outdoors, hunting and his beagles, and was proud of his Slovak heritage. Most of all, he dearly loved his family and farm.

His office was the swing, just under his apple tree.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 + years Marlene (Clark) Humenik; all of his siblings; sisters Rose Ursiak, Josephine Humenik, Margaret Boback, Mary Mora, Ann Battaglia, and Elizabeth Humenik; brothers Paul Humenik, Steve Humenik, Joseph Humenick, Sr., Charles Humenik, and Frank Humenik.

Albert is survived by daughters, Amy (John) Campbell of Ford City and Susan (Daniel) Wible of Sarver; grandchildren Jacob, Emily, Bentley, and Rowan; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, extended family and friends.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, February 26,2026 from 6 PM -8 PM with a blessing service conducted at 7 PM in the Mantini Funeral Home, Inc., 701 Sixth Avenue, Ford City.

Interment private in Holy Trinity Cemetery, where he and his cherished wife can watch over his “office”.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the fantastic care given by the staff at Allegheny General Hospital, 12-C, Cardio - Thoracic ICU.

02/23/2026

Our condolences to the family of John “Jack” Elwood who passed away on February 18, 2026.

John F. “Jack” Elwood, 86, of Ford City, PA, passed away peacefully at ACMH Hospital on Wednesday, February 18, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, humor, and deep love for his family.
Born on November 23, 1939, in Kittanning, he was the son of the late Chester and Mary Catherine Elwood.
Jack was a successful businessman and property owner who built and managed multiple residential and commercial properties throughout his life. In his earlier years, he co-owned and operated several local businesses, including a car wash and a gas station and tire shop. A proud blue-collar man, Jack was a mechanic at heart and truly knew his way around old cars. He loved automobiles and owned several over the years, taking great pride in maintaining and restoring them.
Beyond business, Jack was a man of many talents. He could fix nearly anything — mechanic, plumber, electrician, carpenter — there wasn’t much he couldn’t do with his hands. His work ethic was strong, but so was his personality. He was friendly, cheerful, and always ready with a joke. His sense of humor and easygoing spirit made him someone people naturally gravitated toward.
Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Elwood of North Buffalo Township.
He is survived by his children: John Elwood (Gerri), Terri Szymanski (Mark), and Robert Elwood (Marcy); his grandchildren: Katie; Jake Szymanski; Mark Szymanski (Melitta); Jason (Ashley); and Carissa (Sean); along with seven cherished great-grandchildren.
Jack will be remembered for his strong hands, his sharp mind, his love of cars, and the laughter he brought into every room.
Above all, he was proud of the family he built and the life he created through hard work and determination.
Private viewing arrangements were entrusted to Mantini Funeral Home.

02/20/2026

Our condolences to the family of Paul E. “Ed” Hromadik, Jr. who passed away on Wednesday, February 18,2026.

Paul E. “Ed” Hromadik, Jr., 90, of Ford City

Paul E. “Ed” Hromadik, Jr., 90, of Ford City, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in The Ridge at Heritage Meadows, Ford City.
Born April 11, 1935, in Ford City, he was the son of the late Paul E. and Julia (Panchik) Hromadik.
Ed proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a supervisor at West Penn Power, prior to his retirement. Ed was a member of Christ, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, the Slovak CU Club and the Ford City Eagles.
He enjoyed gardening, fishing, including making his own sinkers, cutting grass and lawn care. Ed loved his farm, but above all else, he cherished his family.
In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy (Henderson) Hromadik; sisters, Marie “Bobbie” Gispanski and Janet Wirick; niece, Diana Bure; brothers-in-law: Bud Wirick, Joseph “Gish” Gispanski, and Donald Henderson; sisters-in-law, Doris Herbst and Joan Hromadik.
He is survived by his daughter, Dawn Aldrich; grandsons, Trevor and Mason Aldrich; brother, John Hromadik of Westerville, Ohio; nieces, nephews and extended family.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the great care given by Concordia Hospice and the staff of The Ridge at Heritage Meadows.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in the Mantini Funeral Home, Inc., 701 Sixth Ave., Ford City.
Blessing service will be conducted on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with Father Madhu Kodavatikanti as officiant.
Burial will follow in Lawn Haven Estates, Worthington.

02/20/2026

Our condolences to the family of Thomas M. Mikula who passed away on Sunday, February 15,2026 in his home.

Thomas M. Mikula, 83, of Ford City passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, February 15,2026.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, February 28,2026 from 10 AM until time of Blessing Service at 12 Noon in the Mantini Funeral Home, Inc., 701 Sixth Avenue, Ford City. Inurnment beside his beloved wife and son will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery, Ford City.

A more complete obituary will run in a future edition of the Leader Times.

02/16/2026

Our condolences to the family of Jordan L. Cessna who passed away in his home on Thursday, February 12,2026

Jordan L. Cessna, 24, of Cadogan passed away in his residence on Thursday, February 12,2026.

Born October 21,2001, he was the son of Amy L. (Stein) Cessna.

Jordan worked as a line operator in the steel industry. He loved his 4-wheeler, quad riding, his Jeep, and his Boxer Sig.

Jordan was preceded in death by his father; half-brother Lyle Cessna, Jr.; grandparents Stanley and Susan Stein; great- grandparents Robert and Martha Stein and Florence and Fred Balentine; and great- grandmother Theda Black.

He is survived by his mother Amy L. Cessna; brother Ty Cessna of Kittanning ; grandparents Fred and Fran Cessna; aunts, uncles, extended family and many friends.

All services were private. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Address

701 6th Avenue
Ford City, PA
16226

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