Mantini Funeral Home, Inc., 701 6th Avenue, Ford City, PA (2026)

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.

02/02/2026

Our condolences to the family of Carol S. Lerner, who passed away on Saturday, January 31,2026.

Carol S. Lerner, 83, of Kittanning passed away on Saturday, January 31,2026 in Grey’s Colonial Acres, Kittanning.

Born August 10,1942 in Charleston, WV, she was the daughter of the late Leon B. and Dorothy D. (Ellenberger) Williams.

Carol was of the catholic faith and was a member of the former Holy Trinity Church. She was a bank teller for the former People’s Bank, then for S & T Bank. She was a social member of the Kittanning Township VFD. Her hobbies included crafting, shopping, ceramics and was a fantastic baker, making many cookies and decorating her cakes for all occasions.

Carol was quite devoted to her cats, Buffy and Binx. Most of all, Carol deeply loved her family, forming a particular bond with her granddaughter Morgan and her first great-grandchild Hudson. Many fond memories were made shopping, babysitting and spending much time letting her family know how much she treasured them.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Gerald Lerner; her son Jeffrey Lerner; and her brother John Williams.

Carol is survived by her daughter Lisa (Steve) Baker of Kittanning; grandchildren Morgan (Jesse) Stivason, Andrew Lerner and Anna Heilman; great-grandchildren Hudson, Oaklynn, Collins, and Steel; sister Judy (Hank) Lund of Washington state; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 4,2026 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM in the Mantini Funeral Home, Inc., 701 Sixth Avenue, Ford City. Additional visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5,2026 from 10 AM until time of Blessing Service at 11 AM with the Very Reverend Eric Dinga as officiant. Interment private.

01/29/2026

Our condolences to the family of Jimmie R. Smartt, Jr. who passed away on Wednesday, January 28,2026 in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.

Jimmie R. Smartt, Jr., 52, of East Brady passed away on Wednesday, January 28,2026 in Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh.
Born March 20,1973 in Havre, Montana, he was the son of the late Jimmie R.
Smartt, Sr. And the surviving Joanne (Sloan) Smartt Ellenberger.
Jimmie worked at Eisler's Nursery in Hardscaping. He was a member of the APA and TAP Pool Leagues. Jimmie enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and anything outdoors. He was very artistic and handy, repairing and making custom cues for himself and others. Jimmie could create anything with his hands. Foremost, Jimmie loved spending his time with his family.
Jimmie was preceded in death by his father Jimmie R. Smartt, Sr. and nephew Keith Chuhra.
In addition to his mother, Jimmie is survived by his beloved wife Gretchen (McBee) Smartt of whom he married November 10,1994; daughters Victoria Smartt of East Brady and Kayla Bommer of Grove City; sons Devan (Rebecca) Smartt of Butler and Ethan Smartt of East Brady; sisters Kimberly (Kevin Schaeffer) Adams of Ford City, Dawna McDeavitt of Butler, Jamie, Shannon and Katlyn Smartt all of Mon-tana; nephew Craig Chuhra; a number of nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.
All services were private and entrusted to Mantini Funeral Home, Inc., Ford City.
A Celebration of Life service will be held and announced in the future.

01/12/2026

Our condolences to the family of Margaret “Jean” Opalka who passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Margaret “Jean” (Renaldo) Opalka, 96, of Ford City passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on Sunday, January 11,2026.
Born in Leechburg on June 26,1929, she was the daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Renaldo. She spent her early years in Leechburg before moving to Ford City with her parents. After meeting and marrying her husband, Dr. Paul Opalka, they spent the rest of their lives in Ford City.
An accomplished musician, she learned to play the piano and accordion at an early age. For many years, she gave lessons to individuals in the area. Jean was a member of the Junior Women’s, the LCBA, and delivered meals on wheels.
Jean loved being with family and friends, especially at their camp, where she and her husband spent many happy hours. She loved cooking, baking, playing cards, and walking to visit with her neighborhood friends. Jean listened to EWTN and recited the Rosary daily.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Paul Opalka, as well as her eldest son Dave Opalka, and her brothers John Renaldo, John Bertino and Alex Bertino.
Jean is survived by her son John (Julie) Opalka and daughter Kim Opalka; grandchildren Brandi, David, and Nick; great-grandchildren Olivia, Anna, and Derek, along with many nieces and nephews.
Divine Liturgy was held at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Church, Ford City.
The family wishes to thank Three Rivers Hospice, friends, and family that were graciously there for her care.

01/05/2026

Our condolences to the family of David R. Krizmanich who passed away on Sunday, January 4,2026.

David “Dave” R. Krizmanich, 75, of Kittanning was born on January 30, 1950 in Kittanning, PA to David and Frances (Contrael) Krizmanich. He passed away on January 4, 2026 in QLS Sugarcreek, Worthington, PA.
Dave grew up by the river in Dogtown. After graduating from Ford City High School in 1968, he honorably served his country in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he built a long and dedicated career with PPG Industries in both Ford City, PA and Mt. Zion, IL from which he eventually retired. He was a proud member of the USW Glassblowers Union and served as the VP for a time.
Dave married Frances (Johns) Krizmanich on June 5, 1987 and enjoyed 27 years of marriage together. They resided in both McGrann, PA and Warrensburg, IL until Fran’s passing in 2015. He was a fan of all Pittsburgh sports, especially the Steelers. He loved casinos and scratch-off tickets, being at the beach and sunning by the pool. In his free time, he enjoyed listening to music, watching classic movies, and laughing at the Three Stooges.
Dave leaves behind his beloved children; Laura Thompson, Scott Scholl, Jennifer (brad) Middleton, and Jessica (Jordan) Cogsdill; his cherished grandchildren who were his pride and joy; Haley (Fiancé Tyler Swift) and Liam Thompson, Noah and Ellie Middleton, and Olive Cogsdill. He also leaves behind his sisters, Kathy Delaney and Claudia Yates; one brother Kevin Krizmanich; a number of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
David was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Frances (Johns) Krizmanich (of whom he deeply loved and missed); brother Dennis Krizmanich; and sister Francine Leard.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 5 P.M.-7 P.M. in the Mantini Funeral Home, Inc., 701 Sixth Avenue, Ford City, PA 16226. Additional visitation will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 9 A.M. until Time of Transfer Prayers at 9:30 A.M. in the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10 A.M. in Christ, Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Ford City.

12/30/2025

Our condolences to the family of Sophie M. Krukar who passed away on Friday, December 26,2025.

Sophie M. Krukar, 94, of Ford City passed away peacefully on Friday, December 26,2025 in the Ridge at Heritage Meadows, with family by her side.Born on April 12,1931 in Kittanning, she was the daughter of the late Adam and Rose (Demetris) Porada. Sophie lived most of her life in Kittanning where she was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She later resided in Florida with her husband for nearly 20 years before returning home to Pennsylvania. She was a member of Christ, Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Ford City.She worked many years at Hiland Pharmacy. Sophie enjoyed gardening, antiquing, and creating stained glass pieces with her husband. She especially loved spending time at the beach, whether in Florida or North Carolina. Above all else, Sophie was devoted to her family.In addition to her parents, Sophie was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Joseph M. Krukar, daughter Karen Bechtold, and her siblings Agnes (Ervin) Soltis and John Porada. She is survived by her children: Valerie ( Edward) Huston of Ford City, Joseph (Jackie) Krukar of Kittanning, and son-in-law Charles Bechtold of Gulfport, FL. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Seth (Rebecca) Huston of Chapel Hill, NC, Kathleen (Jaison) Hartman of Ford City, Tyler ( Brittany) Krukar of Kittanning, Megan (Jared) Meyer of Ford City, and Hannah ( Joey Pietropaoli) Krukar of John-stown, Ian Bechtold of Gulfport, FL and Ethan “Max” Bechtold of Gulfport, FL. She was blessed with great- grandchildren Mitchell, Bailey, Adalai, Theodore, Sydney, Wyatt, Rylee,Hadlie, and Kade.Also surviving are her sister Mary Porada; her brother-in-law Pete (Pat) Krukar of FL; her sister-in-law Bella Magaro of NJ; along with many nieces, nephews, ex-tended family members and dear friends.

In accordance with Sophie’s wishes, all services were private.

12/29/2025

Our condolences to the family of Richard Petrosky, who passed away on December 25,2025 in QLS Sugarcreek, Worthington.

Richard D. “Red Dog” Petrosky,84, of Ford City passed away on Thursday, December 25,2025 in QLS Sugarcreek Nursing Home in Worthington.

Born on October 18,1941 in Apollo, he was the son of the late Francis and Helen (Polon) Petrosky. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1962 until 1966.

Red Dog worked as a laborer at Allegheny Ludlum prior to his retirement. He was quite the character, always ready to tell you what he thought. A great outdoorsman who loved to fly fish, tying his own flies, and a hunter that loved the woods. His best vacation was going with his sons and lots of friends to Potter County.

Most of all, Red Dog dearly loved his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by granddaughter Shawna Petrosky in 2008; brother Sam Petrosky; and his sister Frances Petrosky Remis.

Red Dog is survived by his devoted wife Melanie (Schemela) Petrosky; sons, Eric ( Whitney) Petrosky, Brian (Bethann) Petrosky, Brett Jon (Maria) Petrosky, Jason (Ashley) Walker, and S. Benjamin (Kerri) Petrosky; daughter Sasha (Jeremy) James; grandchildren, Eric “ Bubba”(Jonna) Jr., Brianna, Brielle, Jonathan, Nathan (Natalie), Xavier, Jewlius, Phoenix, Maylee, Max, Clara, Jack, Jillian, and Archie (of whom he called “Willy”- since he gave a nickname to everyone he loved); his lifelong friends Dennis “Brains” Smith, and Harry “Smoky” Spang; many extended family members and good friends; and last but not least his little dog Tori.

There is so much more that could be said about Red Dog. His memory will be cherished by his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 11 AM in the Ford Cliff Firehall, 609 Neale Avenue, Ford Cliff, PA 16228.

Mantini Funeral Home, Inc.

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