Samuel Teolis Funeral Home, Inc. and Cremation Services

Samuel Teolis Funeral Home, Inc. and Cremation Services The Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. offers traditional and personalized funeral services as well as a full line of cremation services. Mr. Samuel A.
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Also, we take great The Samuel Teolis Funeral Home, Inc. was established in 1956 by Samuel Teolis, who is the only local funeral director that is the original founder / owner of any local funeral home in our area. Samuel Teolis was born September 25, 1925 in Princeton, Pa. A World War II veteran, Samuel Teolis graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1950. He worked for vario

us funeral homes until 1955 when he decided to start his own business. The first family served by Mr. Teolis was in December of 1955. Teolis, also had worked for many years as a barber in the Ellwood city area. Through the years the funeral home has undergone many changes structurally. Each expansion made to the building have been made to better serve our families. We now have over 3000 square feet of space, which include four reposing rooms, two handicapped accessible ramps and restroom, a street level office and casket selection room. In 1991 Mr. Teolis was joined in business by his son, Samuel A. Teolis, born in May 1968, a graduate of Lincoln High School 1986, the University of Pittsburgh in 1990, and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1991. Teolis also has held a position as Lawrence County Dep. Coroner since 1992. Samuel Teolis now serves as the supervisor of the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home Inc. and his son serves as the Funeral Director. Both are committed to serving the community of Ellwood City and the surrounding areas with the utmost dignity and respect. Also, both men are very community oriented by actively belonging to several civic organizations each. And, both are Notary Publics to help better serve our clients in their time of need.

Mrs. Nancy R. Britton, 86, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, September 6th, 2026 at Quality Life Services in New Ca...
09/08/2026

Mrs. Nancy R. Britton, 86, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, September 6th, 2026 at Quality Life Services in New Castle.

Nancy was born on October 31st, 1939 in Ellwood City to the late Charles Lancet and Laura E. (Eicholtz) Kennedy. She is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1957.She had worked at Universal Rundle, Econo Wash Laundromat, P*e Wee’s Hot Dog Shop, Airway Luggage, and Joyce’s Café. Nancy enjoyed cooking and taking care of her family.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Edward “Buster” and Marilyn Wymer Sr. of Ellport, grandchildren Krystie, Katherine, John, Tommy, Randy Jr., Don III, and Edward Jr., 9 great-grandchildren, brother Wilbert C. (Kathline) Kennedy Sr., and brother-in-law Kelly Brownfield.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jess W. “Pete” Britton, daughter Louann Altman, son Donald Wymer Jr., grandson Joshua M. Wymer, sisters Ann Meskell, Jenny Racaw, and Doris Richie, and her brothers Lance Kennedy, William F. Kennedy, Ron Kennedy, and Russell Thomas.

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

Edward G. Gold, 94, of Freedom passed away on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexf...
09/02/2026

Edward G. Gold, 94, of Freedom passed away on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford.

Mr. Gold was born in New Sewickley Township on April 5th, 1932 to the late Robert and Mary E. (Whalin) Gold. He started his working career at Freedom Oil Works, then at Spang Shelving and for twenty years he was an over the road truck driver for CREST, who drove over a million miles. Ed enjoyed gardening, raising bee’s to make honey, riding his 1967 Triumph motorcycle until age 90, and was an avid Pittsburgh Steeler’s fan.

He is survived by his daughter Christine (Ray) Sowinsky of North Sewickley Township, sons Eddie (Sherri) Black of Florida, Greg Gold of Freedom, and Brian Gold of Canonsburg, grandchildren Ray (Laura) Sowinsky Jr., Renee (Matt) Mendicino, great-grandchildren Ellie and Avery Mendicino, Kayla and Kenzie Sowinsky, sister Alice Dietrich of New Sewickley Township, and sister-in-law Lorraine Hogue of Ellwood City.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Nadine (Antinossi) Gold, sisters Mary Palmquist and Katherine McClellan, and brothers Robert Gold, David Gold, and William “Barney” Gold.

There will not be a public service. Interment will be at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Ellwood City. The final arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..

Steven A. Beck, 76, of Ellwood City passed away on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026 at the UPMC Jameson Hospital in New Castle...
08/29/2026

Steven A. Beck, 76, of Ellwood City passed away on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026 at the UPMC Jameson Hospital in New Castle.

Steven was born in Butler, PA on January 12th, 1950 to the late Marcus and Eileen (Weser) Beck. He went to St. Peter’s Catholic School and graduated from Butler High School with the class of 1968. During his high school years he worked through hard work and dedication to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout along with his best friend Richard Graham of Butler. In 1970 Steve earned an associates degree from Penn State University. Steve then started to work for PennDOT in 1970. He started out as a construction inspector and worked his way up the ladder to Senior Engineering Technician. He was in charge of many road and bridge projects He worked on the Sewickley Bridge, Rochester-Monaca Bridge, the Fifth Street Bridge plus many others.

On December 18th, 1971 he married the former Paula Palumbo. They would have celebrated 55 years of marriage on December 18th of this year.

Steve had a passion for bridges and trains. The Brooklyn Bridge was his favorite, which he was able to walk across in 1983.

After retiring from PennDOT he started driving school bus for the Riverside Area School District then for the Ellwood City Area School District. He was a school bus driver for close to 17 years.

He had a love for dogs especially his Cocker Spaniel Reggie, and enjoyed golfing.

He is survived by his loving wife, daughter and son-in-law Stacie and Stanley Weckerly of North Sewickley Township, son and daughter-in-law Steven P. and Christina (Fidell) Beck of Ellport, grandchildren Benjamin Weckerly, Ryan Weckerly, Alexis Beck, and Jase Knight, they were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Mary Ann Wiley and her husband Harold, his brother-in-law David Palumbo, and his good friend Paul Leisie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his mother and father-in law Matilda (Melozzi) Palumbo and Paul Palumbo.

Although Steve is gone from this place he will live on in our hearts forever. We will always love you and miss you until we meet again.

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

Memorial contributions in Mr. Beck’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Mrs. Marlene J. Ciampaglione, 80, of Beaver Falls passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026 at the AHN Beaver...
08/26/2026

Mrs. Marlene J. Ciampaglione, 80, of Beaver Falls passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026 at the AHN Beaver Hospital.

Marlene was born in Ellwood City on January 13th, 1946 to the late Domenico J. and Mary R. (Ritorto) Ricciuti. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1963 and attended Clarion State College. Before getting married she briefly worked at Bankers Life Insurance Company. Marlene married the love of her life on October 12th, 1968. She is a member of Saint Monica’s Roman Catholic Parish in Chippewa Township. She loved cooking and taking care of her family and will be missed sadly by all.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Michele and Shane Baumgardner of Sandusky, Ohio and Melissa and Tony Boutwell of Powell, Ohio, sons and daughters-in-law Michael and Christi Ciampaglione of Midland, VA and Matthew and Jessica Ciampaglione of Monaca, grandchildren Angela (Matthew) Kissel, Garrett (Morgan) Baumgardner, Talia Boutwell, Mia Boutwell, Nicolas Ciampaglione, Casey Ciampaglione, Luca Ciampaglione, and Dominic Ciampaglione, and her great-grandchildren Rome, Capri, Hayes, Beck, and Quinn.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Michael, and her brother James Ricciuti.

A private service will be held at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery, St. Peter’s Mausoleum.

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

Robert “Bob” Mazzant, 71, of North Sewickley Township passed away at AHN Wexford on August 24, 2026 after a courageous t...
08/25/2026

Robert “Bob” Mazzant, 71, of North Sewickley Township passed away at AHN Wexford on August 24, 2026 after a courageous two year battle with cancer. Born August 12, 1955 in Ellwood City, Bob was the son of the late Anthony & Nellie Mazzant.

Bob was a graduate of Riverside High School and the Community College of Beaver County. He was a retired Policeman for the City of Beaver Falls and ran his successful business, Mazzant Painting, for over 50 years. He was an avid antique collector and loved spending time at his house on Lake Erie with his family and friends.

Above all, Bob loved his family most and worked his entire life to provide for them. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sisters Gloria Mazzant and Connie Markovich. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Patsy Mazzant, his older brother Anthony (Bud) Mazzant, his three daughters Shannon (Bill) West, Julie (Todd) Smith, and Erin DiMauro; grandchildren, Noah & Ava West, Lyla & Grace Smith, and Gia & Bella DiMauro. He is also survived by his nieces, nephews, sister-in-law, brother-in-law and many cousins.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, August 31st, 2026 from 3:00 pm until the time that memories will be shared at 7:00 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude, stjude.org

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Georgia Carol Fife, beloved mother, cherished friend, and beacon of love, passed away on this August 25th, 2026. She lef...
08/25/2026

Georgia Carol Fife, beloved mother, cherished friend, and beacon of love, passed away on this August 25th, 2026. She left this world leaving behind a legacy of kindness and compassion.



Mrs. Georgia C. Fife, 78, born on November 5th, 1947 to the late Milo W,. and Gloria (Cover) Derrow. Georgia married Ron Fife on November 12, 1965 in East Liverpool, Ohio. She leaves behind her daughters, Karen (Andy) Jeannette, Bethann Nye (Fiancé, Bob) and son, Jeff Fife (Deanna). She loved her grandchildren, Donovan (Taylor) Nye, Natalie (Brandon) Aller, Kaitlyn (Blaise) Haynes, Adam Jeannette, Chloe and Jonathan Shirley. She had two great grandchildren, Maverick and Laiken Haynes, and she is also survived by her sister Vallie (Chuck) George, and brother, Milo W. (Diane) Derrow Jr.



Georgia was a radiant presence from the very beginning, filling the lives of all who knew her with joy and light. Throughout her life, she embodied the true essence of selflessness, always putting the needs of others before her own. As a mother, she was unparalleled in her love and care. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her universe, and she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to their happiness and well-being. Her nurturing spirit created a home filled with laughter, comfort, and endless love, a sanctuary where her family or anyone in need always found solace and support. Beyond her role as a mother, Georgia was a cherished friend to many. Her compassionate heart and empathetic nature endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She possessed a rare ability to uplift and inspire those around her, offering a listening ear and unconditional love to anyone in need.

For 19 years, Georgia worked as a deli manager, a career she enjoyed and excelled in. Her love for the job was evident in every smile she shared with her customers. After retiring, she was a volunteer at Central Elementary school for 16 plus years. She worked side by side with her daughter and touched the lives of so many children with acts of kindness she extended, and every journey she embarked upon. At Central Elementary, the staff, students and parents knew her as Grandma Georgia. Georgia loved helping and taking care of people.

Georgia was a beacon of kindness, thoughtful and giving, she made an impression on many lives. She had the biggest heart and a smile for everyone she met. She was a quiet person, incredibly compassionate and she loved and worshiped God more than anything.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ronald A. Fife who passed away on January 21st, 2018, and her sisters Susan Taylor and Mabel “Betty” Shafran.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3-7 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11;00 with Pastor Zach Fry officiating at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. Interment will be at the Grandview Cemetery.

Although Georgia is gone from this place, she will live in our hearts forever. We will always love you and miss you until we can meet again.

Rosemary Rozzi, 89, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, July 11th, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.Rosemary was born in E...
08/18/2026

Rosemary Rozzi, 89, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, July 11th, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Rosemary was born in Ellwood City on December 7th, 1937 to the late Louis and Francis (Mingoine) Rozzi. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1955. She had worked at the Ellwood City Knitting Mill and later at Romar Textile. Rosemary is a life long member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church, and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates Fan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Louis “Tubby” Rozzi Jr., niece, Deborah Shirley, and great-nephew, Matthew Kimmel.

Rosemary is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A mass in Rosemary’s memory will be held at a date to be announced in the Divine Grace Parish Bulletin. The local arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..

Memorial contributions in Rosemary’s name may be made to: Divine Grace Parish Social Services, 300 Crescent Ave., Ellwood City, Pa 16117.

Gloria Heckendorn, public school teacher and art club member, dies at 92Gloria Heckendorn passed away on the morning of ...
08/12/2026

Gloria Heckendorn, public school teacher and art club member, dies at 92

Gloria Heckendorn passed away on the morning of Tuesday, August 11. She was 92.

She was born Gloria Mae Iorfido in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, at her parents’ home in 1933. She grew up in Ambridge with six siblings and attended the Ambridge Area School District, graduating in the class of 1951. She attended Slippery Rock University and would eventually earn her bachelor’s degree in Health & Physical Education. While at college, she also met a former U.S. Navy sailor, Thomas Heckendorn. They wed shortly after her graduation from Slippery Rock in 1955.

Gloria was a public school teacher at Seneca Valley High School, teaching health and physical education for 27 years. Much of that time was spent teaching alongside Thomas, who taught mathematics and physical education, as well as being an Athletic Director for the high school. Gloria and Thomas had two daughters, Lisa and Lori, who would also attend Seneca Valley while they taught there.

Gloria was also a painter for much of her life, eventually becoming a stalwart member of the Ellwood City Art Club. She preferred oil painting, often reproducing photographs or other paintings, but also produced some original work and was fond of her portraits of her grandchildren. Her paintings were recognized and awarded in the annual art shows that the club held in the park, and she would eventually chair the shows as well.

Gloria’s other hobbies included art, travel, and gymnastics. She was a member of the Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in town and was also a member of the Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima. She and Thomas lived in Ellwood City for 26 years, where they helped raise their grandchildren and grew old together. Last year, they celebrated their 70th anniversary, surrounded by family.

Gloria died in her sleep on a quiet morning in a quiet house, lying next to Thomas.

Gloria is preceded in death by her father, James Vincent Iorfido, and her mother, Fenice Marie (Cuda) Iorfido. She is also preceded in death by her siblings: Elizabeth (Tootsie), Beatrice (Bea), Albert (Al), Hugo Richard (Dick), Edward (Idy), and Virginia (Gina). She was the youngest of six siblings and the last to pass away.

Gloria is survived by her husband, Thomas Heckendorn, and her daughters, Lisa Ann Heckendorn-Blake and Lori Ann Maielli. She is also survived by her son-in-law, John Maielli, her grandchildren — Jonathan (Lisa), Matthew, Christopher (fiancée Alyssa), Tomas, and Annalise — and her great-grandchildren, Connor and Malia. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew her as Nuni. She was very loved.

The family would like to thank Gloria’s in-home nurse, Christina Greene, for helping her final months pass comfortably.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 4-7 pm and again on Saturday from 10:00 am until 10:30 am at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am at Divine Grace Parish Holy Redeemer Church with Father Joe Freedy presiding. Burial will be at the Economy Cemetery.

Flowers may be sent to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home in Ellwood City, and donations can be made to the St. Jude Foundation in her name.

Rafaelle J. (Ralph) DiBello, age 88, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 1st, 2026.Born on Nove...
08/05/2026

Rafaelle J. (Ralph) DiBello, age 88, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 1st, 2026.

Born on November 6th, 1937 in Castelforte, Latina, Italy he was the son of the late Gennaro and Olinda DiBello.

As a young man at the age of 23 and trained as a mechanic in Rome, he immigrated to the United States in 1960. After a few years, he purchased the property at 735 Lawrence Ave and became the owner of Ralph’s Super Service. Over the years, the gas station and minor repair shop became a staple on the main street of Ellwood City. There were many different oil company brands and signs that bannered the corner, including Quaker State, Sunoco and Texaco. Desiring to be independent, the station become known as Solo DiBello. During his nearly 50 years on the corner of Lawrence Avenue, the Solo DiBello sign has become one of the most recognizable signs in Ellwood City.

He enjoyed interacting with his customers, was always willing to fix a car problem and enjoyed giving kids a can of pop. He allowed his customers to run a gas tab each month and for those that paid in cash, he would always ask if he could ” keepa da change”.

Ralph enjoyed landscaping and could always be found on a Saturday or Sunday listening to Italian music and tinkering in his yard adding just one more statue, rock or more sea shells.

For many years, he was an avid wine maker and he enjoyed sharing his wine with many of his customers during the holidays. His homemade wine also won many awards at the annual Wolves Club competitions.

Ralph was one of 3 children. His oldest sister Elisa DiBello Cappelli (Luigi) preceded him in death in 2024 and his sister lda DiBello Mallozzi (Domenico) age, 86, currently resides in Rome.

Ralph was married to Antoinette DiBello. They were married in May 1960. She preceded him in death in May 2020.

He is survived by his 3 sons, Gennaro (Joni) of Presto PA, Joey of Marietta OH, and Mario (Shellie ) Center Township.

Ralph was very proud of his four grandchildren, Vanessa DiPietro (Nick), Elesa Ross (Kurt), Luc DiBello and Anthony DiBello.

Affably known as “Pup”, he also had one great-granddaughter, Rosina DiPietro who made him smile regularly and added a beautiful dimension with 4 generations of family together “a tavola”.

He is also survived by his companion and friend, Sondra Annarumo.

Our Family is so very grateful for the care, love and support provided by Eileen McKelvey for the 14 months and most recently Concordia of Bridgeville.

Pup – thanks for taking the risk to cross the ocean and start a new life! Quite a journey–may you rest in peace !!

Funeral services for Ralph will be private . Entombment will be in the Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Holy Redeemer Mausoleum. The Samuel Teolis Funeral Home is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Memorial contributions can be made in Ralph’s name to: Divine Grace Parish Social Services, 300 Crescent Ave, Ellwood City, PA 16117.

Mrs. Priscilla “Patty” Jean Gibbons, 90, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30th, 2026 at her resi...
07/31/2026

Mrs. Priscilla “Patty” Jean Gibbons, 90, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30th, 2026 at her residence.

Mrs. Gibbons was born in Ellwood City on February 26th, 1936 to the late Peter and Bessie (Onada) Boy. She is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1954 and later graduated from the Felix Pittsburgh Beauty Academy. Patty started her career working at her mothers beauty shop, Bessie Boy’s Beauty Salon, as a beautician, then she worked for Dr. Joseph Painter in Ellwood City as a secretary, followed by working at St. Francis Hospital and then at the Avalon Nursing Home both in New Castle as a administrative Secretary in the skilled nursing unit. She is a long time member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Patty was a coach of her daughters slow-pitch softball team “McElwains”. She enjoyed having card club with her sister, cousins, and friends. Patty mostly enjoyed spending time with her family and 3 granddaughters.

She is survived by her husband Thomas Gibbons whom she married on May 12th, 1962, daughters Laura (Jeff) Ketterer of Ellwood City, Dana Gibbons and Leigh Ann Gibbons (Raumar Hernandez) both of Miami, Florida, grandchildren Morganne (Tyler) Miller, Karington Ketterer, and Isabella Hernandez, and great-granddaughter Scottie Jean Miller, Patty’s name sake. She is also survived by her sister Mary Ann Portugallo, and her brother Pete Boy both of Ellwood City, many nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog Gracie.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother-in-law Nathan Portugallo.

A Celebration of Patty’s life will be held at a later date. The cremation arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. Inurnment will be at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Address

309 Spring Avenue
Ellwood City, PA
16117

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