Samuel Teolis Funeral Home, Inc. and Cremation Services

Name: Samuel Teolis Funeral Home, Inc. and Cremation Services
Address: 309 Spring Avenue, Ellwood City, PA, 16117, US
Telephone: +17247583222
Price range: $
Rating: 4.8

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United States
Ellwood City, PA
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.

06/17/2026

Steven “Steve” Bernard Vardzel, 57, of Portersville, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 27th, 2026, at AHN Allegheny General.

He was born on July 25th,1968, in Pittsburgh, PA to Kathy Lynne (Wasko) Vardzel and the late Bernard Joseph Vardzel. Steve was a graduate of Slippery Rock High School and attended Butler Community College and IUP. He worked for various transportation companies in the western PA/eastern Ohio area. Steve was a member of the Ellwood-Parian Lodge No. 599 and New Castle

Consistory.

Steve Vardzel is survived by his wife Beth (Hogue) Vardzel, sons Elijah (Gabby) Vardzel, and Alexander Vardzel. Granddaughters Matilda “Tillie” and Lilian “Lily” Vardzel. His mother, Kathy Vardzel; sister Lisa (Jack) Morris; nephew Ty (Abby) Morris, and great niece, Sophie Morris. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and longtime childhood friend, Michael Staudacher.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bernard Joseph Vardzel.

A private memorial service will be held at a future date. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..

06/13/2026

Robert Lodovico, 98, of Ellwood City, passed away on June 9th, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford.

Robert was born on May 20th, 1928 in Ellwood City to the late Domonick and Assunta (Bettoni) Lodovico. He attended Lincoln High School as well as the Terrace School of Craftsman in New Castle. Robert worked for Cerianni Construction as a Union Carpenter Supervisor for many years. Robert served in the U.S. Navy, specifically on the Destroyers; U.S. Gyatt and the U.S.S. John W. Weeks., he was honorably discharged as a Seaman, First Class. He was a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters #420. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially attending ball games and the many social activities that they were involved in. Robert was the last surviving sibling of his family. He will be remembered also by his love for listening to Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan (Joseph) Corcoran of North Fort Myers, FL, son, Robert (Shirley) Lodovico of Ellwood City, son-in-law, Mark (Linda) Conti of Beaver Falls, grandchildren, Steven (Lacey) Lodovico, Rhonda (Neal) Lucas, Kierstan (Mark Ridenour) Lynch, Kevin (Jackie) Conti, and April Ann (Jeremy) Dean, great-grandchildren, Marley Rivera, Kayleigh Maltby, Aislynn Lynch, Ahnella Lucas, Rocco Lodovico, Gia Lodovico, Nina Lodovico, Adelynn Dean , Allison Dean, Ryan Conti, and Emily Conti and great-great grandchildren, Audrey Rivera, Isabella Rivera, and Grayson Maltby.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Diana V. (LaPenta) Lodovico whom he married on November 19th, 1949 and passed away on January 13th, 2003, son Steven Lodovico in 1978, daughter, Diana Conti in 2007, sister Anna Lodovico in infancy and brother, Louis G. Lodovico.

As per Robert’s wishes, services will be private. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. Interment will be at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Robert’s name can be made out to the Riverside Baseball Federation, in care Steven Lodovico at 724-674-0868.

06/08/2026

Lisa Marie Corsello passed away on Sunday, June 7th, 2026 at home in Cranberry Township with her family at her side.

She is survived by her husband R. Scott Corsello, her sister Cindy (Doug) Hickok of New Castle, and brother Anthony LaCava of Ellwood City. She was the daughter of the late Lawrence LaCava and Rose Marie (Belissimo) LaCava. She also leaves behind her nephew Cody (Leanne Erwin) Hickok, and niece Liz Hickok, and grand nieces Lexi and Addy Hickok, as well as many uncles, aunts, cousins and close friends.

She graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1989 and Thiel College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1993 and was a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority. For eight years she worked at Medart in the accounting department in Ellwood City and for 20 plus years at Cranberry Supply in Cranberry Township as the office manager. Lisa also is a member of Divine Grace Parish. She enjoyed holiday decorating, collecting Byers’ Choice Carolers, and had a deep love for all her pets.

Her circle of supportive friends is so large, as everyone who ever knew Lisa loved her. Our hearts are all broken, but she no longer suffers, and for that we are grateful.

A private Memorial Service will take place at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. Inurnment will be at the Locust Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Lisa’s name may be made to: American Cancer Society.

06/06/2026

Robert A. De Joseph passed away on June 4, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospice.
Robert was born on March 9, 1948, in New Castle, PA, to Alfred and Charotte De Joseph. Robert spent most of his life in Dania Beach, FL before moving to Ellwood City, PA nine years ago to be closer to family.
Robert truly loved his career as a self-employed CPA for more than 40 years. He considered it a privilege and a duty to serve his clients to the best of his ability, and he remained exceptionally grateful for the trust and lifelong friendships they shared.
Known for his quick wit and sense of humor, Robert loved making people laugh and never passed up the chance for a good conversation. Well-read and intelligent, he could discuss almost any subject and was always ready for a spirited debate.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Anthony and Denny De Joseph.
He is survived by his son, William DeJoseph and daughter-in-law, Samantha DeJoseph, and grandchildren Kohen DeJoseph, Korie DeJoseph and Logan Gordon of Ellwood City, PA; his daughter, Juliette DeJoseph, and granddaughter, Angelina DeJoseph, of Mobile, AL; his sister, Carol Fort; his nephew, Charles Fort and wife, Karen; and his great-nephew, Jamie Fort, all of Raleigh, NC, as well as cousins and long-time family friends.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Inurnment will be at St. Vitus Cemetery in New Castle, PA.
Cremation arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..

06/01/2026

James D. Plesniak, Jr., 70, of Franklin Township passed away on Friday, May 29th, 2026 at Cranberry Place in Cranberry Township.

James was born on January 15th, 1956 in Ellwood City to the late James D. and Patricia (Myers) Plesniak, Sr.. Over the years Jim worked at his family farm (Plesniak Farm) in Prospect, Sky Witch in Ellwood City, Russell Clyde Construction and Farm, Leeds & Northrup later known as Heraeus in Ellwood City. He also earned his certification as an Industrial Electrician. An outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to auction, and farm tractors.

He is survived by his wife Frances (Clyde) Plesniak whom he married on December 31st, 1991, daughter Jessica Miller of Ellwood City, sons Justin (Tina) Miller and Austin Plesniak both of Franklin Township, grandchildren Andrew, Anthony, Ethan, Emily, Matthew, Brandon, Gabrielle, Gracie, Elizabeth, Kyle, and Kolt, and his brother Joseph (Linda) Plesniak of Prospect.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Pam Knechtel.

There will not be a public service. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..

05/26/2026

Father Seraphim Moslener was born August 23, 1947 to Robert W. and Sarah B. Moslener in the West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA. He reposed on Monday, May 25th, 2026. Preceding him in death were his parents and first grandchild Micah (born to heaven), March 31, 2006. Surviving are his wife, Khouria Parasceva (Patricia) Moslener; children, Archie Whitehead (Deborah), Sara,PhD, Martha Leyda (Rev.Ian), Major Dr. Matthew Moslener (Kathryn), and Timothy (Dana); grandchildren Isabella, Jackson, Charles, Evelyn, Samuel, Megan, Margaret, Henry, and Charlotte; a God-son, Luis Radanovic, his sister, Ioanna and parents Milan and Nina; a brother, Rev Lawrence Moslener (Patricia), and sisters, Sandra Moschak (Michael) and Arlene Donovan (Robert); and sister-in-law Rebecca Sproul (Howard) in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Father Seraphim attended Ingram Public School and graduated from Montour High School. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Fuller Theological Seminary, and the University of Balamand. He was ordained in the Presbyterian Church, USA on July 15, 1973 in his home church, the United Presbyterian Church of Ingram. Following his ordination he served at New Salem Presbyterian, Ohioville and Westminster United Presbyterian, New Brighton Churches in Beaver-Butler Presbytery. Following his graduation from Fuller Seminary he trained to become a Marriage and Family Therapist . In 1991 he was asked by Dr Paul Holland, mentor and colleague, to design the Marriage and Family Counseling Program in the Graduate Psychology Program at Geneva College. He was approved for a full time position in 1992 as faculty and program coordinator. He was credentialed as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in 2002. He worked as a therapist for 30 years, first at Catholic Charities in Beaver County, in private practice, for Beaver County Psychiatric Services, and Western PA Psych Care from where he would retire in 2019.

Following retirement from Geneva College and the United Presbyterian Church he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate at the hand of Bishop John on September 9, 2012 and to the Holy Priesthood on November 15, 2017 at the hand of Bishop Thomas in the Antiochian Christian Orthodox Archdiocese. It was with Bishop John that Father Seraphim would design a Pastoral Marriage and Family Counseling Certificate Program. Father Seraphim also served as Deacon and Priest at St John the Evangelist Parish in Beaver Falls Pa from 2012 until 2019 with Fr Christopher Davis. Following his service in his home parish he was blessed to assist his God- father, Father Peter Jon Gillquist for two years at All Saints Parish in Bloomington, Indiana.

He often enjoyed tennis, exercising, and gardening. He loved to see things grow. More especially he loved to see people grow which is why he enjoyed being a pastor, therapist, and teacher. His greatest love was for God who gives the growth. His great love beyond that was for each of his children and grandchildren but especially for his wife who was his spiritual guide, moral compass and best friend since they married on May 5, 1973.

As one who never liked school Fr Seraphim was always amazed how much time he spent in any of them. As a pastor he was always grateful for support of lay persons. As a faculty member at Geneva College he gave thanks to colleagues who helped and encouraged him to find his way and to wonderful students who brightened his day. As a priest he was enriched by his peers, especially in the Clergy Peer Learning Support Group which he facilitated beginning in 2016. He worked beside wonderful volunteers in FOCUS, the Beaver County Orthodox Christian Ministry, and in the Hill District of Pittsburgh at St Moses the Black Orthodox Church under Fr Paul Abernathy. He was always blessed to serve at the Monastery of the Transfiguration around the bend from where he lived.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 at the St. Elias Orthodox Church, 915 Lynn St., New Castle, Pa 16101 from 3:00 pm until the time of the Funeral for a Priest at 6:00 pm. A Divine Liturgy will be held the following day starting at 9:00 am at The Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, 321 Monastery Lane, Ellwood City, Pa 16117. Internment will follow the service at the Monastery cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: any churches or parishes where he has served; Geneva College, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, or the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration.
The funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..

05/24/2026

Mrs. Carolyn D. Craven, 85, of Perry Township passed away on Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at the UPMC Passavant Hospital in McCandless Township.

Mrs. Craven is the daughter of the late George and Millie (Ungham) Boy born on February 8th, 1941 in Ellwood City. She had attended Lincoln High School and married the love of her life, Robert G. Craven, on August 15th, 1958. A home maker, Carolyn enjoyed gardening, cooking, and taking care of her family.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Tarah (Jason) Hardie, Natasha (Lane) Brewster, Robert (Megan) Craven, Steven (Kristen) Hampton, and Bradley (Sam) Hampton, 11 great-grandchildren ,and her brother and sister-in-law George and Mary Ellen Boy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, daughters, Cynthia Craven and Cheryl “Sherri” Hampton, and sons, Robert Craven and Randall “Mopey” Craven.

Following her wishes there will not be a public service. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. Inurnment will be at the Locust Grove Cemetery.

05/23/2026

Mr. Brian D. Conti, 73, of Ellwood City passed away on Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at his residence.

Brian was born in Ellwood City on September 24th, 1952 to the late James A. and Mary Frances (Babcock) Conti. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1970 and attended Point Park University and played on their baseball team. While in high school Brian was a multi sport athlete, excelling at baseball and basketball. He secured a tryout with the Pittsburgh Pirates and letters from major league scouts. He was a standout shortstop. His claim to fame was when he hit a home run during an Ellwood City County League game in June of 1974 at Sanders Memorial Field that hit the wires between 325 and 350 poles in left field that sparked and knocked out the lights ending the game early.

He retired from Glade Run Lutheran Services and worked part time at Camp Allegheny in his retirement years. Brian loved his vegetable garden, making sure his grass was perfectly cut, and was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan, never missing a Pirates, Steelers, or Pens game on TV. He especially loved spending time with his three grandchildren and listening to classic rock music.

He is survived by his wife Kim (Peffer) Conti whom he married on December 31st, 1976, daughter Brianne (Tim) Hrabosky of Ellwood City, son Frank (Katie) Conti of Bethel Park, grandchildren Connor and Reese Hrabosky and Korina Conti, brothers Marty (Rosemary) Conti and Erik (Tabatha) Conti, and sister-in-law Carolyn Conti.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents, brother Stan Conti and nephew Jason Conti.

Family and Friends will be received on Tuesday, May 26th, 2026 from 3:00 pm until the time of the service at 5:45 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. with Pastor David Lacek officiating.

Memorial contributions in Brian’s name may be made to: Ellwood City Amateur Baseball Federation (ECABF), 523 Park Ave., Ellwood City, Pa 16117.

05/22/2026

Mr. Richard A. Higgins, 98, formerly of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at the Edison Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in New Castle.

Richard was born on March 9th, 1928 in Ellwood City. His parents where the late Earl and Dorothy (Skewis) Higgins. He had worked at Lark Enterprises in Shenango Township where he refinished furniture and printed T-shirts having retired at the age of 80. Richard was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates and Steeler fan and enjoyed building puzzles, playing bingo, and being with people. He will be remembered by his friends at the nursing home for always fist bumping with them.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Sally (Nathaniel) Copper and Betty Demauro, and his brothers James Higgins and Harry (Joyce) Higgins.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews James, Joy, Brett, Leslie, and Linda, and his special cousin David, and his sister-in-law Donna Higgins.

There will not be a public service. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. Inurnment will be at the Slippery Rock Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Richard’s name may be made to: LCARC, Lawrence County Association for Responsible Care, 28 S. Mercer St., New Castle, Pa 16101, lcarconline.org

05/10/2026

Mrs. Dorothy H. Paglia, 100, passed away on May 8th, 2026 at her loving granddaughter’s house in East Liverpool, Ohio.

Dorothy was born on April 26th, 1926 in Ellwood City to the late Ambrose and Frances (Mayer) Nedesky. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1944. She was a member of the Saint Vincent DePaul Parish in New Castle, and a former member of both Holy Redeemer Church in Ellwood City and the Holy Cross Parish in New Castle. Dorothy worked as a secretary to the Superintendent of the Ellwood City Area School District from 1944-1950, then became a secretary for Aetna Standard Engineering Company from 1951-1965, and lastly, at Culligan Water Company until her retirement in 1985, as a clerk. She was also a member of the “Silver Threads” in New Castle, which was a crafting club, where she enjoyed ceramics, crocheting, and many other activities.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Eric Paglia of Ellwood City, and Valerie (Ralph Berdine) Keul of East Liverpool, and her great-grandchildren, Devin, Timothy Jr., Kyleigh, Kelly, and Ambrose.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Joseph F. Paglia whom she married on October 29th, 1947 and passed away on July 16th, 2006, son and daughter-in-law, David and Frankie Paglia, grandson, Joseph Paglia, sister, Josephine Soos, brother, Victor Nedesky, and grandson-in-law, Timothy Keul.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 13th, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place also on Wednesday, at 12:00 p.m. at the Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Interment will follow at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Address

309 Spring Avenue
Ellwood City, PA
16117

Telephone

+17247583222

Website

http://teolisfuneralhome.com/

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