Samuel Teolis Funeral Home, Inc. and Cremation Services

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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 various 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.

11/17/2025

Justin Dovidio, 33, of Portersville passed away on November 14th, 2025 at the Allegheny Valley Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Justin was born on October 11th, 1992 in Beaver to Chad Randall DeVideo and Ladonna Miller. He graduated from Slippery Rock High School and was employed at Desuta Concrete in Portersville as a yard foreman and fork lift operator. Justin enjoyed dirt biking, fishing, paddle boarding and most of all, spending time with his family.

He is survived by his his mother, Ladonna Miller of Portersville, maternal-grandmother, Norma Krisher of Ellport, fiance Shelby Martin of Lower Burrell, children, Paisley Dovidio, Damion Dovidio, Ryot Dovidio, and Vinny Sciarretti, and brother, Chad R. Dovidio of Ellwood City.

He was preceded in death by his maternal-grandfather, Kraig A. “Crickett” Krisher and his father, Chad R. DeVideo.

As per the family’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service, cremation arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home & Crematory Inc.

11/17/2025

Mrs. Sharon E. Tritt, 79, of Frisco passed away on Friday, November 14th, 2025 at the UPMC Jameson Hospital in New Castle.

Mrs. Tritt was born in New Castle on January 28th, 1946 to the late Floyd C. and Evelyn (Hahn) Welch. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1964. A home maker, Sharon was an active member of the First Church of God in Franklin Township and the Wurtemburg-Perry Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She also enjoyed collecting dolls.

She is survived by her son, Ralph “Fred” Tritt Jr. of Frisco, grandchildren, Jacob (Katelynn) Tritt, Cullen Tritt, and Reagen Tritt, great-grandchildren, Hunter, Hayden, Elijah, Gabriella, Walker, and Owen Tritt, and her in-laws, Myrnice Kennedy, Karen Ries of Ellwood City, Debby Tritt of Jefferson Hills, Bill (Cheryl) Tritt of Ellwood City, Chuck (Kay) Tritt of New Brighton, John (Faith) Tritt of Beaver Falls, and Tom (Joyce) Tritt of O’Fallan, MS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ralph “Fred” Tritt Sr. whom she married on May 27th, 1966 and passed away on February 19th, 2024, her mother and father-in-law, Ralph and Jean Tritt, and her sister and brother-in-law, Agnes and Walter Zikeli..

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 1-3pm and 5pm until the time of the service at 7pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. with Rev. Phil Conklin officiating. Interment will be at the Slippery Rock Cemetery.

11/10/2025

Mrs. Georgian F. Mudric, 91, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, November 9th, 2025 at Quality Life Services in New Castle.

Mrs. Mudric was born in Ellwood City on July 26th, 1934 to the late George and Lula (DePaul) Bevivino. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1952. Georgian is a member of the Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church and the Holy Redeemer Christian Mothers. For many years Georgian worked at the Lincoln High School and Hartman Elementary School as a cafeteria worker. Along with her husband, she volunteered for many years at the Annual Church Bazaar. She enjoyed working puzzles, cooking, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Leslie Mudric of Ellwood City, grandchildren, Donald J. (Tanya) Mudric III, Ashley (Matt) Herko, and Chelsey (RJ) DeTiullo, and her great-grandchildren, Landon Herko, Willow Herko, and Mac Mudric.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Donald J. Mudric whom she married on February 11th, 1954 and passed away on March 6th, 2023, son, Donald J. Mudric II, sister and brother-in-law, Angelica and Clyde Lackey, and her brother, Joseph Bevivino.

A private visitation and Blessing Service will be held at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. with Father James Wehner officiating. Entombment will be at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery, St. Peter’s Mausoleum.

11/10/2025

Mrs. Virginia M. Purnell, 86, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, November 9th, 20215 at her residence.

Virginia was born on May 26th, 1939 in Ellwood City to the late Domenico and Maria (Placonica) Garuccio. She went to the Blessed Virgin Mary Parochial School and was a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Virginia worked at the Ellwood City Hospital in housekeeping for several years. She enjoyed cooking, baking and spending time with family, friends, and neighbors.

She is survived by her daughter, Theresa (Homer) Altman of Ellwood City, son, Domenic Purnell of Ellwood City, sister-in-law, Barbara Garuccio, grandchildren, Joshua (Courtney) Altman, Jesse (Tiffany) Altman, Tessa (Brett Barnes) Altman, Gregg (Georgette) Brier, Chas (Stephanie) Brier, Autumn Brier, and James Michael Purnell.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Lester L. Purnell whom she married on April 24th, 1959 and passed away on April 6th, 1986, daughter Roma Brier-Sipe, son, Michael Purnell, sons-in-law, Gregg Brier and Kenneth W. Sipe, grandson, Anthony “Tony” L. Sipe, sister and brother-in-law, Theresa (Thomas) Quimby, brothers and sisters-in-law, Joe (Mildred), Larry (Theresa), and Aldo Garuccio.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 13th, from 4 p.m. until the time of blessing service at 6 pm. with Father Joseph Freedy Officiating. Interment will be at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.

Virginia’s Family would like to thank Family Home Health and Three Rivers Hospice for the care they gave to her.

11/07/2025

Mrs. Mary Jane Folino, 87, of Ellwood City passed away at her residence on Thursday, November 6th, 2025.

Mrs. Folino was born on January 24th, 1938 the daughter of the late Nick and Sadie (Noschese) Oliastro in Ellwood City. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1956 and Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1959. Mary Jane worked at Mercy Hospital Pediatric Department as a Head Nurse and later at both the old and new Ellwood City Hospitals as a Registered Nurse. She also worked for Home Health Care for 30 years. She is a member of the Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church, Holy Redeemer Christian Mothers, Ladies of Charity, Corona D’Italia, and Challenges. A devote catholic, Mary Jane prayed the rosary everyday and enjoyed reading.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Angela and William Gilkey of Ellwood City, sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Marie Folino of Ellwood City and Eric and Maureen Folino of Cranberry Township, and her grandchildren, Jessica Ortler, Patrick Gilkey, Nicholas Folino, and Lauren Folino.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Fred “Curly” Folino whom she married on September 14th, 1963 and passed away on November 11th, 1989 and her brother, Louis Oliastro.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-5 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday at Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church with Father James Wehner officiating. Entombment will follow at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery, St. Peter’s Mausoleum. Members of the Christian Mothers are asked to meet at the church on Monday by 9:50 am to form an honor guard.

Memorial contributions in Mrs. Folino’s name may be made to: Ladies of Charity or Challenges.

11/05/2025

Robert L. Plavecsky, 74 of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025 after a short illness.

Bob was born in Ellwood City on August 14, 1951 to the late Louis and Ann (Mottillo) Plavecsky. He was a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Bob graduated from Brunnerdale Seminary, class of 1969, Gannon University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and Akron University with a Masters Degree in Urban Studies. Bob worked for over 25 years in the insurance industry. He worked for Royal Globe, Pennsylvania National, AIG, and Phico Insurance, working as a claims adjuster and workers compensation specialist. He worked for 20 years as a manager at the Hungarian Home. Bob’s passion was deer and squirrel hunting. His cherished memories were hunting with his father, son and brothers at Cleland Rock, and going for long walks with his daughter. He enjoyed his walks throughout Ellwood City where he would often come across a stray cat which he would take in and nurse back to health. One of his favorite pastimes was watching the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers on television. Bob was a big Pirate fan and attended many games at Forbes Field and Three Rivers Stadium.

Bob is survived by his wife Marie (Liska) Plavecsky, married for 49 years, son Matthew Plavecsky of Cranberry Township, daughter Allison Plavecsky of Erie, brothers Brian and James, sisters Marianne, Geralyn, and Lulu, and his cats-Dusty, Slick, and Roxxy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, nephew Jamie Sansone, and beloved cats- Vern, Henry and Buggy.

As per Bob’s wishes, services will be private at Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.

10/28/2025

Mrs. Rose P. Sulia, 100, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on Monday, October 27th, 2025 at her residence.

Mrs. Sulia was born in Ellwood City on June 22nd, 1925 to the late Agostino and Carolina (Amadio) Farinelli. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1943. After high School, Rose worked as a secretary for the Lincoln High School Principal’s Office until starting her family. She is a long time member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Rose enjoyed reading, will be remembered as a wonderful cook, and was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates fan.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and Rocco DeMase of Ellwood City and Laura and Rob Greenberg of North Carolina, sons, Ralph Sulia and his companion Rena DiLeonardo and Robert Sulia both of Ellwood City, grandchildren, Tonya Sulia Goodman, Ryan (Andrea) Sulia, Amy (Mark) Gardner, Danny (Becky) DeMase, Andrew (Rebecca) DeMase, Joel (Rachel) Greenberg, and Eric (Lauren) Greenberg, and 15 great-grandchildren/.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Anthony Sulia whom she married on June 25th, 1949 and passed away on August 3rd, 2014, sisters, Joan Majeski and Mary Marshall, and her brother, Joseph Farinelli.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4-7 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday at 11:00 am at Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church with Father James Wehner officiating. Interment will follow at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Mrs. Sulia’s name may be made to: Divine Grace Parish Social Services or Ellwood City Area Public Library.

10/23/2025

Elizabeth Jean “BJ” Carsele Biondi age 84, of Ellwood City, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed onto eternal life peacefully, surrounded by her family on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 at her residence.

BJ was born November 6th, 1940, and raised in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. She was the seventh child, born into family of nine children to James and Esther (Barile) Carsele, who were first generation Italian immigrants. A 1958 graduate of Lincoln High School, BJ’s journey in the pharmaceutical industry began. After graduation, she was employed as a sales clerk at the park Pharmacy. It was there that she began home deliveries of prescriptions and retail items in the Ellwood City area. When the park pharmacy closed, she found employment with Health Mart and, due to her excellent work ethic and compassionate service, was promoted to the overall Store Manager. After several corporate name changes, BJ retired as a Pharmacy Technician at Rite Aid in Ellwood City.
She was a longtime member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church, She was active in several ministries, including Christian Mothers, Ladies Guild, CCD, PTA, the BVM Bazaar, and the calling team for the Holy Name Society and Special Activities Group. She was also a passionate Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins fan. BJ married John Biondi on February 1st, 1964, and they just celebrated their.6lst wedding anniversary this year. Together they raised four children and were blessed with 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Even though she was a working mom most of her life, BJ’s lifelong love was her family. Because of her great faith, she believed marriage and the precious gift of family life – where life begins and love never ends – provided a sense of purpose and support for her children from childhood to adulthood. She enjoyed the holidays, especially Christmas and Easter, with the decorations that she initiated and the gathering of family and friends at the dinner table to enjoy her famous beef brisket and chicken cutlets, Easter bread, cookies and homemade pasta. In addition to organizing family gatherings, she also loved attending her grandchildren’s’ sporting events and extracurricular activities. She still is, and always will be, the foundation stone of her family.

She is survived by her husband John; two daughters, Lisa Scialdone and Michelle (Douglas) Meredith; two sons, John (Andrea) Biondi and Christopher (Michelle) Biondi; twelve grandchildren, Lauren Scialdone, Lindsey Scialdone, Leigh Ann (Ryan) Larkin, Marissa (Josh) Surkosky, Matthew (Camila) Meredith, Mia Meredith, Alex Biondi, Sebastian Biondi, Sophia Biondi, Madison Biondi, Gino Biondi, Tyler Good; and four great-grandchildren, Aria Cannon, Adalyne Larkin, Marek Surkosky, and Julia Surkosky. She is also survived by her sister, Sister Mary Esther Carsele of New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, James, Douglas, Jack, Donald, and Eugene Carsele; and her sisters, Rose Marie Fotia and Lucy Ann Carsele.

Family and friends will be received on Monday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. to share memories and honor a life well lived and again on Tuesday from 9-9:30 am. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday at Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church at 10:00 am with Father James Wehner officiating. Members of the Holy Redeemer Christian Mothers are asked to meet at the church by 9:50 am to form an honor guard. Interment will follow at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

The family thanks all those who have sent condolences and encourages those who wish to remember Betty Jean to make a donation in her name to Divine Grace Parish Social Services.

10/21/2025

Mr. Anthony “Tony” Recce, 85 of Ellwood City passed away on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025 at the UPMC Jameson Hospital in New Castle, Pa.

Tony was born in Ellwood City on May 25th, 1940 to the late Domenico and Louise (Noschese) Recce. He was a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church.

Tony worked many years at the Babcock & Wilcox Steel Mill in Koppel and then for Koppel Steel as a brick layer until his retirement.

Over the years, Tony enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to casinos, and spending time on Thursdays with his buddies at the SOI in Ellwood City. He also enjoyed the many excursions with his wife and dog and also trying out and going to restaurants. Also one of his favorite pastimes was watching the Pittsburgh Steeler and Pirates on TV. He always had a joke or story to share which always made his wife laugh.

Tony is survived by his wife, Marlene (Moskal) Recce, married for 48 years, son, Mark (Debbie) Recce of North Sewickley Township, daughter, Gina Mattola of Chippewa Township, grandson, Jalen (Joccelyn) Lawson of Monaca, brother, James “Jocko” Recce of Ellwood City, sisters-in-law, Vonda Recce and Georgene (Tom) Iwanski, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and last but not least his beloved dog Lexi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Kelly, son, Anthony in infancy, brother, Nick “Greek” Recce, sister and brother-in-law, Rosetta and Bill Chontos, sister, Valeria in infancy, and sister-in-law, Mary Jo Recce.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 24th, 2025 from 3-6 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, October 25th, 2025 at Noon at Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Interment will follow at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Tony’s name may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org or Lawrence County Human Society.

10/21/2025

Shawn Andrews, 45 of Fombell, passed away on October 20th, 2025 at the Heritage Valley Medical Center.

Shawn was born on July 20th, 1980 in Beaver, to the late Alfred C. Andrews and Tina O’Neil. He attended Beaver Falls High School. Shawn worked at Feezles Auto Wrecking as a laborer in his younger years, and was currently employed at Tony’s Beer Distributor as manager. He is also the president of the Ellwood City Eagles Club #1246, a member of the Zelienople Sportsman’s Club and played on many local dart teams. Shawn enjoyed hunting, fishing, video games about hunting and fishing, and tinkering around with cars. Shawn loved his family, and would of cherished his new, first, grandson, Dash.

He is survived by his wife, Christi M. (Main) Andrews, whom he married in 2003, sons, Christofer (Chaise) Main of Lowellville, OH, Patrick (Jenna) Andrews of Wampum, Shain (Bella) Andrews of Fombell and Jessie Andrews of Fombell , brothers, Alfred L. (Candy) of Enon Valley, Duane Andrews of Enon Valley, and Donald (Caitlyn) Andrews, sisters, Donetta Andrews of New Castle, Skylar Andrews of New Castle, and Brittany (Colton) Aldrich, one grandson, Dash Main, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, maternal grandfather, Frank O’Neil, aunts, JoAnn Haines, Susie Raisley and Sandy Barkey, and uncle, Frank O’Neil Jr..

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 from 12-2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. until the time of funeral service at 6:00 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.

10/19/2025

Mr. George M. Gobrich, 91, of Perry Township passed away on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, at Quality Life Services in New Castle.

Mr. Gobrich was born in Ellwood City on December 6th, 1933, to the late Nick and Anna (Baser) Gobrich. He is a 1951 graduate of Lincoln High School and a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. While in high school, George worked as a cook and manager at the former Wolverine Restaurant in Park Gate. On January 20th, 1955, George enlisted with the United States Army and served until his honorable discharge on January 18th, 1957, with the rank of SP3. He retired from Techint Technologies Inc., formerly Aetna Standard Engineering, where he was an industrial photographer for 46 years. In his younger years he played the saxophone in a band that played at local clubs and weddings. For 36 years he volunteered for the Ellwood City Lincoln High School varsity football team “chain gang” at both home and away games. He enjoyed boating, sports, gardening, and was a Pittsburgh Steelers season ticket holder for 68 years. George had a quick wit and a one liner for everyone. His hospitality overflowed to everyone he met. His greatest joy was spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Helen (Ketterer) Gobrich whom he married on May 25th, 1957, daughters, Sondra and her husband Joe Hamel of Medina, Ohio and Patty and her husband Anthony Cortez of Ellwood City, grandchildren, Ben Hamel and his wife Haley, Jake Hamel and his wife Angie, Luke Hamel, Anna Hamel, Faith and her husband Troy Senchak, and Amelia and her husband Wade Henderson, great-grandchildren, Saylor Hamel, Rilyn Hamel, Scarlett Senchak, Holden Henderson, and Joanie Henderson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Helen and Katherine, and his brother, Nick.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5-7 PM at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday at Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church at 10:00 AM with Father James Wehner officiating. Interment will follow at the Locust Grove Cemetery. Members of the Veterans Honor Guard are asked to meet at the cemetery on Wednesday by 10:50 AM to conduct full military honors.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Gobrich's name may be made to: Divine Grace Parish Social Services.

10/17/2025

Mr. Robert W. Hewitt, 70, of North Sewickley Township passed away on Thursday, October 16th, 2025 at his residence.

Mr. Hewitt was born in St. Louis, MS on January 1st, 1955 to the late Fred L Hewitt and Mary (French) Hewitt McFarland. He had attended Lincoln High School, and was an avid Pittsburgh Penguins fan.

He is survived by his daughter, Kayla (Jesse) Boles of Hermitage, sons, Justin (Charlotte) Hewitt of Cranberry Township, Dalton Hewitt and his fiancé’ Emma DeSanzo of Ellwood City, grandchildren, Marshall Hewitt, Deacon Hewitt, Blake Boles, Caleb Boles, Alivia Hewitt, and Ethan DeSanzo, brothers, Edward Lee (Melissa) McFarland of North Sewickley Township, Michael McFarland of the Philippines, sister-in-law, Debbie Hewitt of California, and his former wife Katherine Hewitt of Wampum.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Gene Hewitt.

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

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309 Spring Avenue
Ellwood City, PA
16117

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+17247583222

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http://teolisfuneralhome.com/

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