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.

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.

03/24/2026

David P. Butler, 58, of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, March 23rd, 2026 unexpectedly at his residence.

David was born in Beaver Falls on December 9th, 1967 to the late Milton J. “Rags” and Mary A. (Connolly) Butler. He is a member of the Beaver Falls High School class of 1984. Dave loved to cook and had worked as a chef in the past.

He is survived by his sisters, Maureen Butler and Kathleen Cornelius both of Beaver Falls, his brothers, Michael (Debbie) Butler of Ellwood City and Kevin Butler of Kansas, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, niece, Kiera Mayville, nephew, Joshua Cornelius, and brother-in-law, Alfred Cornelius.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, March 28th, 2026 from 9:00 am until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 am at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. with Rev. R. Tod Custer officiating.

Memorial contributions in David’s name may be made to the Funeral Home or to the Ellwood City Fire Department, 411 6th St., Ellwood City, Pa 16117.

03/23/2026

Patrick Edward Locke, 46, of Wayne Township passed away on Friday, March 20th, 2026 at his residence surrounded by family and friends.

Patrick was born in Ellwood City on November 15th, 1979 to Sandy (Maietta) Locke and the late Gary Scott Locke. He enjoyed fishing, working outside in the yard planting flowers, and playing his favorite game Mortal Combat. He loved helping people who needed Him.

He is survived by his mother, Sandra Ann Locke, his brother, Scott Allan Locke, niece, Katie Luann Locke, and nephew, Tyler Simmons.

He was preceded in death by his father, and his maternal grandparents, Shirley Ann and Patrick Lorenzo Maietta.

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

03/20/2026

Mr. James “Jim” L. Barry, 85, of Ellwood City passed away on Saturday, March 14th, 2026 at the UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Jim was born in Ellwood City on July 23rd, 1940 to the Late Anthony C. and Mary (Lasso) Barry Sr.. He is a member of the Lincoln High School class of 1958. For over 50 years Jim was the owner and operator of Barry’s Service Station and owner of Barry’s Homemade Ice Cream for over 30 years. He was an Ellwood City Amateur Baseball Federation coach for many years, served on Ellwood City Borough Council for 12 years, and was a Ellwood City Borough Representative for the Ellwood City Revitalization organization. He also had enjoyed bowling.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryll (Brown) Barry whom he married on May 19th, 1960, daughter and son-in-law, Corri and Eric Clyde of Fombell, sons, Jimmy Barry of Aurora, CO, Tony (Ilsa) Barry of Burlington, KY, and Rob (Beth) Barry of Ellwood City, grandchildren, Hannah, Justin, Stephen, Matthew, Madelynn, and Lennon Barry, Marissa (Kevin) Cragle, Kassie, and Ryleigh Clyde, great-grandchildren, Maura and Kendall Cragle. He is also survived by his sister, Loretta (Fred) Silvestri of Ellwood City, his brothers, Sam (Loretta) Barry of Ellwood City, and Randy (Beth) Barry of Windser, PA, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Patricia Crangi, and his brother, Anthony C. Barry Jr..

Private services for the family were held at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. with Rev Dennis Arndt officiating.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Barry’s name may be made to: Ellwood City Armateur Baseball Federation, 205 William St., Wampum, PA 16157

03/16/2026

Mrs. Esther Santilo, 93, of Wayne Township passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15th, 2026 at her residence.
Mrs. Santilo was born in Ellwood City on March 28th, 1932 to the late Joseph and Mary Assunta (Innocent) Frisk. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1950 and from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1953. Later in life she graduated from Slippery Rock University earning a Bachelor Degree in Education. She had worked for many years at the St. Francis Hospital in New Castle and the Ellwood City Hospital as a Registered Nurse. She is a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church and the Holy Redeemer Christian Mothers. Esther also was a long time volunteer at the Annual Church Bazaar. She enjoyed crocheting, making rosaries, and most of all spending time with her family.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cecelia and William Lutz of Wayne Township, sons and daughters-in-law, Charles and Debbie Santilo of Ellwood City, Raymond and Gloria Santilo of California, John “Fred” and Holly Santilo of Evans City, and Francis and Christina Santilo of Illinois, grandchildren, Bill (Monica) Lutz, Alicia (Ryan) Alexander, Tania Santilo, Benjamin Santilo, Gregory Santilo, and Anthony (Peri) Santilo, great-grandchildren, Isabella and Lily Alexander, and Damien Santilo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Raymond P. Santilo whom she married on May 18th, 1957 and passed away on January 1st, 1979, and her siblings, Charles Frisk, Rose Carabetta, Isabelle Frisk, Mary Gangliero, Lucille Turco, Anne Frisk, Frederick Frisk, and Helen Fiori.
Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5-7 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday at Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church at 11:30 am with Father Dan Kushner. Interment will be at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery. Members of the Holy Redeemer Christian Mothers are asked to meet at the church on Friday by 11:20 am to form an honor guard.
Memorial contributions in Mrs. Santilo’s name may be made to: Divine Grace Parish Social Services, 300 Crescent Ave., Ellwood City, Pa 16117.

03/15/2026

Mr. Tom H. Kelosky, 84, of Fombell passed away on Sunday, March 15th, 2026 at his residence.

Tom was born in West Homestead, Pa on April 22nd, 1941 to the late Rudy and Betty (Patton) Kelosky. He enlisted with the United States Army Airborne on October 26th, 1958 and served until his honorable discharge on February 19th, 1962 with the rank of Private First Class, and was awarded the Parachutist Badge. Following his military service, Tom worked for the Steamfitter’s Local Union 47 until his retirement. He is a member of the Lillyville Church of God and Air Fitness. In his younger years Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding his Can-Am.

He is survived by his wife, Kay (Nesbitt) Kelosky whom he married on April 19th, 2008, sons and daughters-in-law, Terry and Lisa Kelosky, Troy and Kristen Kelosky, Ted and Linda Kelosky, step-daughters and their spouses, Linda and Kevin Tomon, Tammy and Mark Pitchford, and Donna and Bob Varga all of Fombell, 10 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Vicki (Ron) Butch of North Sewickley Township and Mary Pletz-Benedict of Sewickley, and his brothers, Rudy (Kathy) Kelosky of Franklin Township and Mike (Emily) Kelosky of North Sewickley Township.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Anna M. (Bellion) Kelosky whom he married on September 22nd, 1962 and passed away on February 6th, 2005, son, Todd Kelosky, grandson, Joseph “Jojo” Kelosky, sisters, Minnie Lutz and Patty Myers, and brothers, Ray Kelosky and Roger Kelosky.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 3:00 pm until the time of the service at 7:00 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. with Rev. Dennis Arndt officiating. Interment will be at the Lillyville Church of God Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be made to: Lillyville Church of God, 408 Hickernell Rd., Ellwood City, Pa 16117

03/11/2026

Nicholas A. Manzo, 83, of Ellwood City, passed away on Sunday, March 8th, 2026 at his residence.

Nicholas was born on October 14th, 1942 in Ellwood City to the late Rocco and Teresa (Cioffi) Manzo Sr.. He was employed at both the Ellwood City Knitting Mill and Airway Luggage. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and coin collecting.

He is survived by his daughter, Teresa (Edward) Enos of Ellwood City, sons, Bryan (Lori) Landman of Patterson Township, and Steven (Summer) Landman of West Middle S*x, grandchildren, Savannah and Jessie Enos, Samantha (Jacob) Faller, Laina (Jake) Fagnano, Chelsie (Andrew) Seminara, and Steven (Alishia) Landman, great-grandchildren, Nolan Faller, Cora, Rocco, Vitto, and Willow Fagnano, and Vinny, Rosie, and Dominic Seminara.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Kathryn J. (Landman) Manzo whom he married on October 14th, 1979 and passed away on October 10th, 2024, sisters, Angela Eckman, and Mary Jane Suppa, and brothers, Martin, Donald & Rocco Manzo.

As per Nicholas’ wishes, final interment will be held privately at the Grandview Cemetery in Beaver Falls. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home & Crematory Inc..

03/09/2026

Daniel Joseph Burns, 63, of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home on March 5th, 2026, surrounded by love.

Born on August 31st, 1962, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Daniel Joseph Burns Sr., Daniel grew up in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. He dedicated much of his professional life to public service as a police officer for the City of Duquesne, serving with integrity, courage, and a deep commitment to his community and fellow officers. He loved writing, especially about law enforcement and American history. He channeled his passion for the region’s past into writing four local history books for Arcadia Publishing’s “Images of America” series: Duquesne, Bedford and Its Neighbors, Homestead and the Steel Valley, and Pittsburgh’s Rivers. Through these works, he preserved and shared the stories of the towns, rivers, and neighborhoods that shaped his life and career. As a frequent speaker in the Pittsburgh area, Dan enjoyed sharing his knowledge of history and law enforcement with various organizations and historical societies.

In 2006, Daniel married the love of his life, Sarah, in Bedford, Pennsylvania. Their years together were filled with love, companionship, mutual support, laughter, and the simple joys that made their home a place of warmth and peace. Dan was known for his sense of humor, unwavering loyalty, protective nature, and the calm resilience he brought to every challenge. He found great fulfillment in researching local history, relaxing at home, going on adventures with Sarah, and treasuring time with his beloved dogs, Katy, Sydney, and Abbie, who were constant companions and brought him endless happiness.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sarah (Manns) Burns of Ellwood City; his aunt, Patricia Davis; his children, Evan, Samantha, and Collin; a large extended family, and many dear friends and former colleagues.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, March 14th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 415 4th Street, Ellwood City, PA 16117. There will be no public visitation. Sarah will receive family and friends prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 309 Spring Avenue, Ellwood City, PA 16117. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Divine Grace Parish, or Animal Friends of Pittsburgh.

Daniel’s legacy—as a protector, a devoted husband, a father, a police officer, an author, and a loving companion to his dogs—will endure through the lives he touched and the stories he preserved. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Rest in peace, my beloved husband.

03/06/2026

Cyrus Joseph Saba, 75, of North Sewickley Township, passed away on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 at the Providence Health and Rehab Center in Beaver Falls.

Cyrus was born in New Castle on February 28th, 1951 to the late Cyrus and Ann (Vargo) Saba. He had graduated from St. Mary’s Elementary Catholic School, Union High School, and Edinboro University where he earned a degree in Art. He was the owner of The Monteray Inn in Pittsburgh, and is best known for many years of bartending at the Days Inn in Butler, Holiday Inn in Beaver Falls, and Shakespeare’s at Olde Stonewall. He also assisted at Michael’s Furniture in Ellwood City. Cyrus is a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church, and enjoyed golf, art, photography, and bartending.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years Joni (Pertile) Saba, daughters, Carlee (David) Vermeulen, Erin McClean, Shannon (Eric) Houk, and Jennifer (William) Waddington, grandchildren, Cameron Vermeulen, Charlee (Caleb) Haass, Jeffrey Weisz, and Sawyer Houk, great-grandchildren, Sailer Haass, and Violet Haass, and his best friend and faithful companion Jim his rat terroir.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Finn Anthony Houk.

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

03/04/2026

Madeline A. Prestia, 74, of Ellwood City, passed away on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 at UPMC Passavant-McCandless after a sudden illness. Born on October 10, 1951 , she was the eldest daughter of Rocco and Catherine Prestia. Anyone who knew her well, affectionately knows her as ‘Mimi”.

She worked as her late uncle Anthony Lorusso’s business assistant in the tailoring business for over 20 years out west in Palm Springs, Ca and later returned home to become her mother’s diligent caregiver for over another 20 year span after her father’s passing in 2002. She loved her parents dearly and was inspired by their romantic WWII love story that’s one for the ages. She was unwavering in all of her efforts and attempts to honor them back in their elder years as if it was her life’s mission.

She was a thoroughly complex thinker that always tried to find the balance and fairness to life’s dilemmas. A compassionate soul that loved learning about all cultures of the world and their
worldview. She always championed the underdog and passionately pursued to be a righter of wrongs and did it all effortlessly. Her highly generous and giving heart will live on in
the many lives she has touched along her life’s journey. She was affiliated with Christian Assembly.

Surviving siblings include; Robert G. (Louisa), Stella M., Christopher P. Prestia, all of Ellwood City as well as her longtime soulmate Joseph Agostino of New Castle.

There will be no calling hours and a private service with Pastor Matt Bupp officiating will be conducted at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory lnc.. Interment will be at the Slippery Rock Cemetery.

02/27/2026

Matthew Ryan Plavecsky, 45,of Cranberry Township passed away unexpectedly on February 21st, 2026.

Matt was born in New Castle on March 15th, 1980 to Marie (Liska) Plavecsky and the late Robert Plavecsky.

Matthew graduated from Lincoln High School, Class of 1998. After graduation, he worked for Trader Horn, Airway Industries, Great Lakes Cold Storage, and KIK Corporation. During his youth, he participated in Ellwood City Amateur Baseball Federation, playing Instruction League through the C**t league. Matthew was also active in the BVM CYO activities, playing basketball.

Matthew’s passion was fishing and deer hunting. He enjoyed fishing at the Zelienople Sportsman’s Club and Hereford Manor. His cherished memories were hunting with his father and uncles at Cleland Rock, Portersville and biking with little sister. He had a soft spot in his heart for animals and never let a stray cat or wild animal go hungry. One of his favorite pastimes was watching the Pittsburgh Pirates, Penguins and Steelers on television.

Matthew was preceded in death by grandparents Louis and Ann Plavecsky of Ellwood City and Charles and Mildred Liska of Cleveland, Ohio, father Robert Plavecsky, cousin Jamie Sansone of Erie, and his beloved cats Vern, Mayne, and Sox.

Matthew is survived by his mother Marie (Liska) Plavecsky, sister Allison Plavecsky of Erie, companion Sheila Schirnhofer of Franklin Park, Uncles Brian of Ellwood City, James (Heidi) of Pickerington, Ohio, Aunts Maryanne of Erie, Geralyn (Rob) of Erie, and Lulu (Richard) from Winter Park, Florida, and Betty (John) Presti of Stow, Ohio, and his beloved cats Sammy and Rambo.

Per Matthew’s wishes, services will be private. Celebration of life will be held at a later date. Final arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc..

02/27/2026

Jack Reda, of North Sewickley Twp., passed away on Thursday, February 26th,2026. Jack was the beloved husband of wife Dawn (Dettinger), father of daughter Lori, and dog
Daisy Jane.

Born on July 17th ,1 953, in Ellwood City, Pa, he was the son of the Late Ralph and Rose (Duca) Reda. ln addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his brothers, Lou, Nick and
Andy, and his sister Patty Ann in infancy. He is survived by his sister Rachel Reda, sister-in-law Cindy Reda, Connie Reda, and JoAnn Reda, Debbie (Ron) Atkinson, and brother-in-law Bill (Devona) Dettinger.

Jack loved his family deeply. He lived his Life through his faith believing that God’s greatest commandments are to love the Lord and to love your neighbor. He was involved in kid’s
ministry at his church, Northway Beaver Valley.

Jack was very proud to have graduated f rom Geneva College through their adult degree completion program, completing his degree in 1 992. He worked as a purchasing manager
and never met a salesperson he didn’t enjoy negotiating with.

Jack loved Pittsburgh sports especially the Steelers and the Pirates.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday from 1-4 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. A service honoring Jack’s life will be held on Monday at 11:00 am at Northway Christian Community Church Beaver Valley, 300 Brighton Ave., Rochester, Pa 15074 with Pastor Chris White officiating.

Memorial donations in Jack’s name may be made to: Christ Temple Church of God, 2420 9th Ave., Beaver Falls, PA 15010, checks payable to: Christ Temple, which will benefit the Christian Character Development Group at Christ Temple Church of God.

02/16/2026

Mrs. Kathleen Cogley, 87, of Franklin Township, passed away on February 15, 2026, surrounded by love.

Born on October 22nd,1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Catherine (Schlegel) and Charles Gilligan. ln October 1956, she married the love of her life, Matthew W.
Cogley Sr., who preceded her in death, along with their youngest daughter, Chris Cogley.

Kathleen worked for Verizon until her retirement and was a proud and passionate member of the CWA union. She was known for her strong work ethic, determination, and loyalty.

She had a well-known love for trips to the casino and never passed up a scratch-off ticket -always convinced the next one would be the big winner. Her feisty spirit, quick wit, and
unmistakable determination carried through every part of her life.

She is survived by her two children: Matthew Cogley Jr. of Pittsburgh and Beth Cogley of Franklin Township; five grandchildren: Alan Cogley, Matthew, Cogley, Tierney Smith, Bryan
Cogley, and Ashley Lees; and twelve great-grandchildren, who will forever remember her strength, humor, and fierce love. Her family was her greatest treasure – more valuable than
any jackpot she ever chased.

A celebration of Kathleen’s life will be held privately at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society in her honor.

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

Address

309 Spring Avenue
Ellwood City, PA
16117

Telephone

+17247583222

Website

http://teolisfuneralhome.com/

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