Samuel Teolis Funeral Home, Inc. and Cremation Services

01/31/2026

With hearts full of love and sorrow, the family of Jacqueline C. Powell, 68, announces the unexpected passing of our amazing wife, mother, sister, and “Ya-Ya.” She passed away on Thursday, January 29th, 2026, at her residence. Her life was a beautiful reflection of her deep faith, unwavering kindness, and boundless love for her family.

Jacki was born on May 9th, 1957, in Ellwood City, and was a lifelong member of the community she loved so deeply. She was the daughter of the late John “Jack” Jr. and Verna Lee (Chapman) Cortes.

Jacki was a 1975 graduate of Lincoln High School and remained proud of her Ellwood City roots. She was an active and devoted member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church where her faith and sense of community were an important part of her life. Jacki faithfully served as a member of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers. She always put the needs of those around her before her own, and her compassionate heart and encouraging words brought comfort and light to everyone she met.

In October 1977, Jacki married the love of her life, Zachery Powell, with whom she shared many years of partnership, family, and work. Together, they built both a life and a career, working side by side at R.W. Powell Real Estate, where Jacki was a licensed Pennsylvania real estate agent. Over the years, she also worked at Hillside Pharmacy and Hyde Drug Store, and was known for her friendly presence and strong work ethic.

As a mother, she was extraordinarily loving, selfless, and endlessly supportive. Jacki loved her family fiercely and gave endlessly of herself. Her laughter, beautiful smile, warmth, and caring heart made you feel safe, welcomed, and genuinely loved. She had a way of showing up for others that will never be forgotten.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Zachery Powell; her daughter, Ashlee (Aaron) Gray of Bellwood, PA; her son, Tyler Powell, and his fiancée, Jessica Figurel of Ellwood City; and her cherished grandsons, Connor Zachery and Carson James Gray, who brought her immense joy and whom she loved to the moon and back 60–90 times. She is also survived by her siblings, Steven (Donna) Cortes of Lake Worth, FL, and Leslie (Robert) Bortz of New Galilee; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Jackie also leaves behind her beloved dog, Sam, a constant and faithful companion.

Aside from her parents, she is preceded in death by many beloved family members including Mr. Robert W. and Helen M. Powell and Mr. Timothy Powell.

Friends and family will be received for visitation on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. in Ellwood City. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, February 5th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Members of the Holy Redeemer Christian Mothers are asked to meet at the church on Thursday by 9:50 am to form an honor guard.

Jacki will be missed more than words can express and remembered always. Memorial donations may be made to: Divine Grace Parish Social Services, the Ellwood City Area Historical Society, or the Ellwood City Area Public Library.

01/22/2026

01/20/2026

Antonio “Tony” John Carusone, 74, of Ellwood City passed away on Sunday, January 18th, 2026 at his residence.

Antonio was born the son of the late Cataldo “Aldo” and Maria (Napolitano) Carusone on April 19th, 1951 in Roccaramo, Italy. His family come to America in 1954 and settled in New York City. He attended the PS 16 Newton High School in New York. Tony then enlisted with the United States Navy on November 25, 1970 and served until his honorable discharge on March 7th, 1972. He served on the USS Wasp Aircraft Carrier, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He later worked at Alsy Lighting as an assembler and Trader Horn as a Floor Manager. He is Catholic by faith and loved time spent with his family.

He is survived by his daughter Mary Carusone and her husband Wanza Robinson, Jr. of Indianapolis, IN, step daughter and her husband, Lisa and Eric Rodgers of New Castle, grandchildren, Patricia, Wanza III, Shelby, Adrianna, and Cheyenne, two great-grandchildren, sister, Rose (George) Fenechi, brothers, Albert (Susan) Carusone, and Stefano Carusone all of Ellwood City, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Growing up in an Italian family means growing up surrounded by love, noise, food, and togetherness. Our uncles aren’t just relatives — they’re second parents, storytellers, protectors, and friends. Losing him feels like losing a piece of our foundation. He was part of the laughter around the table, the traditions we hold close, and the bond that keeps our family strong. His presence will always live on in our memories, our stories, and in the way we continue to show up for one another.

Please keep my dad (along with my aunt & uncles) as they go through the loss of their big brother ❤️ written by Nicole Carusone Main

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

01/17/2026

John Derrow Ewing, 72, of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, passed away Friday, January 16th 2026 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great‑grandfather, Marine veteran, and friend, John’s life was defined by service, loyalty, and love for his family.

Born on March 12th, 1953 to the late John E. Ewing and Vivian (Derrow) Foley in Ellwood City, John proudly served his country as a United States Marine, having enlisted on February 25th, 1971 and serving until his honorable discharge on March 14th, 1975 with the rank of Lance Corporal, carrying that same discipline and integrity into every chapter of his life. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter’s Badge, and Meritorious Mast. His specialty with the Marines was an Aviation Precision Measurement Equipment Technician. After his military service, he spent 28 years with US Airways as a Simulator Engineer, where his dedication and expertise supported the training and safety of countless pilots.

John was a well‑known and respected figure in the Ellwood City pool community. An avid pool player, he both played in and managed several successful teams over the years, building friendships and memories that will be long remembered. Away from the pool table, he found peace in the outdoors, especially fishing along the Connoquenessing Creek and camping at Bear Run, places where he could relax and enjoy the natural world he loved.

His greatest joy in life was his beloved wife, Cheryl, and his loyal and much‑loved dog, Molly, whose companionship brought him comfort and happiness.

Above all, John loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cheryl Ewing; his daughter Nicole Hurley and her husband Jim of Charleston, South Carolina; and his son Sam Ewing and his wife Maggie of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his sisters, Janine Jackson of Ellwood City; and Lori Nappi of Florida; and his mother‑in‑law, Mary Alice Tillia of Ellwood City. He was a proud grandfather to Griffen Ewing, Hunter Ewing, Ethan Santoro and Logan Ewing, and a proud great‑grandfather to Atticus and Arthur Ewing.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers of North View Estate for their kindness, patience, and compassionate care. Friends, family and anyone who wishes to celebrate his life are invited to a memorial service to be held at 5pm on Monday, January 19th at Joey’s Event Center, 408 Lawrence Avenue in Ellwood City, followed by a reception.

John’s steady presence, warm smile, and quiet strength will be profoundly missed by all who knew him, and his legacy of love, generosity, and devotion will live on in the lives of those he touched.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of John Ewing: https://donorservices.alz.org

01/15/2026

John T. “JT” Hall, 62, of Ellwood City passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026 at his residence with his loving family at his bedside following a courageous battle with cancer.

John was born in Ellwood City on June 4th, 1963 to Mary J. (Partington) Hall Challis of Ellwood City and the late Thomas J. Hall. He had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1981 and later from the New Castle School of Trades where he studied the building trades. John is the proud owner and operator of JT Hall General Contracting. He was an active member of the First Church of God in Franklin Township. John loved being on two wheels and was proud of his Pittsburgh tribute motorcycle. He is a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association, volunteered as a flagger at TNT Moto Cross Races at the Lawrence County Fair, and shot pool for the Hazel Manor Pool Team. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and especially being with his cherished grandchildren, his favorite title was “Pappy”.

He is survived by his mother, Mary, wife Jodi (Shannon) Hall whom he married on May 27th, 1989, daughters, Richele Hall (Kristin Erb) of Hunker, Pa, Kyleigh (Josh) Wurster, and Shannon (Michael) Striegel both of Ellwood City, grandchildren, Lincoln Wurster, Beckett Wurster, Vivianne Striegel, Alora Striegel, and Aspyn Striegel, sister, Lori (Doug) Anderson of Franklin Township, brother, David (Robyn) Hall of Renfrew, mother-in-law, Mary Esther Shannon of Ellwood City, sister-in-law, Kim Charmo of Ellwood City, lifelong best friend Jeff VanGorder, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

John was preceded in death by his father, Tom, maternal grandparents, Emmet and Bertha Partington, paternal grandparents, Jim and Ruth Hall, father-in-law, George Shannon, and step father, William Challis.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 19th, 2026 from 1-3 and 6-8 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. and again on Tuesday from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am at the First Church of God in Franklin Township with Rev. Phil Conklin officiating. Interment will be at the Locust Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in JT’s name may be made to: First Church of God, 1862 Mercer Rd., Ellwood City, Pa 16117 or to: Club Hope Foundation, 113 Collins Rd., Ellwood City, Pa 16117.

01/14/2026

Mrs. Mary Ann Szabo, 88, of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, January 12th, 2026 at the Harmony Hills Healthcare & Rehab Center in Wexford.

Mrs. Szabo was born in Ellwood City on July 27th, 1937 the daughter of the late Alex and Florence (Totera) Pecoraro. She had graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1955 and earned an associate's degree from the Community College of Beaver County. For 17 years Mary Ann worked for the Ambridge Department of Labor and Industry. She is a member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church and Challenges. Mary Ann enjoyed cooking and playing 500 cards.

She is survived by her daughters, Leslie Szabo of Pittsburgh and Erin Szabo of Mount Jackson, son, Frank Szabo of Portland, Oregon, grandchildren, Brittany Szabo, Zoe Szabo, Michael Szabo, Nikki Szabo, and Casey Donahue, and her sister-in-law, Betty Pecoraro of Franklin Township.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank E. “Elmer” Szabo whom she married on July 26th, 1958 and passed away on March 10th, 2010, brothers, Alexander Dominic Pecoraro in infancy and Alexander J. Pecoraro, and special aunt and uncle, Mary and Victor Pecoraro.

Family and friends will be received on Friday January, 23rd, 2026 from 3:00 pm until the time of the Blessing Service at 4:00 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. with Father Joseph Freedy officiating. Inurnment will be at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Mrs. Szabo’s name may be made to: Animal Friends, 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.

01/13/2026

Brandy Marie Carpenter, 32, of Ellwood City passed away on Monday, January 12th, 2026 following an extended illness.

Brandy was born on June 19th, 1993 in Beaver to William V. Bailey Jr. and Karen Lynn Jacobs. She attended Lincoln High School and was a former assistant manager at Domino’s Pizza in Ellport. She was a talented artist, and loved Jack Skellinton and the Nightmare Before Christmas.

She is survived by her daughters, Charlotte R. Bailey, Isabella “Izzy” E. Clemmer, Selina K. Carpenter and Kori A. Carpenter, her parents, brother, Alex Bailey, sister, Amber (Brian) Casuccio and their children, boyfriend, John Herschk, grandmothers, Barbara Jacobs and Karen Lash, aunts, Lisa Timblin, and Tracy (Kevin) Heindman, uncles, Anthony (Malinda) Jacobs, and Larry (Tracy) Jacobs, and many more aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Larry Jacobs, and many aunts and uncles.

A celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.

Donations in Brandy’s name can be made out to: American Kidney Fund at https://give.kidneyfund.org/

12/29/2025

Dr. Denis Patrick Herman Rudd, 81, passed away on Monday, December 29th, 2025 at his residence.

Dr. Rudd was born on June 30, 1944 in New York, NY to the late John and Eileen (McMahon) Rudd. He fought his first battle with the neighbors down the street. They pulled so many snowball flowers off the bushes they were in trouble for months! Flowers graduated to snowballs every year in winter. He loved New York and the neighborhood. His family moved when he was in high school. First to Vermont where he attended Arlington Memorial High and then to Palm Beach, FL where he attended and graduated from Palm Beach HS. He joined the military (army rangers) and fought in Vietnam reupping for a second tour where he lost his leg. He stayed in the military after healing and met his beloved wife Julie there. They married and traveled the world for the military before retiring to Mount Holly, NJ where he had his daughter Helen. While serving in the military he was awarded: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 1 Overseas Bar, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart, and held the rank of Captain.

He was far from retired though! He entered college and in short order obtained a Bachelor’s in Finance from Ryder University, an MBA, graduate degree in education and an Ed.D in educational psychology from UNLV. He had a son, Denis while in Las Vegas, NV . The family moved to Babson Park, FL for him to begin teaching at Webber College. Family roots called him back to Vermont though and he began a business with his wife and children. He stayed in Vermont for ten years where he owned and ran Equinox Sky Line Inn before going back into education and teaching as an associate professor at Niagara University in NY and then as a University professor and director of the hospitality management program at Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania.

Denis was preceded in death by his parents John and Eileen Rudd and is survived by his beloved wife Julie, son Denis, and daughter Helen as well as his siblings Lettie Ann Rodriquez, John Rudd and Maggie Rudd.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2nd 2026 from 1:00 pm until the time of the Blessing Service at 3:00 pm at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. with Father James Wehner officiating. Interment will be at the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Cheektowada, NY. Members of the Veterans Honor Guard are asked to meet at the funeral home on Friday by 2:50 pm to conduct full military honors.

For the comfort of the family, we kindly ask that masks be worn and that handshakes be avoided. Your understanding and thoughtfulness are deeply appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the food bank at Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church, 300 Crescent Ave. suite 1, Ellwood City, Pa 16117.

To honor and celebrate his life, guests are welcome to wear colorful attire if they wish.

12/26/2025

Kenneth R. Newton, 71, of Butler, passed away on Wednesday, December 24th, 2025 at his residence.

Ken was born on August 30th, 1954 in Ellwood City to the late Charles and Helen (Lutz) Newton Sr.. He graduated from Riverside High School with the class of 1973, and then joined the United States Air Force on February 14th, 1973 until his honorable discharge on February 11th, 1977. Ken worked for the Ellwood City Forge for many years as a laborer. He enjoyed playing the drums and riding his motorcycle.

He is survived by his daughter, Carrie (Lance) DePaoli of Ellwood City, sons, Jeremy (Rachel) Newton and Michael (Brienna Ashworth) Newton both of Ellwood City, Companion, Carol Desmond, brothers, Ronald, Dave (Karen) and Charles (Linda) Newton of Ellwood City, sister, Patricia (Dante) Trevelline of Chippewa Twp, grandchildren, Alizah, Alexis, Nicklas, Aaden, Avery, Gabe, Camden, Aubrie, Hunter, and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Gloria Jean Hill.

As per Ken’s wishes, there will be no service. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.

12/19/2025

Mr. Alfred “Fred” J. Mazzanti, 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 18th, 2025 at his son Ray’s residence in New Castle.

Mr. Mazzanti was born in North Sewickley Township on August 13th, 1933 to the late Peter and Anna (Mingione) Mazzanti. Fred attended Lincoln High School until he enlisted with the United States Navy on January 15th, 1953. He served with the Navy until his honorable discharge on January 11th, 1957. Following his service he worked at the US Steel mill in Ellwood City and later in Ambridge as a welding inspector retiring with 30 years of service. He then worked for Moody Construction as an inspector for several years. He is a member of the Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Fred enjoyed going to McDonald’s where he would have coffee with his many friends.

He is survived by his sons and their wives, Fred and Kathleen Mazzanti of Ellwood City and Ray and Stephanie Mazzanti Sr. of New Castle, grandchildren, Nicole (Matt) Park, Stephen Mazzanti, Melissa D’Amico, Kevin (Lauren) Mazzanti, Renee Mazzanti, Raymond (Sherri) Mazzanti Jr., Michael (Morina) Mazzanti, and Christopher Mazzanti, nine great-grandchildren, his sister, Mary Bastian of Ohio, daughter-in-law, Colleen Mazzanti of Ellwood City, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Rita (Nocera) Mazzanti whom he married on July 18th, 1955 and passed away on October 21st, 2021, son, Stephen M. Mazzanti Sr., great-grandson, Justin Park, daughter-in-law, Kathryn Mazzanti, and brother, John J. Mazzanti.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 1-4 pm and again on Monday from 9-9:30 am at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc.. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday at 10:00 am at the Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church with Father Joseph Freedy officiating. Interment will be at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery. Members of the Veterans Honor Guard are asked to meet at the church on Monday by 10:50 am to conduct full military honors.

12/15/2025

Mrs. Marion C. Brown, 88, of Ellwood City, passed away early Sunday morning, December 14th, 2025 surrounded by her loving family

Mrs. Brown was born on June 5th, 1937 in Beaver Falls to the late William and Annabel (Forney) Weber. She had attended Beaver Falls High School. She was a longtime member of the Homewood United Methodist Church.

Marion held different jobs in her younger years, and finished her employment at Alsy Lamp Factory as a shade finisher. Above all, she was the absolute best Mother and Grandma anyone could be blessed with, and she was an amazing homemaker. Mom made our holidays so thoughtful and memorable. She enjoyed gardening, yardwork and bird watching, especially hummingbirds. She really enjoyed caring for her “grandpets” over the years as well, and they all dearly loved their Gramma. She also enjoyed traveling, having been on a cruise with her sisters, as well as Hawaii. She enjoyed several vacations to Topsail Island and the New England states.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly and Jeff Kellner of Ellport, son, Donald K. Brown Jr. of Ellwood City, grandchildren, Dustin Brown, Josh Brown, Irona Brown, Matthew (Tammi) Redmond, Zakery (Jennifer) Zikeli, and Cassandra (Cody) Horvath, several great-grandchildren, and dear friend, Toni Kastrol.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Donald K. Brown Sr. whom she married on October 14th, 1961 and passed away on September 9th, 1996, daughter, Terri Zikeli, sisters, Mary Primerano, Dorothy Johnson, Flora Garman, and Virginia Harris, and brothers, Walter Weber, Glenn Weber, Warren Weber Clifford Weber, George Weber, and William Weber, and son-in-law, Kurt Zikeli.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4-7 pm and again on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. with Jay Wiley officiating. Interment will follow at the Locust Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Mrs. Brown’s name may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org.