Catherine M. Sopkovich, 82 of Struthers, died on April 7, 2026. She was born November 1, 1943 in Struthers, Ohio, daughter of the late John and Mary Matijasic (Vrankovich) of Struthers. After graduating from Struthers High School, Catherine worked as a seamstress for Moyer Company in Youngstown and later worked in the restaurant at Fonderlac Country Club (currently known as The Lake Club). Catherine attended St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Struthers before marriage, then ...

Veronica M. (Colonie) Gavalier, 83, passed away peacefully at Mercy Health Boardman on April 5, 2026. After a long and blessed life, she is now joyfully reunited with her husband of 58 years Fred Sr. and her beloved son Fred Jr. Born in Cleveland on May 6, 1942, Veronica was the daughter of the late Ernest and Frances (Talani) Colonie. She was raised in the heart of a large, vibrant Italian family, where she developed a life-long love for tradition and the joy of gathering around a table ...

Pierina “Penny” Barone, 97, of Struthers, Ohio, entered into the arms of her Lord on March 18, 2026, passing peacefully in her home. After a long and blessed life, she was joyfully reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, Joseph. Born December 12, 1928, in Statigliano, Italy, Penny was the cherished daughter of Frank and Anna Marie (Lombardi) Conti. Her early years were shaped by the traditions of her Italian heritage—faith, family, and the joy of gathering around a ...

Thomas Sweder, 90, of Struthers, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Hospice House, surrounded by the love and presence of his family. His gentle spirit, steady kindness, and unwavering devotion to those he cared for will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Born June 4, 1935, in Campbell, Ohio, Thomas was the son of the late John and Catherine (Popovich) Sweder. He graduated from Struthers High School in 1952, beginning a lifetime of service, community involvement, ...

Tina Marie Ludt, 57 passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday March 3, 2026. She was born May 8, 1968 in Youngstown, a daughter of Gary and Shirley Mogg. A lifelong Youngstown resident, Tina attended Woodrow Wilson High School where her and her friends’ spent weekends at the roller rink. Tina also loved playing softball and taking karate classes. She was a devoted mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was strong-willed and tough in the best ways – never afraid to stand her ground ...

Jessica N. Ortiz, 41, of Youngstown, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer.  She was born on August 22, 1984  in Youngstown, OH, daughter of Alarberto Ortiz Sr. and Lisa Davila. Jessica spent every day of her life caring for her children, whom she loved more than anything in the world. She is survived by her children, Ayden London, Payton London, and Major London; mother, Lisa Davila; fiance, Aundre London; brothers, David (Erica) ...

Gregory J. Vargo, 64, of Austintown, Ohio, passed away on March 6, 2026 at Austinwoods. He was born in Youngstown, OH, on January 15, 1962, a son of the late Stephen and Dora C. (Raco) Vargo. Gregory attended the Mahoning County Workshop for several years. He loved music-both listening to records and singing along. He brought light to everyone with his smile. He is survived by his brother, Jeffrey Vargo; sister, Stephanie Moran (Thomas),  nieces, Garbielle "Zenith" Vargo, ...

James J. Matricardi Sr., 90, of Struthers, Ohio, died Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Boardman Ohio. James was born on December 30, 1935 in Edinburg, PA, a son of the late Samuel Matricardi and Angeline (Rotz) Matricardi . He was a member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Lowellville and worked for Steel Door and Falcon Foundry. James leave his children, Jane Pavlicko (John), James Matricardi, Jr. (Janice), and Jill Schroeder (Bradley); grandchildren, ...

Lucille C. Hudak, 97, of Struthers, Ohio, passed away on February 24, 2026, at her home. She was born October 19, 1928, in Campbell, Ohio, daughter of the late Anthony and Antoinette (Furtak) Wilk. Lucille was a graduate of Campbell Memorial High School. She married her husband Victor E. Hudak in 1953, he passed in May of 1976. She started working as a bookkeeper for Youngstown Sheet and Tube when she was 16 and then worked as cleaning lady for many years, but first and foremost she loved ...

John J. Chapella, 67, of Struthers, Ohio, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Parkside Health Care Center in Columbiana, Ohio. He was born in Youngstown, OH, on May 29, 1958, a son of the late Andy and Ann (Pavlick) Chapella. John graduated from Struthers High School in 1976 and attended YSU for two years. John worked at the Republic Steel Company at the Open-Hearth Department, Falcon Foundry Company in Lowellville, and then retired from the State of Ohio in 2003 as a Procurement ...