Obituaries

Ralph McConnaughey
Jul 26, 2025
Ralph Floyd McConnaughley, whom most knew as Floyd, died at home on July 26, 2025. He began everyday with his wife, Dorothy, praying for his family and friends and thanking God for another day to share God's Love.
As a Pap Pap he loved time spent and hugs of his Grandchildren, Andrew, Emily and Sierra. As a Dad he was thankful...
Shirley Willard
Jul 7, 2025
Shirley A. Willard, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away on July 7, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on October 24, 1946, in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, Shirley’s life was a testament to the beauty of kindness, generosity, and humor.
She was a selfless and considerate soul who spread joy to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Shirley...
David Shafran
Jun 27, 2025
David A. Shafran, 73, of Ligonier, passed away on June 27, 2025. He was born July 30, 1951, in Latrobe. He was the son of the late Stephen and Dorothy (Aukerman) Shafran. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Stephen M. Shafran Jr. and James Edward Shafran, and his niece, Kelly Leah Shafran. He was...
James Nelson
Jun 23, 2025
James W. Nelson(Jimmy), a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, peacefully passed away on June 23, 2025, at the age of 59. Born on January 24, 1966, James lived a life rich with love, laughter, and cherished memories. James was known for his kind and welcoming personality, traits that endeared him to all who had the pleasure of knowing...
Henry Kunkle
Jun 1, 2025
Henry R. Kunkle, age 79, of Stahlstown passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Ligonier Gardens Personal Care & Retirement Home. Born February 28, 1946 in Ligonier, he was the son of the late Frances "Wink" (Clark) Coleman and the late James Kunkle, and the step-son of the late James Coleman.
Henry was a graduate of Ligonier...
F. Kenneth Keyser
May 29, 2025
F. Kenneth Keyser (91) of Henderson, NV and formally of Stahlstown, PA passed away peacefully
in the very early hours on Thursday morning, May 29, 2025 at his daughter’s home. Kenneth
was born in Stahlstown, PA to Paul and Sylvia Neiderhiser Keyser in 1934. He was a graduate of
Ligonier High School class of 1953. Kenneth served in the United States Army during...
Helen Hamil
May 15, 2025
Helen R. Hamil (Roadman)
Helen R. Hamil passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord, on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at her great niece’s home surrounded by her family. Helen was born on September 14, 1931 in Stahlstown, PA to Norman and Irene (Erwin) Roadman. She graduated from Ligonier Valley Senior High School in 1949. Helen then attend the Western...
Lugene Wiley
May 10, 2025
Lugene (Heiser) Wiley, 70, of Ligonier, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025. She was born December 4, 1954, in Johnstown to Eugene Heiser Sr. and the late Lois (Flowers) Heiser.
Lugene was a lifelong member of the Waterford Christian Church. She began her working career at Bev’s Floral Shoppe in Johnstown, and spent nearly a decade working at the Ligonier Sheetz,...
Carol King
May 6, 2025
Carol L. King, 58, of Ligonier died Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at home. She was born in Tampa, FL to Marthelle D. Lowen and the late Paul G. Lowen, Jr. In addition to her father, she was predeceased by her husband, Edward E. King.
Carol is survived by her mother, Marthelle D. Lowen; her aunt, Mary Ann (Ronald) Ackerman; uncles, Leonard...

George Stephen Kozar
May 6, 2025
George Stephen Kozar (72), died on May 6, 2025, peacefully at Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg, PA with family members at his side. He was the oldest son of George and Mary (Muchesko) Kozar. George, a lifelong resident of Ligonier, was a 1971 graduate of Ligonier Valley High School. He also received a diploma in Retail Distribution from the Hiram G. Andrews...
Joseph Vella
Apr 29, 2025
Joseph "Joe" Vella, a cherished member of his community and beloved family man, was born on February 3, 1971, and sadly passed away on April 29th, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy enriched by his passion for cooking, and a profound love for family. Joe's career as a software developer saw him rise to the esteemed position of President at...
Nancy Monticue
Apr 18, 2025
Nancy A. Monticue peacefully passed away on April 18, 2025, at the age of 85. Born December 17, 1939, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness and warmth that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She had been a resident at Beacon Ridge Nursing for the last three years
She cherished spending time with her loved ones. Her enthusiasm for...
Ray Hood
Mar 1, 2025
Ray Hood, born on July 5, 1956, a resident of Florida, formerly of Stahlstown, Pa., left this world tragically and unexpectedly on March 1, 2025.
Ray is survived by his loving mother, Martha Hood, and his cherished brother, Rex Hood and wife (Joann). Their bond with Ray was profound, woven through shared experiences, laughter, and the warmth of unconditional love. He...
Brenda L. Beal
Feb 22, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Brenda L. Beal (Ross) 82 of Ligonier, PA. She passed peacefully on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
She was very skilled in operations and held many secretarial and administrative positions at various companies including Westland Dairy, Farabaugh Chevrolet, Auberle Behavioral Health, and was the co-owner of the Ligonier Subway for a...
Herbert Parke
Feb 21, 2025
Herbert C. Parke Jr., a proud veteran and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on April 15, 1931, in East Pike Run Township, Pennsylvania, Herbert dedicated his life to his family and his country.
A retired veteran of the United States Air Force, Herbert served for 20 years, demonstrating an unwavering...
Jim Brown
Feb 15, 2025
James "Jim" Robert Brown, a beloved member of the Ligonier community, passed away on February 15, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on January 12, 1943, in Ligonier, PA, Jim was a lifelong resident of the town he cherished. A proud graduate of Ligonier Valley High School, he was admired for his generous spirit and warm heart.
He leaves behind...

Howard Bitzer
Feb 15, 2025
Howard C. Bitzer of Ligonier passed away on February 15, 2025 at Independence Hospital Latrobe.
He was born September 2, 1926 in Pittsburgh to the late Theodore and Emma (Redling) Bitzer.
Graduated from Peabody High School class of 1944. He was a Navy veteran served in the Pacific. He graduated from California State College. Retired from Westinghouse Pittsburgh.
In addition to...
Galvin Leighty
Feb 14, 2025
Galvin "Peep" Leighty, born on October 19, 1959, in Latrobe, PA, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025. He was a beloved member of the community and a dedicated participant at Bethel Lutheran Church in Latrobe, as well as a cherished member of the Seniors of Stahlstown.
Galvin's life was filled with fond memories created through simple joys. He appreciated the...
Betty Roberts
Feb 13, 2025
Betty C. Roberts (Born Elizabeth Jean Craig, affectionately known as “Betsy” to her mother) entered peacefully into the arms of her Lord on the evening of February 13, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by her family. Though the last few years had been hard as her memory and speech were very affected by her dementia, her spirit remained...
William Gross
Feb 11, 2025
Willy Gross, a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away on February 11, 2025, at the age of 77. Born on September 4, 1947, he graced this world with his kindness and welcoming spirit. Willy was a devoted member of the Light on the Hill Outreach Church, where he actively participated and lent his support to the community he...