Veronica Pacella, aged 67, passed away after a courageous six-year battle with cancer on August 31,2024. A dedicated community leader, journalist, and library advocate, she leaves behind a legacy of service and commitment to her hometown of Ellwood City.
Born on May 12,1957 to Arthur and Edith (Rocco) Pacella, she was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 1975. Veronica furthered her education at Slippery Rock University, graduating in 1979. Her professional journey began at the Ellwood City Ledger, where she quickly made history as the youngest and first woman editor of the newspaper in 1981 . A position she would have for almost 20 years.
After leaving the Ledger, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of opening “The Bookseller” book store in Zelienople, where she shared her love of literature with the community. After the bookstore closed, she spent a short time as a teller at ESB Bank in Zelienople.
In 2002, she became the director of the Ellwood City Area Public Library. Under her leadership, the library not only moved to its current location but also flourished as a hub of community
engagement and education. The challenge of completing this project and doing so without the library having to incur the burden of a mortgage was among her proudest career achievements.
During her 20-year tenure as director, her efforts were recognized statewide. The Ellwood City Area Public Library has been the recipient of five Best Practices Awards from the Pennsylvania Library Association for early learning and early development programs, as well as a David J. Roberts EXCEL Library Service Award, and earning national recognition for its programs
in 2023.
Love of the written word was a constant theme in her life. Her passion for books and reading drove her to inspire a whole new generation of readers through the programs she helped to create at the library. That generation, and the generations they will raise instilled with a love of reading, is her greatest legacy that she leaves behind.
Veronica was preceded in death by both of her parents and her beloved pet dog Trevor.
She is survived by her loving family: sister Rosalind, brother John, nephews Jeremy and Daniel (Emily), and great niece Caroline, to whom she was the godmother.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Blessing Service at 12:30p.m. at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., with Father Jim Wehner officiating. Interment will be at the Holy Redeemer Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Ellwood City Area Public Library (ECAPL) to continue her passion for promoting literacy and education. Donations can be made at: www.ellwoodcitylibrary.com
8 Comments
David and I are so sorry to learn of Veronica’s passing. We have wonderful memories of this very special lady and are happy to know she is no longer suffering. We send our love to her family at this difficult time.
Dear Roz and John, So sorry for your loss of your sister’s passing. May you find peace and comfort in the days and weeks ahead. With our sympathy, Tom and Sue
To Ms. Pacella’s family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Beloved sister.
She was such a beautiful soul and I will remember her fondly from the library.
Please keep a Faith in God and He will help you along the days and months ahead.
Just know that you will all be reunited with her again someday when the time is right.
Godspeed,
Kevin L. Hamilton
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Veronica. We have been in school together since kindergarden!!! She will be truely missed by all who knew her.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
Chris(Maielli) and Gary MacDonald
My deepest and most sincere condolences. Veronica was always the nicest person. She always had a smile, may she rest in peace.
Veronica leaves a legacy unmatched in her dedication of the Ellwood library. She followed a dream and made it happen. Her heart and soul will always be remembered in our community. God bless you Veronica. You make us very proud
To Veronica’s family, you have my deepest condolences for your loss. I remember fondly her selflessly and patiently answering my questions as an inquisitive kid cousin.
With sympathy,
David
So sorry to hear of your loss. Veronica was a classmate of mine and was a caring, , devoted and positive young lady who would help anyone in need. My most beautiful memory in those days is of us participating in the Church’s Living Stations , and all of the fun’ and fears that went with it. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of her family.
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