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NESHANNOCK TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- Charlene Toni Fraley Lofaro passed away Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, at her home.
Charlene was born Jan. 9, 1954, in New Castle, Pa., a daughter of the late William and Isabelle Rzymski Fraley.
She attended St. Mary's parochial school and, ultimately, was a 1971 graduate of Union High School, where she was homecoming queen. After high school, she graduated from Sharon General Hospital School of Nursing in 1975, becoming a registered nurse.
Charlene worked for over 30 years for her former husband's construction company, Joe Lofaro Concrete, meticulously doing accounting and payroll. She was also the secretary for the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Vienna for 18 years and was an avid volunteer for their soup kitchen in Warren during that time.
Charlene was a member of Holy Spirit Parish-St. Mary Church, New Castle, Pa.
Charlene enjoyed feeding the birds in her backyard, tending to her flowers and home, and spending time with family. She loved the beauty of fall and the cool weather. One of her favorite places to visit was Gettysburg, where her love of history came to life. She leaves many memories of cabin stays at Pymatuning State Park, going shopping in Volant, Pa., and attending many craft shows with her sisters. She had a sweet tooth until her final days.
Known to her family as "Dee Dee," her biggest love was family, and she dedicated her life to her daughter, Susie Lofaro of Pittsburgh, and was overjoyed spending time with her granddaughter, Lucy. She was the beloved sister-in-law to Anthony Croak and treasured aunt to Joe Sudrovic, Alexis Stoner and Lori Sye, who was also her goddaughter, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews. She was warm and loving to everyone in her life.
In addition to her parents, Charlene was preceded in death by her beloved sisters, Gayle Cione and Susan Croak; nephews, Michael and William Scott Stoner; her best friend, John Clark; and many cats over the years.
Throughout the course of life, Charlene, Gayle and Susan were like three peas in a pod together, now united again.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local St. Vincent de Paul Society in her honor.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.
A funeral service for family and friends will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, at St. Mary's Cemetery Chapel, New Castle, Pa.
Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Union Township, Pa.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle, Pa.
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