Ethan Conte

Ethan Conte, (56) born March 10, 1969, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh surrounded by his family. Ethan, formerly of Ellwood City lived at Canterbury Place in Lawrenceville and was the son of the late Louis “Lou” Conte Sr and Sally (Ottaviani) Conte.

He is survived by his brothers; Louis Conte Jr and his wife Mary of Highlands Ranch, CO; Randall Conte of Englewood, CO; Kevin Conte and his wife Sandy of Phoenix, AZ; Jeffrey Conte and his wife Jill of Moon Twp, PA; his nieces Jacqlyn Conte, Jenna Conte, Allaire Conte, Kallie Kelly and her husband Zachary Kelly. Ethan is also survived by two uncles, Norman and Joseph Ottaviani.

Born and raised in Ellwood City, Ethan was a graduate of West Mayfield Christian School. He also attended the New Castle Vocational-Technical School of Culinary Arts. Following graduation, Ethan enjoyed working for Burger King in Ellwood City.

Growing up with four brothers, Ethan quickly grew into an avid sports fan, developing a love for Notre Dame football and all Pittsburgh teams black and gold. He was a sportsman himself, competing in Special Olympics and won numerous trophies and medals in bowling, track, basketball, and field hockey.

His greatest achievements came when he met his best friend and coach Robbie Kissick in 4-H who introduced him to horseback riding. Under Rob’s guidance Ethan became an accomplished equestrian, winning numerous local, state, national and international competitions. He won Special Olympics state championships in Pennsylvania and Kentucky. These events qualified him for the International Special Olympics where he went on to win two gold medals. He was also a Pennsylvania 4-H district qualifier in barrel racing, keyhole, and pole bending, which were not affiliated with Special Olympics.

Ethan completed the Global Messengers Training Program and with the assistance of his coach and brother, Jeffrey, gave presentations to civic organizations and college students on Downs Syndrome. He also volunteered as an assistant in Jeffrey’s classroom teaching special needs kindergartners how to read.

He had a remarkable memory for birthdays and served as the family calendar, keeping his family on track of upcoming occasions. He had a love of music and an incredible memory for music trivia, which developed at an early age while listening to and memorizing songs from Casey Kasem’s countdown every Saturday night. He rarely lost an 80’s trivia contest. He loved to play games and watch movies with family, and did mean impersonations of Elvis, Dracula, Forest Gump, and others. He was a devout Catholic and patriot and would always end grace with “God bless the Troops.”

Ethan was an extraordinary person, spreading unconditional love and understanding toward others, and made instant friends wherever he went.

Friends may call on the family on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 4:00PM-7:00PM at Turner-Hyde Funeral & Cremation Services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday December 12, 2025, at Divine Grace Parrish-Holy Redeemer Church in Ellwood City, with Father James Wehner, celebrating the mass.

Entombment will be in Holy Redeemer Cemetery inside the St. Peter Mausoleum after the mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made in Ethan’s name to:

Storm Harbor Equestrian Center, c/o SRU Foundation Inc, 104 Maltby Ave, Slippery Rock, PA 16057. Checks should be made payable to “SRU Foundation Inc.” You may also use the following link www.srufoundation.org/stormharbor

Special Olympics of Lawrence County, PO BOX 5505 New Castle, PA 16101

Arrangements entrusted to the TURNER-HYDE FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICED located at 6thand Park in Ellwood City.