March 2023

Dorothy L. “Dot” Holsopple, 82, a lifelong resident of Austin, PA went to be with the Lord, February 12, 2023, with her family by her side.

Family and Friends are invited to pay their respects, Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Austin United Methodist Church, 26 Turner St., Austin , PA.  A memorial service will follow at 1:00 pm with Rev. Todd Lamer, officiating.

The family has entrusted Dorothy’s arrangements to the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East Street, Coudersport, PA 16915. To share a memory or condolence visit www.thomasfickinger.com.

Mary E. Rieder, 84, of 72 Erie Avenue, St. Marys, PA passed away Friday, March 3, 2023 at Elk Haven Nursing Home.

Mary was born on September 11, 1938 in St. Marys.  She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Sweener Grasser. She was a lifelong resident of the area and attended St. Marys Schools.

Mary is survived by two daughters, Melissa Rieder (Mike Mertz) and Cynthia Rieder, both of St. Marys; 10 grandchildren: Nichole, Kristy, Amber, Brittany, Kelsey, Ashley, Rachel, Brandon, Nathan, and Shawn; and 9 great-grandchildren: Ava, Kennedy, Lyla, Wyatt, Carter, Cade, Emilia, Spencer, and Rylen.  

Along with her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Beth Auman, in 2006; and her brother, Joseph Grasser, in 2001.

Mary worked at Walmart in St. Marys for many years until retiring.  Mary enjoyed spending time at Penn Highlands Adult Day Center where she made wonderful friends and memories.  She found great joy in listening to classic country music, especially the music of Elvis Presley.  Anyone that knew Mary knew she was an avid collector of all things Elvis.  She also enjoyed coloring and completing word puzzles.  

Funeral services for Mary will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Penn Highlands Adult Day Services, 625 Maurus Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.

Norman A.”Doc” Hicks, DDS, 92, a longtime resident of Coudersport, PA went to be with the Lord, on Monday, March 6, 2023, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.

Born on Sunday, March 23, 1930 in Canandaigua, New York, he was a son of Arthur and Hollace “Holly” Cutting Hicks.  On June 30, 1956 in Peterboro, New York, he married Lois Langberg, who survives.

Doc was a graduate of Manlius Military Academy in Manlius, New York.  He was a US Army veteran having served during the Korean War from July 7, 1949 to September 11, 1952.  He graduated from Oswego State Teacher’s College and was employed as an Industrial Arts teacher for a few years.  He continued his education at the University of Buffalo where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery, graduating in 1972.  For two years, he had a practice in Dansville, New York, then moving to St. Marys, Pa., where he practiced until retiring in the early 1990’s.

After his retirement, Doc, along with his wife, relocated to Coudersport to be close to their church, the Gospel Tabernacle in Coudersport. 

Doc was a member of the Gospel Tabernacle, where he was active in the Men’s prayer group.  He enjoyed woodworking, using his skills in the building of the Gospel Tabernacle.  He was always striving to invent something having succeeded in inventing the “speedy splitter”  which helped him in his enjoyment of splitting wood.  He was an avid reader, especially reading his Bible.  He always carried Bible verses with him.  He loved gardening and being outdoors in “God’s Country”. 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 66 years; a son, David (Joelle) Hicks of Uniontown, OH; a daughter, Lisa (Mark) Swartzentruber of North Canton, OH; five grandchildren, Joshua Hicks, Caleb Hicks, Michael (Abigail) Swartzentruber, Madison Swartzentruber, and Morgan Swartzentruber; a brother, Gilbert Hicks of Hawaii; two sisters, Christel Lawson of South Carolina and Analine Hicks of New York; and several nieces and nephews.

Doc was predeceased by his parents.

Family and friends may call from 12 noon to 1pm on Saturday, March 11, 2023, in the Gospel Tabernacle, 420 Rt 6W, Coudersport, where a celebration of life will follow at 1pm with Pastor John Minor, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Doc’s name may be made to the Gospel Tabernacle House of Hope, 420 Rt 6W, Coudersport, PA 16915.

Doc’s final arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Doc, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Victor S. “ Sonny” Marchese, 83, of Ridgway, PA who departed this world early Sunday morning, March 5, 2023, at Elk Haven Nursing Home, St. Marys following a brief illness. He was born on September 11, 1939 in Johnsonburg, a son to the late Vito and Ameilia Franco Marchese, and spent his childhood there.

As a young man, Victor moved to Niagara Falls, NY and attended high school and college. After college, he worked in the financial services sector in New York City before settling back in Ridgway. At home in Ridgway he was known for his tax preparation and bookkeeping business and he was admired for his talent. He had just completed many tax returns in the weeks prior to his passing.

Victor was a beloved member of his family and a cherished friend to the community. His passing has left a void in the hearts of many that can never be filled and he will be deeply missed. He had a passion for model ship building, reading, gardening and he excelled at cooking. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Sunday football games were a religious experience for him.

Victor is survived by his brother Joe Marchese and his wife Ginny, a nephew Russ Marchese and his girlfriend Michelle, a niece Tracy Marchese and her husband Richard, an uncle Michael Marchese and aunts Angie Jacobs and her husband Eugene and Geraldine O’Leary and her husband Don and numerous cousins.

In addition to his parents, Victor is predeceased by many aunts, uncles and friends.

A Memorial Mass for Victor S. Marchese will be conducted at Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 10 AM with Father David Wilson, Pastor as celebrant. There will be no visitation. Interment will be private in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Johnsonburg.

Arrangements are under direction of the Anthony F Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Chestnut Street Johnsonburg, PA.

If desired, memorial contributions can be made in his name to Elk Haven Nursing Home, 785 Johnsonburg Rd., St. Marys, PA 15857 as the family wishes to thank them for the care Victor has received there over the past years.

Elizabeth R. “Betty” Finnessy, 100, of Duke Center, PA passed away Thursday (March 2, 2023) following a brief illness.

​Betty was born Feb. 18, 1923, in New Castle, the daughter of Dr. Jay L. and Jessie N. Reed. She married John J. “Jim” Finnessy Jr. on Sept. 11, 1943, at Camp Roberts in Paso Robles, Calif.

​Mrs. Finnessy was a 1941 graduate of New Castle High School. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Grove City College in 1948, following her husband’s return from active duty in World War II. 

While at Grove City College she was a member of Pi Gamma Mu and was elected May Queen by the student body in 1948.

​She was employed by Lawrence Park School District prior to moving to Duke Center in 1958, when her husband, Jim, was hired as principal of Otto-Eldred Jr. Sr. High School.

​Mrs. Finnessy was a member of the United Methodist Church in Duke Center, United Methodist Women Society, Duke Center Garden and Study Club, Bridge Club and Otto-Eldred Sports Boosters.

​Mrs. Finnessy is survived by her four children, Dr. John (Sandi) Finnessy of Colorado Springs, Colo., Mr. Greg (Nancy) Finnessy of Chuluota, Fla., Mrs. Nancy (Griff) Bell of Bennett, Colo. and Mrs. Debra (Victor) Buccella of Hamilton, Ont., Canada; seven grandchildren, Lauren (John) Gentry, Kia (Mike) Olson, Scott (Ivy) Finnessy, Kelly (Preston) Kinney, Jay Bell (Kendra Spanjer), Shannon (Dillon) Louderback and Christopher Buccella; along with eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Esther Reed of New Wilmington and Teri Reed of Fairfield, Calif.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

​She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Jay L. Jessie Reed; husband, Jim in 2000; granddaughter, Kathryn F. Proud in 2005; and brothers, Col. John C. Reed in 2008 and Dr. Robert C. Reed in 2021; sister-in-law, Betty F. Combes in 1993 and brother-in-law Jack H. Combes in 2009.

​Betty was a dedicated, caring and loving wife and mother who supported her family in all their endeavors throughout life with strength and encouragement.

​A memorial service will be held at Castle View Memorial Gardens in New Castle, where a private burial will take place at the convenience of the family. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Duke Center United Methodist Church, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

​Online condolences may be made at www.framefuneralhome.com.

The Finnessy family would like to thank the community for all the love and support of their family through their years of residing in Duke Center.

Raymond D. Himmelreich, 74, of CCC Road, Westline, PA passed away Friday (Mar. 3, 2023) in his home, with family by his side.

Born Nov. 27, 1948, in Reading, PA, he was a son of John W. and Anna Nichlas Himmelreich. On Feb. 23, 1974, in Oley, PA, he married Susan L. Levan, who survives.  They were married 49 years.

Raymond was a graduate of Oley Valley High School, class of 1968.  

He was a veteran, having served with the US Army, during the Vietnam War. 

He was employed with Diesel Service of Reading, PA, as a diesel mechanic, before his retirement. 

Raymond was a resident of the Westline area for 10 years coming from Berk County, PA.

He was a volunteer and board member of the Kinzua Valley Trail Club. Raymond also enjoyed hunting and his wife enjoyed hunting with him. 

Surviving in addition to his wife, Susan, are two sons, Jess D. (Claire) Himmelreich of Reading, PA, Jeremy R. Himmelreich of Fleetwood, PA; a daughter, Jan L. (Ross) Howard of Port Allegany; 4 grandchildren; a brother, Mark Himmelreich of Pennsylvania, two sisters, Mary (Harry) Quinter of Florida, and Cena Himmelreich of Pennsylvania; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, John and George Himmelriech; and two sisters, Barbara Kissinger and Linda Reider.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials can be made to the Kinzua Valley Trail Club, 31 CCC Rd., Village of Westline, Mt. Jewett, PA 16740.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany.

Condolences can be made to:  Susan L. Himmelreich, 175 CCC Rd.  Westline, PA. 16740

Mary Lou Hoffman, 94, formerly of Port Allegany, PA passed away Thursday (March 2, 2023) in Sena Kean Manor.

Born March 24, 1928, in Keating Township, PA, she was a daughter of Clarence D. and Hazel I. Burdick Church.

Mary Lou was a lifetime resident of the area and attended both Smethport & Bradford schools, graduating from Bradford High School, class of 1946. 

She had worked for George’s Restaurant, Roulette, as a bookkeeper for Bidwell-Chev Olds, Port Allegany, Carlson’s General Store, Turtlepoint, and with McKean County VNA, as a home health aide, before retiring. 

She was a member of the  former Evangelical United Methodist Church, Port Allegany, where she played the organ & piano and was choir director for several years. She also played piano & organ for several area churches over the years.

She enjoyed knitting, sewing, and embroidery, as well as growing flowers and working puzzles. Most of all, she enjoyed her family, who she knitted slippers and dish cloths whenever needed.

Mary Lou was very sociable and enjoyed visiting with family & friends.

Surviving are two sons, Ralph E. Hoffman of Port Allegany, Royce E. (Diane) Hoffman of Martinez, GA; three daughters, Sharon D. Parrish of Zephyrhills, Fl, Scarlett D. (Lester) Pardoe of Forksville, PA, Eunice R. (Scott) Freer of Cyclone; 15 grandchildren, several great-grand-children, and several great-great grandchildren; a brother, Roy (Dorothy) Church of Chaffee, NY; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, a granddaughter, Amy Hoffman, three brothers: Wayne, Ronald, and Glenn Church; two sisters, Donna Fiedler and Twila Best; and a son-in-law, Phillip Parrish.

Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Wednesday in the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany, where a funeral service will be held Thursday (Mar. 9, 2023) at 11 a.m. with Rev. Allen Young, pastor of the East Smethport United Christian Church, officiating. Burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery, Smethport.

Memorials can be made to the Port Allegany Senior Center.

Condolences can be made Eunice R. Freer,  P.O. Box 113,  Cyclone, PA 16726