Come To Sew Much More In Coudersport
March 2023
Think About It
What Is Truth?
by
Pastor B.J. Knefley
What is truth? From the time we get up in the morning to the time we go to bed at night we are bombarded with information that is seemingly true. Truth, or things that seem to be true come at us through social media, news outlets and a host of other ways too numerous to mention. I remember a time when the evening news was presented as “All the news you needed to hear”. Today news is big business and you can watch it 24/7.
I read something on social media the other day that seemed to be true and I wanted to share it, unfortunately I couldn’t verify its truthfulness. Yet that didn’t stop a lot of others from sharing it, and that’s part of the problem. We share what we think is true and what we think is often no more than opinion, and opinions have a great deal of influence over individuals and society.
We live in a time when image is everything. For example, people generally present a positive image on social media. They’re on vacation, enjoying great scenery and company. In fact, if you look at their posts, you’re bound to wonder why their life is so great while yours is so dull? Not many people show the ugly parts of their life, only the good. Remember, opinions are interpretations of what we’ve seen, heard and touched. By this we can conclude many things to be true only to have them be proven false under closer scrutiny.
A number of years ago Josh McDonald wrote a book called “Evidence That Demands a Verdict”, in it he presents evidence for the truthfulness of the Bible. Although it’s been years since I read it, I am reminded how it challenged many opinions that I had about the Bible and God. I realized that truth isn’t always convenient. In fact, sometimes it’s very annoying. Perhaps that’s part of the problem, we like convenient truth. Truth that makes us feel good about ourselves and gives the false image that we’re important and significant. Perhaps we have learned to hide behind a mask. Just because we believe something doesn’t make it true. Truth will not always make you feel warm and fuzzy, sometimes it will hurt. Think about it.
Bradford Dispatched for Possible House Fire
At 10:10 PM on Thursday, Bradford Firefighters have been called to 168 Bennett Street for a possible house fire.
PORT ALLEGANY RECOGNIZED FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The Port Allegany School District was recognized for their efforts to enhance the educational outcomes of students at the 2023 Pennsylvania Department of Education Conference in Hershey, PA on March 2nd.
Pictured left to right: Bureau Director of Special Education for PDE Carole Clancy, PASD Student Services Coordinator, Greg Oliver, Port Allegany High School Teacher, Matt Lawton, Port Allegany Elementary School Teacher, Carri Madison and Director of PaTTAN East, Rebecca Fogle
PITT-BRADFORD STUDENTS ON SPRING BREAK MARCH 4-12
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford students will be on spring break March 4 through 12.
The university will close administrative offices on March 10 for a spring holiday.
Offices will reopen and classes will resume March 13.
Hanley Library will be closed March 4-5 and March 10-12. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 6-9. Regular hours will resume March 13.
The Marilyn Horne Museum Exhibit Center and Café in Marilyn Horne Hall in downtown Bradford will remain open. Regular museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Regular café hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Coudersport Fire Dept. Dispatched For Structure Fire At Morgan AMT
On March 2, at 9:05 pm Coudersport Fire Dept. was dispatched to E. Second St. at Morgan AMT for a commercial building fire.
Port Allegany, Roulette, Galeton mutual aid companies requested to scene.
10:05 PM Fire Out. Turned over to maintenance.
David E. “Curley” Walters, 100, of Chapel Ridge, and formerly of 25 South 2nd Street, Bradford, PA
David E. “Curley” Walters, 100, of Chapel Ridge, and formerly of 25 South 2nd Street, Bradford, PA passed away, Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born February 28, 1923, in Grove City, he was a son of the late James B. and Edna I. (Monjar) Walters.
On January 20, 1946, he married the late Mary “Polly” E. (Taylor) Walters, who passed away, September 10, 2014.
Curley was a 1942 graduate of Bradford Area High School and attended Thiel College.
David joined the Union Lodge #334 in 1951, in 1953 he became a member of the Valley of Coudersport Consistory, in 1962 joined the Orak Gratto, Charter member of McKean County Roadrunners, Ft. Myers Beach Shriners Club, Clarion Co. Shriners Club, the American Legion, the Bradford Club and Ph. D. member of the Ismallia Shriners of Olean, the Bradford Senior Center, a 60 year member of ZemZem Shriners and McKean Co. Shriners, was a past member of the Bradford Royal Arch Chapter 260, Knights Temple and Trinity Commander #4.
In his free time he enjoyed helping older people and children with special needs. He also enjoyed cooking and playing poker.
David served in the U.S. Army Air Force as a pilot from 1942 to 1947. After the service, he worked in the oil fields and at Zippo Mfg. In 1952 he formed Walters & Sons Excavating Business, along with Smethport Excavating for 60 plus years. He was an independent Oil & Gas producer in Venango and McKean Counties. He plowed snowed at Tops Market for 41 years and owned DewMar Trailer Sales, Walter Leasing & Rental and Bradford Leasing. In 1960 he worked on the Kinzua Dam construction.
Surviving is one son, James (Nancy) Walters, of Lewis Run, and one granddaughter, Shelby (Terry) Fuqua, of Bradford.
Curley was preceded in death by his parents, wife, an infant daughter, Denese, and infant son, Ernest and one brother, Robert L. Walters.
Family will be receiving friends on Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 4pm to 5pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 372 E. Main St., followed by funeral services at 5pm with Rev. Jay Tennies, Pastor of the Hill Memorial United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children PO Box 616 Bradford, PA 16701 or Shriner’s Crippled Children Hospital 1645 8th St. Erie, PA 16505, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Albert A. Prechtl “Al”, 91, of 759 St. Joseph Road, St. Marys, PA
Albert A. Prechtl “Al”, 91, of 759 St. Joseph Road, St. Marys, PA, peacefully passed away at his daughter Christine’s home in Florida on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.
Albert entered into eternal life surrounded by his family. Albert was born on March 18, 1931 to the late Frederick and Viola Krieg Prechtl of Daguscahonda, PA. Albert proudly attended the Daguscahonda Schoolhouse in Daguscahonda. He then continued his education at the Winslow farm in Benezette, PA, where he got an education from Mr. and Mrs. Winslow; he enjoyed learning all aspects of life and farming.
With $10.00 in his pocket, received from his father, and lots of love and determination, he married the love of his life, Cecilia M. Nicklas, on December 15, 1951 at the Sacred Heart Church in St. Marys. They were blessed with 63 years of marriage until her passing in July 2014.
In 1961, Albert and Cecilia started Elk Cameron Bus Lines, transporting local students to and from St. Marys schools and local factory office workers to and from their homes for their lunch hour breaks. In addition, they offered shopping trips to New York City and patrol boy trips to Washington, D.C.
In 1963, Al and Cecilia founded St. Marys Equipment Company lnc., an International Harvester Dealer, selling and servicing all International Harvester lines along with a Chrysler, Plymouth, and Dodge Dealership.
In 1983, due to the local carbon factories’ demand for hauling, Al and Cecilia started Eagle Express Trucking Company, lnc., to assist in many local transportation needs. He retired after 48 years of owning and operating several successful businesses. AI had a strong work ethic that he shared with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. To ensure his family was well cared for, he’d work seven days a week to provide for them. His proudest moment was being a father of his five children. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and entertaining family and friends at their second residence on East Branch Dam. Al and Cecilia also enjoyed traveling a great deal
Albert was a member of the Sacred Heart Church.
Albert is survived by his five children: Christine Prechtl of Floral City, FL, Wayne Prechtl (Rita) of St. Marys, Edwin Prechtl and his companion, Amy, of Nobelton, FL, Louis Prechtl of St. Marys, and Jacqueline Pearsall (Michael) of St. Marys.
Albert is also survived by five grandchildren: Shari Walton (John), Dana Prechtl, Andrea Hanes (Jason), Savannah Pearsall, and Michael Pearsall, Jr.
He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Corey and Tre’von Walton, Brandon, Gracie, Julian, and Ethan Prechtl, Willow and Meadow Hanes; and one great-great-grandchild, Jayvien Walton.
He is survived by two brothers: Fred Prechtl (Mary Ann) and Thomas Prechtl (Margaret); by three sisters: Mary Samick, Helen Lenox, and Margaret Gerg (Babe); a sister-in-law, Cindy Prechtl; a brother-in-law, Ed Saline; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents and wife, Albert was preceded in death by two brothers: Richard “Dickey” Prechtl and Kenneth Prechtl; three sisters: Freda Cassels, Carolyn Saline, and Shirley in infancy; his father and mother-in-law, Jerome and Dorothy Nicklas; sisters-in-law: Marie (Thomas) Walker, Francis (Richard) Zimmerman; and brother-in-law, Paul (Patricia) Nicklas.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Sacred Heart Church on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 12:00PM with the Rev. Thomas Curry, OSB, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 10:00AM until 11:30AM.
Four of Albert’s great-grandsons, Corey Walton, Brandon, Julian, and Ethan Prechtl, a grandson, Michael Pearsall and great-grandnephew, Rylan Zimmerman, will be Pallbearers. A hymn will be sung by John Walton.
Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com .
Brandon Michael Zurckan, 31, of Warren, PA
Brandon Michael Zurckan, 31, of Warren, PA died Wednesday morning, March 1, 2023.
A complete obituary will be announced when available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA.
Rose L. Szymanski, 81, of Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA
Rose L. Szymanski, 81, of Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA passed away at her home on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, following a lengthy illness.
She was born on January 31, 1942 in Ridgway, a daughter of the late Oralio Dallasen and Rose Bertolasio Agosti.
Rose was a lifelong resident of the area and member of Queen of the World Church. She worked for Sylvania for many years and following her retirement, she worked at Walmart. She dearly loved her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. She also enjoyed reading, playing cards, and visiting with the Red Hatters. She also enjoyed traveling, especially her trip to Italy.
She is survived by one son; Thomas Szymanski and his wife Christine of St. Marys; and by her three beloved grandchildren; Bradley, Christian, and Ty. She is also survived by three siblings; Theodore (Janet) Dallasen of St. Marys, Connie Dallasen of Brockport, and Patty Garrett of SC, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral and Committal Services for Rose L. Szymanski are being held privately and at the convenience of the family.
Memorial Contributions may be made to a favorite charity.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com
Harold E. Nolt, 72, of a longtime resident of Coudersport, PA
“beloved father, grandfather, and companion”
Harold E. Nolt, 72, a longtime resident of Coudersport, PA passed away on Monday, February 27, 2023, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.
Born on Wednesday, September 13, 1950 in Lancaster County, he was a son Roy and Emma Nolt.
Harold was a hard worker. He hauled milk and worked on the Irish Farms in Coudersport. He, along with Jean, split and sold tons of firewood, mowed lawns, and plowed snow.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, snowmobiling, riding 4-wheelers, and having a good beer. He loved his animals.
Surviving are a daughter, Whenonah M. Nolt of Drifting; a son, Joshua D. Nolt of York; a grandson, Kalieb Tanner Foehlinger; a granddaughter, Nova Autumn Foehlinger; his companion of 29 years, Jean Ditzler of Coudersport; a brother, Glen (Pauline) Nolt of Lancaster; a niece; and two nephews.
In addition to his parents, Harold was predeceased by a sister, Joyce Hoover.
In keeping with Harold’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or services. His ashes will be spread on “his hill” he so loved in Coudersport.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Harold’s final arrangements have been entrusted to 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 Harold, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Ellen A. Ruffolo, 87, of Warren, PA
Beloved friend, mother, and community servant
Ellen A. Ruffolo, 87, of Warren, PA died at Hospice House on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, after an extended illness.
She was born August 20, 1935, in Burlington, VT. Ellen was the daughter of Harold George and Emma Douglas Austin. She had resided in Warren since 1980.
Ellen was a graduate of Burlington High School and the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Ellen was employed with the Mental Health Clinic in Warren County, Warren General Hospital from 1983 and retired from Hospice of Warren County in 2014.
Her life was devoted to her community; she served on the boards of Hospice of Warren County, the Transit Authority of Warren County, the League of Women Voters, and other bodies. She volunteered at the Warren Library, the Crary Gallery, and in many other civic groups as well.
She is survived by 3 children and their spouses, 2 brothers, 1 granddaughter, several nieces, and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert.
She will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Service will be conducted at the family’s convenience.
Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Paws Along the River, 212 Elm Street, Warren, PA., 16365 or Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Avenue, www.hospiceofwarrencounty.org Warren, PA. 16365.
E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA., has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Mary “Mert” Dillon, 66, of Emporium, PA
Mary “Mert” Dillon, 66, of Emporium, PA passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at Penn Highlands Elk Hospital on Monday, February 28, 2023 following a brief illness.
Mert was born October 21, 1956, in Saint Marys to the late Jack and Anna “Nunny” (Gennocro) Guisto. She graduated from Cameron County High School in the class of 1974, and married Dennis Dillon on May 5, 1990. They made their home on Spring Street in the Emporium Borough.
For years, she managed the Crescent Hotel, the family business, and later the Cameron County Vets Club until her retirement in 2011.
Mert was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and was well-loved by her large family and numerous friends. She will be greatly missed by many people in the community. She enjoyed playing cards with her sisters and taking trips to the casino. Most recently, she enjoyed spending time with her granddaughter, Anna.
Mert is survived by her husband, Dennis, her daughters, Justine (Kristine Hughes) Dillon, of Jamestown, New York, and Denise Dillon, and granddaughter, Annalise Dillon of Bradford, PA; sisters Connie (Dick) Jones, of Sanborn, New York, Bev (Joe) Jones, of Emporium, Sandy (Tom) Kossman, of Emporium, Deb (John) Cummings, of Emporium, Mitzi (Scott) Austin, of Emporium, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
She was preceeded in death by her parents, Anna and Jack Guisto, and two brothers, Jack Guisto and Larry Harlan.
Services will be held March 4, 2023, at the Barnett Funeral Home, 207 E. 4th St., Emporium from 2-4 pm followed by a luncheon at the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department from 4-6 pm. Mert’s ashes will be spread at her family homestead in Rich Valley at the convenience of the family.
Memorials can be made to the Cameron County SPCA at 678 South Mountain Road, Emporium, PA.
Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net
BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.
Ruth E. “Boodie” Burfield, 101, of Ridgway, PA
Ruth E. “Boodie” Burfield, 101, of Ridgway, PA died on Monday, February 27, 2023, at Elk Haven Nursing Home after a brief illness.
On September 7, 1921, in Ridgway, she was born a daughter to the late Charles H. and Emma Prowbst Sherwood.
In 1942, she married the late Donald R. Burfield, who preceded her in death in 1973.
Boodie was a lifelong resident and a member of Faith United Church of Christ. She was well traveled and loved taking trips with her son. Boodie enjoyed sitting on her porch feeding the birds.
Ruth is survived by 4 nieces: Beverly Jescheling of AZ(and daughter Diane Jenkins of TX),Cathy Marczewski of WI, Nancy Daily and her husband Pat of WI, and Linda Stather and her husband Doug of FL, 2 nephews: Don Sherwood and his wife Gina of Ridgway and Bob Sherwood and his wife Nancy of MI.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Robert G. Burfield, and 3 brothers: Charles, Ralph, and George Sherwood.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Ridgway Ambulance.
Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com