May 2023

COUDERSPORT, Pa.–John W. Welsh, 80, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, PA passed after a short illness on April 28th,2023. An active member of many area service organizations, supporter of countless local charities, John was rarely without a bundle of raffle tickets to peddle.

He was a member of Potter Post 192 of the American Legion, he held many positions with the Sons of the American legion. Through the years he was active in the Lions Club, the Little Fellas Fish Hatchery, Trout Unlimited, Black Forest Sportsman Club, the Galeton Moose Club, the Austin-Costello Sportsmans Club and many others. 

An avid hunter and fisherman, leek digger and gardener, John was a many faceted person, who later in life developed an insatiable reading habit and was a frequent visitor to the Coudersport Public Library. Through the years he was an accomplished Bowler, having bowled a 299 game at one point, which he was very proud of. He loved Golf also, and I have to say I always enjoyed a round with him, as he made my pitiful game look good.  He was a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, into which he indoctrinated us. Go Bills!  

But to us anyways, the most important aspect of him was that he was our father. Sometimes distant, but always there when you needed him and always warm a smile.

I have written this obituary about 30 times in the last several days. I’m a writer, it’s what I do. But every time I wrote it, it sounded so cold and factual, devoid of all the things that my dad was. Sure, I can list all those in his family that preceded him in death and all the family members still alive and all the places he worked or lived. But really that’s not going to even touch on who he was. 

John was a simple man, born in a simple town, in a simpler time. He adapted to the changes as well as any man, and did the best with what life handed him. He found joy in flowers and stray cats and the sun on a trout stream. 

I could list all the accomplishments that my dad achieved over the years, all the plaques and pen sets, and certificates that he received for his volunteer work, which might give you a hint of his big heart and sense of responsibility to his home and community. But he was bigger than even those. 

My dad was one of the first and I believe only Triplets born in Potter County. In 1942, along with his brother James Welsh, and his sister Janice Welsh Goodwin, were welcomed into this world.

Along with Robert (Butch) Jr, Dorothy Welsh Hershy, Lois Welsh Spoor, they made up quite a clan on Dwight street in Coudersport.

He married Jacqueline Dates(Brewer), soon after high school and my brother Will  Welsh and I (Bryan) soon arrived. After they parted, My dad married Constance Watson, adding a stepson, Henry Watson and a step daughter, June Watson Wiley to his family. Connie passed away in 2013

We are planning a memorial service at Post 192 in Coudersport, possibly in July. If you would like to do something in his memory, make a donation to whatever community group you prefer. 

Because in the end, that’s what dad would have done. 

John’s family entrusted his care and cremation arrangements 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 John, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Peace out and Y’all play nice.

Connie M. DODGE, 67, of Wellsville, NY, passed peacefully Saturday, May 13, 2023 in Wellsville Manor Care Center. 

Born December 13, 1955, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Walter R. and Jane Marie Richards Dodge. 

A 1974 graduate of Wellsville High School, she was employed as an aide by Wellsville Manor. Connie was an aunt to everyone.

Surviving are: a sister, Bonnie Schultz of Albion; nieces, Monica (Donald) Hoy of Albion, Cheryl Dodge of Wellsville, Heidi (George) McMillen of NC, Norma (Justin) Button of Wellsville, and Jade Black of NC; nephews, Thomas Proctor of Wellsville and Kevin (Breanna) Tesmer of Albion; grand-nieces and grand-nephews. 

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Donald “Snoop” Dodge. 

A graveside service in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville will be announced by OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville. 

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Richard L. Armagost, 90, peacefully passed away Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home, with his daughters by his side.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Lawrence B. Mays, 75, of 20 State Street, Bradford, PA passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023, at The Pavilion at BRMC. 

Born February 13, 1948, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Jack Mays and Bernice (Spignard) Emerson-Mays. 

He was a 1968 graduate of Bradford High School.

On December 9, 1967, in the First Church of the Nazarene, he married Josephine “Sue” (Creek) Mays, who preceded him in death on August 26, 2009.

Larry had worked at Rolly Doors, Bells Supermarket, Ventron, Servco Services, and retired from Bradford Regional Medical Center. 

Surviving is one son, Lawrence A. Mays, one brother, Cyril (Pam) Emerson, one sister, Amber Mays, two nephews, Tod (Charlotte) Emerson, and David (Aimee) Emerson, all of Bradford, and several grand nieces and nephews. 

Friends will be received on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 10 am to 11 am in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 33 South Avenue, at which time a memorial service will be held at 11 am with Rev. William Waterman, Pastor of the Grace Lutheran Church, officiating.

Memorial contributions if desired may be made to the American Cancer Society, or the Go Fund Me at https://gofund.me/6c89e74f

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Joseph Barrile, 95, of North Street, Limestone, NY passed away March 28, 2023, at The Pines of Machias, in Machias, NY. 

Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 11 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church, with Rev. John Jacquel, Pastor as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery in Limestone.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Robert “Bob” Bennett, age 83, of Wellsboro, PA, passed away on Friday, May 12, 2023, at the Green Home.

He was born in Nelson to Clair and Carolyn (Starkey) Bennett. Robert married Lana Sykora on January 16, 1965.

Bob was a diesel mechanic tech at Taynton Trucking for many years, drove truck for Baltzley Hardwoods and owned and operated his own excavating, contracting, and paving company. He was a teamster, a pilot who loved to fly, and he also had a great passion for hunting.  He was a member of Ossea Lodge #317 of Wellsboro, and a lifelong resident of the area.

Bob is survived by his 2 sons:  Wayne Bennett (Laura) of Galeton, and Randy Bennett (Kelley) of Sweden Valley; a daughter:  Shelly Cornell (Jeff) of Wellsboro; 7 grandchildren:  Kelsey Bennett, Melanie Blackwell, Ashley Autry, Aaron Burkhardt, Vanessa Davis, Marissa Duffee, and Shayna Painter; 8 great grandchildren; a brother:  Carlo Bennett of Latrobe; 2 sisters:  Carol Thompson (Bob) of Bethany Beach, DE, Patty Butler of Latrobe.

He is proceeded in death by his parents and his wife.

Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to Bob’s life on Thursday May, 18 at 11am at the Tussey Mosher Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Bob’s name to be made to Wellsboro Shared Home Inc., 27 Bacon Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901.

His family has entrusted the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, 139 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA, with his arrangements, to share a memory or condolence with his family, visit www.tusseymosher.com.

Richard L. Armagost, 90, peacefully passed away Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home, with his daughters by his side.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Margaret A. “Peggy” Fedor, 80, of Washington Street, St. Marys, PA passed away following a brief illness Saturday, May 13, 2023 at UPMC Altoona.

She was born October 16, 1942, in Clairton, PA, daughter of the late Laslo and Ann Andrisko Fedor.  Peggy attended Clairton schools, lived in St. Marys for 45 years, and was a Class A Inspector for Powder Metal Products.

Peggy is survived by her caring nieces, Ann Fedor and Elizabeth Rodemsky (Edward), and her nephew, John Fedor.

In addition to her parents, Peggy was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Fedor, the love of her life, Donny Dippold, and a niece, Natalie Fedor.

Peggy had a great interest in learning about and collecting Native American artifacts.  An avid Steelers fan, she always looked forward to football season every year.  She enjoyed her friends and trips to the casino.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 8:30AM until 9:30AM.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 10:00AM, with the Rev. Thomas More Sikora, OSB, Pastor, officiating.  Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place,  Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.

Rosa M. Royer, 93, passed away Saturday (May 6) at the Lutheran Home at Kane.  

She was born on June 22, 1929 in Naples, Italy, the daughter of the late Luciano and Consentina Persico.

Rosa’s biggest joy was her family. She could not have been more proud, and loved to introduce them to everyone. When she wasn’t busy making her famous Sunday pasta dinners, she kept herself busy keeping her house spotless and tending to her numerous houseplants, with the green thumb she had. She also enjoyed raising many songbirds including canaries and parakeets.  Rosa was a social butterfly and her voice could always be heard by many as she loved to talk, play bingo, and shop while she was still able. She had a strong faith and will. Her friendliness and big heart will be remembered by all who knew her.

She is survived by three daughters, Patricia (Jack) Golden, Joanne (Joe) Proesl of Kane and Tina (Jeff) Biel of Wilcox; two sons, Lucian Drost of Union City and Daniel (Criss) Drost of Olean; nine grandchildren, Connor Drost, Jenna Golden, John Golden, Danielle Sporer, Kristi Eckstrom, Jackie Vecchiarella, Ryan Drost, Skylar Biel and Sailor Biel; three great-grandchildren, Gage Mullen, Jacob Bresnehan and Jude Golden and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two husbands, Jacob Drost and Charles “Bud” Royer; one sister Vanna Persico and three brothers, Aldo and Enzo Persico and  Antonio Persico in infancy.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial service, which will take place on Monday (May 15) at 11:30 at the Cummings Funeral Home, with the Rev. David Pflieger officiating.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.

Ronald L. Summerson, 78, lifelong resident of Sinnemahoning, PA, passed away on Thursday afternoon (May 11, 2023) at the Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, following a brief illness. 

He was born November 23, 1944 in Punxsutawney, PA, to Dalton “Dean” and Arlene “Jean” Bair Summerson. On September 3, 1966, he married Nancy Dexter in the Sinnamahoning United Methodist Church.

Ron retired as an Equipment Operator from Penn DOT, where he worked for over 35 years. “Ronnie,” as he was called by his friends, was known for his sense of humor and his passion for hunting and fishing. He loved to camp, canoe and ride motorcycles with family and friends. Ron was also an avid reader and enjoyed watching old westerns with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; two daughters, Kimberly Saline (Michael), Sinnemahoning and Diana Heeren (Cornelius), Texas; and a brother, Dennis Summerson, Emporium.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Sydney “Sid” Summerson, Sr.

There will be no visitation and services will be private.

Burial will be in the Gilmore Cemetery, Austin, PA.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Cameron County Outdoor Youth Activities, c/o: Taylor Gillette, 174 Nickler Rd., Emporium, PA 15834 or the Cameron County SPCA, 678 South Mountain Rd., Emporium, PA 15834

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.