June 2023

A graveside committal service for Debra A. Kowalski, 61, will be conducted at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Johnsonburg, on Saturday June 3, 2023 at 10 AM with Fr. David Wilson, Pastor of Holy Rosary Church, officiating. Debra passed away unexpectedly in Michigan City on December 27, 2022.
 
Debbie was born on June 5, 1961 in Pennsylvania, a daughter to Stanley Kowalski and the late Sandra Calkins Kowalski, of Long Beach, IN. She is also survived by a daughter Amanda (Robert) Fries-Lee; a son Michael Fries; two grandchildren, Cecelia and Owen; two brothers, Mike (Rich Masterson) Kowalski and Steven Kowalski; and many loving friends. 
Debbie was a graduate of Marquette High School and loved to bake cookies and crochet. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

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

If desired, memorials may be made to the Michiana Humane Society, Inc. 772 IN-212, Michigan City, IN 46360 or to Stepping Stone Shelter for Women 601 Wabash St., Michigan City, IN 46360.

Ruth E. CLOSE, 81, of Wellsville, NY, died Tuesday, May 30, 2023 in Hart Comfort House of Allegany County, Wellsville after a long illness.  Born October 13, 1941, in Seven Bridges, Coudersport, PA, she was the daughter of Donald Robert and Pruella Edith Toombs Dunn.  

On May 19, 1962, in Whitesville, she married Elwin James “Jim” Close, who predeceased her on April 17, 2022, just shy of their 60th wedding anniversary.  Ruth was a homemaker most of her life.  She and Jim owned and operated the Dill Pickle Restaurant in Wellsville for 33 years, retiring in 2008.  She was a hero to many and loved her family with her whole heart.  She was a sophisticated lady, compassionate, loving, patient, gentle, hard-working, brilliant businesswoman, painter, reader, seamstress, world traveler, and beach lover.  Ruth enjoyed making days special with spontaneous car rides and picnics.  She was a devoted woman of faith.  

Surviving are:  four children, Bradley Close of Wellsville, Lisa (Dean) Giopulos of Wellsville, Steven Close of Churchville, and Donald (Margaret) Close of Silver Creek;  eight grandchildren, Eric, Sarah, Jenna, Heather, Michael, Stephanie, Emily, and Jacob;  a great-granddaughter, Anelle;  five brothers, Donald I. (Marie) Dunn of Homer, Larry W. Dunn of Cortland, John P. (Honey) Dunn of Ulysses, PA, Robert S. Dunn of Ulysses, PA, and Roy J. (Rhonda) Dunn of Groton;  two sisters, Irene (Joseph) Brown of Culpeper, VA and Janet Button of Salt Lake City, UT;  sister-in-law, Joan Close of Warren, PA;  nieces and nephews. 

In addition to husband, she was predeceased by four sisters, Christine Dunn, Esther Vera Dunn, Carol Marie Tanner Babbitt, and Mary Evelyn Gardner;  and a brother-in-law, Donald Close. 

Funeral Services will be held privately at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Kinney.  Memorials may be made to Hart Comfort House of Allegany County, 141 E. State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Leo “JR” Grimone Jr., 86, of Emporium, PA passed away at Penn Highlands Elk, St. Marys, PA early Wednesday morning (May 31, 2023). He was born December 15, 1936 in Emporium, PA a son of the late Leo and Ida Razey Grimone. He married the  late Francis Geelen Mix and later Elaine Talbott Barnett.

JR graduated from Emporium High School and then from Williamsport Technical School. He owned and operated Bucktail Broadcasting Corp. until 1992 he then owned and operated North Creek Farms along with Curt Fuenffinger.

He is survived by two daughters, Terri Grimone and Betty Grimone, both of Emporium; two sons, Leo Grimone, III (Jana), McKinney, TX and Robert Mix (Kim Hamilton), Boalsburg, PA; two step-sons, Eric Barnett, Bradford and Michael Barnett (Valerie), Treasure Lake; eight grandchildren; Kerri, Jamie, Kyle, Curtis, Ricky, Nathan, Jay, and Brett. Eight great grandchildren; two brothers, Sam Grimone (Nancy), Saranac Lake, NY and Michael Grimone (Carol), Chautauqua, NY; brother-in-law, David Cobbler, Essex Junction, VT; sister-in-law, Margaret Grimone, Emporium; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wives he was preceded in death by daughter, Margret Mix Summers; two sons, Richard and Donald Mix; grandson, Cole LaBrozzi; step son, Chris Barnett; brother, William Grimone and a sister, Patricia Cobbler,

Visitation will be at the Barnett Funeral Home, 207 E 4th St., Emporium, PA on Friday from 4:00-7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at the St. Mark Catholic Church, 235 East Fourth Street, Emporium, PA on Saturday (June 3, 2023) at 10:00 AM with Rev. Paul S. Siebert, Pastor, as Celebrant.

Burial will be in the St. Mark Catholic Cemetery, Emporium, PA

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department, 419 N. Broad St., Emporium, PA 15834 or to the Cameron County Ambulance Service, 299 E. Second St., Emporium, PA 15834

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.

Virginia J. “Joni” Main, 88, of Emporium, PA passed away at Pinecrest Manor, St. Marys, PA on Wednesday morning (May 31, 2023) She was born August 24, 1934 a daughter of the late Charles and Lula Maybelle Shaylor Nellis. She married the late Leo J. Main.

Joni graduated from Emporium High School and worked for many years at  Emporium Secondary. She enjoyed butterflies and spending time with her family

She is survived by daughter, Merri Burkhouse (Rob), Ridgway; son, Ronald Main (Lisa), Emporium; son, Brian Rodman (Jen), Olean, NY; daughter-in-law, Jean Main, Ridgway; numerous grandchildren; one great grandchild and a brother, Robert Nellis, Emporium.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Leo J. Main; a son, Randy Main and a daughter, Judy Main Studer; grandchildren, Bradley Rodman & Ronnie Main; four sisters, Shirley Collins, Betty Gaenzele,  Annabelle Nellis and Joanne Austin, four brothers, Richard, Gary, Jim and Charles “Joe” Nellis.

There will be No Visitation. Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

Burial will be in the Newton Cemetery, Emporium, PA

Donna C. (Campbell) Owen, 98, of Wellsboro, PA passed away Monday May 15, 2023, at the Green Home in Wellsboro. 

She was born July 7, 1924, in Elmira, NY to Theodore and Bertha Angelina (Norman) Campbell.  On April 14, 1946, she married Jack L. Owen. 

Donna graduated from Northside High School of Corning, NY in 1942.  To support WWII, she built bomb sights alongside other women.  Upon her graduation from Albany State Lab School, she worked in state labs in Geneva and Corning, NY.  She then worked as a lab technician for Soldiers and Sailors for 38 years, and also ran the blood bank. 

She and Jack were founding members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Wellsboro, and active in its construction, later they were a part of the formation of Hope Lutheran Church in Charleston, and more recently she had been active in the Wellsboro Baptist Church through the Shared Home. 

Donna was active in Business and Professional Women, she supported the local Lion’s Club as a spouse of a member, was a Scout leader with the Brownies and Girl Scouts of America, enjoyed gardening, loved being a grandmother and a great-grandmother, and was an avid Penn State Football fan.

Donna is survived by her son:  Jay Owen LCDR USNR Ret. (Deborah) of Shillington, PA; a daughter:  Jan Bennett (Alan) of Nichols, NY; four grandchildren:  Amy Jo Clinard (Mickey), Travis Bennett (Britt), John Owen EOC USN (Agata), and Laura Owen; and seven great-grandchildren, she was a dedicated dog-mom and is survived by her faithful companion Chip.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a sister:  Sara Anne VanOrder.

Donna’s family has entrusted her arrangements to the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, 139 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA. 

Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to her life at a memorial service 12:00 noon June 16, 2023 at the Salem Lutheran Church, 3536 Nauvoo Road, Liberty, PA 16930. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in Donna’s memory be made to the Wellsboro Shared Home, 27 Bacon Street, Wellsboro, PA 16901.  To share a memory or condolence with her family visit www.tusseymosher.com.

Mary L. Heatherdale, 83, of 271 Benzinger Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at her residence, following a lengthy illness.

She was born September 23, 1939, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Tobias “Francis” and Loretta Bobenrieth Lanzel.  Mary was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of St. Marys High School, Class of 1957.  She earned her associate degree in radiology and was an X-ray technician in Ridgway.

On May 7, 1966, in St. Leo’s Church, Mary married Arthur L. Heatherdale, who survives.  They were blessed to share 57 years of marriage.

In addition to her loving husband, Mary is survived by her daughter, Caron Heatherdale of Ridgway, her son, Brad Heatherdale of St. Marys, and by one brother, Joseph Lanzel of Rhode Island.

Mary was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church and loved her time with her husband and children.

There will be no visitation.

Funeral and committal services will be held privately by Mary’s family.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to a favorite charity of one’s choosing.

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

Philip A. Reese, 78, of Main St., Roulette, PA passed away Tuesday (May 30, 2023) in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.

Born May 22, 1945, in Olean, NY, he was a son of Ferman and Aurelia Nicklaus Reese. On Oct. 14, 1993, in Coudersport, he married Nancy L. Tucker, who survives.

Philip was a lifetime resident of the area and a graduate of Port Allegany High School, class of 1963. 

He was employed with North Penn Gas Co. for several years before he retired.  After retiring from, North Penn Gas Co., he worked as a self-employed truck driver for several years.

Philip was a former union president of United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America, local 2799. He enjoyed racing, and owned and raced his own stock car. He loved the Pittsburgh Pirates and Buffalo Bills. 

Surviving in addition to his wife, Nancy, are two sons, Dean P. Reese, and Jonathan N. Fredenburg of Coudersport; a daughter, Michelle L. Fredenburg of Roulette; five grandchildren; a twin sister, Phyllis A. (Gene) Harris of Lincoln, NE; and several nieces and nephew. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Carolyn L. Neefe.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date and time to be announced.

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

Condolences can be sent to: Nancy L. Reese,  225 Main St., Roulette, PA 16746.

Russell E. Almony, 79, of Blossvale, passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. Born in Port Alleghany, PA, on April 23, 1944, he was a son of the late Robert and Mabel (Boyer) Almony. On July 3, 2004, he was united in marriage to Susan Scott Hummel.

Russ served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1963-67. He was a member of the Sylvan Beach American Legion Post #1153, where he and his wife, Sue, enjoyed volunteering for many functions and where he made many friends.

Russ drove tractor trailer for many years, first for Laribbee Wire and most recently for International Wire.

He loved to hunt and would travel back to Pennsylvania to hunt deer and bear. He had a passion for goose hunting and was always proud to share his goose hotdogs with whomever would try them.

Russ loved to mow lawns, not just his own property, but also for some his neighbors and friends. Sue called him her “mowing man.” He also enjoyed maintaining and spending time with family and friends at their “crick” property.

The thing that Russ enjoyed most was spending time with family and friends. He had a true gift of connecting with and making new friends wherever he went. He was a kind soul and will be missed by many.

Surviving besides his loving wife, Sue, are three daughters, Deanna Nason (Phil), Deborah Burch and Holly Nichols (Jason); stepchildren, Lance Kapps (Crystal), Rebecca MacFarland (Mark), Jodi Hummel (John Harris), Scott Williams (Adja) and Kevin Hummel (Tazz); two sisters, Connie Stegman (Bill) and Judy Howard (Rodney); ten grandchildren, Michael and Matthew Nason, Justin Burch (Lena), Ethan, Morgan and Jack Kapps, Katja Harris, Sabrina Metott (Cody), Ty Williams and Allyson Pope; two great-grandchildren, Lincoln Metott and Miley Harris; Sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mary Squires (Thomas), Cathy Radley (Jeffrey), Gary Scott (Sybil) and Dale Scott (Leona); and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Shirley Dyer; son-in-law, Carl Burch; special nephew, Nate Howard; and uncle, Gerald Scott.

Russ’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Upstate Medical Center for their wonderful care and compassion.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, June 5^th at 10:00 a.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Camden. Family and friends are invited to call at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 9464 State Rt. 13, Camden, NY 13316, on Sunday, June 4^th from 1-4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Russ’s memory to the Sylvan Beach American Legion Post #1153, 703 Clifford Ave, Sylvan Beach, NY 13157.

You may view the obituary and send a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com.

Beverly Stafford Davis, 85, passed away in hospice care at the Green Home early June 1^st, 2023. 

She will be dearly missed by friends and family, including her husband of 59 years:  Bruce Davis; brother:  Paul (Phyllis) Stafford; cousin:  Paula (William) Greer; nephews:  Todd Stafford and Michael (Sabrina) Stafford; great-niece:  Danielle (Kyle) Wagner; great-nephews:  Taylor and Cayden Stafford; and her beloved dog:  Katie.  Bev was born on March 19, 1938, the daughter of the late Pete and Wuanita Stafford.  She graduated from Wellsboro High School in the class of 1956 where she was an exceptional coronet player as well as a vocal student under the tutelage of Rosa Hamilton.  Her love and talent for music led to a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Mansfield College in 1961.  Upon receiving her degree, she accepted a teaching position at Towanda High School.  Barely older than her students, she became the director of the Black Knights marching and concert bands, taught various music theory classes and was the director of many school concerts and Broadway-Style musicals.  In addition, she was the choir director at Towanda’s Methodist Church.

Life took an interesting turn in 1970 when she accompanied Bruce to his new assignment at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska.  The adventure began when she drove her own car from Wellsboro to Anchorage via the dangerous, unpaved 600-mile Alcan Highway.  Once there, she began to embrace life in this strange new place.  She accepted a teaching position at a private school, enjoyed weekend camping trips in the wilds, and was an avid night skier at Mount Alyeska, known as: “The Steep and Deep”.

She and Bruce returned to the lower 48 during the summer of 1973.  They settled in Woodbridge, VA, where Bev joined the Prince William County School System.  During her 30-year tenure there she taught music.  In 2003, as retirement neared, they began designing a new home in Wellsboro, each weekend visit town allowing Bev the opportunity to make yet one more revision to the plan.  They remained in Woodbridge until 2008, at which time they returned permanently to the hometown where it all began.

Bev’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home 139 Main Street Wellsboro, PA.  Per Her request there will be no memorial service and her burial in Wellsboro Cemetery will be private.  Donations in Bev’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society donate.cancer.org.  To share a memory or condolence with her family visit www.tusseymosher.com.

Joan R. Cauley, 92, formerly of Iron Run Road, St. Marys, passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2023 in Hudson, MA.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home.