Ross L. Gleason of N. 19^th Street, Olean, NY passed away on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at the Bradford Regional Medical Center following an illness.

Ross was born on June 12, 1940, in Salamanca and was the son of Neil K. and Margaret A. Lamb Gleason. On November 9, 1985, in Portville he married his loving wife, Linda J. Erhard, who survives.

Ross worked with heavy equipment for the Local Labor Union 621 in the mid-1960s in many different positions where he continued to work until his retirement in 2002 due to an injury. He enjoyed hunting and riding four wheelers and was formerly a member of the Portville Conservation Club.

Beside his loving wife, Linda, Ross is survived by ten children; Janice (Terry) Babcock of Shinglehouse, Tina (Robert) Johnson of Salamanca, Melinda Gleason of Allegany, David (Michelle) Gleason of Olean, Theresa Tambash of Olean, Mark Enix of Manor, TX., Kristina (Warren) Hayes of Georgetown, TX., Angela Smith of Olean, Christy (Christopher) Hall of Cheektowaga, and Rachel (Dan) Martinez of Groton, NY., 20 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Ross was predeceased by his parents, and one son, Jerry L. Enix on May 3, 2019.

Services will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com

Paul R. Whitman, 75, of Shinglehouse, PA passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a brief illness.

Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.

Rita L. Pais, 91, of Emery Towers, formerly of Duke Center, PA passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Olean General Hospital. 

Born April 4, 1932, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late John C. and Anna Mae (Tingley) Luciano, Jr. She attended Bradford schools and was a 1950 graduate from Bradford High.

On November 10, 1951, in St. Bernard Church, she married Albert J. Pais who preceded her in death on December 15, 1997.

Rita worked for AJ Olson Department Store, Bell Telephone, and was an assistant manager of Fashion Bug Plus in the Bradford Mall.

She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church, and the 50 Plus Group.

Our world became less vibrant as we mourn the death of our mom. Daily phone calls filled with laughter have come to an end. However, Mama Rita doesn’t want us to mourn. So instead, we will celebrate her long and happy life. What can one say about Mama Rita? We could go on and on, but she said she didn’t want a lengthy obituary. She can’t have everything! She always had a smile. Could talk to anyone. She was just a complete and utter Hoot.

Mama Rita was known for her sense of humor and oh so familiar sayings:

“It Is What It Is’, so you might as well laugh about it.

The good Lord willing and the crick don’t rise.

Always had a hard time finding her whatnots.

Never hide your light under a bushel.

As she has said so many times, you spend your whole life fighting dirt, only to be buried under it. Isn’t that the truth?

Mama Rita had many nicknames throughout her life. With her being a pain, she earned the nickname, Pita Rita. She is also known as Great Grandma Ritzy.

Mama Rita always said she wasn’t allowed to die until she ticked off enough people. Well….. She apparently did her job. 

Surviving are three daughters, Marsha (Jim) Calderwood, of Bradford, Nancy (David) Sullivan, of Old Saybrook, CT, and Kay Foote, of Bradford, four bonus children, Judy McFarland, Terri Stuck, Barbara Burgess, and Tammy Moyer, one grandson, Chad Salisbury, four granddaughters, Emily Foote, Christa Donnelly, Rachel Foote, and Devon Close, seven great grandchildren, Sam Salisbury, Anna Salisbury, Grace Salisbury, Ariya Foote, McKenna Foote, Alma Close, Paul Close, and one on the way,  one brother, Dan (Barb) Luciano, of Cincinnati, and many nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her companion of 21 years, Lester Stuck who passed away in 2021, three brothers, Donald Luciano, Joseph Luciano, and James Luciano.

Family will receive friends on Friday, July 21, 2023, from 10:00 am 11:30 am in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 372 East Main Street, where at 11:30 am a prayer service will be held, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Noon in St. Francis of Assisi Church, with Rev. John Jacquel, Pastor, as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Bradford Area Public Library, 67 West Washington Street, Bradford, PA 16701, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105-1942, or McKean County SPCA, PO Box 113, Bradford, PA, 16701.

Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

William Devella Dexter, 85, of Lawrenceville, PA, who died Tuesday, December 27, 2022, in, Myrtle Beach, SC, will be having a Celebration of Life Memorial at The Ven-You, 174 Water Tower Road, Lawrenceville, PA 16929, on Saturday, July 22nd from 2pm-5pm. Everyone is invited! Refreshments and snacks will be provided. Please come and share your memories with other friends and our family! 

Gloria Jean Engstrom, 79, of Warren, PA, passed away suddenly on July 16, 2023.

She was born in Warren, Pa on February 7, 1944, the daughter of the late Thomas J. and Virginia R. (Slocum) Drayer.

Jeannie was a graduate of Warren High School. She enjoyed flowers and gardening and would spend numerous hours working outside. She loved maintaining her beautiful home, inside and out. She spent most of her time enjoying beautiful days sitting outside, and peaceful times inside with her cat Zephy, who she loved dearly.

Jeannie was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother (MeMe), who will be greatly missed.

She was a faithful member of First Lutheran Church, Warren, where she would volunteer at the annual Rummage Sale and was a member for many years of the Senior Fellowship Group.

In 1964, Jean married Robert (Bob) C. Engstrom, and they spent 57 loving years together before he passed away on October 7, 2021.

She is survived by two daughters, Kristen Koebley and husband Tom of Strasburg, PA; Ginny Falconer and husband Denny of Warren, PA; three grandchildren Sarah Koebley and fiancé Eugene of Orlando, FL; and Ellen Koebley of Orlando, FL;  Jessica Falconer and Partner Julie of Warren, and one great grandchild Ivan Darling of Warren; Dear Aunt Shirley Witherell; her beloved cat Zephy; and numerous extended family members.

In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her husband, and two brothers.

Friends may call at the First Lutheran Church, 109 W. 3^rd Ave, Warren, PA on Friday, July 21, 2023, from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Memorial services will follow at 11:00 am in the church with the Rev. Jeffrey Ewing, pastor, officiating.

E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.delewisfuneralhome.com. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through the First Lutheran Church, 109 W. 3^rd Ave. Warren, PA, 16365. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., Warren, PA, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Lawrence W. “Larry” Feidler, 58, of Pontzer Avenue, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 13, 2023, at his residence.

He was born March 2, 1965, in St. Marys, son of the late Leonard Feidler and Veronica Visneski Feidler, who survives.  Larry was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1983. 

Along with his mother, Larry is survived by four daughters: Emilee Feidler of St. Marys, Stephanie Kightlinger of North Carolina, Stacy Feidler of Pittsburgh, and Brooke Feidler of Weedville; his son; four grandchildren: Orion Morgan, Ozerra Kightlinger, Okyrie Kightlinger, and Nickolas Feidler; his sister, Theresa Hodgdon (Jim) of Daguscahonda; his brother, Vincent Feidler of North Canton, OH; and his ex-wife, Cyndi Smith of St. Marys who held and still holds their love in her heart.

Larry was an outdoor enthusiast, embracing every opportunity to be outside.  He was a selfless man, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone, including strangers.  Larry had the biggest heart, loved his family and his dogs, and will be greatly missed.

There will be no visitation.

Funeral and committal services will be held privately by the family.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to Elk County Humane Society, 1029 E. Eschbach Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.

The Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com. 

Robert Joseph Wilhelm, 77, of Coudersport, PA passed away on July 12, 2023, at his home. 

Robert was born on February 1, 1946, in New London, OH, the son of the late Milton and Helen (Wideman) Wilhelm.  He was the husband of the former Patricia Lee Ringwalt who preceded him in death on October 18, 2019.

Robert was a graduate of Elyria District Catholic High School, Class of 1965 and was an Army veteran, serving in Vietnam. 

Robert was a Cosmetologist and owned and operated Robert Joseph Design Team Salon and Family Hair Care, Coudersport, since 1984.  Robert was also a long time and loyal member of the Gospel Tabernacle, Coudersport.

Robert is survived by a son, Jon (Rachelle) Wilhelm of Coudersport; brothers, Thomas (Jan) Wilhelm of Columbus, OH; John (Becky) Wilhelm of Brooksville, FL; former daughter-in-law, Jen Ayers of Coudersport; seven grandchildren; Zachary (Joyanna) Bejmovicz, Brittini Lehman, Eva (Cody) Monroe, Nicholas Bejmovicz, Hannah (Jake) Boden, Jaxon (Haley Hess) Wilhelm, Gabriel Wilhelm, and 11 great grandchildren. 

In addition to his wife and parents, Robert was preceded in death by a sister, Karen A. Thompson.

A private committal will be held in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, PA. 

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at the Gospel Tabernacle at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions in Robert’s name be made to the Gospel Tabernacle, 420 US 6, Coudersport, PA 16915. 

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

Evelyn Nettie Stewart Allen       “services slated”

COUDERSPORT, Pa.—A memorial visitation for will be held for Evelyn Nettie Stewart Allen, 105, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, from 9am to 10am on Saturday, July 22, 2023, in the Gathering Space of St. Eulalia Catholic Church, Coudersport.  A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am in St. Eulalia Catholic Church on Saturday with the Rev. Christopher Wheeler, as celebrant.  Burial will be in Eulalia Cemetery, Coudersport.

Evelyn passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

Evelyn entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com

Leon “Skip” Peters, 62, of Greeves St. in Kane, PA passed away Friday (July 14) at UPMC-Hamot.  Born in Kane on March 25, 1961, he is a son of the late Leon and Jean (Spence) Peters.

Skip had worked in Texas for several years running heavy machinery.  He then returned to Kane, where he worked at Syzmanski’s Restaurant for many years.

Surviving relatives include three sisters, Deb Hayduk and Lisa Peters, both of Kane and Lori Mazzulla of Wilcox; one brother Mick Peters of Kane; a daughter Kelly (Bill) Bliss of Kane and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother Dean Peters.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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

The Cummings Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Edward “Fast Eddie” F. Zarnick, 69, of 1st Lane in Hutchins, PA passed away Thursday (July 13) at UPMC-Hamot.  Born July 1, 1954 in Kane, he was the son of the late Edward and Sylvia (Spetic) Zarnick.

He is survived by two sisters, Kathy (Jim) Ahlberg of Wilcox and Victoria Zarnick of Warren; three nieces, Kara (Kris) Parrish, Kristin (Matt) Dunmire, and Dana (Jonathan Johnson) Ahlberg; a nephew, Lee Zarnick; and his beloved Newfoundland dogs, Cookie and Elmer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Germaine Zarnick.

Ed graduated from Kane High School and then from the National Hardwood School in Memphis, TN.  He worked as a lumber grader for Kane Hardwood for many years and then continued grading lumber independently afterward.

He was a musician who played many string instruments, including with his nationally-touring band, the West Kane Ramblers. He was a cartoonist; an avid reader; and a lifelong fan of the Cleveland Indians and Buffalo Bills.  

He was a bicyclist who logged hundreds of thousands of miles, with a goal of riding his bike in every U.S. state.  He was known for riding his bicycle all over the area and for driving or walking his Newfoundland dogs around town.

Those who knew Ed couldn’t help but smile at his self-deprecating sense of humor. The world was a brighter place for having Ed in it. He will be missed tremendously by his family, his friends, his dogs, and his community.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to the McKean County SPCA or Penn Highlands DuBois Hahne Cancer Center.

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

The Cummings Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of services.

Reuben H. Harrington, 84, of Emporium, PA, formerly of California passed away at Pinecrest Manor, St. Marys, PA on Monday evening (July 17, 2023) following a brief illness. He was born September 2, 1938 in Clearfield, PA a son of the late Reuben and Evelyn Harris Harrington. He married Betty Campbell of California who survives.

Reuben lived in California for many years and worked in auto sales. He was a member of the Free Methodist Church and the Gathering Place. 

In addition to his wife Betty, Reuben is survived by three daughters, Violet Sheridan, Ridgway; Margaret Woods, Emporium, PA; Teddi Ann Smith, Emporium; son, Forrest William Drake, New York; brother, Charles Harrington, Florida; along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Edna Harrington; a son Reuben Harrington; brother, Benny Harrington; step daughter, Diana Ross and a sister, Lois Barr.

There will be No Visitation. Memorial Service will be held at the Free Methodist Church, 240 East Fourth Street, Emporium, PA on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Mary Ann Hockey, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Barnett Funeral Home, 207 E. 4th St., Emporium, PA 15834 to cover the final expenses.

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net 

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.