January 2024

James J. “Tubby” Maduri, 75, of Gates Hollow, Bradford, PA passed away, Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Buffalo General Hospital. 

Born May 21, 1948, in Bradford, he was a son of the late James V. and Sadie (Kranzo) Maduri. Jim was raised in the 5th Ward and graduated in 1965 from Bradford High School. 

Tubby was employed as the Produce Manager at Harvest Markets on West Washington Street in the early 70’s. He moved on to cooking and formerly cooked at the Wellsboro Inn, Chateau D’OR and the Willows Restaurant. In the early 80’s he moved to Las Vegas with his brother, but returned to Bradford three year later. He started painting homes and interiors for area families and businesses, specializing in faux painting. During his career he worked with Ira Smades, and later Craig Campbell. He was still painting up until the time of his death.  

Walter V. Salamone, 74, of Coudersport, PA passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family. 

Walter was born on June 29, 1949, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late Albert and Anna (Mario) Salamone. Walter married the former Patricia A. Sommella on May 13, 1972, and they have recently celebrated 51 years of marriage. 

Walter was an Administrative Director for the New York City District Council of Carpenters.  He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War attached to the 3^rd Battalion, 5^th Marines.   Walter was a member of St. Eulalia Catholic Church, American Legion Potter Post 192, and the Black Forest Gun Club.  He enjoyed music, cooking, and driving his Vet. 

In addition to his wife, Patricia, Walter is survived by sons: Paul (Melissa) Salamone of Millstone, NJ; James (Natalie) Salamone of Coudersport; a daughter, Tricia (Richard) Montalbano of Canadensis, PA; a sister, Ann Marie Bacior of Chico, CA; five grandchildren; Vincent, Gabriella, Lorenzo, Salvatore Raymond, and Salvatore James and his pets; Harry, George, and Chloe

Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to Walter’s life from 10am-11am Wednesday January 3, 2024 at St. Eulalia Catholic Church in Coudersport, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11am in the church. 

Our country is in mourning for a veteran died today. 

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

William L. “Bill” Black, 87, of Port Allegany, formerly of Emlenton, PA, passed away Saturday (December 30, 2023) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.

He was born April 23, 1936 in Versailles Twp., Allegany County, PA, a son of Thomas Burton Black and Yola LaVerne McCutcheon. On Oct. 19, 1963 in the E.U.B Church, Port Allegany, he married Beverly L. Mantz,  who survives. They were married 60 years.

Bill was a graduate of Port Allegany High School class of 1954. He received a degree from Syracuse University, Alfred State, and Penn State in agriculture science and milk marketing. He worked on the family dairy farm until 1966 when his parents retired to live in Brownsville, TX. He then worked for the former Pierce Glass Co. for 30 years.

Upon his retirement, he grew and sold sweet corn and pumpkins for years. He donated pumpkins over the years to many school classes and organizations for them to do projects with. Bill was very active in church as a lay leader and Sunday School teacher. He and his wife sang together, played the guitar and accordion for many years. He was a member of the former E.U.B. Church of Port Allegany, then upon the closing of the church, he was a member of the Wrights Evangelical Church for 30 years. He surely loved and enjoyed serving his Church and Lord.

Sandra M. “Sandy” (McMullen) Cooper, age 77, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Saturday, December 30, 2023. 

She was born on May 13, 1946 in Wellsboro, PA, a daughter of the late James A. McMullen and Thelma M. (Fish) McMullen and was the wife of the late Gary E. Cooper who passed away in 2003. 

Sandy was an insurance agent with Wilkinson Dunn Company, Wellsboro, PA for over 20 years. 

Frank J. Raffaele Jr, 72, of Warren, PA, died early Monday morning January 1, 2024, in Kinzua Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Warren.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Sewickley, Pennsylvania – Mathias “Matt” Shaner, 44, of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly in Key Largo, Florida. His family, friends, and colleagues are devastated by his sudden death. Larger-than-life, Matt was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all.

Matt was born in Bolivar, NY to Ellen and Lance Shaner on November 24, 1979. The eldest of three, precocious and a natural leader, Matt enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Bolivar, organizing outdoor activities with siblings, cousins, and neighborhood friends.

The family moved to State College, PA when Matt was 13, where he attended State College High School, worked multiple jobs, and became a member of the State College High School football team. Later, Matt attended Kiski Prep and went on to study History at the Pennsylvania State University. While a student at Penn State, Matt joined Phi Kappa Tau, and co-founded the youth charity soccer tournament Kicks-4-Kids with his fraternity brothers in 2000.

After leaving Penn State, Matt worked for Senator Rick Santorum in Washington, D.C., making many personal and professional connections before returning to State College to work for the family business, where he met his wife, Andrea.