May 2024

Karen Marie (Kriz) Benedict, 69, from Bradford, PA peacefully departed on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in the comfort of her own home.

Born on January 26, 1955, in Bradford, she was the cherished daughter of George Kriz and Elnora Ammons Kriz-Morgan. She graduated from Limestone High School in 1973.
 
On May 7, 1977, at St. Patrick’s Church in Limestone, NY, she married her devoted partner of 47 years, William M. Benedict, who continues to hold her close in his heart.

Karen lovingly cared for her four children and spent many years working as a self-taught seamstress, dressmaker, quilter, and crafter. She diligently managed the finances for her husband’s business and lent her expertise to organizing estate sales for members of the community.

A devout Catholic her entire life, she recently enjoyed participating in the St. Francis Bell Choir and formerly served as president of the Catholic Girls Club of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church in Lewis Run. She spent countless hours volunteering for St. Bernard and Central Christian schools and supervising many fish dinners and pancake breakfasts for the church community. 

Additionally, Karen took pleasure in playing bridge and hosting bridge club gatherings. She enjoyed spending time with her husband on home renovation projects, attending car and tractor shows, and exploring antique shops and flea markets.

Brian E. Lowry

Brian E. Lowry, 69 of 185 Olive Street, Bolivar, NY passed away Monday, May 6, 2024 at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center after a brief illness.

Born on August 8, 1954, in Islip, New York, he was a son of Robert and Loretto Ann McEvoy Lowry.  On July 23, 2008, in Bolivar, he met the former Peggy A. Nolan who survives and they were just recently married on April 17, 2024.

Brian was a graduate of Sayville High School.  He then enlisted in the United States Army serving from 1975-79.  He had worked in Air Conditioning, was a painter for 25 years, and when he relocated to Western New York he became a truck driver, driving for different companies until his retirement from Strong Trucking in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania.

He was a member and had been a bartender for the Kenyon Andrus Post 772 American Legion, Bolivar.  He loved golfing, was a football fan with his favorite team being the Minnesota Vikings, loved spending time with his grandchildren, and enjoyed practical jokes and making people laugh.

Floyd W. GEIGER, 92, of Andrews Settlement, PA, died Monday, October 30, 2023.

A gathering to celebrate Floyd’s life will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at American Legion Potter Post #192, Two Buffalo Street, Coudersport, PA.  Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Potter County Honor Guard.  Memorials may be made to Teacher’s Pet Rescue, 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA 16915.  

Cremation was at OLNEY-FOUST Private Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Ronald C. Zetwick, 76, of Smethport, PA passed away unexpectedly Thursday (May 2, 2024) at his home.

He was born January 13, 1948 in Port Allegany, the son of Gerald and Achsah (Clark) Zetwick. On June 13, 1970, in Emporium, PA, he married Claudette M. Uber, who passed away on November 22, 1995. He then married Sherry  L. Weismiller, who died on December 4, 2019.

Ron was a Smethport High School graduate and attended Vale Technical Institute in Blairsville, PA for autobody repair.  During that time, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970.

Ron worked at GKN of Emporium for many years, retiring in 2011, as maintenance supervisor.  He also had his own autobody shop.

Smethport – Ronald E. Appleby, 78, of Port Allegany, PA passed away Thursday (May 2, 2024) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.

He was born February 15, 1946 in Port Allegany, PA, the son of Herbert, Sr. and Alice (Stark) Appleby.

Mr. Appleby was a 1964 graduate of Otto-Eldred High School.

He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam.  Ron was a furrier in the area of Turtlepoint and Eldred for many years.

Ron loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman and loved digging Ginseng and buying it from his loyal customers. His favorite thing was just spending time at the Fur House. He also played softball for many years. He was a lifetime Dallas Cowboy fan.

He is survived by:

Caroline S. Smith, 58, of Smethport, PA passed away Thursday (May 2, 2024) at her residence.

On March 14, 1966, a Yankees fan was born, named Caroline Sakin to her parents Edna and Howard Sakin of Scarsdale, NY.  Her love for the Yankees permeated most every aspect of her life.  So, when Caroline met Kent W. Smith, while attending Mitchell College in New London, CT, it was only natural that one of their first dates was to see the Yankees play at Yankee Stadium.   On the way, they got lost, and ended up in the wrong section of the bleachers.  Suddenly, there was a great commotion and Caroline and Kent realized that a ball — a home run ball — was coming right their way!  It was Ricky Henderson’s 32nd lead-off home run ball and Kent picked it up as they made their way to their seat.  It was the beginning of a long and happy relationship.  They celebrated their 30th anniversary in March this year.

Caroline and Kent dated 9 years before marrying on 3/5/1994 in Scarsdale, NY.  They settled in Hillsdale, NJ, where they frequently had friends over for get together.  Caroline worked at a day care and later at Cherry Lawn Farmers Market.  They spent their evenings watching the Yankees every chance they could.  In 2008, Caroline fulfilled a dream by watching the World Series with Yogi Berra and meeting him in person.

Ted A. Mackey, 80, of 822 Bolivar Drive, Bradford, PA passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the Pavillion @ BRMC, with his loving daughters by his side.

Born August 5, 1943, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Arthur H. and Lucy E. (Himes) Mackey. He was a 1962  graduate of Bradford High School.

Ted was employed as a machinist at Dresser Manufacturing in Bradford for over 37 years, he retired in 2012.

Alice J. “A.J.” Stiles              

COUDERSPORT, PA—Alice J. “A.J.” Stiles, 84, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed away with her loving family by her side on Thursday, May 2, 2024, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a short 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.

Ruth E. Irwin, 100, a resident of the Lutheran Home at Kane and formerly of 959 Hickory Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Lutheran Home.

She was born July 8, 1923, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Gregory and Margaret Nissel Schlimm.  She was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1941.  Ruth went on to earn her nursing degree and was a devoted nurse throughout her lifetime.

On September 19, 1970, in St. Catherine’s Church in Martinez, CA, Ruth married the late John J. Irwin, who preceded her in death on May 16, 2012.  She and John made their homes in Buffalo and California before moving back to St. Marys in 2002.