June 2024

Stephen W. Fiske, 59, of Little Genesee, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024, in the Buffalo Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Buffalo, after a long illness.

Born on Sunday, February 7, 1965 in Olean, he was a son of Thomas G. and Anna Taylor Lamb. On February 3, 1984 in Little Genesee, he married Sarah L. Skinner, who passed away on July 19, 2023.

Steve attended Portville High School.  He was a very hard worker all of his life, having owned and operated multiple salvage yards.

Steve was a member of the former Lighthouse Free Methodist Church in Prentisvale, PA. 

Michael A. Jordan:  Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather

Michael A. Jordan, 72, of 7916 Route 417 W., Bolivar, passed away Friday, June 14, 2024 at Jones Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Born on November 26, 1951, in Wellsville, he was a son of Lee Cassius and Clara Geneva (Moore) Jordan.  On June 18, 1994, in LaJose, Pennsylvania he married the former Melinda F. Kitchen who survives.

Michael attended Bolivar Central School and then served in the United States Army from 1969-72, and later served in the National Guard from 1986 until 1995.  While enlisted he served two tours in Vietnam and one during Operation Desert Storm. 

He worked in the Automotive Collision Repair industry all of his life and retired from Ingraham’s Powder Coating in Denver, Pennsylvania.

Mike loved dirt track and go cart racing and attending events at Allegany Speedway in Allentown.  He also enjoyed car shows and working on cars.

Sarah L. Fiske, 57, of Little Genesee, passed away with her loving family by her side, on Wednesday July 19, 2023, in the Olean General Hospital,  Olean, after a short illness.

Born on Monday, January 31, 1966 in Olean, she was a daughter of Charles and Catherine Swartz Skinner.  On February 3, 1984 in Little Genesee, she married Stephen W. Fiske.

Sarah attended high school in Portville where she met the love of her life, Steve, AKA Sexy. She along with her husband owned and operated multiple salvage yards.

She was a member of the former Lighthouse Free Methodist Church in Prentisvale, PA. Sarah was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and partner in the family businesses.

Thomas J. “Boobie” Heath, 73, passed away Sunday June 16, 2024, in his home surrounded by family.  He was born June 9, 1951, in Wellsboro to Harry and Irma (Wilson) Heath.  He graduated from Wellsboro High School, and on July 14, 1979, he married Carol Bronson with whom he shared forty-four years of marriage.  Thomas over-the-road truck driver commercially for businesses, and independently.  He was a tractor enthusiast, he loved old tractors, especially Olivers, and attended tractor pulls in the area, and served as the weighmaster.  Thomas also enjoyed shooting in informal competitions, and he loved his Scottish Highland Cow Bubba.

George E. Kemmer, 84, of 709 Theresia Street, St. Marys, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024 at Penn Highlands Elk.

He was born June 27, 1939, in Emporium.  He was the son of the late William “Boots” Kemmer and Mary “Elvie” Reed Kemmer Hollobaugh.  When George was six years old, his father passed away and he was fortunate to find the care and affection of a second father, the late William “Arnold” Hollobaugh.  George was a lifelong resident of the area and was employed by Stackpole/Carbone for forty-five years.  After his retirement from Carbone, he spent his winters working at Asmac until March of this year.

On December 30, 1961, in the Sacred Heart Church, George married Bonnie Thompson, who survives.  They were blessed to share 62 years of marriage.

Susan L. Johnsen, 84, of Warren, PA, died on Monday June 17,2024, in Kinzua Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Warren, PA after an extended illness.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc.

Olean- Thomas Allan Kranock Sr. “Ride in Peace”

 Thomas A. Kranock Sr. of Long Hollow Road passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Buffalo General Hospital following a brief illness. 

 Tom was born on August 17, 1960, in Olean and was the son of William and Gene Kelley Kranock. He was formerly married to Darlene Budinger and Tammy Hopkins. 

 Tom was a jack of all trades, including splitting wood, auto and bike mechanic. He was a strong-willed man who loved to camp, fish, and travel. Tom was a member of the Biker Community. 

Smethport – Carl L. “Bud” Abbey, 79, of East Smethport, PA passed away Saturday (June 15, 2024) at UPMC-Williamsport.

He was born July 17, 1944 in Kane, PA, the son of Carl J. and Helen Marie Amelia (Nordine) Abbey. In May of 1991, in Smethport, he married Bonnie Jean Smith, who died on December 24, 2021.

Bud was a graduate of Smethport High School Class of 1962. He served in the US Army during Vietnam.

Bud worked in the maintenance department at Smethport Specialty Company.

He was a member of the VFW Post #2497 of Smethport, the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport and the American Legion; John Berg Post #976 of Crosby. He was a longtime member of the Smethport and Crosby Honor Guard. He was a member of the Colville Christian Gospel Church.  Bud enjoyed hunting and fishing, along with classic cars.

He is survived by:

Port Allegany – We are deeply saddened to share the news of the unexpected passing of our beloved Brad A. Binder, 64, of Port Allegany, PA on June 14, 2024.  Born on September 12, 1959 and raised in Port, he graduated from Port Allegany High School and proudly served in the United States Army. 

He went on to a career as a distance learning technician, most recently employed by Seneca Highlands IU#9 of Smethport, PA.  His sharp mind coupled with his unwaveringly positive attitude made him a widely admired leader among his colleagues. 

He was also instrumental in his wife’s First Fitness business. Brad had a servant’s heart – his faith was of utmost importance to him and was a devoted member of the Salt & Light Community Church. He also enjoyed serving his local community through his role as a poll worker, working on election day for over 4 years.

For all of his professional and community accomplishments, Brad’s most important roles were those of husband, dad and ‘Pap’, by which he was lovingly known by his grandkids.

Nancy “Nana” Ruth Brown, 90, of Emporium, PA passed away at Magee-Women’s Hospital-UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA on Thursday evening (June 13, 2024) following a brief illness. She was born July 8, 1933 in Prestonville, Kentucky the daughter of the late Frank Poland and Ruth Chapman Poland. Ruth passed away when Nancy was 2 years old, so Nancy and her four siblings were raised by her Aunt Mary Francis Chapman in Carrollton, KY. Nancy graduated from Carroll County High School in 1951. While working at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH she met Wendall Henry Brown whom she married on February 21, 1953 at the First Baptist Church of Carrollton, Kentucky.

Nana relocated to Emporium, PA in June of 1972 with her family. She worked for many years as an office clerk at the Big “G” Department Store and Coppersmith Furniture until her retirement. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church where she sang in the Choir and played the Piano for over 40 years. She shared her faith and unconditional love with everyone who passed through those doors. Although originally from Kentucky, Nancy was a dedicated fan to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins.