January 2025

Helen M. Olshefski, 84, of Bradford, Pennsylvania, peacefully left this world on December 22, 2024, embraced in love and surrounded by her family. Born on October 9, 1940, in Bradford, Helen was a loving and devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Helen’s kindness knew no bounds, she was a living example of empathy, wisdom, and unconditional love. Through her, many experienced a depth of love that few will ever know. In times of uncertainty, she had an extraordinary gift for simplifying life’s complexities. Her advice always brought comfort, and the way she spoke made the path to resolution feel clear and filled with hope. Helen’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and selflessness. Her warmth and gentle nature touched the hearts of all who knew her, and her memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to experience her kindness.

Gary Lee Brumagin

Gary Lee Brumagin, 71, of North Warren, Pa, died unexpectedly on Thursday January 2, 2025, in Warren General Hospital.

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

Darlene A. Nappe, 73, of 302 North Michael Street, St. Marys, passed away Friday, January 3, 2025, at her residence. 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

Charles E. Spiegel, 72, of Coudersport, passed away Thursday (January 2, 2025) at his residence in Coudersport. He was born June 6, 1952 in Port Allegany, the son of James and Janet (Billsborough) Spiegel. On November 21, 1970, in Eldred, he married Suzanne I. Ours, who survives.  They were married for fifty-four years. 

Charles was a 1970 graduate of Port Allegany High School and worked for the PA Department of Transportation, retiring in 1997. While employed with PennDOT he built many local bridges.  He loved working with his hands and building anything he could, including his own home. He built many special things and pieces of furniture for various family members. 

He was a member of the Turtlepoint Evangelical Church. He loved to sing hymns and his favorite was It Is Well With My Soul.

Lynn M. SMITH, 66, of Friendship, NY, died Thursday, January 2, 2025 in her home.  

Born February 1, 1958, in Cuba, she was the daughter of Stanley and Doris Graham Davenport.  On August 24, 1984, in Pekin, she married Roger D. Smith, who survives.  She was a 1976 graduate of Franklinville Central School.  Later in life, she earned an associate’s degree in drafting from Niagara Community College.  Lynn was employed by the University of Buffalo in the engineering department for a few years and then traveled on the road with Roger for his work.  She was a member of the Richburg Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.  Lynn enjoyed doing crafts, carving wooden walking sticks, making Swedish weaving blankets, baking, and camping.  She also loved to collect rocks, crystals, and seashells.  

John G. Peet               

John G. Peet, 87, a lifelong resident of Hebron, passed away in his home with his loving wife by his side on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, after a brief illness.

Born on Friday, July 23, 1937 in Port Allegany, he was a son of Robert H. and Marie L. Metzger Peet.  On May 10, 1969 in the Hebron Seventh Day Baptist Church, he married Karlene S. Parker, who survives.

John was a graduate of Coudersport High School, Class of 1956.   He attended Penn State University for animal husbandry and business administration.  He also attended Pitt Bradford studying gerontology. 

John, along with his wife, owned and operated Sunset Valley Farm.  Early in his working career, he was employed as a technician with N.E.P.A. as an artificial inseminator.  For 35 years, John was employed at the former Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport, holding various positions including opening the Physical Therapy department.  For the majority of John’s career, he was the director of Recreational Services for the hospital, a position that he truly enjoyed.

For over 54 years, John served as treasurer of the Woodland Cemetery Association and for over 62 years, he was the caretaker of the cemetery, a position he was truly dedicated to serve.

With an avid interest in history, John was a member of the Potter County Historical Society in Coudersport.  He was also a member and master of Odin Grange #1254 in Odin and a member and master of Potter County Pomona Grange #54.  He was also a member of the National Trust for Historical Preservation and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Damon M. Carlson, 30, of Ridgway, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at his residence.

He was born on May 17, 1994, a son of Lesley Carlson and the late Christopher Kinley.

Damon dedicated his life to his greatest joy: his children. He poured his heart and soul into parenting, providing unwavering love and care. He found immense joy in sharing adventures with his best friend, Derek, whether they were casting lines on serene fishing trips, embracing the thrill of hunting, or enjoying the excitement of the races. His love for family was evident in every laugh, every embrace, and every memory they created together.

Charles E. Spiegel, 72, of Coudersport, passed away Thursday (January 2, 2025) at his residence in Coudersport.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.

Ricky Joe Fink, 69, of 655 Bolivar Dr., Bradford, gained his angel wings on December 30, 2024 at UPMC Hamot Hospital, Erie.

Ric was born on February 10, 1955 in Bradford; a son of the late Edward and Theresa Fink.

Ric was an avid Jeep lover his whole life.  Envisioning and customizing many, the last of which he took to car shows and won multiple trophies for.  Ric retired from selling cars, where he was known as an honest salesman.  Ric spent his retired years detailing cars and working at the car wash in Foster Brook.  Each morning after work, Ric could be found at Tim Hortons enjoying his coffee and conversation with friends.

Ralph J. “Babe” HARRISON, 90, of Roulette, PA, died Tuesday, December 31, 2024 in UPMC Cole.  

Born December 22, 1934, in Elco, he was the son of Ralph and Tornada Roberts Harrison.  On November 17, 1955, in Port Allegany, he married Kaye A. Hayner, who survives.  A 1953 graduate of Port Allegany High School, he was employed by Pittsburgh Corning in Port Allegany, retiring as superintendent.  Ralph was a member of Riverside Methodist Church in Roulette, Port Allegany Lodge #505, F & AM, Smethport Country Club, and a life member of the Roulette Fire Department.  

John G. Peet               

John G. Peet, 87, a lifelong resident of Hebron, passed away in his home with his loving wife by his side on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 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.