Potter County Human Services Employment Opportunities
December 2025
Rodney A. Johnson, 62, Of Bradford, PA
Rodney A. Johnson, 62, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Bradford, PA on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Rodney was born on March 11, 1963 and grew up in Little Valley. He lived in Salamanca most of his adult life, and worked at Luminite for 41 years.
Rodney was a kind soul and always quick to help anyone in need. He was very mechanically inclined and liked to ‘tinker.’ When he wasn’t working on a project, he enjoyed reading, riding motorcycle, spending time outdoors and classic rock. Most of his Saturdays were spent visiting his daughter and playing with his grandson. Those closest to him, knew Rodney loved to cook and eat; especially spicy food. He even won a chili cook-off! Family traditions and celebrations were important to him. If you had the pleasure of speaking to him on a personal level you knew he loved a good laugh. He will surely be missed by his family and friends.
Richard G. SHARP, Jr., 76, of Ulysses, PA
Richard G. SHARP, Jr., 76, of Ulysses, PA, died Monday, December 15, 2025 in Sena Kean Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
Born September 26, 1949, in Wellsboro, he was the son of Richard G. and Roxie L. Houghtaling Sharp. On January 18, 1970, in Gold, he married Sharon Rose Langan, who predeceased him on July 16, 2022.
Kathleen R. “Kathy” Derrick, 77, of Shinglehouse, PA
Kathleen R. Derrick
Kathleen R. “Kathy” Derrick, 77, of Shinglehouse, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.
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.
Wind Advisory December 17 Through December 20th 1:00AM – Multiple Areas
This is an important message from NY Alert
Wind Advisory issued December 17 at 12:37PM EST until December 20 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Binghamton NY
* WHAT…Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central New York and northeast Pennsylvania.
* WHEN…From 7 PM Thursday to 1 AM EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Seneca Highlands CTC’s “Student Of The Week”
The SHCTC Networking and Security instructor, Mr. Bryant, is proud to announce the Student of the Week, Ayden Blair. Ayden is a 12th grader at Smethport Area School District and a third-year student at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center.
Ayden is an example of a student who overcomes adversity and achieves what he sets his mind to. Ayden exhibits an outstanding work ethic in shop labs, on theory assignments, and in earning certifications such as Chromebook Repair Academy.
Sharon L. Larkham, 65 of Bradford
Sharon L. Larkham, 65 of Bradford, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at Select Specialty Hospital, Erie.
She was born on October 21, 1960 in Bradford; a daughter of the late Guy and Geraldine Hess Larkham.
She was a 1978 graduate of the Bradford Area High School and a 1995 graduate of Lamson Junior College, Phoenix, AZ; where she earned her Associate’s degree in accounting.
She was employed by Rickabaugh Inc., Phoenix as a bookkeeper for several years until she moved back to Bradford.
She is survived by two sons, Brian Larkham of Tucson, AZ and Joshua Larkham of Tempe, AZ; one sister, Lisa (Eric) Schellhammer of Bradford; one brother, Steven (Sue) Larkham of Big Shanty; four granddaughters, Layla Saldana, Malaya Saldana, Malani Saldana and Valeniece Gonzales all of Arizona and several nieces and nephews.
At her request there will be no funeral services.
Memorial contributions in her memory can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
Online Condolences can be expressed at www.maschofuneral.com.
White Castle Frozen Food Division Recalls Frozen 4-Count Cartons of Original Sliders Due to Undeclared Milk and Soy
White Castle Frozen Food Division Recalls Frozen 4-Count Cartons of Original Sliders Due to Undeclared Milk and Soy
COLUMBUS, Ohio — White Castle Frozen Food Division has initiated a recall of 1,021 cases of its retail frozen 4-count cartons of Original Sliders due to undeclared milk and soy. The carton may contain Jalapeño Cheese Sliders. Jalapeño Cheese Sliders contain milk and soy, allergens that are not on the Original Slider carton label. Consumers with an allergy or sensitivity to milk or soy run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product.
Eugene “Gene” House, 97, of St. Marys, PA, formerly of Emporium
Eugene “Gene” House, 97, of St. Marys, PA, formerly of Emporium, passed away peacefully at Penn Highlands Elk, St. Marys, PA, on Tuesday morning, December 16, 2025.
He was born on July 9, 1928, in Emporium, PA, a son of the late Percival Lawrence and Elizabeth Cooper House. On October 24, 1953, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, he married the late Marie Griswold, who preceded him in death.
Gene proudly served his country in the United States Army as a medic, completing five years of military service. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and dedicated over 40 years of service to Sylvania/GTE. During his career, Gene was known for his ingenuity, inventing and patenting the “Patty Pro” and creating multiple toys. While working at Caldwell Machining, he completed the journeyman tool and die maker apprenticeship and training course, fulfilling the apprenticeship agreement in accordance with the standards of the PA Apprenticeship and Training Council, the Federal Committee on Apprenticeship, and Caldwell Machining.
KIWANIS CLUB DELIVERS HOLIDAY JOY TO BEACON LIGHT CHILDREN
For the 89th consecutive year the Kiwanis Club of Bradford held their Christmas party for the children of Beacon Light Behavioral Health System (BLBHS), an affiliate of Journey Health System (JHS). This year’s luncheon was held at Beacon Light’s main campus where Kiwanis Club members, children from BLBHS, and staff attended to sing carols, watch kids open presents from the Kiwanis.
“We’re truly grateful to the Kiwanis Club for being a steadfast partner in our mission,” stated Jennifer Gesing, BLBHS Executive Director.
The Kiwanis Club contributes money every year to buy gifts for the clients of Beacon Light’s programs. Kiwanis President Stacy Williams and over a dozen Kiwanis members attended the holiday giving event and presented a donation check.
After the gifts were unwrapped, the kids received refreshments and they will enjoy a variety special activities throughout the holiday season thanks to the Kiwanis’ generosity.
Emogene Marinik, 97, of Bradford, formerly of Smethport, PA
Emogene Marinik, 97, of Bradford, formerly of Smethport, passed away Tuesday (December 16, 2025) at the Bradford Ecumenical Home in Bradford.
Arrangements will be announced with a full obituary by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
PFBC Stocks Trout for Winter Ice Fishing Opportunities
BARNESVILLE, Pa. (December 16) – Frozen lakes mean great ice fishing opportunities for anglers across Pennsylvania. Today, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocked more than a 1,000 Rainbow Trout at Locust Lake State Park in Schuylkill County. It’s one of the final trout stockings of 2025. While most people think of trout fishing in the spring when 3.2 million trout are stocked statewide, the PFBC stocks about 130,000 trout into 100 popular waterways during fall and winter. Anglers are reminded to be safe when venturing out onto the ice. If you are new to ice fishing, it is best to go along with an experienced angler to learn how to stay safe and catch fish. Anyone venturing onto the ice should wear a life jacket or coat with flotation built in. For ice safety tips and to find great places to fish, visit Fishandboat.com.
Trout were also stocked into Kaercher Creek Lake, Berks County today.
Richard C. JOHNSON, 84, of Wellsville, NY
Richard C. JOHNSON, 84, of Wellsville, NY, died Sunday, December 14, 2025 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport. Born April 10, 1941, in Kane, PA, he was the son of Russell and Lillian Gabriel Johnson. On January 15, 1966, in Kane, PA, he married Linda L. Buhl, who predeceased him on January 26, 2018.
A graduate of Wilcox High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Navy for 3 years then the U.S. Army for 20 years in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ft. Benning, Georgia (where Dan joined the family), Ft. Rucker, Alabama, Ft. Greely, Alaska (where Amy joined the family) and finally Ft. Campbell Kentucky, living in nearby Clarksville, Tennessee. During his military service, Rich was stationed in Korea and Thailand and completed two tours in Vietnam.
After retiring from the Army, the family moved back to Kane briefly, and then to Wellsville, NY in 1980. The family road trip was the annual vacation for many years. In later years, Rich and Linda would enjoy traveling together on road trips out west, to Myrtle Beach, and taking cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean. For their 50th wedding anniversary, they took the entire family on a Caribbean cruise. Rich was a member of Grace United Church in Wellsville and Wellsville Rod & Gun Club.
New US Flag Retirement Receptacle Installed At St. Marys Legion
The Elk County Cruisers Car Club and the St. Marys Servicemen’s Detail recently installed a new United States Flag Retirement Receptacle in front of the American Legion Post #103 on Center Street in St. Marys. The project was completed with support from the Doris E. Stackpole Foundation, Shop 14 Muscle Cars in St. Marys, and the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF).
The new receptacle will make it easier for the public to drop off worn and tattered American flags for a respectful and proper disposal. Flags should not be deposited in bags or boxes as these materials clog the receptacle opening and make it difficult to empty. The Detail gathers the flags and conducts a ceremonial burning every summer at Bear Run.
In 2025, the Cruisers established a donor-advised fund at ECCF to raise funds to support projects like this in Elk County. This year, they made donations to the Boys and Girls Club of St. Marys, Christian Food Bank, Crystal Fire Department and St. Marys Municipal Airport. They also collaborated with the Servicemen’s Detail and American Legion Post #103 for the construction of the new flagpole and veterans’ monument at Shawmut Park. Donations to the Elk County Cruisers Car Club Fund of any size are gratefully accepted at the Elk County Community Foundation, PO Box 934. St. Marys, PA, 15857.
The Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies is the parent company of the Elk County Community Foundation and the McKean County Community Foundation. Funds established by charitable donors support our communities through the awarding of grants and scholarships. For more information on how you can help support important community programs please contact the Community Foundation at 814-834-2125.
UPMC Expert: Staying Ahead Of Arthritis When The Temperatures Drop
UPMC Orthopaedic Care
As temperatures drop, many people with arthritis notice their joints feeling stiffer, achier, or harder to move. While the exact reasons aren’t fully understood, colder weather, changes in barometric pressure, and reduced activity all contribute to increased discomfort. Fortunately, there are practical ways to manage symptoms and maintain mobility throughout the winter months.
Keep Your Joints Moving
Movement is essential for joint health. Regular, gentle activity warms stiff joints, improves circulation, and helps maintain flexibility. On cold days when outdoor activity may feel challenging, there are plenty of indoor options. Stretching, yoga, tai chi, or even walking in place while watching TV can help. Short, frequent movement breaks throughout the day often work better than longer sessions, especially for joints that tend to stiffen quickly.
Trail Central | Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau announce Marketing & Event Grant Program
Matching grant program funds up to $2500 for businesses, organizations and events for tourism marketing
Bradford, (Pennsylvania) – Trail Central | The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureauis pleased to announce the 2026 Marketing Project and Event Marketing Program. This program will fund eligible projects and events from January through June 30, 2026. Since its inception in Summer 2024, the Marketing and Event Grant Program has supported 40 events and marketing initiatives in McKean County totaling $55,000.
The Bureau’s semi-annual grant program aims to fund qualified McKean County organizations and businesses to strengthen our tourism products, increase the marketing, promotion and advertising of tourism related business and enhance the quality of events.
John L. Mallery, 91, Of Route 155
John L. Mallery, 91, of Route 155, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at Sena Kean Manor in Smethport, PA.
John was born on July 9, 1934, in Chenango Bridge, NY, the son of Margaret and Edgar Mallery. On December 4, 1955, in Hancock, NY, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean E. Wormuth Mallery, who preceded him in death. They shared 57 years of marriage. On September 23, 2014, he married the Rev. Deborah Smith, who survives.
In addition to his wife Debbie, John is survived by two sons, Michael T. (Crystal) Mallery and Javan A. (Francine) Mallery; two daughters, Elizabeth M. (Sonnie) Brockwell and Margaret I. Mallery; daughter-in-law Tina L Mallery (Paul) and chosen daughter, Jamie L. McKenzie.
He was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren: Michael (Christina), Alixandra, Paul (Mia), John (Rachel), Philip, Alexis, Ashlyn (Micah), Margaret, Anna (James), Javan II, Andrew (Carisa), Kathryn, Chase, and Levi; 16 great-grandchildren: Brayden, Baileigh, Myrin, Kaileigh, Preston, Lexi, Kaden, Gracie, Kenzi, Jaxon, Raymond, Maison, Micah Jr, Addison, Rowan, and River; and one great-great-granddaughter, Cyra.
John is also survived by his sister, June Mallery Flickinger, along with many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his first wife Jean, he was preceded in death by his sons, John A. Mallery and Paul E. Mallery; his parents; and his siblings, Robert, Margaret, Mary, and Esther.
Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, Announce The 25th Gift of Memory
Kevin and Patty Dusenbury of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, announce that the 25th Gift of Memory program has been an astonishing success, thanks to the many generous donors and supporters of this yearly event.
“We have donors from the first year that continue to donate and new donors every year. We had several donors who contributed very generous amounts of monies which allowed us to shop for specific needs to purchase items for the older children”.
Dusenbury, who is the owner and funeral director of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home in Shinglehouse and the Potter County Coroner stated, “we are once again amazed by the generosity of so many people. We truly THANK each person who donated, assuring that many less fortunate individuals and families will have a brighter and happier Christmas. We wish everyone a beautiful, blessed and very Merry Christmas.”
Delivering the toys to the Christmas House in Coudersport were Carl and Ronda Dickerson who have taken this program as one of their own to facilitate a happier Christmas for many children of Potter County, the Klesa family, who have graciously embraced the Gift of Memory program for many years to honor their son and brother, Jon, and Kevin and Patty Dusenbury.
Marlene M. Reph, 86, of Coudersport, PA
Marlene M. Reph, 86, of Coudersport, PA, passed away December 2, 2025, at Sweden Valley Manor. She was born on March 30, 1939, in Aquashicola, PA. Marlene worked at Chestnut Ridge Turkey Farm, and for Scotties Fashions, retiring in 2002. She loved playing cards with her friends, putting together puzzles and spending time with her family.
Marlene is survived by three sons: Alphred Reph III of Palmerton, PA; Ricky Rodgers of Palmerton, PA; Brian Reph of Saylorsburg, PA; a daughter: Linda Faulstick of Coudersport; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
In accordance with her wishes her arrangements have been entrusted to the Thomas Fickinger Funeral Home 210 N. East Street Coudersport, PA 16915. To share a memory or condolence with her family, visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
Give the Gift of Life This Season, BRMC, OGH Hosting ConnectLife Blood Drives
BRADFORD, PA / OLEAN, NY – Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, will be hosting community blood drives this December in partnership with ConnectLife, the region’s only community blood bank.
OGH will host its blood drive on Wednesday, December 17, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The drive will take place on the ConnectLife Bus, located at the Mildred Milliman Outpatient Surgery Center, directly across from the hospital. Anyone who would like to schedule an appointment can visit www.connectlifegiveblood.org and use sponsor code 000485, or call (716) 529-4270.
The BRMC blood drive is scheduled for Thursday, December 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the hospital’s main lobby. To schedule an appointment, visit www.connectlifegiveblood.org and use sponsor code 000468, or contact Kim Murphey at (814) 362-8298.
Bonnie A. Wood, 82, of Coudersport
Bonnie A. Wood
COUDERSPORT, PA—Bonnie A. Wood, 82, of Coudersport, passed away unexpectedly at UPMC Cole in Coudersport, on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
Born on September 8, 1943 in Erie, she was a daughter of James and Marion Brydon. On September 4, 1965 in Erie she married Russell Eugene Wood, who passed away on January 23, 2014.
She graduated from McDowell High School in Erie and from Edinboro University with a degree in library sciences. She worked as an elementary school librarian in multiple Pennsylvania public school systems, sharing with children her love of books.
She also was a Dorling Kindersley (DK) Books representative, traveling with her husband Gene to multiple book fairs, setting up amazing displays for children’s books.
Bonnie created Hemlock Springs Cultural Arts Center in Keating Summit, PA. There she held an annual Hobbit and Fairy Festival that celebrated teaching children about fairies and garden magic.
She became a certified Master Gardener and used the land of Hemlock Springs to propagate many different flowers and perennial plants. Throughout the years she sold thousands of plants and spread beautiful flowers around Potter County. If you see a big, beautiful day lily, chances are it came from her garden. She volunteered all over Potter County spreading her garden knowledge and creating interesting gardens everywhere. She was particularly proud of the garden she created for the residents of Sweden Valley Manor, “Yesterday’s Garden”, for which she received a Commendation of Service from the US Congress.