Robert L. “Rob” Woelfel, 62, of Kersey, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Known by all as a gifted mechanic and lifelong tinkerer, Rob had an unmatched ability to bring machines back to life and a curiosity that never rested.
He was born on November 7, 1963 in St. Marys, a son of the late Wray “Lucky” and Doris Wolfe Woelfel.
On June 30, 1989 in Queen of the World Church, he married Judith Lundy Woelfel, who survives.
David “Dave” G. Steis, 60, a native and longtime resident of Ridgway, went home to the Lord on the afternoon of Saturday, December 6, 2025, after a brief stay in Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.
In Hebrew, David means “beloved”, and that’s exactly how he was and will forever be received by friends and family. He was a graduate of St. Leo’s Catholic School in 1979 and Ridgway Area High School in 1983. He was a dual sport athlete for the Mighty Elkers football program as well as the former Elkers track and field team. He went on to further his education at Triangle Tech and earned a trade degree in carpentry. He earned his degree while working full-time and was awarded Most Outstanding Student and a 4.0 grade-point average.
Sign-ups for the 2026 Youth Trap Shooting league will occur on 14 & 15 December from 6-7pm at the Black Forest Conservation Association located at 189 Back Road, Coudersport PA.
All students aged 12 and above from the Austin, Coudersport, Galeton, and Northern Potter school districts are eligible to participate.
Practices will start the first week of March and the season will run through mid May.
Please contact Brad Empson (814) 203-3287 or Loren Fitzgerald (202) 494-1908 for any questions.
Steven R. Wendel, 60, of St. Marys, passed away at his home on Saturday, December 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family following a long battle with cancer.
He was born on April 9, 1965 in St. Marys, a son of the late Laverne “Jerry” and Shirley Glessner Wendel.
On May 28, 1988, he married Mary Byrd Wendel, who survives. Together they shared more than 37 years of love and laughter.
Gail E. BUCHHOLZ, 62, of Wellsville, NY, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Saturday, December 6, 2025 in UR Jones Memorial Hospital following an illness.
Born May 23, 1963, in Warsaw, she was the daughter of Paul T. Cook and Delores Post Cook. Gail loved camping, fishing, and enjoying Born May 23, 1963, in Warsaw, she was the daughter of Paul T. Cook and Delores Post Cook. Gail loved camping, fishing, and enjoying cookouts.
Unfortunately, due to no fault of the American Legion’s, VFW’s or the Potter County Veteran’s Services Committee; this year’s Wreaths Across America ceremony is cancelled.
Aaron M. Forstner Walter, 14, of Bradford, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 5, 2025 at his home with his loyal dog “Lois” by his side.
He was born on November 20, 2011 in Billings, MT, a son of Miles Forstner of Billings.
Aaron was currently an 8th grade student at the Floyd C. Fretz Middle School.
He was a member of the 8th grade basketball and football teams, the Fretz Science Club and a baseball player on the Bradford Little League. He was also an avid fisherman who enjoyed playing golf and video games. He was a fan of the Buffalo Bills and the LA Dodgers. Aaron and his brother Dillon were partners in crime who could do anything when they were together and set their minds to it.
Ryan R. Taylor, 39, of California and formerly of St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 6, 2025. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.
Kathryn L. Luzzi, 82, of Bradford, passed away peacefully , Wednesday, November 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at her residence.
Born on October 10, 1943, in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of the late Clarence H. and Esther Ellen (Bass) Mott.
She was a graduate of Olean Area High School. After graduating, she attended Bradford Hospital School of Nursing and earned her LPN degree.
On January 22, 1966, at St. Bernard Church, she married Francis J. “Dude” Luzzi, who preceded her in death on October 10, 2001.
Kathryn worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Bradford Regional Medical Center, for over 40 years.
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is announcing that public voting is now open for this year’s Paint the Plow program. A total of six snowplows were creatively painted by high school students in three counties.
Paint the Plow is a statewide initiative that highlights safe winter driving while showcasing the artistic talents of students across Pennsylvania. This year’s theme, “Don’t race. Allow some space.”, encourages motorists to keep a safe distance from plows and other vehicles during winter weather conditions.
Earlier this year, students from Centre, Clearfield, and Clinton counties put their creativity to work, transforming PennDOT plow blades.
Jeff A. Holly, 70, of Gates Hollow, Bradford, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025, with his grandsons by his side at his home.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Linda Jean Malone, 89, formerly of 241 Minard Run Road, passed away peacefully Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Linda was born in New Martinsville, WV on April 27, 1936. She was the only child of Norman and Lida Headlee. She graduated from New Martinsville High School in 1954.
On February 9, 1963, she married Harry Otis Malone in New Martinsville, WV. Together they moved to Bradford in 1965.
Esther Ruth Ray “celebration of life slated”
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Esther Ruth Ray, 87, of Shinglehouse, at 11am on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in the First Baptist Church, Shinglehouse. Pastor Clint Pearsall will officiate.
Esther passed away on November 4, 2025.
Esther’s family entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com
This December, the Potter-McKean Players will put on its first production in eight years.
Although individual members have been involved in local projects, including re-enactments at the Eliot Ness Fest and hosting acting classes and seminars, the organization has not put on a play since 2017. With only three rehearsals left until they perform A Christmas Carol, the cast and crew are excited to take to the stage again.
Patricia M. “Pat” Pearson, 91, of Emporium, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, December 7, 2025, at Guy & Mary Felt Manor. She was born April 3, 1934, in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late G. Arthur and Bertha Selle Anderson. On September 3, 1955, in St. Marys, she married the late Frederick Pearson, and later was married to the late Angelo Mancini.
Pat was a 1952 graduate of the former Central High School in St. Marys. She began her working years with Sears & Roebuck before serving many years as a library clerk for the Cameron County School District. A devoted member of St. Mark Catholic Church, Pat lived her faith quietly and sincerely. She enjoyed her daily walks, reading, and word search puzzles, and was especially proud of her cooking, best known for her delicious apple pies, which she loved baking and sharing.
Daniel J. Lucia, of Warren, PA., died Monday morning, December 1, 2025, at Warren General Hospital, after a brief illness.
He was born in Warren, PA., the son of Daniel J. and Mary Chiricuzio Lucia. He was a longtime Warren area resident. Dan was a 1961 graduate of Holy Cross Prep School, Dunkirk, N.Y. He spent some time in the Catholic Seminary towards that goal. He was a graduate of Gannon University with a bachelor’s degree in English. He earned a master’s degree in American studies, from Pennsylvania State University. He was also a licensed practical nurse, training at Warren General Hospital. After obtaining his nursing degree, he worked primarily as an in-patient psychiatric nurse, with the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, IN, and later at Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster, PA.
POSITION VACANCY
The Coudersport Area School District is seeking applicants for a General Cafeteria Worker – 5 hr./day effective immediately.
Interested applicants should send a complete application package, including a letter of interest, application, current clearances (Act 24/31/34/151/168) and resumé to the Office of the Superintendent, CASD, 698 Dwight Street, Coudersport PA 16915 by December 17, 2025.
POSITION VACANCIES
The Coudersport Area School District is seeking applicants for the following positions:
HS Math Teacher (remainder of the school year)
Long Term Substitute Teacher for Kindergarten
Interested applicants should send a complete application package including a letter of interest, application, PA certificate, current clearances (Act 24/31/34/151/168), resumé, and transcripts to the Office of the Superintendent, CASD, 698 Dwight Street, Coudersport PA 16915 by December 17, 2025.
Township of Ceres, McKean County, has posted their Budget for 2026. A copy of the budget is available for public viewing at the Ceres Township Building, 12 Barbertown Road, Eldred, Pa. Office hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Budget will be up for adoption at the year end meeting on December 30, 2025 meeting at 6:00 p.m. Ceres Township’s Organizational meeting will be held on Monday, January 5, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. with their regular meeting for January to follow. Auditors annual meeting will be held January 6, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
John P. Vleminckx Sr., 92, of Bradford, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025, surrounded by his family at The Pavilion at BRMC.
Born on June 17, 1933, in Chicago, Il, he was a son of the late Peter and Julia Vleminckx.
He was a 1951 graduate of Benton High School in Benton, IL. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served in Korea until his honorable discharge.
On July 15, 1952, in Pocahontas, AR, he married Wanda L. (Overturf) Vleminckx, who survives.
