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Daniel Hayes Whitford passed away on February 5, 2024, after a tragic accident at his home on Cuba Lake.  Countless people have been impacted by his death, and his place in our shared history has been nothing short of legendary. 

The Law of the Conservation of Energy says that energy can neither be created nor destroyed – only converted from one form to another. Daniel’s love for his family, his life, and for other people was what defined him.  His energy was positive, intense, seemingly endless, and will not be diminished, but carried on by all of us.  

Born in Olean, New York to proud parents Chandler and Karen Whitford on June 22, 1977, Daniel grew up on Cuba Lake and was a graduate of Cuba-Rushford High School, Class of 1995.  He graduated from Gannon University. He started his career in the family business, The L.C Whitford Co., Inc., in the trades during his summers off in high school, the same as his brothers. He then progressed through the ranks to his most recent appointment as vice president. Throughout all these roles, his compassionate and authentic personality contributed to the cohesiveness that is the fabric of the company.

Daniel is survived by his parents, wife Rochelle (Darling), son Ford, daughter Stella; brothers Brad, Rod, and Clint; nieces Ellie and Isa Whitford; and sisters-in-law Amanda Darling and Meghan and Lauren O’Keefe.  To list his close friends would be impossible because of the immediate connections he made everywhere he went.

The life of Daniel has many themes:  Family man, intense love, adventurous soul, and a mission of happiness.  He was most passionate about his wife and children; swimming, fishing, or boating with them on Cuba Lake or at his favorite place of all – Lady Evelyn Lake in Ontario, Canada.

Daniel lived an outrageously full life, adding color to the mundane or a lightning bolt to the party. But, above all, he genuinely cared about other people’s feelings and happiness as much as his own.

Daniel leaves so many lives changed forever, and all for the better. To try and capture his life in a picture or paragraphs would be an impossible feat.  His many friends have mourned his passing with some tales and moving remembrances, including living life to the fullest, amazing hugs, making you feel at home, spreading joy and happiness, lighting up a room, infectious smile, and the list goes on.

The Whitford Family invites friends to join them in celebrating Daniel during a visitation on Sunday, February 11 at Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service Inc., 9 Bull Street, in Cuba from 1 to 5 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on his birthday, which is the summer solstice.

The Whitford Family will be establishing a memorial fund to honor Daniels’s memory.  Details will be announced before the celebration of life.

Don’t forget Daniel’s important mantra: “Straight to the top!!”

ELDRED – Judith A. Raught, 83, formerly of Looker Mountain Trail, passed away Wednesday (Feb. 7, 2024) at Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Born July 28, 1940, in Olean N.Y., she was the daughter of Chester and Thelma Reigel Rice. On Dec. 3, 1966, in Coryville, she married Thomas R. Raught, who preceded her in death April 20, 2022.

Judith was a 1959 graduate of Smethport High School, and when younger worked at Zippo, and then part time at Dexter-Hysol.

She enjoyed James Bond movies, crosswords, puzzles, needlework and arts and crafts. Judith was very artistic, which led her to serve as president of the Residents Society. She also previously enjoyed traveling, and sightseeing with her husband, Thomas Raught. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with, and was very proud of, her grandchildren.

ELDRED — Michael O. “Ort” Maynard, 69, of Route 446 passed away Sunday (Feb. 4, 2024) at St. Vincent Hospital, Erie, following a brief illness.

Born Aug. 23, 1954, in Olean, N.Y., he was the son of the late Orton and Peggy Manning Maynard.

Ort was a lifelong resident of Eldred, and had worked at the former Ball Foster Glass Plant, the Gold Eagle Hotel and VFW Post 2092 of Eldred. He was a social member of VFW Post 2092 of Eldred and American Legion Post 887 of Eldred, and was a prior officer for Sons of the American Legion.

He annually attended the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, N.Y., was an avid video game player and also enjoyed going fishing.

Pauline M. White, 91, of Wellsboro, PA passed away at her home on Thursday, February 8, 2024. She was born on December 6, 1932, in Oregon Hill, the daughter of the late Charles F. and Bertha M. (Gilbert) Kalmbach.  She was the wife of the late Richard L. White.

Joan Lucille (Dagustine) Martin, 90, of 111 West Main Street, Ridgway, PA passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

She was born on June 24, 1933, in Johnsonburg, a daughter of the late Frank and Joan Feronti Dagustine.

On October 25, 1952, at Holy Rosary Church, she married the late Daniel G. Martin. Together they shared more than 65 years of marriage.

Joan was a graduate of Johnsonburg Area High School class of 1951. She was a member of St. Leo Magnus Church and Catholic Daughters of America. She was also a member of the Ridgway Woman’s club for many years. Joan was secretary at Elk County Veterans’ Affairs office, retiring in 1999. She was a Jury Commissioner for 4 years (2000-2004).

Joan served as a waitress for many years at various clubs and restaurants, including the Ridgway Country Club, Elk’s Club, and the Mediterranean. She thoroughly loved waitressing and serving people throughout Ridgway. Joan was a self-taught cake decorator and well known throughout the community for her many cakes, cookies, pies, and baked goods.

Robert W. WAGNER, 49, of Friendship, NY, died Tuesday, February 6, 2024 in his home.  

Born April 11, 1974, in North Tonawanda, he was the son of Floyd and Sharon Kowalski Wagner.  On June 11, 2016, in Richburg, he married the former Ruth E. Norton, who survives. 

A graduate of Friendship Central School, he earned his welding certificate at BOCES.  Bob was employed by API from 1993 – 2007 and Siemens from 2007 – 2023, working as a welder in Wellsville, Olean, and Painted Post.  

Bob enjoyed hunting and dirt track racing with his son, Justin.  Bob loved working on his racing team as crew chief and mechanic.  He could weld and build anything.  Bob and Ruth spent a lot of time together farming, gardening, and spending time with the grandchildren. 

Robert Main, Jr.

Robert G. “Bob” Main, Jr., 66, died Wednesday, February 7, 2024, after suffering an apparent heart attack while at work. 

A complete obituary will be announced when available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA

Friendship, NY— Charles W. Geisel, 62, of 3282 County Road 8, passed away unexpectedly, at home, on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

Born April 22, 1960 in Rochester, NY. He was the son of Henry and Mary Dubey Geisel.

Charles was a graduate of the Richburg Central School Class of 1978.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving from 1981-1983.

He was employed at the former Cooper Industries in Olean as a Kiln Operator for twenty-two years, prior to his retirement. He later bartended at the Chef Grill, Bolivar and was employed as a custodian for Scio Central School for two years.

Charles enjoyed spending time with his family and cruising in his Corvette. The highlight of the year was his annual family reunion. He took great pride in his grandchildren’s accomplishments and attending their sporting events.

Michael M. Lovell

AUSTIN, PA—Michael M. “Mike” Lovell, 78, of Austin, PA passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024, in UPMC Cole, after a long illness.

Born on Sunday, September 30, 1945 in Stonemarket, England, he was a son of Carl and Sheila Peck Lovell.  On July 4, 1987 in Austin he married Diane E. Dow Lovell, who passed away on October 20, 2020.

Mike was a US Navy veteran.  He was employed at various places throughout the years.

Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle.

H. Richard Curfman                      “State Game Protector”

COUDERSPORT, PA—H. Richard “Dick” Curfman, 94, a longtime resident of Coudersport, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.

Born on Tuesday, October 22, 1929 in McConnellstown, Huntingdon County, PA, he was a son of Homer O. and Helen E. Lang Curfman.  On September 1, 1962 he was united in marriage to Betty A. Homolash, who survives.

He lived his earlier years in the Huntingdon, PA area and had resided in Coudersport since 1960.

Dick attended Walker Township Elementary School in McConnellstown and was a 1947 graduate of Huntingdon High School. 

Dick was a US Army veteran having served from 1950 to 1952 in Korea.  His military service (1948 – 1957) included him being a member of the PA National Guard Unit based in Huntingdon, both prior to and following his service in Korea.

In the 1940’s he worked on farms in the Woodcock Valley area, was employed by Weis Market and also by Laney’s Feed Mill, both in Huntingdon.  During the 1950’s he was employed by Owens Corning Fiberglass Corporation in Huntingdon and also owned and operated a trucking (coal) business and lawn mower repair shop from his home in McConnellstown.

Finishing first in his class, Dick was a 1960 graduate of Ross Leffler School of Conservation in Brockway.  Following graduation, he was employed by the PA Game Commission as District Game Protector stationed in Coudersport.  He also served as a US Deputy Game Warden until his Pennsylvania Game Commission retirement.  During the time (1960-1992) he intermittently served as North Central Region Land Management Supervisor, Potter-Tioga Unit Supervisor as well as with the PGC Special Investigation Unit during the 1960’s and 1970’s.  Following PGC retirement, Dick was employed by Johnson Excavating in Roulette for several summers.

Harry C. Sickler II                   “beloved husband, son, and brother”

COUDERSPORT, PA—Harry C. Sickler II, 63, a longtime resident of Coudersport, passed away in his home on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on Saturday, July 16, 1960 in Berwick, PA, he was a son of Harry C. and Shirley Kramer Sickler.  On August 20, 1994 in Coudersport, he married Tamra M. “Tammy” Lewis, who survives.

Harry was a graduate of Coudersport Area High School, Class of 1978 and was a graduate of Williamsport Area College becoming a radiologic technologist. 

Harry was employed by the former Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, now UPMC Cole, as a sonographer and radiologic technologist until his retirement.  After his retirement from the hospital, Harry volunteered at the Potter County Food Bank as manager.

Harry was a member of the Christian Missionary Alliance in Harrison Valley.  He enjoyed taking his dogs for walks.