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Loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather

BOLIVAR — Dale D. Davis, 83, of 8139 Salt Rising Road, Bolivar, passed away Tuesday (July 11, 2023) at Olean General Hospital, after a lengthy illness.

Born April 28, 1940, in Wellsville, he was the son of Kenneth and Lillian Bliven Davis. On Nov. 17, 1962, in the Cuba United Methodist Church, he married the former Carol A. Hosley, who survives.

Dale attended Bolivar Central School. He had worked for Dresser Rand as a crane operator and in his last few years in the shipping department, retiring in 2002 after 36 years of employment.

He was a member of the Bolivar Horseshoe League and of the former Dresser Rand bowling league. 

In his younger years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, tinkering on cars and riding motorcycle with his wife. When his children were young, he also coached little league.

In addition to his wife of 60 years, Carol, he is survived by his children, Dale D. (Linda) Davis Jr. of Bolivar, Allen (Patricia) Davis of Bolivar, Vicki (George) Matteson of Silver Springs and Brad (Lynn) Davis of Little Genesee; his grandchildren, Dustin, Drew, Jess, Misty, Lyndsey, Joey, LeAnn, Ashley, Amber, Austin and Nichole; 16 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Shane Davis, who passed in infancy; a brother, Kenneth Davis; and three sisters, Patricia Skinner, Delores Wetherby and Betty Brandel.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday (July 21, 2023) at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 554 S. Main St., Bolivar, at which time a memorial service will be held. The Rev. Elva Cornell will officiate.

Thomas F. Jordan Sr., 62, of Mayville, NY and formerly of Smethport, PA, Erie, PA, and Franklin, PA, passed away, with his family by his side, on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at UPMC Hamot Hospital following a brief battle with cancer.

     He was born January 26, 1961, in Cleveland, OH, the son of Cynthia Fabin, and was adopted by Walter F. and Betty L. Jordan of Franklin, PA.

     Tom was a 1979 graduate of Franklin High School and studied at Clarion and Edinboro University, where he earned an Associate’s Degree in Business and Computer Science. While he was at Edinboro University, he met and later married Valerie (Hanks) Stafford, with whom he shares two children. Tom later married Kathy (Frame) Jordan, who he shared a loving home with for many years, and had several beloved animals. Tom’s career included working in Personal Lines Underwriting at Erie Insurance. He was a computer technician for Xerox, and a Technology and Computer Science Instructor for the Port Allegany School System, from which he retired.

     He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion in Smethport, PA, the Lake Chautauqua VFW Post 8647 in Mayville, NY, where he served as treasurer for five years, and had been active with the Chautauqua County Hometown Heroes Veterans Memorial. He enjoyed being a Universal Minister, working with computers, the latest technology, and volunteering for VFW functions. Tom was also an avid Pittsburgh sports fan, particularly the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

     Tom is survived by his loving wife, Katherine Frame Jordan of Mayville, NY, a son, Thomas (Sarah) Jordan Jr., of Kokomo, Indiana, a daughter, Nicole (Alicia) Jordan and his grandson, Treyvon, of Cambridge Springs, PA, a sister, Janie Bartholme of Clarkston, Michigan and her children Jenna, of Chicago, Illinois and Gerrit, of Waterford, Michigan, his birth mother, Cynthia Fabin, of Lawrence Park, PA and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family throughout Punxsutawney, State College, PA and Ohio.

     He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents, Walter and Betty McAninch Jordan, his maternal grandmother, Mary B. Bocianowski Reksa, and several Aunts and Uncles. 

      At Tom’s request, there will be no public services observed. A celebration of life will be held at a later date and will be announced.

     Memorial donations can be made to the UPMC Erie Hillman Cancer Center (2500 W 12th Street, Erie, PA 16505).

    To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com

Dolores M. Goodwin Bennett Warfield Lafferty, 93, of Tram Hollow, Duke Center, PA passed away on Monday (July 10th, 2023) at the Bradford Manor.

Born March 15th, 1930 in Bradford, she was a daughter of Johnnie Durwood and Lula Belle Barton Goodwin.

Dolores attended Rixford Elementary School and Otto High School to the 10th grade. She then went on to get her GED diploma on April 23rd, 1990 at age 60.

On Oct. 10th, 1958, in Port Allegany, she married Alexander J. “Lucky” Bennett, who preceded her in death on Jan. 5th, 1970. Then, on Dec. 1st, 1990, she married Robert Francis Warfield in Mount Jewett. He then preceded her in death on Nov. 2nd, 2003. Finally, she married John “Moose” Lafferty on April 12th, 2008, who then preceded her in death on Jan. 6th, 2023.

She had been employed by Viko Furniture Co. in Eldred as a finisher. She then waitressed at the Steak Kitchen in Bradford and finally she had been employed by Speer Resistor in Bradford. She worked from 1950 to 1967 prior to spending the rest of her life taking care of her children as a homemaker.

She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and also enjoyed family dinners and gatherings, as well as camping with the family and watching the birds and butterflies. Her favorite pastime was reading and studying the bible.

Mrs. Lafferty was a member of the Maud Rebekah Lodge # 175 since May 5th, 1950, which then joined with the Eldred Lady Rebekah Lodge # 526. In June of 1982 she received the Degree of Chivalry in Harrisburg, the highest honor given to a Rebekah sister. She was also a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and helped the Otto Fire Police with Old Home Days.

Surviving are two sons, Steven Bradley (Alice) Bennett of Duke Center and Andrew John (Pennie) Bennett of Meadville; a stepson, Randy Eugene Warfield; five grandsons, Steve B., Troy F., Andrew J., Richard A. and Robbie E. Bennett; and a great-grandson, Michael Bennett; sisters Connie Morris of Rew and Carolyn Taylor of Shinglehouse, and a brother Calvin O. “George” Goodwin.

In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by a stepson, R. Steve Warfield; two sisters, Beverly A. Strang and Sandra L. Buckles, and a brother Ronald F. Goodwin.

There will be no services held at this time, however services will be held at a future date and time to be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.framefuneralhome.com

Durwood M. ADAMS, 84, of Mills, PA, died Monday, July 10, 2023 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.  

Born July 25, 1938, in Harrison Valley, he was the fourth child of Lawrence and Dorothy Abbott Adams.  On October 30, 1971, in Manchester, NH, he married the former Marie Ann Jeannette Cote, who predeceased him on October 1, 2011.  

We begin to remember not just that you died, but you lived and gave us memories too beautiful to forget.  We mourn the loss and celebrate the life of a great man, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, Marine, and friend. 

As a young man of 18, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving proudly and honorably from 1956 – 1976, retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant.  He served three tours in Vietnam and one tour in Okinawa.  Durwood earned several awards which were prideworthy to his family, but to him it was “I had a job to do and I did my job.”  He was not a fan of fanfare.  

After retiring from the military, he was employed by the Forestry Department for a year and Potter Distributors for four and a half years before settling in at Pure Carbon for 19 years.  

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, scratch off tickets, vanilla candles, watching baseball and football games on tv, going out to breakfast, and ribbing employees, family, and friends with his quick wit and loving sass.  

He loved taking his convertible Camaro out for drives on nice days.  It was often joked that it was the cleanest car on the streets because it never saw rain or foul weather.  He never shied away from helping others, whether it was a kind word, listening ear, a mowed lawn, or taking Amish to the store.  His open-door policy was exemplified by his words “you are always welcome, come on by.”  Woody was a member of Carl E. Hyde American Legion Post #963 in Ulysses. 

Surviving are:  six children, Kemberly (David), Robert,  Joann, Louise (Alfred), James, and Shannon;  15 grandchildren, Dyana (Dan), Cristine (David), Raymond, Marc (Kelly), Leslie, Jesse, Steven, Elenor, JaeAlyn (Christina), KelliAnn (Alan), Dawna, James, CJ, Nicholas, Justin, and Racheal;  13 great-grandchildren, Teri (Christopher), Kristen (Dana), Ashley, Aiden, Kennadi, Mason, Alexandra, Brian, Alan, Evangeline, Georgianna, Cambridge, and Kathleen;  two great-great-granddaughters, Emily and Ava;  many friends, including special honors to Jolene;  many good friends from the Amish community;  nieces and nephews.  In addition to his adored wife, he was predeceased by three siblings, Barbara Erhard, Bruce L. Adams, and Gretchen Doty.

Friends may call Sunday, July 16, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA, where Funeral Services will be held on Monday at 11:00 AM.  Rev. Timothy H. Miller will officiate.  Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Potter Brook, PA, where Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Potter County Honor Guard and active-duty personnel from the U.S. Marine Corps.  

Memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or any Veteran service organization.  

Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Hugh E. Crosby, a lifelong resident of Austin, PA, passed away Friday (July 7, 2023) at ECMC in Buffalo, N.Y., following a traumatic head injury from a fall off a ladder.

Hugh was born November 11, 1936 in Austin, PA to the late Cedric and Helen Cooney Crosby. Hugh was a graduate of Austin Area High School. On August 6, 1955 in Manassas, VA, he married Jean M. Tilburg who survives.

Hugh thoroughly enjoyed life, he had a huge heart, genuinely loved interacting with people wherever he went and always found a common interest with those he met.  NASCAR, Willies Roadhouse radio, camping, 4-wheeling, working in his garage and tinkering around his house were some of his favorite things to do.

His infectious smile and laugh warmed the hearts of many. He cared deeply for his family and friends and would go out of his way to help those in need, expecting nothing in return. Hugh took pride in his family and thoroughly enjoyed each and every family gathering. His love and kindness were felt wherever he went.

Despite suffering severe burns and the loss of his little finger on both hands early in life, Hugh continued working at several powdered metal plants retiring from GKN Sintered Metals at the age of 64. Hugh made many friends at every place of employment and was very excited when he would run into prior coworkers. He was a master mechanic and welder and loved working on cars and could fix anything.

Hugh is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jean Tilburg Crosby; daughters, Cynthia (Joseph) Reed of Austin, PA and Carolyn (Maurice) Moore of Orchard Park, NY; grandchildren, Dustin (Margo) Crosby of Coudersport, PA, Tiffany Plant of Kenmore, NY, Melissa (Geoffrey) Hurin of Hazel, KY, Darren (Diana) Crosby of Coudersport, PA , Mark (Melissa) Reed of Youngsville, NC, and Kyle Moore of West Seneca, NY;  brothers, Terry (Ruthie) Crosby and William Crosby both of Austin, PA; sisters, Barbara Barr of Austin, PA and Connie (Joseph) Clingan of Salem, OH;  and several great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents Hugh is predeceased by a son, Thomas H. Crosby; and a brother, Clement C. Crosby.

In keeping with Hugh’s wishes, there will be no visitation.  A celebration of Hugh’s life will be held at a later date.

Hugh entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Austin Area Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 328, Austin, PA  16720.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Hugh please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Donald E. “Nummy” Leader, 65, of 223 Cushing Avenue, Johnsonburg, PA passed away suddenly while caring for his mother-in-law’s home.

Donny was born in Ridgway on July 24, 1957, a son to the late Eugene and Hallie Sue Ener Leader. On November 17, 1989 in Johnsonburg, he married Betsy Thiry and she survives. 

A lifelong resident of Johnsonburg, Donny was a 1975 graduate of Johnsonburg Are High School. He was a member of the Johnsonburg Elks Lodge 612 and Central Hose Co. Nummy loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and anything with four legs.

He also enjoyed spending time with his extended family at “the garage” where he spent a great deal of his free time and eagerly awaited someone to drop off a project for him to tinker on. He was an avid collector, amassing collections of pocket watches, knives and guns.

Upon his retirement from Domtar in 2014 after 38 years of service, he furthered his passion for being a maintenance mechanic and was always tinkering and repairing everything from toys and watches to cars and trucks. Donald was a mechanic by trade and a jack of all things for pleasure. There wasn’t a thing that had wheels or ran on fuel that he couldn’t fix. Even though a failing heart took him away from this world, his loving heart will leave an everlasting impression on his family and friends. 

Donny is survived by his wife Betsy at home, his children; Cory Leader of Pittsburgh, Angel, Mrs. Joe Fritz of St. Marys, Chad Leader and his wife Annie of Ridgway and Donny Leader and his companion Thea Distler of St. Marys and his grandchildren; Isaac and Halle Fritz and Benjamin and Lottie Mae Leader. He is also survived by sisters Linda, Mrs. John Tile of York and Mary Ann Myers of Rasselas and a brother Dave Leader and his wife Jeannine of Johnsonburg, several nieces and nephews and his beloved pets. 

In addition to his parents, Donny is predeceased by a brother Tommy Leader, his mother-in-law Ellen E. Evans just this past Friday and is now working on cars again with his best friend, Scott Horchen. 

A Mass of Christian Burial for Donald “Nummy” Leader, in conjunction with the celebration for his mother-in-law Ellen E. Evans, will be conducted at Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg on Tuesday July 18, 2023 at 10 AM with Fr. Wilson, Pastor as celebrant. A celebration of life will immediately follow at Horchen’s Garage, 1275 Bendigo Rd., Johnsonburg. 

Arrangements are under direction of the Anthony F. Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Chestnut Street, Johnsonburg. 

If desired, memorial contributions can be made in his honor to the Elk County Humane Society, 1029 East Eschbach Rd., St. Marys, PA 15857 or to the UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation at givetochildrens.org  

Charles Weiser, 75, of Birch St. in Kane, PA passed away Tuesday morning (June 11) at UPMC-Cole.  

He was born Feb. 7, 1948 in Kane, the son of the late Joseph and Alice (Grolemund) Weiser.  He married Nancy Wheeler, who survives, on Nov., 30, 1968, in Kane.

Mr. Weiser had worked for many years at Stackpole Carbon Company.

In addition to his wife he is survived by two daughters, Kelly Weiser of Butler and Karri (James) Rickard of Cranberry Township and five grandchildren, including Joseph (Hannah) Weiser of Irwin.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to the donor’s choice.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.

The Cummings Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Following a storyline like that of his beloved Pittsburgh Pirates, the 2023 campaign of Ken Coppolo ended sooner than we all had hoped. 

Kenneth J. Coppolo, 73, of St. Marys, PA passed away following a brief illness Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at his daughter’s home with his family and grand dogs by his side.

Ken was born March 1, 1950, in St. Marys, son of the late Gerald and Mary Rose Coppolo.  He was a lifelong resident of St. Marys and a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, Class of 1969.

On October 18, 1975, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, he married Jeanne M. Sorg, who survives.  They were blessed to share 47 years of marriage and friendship.

Along with his loving wife, Ken is survived by daughter Carisa Coppolo and her partner, Trent Mason, of Erie, daughter Julie Lapiska and her husband Andy Lapiska, also of Erie; his four grandchildren: Kenna, Reagan, Lucas, and Nathan; his sister, Vicki Coppolo of St. Marys; and by his sisters-in-law and their spouses – Mary and Jef Fritz, Sally and Rick Gabler, Nancy and Nick Budd; as well as his many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Ken was a parishioner of Queen of the World Church and truly loved to work.  A lifelong business owner and entrepreneur, he was most committed to his business as an independent contractor, Coppolo Builders, which recently celebrated its fiftieth year.  While his construction projects stand strong around St. Marys and beyond, the most important thing that Ken built was a strong family.  Nothing made him prouder than seeing his daughters and grandchildren succeed on stage, at sports, and by building loving families of their own.

A selfless man, Ken lived a life guided by kindness and his idea of F.A.M.I.L.Y. (Forget About Me, I Love You). Ken’s “family” extended to include the countless friends who he loved—and brought the light of joy to—with his unwavering smile and sense of humor.  He instilled these strong values and work ethic in his grandchildren who will miss him dearly.

Let’s go Bucs!   We love ‘ya “Hon!”

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass to be celebrated in the Queen of the World Church on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 10:30 AM, concelebrated by Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, and longtime family friend the Very Rev. Michael P. Ferrick.  Military honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Sunday, July 16, 2023 from 4:00 until 6:00 PM.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 or a children’s charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com

Richard D. Christoff, 69, passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at his home in Ridgway, surrounded by family.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Verena M. Christoff (Willow); a daughter, Lisa Martinez; a son, Richard S. (Crystal) Christoff, a sister, Wendy (Dan) Klinedinst; a granddaughter, Nina Martinez; and grandsons Andre (Christine) Martinez, Samuel Christoff and Owen Christoff.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel J. and Gertrude Christoff (Johnson) and brothers Tommy Joe Christoff and William “Bill” Christoff.

Mr. Christoff honorably served in the U.S. Air Force from 1977 to 1981 as a sergeant with the Strategic Air Command (SAC), 544th Intelligence Analysis Squadron based in Omaha, Nebraska. He was committed to his family and country as well as his community, serving as the longtime leader and committee member of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 93 in Ridgway and retiring after decades of service as a volunteer firefighter with the Ridgway Fire Department. He was an avid woodworker and outdoorsman who loved to spend his days hunting and fishing with friends and family throughout the generations.

Mr. Christoff was a 1971 graduate of Ridgway Area High School and earned an associate’s degree in specialized business from Dubois Business College. He retired after 32 years of service as an accountant at Elco Electric. 

Funeral Services for Richard D. Christoff will be held on Monday, July 17, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Krise Funeral Home, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA, 15853, with Rev. Ron Burkett officiating.

Military Honors will be accorded by the Ridgway-Johnsonburg-Wilcox Burial Detail.

Burial will follow at Thayer Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 AM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Penn Highlands Community Nurses and Hospice, Boy Scout Troop 93 in Ridgway or a charity of one’s choice.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com