Obituaries

Helen Joan Story Empey, “Joanie”, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2024, at the age of 80. 

Born in Tonawanda, NY, Joanie was the daughter of Helen Purcell Story and James Blaisdell Story. Joanie spent her childhood in Bradford, graduated from Bradford High School in 1962, and attended Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. 

After completing a course of study at Rochester Business Institute, Joanie was employed by Eastman Kodak.  She resided in Rochester, NY until her 1966 marriage to Robert Empey, to whom she was married for 48 years. 

Dorothy L. Maholic, 91, of 122 Minard Run Road, Bradford, PA passed away Friday, May 31, 2024, surrounded by family members at her residence.

Friends will be invited to attend a Celebration of Dorothy’s Life on Sunday, July 7, 2024, from 3 pm to 6 pm in the Mt. Jewett Sportsman’s Club.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Robert D. Miketish, 77, of 17 Aqua Drive, Gifford, PA passed away Sunday, June 30, 2024, at his residence.

Born November 22, 1946, in Bradford, he was a son of the late George and Gertrude (Dailey) Miketish. He was a 1964 graduate from Smethport High School.

On April 3, 1968, in Munich, Germany, Robert married Veronika (Aniol) Miketish, who preceded him in death on April 13, 2019.

Robert was employed at Zippo for one year, Beatty Auto Parts, drove the gas truck for Jack Hermes, and worked at R.F. Snyder as a manager, before retiring. Robert enjoyed spending time with his wife and going to bingo and the casino together.

James E. “Big Jim” VanAlstine, 92, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Pinecrest Manor.

He was born on September 12, 1931 in St. Marys, PA, a son of the late Earl and Pearl Rice VanAlstine.

On June 14, 1952, in Portville, NY, he married the late Inez Hoak VanAlstine, who preceded him in death in 1995. Together they shared more than 43 years of marriage.

Jim was Methodist by faith and retired from Pure Carbon after more than 40 years of dedicated service. He was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge, where he had also served as Worshipful Master for 2 years.

He was also a faithful volunteer for the Crystal Fire Department for more than 25 years.

Always enjoying the outdoors, Jim loved hunting, going to camp, and riding his 4-wheeler. Throughout the years, Jim came to be somewhat of an expert when it came to the lost Dent’s Run gold, after having spent more than 50 years researching its whereabouts and looking for it when time allowed. In his earlier years, he was one of the founders of the Mountain Rangers Emergency CB Club, one of the first communication radios in the area for the local police and search and rescue organizations. A carpenter by secondary trade, Jim put on many roofs in the area to help support his family, and loved nothing more than spending time with his family.

Kimberley A. Hoak              “phoenix rising”

COUDERSPORT, PA—Kimberley A. Hoak, 69, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed away unexpectedly in her home on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

Born on Saturday, February 12, 1955 in Coudersport, she was a daughter of Donald A. and Phyllis J. Warner Hoak.

Kim was a graduate of Coudersport High School.  She was employed in the legal field for most of her working career.  Her last position was as a reporter for the Potter-Leader Enterprise in Coudersport.

In her early years, she was an avid hunter.  She loved her flower gardens. Kim was an advocate for the underdog.  Her greatest love was her family.

Edward T. Morgan, 86, of Campbelltown Rd., Mt. Jewett, PA passed away Thursday (June 27) at Penn Highlands Elk. Born May 30, 1938 in Halsey, he is the son of the late Joseph and Catherine (Rendosh) Morgan.  On April 4, 1964, in Mt. Jewett, he married Jennifer Caldwell, who survives.

Ed owned Morgan Drilling for many years, after which he went to work and retired from the Mt. Jewett Particleboard Plant.  He was a member of the Wilcox Sportsman Club, the Mt. Jewett Sportsman Club, the NRA and the Sons of the American Legion.

Loretta M. Howard-Summers          “former Shinglehouse, PA resident”

NIAGARA FALLS, NY—Loretta M. Howard-Summers, 97, of Niagara Falls, NY, formerly of Shinglehouse, passed away in her home with her loving family by her side, on Monday, July 1, 2024.

Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.

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

Harold W Lewis, of Shinglehouse, was born, June 30, 1955, in Sellersville, PA. He was called home by his Heavenly Father on June 27, 2024, at the age of 68. He was surrounded by love as he was accepted into Jesus’ arms. 

Graduating in 1973 from Pennridge High School, in Perkasie, PA. Harold was a lifelong entrepreneur and craftsman. He was known for his beautiful fiberglass and woodworking skills. He was a kind, carefree man, whose heart was as full as his lush greenhouse. 

You would never find his home without a few ferns, a stacked bookshelf, and he never went too long without fish in his tank. 

Arthur J. Cianca, 73, of Ridgway, PA died on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at his residence after a lengthy illness.

He was born on October 5, 1950, in Ridgway, the son of the late Arthur Sr. and Susan Caggeso Cianca.

On August 12, 1988, he married Mary Theresa Judice, who survives.

Art was a lifelong resident of Ridgway and a member of St. Leo Magnus Catholic Church. A proud member of the Ridgway American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America Kersey Chapter 720, and the Ridgway Fire Department. Art devoted himself to serving his community and country with honor and integrity. Art had a special spot in his heart for his granddaughter, Sofia, spending time gardening and could often be found riding her around on his scooter.

Rhonda S. Nelson, 63, of Russell, PA., died Sunday afternoon, June 30, 2024, at Warren Manor Nursing Home, Warren, PA.  Rhonda was born November 9, 1960, in Salamanca, New York.  She is the daughter of Eileen E. Koningisor Grover Akeley of Russell, PA. and the late James Richard Grover.  She has resided in the Warren and Frewsburg, N.Y. areas most of her life.  She was a 1978 graduate of Frewsburg High School.  She was a longtime employee of Millers Grove Restaurant. 

James Samuel Delhunty, 85, of Ridgway, PA passed away on June 29, 2024. He was lovingly known as “Sam” by his family and friends.

Sam was born on July 18, 1938 to Jack and Verda Lyle Delhunty, who preceded him in death. He spent his early years in Portland Mills where he grew up in a large family.

Sam was a graduate of the Ridgway Area School District. Upon graduation, he was employed by IPM of Ridgway where he worked his way up to co-owner of the plant that later became Clarion Sintered Metals. He retired in 1996.

Robin A. Kerr, 68, of Toms Lane in Kane, PA passed away Friday (June 28) at UPMC-Kane. Born July 2, 1955, in Kane, she is the daughter of the late Chester and Frances (McCauley) Peterson. On June 24, 1978, in Kane she married Thomas Kerr, who survives.

Robin was a life-long member of Tabor Lutheran church and a Sunday School teacher. She was an avid gardener, enjoyed sewing, crossword puzzles and reading. Robin also had been a homeroom mother while her children were in school and volunteered for the Meals on Wheels program.

Kimberley A. Hoak             

Kimberley A. Hoak, 69, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed away unexpectedly in her home on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

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.

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

Arthur J. Cianca, 73, of Ridgway, died on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at his residence following a lengthy illness.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Krise Funeral Homes and Cremation Services.

Mary E. Hoffman Oknefski, 94, formerly of Montmorenci Road in Ridgway, died on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Elk Haven Nursing Home following a lengthy illness.

She was born February 21, 1930, in Ridgway, the daughter of the late Charles and Estella Cussins Hoffman.

On December 6, 1947, she married the late Frederic (Ted) Oknefski, who preceded in death September 7, 2012.

Mary was a lifelong resident of Ridgway and a 1947 graduate of Ridgway High School. She was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church and worked for Dr. William Thompson for over thirty years. She was a member of the Bells of St. Marys and she enjoyed playing 500 with her card club ladies. She was the happiest when surrounded by her family.

Ruth E. Rudoph Grubbs Extein, 76, of Warren, PA., and formerly of Tidioute, PA., died peacefully with her family at her bedside, on Saturday evening, June 29, 2024, at Warren Manor Nursing Home.

She was born June 11, 1948, in Titusville, PA. She was the daughter of Lester W. and Luella Mae Anthony Rudolph.

She was a longtime resident of Tidioute, PA. Ruth was employed at Sparkle Car Wash as an attendant for 4 years and was previously employed with the former Thornes Bi Lo grocery store.

She was a member of Tidioute United Methodist Church, Peginot Yeager V.F.W. Post 8803 Ladies Auxiliary, Tidioute, PA. She was active with the Tidioute Allegheny River Raft Race, Warmer Clothes for Kids, Tidioute Branch of the Salvation Army Bundle Up program.

She enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles and was an avid Nascar and Pittsburgh Pirates Fan. She loved to feed her pet bears and racoons.

James E. “Big Jim” VanAlstine, 92, a resident of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of Hall Avenue, St. Marys, PA passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.

Timothy W. Pilon:  Loving Father, Grandfather, Brother

Timothy W. Pilon, 59, of 461 County Rd. 33, Bolivar, NY passed away Monday, June 24, 2024 at home after a short illness.

Born on December 15, 1964, in Olean, he was a son of Roger W. and Beatrice M. Lafferty Pilon. 

Tim was a graduate of Bolivar Central School.

He had worked for Current Controls in Wellsville and for Saputo in Friendship for the last 21 years retiring due to illness.  He also worked part time for Canfields Outdoor Power Equipment in Ceres for many years.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting and loved to cook.  He was an avid sports fan following softball, football, and NASCAR.  He was also a history buff and enjoyed a good conspiracy theory.

Tim is survived by

Latashia Lee Pierce, 35, of Williamsport, PA, formerly of Westfield, PA, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at UPMC Williamsport.

Born September 22, 1988, in Wellsboro, PA, she was a daughter of Leo Campbell and Cecelia “Sue” Pierce, who both survive.

Latashia was a 2013 graduate of Belleview High School.  She loved getting tattoos, watching tv, listening to music on Amazon, collecting genie bottles and fairies, spending time at the beach and traveling, playing with her nieces and nephews and spoiling them.

In addition to her parents, Latashia is survived by five brothers, Leo, Jr., Lee, Landon, Levi and Larius; five sisters, Larenna, Larinda, Lakisha, Latory and Rianna; several aunts and uncles; several cousins; and several nieces and nephews.

Latashia was predeceased by a sister, Lacey Pierce.

Services will be held at the family’s convenience.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to assist the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Collins Chapel, Galeton, PA.

Phyllis C. Potter, age 85, of Westfield, PA was found deceased on October 29, 2023 in Westfield. Born February 8, 1938 in Westfield, she was the daughter of the late Walton O. and Bernice (Allen) Taft. Phyllis married Benjamin Potter and they shared 59 years together until his passing on December 27, 2018.

She cut hair for neighbors and family, enjoyed playing cards, doing word search, chatting with friends and family and always had a snack bag ready for you when stopping by her house.

Thomas  A. Perry, 82, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, of 314 Seaward Avenue, Bradford, passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at The Pavilion @ BRMC. 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.co

Donna M. Burgess, 71, of 132 Rightmeyer Street, St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly Monday, June 24, 2024 at Penn Highlands Elk.

She was born December 20, 1952, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Frederick “Mike” and Marie Groll Leithner.  She was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1971, and employed at St. Marys Carbon for twenty-two years.

On July 20, 1984, in St. Marys, Donna married the love of her life, Gerald J. “Jerry” Burgess, who survives.  They were blessed to share thirty-nine years of marriage.

Anita J. (Pearson) Zimmer, 73, of Warren, PA, died Sunday, June 23, 2024, at St. Vincent Healthcare, Erie, PA.  She was born April 1, 1951, 

In Warren, PA. She was the daughter of Donald Pearson and Myrtle Hays Pearson Walters.  Anita was a lifelong Warren area resident and a 1969, graduate of Warren High School.  In her youth, she volunteered as a candy striper with Warren General Hospital.   She was employed with Warren State Hospital, as a Psychiatric Aide 2, retiring from there after 25 years employment.  She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church.  She loved books, was an avid reader.  She also loved to go on picnics, swimming, and cooking. 

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Smethport—A celebration of life for Stephen Larson will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, from 11AM to 1PM.

Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport.

Sylvester Corey, 79, of Brockport, PA died on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Christ The King Manor.

He was born on January 18, 1945, in Kane, the son of the late Joseph and Edith Farren Corey.

On March 11, 1967, he married Rebecca Shipe, who survives.

Sylvester led a fulfilling life; having worked at the Ridgway Ink Plant and later retiring from GKN in 2010. Notably, he had a profound love for dancing, bowling, and playing softball. Additionally, he found solace in the great outdoors, with hunting and fishing being among his favorite pastimes.

William H. Wagenmann, age 85 of Lawrenceville, PA passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024 at Corning Guthrie Hospital.

He was born on June 23, 1939 in Philadelphia, PA and was a son to the late Marie (McGlory) Wagenmann. Bill was a proud Army veteran, having served from 1961 to 1964. He enjoyed turkey and deer hunting, driving his tractor, listening to old country music and he loved his beer.

Bill was a member of the St. Thomas’ the Apostle Catholic Church for several years, long-term member of the Elkland Moose Lodge # 746 and he was a Freemason.

Anita Zimmer

Anita Zimmer, 73, of Warren, PA, died on Sunday, June 232024, in St. Vincent’s Hospital, Erie, PA.

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

Judy Jean (Thompson) Shaffer

Judy Jean Shaffer, 79, of Warren, PA, formerly of Russell, PA, died on Monday June 24, 2024, in the Warren Manor after a brief illness.

She was born in Ashtabula, Ohio on April 24, 1945, the daughter of the late Arthur J. and Charlotte Mae Thompson. She was the owner and operator of Kinzua Field and Stream, and a press operator and quality control specialist for Loranger Manufacturing.

Judy loved time with her family and grandchildren, yearly beach vacations, holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, family camping trips, and picnics.  Judy’s favorite holiday was Christmas when she could have all her family together to celebrate the holiday. She also enjoyed being in the sun, game shows, and her grandchildren’s events.

On July 18, 1962, in Geneva, Ohio she married Harvey D. Shaffer, and they spent 58 loving years together before he passed on September 6, 2020.

Judy is survived by her loving children, Laura Winslow and husband Andrew of Warren, Tammy Fiscus and husband Charles Jr. of Columbus, Ohio, Brenda Huntoon and husband Brian of Warren, Harvey L. Shaffer and wife Jillian of Scandia; 13 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; sister, Jane Cutright and husband Larry of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Billy Thompson and wife Sandy of Ashtabula, Ohio, and Jimmy Thompson of Clarion, PA.

Gerald E. DECKER, 80, of Scio, NY, died Sunday, June 23, 2024 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville.  Born March 11, 1944, in Wellsville, he was the son of Raymond E. and Mary C. Crandall Decker.  He was a graduate of Belmont High School.  

A Vietnam War Veteran, he served honorably with the U.S. Navy from 1963 – 1967 on the USS Kitty Hawk as an aircraft mechanic.  He was employed by Current Control in Wellsville.  Gerry enjoyed go kart racing, NASCAR, football, basketball, wrestling, and watching Westerns.