Obituaries

Wilmer P. “Mac” McVinney, 79, of Edson Street, Eldred, PA passed away at home on August 15, 2023.

Born on May 12, 1944, he was the son of Charles and Beatrice Rebideau McVinney.  On September 25, 1992, in Bennington, VT., he married Coleen McVinney who survives.

“former Shinglehouse, Pa. resident”

MARBLE FALLS, Texas—Natalie Jeanne Hardy Poole, 86, of Marble Falls, formerly of Shinglehouse, Pa., beloved mother, daughter, Memaw, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Austin, Texas.

Born on Sunday, April 4 1937 in the state of New York, she was the only child of Stanley E. and Corale M. Cooper Hardy.

Jeanne led a life filled with love, compassion, and creativity. She attended Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse and continued her education by studying Pre-Law and Accounting at the University of South Florida.  Her dedication led her to become a paralegal, abstractor, escrow officer, and loan closer before she retired.

Beverly J. Close, 95, of Maple St., Roulette, PA passed away Thursday (Aug. 17, 2023) in her home, after a lengthy illness.

    Born April 6, 1928, in Port Allegany, she was a daughter of Kenneth and Lillian Coons Smith.  On Jan. 19, 1959, in Buffalo, NY, she married Herman “Jack” Close, Jr., who died July 20, 2010.

     Beverly was a lifetime resident of the area and a graduate of the Roulette High School, class of 1946.

     She was employed as a postal clerk in the Roulette Post Office for 25 years, before her retirement, and then spent 33 winters in Florida.

Samuel “Sam” Deyarmin, of Coudersport, PA passed away suddenly on Thursday, August 17, 2023.

He is survived by his wife, Vickie; family members, David and Chrissy, Linda and Mark, Laura, Debbie, April, and Mike, Jim and Ashley, Dianne, lifelong friend, Rich, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, three sisters, and a brother.

Sam was predeceased by his parents.

He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and gardening.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to the Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 161, Coudersport, PA 16915 or to the Roulette Fish and Game Club, Railroad Avenue, Roulette, PA 16746.

Sam’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

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

Sylvia B. Herzog, of Smethport, PA passed away on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, at Lakeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.

A full obituary will be announced by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

Vivian M. Schlimm, 91, formerly of Sara Road, St. Marys, PA passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Pinecrest Manor following a lengthy illness.

She was born on January 9, 1932 in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late William and Elizabeth Schreiber Young. On August 18, 1956, she married Robert “Rib” Schlimm, who preceded her in death on October 30, 2006. Together they shared more than 50 years of marriage.

Marjorie S. Colbert, 94, of Warren, PA, formerly of Wadsworth, Ohio, died on Friday, August 18, 2023, in the Warren Manor.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Elsie Kay Pasquino, 83, of Little River, S.C. and formerly of The Villages, Fl., and Warren, PA, died Thursday evening, August 17, 2023. 

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

Cheryl A. (Massing) Shea, age 78, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Friday, August 18, 2023. 

She was born on October 12, 1944 in Abington, PA, a daughter of the late Fred Massing and Marie (Lichetti) Green and was married for 59 years to William “Bill” Shea. 

Cheryl was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Wellsboro, PA and enjoyed gardening and shopping. 

She is survived by her husband: William “Bill” Shea of Wellsboro, PA, three sons: Bryan (Brigid) Shea of Lansdale, PA, Eric (Kristina) Shea of Doylestown, PA, Kyle Shea of Glenside, PA, two daughters: Michelle (Chris) Bauer of Doylestown, PA, Colleen (Chuck) Freas of Black Eddy, PA, brother: George Green of Freehold, NJ, 11 grandchildren and two great grandsons. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date. 

Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.

Joel T. BLASS, 68, of Santa Barbara, CA, died Monday, November 7, 2022 in his home. 

NOTE—CHANGE OF DATE—A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 9, 2023 in Yochum Hill Cemetery, Carter Camp, PA. 

Allen D. BERFIELD, 75, of Coudersport, PA, died Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in UPMC Williamsport.  

Born April 4, 1948, in Conneaut, OH, he was the son of Cecil A. and Virginia B. Hall Berfield.  On June 19, 1971, in Coudersport, he married Carolyn A. Potocek, who predeceased him on April 8, 2017.  

Terrance L. “Terry” MILLS, 65, of Ulysses, PA, died Tuesday, August 15, 2023 in his home.  

Born June 4, 1958, in Wellsboro, he was the son of Adrian M. and Elsie Simmons Mills.  On February 10, 2001, in Ulysses, he married the former Michelle Loring, who predeceased him on December 28, 2012.  

A 1976 graduate of Northern Potter High School, he was employed by Ulysses Lumber for many years.  Terry was a member of the NRA.  

Surviving are: ten children, Terilee Mills, Laura Mills, Adrienne Mills, Bryan (Julianna) Kear, Tracy (Stephen) Mills, Katlyn Kear, Raymond Tomb, Patrick Tomb, Heather Mastin, and Miranda Hoyt; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, James (Jackie) Mills; nieces and nephews; and former wife, Susan Mills.  

In addition to his wife, Michelle, he was predeceased by three sisters, Wilma Nelson, Dorothy Nelson, and Anna Van Etten; and a brother, John Mills.  

A Memorial Service will be held 4:00 PM, Monday, August 21, 2023 at the C&MA Church, Harrison Valley, PA.  Rev. Kevin Cornish will officiate.  Cremation was at Olney-Foust Private Crematory.  Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery.  

Memorials may be made to C&MA Church, 217 E. Main Street, Harrison Valley, PA 16927.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

William L. “Bill” Tomaski, 77, of 403 Water Street, Johnsonburg, PA passed away Tuesday morning, August 15, 2023 at Ridgmont Personal Care, Ridgway.

He was born on June 28, 1946 in Ridgway, a son to the late Martin and Mildred Lynch Tomaski. 

Bill was a lifelong resident of Johnsonburg and was a 1964 graduate of Johnsonburg Area High School. He was a member of Holy Rosary Church and Central Hose Co. He loved to be outdoors and enjoyed hunting and gardening and working on old trucks, particularly old Fords.

Gregory Sahm, age 72, of Bolivar, NY, went home to be with the Lord on August 12, 2023.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa; his sister, Annette and niece, Joahnna; his three daughters, Danielle, Emily, and Hannah; and three beloved grandchildren.

Greg was born in Lancaster, PA to Mildred and Harold Sahm. He earned his degree from Maryland University, where he graduated with honors. Later, he discovered a love of science and returned for his teaching degree.

Over the next 34 years, he enjoyed a career as a science teacher at Bolivar-Richburg Central School. In addition to teaching, Greg coached wrestling and tennis. He was a mentor to many generations of students.

Kenneth J. Hanes, Jr. age 56, of Elkland, PA passed away on Monday, August 14, 2023 at Bradford County Manor in Troy. 

Born December 10, 1966 in Blossburg, he was the son of Kenneth J. Hanes, Sr. and Regina A. (Loucks) Guill. 

Patricia A. Morrison, formerly of Annin Creek Rd., Port Allegany, PA passed away Tuesday (Aug. 8, 2023) in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.

     Born January 25, 1946, in Daytona Beach, FL, she was a daughter of Robin D. and Rita M. McCarthy Johnson. On Mar. 8, 1963, in Delaware County, PA, she married Stephen V. Morrison, who survives.

        She was a graduate of Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School, Drexel Hill, PA, where she met her husband, Stephen, and Irish and Italian Combo and clash.

She attended nursing school and was a few classes short of getting her degree.

Terrance L. “Terry” MILLS, 65, of Ulysses, PA, died Tuesday, August 15, 2023 in his home.  

Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  

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

Robert Leo “The Godfather” Teuscher, 75, of Coudersport, PA passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023, at UPMC – Cole, Coudersport. 

Bob was born on October 24, 1947, in Coudersport, the son of the late Leo and Florence (Slingerland) Teuscher.

Bob graduated from Port Allegany High School, and an Army veteran, serving in Vietnam.  He was a self-employed logger, earlier in life he worked for Pittsburgh-Corning, Port Allegany.   Bob was a life member of the American Eagles, founder of Thunder on the Mountain, and enjoyed riding motorcycles, loved being in the mountains. 

Bob is survived by a sister, Muriel Valastak of Roulette; Russell and Jennifer Free of Coudersport; nephews, Les Doane, Jeffrey Ryder, David Ryder, Philip Ryder, Thomas Ryder, and several great nephews. 

In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by sisters, Evonne Teuscher, Elizabeth & Harry Ryder, Marion and Lynn Doane, a brother-in-law, Joseph Valastak, a niece Pam Doane, and a nephew Gregory Doane. 

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects, Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 10 am – 12:00 pm, at the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East St., Coudersport.  A funeral service will follow at 12 noon with his cousin, Pastor Gerald Niver, officiating.  Burial will be in Sweden Hill Cemetery with military honors by the Potter County Honor Guard. 

Family suggest memorial contributions in Bob’s name to be made to American Eagles, P.O. Box 201, Ulysses, PA 16948.  To share a memory or condolence visit www.thomasfickinger.com.

 “work hard, play hard”   

Joseph E. “Papa Joe” Riehle, 84, of Shinglehouse, PA passed away with his loving family by his side on Sunday, August 13, 2023, in Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Buffalo, N.Y., after a brief illness.

Born on Sunday, November 20, 1938 in Olean, N.Y., he was a son of Eugene and Marie Geise Riehle.  On September 13, 1996 in Bolivar, N.Y., he married Beverly “Sue” Phillips, who survives.

Virginia O. Smith, 92, passed away Aug. 7, 2023 at Lakeview Senior Care Living in Smethport.  

Born March 1, 1931 in Corsica, she is the daughter of the late Arthur and Susie (Neale) Fitzsimmons.  She married Lloyd Smith, who preceded her in death.

Mrs. Smith had worked as a registered nurse.  She was a member of the Mt. Jewett Senior Center and worked as a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program.  She also had a farm and raised a variety of animals, vegetables and flowers.  She was devoted to her family and she especially loved family vacations at the beach and spending time with her grandchildren, who she always encouraged and loved unconditionally.

She is survived by one daughter, Susie (Matthew) Marchesani of Smethport; a granddaughter Kaylee Marchesani; two grandsons, Zachary Marchesani and Toby Smith; five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, Stephen and Michael Smith and three brothers and two sisters.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to the Mt. Jewett Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 154, 39 E. Main St., Mt. Jewett, PA 16740.

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

The Cummings Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Richard A. Vargas, “Hoss”, age  57, of Ridgway, PA passed away unexpectedly, on August 13, 2023 at Penn Highlands Elk Hospital.

Rick was born on May 5, 1966  in DuBois, PA, he was the son of Thomas E. and Francis J. (Yakulis) Vargas. They survive and live in DuBois, PA.

Rick was a 1984 graduate of DuBois Area High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Science at the Pennsylvania State University in 1989. Rick was the proud and sole proprietor of Cennis Beer Distributor, LLC in Ridgway, PA.

Philip B. Campbell, 65, of Nichols Run, Limestone, passed away Saturday, August 12, 2023.

Born December 20, 1957, in Bradford, he was a son of Fay E. (Marvin) Campbell, of Limestone and the late Lyle R. Campbell. He was a 1976 graduate of Limestone Free Union.

On June 30, 1984, in Limestone NY, he married Karen (McMurtrie) Campbell, who survives. 

Mary Elizabeth Crawford, 55, of Gifford, passed away Sunday, August 13, 2023,  at her residence, with her family by her side.

Born on July 24, 1968, in Port Allegany, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Dorothy (Smith) Thomas.

She was a 1986 graduate of Smethport Area High School.

On September 11, 2001, she married Danny L. Crawford, who survives.

Mary was a homemaker and a babysitter for families in the community.  She loved watching Hallmark movies, playing games on her computer, and taking care of her family which she loved.  

Surviving is her husband of 22 years, Danny, two daughters, Ashley Gorrell, and Courtney Gorrell, three brothers, Clint Thomas, Paul Thomas, and Todd Thomas, all of Gifford, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her first husband, Chris Gorrell.

Family will receive friends on August 18, 2023, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, in the Hilltop Baptist Church in Gifford, where at 1:00 pm funeral services will be held with Rev. Max Simms, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN, 38105-1942.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Joseph E. “Papa Joe” Riehle, 84, of Shinglehouse, passed away with his loving family by his side on Sunday, August 13, 2023, in Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Buffalo, N.Y., after a brief illness.

Family and friends may call from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will be held at 11am on Friday, August 18, 2023.

A complete obituary will follow.

Joe’s family entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

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

Richard L. Burdick, 86, of 52 Dollybrook Road, Port Allegany, PA passed away Sunday, August 13, 2023 at UPMC Cole, Coudersport after a short illness.

Born on September 26, 1936, in Sinnemahoning, PA, he was a son of Art and Alice Carlson Burdick.

Dick was a graduate of Port Allegany Central School Class of 1954.  He worked as an Outfitter for hunting and fishing trips in Canada.  He built his own home and lived in Vermont for a number of years.  When he returned to Port Allegany, he worked in the Maintenance Department for Temple Inland Particleboard Plant in Mt. Jewitt until his retirement.  In retirement he made and sold hardwood cremation urns through his business Northland Woodworks.

He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, and had invented a way to remove scratches from plexiglass, but never patented it.  He also enjoyed the company of his dogs throughout the years and his friendships with his Amish neighbors  

He is survived by his Cousins: George (Jenny) Carlson, Turtlepoint, Ruth Grimes, Turtlepoint, James  Carlson, Turtlepoint, Anna Moore, Asheville, NC, Alice Colan, Horseheads, NY,

A Sister-in-law: Audrey Burdick, Poughkeepsie, NY

Longtime Friend: Roy (Ethel) Phillips, Shinglehouse

Several Nieces

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Robert Burdick.

There will be no services.  Burial will be in the Annin Creek Cemetery, Turtlepoint, Pennsylvania.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba.

Ronald A. Tubbs, 82, of Starbrick, PA, died peacefully Monday morning August 7, 2023, at Kinzua Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, with his family by his side.

He was born on September 20, 1940, in Corry, Pennsylvania, and raised by his grandmother Dorothy M. Scott, and attended Eisenhower High School. 

Ron was a life-long resident of Warren County. For 35 years Ron worked as a lineman for the Warren Electric Cooperative, a job that brought him significant satisfaction, particularly in serving as an instructor to journeyman lineman. 

WIRT, N.Y. – Thomas R. “Tom” Spees, 77, passed away on Monday (Aug. 7, 2023) at home.

Mr. Spees was born on Nov. 19, 1945 in Wellsville to Kenneth R. and Lena A. (Turner) Spees. He was a 1963 graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse, Pa. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served from 1963 to 1966, spending much of his time in the Vietnam War.

Tom owned and operated the Spees Dairy Farm in Shinglehouse, Pa. for over 30 years, retiring in 2013. In his retirement years he moved to a quiet homestead in Wirt where he enjoyed the solitude of the country and the beauty of the local wildlife.

Tom enjoyed hunting. He was an avid New York Yankees fan and enjoyed watching NASCAR races and attending the local dirt tracks of Bradford Speedway and McKean County Raceway in Smethport, Pa. He also enjoyed the quiet of his front porch.

Tom loved spending time with his children. His daughter’s favorite memories were as her dad’s sidekick; hanging out in the barn, helping milk the cows, fishing, attending farm shows, auctions and 4-H. His son’s favorite memories with his dad were going hunting and building stock cars together.
Tom was a long-time member of the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530.

Tom is survived by a son, Jody Spees and a daughter, Gina Mosko, both of Kannapolis, N.C.; two grandchildren, Steven Spees of Bradford, Pa. and Guy Spees of Port Allegany, Pa.; one sister, Margaret “Peggy” Campbell of Olean and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Genette Spees and Letha (Bob) Moyer and a brother-in-law, Jim Campbell.
Per Tom’s wishes, there will be no prior visitation. A private ceremony will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Wellsville/Scio.

Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.

Margaret Louise SWETLAND, 82, of Ocoee, FL, passed away Saturday, November 16, 2019.  

Born February 1, 1937, in Johnson City, NY, she was the daughter of Howard and Catherine Swetland.  She lived in Central NY and Northern PA prior to moving to FL.  

Margaret was active in researching the history of Elkland, PA and the surrounding areas.  

Surviving are: her children, Katherine P. Heisel, Lawrence H. Woolheater, Pamela L. Barbour, and Laurie J. Steiner; a sister Marjorie Bovan; grandchildren, Ja-Neil L. Heisel, Ami Jo L. Alamo, Lucas D. Batchelor, Richard K. Barbour III, Stephanie A. Huggins, and Cassie L. Steiner; great-grandchildren, Samuel Alamo IV, Jason T. Jessop, Chelsea L. Huggins, and Gary A. Huggins; and great-great grandchild, Keyana L. Huggins.  

A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, August 18, 2023 in Mills Cemetery.  Rev. Timothy H. Miller will officiate.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mills Cemetery, c/o Jeanette Barker, 369 Hamilton Road, Ulysses, PA 16948.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.  

Duane T. “Dane” Williamson, 68, of 526 Second Avenue, Johnsonburg, PA passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, early Sunday morning, August 13, 2023 following an illness of the past several months.

He was born on May 23, 1955 in St. Marys, a son to the late Raymond and Beverly A. Herbstritt Williamson. On March 5, 1977 in Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg, he married Rebecca “Becky” Dellaquila and she survives.

Dane was a lifelong resident of Johnsonburg and was a 1974 graduate of Johnsonburg Area High School. He was a member of Holy Rosary Church, the Johnsonburg Elks, Johnsonburg American Legion, Central Hose Co., Wilcox Sportsmen’s Club, PFL and the Ridgway Eagles. Dane had retired from Keystone Carbon Co. in 2016 after 44 years of service.