Obituaries

Robert Paul “Bobby” TRASK, 48, of Hinsdale, NY, died Sunday, April 7, 2024 in his home.  

Born December 23, 1975, in Cuba, he was son of Paul and Linda Dunning Trask.  

Bobby enjoyed music, being outdoors and sitting in the sun, napping on the couch, a good meal, and being with his friends.  

Kevin Allen

Kevin Allen, 69, of Irvine, PA, passed away on Monday April 8th, 2024, in the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House, after a brief illness.

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

Robert S. Lathrop (Bob), of Wilmington, Delaware returned to his Lord on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 surrounded by loved ones.

Bob was born on April 6, 1938 in Addison, NY. He grew up in Smethport, PA and graduated from Smethport High School in 1957. He proudly served in the United States Army from June 1960 until May 1963.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Bob continued his education at Lock Haven State College, graduating in 1966, and further earned his Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois in 1970.

Bob married his loving wife, Darlene Hess, on September 3,1960, and they moved to Delaware in 1966 where he taught physical education and drivers education at Brandywine High School until his retirement in 2000.

Bob loved the great outdoors and was an avid gardener, fisherman, and hunter. He enjoyed sharing his garden harvest with family and friends every year and teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish and hunt. Bob was a good friend and neighbor, as well as a gifted storyteller.

M. Kathleen “Kathy” Leman, 80, of Austin, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at UPMC-Cole Skilled Nursing., Coudersport. Kathy was born on October 28, 1943, in Cleveland, OH, the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Nagy) Corrigan.  She married Joseph Leman on July 4, 1964, who survives.

Kathy, along with her husband, was an avid Cleveland Browns and Guardians fan.

James H. Young, Jr.

James H. Young, Jr. 87, of Warren, PA, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, in Kinzua Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Warren.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA on July 24, 1936, Jim was the son of the late James H. and Lillian S. Young. He grew up in Parkersburg, WV and Bradford, PA, graduating from Bradford High School in 1954. He attended Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA, then served for two years in the U.S. Navy, wherein he was a member of the Naval Cadet Choir. He married the love of his life, Mary Kay Young, on February 27, 1960. He pursued a career in banking, during which time he was employed by, among various other financial institutions, Northwest Savings & Loan and as Branch Manager of First Federal Savings & Loan in Warren. Jim was a member of First Lutheran Church for 50 years. 

A very adept athlete, Jim could frequently be found golfing at the numerous courses around Warren. When his sons were growing up, he spent a great deal of time throwing the baseball, football, or hitting fly balls to the neighborhood boys. He could thread the eye of a needle with a football from 30 yards.

Jim was a kind and good man, who was honest to a fault and whose family always mattered most. His presence in this world will be sorely missed.

Erroll H. Flynn           

ULYSSES- Erroll H. Flynn, 70, of Old US Route 6, passed away Thursday (Apr. 4, 2024) in the Olean General Hospital.

      Born Jan. 22, 1954, in Coudersport, he was a son of Claude R. and Elaine A. Jeffers Flynn.

      Erroll was a longtime resident of Ulysses, and was employed with the Tioga Golf Course, Wellsboro, before having to retire.

     He was an avid fisherman and NFL Cleveland Browns fan. He loved gardening, canning, completing puzzles with his mom, and camping, but most of all, spending time with his grandchildren. Erroll also enjoyed horses, his dog Jacob, and his cat Silas.

Clinton Webb Weekley, of Emporium, PA, a decorated veteran, devoted husband, loving father, and adored Papa, passed away unexpectedly on March 31, 2024, at Penn Highlands DuBois. He was 81.

Born on September 20, 1942, in Lynchburg, VA, to the late Clinton and Elizabeth Weekley (Wilkins), Clinton’s life was marked by courage, dedication, and service. At the tender age of 17, he enlisted with the United States Army, embarking on a remarkable journey defining his existence. He served with distinction as a tank commander during the Vietnam War and then as a drill sergeant, proudly preparing hundreds of new recruits for service and then promoting to train sergeants. He retired from service, having reached the rank of Sergeant Major, leaving a legacy of honor and sacrifice.

In 1988, Clinton relocated his family to Emporium, Pennsylvania, where he built a Main Street business and actively engaged in community and volunteer work. He was known for his entrepreneurial spirit, passion for his family, love of boating, cars, and antiques, and his encyclopedic knowledge of the Civil War. His generosity knew no bounds, and he was always willing to help those in need and support his favorite local organizations in their missions.

On September 17, 2007, Clinton married Judy Knapp, his beloved wife and steadfast companion, who survives. Their union was a source of profound love, strength, and companionship.

Theresa Ann Button, 71, of Galeton, PA, passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at Broad Acres Nursing Home, Wellsboro, PA. 

Born May 24, 1952 in Heidelburg, Germany, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Nora (Jordan) Rachiele. Theresa was a Graduate of Galeton High School.  She was married to Gerald Button, who preceded her in death. She was employed at Smith Gloves in Galeton for many years and then owned and operated the Lakeside Inn in Galeton.

Theresa was a member of St. Bibiana Catholic Church in Galeton and enjoyed crafting, sewing and gardening.  

Carolyn Ferranto, 81, of Delaware Ave. in James City, PA passed away Wednesday (April 3) in the Lutheran Home at Kane.  Born March 18, 1943 in Kane, she is the daughter of the late Howard and Ellen (Anderson) Hannold.  On June 14, 1961 she married Leo Ferranto, who preceded her in death on Sept. 26, 2023.

Carolyn enjoyed being a wife and homemaker.  Her greatest love was caring for her children and grandchildren.  She was a wonderful cook and baker and an avid New York Yankees fan.

Jon W. Eilers, 63, formerly of Bradford, a resident of Atlanta, GA, passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital in Atlanta, GA.

Born July 13, 1960, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Joyce Marie (Garrigan) Eilers and Norman Edward and Donna M. (Roslinski) Eilers who survive.

Jon was a 1978 graduate of Bradford Area High School and later attended The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

In the early 80’s, Jon worked in the Bradford oil fields for National Transit. He began his professional career as an Investment Broker for Inacom International in Denver, CO. After moving to Washington, D.C., he leveraged his passion and knowledge of Engineering to launch a career as a Solutions Engineer for Honeywell Federal Systems and eventually PDA Engineering selling high-end CAD software to the Federal Government and their major contractors. More specialized government work took him to Atlanta, GA, where he eventually transitioned away from the corporate arena to becoming his own Contractor.

Thomas H. Ford, Jr., 81, of Irene Lane, New Tazewell, TN (formally of Kersey, PA), died peacefully at his daughter’s residence in Tennessee on April 1, 2024, after a brief illness.

Tom was born November 28, 1942, in Ridgway, PA, son of the late Thomas Ford, Sr. and Flora (Van Camp) Ford.  Tom proudly served in the U.S. Navy.  Before retirement, he worked many years at Pure Carbon/Morgan Advanced Materials & Technologies in St. Marys, PA.  

Tom prided himself on being a family man.  He was a loyal husband and best friend to his late wife, Shirley, whom he married on June 25, 1965.  He was a superhero father to his daughter, Sheri, whom he was sure to call every single day if they could not be together.  He loved his grandsons, Joseph and Ben, dearly and had great love and appreciation for his son-in-law, Gary.

Eileen M. Dewey, 93, of Wellsboro, PA passed away at her home on April 4, 2024. She was born on April 14, 1930, the daughter of the late R. Arnold and Velma M. (Rose) Smith.  She married Marion M. Dewey on July 10, 1949, and celebrated 67 years of marriage until his passing on May 16, 2017.

Eileen‘s life was devoted to family, agriculture, education, and community service.  She retired from the U.S.D.A. (United States Department of Agriculture) Farm Service Agency (A.S.C.S) with 43 years of service. She was a graduate of Charleston High School, Class of 1948 and a graduate of Jean Summers Business College, Elmira, NY.

Eileen was a lifetime member of the Whitneyville United Methodist Church.  She enjoyed singing in the choir and served on many church and parish committees. Eileen also served on the Wellsboro Area School Board for 16 years, the Charleston Township Municipal Authority for 25 years, Whitneyville Community Development Board, Pennsylvania Ag Awareness Foundation, Ag in the Classroom Workshop, Penn State University Ag Council, Pennsylvania Rural Development Committee, Pennsylvania Farm City Committee, Keystone Soil and Water Conservation Society, American Red Cross Volunteer, Tioga County Tourist Bureau Tour Guide, Council of Republican Women, and the Scarlet Sages of the Red Hat Society.  She also enjoyed traveling, camping, needlework, reading, and jigsaw puzzles.

Betty B. Fasnacht

Betty B. Fasnacht, 92, of Warren PA, died on Friday, April 5, 2024, in the Rouse Home.

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

Francis A. Castano          “former longtime Coudersport, PA dentist”

CENTENNIAL, WYOMING—Francis Anthony Castano of Centennial, Wyoming, formerly of Coudersport, PA, died at the age of 85 on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Hospice of Laramie in Laramie, Wyoming.  

Francis was born March 30, 1938, in Coudersport, PA to Dominic Castano and Angeline (Gorfida) Castano. After graduating from Coudersport High School, Francis went on to study at the University of Pennsylvania, earning a DDS at University of Pennsylvania Dental School and an MBA from The Wharton School.   As an undergraduate, Francis was a member of the ATO fraternity and Penn Glee Club. After graduating from Dental School, he served a Pediatric Dental Residency at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). With the completion of his residency, Francis entered the US Army as a Captain in the role of Pediatric Consultant to the Army in Europe, based in Nuremburg, Germany. Upon his return stateside, he joined the U Penn faculty as a full-time professor of Pediatric Dentistry.

In 1975, Francis returned to his hometown of Coudersport to establish a private practice in Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. During this time, he also served as a HeadStart program reviewer and volunteered as a children’s dentist with the Indian Health Service.  Even beyond his commitment to providing good dental care, Francis was dedicated to ensuring all patients felt welcome, understood and respected in his own practice and volunteer clinics, regardless of financial need or condition.

Francis valued conducting himself as a gentleman, making a positive impact on his community and serving others. He was particularly proud to be a co-founder of the Potter Players community theater group. He also sang in Barbershop Quartet, played clarinet in Community Bands and was a member of the Rotary Club. He was also a 4^th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.  

Francis is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn Grant Castano, their children: Suzanne and Matt (Kelly), and grandchildren: Anthony (Gabi), Emma, Samantha, and Molly. He is also survived by his siblings, Teresa (Tom) Kisiel, David Castano and Linda Castano of Coudersport, PA.   

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am on Saturday, May 25, 2024 St. Eulalia Church, 6 Maple Street, Coudersport, PA, with the Very Reverend Leo J. Gallina, as celebrant.  Francis will be buried at Honey Creek Burial Ground, Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, GA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Laramie, 1754 Centennial Drive, Laramie, WY  82070 or online at https://hospiceoflaramie.org

Local arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

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

Jerome G. “Jerry” Rosenhoover Sr., 77, of Spruce Street, Ridgway, PA died on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at his residence after a brief illness.

He was born on May 8, 1946, in St. Marys, the son of the late Jerome and Anna Sorge Rosenhoover.

On November 26, 1966, at Holy Rosary Church, he married Marie E. Gigliotti, who survives.

Jerry was a lifelong resident of Ridgway. For 55 years, he served as a member of the Ridgway Fire Department, holding the esteemed position of Rescue Captain for 24 years. He had a passion for hunting, shooting, and riding his Harley. He worked many years as the Street Supervisor for the Ridgway Borough and retired from Penn Dot after more than 20 years of service. Jerry’s greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He cherished moments shared with his loved ones.

Smethport–A memorial service for Paul and Marlene Conn will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Smethport, On Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 2 PM.  Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

Raymond K. Rodgers, 73, of Tioga, PA, passed away April 2, 2024 at Bradford Hills Nursing Home in Troy, PA. 

He was born February 18, 1951 in Elmira, NY to Raymond A. and Dorcas (Fuller) Rodgers.  Raymond worked as a mechanic for Corning Glass for more than forty years.  He enjoyed fixing old cars and was a talented artist who especially enjoyed drawing. 

Smethport – Wendy Denise Smith, 63, of Smethport, PA passed away Tuesday (April 2, 2024) at her home surrounded by her family in Farmers Valley.

She was born July 3, 1960 in Port Allegany, the daughter of Chester and Jenny (Murphy) Weimer. On November 29, 1991, in Dallas, TX, she married Raymond D. Smith, who survives.

Wendy graduated from Otto-Eldred High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Baptist Bible College. She received her Master’s Degree in Christian Education from Concordia University of Austin, TX.

Mrs. Smith was a teacher at Kaufman Christian School of Kaufman, TX. She was the Adminstrator at Metropolitan Christian School for many years. She retired in 2016.

She was a member of the Hilltop Baptist Church, where she was the leader of the Women’s Ministry.  She enjoyed gardening, farming on the family farm, and just working outside in general.

In addition to her husband, Raymond, she is survived by:

Brett F. Grimm, 61, of Emporium, PA formerly of Moore Hill passed away at Penn Highlands DuBois, DuBois, PA on Monday afternoon (April 1, 2024). He was born May 6, 1962 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late Homer F. and Alora Wilson Grimm.

Brett graduated from Cameron County High School and served in the US Navy from 1980 through Feb. 1986. During his Naval career, he served the War in Lebanon earning honors in Naval Expedition and Sea Service. He worked as an inspector with the PA Department of Labor and Industry for many years. Brett also served his community as the Cameron County Dog Warden and Auditor. He was a life member of the VFW and the May Hollow Sportsman Club. He also volunteered his time doing lawn maintenance for the Moore Hill Methodist Church. 

At 7:30 PM on Tuesday, Coudersport Ambulance to Ridgerunner Lane for a man ill.

Sandra “Sandy” Lee Brendel, 77, of 1973 Montmorenci Road, Ridgway, PA went to her eternal rest in Heaven on April 2, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family, following a lengthy illness. 

Born on November 30, 1946, in Ridgway, Sandy was the daughter of the late Rosella (Moline) Streich and Freddie J. Streich.  Sandy was a 1964 graduate of Ridgway Area High School.  On September 9, 1967, Sandy married the love of her life, Ben Brendel, at St. Leo Magnus Catholic Church. 

Sandy worked part-time through the years at the former Ridgway Market Basket and the former St. Mary’s Eckerd Drug, retiring in 1997 to become a full-time homemaker. She was a religious education teacher for many years at St. Leo Magnus Catholic Church of Ridgway, was past president of the TOPS Club of St. Mary’s, and was a member of St. Leo Magnus Catholic Church and First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ridgway. 

Sandy loved shopping, telephone conversations with family and friends, watching “Westerns” on television, as well as reading mystery books and World War II love stories.  But above all, Sandy especially loved her family. Sandy was devoted to her husband, Ben of 56 ½ years; her children, Darrin and Julie; and her grandchildren, Mitchell and Vanessa. Her grandchildren, whom she referred to as her “sunbeams”, were the light of her life, bringing her an incredible amount of happiness. Sandy experienced great joy visiting her children and grandchildren in San Diego, California and even greater joy when they came to visit her. 

Howard A. Razey, 77, of Smethport, PA passed away Monday (April 1, 2024) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport, after a long battle with cancer.

He was born September 1, 1946 in Port Allegany, the son of William and Mary (Barker) Razey. On July 7, 1989, in Smethport, he married Sara J. Rose, who survives.

Howard worked hard for many years at Mallory’s Lumber, but his passion was driving truck. He drove for several different companies, but enjoyed his years with Taylor & Armstrong in Eldred, until he retired at age 62 to care for his mother.

He was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness of Bradford, PA.

In addition to his wife, Sara, he is survived by:

Ramona A. (Akey) Winters, age 68, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Friday, March 29, 2024. 

She was born on January 10, 1956 in Blossburg, PA a daughter of the late Elwynn and Beverly (Cook) Akey and was married to the late Dennis Winters who passed away in 2021. 

Ramona was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Wellsboro, PA and was formerly employed as an LPN at the Green Home, Wellsboro, PA.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren, listening to music and reading her Bible. 

She is survived by four daughters: Brandy Winters of Leola, PA, Danielle (Brian) Decker of Wellsboro, PA, Noel (Jason Heck) Winters of Wellsboro, PA, Brittany (Matt Russell) Winters of Liberty, PA, 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. 

Viewing will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 1 to 3 pm at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.  Funeral service will follow with Rev. Joseph Weatherell officiating.  Interment will be in the Tioga County Memorial Gardens, Mansfield, PA.

Gary Lee HUGGLER, 62, of Galeton, PA, died Monday, April 1, 2024 in his home.  

Born March 1, 1962, in Coudersport, he was the son of Gary L. and Barbara A. Hill Huggler.  

An auto mechanic, logger, and sawyer, Gary was employed by Chalmer’s Lumber, Campbell Trucking, and Bosek & Rankin Motors.  When he was young, he enjoyed logging, hunting, and being in the woods with his father.  He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren sitting by the fire, riding four-wheelers and snowmobiles, hunting, and cutting wood.  

He enjoyed rebuilding cars and chainsaws and fixing or tinkering with anything mechanical.  There wasn’t a machine that Gary couldn’t fix.  

John J. Rogosienski “Loving Husband, Father & Grandfather”

 John J. Rogosienski of 613 West Green Street, Olean, NY passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024, of a chronic illness at The Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center with his wife by his side.

 John was born November 18, 1952, in Olean to Walter and Cecelia Kukulka Rogosienski. On October 19, 1972, he married Terry Previglian.

 John graduated from Olean High School in 1971. He was employed by a few construction companies and then became a self-employed carpenter. From 1973-2017, John was employed by Siemen’s, formerly known as Dresser Rand and Clark Brothers. Hunting. fishing, gardening, and enjoying nature were some of John’s favorite hobbies as well as helping his wife with preserving his harvest. He was especially known for his canned hot peppers. Every year those around him looked forward to John’s generosity in sharing his harvest.  You could always find John in his garage, as he was known for fixing things no one else could!

 John loved to help others with his handyman skills. He was always there for immediate and extended family, friends, and neighbors in need. He was most happy and proud to help his grandson, Ryan, work on many projects for school and fun. They also enjoyed many afternoons of fishing.

Billie “Turtle” Youngberg Nuhfer

Billie “Turtle” Youngberg Nuhfer, 62, of Warren, PA, passed from this world to her eternal home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday, March 14, 2024. 

Billie was born September 28, 1961, in Warren, PA, to Violet “Dolly” Wilkins Youngberg and the late William Carl Youngberg.

She was a 1979 graduate of Eisenhower High School, was employed for 17 years as a bus driver with the Warren City Lines, and was a lifelong Warren County area resident. Billie enjoyed using her talent for crafting to serve others – she knit dozens of hats for premature babies and the homeless, and sewed hundreds of masks during COVID. Her life’s passion was introducing people to Jesus Christ. To honor that legacy, Billie’s family invites you to exchange your heaviness and sorrow for peace and joy and a future place in heaven alongside Billie by praying: “Jesus, I confess my wrongdoing and receive Your gift of forgiveness through Your death and resurrection. I choose to make You the Lord of my life, Amen.”

William T. Morrison, 37, of Bradford, PA passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024 at his home.

He was born on May 30, 1986 in Bradford; the son of Jack and Michelle Roeder Morrison.

William was an avid fisherman who enjoyed cooking and spending time with his family; especially his children.

He was a cook for Glendorn and the Penn Hills Club as well as several other local restaurants over the years.  He was most recently employed by Georgia Pacific, Bradford.

Ramona A. (Akey) Winters, age 68, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Friday, March 29, 2024. 

She was born on January 10, 1956 in Blossburg, PA a daughter of the late Elwynn and Beverly (Cook) Akey and was married to the late Dennis Winters who passed away in 2021. 

Ramona was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Wellsboro, PA and was formerly employed as an LPN at the Green Home, Wellsboro, PA. 

She loved spending time with her grandchildren, listening to music and reading her Bible. 

Patricia Ann “Patty” Visbisky, 74 of 56 Cornen Street, Bradford, PA passed away, Monday, April 1, 2024, peacefully surrounded by family and friends at Olean General Hospital. 

Born December 16,1949, in St. Mary’s, she was raised in Johnsonburg the daughter of the late Robert and Dorothy (Crotzer) Preshak.

Patricia graduated from Johnsonburg High School in 1967. She then went to work at Sylvania in Warren, and then Stackpole in St. Mary’s. 

She then met the love of her life, Lawrence Visbisky, and was married on November 15, 1969.  

She then raised her son, Lawrence R. Visbisky, and then returned to work at George G. Blaisdell Elementary School. Patricia then worked at Zippo Manufacturing Company and retired at the age of 60.  

Patricia loved to dance, loved the Buffalo Bills, loved camping, loved QVC, and loved her dear friends, her outside deck, and all their time together over so many years. Her pride and joy were her family, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Thomas H. Ford, Jr., 81, formerly of Fairview Road, Kersey, PA passed away peacefully at his daughter’s residence in Tennessee. 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.