Obituaries

Richard Lee Collins Warner Sr.

Richard Lee Warner Sr., 89, of Sugar Grove, PA, died on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in the Warren Manor, with his loving wife by his side, after an extended illness.

He was born in Warren, PA, on October 29, 1934, the son of the late Harley Collins and Maud Sly. Richard was adopted and raised by Max Warner and Margaret Gourley. He attended Sugar Grove School and enlisted with the United States Marine Corps., serving from 1957-1963. Richard worked for the National Forge as a crane operator and retired in 1996 after 30 years. He was a member of the AMVETS Post # 50 and the Sugar Grove American Legion Post 758. Richard was an avid woodworker, enjoyed fishing and being outdoors. He was the former owner and operator of the Warner Service Station in Lander, PA.

On April 29, 1961, Richard married Phyllis R. Houghwot in the 1^st Baptist Church in Frewsburg, NY, and they spent 63 loving years together.

Phyllis W. BECKHORN, 87, of Genesee, PA, died Wednesday, June 19, 2024 in her home.  Born March 1, 1937, in Harrison Valley, she was the daughter of Paul M. and Elva A. Van Pelt Walter.  On June 29, 1957, in Mills, she married Virgil E. Beckhorn, who predeceased her on May 7, 1991. 

 A 1955 graduate of Northern Potter High School, she studied at Hornell Business School from 1955 – 1957.  She was employed as a secretary by the Northern Potter School District for 41 years.  Phyllis was a member of the Ellisburg Union Wesleyan Church. 

Glenda D. Gerg, 63, of St. Marys, PA passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, following a lengthy illness.

She was born on September 2, 1960 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Merle “Banana” and Adrienne Boyd Baumgratz.

On October 16, 1992, she married Timothy Gerg, who survives. Together they shared more than 30 years of love, laughter and marriage.

Glenda was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, class of 1978. She was a member of Queen of the World Church and worked at Morgan for more than 32 years. A very talented crafter, Glenda could often be found in her craft room making t-shirts or bedazzling her latest creation. After the holidays, Glenda would gather with her family around the kitchen table where they would work together on crafts and enjoy one another’s company. Glenda’s craft room in her home was one to be desired, and she loved to go shopping and find new items to add to it. 

Michael A. Causer, 74, of Dewey Ave. in Hazel Hurst, PA passed away Friday (June 14) at his residence.  Born Nov. 23, 1949 in Smethport, he is the son of the late Claude E. and Jennie (Cornelius) Causer Sr..

Michael had worked for many years at Futures Rehabilitation in Bradford, retiring in 2015. He loved fishing.

M. Susanne Zampogna (born Mary Susanne Shadman), 76, of 304 Walnut Street, Kane, PA passed away Tuesday (June 11, 2024) at her home. 

Born October 12, 1947, at Kane Summitt Hospital in Kane, PA. She was the daughter of Winfield McClellan Shadman and Margaret Jane Cartwright Shadman. 

Susanne was a graduate of Kane Area High School, class of 1966.  On October 21, 1967 she married Joseph Zampogna who survives.  Susanne lived in Kansas City, KS with her parents for a period of time as her husband served in active Army duty in Vietnam.  Upon completion of Joseph’s army duty, they returned to Kane, PA where they raised their family.  Susanne worked as a medical office secretary for Dr. Valdes for 17 years and as a library director at Friends Memorial Library for a number of years until she retired in 2011. 

Susanne was an active member at St. Callistus Church and served as a CCD aid. She volunteered at both Clay Street and Chestnut Street elementary schools as a PTA member, a homeroom mother, & assisted the school nurse.  She co-chaired both project graduation and the block parent program in Kane.

She truly loved the outdoors as shown by her activities in girl scouts; as a scout leader and a recipient of the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for scouting in Erie, PA. She enjoyed camping with her family, fishing, and being in the sun by the water.  Other hobbies included bowling, reading, and word games such as scrabble & crossword puzzles. 

Port Allegany – Ricky L. Lawton, 68, of Smethport, formerly of Roulette and Coudersport, PA, passed away Wednesday (June 19, 2024) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.

He was born July 12, 1955 in Coudersport, the son of Robert and Louise (Nichols) Lawton.

Mr. Lawton worked for the Borough of Coudersport for many years and in many different capacities including the streets department, water department and sewer department.          

He is survived by two sons; Steve Lawton and Ricky L. Lawton, Jr., both of Coudersport, and one daughter; Elaine Eudy in Oklahoma.

Nine grandchildren and one sister    

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers

There will be no visitation or services at this time.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

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

Karen L. Koch

LITTLE GENESEE, NY—Karen L. Koch, 69, of Little Genesee, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Wellsville Manor Care Center, Wellsville, after a long illness.

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.

At 10:06 PM on Thursday, Coudersport ambulance was dispatched to Rt. 6 West for a medical alert call.

Everett C. Shaver, Sr.

Everett C. Shaver, Sr., of Route 6, Port Allegany, PA passed away Friday (Jun. 14, 2024) in the Olean General Hospital.

     Born May 15, 1939, in Coal Center, PA, he was a son of Daniel and Hazel G. Collins Shaver.  On Feb. 2, 1963, in Elkton, MD. He married Carol M. Muller, who died July 1, 2010. They were married 47 years.

     Everett was a veteran of the Vietnam War and served with the US Navy.

    He was a resident of the area for 20 years, coming from Lancaster County, PA.

     Everett was employed with Philip’s Ford of Manheim, PA, as an auto mechanic, before his retirement.

    He enjoyed working on cars.

    Surviving are three sons, Everett C. Shaver, Jr. of Port Allegany, Michael W. (Diane) Shave of Rossville, PA, Bryan D. (Cindy) Shaver of Southern Ohio; a daughter, Theresa A. (Ron) Crouse of Reinhold, PA; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Shaver of Evansville, IN, Randolph Shaver of Ephrata, PA;  a sister, Carrie Hartman of Lititz, PA; and several nieces and nephews. 

     He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Wayne and Steven Shaver; and two sisters, Norma Knabel and Eleanor Richards.

      At Everett’s request, there will be no local services.

      Memorials can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

     Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany.

     Condolences can be made to:  Everett C. Shaver, Jr.,  24469 Route 6,  Port Allegany, PA 16743.

At 11:45 AM on Wednesday, Coudersport ambulance was dispatched to Sweden Valley Manor for a woman ill.

Port Allegany – Ricky L. Lawton, 68, of Smethport, PA formerly of Roulette and Coudersport, PA, passed away Wednesday (June 19, 2024) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.

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

Daniel L. Bothell             “beloved brother, father and PapPap”

WHARTON, PA—Daniel L. “Dan” Bothell, 75, of Wharton, PA passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, following a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Born on Tuesday, July 20, 1948 in Creekside, he was a son of Irwin Dean and Therese Gomboc Bothell.  On November 16, 1992 in Smicksburg, he married Bonnie L. Haggerty, who passed away on August 2, 2015.

Dan was a graduate of Marion Center High School in Marion Center. He was a US Marine Corps veteran having served during the Vietnam War. He owned and operated Bothell’s Plastering Company in Indiana, PA.

Dan and his wife, Bonnie, moved to Wharton in 1998.

Dan was a member of the Austin-Costello Sportsman’s Club and a member of the East Fork Sportsman’s Club.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman.  His greatest love was his family, especially his grandchildren.

Donald Ray Klinedinst, 89, Carlisle, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 6, 2024. He was born January 22, 1935, in Sunbury, Pennsylvania to Raymond William Klinedinst and Anna Sara Brosius and was the widower of Daisy Strickler Klinedinst.

Donald was a graduate of William Penn High School, York, PA, and Springfield College (BA and MA), Springfield, MA. He served in the United States Army as a medic. Donald retired after a long career as Human Resource Director at Shippensburg University. Life of service was important to him and included many communities throughout his life. He was deeply involved in YMCA youth and adult programs nationwide throughout his life and various committees at Unitarian Universalists of the Cumberland Valley in Boiling Springs. His passion for military history, especially WWll, led him to volunteer as a docent at the Army Heritage Center in Carlisle.

Children, grandchildren, family, and friends cherish fond memories with him walking the beach in search of the perfect shark’s tooth; challenging his impeccable chess strategies; working alongside him on various creative woodworking and home improvement projects; listening to his wonderful stories and his deep, rich, bass voice in sing a longs; learning about his appreciation and knowledge of nature; and receiving his loving supportive hugs and strong, quiet guidance. We will always, always, always carry his love and memories with us.

Alan “Al” Morgan, 74, Olean, NY, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on June 2, 2024, in his hometown of Olean, New York. Born to Sarah Morgan and Fracis Morgan on July 5, 1949, Alan was a special person through and through, his life and legacy deeply interwoven with the community he loved and served.

On January 27, 1973, Alan married his soulmate, Sandra “Sandy” Blake. Together, they embarked on a journey of love, partnership, and family, welcoming their son into the world: Jason. Their union was not just a marriage but a partnership that flourished in love, respect, and mutual support until Sandy’s passing on March 1, 2019.

Alan’s professional journey began shortly after High School embarking on a long career in the construction industry working for ABC Paving of Buffalo New York.  After 18 years working in construction as a Superintendent, he transitioned to the production of Blacktop and selling aggregate materials as the Superintendent of Olean’s Buffalo Crushed Stone Blacktop Plant.   His thirst and passion for success allowed him and his team of employees to far exceed company production and sales expectations under his leadership and guidance.  Alan was most proud of the transportation of aggregate material via Railroad business he helped foster and grow along with strong relationships with others in the “Rail” business across New York and Pennsylvania. 

On June 9, 2024, Reverend Lynn Harmon Ostrander peacefully passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior.  Lynn was born in Open Brook, he was the middle son of three born to Lee Ephraim and Dorothy Fortner Ostrander.  Lynn was an avid outdoorsman watching birds, counting birds seen daily, hunting, gathering wildflowers, butterfly collecting, and “tromping through the woods”.

A veteran of World War II, he earned a purple heart on his first mission when his plane was shot down on Christmas Day 1944.  Lynn spent 4 months as a POW.

After being discharged from the service, he went to work in the glass factory in Port Allegany.  At a church function, he met the love of his life, Gertrude Jordan.  They were married in July 1949 and shortly after, Lynn entered Houghton College (now Houghton University).  During the years at Houghton, two sons were born.  Lynn was called by the Lord to earn a theology degree and following graduation, he and his family moved across the country to Portland, Oregon for seminary.

Once his theology degree was completed, the family moved back to Pennsylvania for Lynn to start a new job with the Western Pennsylvania Evangelical Brethren conference.  He served the following charges during his career as pastor: Coryville, Farmers Valley, Bear Lake, North Clymer, Albion, Brown Hill, and Hill Memorial.  During his career, the EUB merged with the Methodists to become the United Methodist Conference.  During this time, two more children were added to the family.

Lynn was a man of many talents.  He loved to sing silly songs and recite poems he memorized during his youth, and to sing hymns.  His woodworking skills were known by many and included carving and painting birds, inlaid woodwork, wooden shelves, cedar chests, inlaid wood flowers, and gun cabinets.  In retirement, Lynn and Trudie began weaving placemats, table runners, coasters, guitar straps and many other items.

Lynn loved being with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Many of them have used his stories of World War II for projects at school.  They are very proud of their grandfather’s service to our country.  Lynn took the Honor flight to Washington to visit the World War II Memorial in 2021.

 In the Ostrander household, everyone loved “Lynn’s” Sunday night popcorn recipe that remains a favorite to this day.

 The highlights of Lynn’s last year were his 100th birthday party with 40 family members attending and his 74th wedding Anniversary to his life partner and love Gertrude.

Lynn was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, David; sister-in-law, Elaine; and many cousins.  Lynn is survived by his wife of 74 years, Gertrude Jordan Ostrander; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Mary Ostrander; his sister-in-law, Dorothy Pond; his children, Charles (Susan) Ostrander, Alfred (Pamela) Ostrander, Robert (Marjorie) Ostrander, and Lynette (Larry) Hill; his grandchildren, Megan Sneary, Naomi (Dan) Trivison, Aimee (Jamie) Conklin, Ruth Northrop, Zara Ostrander, Michele (John) Ford, Alanna Abreu, Peter Ostrander, and Jordan (Brandon) Workman; plus 16 great grandchildren.

We will all greatly miss Lynn’s presence in our lives, and we rejoice that he is home with his Lord and Savior. 

Calling hours will be on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 10:00 am to Noon at Trinity Fellowship Church, 1235 Old Stonehouse Road, Jamesville.  The memorial service will follow beginning at Noon.  A luncheon will follow the memorial service.

His burial will take place at the Grimes Cemetery, on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Syracuse Veterans Hospital, Houghton University, Wounded Warrior Project, or a nonprofit of your choice.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Stephen W. Fiske, 59, of Little Genesee, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024, in the Buffalo Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Buffalo, after a long illness.

Born on Sunday, February 7, 1965 in Olean, he was a son of Thomas G. and Anna Taylor Lamb. On February 3, 1984 in Little Genesee, he married Sarah L. Skinner, who passed away on July 19, 2023.

Steve attended Portville High School.  He was a very hard worker all of his life, having owned and operated multiple salvage yards.

Steve was a member of the former Lighthouse Free Methodist Church in Prentisvale, PA. 

Michael A. Jordan:  Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather

Michael A. Jordan, 72, of 7916 Route 417 W., Bolivar, passed away Friday, June 14, 2024 at Jones Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Born on November 26, 1951, in Wellsville, he was a son of Lee Cassius and Clara Geneva (Moore) Jordan.  On June 18, 1994, in LaJose, Pennsylvania he married the former Melinda F. Kitchen who survives.

Michael attended Bolivar Central School and then served in the United States Army from 1969-72, and later served in the National Guard from 1986 until 1995.  While enlisted he served two tours in Vietnam and one during Operation Desert Storm. 

He worked in the Automotive Collision Repair industry all of his life and retired from Ingraham’s Powder Coating in Denver, Pennsylvania.

Mike loved dirt track and go cart racing and attending events at Allegany Speedway in Allentown.  He also enjoyed car shows and working on cars.

Sarah L. Fiske, 57, of Little Genesee, passed away with her loving family by her side, on Wednesday July 19, 2023, in the Olean General Hospital,  Olean, after a short illness.

Born on Monday, January 31, 1966 in Olean, she was a daughter of Charles and Catherine Swartz Skinner.  On February 3, 1984 in Little Genesee, she married Stephen W. Fiske.

Sarah attended high school in Portville where she met the love of her life, Steve, AKA Sexy. She along with her husband owned and operated multiple salvage yards.

She was a member of the former Lighthouse Free Methodist Church in Prentisvale, PA. Sarah was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and partner in the family businesses.

Thomas J. “Boobie” Heath, 73, passed away Sunday June 16, 2024, in his home surrounded by family.  He was born June 9, 1951, in Wellsboro to Harry and Irma (Wilson) Heath.  He graduated from Wellsboro High School, and on July 14, 1979, he married Carol Bronson with whom he shared forty-four years of marriage.  Thomas over-the-road truck driver commercially for businesses, and independently.  He was a tractor enthusiast, he loved old tractors, especially Olivers, and attended tractor pulls in the area, and served as the weighmaster.  Thomas also enjoyed shooting in informal competitions, and he loved his Scottish Highland Cow Bubba.

George E. Kemmer, 84, of 709 Theresia Street, St. Marys, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024 at Penn Highlands Elk.

He was born June 27, 1939, in Emporium.  He was the son of the late William “Boots” Kemmer and Mary “Elvie” Reed Kemmer Hollobaugh.  When George was six years old, his father passed away and he was fortunate to find the care and affection of a second father, the late William “Arnold” Hollobaugh.  George was a lifelong resident of the area and was employed by Stackpole/Carbone for forty-five years.  After his retirement from Carbone, he spent his winters working at Asmac until March of this year.

On December 30, 1961, in the Sacred Heart Church, George married Bonnie Thompson, who survives.  They were blessed to share 62 years of marriage.

Susan L. Johnsen, 84, of Warren, PA, died on Monday June 17,2024, in Kinzua Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Warren, PA after an extended illness.

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

Olean- Thomas Allan Kranock Sr. “Ride in Peace”

 Thomas A. Kranock Sr. of Long Hollow Road passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Buffalo General Hospital following a brief illness. 

 Tom was born on August 17, 1960, in Olean and was the son of William and Gene Kelley Kranock. He was formerly married to Darlene Budinger and Tammy Hopkins. 

 Tom was a jack of all trades, including splitting wood, auto and bike mechanic. He was a strong-willed man who loved to camp, fish, and travel. Tom was a member of the Biker Community. 

Smethport – Carl L. “Bud” Abbey, 79, of East Smethport, PA passed away Saturday (June 15, 2024) at UPMC-Williamsport.

He was born July 17, 1944 in Kane, PA, the son of Carl J. and Helen Marie Amelia (Nordine) Abbey. In May of 1991, in Smethport, he married Bonnie Jean Smith, who died on December 24, 2021.

Bud was a graduate of Smethport High School Class of 1962. He served in the US Army during Vietnam.

Bud worked in the maintenance department at Smethport Specialty Company.

He was a member of the VFW Post #2497 of Smethport, the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport and the American Legion; John Berg Post #976 of Crosby. He was a longtime member of the Smethport and Crosby Honor Guard. He was a member of the Colville Christian Gospel Church.  Bud enjoyed hunting and fishing, along with classic cars.

He is survived by:

Port Allegany – We are deeply saddened to share the news of the unexpected passing of our beloved Brad A. Binder, 64, of Port Allegany, PA on June 14, 2024.  Born on September 12, 1959 and raised in Port, he graduated from Port Allegany High School and proudly served in the United States Army. 

He went on to a career as a distance learning technician, most recently employed by Seneca Highlands IU#9 of Smethport, PA.  His sharp mind coupled with his unwaveringly positive attitude made him a widely admired leader among his colleagues. 

He was also instrumental in his wife’s First Fitness business. Brad had a servant’s heart – his faith was of utmost importance to him and was a devoted member of the Salt & Light Community Church. He also enjoyed serving his local community through his role as a poll worker, working on election day for over 4 years.

For all of his professional and community accomplishments, Brad’s most important roles were those of husband, dad and ‘Pap’, by which he was lovingly known by his grandkids.

Nancy “Nana” Ruth Brown, 90, of Emporium, PA passed away at Magee-Women’s Hospital-UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA on Thursday evening (June 13, 2024) following a brief illness. She was born July 8, 1933 in Prestonville, Kentucky the daughter of the late Frank Poland and Ruth Chapman Poland. Ruth passed away when Nancy was 2 years old, so Nancy and her four siblings were raised by her Aunt Mary Francis Chapman in Carrollton, KY. Nancy graduated from Carroll County High School in 1951. While working at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH she met Wendall Henry Brown whom she married on February 21, 1953 at the First Baptist Church of Carrollton, Kentucky.

Nana relocated to Emporium, PA in June of 1972 with her family. She worked for many years as an office clerk at the Big “G” Department Store and Coppersmith Furniture until her retirement. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church where she sang in the Choir and played the Piano for over 40 years. She shared her faith and unconditional love with everyone who passed through those doors. Although originally from Kentucky, Nancy was a dedicated fan to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins. 

George E. Kemmer, 84, of 709 Theresia Street, St. Marys, PA passed away Sunday, June 16, 2024 at Penn Highlands Elk. 

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

Ronald E. DAILEY, 59, of Genesee, PA, formerly of Jersey Shore, PA, died Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in his home.  

Born January 30, 1965, in Williamsport, he was the son of Thomas Bernard and Patricia Forsman Dailey.  On February 6, 1998, he married Christina Orndorf, who survives.  

Ron was a jack of all trades.  Better known as Phoenix to most, he was employed by C&E Containers in Jersey Shore.  He also worked a side job at New Horizon Bakery in Jersey Shore and did odd jobs for people around town.  Ron helped place gas lights on Main Street in Jersey Shore.  He enjoyed working on and collecting lawn mowers.  In his younger years, he liked partying.  

Ron took great delight in being outdoors and attending pow-wows with family and friends.  His interests included older cars, WWE, and Johnny Cash music.  When crossing his path, it was an honor and a gift to know his true spirit.  His stories, jokes, and sense of humor were a trademark.  

Ron was a member of the Cherokee tribe and proud of his native American heritage.  He wasn’t just a loving husband, father, grandfather, or friend, he was the truest spirit the ancestors have ever sent to earth and with his teachings and lessons his presence will never be forgotten.  Rise again Phoenix.  

Michael James Dunlavey             “beloved father and brother”

Michael James “Mike” Dunlavey, 61, a longtime resident of Coudersport, PA passed away in his home on Monday, June 10, 2024, after a vigilant battle with cancer.

Born on Monday, March 18, 1963 in Bristol, PA, he was a son of Patrick E. and Rita Dutton Dunlavey.

Mike was a graduate of Pennsbury High School in Yardley, PA.  He attended Bucks County Tech School for Diesel Mechanics.  He became a diesel and locomotive mechanic at McCrossen in Langhorne.  He was a Pennsylvania-licensed inspection mechanic.  In 2002 he moved to Potter County and began working for Street Machines in Coudersport and later became a self-employed mechanic, lovingly known as the “town gearhead”.

Mike was a social member of the Coudersport American Legion Post 192.  He enjoyed hunting, working on his 1957 Chevy, rebuilding motors and spending time with his special friends, Angela and John Petroski, who later became his beloved caretakers. 

Sarah L. Fiske

Sarah L. Fiske, 57, of Little Genesee, NY passed away with her loving family by her side, on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, in the Olean General Hospital,  Olean, after a short illness.

Celebration of Life 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.

Stephen W. Fiske

Stephen W. Fiske, 59, of Little Genesee, NY passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024, in the Buffalo Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Buffalo, after a long illness.

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.