John L. Luchs, 91, of Ridgway, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Penn Highlands Elk.
He was born on December 3,1933, in Portland Mills, a son of the late Lola Luchs.
On February 19, 1952, he married the late June Marie Gardner, who preceded in death on July 21, 2020.
John was known as “Papa” by everyone – you did not have to be related by blood to be one of his children or grandchildren. He lived a life that embraced the beauty of nature and the serenity of the woods. He dedicated many years of his life to his work as a logger, where he found joy and fulfillment among the trees and the tranquility of the outdoors. Family was the cornerstone of John’s life; he loved nothing more than going on family vacations, growing his beloved tomato garden, playing cards, and spending quiet moments feeding the birds.
Catherine Coleen Lyons (Cathy), 81, of Emporium, PA, passed away on January 1, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family in her final moments.
Catherine was born on September 30, 1943, in Cameron County, PA, to James and Ann Barr Williams. A proud graduate of Cameron County High School in 1961, Cathy’s life was marked by her love of people, nature, and animals, as well as her tireless dedication to her family and community.
Her career journey was as diverse as her interests. She began in the field of nursing, then transitioned to work as a veterinary technician in Oklahoma, before finding her calling with the U.S. Postal Service. Cathy worked her way up from a postal carrier to serving as Postmaster in Elko, Nevada, and later in Bradford, PA, where she eventually retired.
Cathy’s passion for animals extended beyond her career. In Nevada, she volunteered with 4-H programs, teaching children about horses, and earned a raptor rehabilitation license. Partnering with the U.S. Forest Service, she rescued and rehabilitated injured birds of prey and other wildlife, ensuring their return to the wild.
Hugh “Slugger” Rockwell, 73, of Brick Yard Rd. in Kane, passed away Thursday (Jan. 2) at Sena Kean Manor. Born May 6, 1951 in Warren, he is the son of the late Hugh and Lois Rockwell. On March 18, 1977 in Kane, he married Cindy Chittester, who survives.
Hugh had worked at Kane Screens and more recently at Kellington Protective Services.
Helen M. Olshefski, 84, of Bradford, Pennsylvania, peacefully left this world on December 22, 2024, embraced in love and surrounded by her family. Born on October 9, 1940, in Bradford, Helen was a loving and devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Helen’s kindness knew no bounds, she was a living example of empathy, wisdom, and unconditional love. Through her, many experienced a depth of love that few will ever know. In times of uncertainty, she had an extraordinary gift for simplifying life’s complexities. Her advice always brought comfort, and the way she spoke made the path to resolution feel clear and filled with hope. Helen’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and selflessness. Her warmth and gentle nature touched the hearts of all who knew her, and her memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to experience her kindness.
Charles E. Spiegel, 72, of Coudersport, passed away Thursday (January 2, 2025) at his residence in Coudersport. He was born June 6, 1952 in Port Allegany, the son of James and Janet (Billsborough) Spiegel. On November 21, 1970, in Eldred, he married Suzanne I. Ours, who survives. They were married for fifty-four years.
Charles was a 1970 graduate of Port Allegany High School and worked for the PA Department of Transportation, retiring in 1997. While employed with PennDOT he built many local bridges. He loved working with his hands and building anything he could, including his own home. He built many special things and pieces of furniture for various family members.
He was a member of the Turtlepoint Evangelical Church. He loved to sing hymns and his favorite was It Is Well With My Soul.
Lynn M. SMITH, 66, of Friendship, NY, died Thursday, January 2, 2025 in her home.
Born February 1, 1958, in Cuba, she was the daughter of Stanley and Doris Graham Davenport. On August 24, 1984, in Pekin, she married Roger D. Smith, who survives. She was a 1976 graduate of Franklinville Central School. Later in life, she earned an associate’s degree in drafting from Niagara Community College. Lynn was employed by the University of Buffalo in the engineering department for a few years and then traveled on the road with Roger for his work. She was a member of the Richburg Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Lynn enjoyed doing crafts, carving wooden walking sticks, making Swedish weaving blankets, baking, and camping. She also loved to collect rocks, crystals, and seashells.
John G. Peet, 87, a lifelong resident of Hebron, passed away in his home with his loving wife by his side on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, after a brief illness.
Born on Friday, July 23, 1937 in Port Allegany, he was a son of Robert H. and Marie L. Metzger Peet. On May 10, 1969 in the Hebron Seventh Day Baptist Church, he married Karlene S. Parker, who survives.
John was a graduate of Coudersport High School, Class of 1956. He attended Penn State University for animal husbandry and business administration. He also attended Pitt Bradford studying gerontology.
John, along with his wife, owned and operated Sunset Valley Farm. Early in his working career, he was employed as a technician with N.E.P.A. as an artificial inseminator. For 35 years, John was employed at the former Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport, holding various positions including opening the Physical Therapy department. For the majority of John’s career, he was the director of Recreational Services for the hospital, a position that he truly enjoyed.
For over 54 years, John served as treasurer of the Woodland Cemetery Association and for over 62 years, he was the caretaker of the cemetery, a position he was truly dedicated to serve.
With an avid interest in history, John was a member of the Potter County Historical Society in Coudersport. He was also a member and master of Odin Grange #1254 in Odin and a member and master of Potter County Pomona Grange #54. He was also a member of the National Trust for Historical Preservation and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Damon M. Carlson, 30, of Ridgway, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at his residence.
He was born on May 17, 1994, a son of Lesley Carlson and the late Christopher Kinley.
Damon dedicated his life to his greatest joy: his children. He poured his heart and soul into parenting, providing unwavering love and care. He found immense joy in sharing adventures with his best friend, Derek, whether they were casting lines on serene fishing trips, embracing the thrill of hunting, or enjoying the excitement of the races. His love for family was evident in every laugh, every embrace, and every memory they created together.
Ricky Joe Fink, 69, of 655 Bolivar Dr., Bradford, gained his angel wings on December 30, 2024 at UPMC Hamot Hospital, Erie.
Ric was born on February 10, 1955 in Bradford; a son of the late Edward and Theresa Fink.
Ric was an avid Jeep lover his whole life. Envisioning and customizing many, the last of which he took to car shows and won multiple trophies for. Ric retired from selling cars, where he was known as an honest salesman. Ric spent his retired years detailing cars and working at the car wash in Foster Brook. Each morning after work, Ric could be found at Tim Hortons enjoying his coffee and conversation with friends.
Ralph J. “Babe” HARRISON, 90, of Roulette, PA, died Tuesday, December 31, 2024 in UPMC Cole.
Born December 22, 1934, in Elco, he was the son of Ralph and Tornada Roberts Harrison. On November 17, 1955, in Port Allegany, he married Kaye A. Hayner, who survives. A 1953 graduate of Port Allegany High School, he was employed by Pittsburgh Corning in Port Allegany, retiring as superintendent. Ralph was a member of Riverside Methodist Church in Roulette, Port Allegany Lodge #505, F & AM, Smethport Country Club, and a life member of the Roulette Fire Department.
John G. Peet, 87, a lifelong resident of Hebron, passed away in his home with his loving wife by his side on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, after a brief illness.
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.
John Simons, 78, of Park Ave., passed away Tuesday (Dec. 31) in UPMC-Hamot. Born Sept. 1, 1946 in Kane he is the son of the late Harvey and Charlotte (Trimble) Simons. He married Karen Sherwood, who survives, in Kane on June 24, 1972.
John served four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He then worked at Kane Handle until it closed and Holm Industries until his retirement. He was an active member of the Kane Community Methodist Church.
Gladys M. (Risinger) “Grandma Tootie” Ramsey, 93, of Shinglehouse, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at UPMC Cole, in Coudersport. She was born November 14, 1931, in Indiana, PA to Charles Edgar and Anna Marie (Sundburg) Risninger.
Della O. Vanness of Brook Street passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.
Della was born on January 8, 1959, in Olean and was the daughter of Paul J. and Grace E. Smith Kayes Sr. On July 14, 1984, at Trinity United Methodist Church she married Timothy J. Vanness, who survives.
Tracy Lynn Scott, born March 23, 1972, beloved daughter of David and Nancy Scott of Canandaigua, NY passed away suddenly Thursday, December 26th, 2024. She was a vibrant and unique spirit, leaving a legacy of love and laughter.
Cecil A. Miller, 59, of Birch St., passed away of Friday (Dec. 27) at UPMC-Kane. Born in Kane on Jan 5, 1965, he is the son of the late Robert Miller and Judith Rockwell.
Shirley A. Pedine, 95, formerly Lewis Run, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born April 11, 1929, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Angelo and Antoinette (Alvino) Vinca, Jr. She was a 1948 graduate of St. Bernard School.
On June 16, 1950, in St. Bernard Church, she married Julio J. Pedine, who preceded her in death on April 23, 2012.
Shirley had been employed for nearly 30 years as an Insurance Adjuster for Russell Parrot.
She was a member of St. Bernard Church, and a former member of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church.
Shirley enjoyed hosting Sunday family dinners. and attending BACPAC events.
Gary O. ERWAY, 77, of Ulysses, PA, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport. Born August 7, 1947, at home in Newfield, he was the son of L. Clifton and Mary E. Gearhart Erway.
George F. Harrier, Jr. “beloved brother and uncle”
George F. Harrier, Jr., 67, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Port Allegany and Bradford, passed away in his home on Thursday, December 26, 2024, after a long illness.
Born on Thursday, October 3, 1957 in Olean, NY, he was a son of George F. and Betty E. George Harrier.
George attended Portville (NY) High School. He loved antiques and had previously been employed in Bradford at an antique store.
In his younger years, George was a volunteer fireman in Portville. He enjoyed fishing with his nephew. He loved his dog, Buddy and loved to work with his hands and tinkering in general.
Ronald C. “Ron” Kerr, 92, of Wellsboro, passed away Sunday December 29, 2024, peacefully in his home. He was born August 12, 1932, in Latrobe, PA to Wilbur T. and Edna Mae (Spangler) Kerr. He graduated from Blairsville High School in 1950, and on September 24, 1954, he married Jean Lydick with whom he shared 70 years of marriage. After serving in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict, Ron worked for Bell Telephone (now Verizon), eventually becoming an Outside Plant Engineer.
Ron was a member of the United Methodist Church of Wellsboro, a 65-year Mason, Bell Pioneers, a member of Eastern Star, the VFW, the Sinnemahoning Sportsman’s Association, an endowment member of the NRA, and former member of the Wellsboro Lions. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors of rural Pennsylvania. Ron was devoted to, took great pleasure in, and had intense love for his family and friends, his country, and his God and he unselfishly served them well.
Charles Albert Wilcox, 86, formerly of Lawrenceville and Yuma, AZ, passed away, Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Elderwood at Waverly, Waverly, NY. He was born August 7, 1938, in Blossburg, PA, the son of the late Charles and Gladys (Robertson) Wilcox. He was the husband of Donna Lee (Lundgren) Wilcox for 62 years until her passing on June 3, 2021.
Chuck was a graduate of Liberty High School and was an ambitious businessman from a young age. He was the owner and operator of a local service station, Chuck’s Esso and used car lot Chucks used cars. He opened Lawrenceville Napa in the 1970s. He also owned Casita Verde RV Park later in life in Cassa Grande, AZ. Charles was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Lawrenceville, PA and GILA mountain United Methodist Church, Yuma, AZ.
He had a love of classic cars and traveling with his wife across the US and beyond. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles with friends and family. Chuck was a kind; generous and thoughtful man and he was loved by everyone. He had million dollar smile that will live on in our memories and as Charlie always said “keep smiling they will wonder what you’re up to”.
Local media icon, Geraldine “Gerri” Miller, passed away on December 24, 2024, in Hudson, Fl. after a long illness.
Gerri was born on March 31, 1948, in Coudersport, Pa., to Merritt and Shirley Miller, of Roulette, Pa., who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by 2 brothers, Wesley Don Miller and Stephen Miller, and a long-time companion, Jayne James. She is survived by a sister, Teresa Pratt, of Shinglehouse, a loving companion, Judy Bliss Spaeth, of Hudson, Fl., several nieces and nephews, and 2 stepchildren, Nate James and Jody Gum.
Gerri graduated from Port Allegany High School in 1966 and received a diploma from Charles Morris Price School of Advertising and Journalism, in 1973. Upon her return to Potter County, she devoted herself to local journalism. She started the Town and Country Journal in 1973 which was published until 1979. She co-owned Creative Communications from 1978 until 1985. She became a familiar voice during her tenure at WFRM Radio Station in Coudersport, starting in 1979 through 2008, often broadcasting remotely from local festivals, events, and the county fair. She owned and operated Black Forest Broadcasting from 2008 until 2023 and managed the Potter County Artisan Co-op from 2018 until 2023 when she retired to Florida with her beloved dog, Molly, to be with her companion, Judy.
As a journalist, Gerri is remembered by her colleagues as a staunch advocate of the public’s right to know. She attended countless local government meetings and vigorously questioned officials when she believed there was more information to be learned. She was an avid photographer, specializing in sepia prints.
A Celebration of Life will be announced later. Donations in Gerri’s memory may be made to the Potter County Artisan Co-op, 227 N. Main St., PO Box 261, Coudersport, PA 16915, or to Potter County Animal Assistance Project, c/o. Kim Mitchell, Treasurer, 208 Beech Street, Coudersport, PA 16915.0
Robert A. KELLEY, 69, of Smethport, PA, died Saturday, December 28, 2024 in UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh.
Born May 2, 1955, in Olean, NY, he was the son of Ivan D. and L. Imogene Phipps Kelley. He was married to Kelly J. Backus, who predeceased him on September 20, 2017. A 1973 graduate of Otto-Eldred High School, he attended trade school in DuBois to be an electrician. He was employed by Ethan Allen for many years until it closed and was also the owner of Kelley Electric located in Smethport with the help of his sons. Bob was a member of Eldred American Legion Post #887, American Legion Sons Post #887, Eldred VFW Post #2092.
