Obituaries

Daniel R. Slater, Sr., 72, of Hedgehog Lane, Bradford, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at his residence.

Virginia A. “Ginger” Donachy, 72, of Benzinger Road, St. Marys, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024, at Penn Highlands DuBois, following a lengthy illness.

She was born on November 22, 1951 in Brookville, PA, a daughter of the late Walter and Margaret Plyer Becker.

On February 5, 1972, she married Lawrence Donachy, who survives of St. Marys. Together they shared more than 52 years of marriage.

Alberta M. “Tootie” Crocco, 99, formerly of Mertz Avenue, St. Marys, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Elk Haven Nursing Home.

She was born on April 23, 1925, in St. Marys,, a daughter of the late Edward and Carrie Friedl Wittman.

On October 19, 1946, in St. Marys Church, she married the late Biagio “Bill” Crocco, who preceded her in death on December 8, 1996. Together they shared nearly 50 years of marriage.

Angeline F. Colwell, 97, of Emporium, PA passed away at Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA on Monday afternoon (September 16, 2024) surrounded by her family. She was born June 20, 1927 in Emporium, PA a daughter of the late Domenico and Giovanna “Jenny” Fragale Fapore. On September 20, 1947 in Emporium, PA she married the late Robert B. Colwell.

BARBARA JEAN WALT KOZMA:  Mother, Grandmother, Sister

BARBARA JEAN WALT KOZMA, 68, of 611 Martha Ave., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Olean General Hospital following a brief illness.

Barb was born in Springville, NY on January 3, 1956. Daughter of the late Clyde & Dorothy Walt of Fillmore, NY.

She graduated from Fillmore Central School in 1974 and later graduated from Jamestown Community College, Olean Campus in 1994 with an Associate’s Degree in Human Resource Management.  Barb was a former Domestic Violence Task Force Board member for Allegany County.

Kay E. (Winters) VanWhy, of Tioga, passed away September 14, 2024 at The Green Home. She was born March 25, 1957, in East Stroudsburg, PA to Paul and Agnes (Leap) Winters.

After graduating from high school, Kay worked as a cashier at Shop Rite, and then as a camp cook for Christian Herald Camp in Bushkill. She married Howard VanWhy. Kay was a lifelong servant of the Lord, and she was a member of the Stony Fork Baptist Church. She loved to cook and enjoyed crocheting and making afghan blankets.

Bonnie Satterlee Lowe, 77, of Lewis Run, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, September 16, 2024, at Bradford Regional Medical Center.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Mary Lou Fourness

Mary Lou Fourness, 77, of Odin, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a long battle with cancer.

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.

Alberta M. “Tootie” Crocco, 99, formerly of Mertz Ave, St. Marys, died peacefully at Elk Haven Nursing Home on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.

Teryl W. Scalise, peacefully passed away on Friday September 13, 2024, at his home in Olathe, KS at the age of 76.

He was born in Warren, PA on June 26, 1948. Teryl joined the United States Marine Corps in 1971. After 20 years of service, he retired in 1991 as a LtCol and settled in Olathe, KS.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Ann Marie Scalise; two children; and two grandchildren.

Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Burial with full military honors will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Warren, PA. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Lana S. Creal, 80. a resident of Warren, PA, passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House after beating breast cancer and living for over five years with stage four pancreatic cancer.

Lana was born in Jamestown, NY, on November 10, 1943, to the late Edward and Hazel A. Shield. She was a lifelong Warren resident and the valedictorian of the 1961 Warren Area High School class. She graduated from Allegheny College in 1965 with a degree in Mathematics and from Penn State University with a Master of Science in Mathematical Statistics in 1969.

Anthony P. “Tony” Vinelli, 91, formerly of 521 East Main Street, Bradford, passed away, Friday, September 13, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home. 

Born April 9, 1933, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Joseph and Philomena (Placentino) Vinelli. He was a 1951 graduate from Bradford High School.

Tony was employed at Bovaird & Sefang, Airco Speer and Corning Glass and later Bradford Electronics. 

He was a lifetime member of St. Bernard Church, the LaStella Lodge, the Mutual Aid Society in Lewis Run and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. 

Surviving is one sister-in-law, Janet Vinelli of Bradford, several nieces and nephews including Joseph Meabon (Jill) of Burgaw, NC, Tina Lewis (Gary) of Burgaw, NC, Teresa Wagoner (Ken) of Castle Hayne, NC, Joseph Vinelli of Bradford, Michael Vinelli (Tina) of Bradford, Fred Buccolini of CA, several great nieces and nephews and several great-great nieces and nephews.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Michael A. Vinelli, Sr., three sisters, Rose V. Meabon, Dolores M. Vinelli, and Josephine V. Buccolini; one half-brother, John J. Vinelli, Sr., and two half-sisters, Mary Vinelli, and Mary Frances Vinelli.

Family will receive friends on Thursday September 19, 2024, from 10 am to 11 am in St. Francis Church, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am with Rev. John Jacquel, Pastor as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.

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

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Jean M. Crosby         “beloved mother and grandmother”

Jean M. Crosby, a resident of Austin, PA, passed away Monday, September 16, 2024 at Sena Kean Manor in Smethport, PA following a lengthy battle with COPD.

Jean was born August 12, 1938 in Emporium, PA to the late Robert Tilburg and Jennie Haynes Ludwig.  Jean attended Cameron County Schools in Emporium, PA.  On August 6, 1955 in Manassas, VA, she married Hugh C. Crosby who preceded her in death on Friday, July 7, 2023.

Jean was caring, crafty and creative. Her talents lead her to numerous hobbies throughout her life.  She crocheted countless items including holiday ornaments and decor and hundreds of afghans (many that she donated for fundraisers and baby afghans which she gave as gifts). In her earlier years she enjoyed drawing, cutting out and painting wood yard ornaments including donkey carts for flower arrangements, Christmas ornaments, and more.  She loved going to bingo and enjoyed taking her grandchildren.  She also had a love for camping and traveling for many years with her husband.

Virginia A. “Ginger” Donachy, 73, of Benzinger Road, St. Marys, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024 at Penn Highlands DuBois following the lengthy illness.

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

Stephanie L. Lion, 43, of 144 Martin Road, St. Marys, passed away following a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at UPMC Shadyside Hospital.

She was born October 21, 1980, in St. Marys daughter of Elizabeth A. Swanson Lion and the late Richard C. Lion, who preceded her in death on October 16, 2022.  She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1999.  Following graduation she attended Penn State University where she graduated with a degree in Family Behavioral Science.  She was employed at Penn Highlands Elk for 20 years before she retired to care for her father, Dick.

Robert Frank Stampee, 82, of Emporium, PA passed away at Penn Highlands Elk, St. Marys, PA on Friday morning (September 13, 2024). He was born April 2, 1942 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late Frank and Bridgett Rydesky Stampee.

He graduated from Cameron County High School and  served with the US Air Force for 4 years. He retired from General Motors where he worked for many years. He was a member of the Bucktail Rod & Gun Club and the National Beekeepers Association.

He is survived by brother-in-law Roland (Bobbi) Maki, Rochester, Michigan and many cousins and friends

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Joan Stampee Maki

There will be no visitation and services will be private.

Burial will be in the St. Mark Catholic Cemetery, Emporium, PA

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.

Mary Jo (Weber) Green, 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, September 14, 2024, following a short illness.

She was born June 15, 1937 in St Mary’s, PA to Luke and Laura Wehler Weber.

On January 23, 1965 she married the late Robert Lamar Green, who preceded her in death on May 14, 2018.

She is survived by two daughters; Mary Kelly (Dale) Elder of Mt. Lebabon and Mary Marsan (Kevin) O’Leary of St. Marys, by her four beloved grandchildren- Montana, Bryce, Grace and Sydney. She is also survived by one brother; Anthony (Eileen) Weber of Delaware, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.

Shirley A. Sherwood, 86, of Turtlepoint, passed away Saturday (September 14, 2024) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.

She was born November 14, 1937 in Indiana County, PA  the daughter of Ben and Eva (Stuck) Galentine.  On Jult 24, 1954, in Pike, NY , she married James Sherwood, who survives.

Mrs. Sherwood worked as a cook at the former Fireside Inn and the Canoe Place Inn, but ultimately was a homemaker tending to the needs of her family.

She was a member of the Birch Grove Menonnite Church of Port Allegany and enjoyed spending time with her family.

The Emporium Community has lost a life-long dedicated Christ and community servant with the passing of Kenneth L. Ostrum, on September 12, 2024.

Ken was born January 26, 1932 at his family home on the Old West Creek Road, son of John Fred and Violet (Barr) Ostrum.

On Feb 23, 1952, he married Mary Jane Kinley at the First Baptist Church in Emporium and then celebrated 53 years together. Ken graduated from Emporium High School in1950. He received his Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering from ICS of Scranton, PA He was employed for 37 years at Sylvania Electric (GTE, Philips Electronics), first as a production worker, then in Electrical Design. Ken worked internationally at design jobs in Canada, Mexico, Belgium and France.

Wellsville- Deloris B. Peterson “Loving Mother & Grandmother”

 Deloris B. Peterson formerly of Cuba passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Highland Park in Wellsville. 

 Deloris was born December 22, 1931 in Franklinville and was the daughter of Donald and Beatrice Benjamin Woodruff. She married Robert J. Peterson who predeceased her on January 9, 2014.

Ellie Mae Caya

Ellie Mae Caya, the infant daughter of Aaron Caya and Emily Lowry, passed away Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville.

Ellie Mae was born on May 10, 2024, while completely heartbroken her family finds peace knowing she is no longer in pain or suffering.  Holding her in their hearts for only four short months was a gift they are grateful for, but her love and memories will be held in their hearts forever.

Thomas G. Durkin, 74, of Port Allegany, formerly East Pittsburgh, PA, passed away on September 11, 2024, following a courageous fight with cancer. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas R. Durkin and Lois L. (McDavitt) Durkin.  Tom was born during a time when physically handicapped and mentally challenged individuals were often excluded from schools, social settings, and the work force.  However, his parents, especially his mom, were determined for him to have a full life. 

Bernice Helen Clark, 82, of Wellsboro, passed away on September 13, 2024, surrounded by family.

She was born to Clarence and Florence (Shink) Hodder on February 23, 1942. She was one of eleven children. Bernice and Harold “Roy” Clark were married for 49 years. Bernice served in the United States Navy at the Naval Station in Norfolk, VA.

She worked at the Super Duper, and later Bi-Lo and Tops as head bookkeeper/cashier for over 20 years and enjoyed Sewing, Quilting and Swedish weaving. 

Lana S. Creal, 80, of Warren, PA., died peacefully Saturday afternoon, September 14, 2024, at the John and Orpha Blair Hospice Home, Warren, PA. 

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

Annette M. Hulings, 56, of Ridgway, died unexpectedly on Monday, September 9, 2024, at her residence.

She was born on July 10, 1968, in Ridgway, the daughter of Veryl Gess and the late Nancy Vantassal Gess.

Annette was a lifelong member of the community and graduate of Ridgway High School. She worked many years at the YMCA and recently worked for Dickinson Mental Health. Annette enjoyed time with her grandchildren, creating cherished memories with her family that will last a lifetime. Her dedication to her loved ones and her unwavering kindness will forever be cherished and remembered.

She is survived by a daughter, Randi Hulings(Jim Woodford), 2 grandchildren, Elijah and Elle Gadley,2 special nieces, Aliannah and Addison Gess. She is also survived by 3 siblings: Bruce Gess, Harvey Steel, and Cindy Steel, several half siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by a son, Randy Hulings.

A Family Gathering will be held on Monday, September 16, 2024, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Krise Funeral Home, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA, 15853.

Nancy R. Kucenski, 87, of Ridgway, died on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Penn Highlands Dubois following a brief illness.

She was born on May 12, 1937, in Ridgway, a daughter of the late Rosario and Mary Giffi Grandinetti.

On November 12, 1960, in Ridgway, she married the late Eugene S. Kucenski, who preceded her in death on March 5, 2001.

Sophie A. Hardy                 “beloved mother and Nana”

Sophie A. Hardy, 92, of Portville, passed away with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at The Pines, in Olean, NY.

Born on Sunday, August 21, 1932 in Cohoes, NY, she was a daughter of Arthur and Martha Thomas Hippensteel.  She was married to Howard L. Hardy, who passed away on October 30, 1981.

Sophie was employed by the former Cooper Industries in Olean for many years until her retirement.

She enjoyed crocheting, cooking, watching television, playing cards, and putting jigsaw puzzles together.  She was a die-hard Miami Dolphins fan. Sophie’s greatest love was her family, especially her grandchildren.

Michael  B. Monti, 60, formerly of Williams Street, Bradford, passed away Thursday, September 12, 2024, at the Bradford Manor, surrounded by his loving family. 

Born on September 28, 1963, in Bradford, he was the son of the late G. Bruce Monti and Anita (Colosimo) Monti. Mike attended Ramsbottom School.  

He worked for Pizza Hut and later Futures for over 30 years.