Obituaries

Sara G. “Sally” Richardson

North Tonawanda-Sara G. “Sally” Richardson, formerly of Olean, Eldred, Pa , East Aurora NY and Holley, NY passed away Wednesday (February 14, 2024) at the DeGraff Long term Care Facility in N. Tonawanda, NY.

Sara was born in Eldred, Pa on March 10, 1923. She was the daughter of the late Oscar and Lillian Brown Carpenter and sister to the late Gerald Carpenter and the late Myrl Reed.

Sara graduated from Otto/Eldred High School and the Westbrook Academy in Olean.

She married Morris E. Richardson, Jr whose family owned Richardsons Grocery on N.13th and W State St. He predeceased her in 1996. When Morris left for the south Pacific, Sara worked at Ft. Monmouth, NJ for the three years he served. Sally was the leader of the steno pool at the Developmental Laboratory there. She was a Church Secretary for many years at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Aurora. After her husband’s retirement from Moog in E Aurora and returning to Olean, Morris became active in the family business before it was sold. They then moved to Holley NY where she was a member of the Concordia Lutheran Church in Brockport.

Born February 25, 1947, in New York City, NY, he was the son of George and Anna Vrabel Kertis.  On March 21, 1987, in Richboro, he married the former Valerie J. Thiers, who predeceased him on January 13, 2014.  In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a sister, Veronica.  

Joseph P. STALLONE, 67, of Wellsville, NY died Thursday, February 15, 2024. 

Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00  & 7:00 – 9:00 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM, Wednesday, February 21, 2024 in Immaculate Conception Church, Wellsville.  The Rev. James Hartwell will be the Celebrant.

A complete obituary will be announced.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Linda S. Clyde, 79, of Maple St. in Kane, PA passed away early Thursday Morning at Pinecrest Manor in St. Mary’s. Born March 20, 1944 in Coudersport, she is the daughter of the late George and Virginia (Haynes) Ostrander.  On Dec. 9, 1961 she married David Clyde, who survives.

Linda had worked as a nurses aide at the Lutheran Home at Kane and the Kane Community Hospital and she also did private care and had cleaned at Shady Point and Dr. Hipolito’s Office.  Linda loved her husband of 62 years who was an amazing and loving husband and care taker, and she was an incredible mother who was always there for her children and grandchildren.  She loved watching the animals outside her house when they would come into the yard and she enjoyed going for rides around the local area.  She enjoyed her family and her friends and was blessed in so many aspects of life.

Harold C. “Bud” Lanzel, 90, a resident of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of 154 Wilson Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Thursday, February 15, 2024, after a lengthy illness with his family by his side.

He was born September 27, 1933, in St. Marys, a son of the late Jerome E. and Lavina T. Ehrensberger Lanzel.

Bud was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1951.  He was a retired past president of SMC Powder Metallurgy.

On June 23, 1956, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, he married the late Mary Ann Sporner, who preceded him in death on April 6, 2023.

James F. Coffman, Ph.D., 79, Shelbyville, KY died Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at U. of L. Jewish Hospital in Louisville following a brief illness.

A native of Danville, he was the son of the late Cecil Ray and Thelma Maddox Coffman. Immediately after graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served honorably for four years. He was then in the Air Force Reserves for an additional two years. Following his military service, he went to college and obtained his doctorate in geomorphology from the University of Wisconsin.

He retired after 25 years of service with the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the Revenue Cabinet as director of property taxation. He was also a realtor/broker associated with Coldwell Banker Rogers Group in Shelbyville and was the owner/operator of Your Old Kentucky Home real estate agency. He was a member of the ACLU, NAACP and Americans for Separation of Church and State. He was an environmentalist and served on the board of the Kentucky Natural Lands Trust. In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing, cooking, gardening and square dancing.

ELDRED — A Celebration of Life for Michael O. “Ort” Maynard will be held 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 18, 2024) at the Eldred Borough Fire Hall.

Services are under the direction of Frame Funeral Home.

Richard H. Shreve Sr.

Richard H. Shreve Sr., 66, of 136 Mill Street, Richburg, NY passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at Jones Memorial Hospital after a short battle with cancer.

Born on July 16, 1957, in Olean, NY and he was the son of Ernest “Larry” Adolphis Shreve and Beverly A. (Hoak) Easton.

Richard attended Eldred High School.  He had worked for Portville Forest Products before becoming disabled.

He had a very strong passion for Elvis memorabilia from collecting to his dream of one day visiting Graceland.

Ethel Wilson Setman, 91, of Quakertown, PA passed away peacefully in her sleep at 10:55 PM Tuesday, February 6, 2024, in Potter County, PA.

She was the wife of George L Setman IV, who preceded her in death on October 21, 2016. Ethel was born in New York, New York. Ethel was the oldest of 2 children born to Ernest and Sue (Motsko) Wilson.

Ethel graduated from Quakertown Senior High School, Quakertown, PA Bucks County Pennsylvania in 1950. Ethel also graduated from Penn State University in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and was an avid fan of the Penn State Nittany Lions Football team. She met her husband George at Penn state and they married on June 18th, 1955.

Maude Augusta MORLEY, 98, of Ulysses, PA, died Saturday, February 10, 2024 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.  Born September 23, 1925, in Middletown, NY, she was the daughter of Mack Budd and Eugertha Everitt Morley.  On September 17, 1948, in Middletown, she married George Olmsted Morley, who predeceased her on June 24, 2021.  A 1944 graduate of Goshen High School and a 1948 graduate of Fredonia State University of New York, she was a teacher at Ulysses Elementary and Northern Potter Children’s School.  Maude was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society.  She was a member of the Ulysses Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, and held many leadership positions.  Maude and George were active members of the Ulysses Senior Center.  

Maude was blessed by God with many talents and was a natural-born leader with the ability to confidently take charge with proficiency in many organizations and events.  She had a winning personality that radiated love to all people through her many acts of service.  Her life revolved around family, church, music, and school.  

Maude was a woman of faith whose actions exemplified the love of God and the saving grace of His Son, Jesus Christ.  Upon entering Fredonia State Teachers College, Maude became active with a church and the Student Christian Movement on campus eventually becoming their president and the state secretary.  After her marriage to George, the love of her life, they settled in Ulysses in 1953 within sight of the Methodist Church.  Church attendance and involvement were essential parts of their growing family.  

Because Maude loved children, she decided to get a degree in elementary education.  After having nine children, she decided to start her teaching career in the fall of 1960.  Except for time off to have one more child, Maude taught for eighteen years.  She enjoyed her students, and many still comment that she was their favorite teacher.  

Jean Barbara English, a long-time resident of Derrick City, PA died peacefully at home on February 13, 2024 with her son, Ed Jr. at her side.

She was born on March 28, 1941 in Grove City to the late Emma and Sidney Beckwith.

She was married for 54 years to Edward English, Sr., who preceded her in death in 2012.

Jean will be remembered for her kind spirit, loving heart, grace, generosity and delicious dinners and homemade pies.  That spirit is why we are so fortunate to have been in her life and to have been loved by her.  She gave of herself with no hesitation – always humble and gracious with a twinkle in her eyes.  She showed her love in her ready smile, her optimism and her gift of hospitality.  So, we are left here, missing her, yet knowing she is in her new home with her Savior.

She was employed as a cook at the former Peterson’s Store, the Bradford Hospital, the Bradford Ecumenical Home and Chapel Ridge.

Kevin J. O’Donnell, 69, of 109 Clarence Street, Bradford, PA passed away, on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Born April 3, 1954, in Bradford, he was a son of the late William J. O’Donnell and Nancy (Luciano) O’Donnell, who survives.

Kevin was a 1972 graduate of Bradford Central Christian High School.

On November 20, 1976, in St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Port Allegany, he married Barbara A. (Wallace) O’Donnell, who survives.

Kevin was employed at TopLine Process Equipment Company. He began employment at TopLine in 1985 in sales. He was appointed President of TopLine in 2005, and he retired in 2018.

He was a faithful member of St. Bernard Catholic Church and an avid Buffalo Bills fan, and 20-year season ticket holder. Kevin loved spending his time at Chautauqua Lake with friends. His greatest joy was spending time with his children, especially his grandchildren.

Walter F. Frank, 84, of Emporium, PA passed away at Pinecrest Manor, St. Marys, PA on Monday night (February 12, 2024). He was born June 18, 1939 in Linz, Austria a son of the late and Anna “Omi” Frank. He was married in Austria and celebrated over 60 years of marriage on June 18th to Christa Platzer, who survives.

He retired from the Shurfine Food Mart in Emporium where he worked many years as a baker in the bakery and deli. He was a member of the Emporium Fire Department and the Endless Mountain Methodist Church.

Jessica J. Flagg, of Shinglehouse, PA, formerly of Warwick, RI passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024. She was 41 years of age. Jessica was the beloved and devoted mother of Kodin Flagg. Born in Warwick, she was the daughter of Grant W. Moniz (wife, Susan) and Joy D. (Flagg) Moretti.

Jessica will be remembered as someone who was full of life and love. A lover of the moon, the stars and nature, she was most happy when she was outdoors. Jessica loved to kayak, camp and hike and spend time with family and friends. She loved animals and children and her kindness towards everyone she encountered will be missed by those who knew and loved her.

Jessica was the younger sister of Gregory R. Moniz and granddaughter of Nancy A. Flagg. She is survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins who she was very close to. Jessica was the companion to the love of her life, Gerald ‘Fuzzy’ Fiske.

She was predeceased by her maternal grandfather, Ernest W. Flagg and paternal grandparents, William and Joan Moniz.

A visitation will be held Monday, February 19, 2024 from 4-8PM with a funeral ceremony at 8PM in the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick, RI.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jessica’s memory to Connect Life at www.connectlife.org are greatly appreciated.

Norman D. Hurd        

PORT ALLEGANY- Norman D. Hurd, 64, of E. Vine St., passed away Sunday (Feb. 11, 2024) in UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh. PA.

     Born July 7, 1959, in Coudersport, he was a son of Murrel and Shirley M. Sharp Hurd.  On Nov. 18, 1978, in Emporium, he married Faith A. Halladay, who survives. 

    Norman was a lifetime resident of the area and was employed with L.H. Lincoln & Sons, Coudersport, before having to retire.

     He enjoyed the outdoors with hunting, fishing, and gardening.

Bolivar- Ruth M. Barber “Loving Mother, Grandmother & Sister”

 Ruth M. Barber of 351 Main Street, passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2023, at the Olean General Hospital.

 Ruth was born April 8, 1949, in Buffalo and was the daughter of Michael and Margaret Pry Barber.  She was formerly married to Gary Curtis Sr. 

 After high school Ruth Graduated from Olean Business Institute with an associate degree in business.  

 Ruth enjoyed reading, shopping, and doing puzzles both crossword and jigsaw, she was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and loved her pets.

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Kenneth W. Wieder, 89, of Shinglehouse, at 11 am on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Grace Bible Independent Baptist Church, 392 Coon Crossing Road, Shinglehouse. Pastor Phil Seely will officiate.

Ken passed away on February 1, 2024.

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

For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com

James A. Dornisch, 52, of 509 Woelfel Avenue, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly Friday, February 9, 2024, at Penn Highlands Elk, with his son by his side.

Jim was born on October 29, 1971, son of Thomas and Susan Bauer Dornisch, who survive.  He was a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, Class of 1990 and employed by Pro Process in St. Marys.

Daniel J. GUINEY, 74, of Wellsville, NY, died Sunday, February 11, 2024 in the Comfort House of Allegany County, Wellsville.  Born September 4, 1949, in Little Falls, he was the son of Daniel J. and M. Larue Donovan Guiney.  On August 12, 1972, in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Angelica, he married the former Joan Dorsey, who survives.  

He was a graduate of St. Mary’s Academy, Siena College, and Syracuse University Law School.  Dan began his career in private practice in Fillmore, before moving to the Allegany County Attorney’s Office in 1982.  He retired as County Attorney in December of 2008.  After retirement, he was a law guardian for families in Allegany County and served as the Willing Town Justice for eight years.  He was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church and served on the Parish Council.  Dan served on the Board of Directors of Jones Memorial Hospital, and was a member of the Alfred State College Education Foundation, and the Allegany County Bar Association. 

Dan will be remembered for his kind personality, willingness to help others, and infectious laugh.  He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, Buffalo Bills, and NASCAR, and he loved reading, music, and dancing. 

Patrick J. Cronmiller, of Youngsville, PA, who turned 80 on Saturday, February 10, 2024, died peacefully, Sunday, February 11, 2024, at John and Orpha Blair Hospice Home, Warren, PA., after a courageous battle with cancer. 

He was born February 10, 1944, in Erie, PA.  Pat was the son of John L. and Mary Farr Cronmiller.  He was a lifelong Warren area resident and has resided in Youngsville, PA. for the past 22 years. 

He grew up in Sheffield, PA. Pat was a graduate of Sheffield High School, where he was a member of the All-Star Football Team as the team captain. He graduated from Edinboro State Teachers College and earned his master’s degree from St. Bonaventure University. 

He started his teaching career with the Warren County School District, teaching 5^th grade at the former North Warren Elementary School and was an administrator and teacher with the former Scandia Elementary School.  He had served as principal at every High School in the school district.  He retired as Principal at the Warren County Career Center.

June K. Pessia, 91, formerly of 34 Homestead Avenue, Bradford, PA passed away on February 11, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home surrounded by her loving family.

June and her twin sister, Janet, were born June 17, 1932, in Grove City. They were the daughters of the late Glenn and Pearl (Perrine) Snyder. Her mother Pearl passed away during childbirth. Both twins were adopted shortly after birth, and in the height of the Depression, by George A. and Bessie (Elder) Koehler. The Snyder and Koehler families remained close with many Snyder family members attending June’s 90th birthday celebration in 2022.

A 1950 graduate of Bradford High School, June played the flute and piccolo in the high school band and was a sharpshooter on the rifle team. 

June married Lawrence R. Pessia on December 29, 1962. Married for 48 years, he preceded her in death on October 26, 2011. 

She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church and later the Four Square Gospel Church, both in Bradford. 

In 1967 with three young children at home, June went to work for The Bradford Era as a proofreader. At night and on weekends, she studied for her journeyman printer’s certificate from the International Typographical Union which she received in 1969. After that she began working in the print shop of The Bradford Era and experienced many of the technological changes in printing over the next 30 years — from setting type by hand to early computer-generated punch tape to the first multi-media production processes. June retired from The Era in 1997. 

Donna C. Shreckengost                 “memorial service slated”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Donna C. Shreckengost, 77, a lifelong resident of Shinglehouse, passed away unexpectedly with her loving family by her side on Monday, February 12, 2024, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

To pay your respects to Donna and her family, calling hours will be held from 11am to 12 noon on Friday, February 16, 2024, in Bell Run Union Church, Taylor Brook Road, Shinglehouse.  A memorial service will follow at 12 noon.

Donna’s family has entrusted her care to 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 Donna, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Dolores I. “Lois” Gordon, 86, of Roulette, PA passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Sweden Valley Manor. 

Lois was born on April 21, 1937, in Coudersport, the daughter of the late Willard Peet and Pauline Beazer.  She married Erdmund D. “Dewey” Gordon on October 25, 1956 in Roulette and celebrated 36 years of marriage until his passing on November 11, 1992.

Lois was of Baptist faith, worked for Truck Lite for a short time, and mostly loved spending time with her family. 

Paul E. Conn, 79, of Smethport, passed away Thursday (February 8, 2024) at The Pavilion at BRMC, Bradford.

He was born January 2, 1945 in Bradford, the son of Richard and Marie (Anderson) Conn. On October 13, 1973, in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Smethport, he married Marlene D. Austin, who died January 4, 2022.

Paul was a graduate of Smethport Area High School class of 1963. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam, serving from 1965 to 1967. He earned a Purple Heart while in action in Vietnam.

Mr. Conn was a fork lift operator employed by Pittsburgh Corning of Port Allegany, PA.  After his time working at PC, he worked for many years delivering pizza for Fox’s Pizza in Smethport.

Paul was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Smethport and the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport.

He is survived by:

One son: Casey P. (Kimberley) Conn of Smethport

One granddaughter: Chloe Conn of Smethport

One sister: Barbara “Sue” Atkins of Bradford

And several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Paul was preceded in death by one brother, Richard “Butch” Conn.

A joint memorial service for Paul and his wife, Marlene, will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Smethport, on a date to be announced.  Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

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

Eleanor Mary Montgomery, 78, of Smethport, passed away Saturday (February 10, 2024) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.

She was born December 4, 1945 in Bradford, the daughter of Richard U. Ford and Doris (Scofield) Ford Ordiway.

Eleanor was a 1963 graduate of Smethport Area High School and attended Spokane Community College of Spokane, Washington and also attended Whitworth College, obtaining her Master’s Degree in education.  She was an English Professor teaching English Language at University abroad in Korea.

Eleanor was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Smethport, where she loved to sing in the choir, and she attended the Smethport Senior Center.  She loved to crochet. She crocheted many blankets and items to be donated to Veterans organizations, along with items for Sena Kean Manor residents as well.

She is survived by:

One daughter: Christine L. (Raymond) Nelson of Napa, CA

Two sons: Kevin R. (Coco) Montgomery of Priest River, ID and Richard M. Montgomery of Spokane Valley, WA

Eleven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren

Two brothers: William (Sandra) Ford and Gerald (Cheryl Razey) Ford, both of Smethport

Two sisters: Patricia (Bruce) Moses of Port Allegany and Phyllis (Chuck) Richardson of Olean, NY

And several nieces and nephews

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one grandson, Jacob Israel Montgomery, and her step father, Lionel “Skip” Ordiway.

A memorial service will be scheduled and announced in the near future at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Smethport. Burial will be in Bells Run Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Smethport, the Veterans Home or Sena Kean Manor Activities. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

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

PORT ALLEGANY- David A. Corio, 75, of Two Mile Rd., passed away Tuesday (Feb. 6, 2024) in his home.

      Born August 29, 1948, in Lanesborough, MA, he was a son of George and Elizabeth Frey Corio.  On Sept. 15, 2000, in Port Allegany, he married Virginia Rhodes, who died Mar. 28, 2022.

     David was a resident of the area for over 23 years. He was employed with Adelphia Cable Co. (now Zito Media) of Coudersport, in the marketing department, before his retirement.

     He was a member of the Association of Retired Persons and the Port Allegany Senior Center 50-plus club.

Patrick J. Cronmiller, of Youngsville, PA, turned 80 on Saturday, February 10, 2024, and died peacefully Sunday morning, February 11, 2024, at John and Orpha Blair Hospice Home, Warren, PA., after a courageous battle with cancer.

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

James A. Dornisch, 52, of 509 Woelfel Avenue, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly Friday, February 9, 2024, at Penn Highlands Elk. 

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

Peggy Sitarchuk-Price, 61, of South Kendall Avenue, Bradford, PA went to join her mother and father, Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Born May 7, 1962, in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Barbara (Cuneen) Price and Tom Price. She was a 1982 graduate of Bradford Area High School.

Peggy was employed at Futures Inc. for over 38 years.

Peggy participated in the local and state Special Olympics, and was awarded gold medals for events including bowling, swimming, gymnastics, track and field.

She was a member of St. Bernard Church.