Obituaries

JoAnna Leigh Ross

JoAnna (Jo) Ross, 58, passed away at home on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in the presence of her loving family and beloved dog, following an unexpected cardiac event a few days earlier.

JoAnn was the daughter of Pauline Steinmeyer and stepdaughter of the late Charles Steinmeyer. She was a graduate of Eisenhower High School and attended Jamestown Business College. She built her career in sales starting in newspaper advertising at the Meadville Tribune. From there she worked as an account executive at several newspapers across the country including the Las Vegas Review-Journal (NV), the Manassas News & Messenger (VA) where she won the salesperson of the year award for the Northern Annual Virginia Region, and the York Dailey Record (PA).

JoAnn went on to work in digital media advertising at Auto Trader before becoming interested in real estate sales. JoAnn then went on to complete the specialized education, credentialing, and licensing required to become a licensed real estate agent. She initially worked for Keller-Williams Real Estate Agency before returning to Warren, where she worked for Berkshire Hathaway Regional Real Estate Agency, as a licensed real estate agent until her unexpected death.

All during her life she was an avid outdoors enthusiast and enjoyed four-wheeling, biking, kayaking, hiking, and bicycling and made many friends along her path in life.

Smethport – Donna M. Covert, 88, of Dickinson Manor, Smethport, PA passed away Friday (March 1, 2024) at Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

She was born February 5, 1936 in Bradford, the daughter of Stewart E. and Della V. (Belser) Dixon . On October 15, 1954 in Lafayette, PA, she married Edward L. Covert, Jr., who died November 17, 2017.

Mrs. Covert was a resident of the area for most of her life. She worked at the Sears Store, Jaguar Manufacturing and Smethport Specialties all in Smethport.  She was a secretary for the American Red Cross in Bradford for 13 years and worked for the Bradford Era for 3 years, from where she retired in 1998.

She loved camping and going to Florida in the winter. She also enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and knitting baby hats for the Bradford Hospital.

Dr. Michael Doyle: A Good Man

Cuba- Michael J. Doyle passed away Saturday, Mar. 2 at home in his sleep. 

Michael was born in Cuba to John and Mary Hites Doyle on Dec. 9, 1943.  As a boy he loved all things social and mechanical. His paper route took a long time each day because he chatted with his customers.  One customer, an inventor and writer for the Cuba Patriot, asked Michael what he wanted to be when he grew up. Mr. Gancher recounted in an editorial that young Michael answered simply, “A good man.” His wife, children, students, and his community will attest that he became exactly that: a good man.

Michael graduated from Cuba Central School in 1961.  While exploring life and learning, he obtained a bachelor’s degree from Buffalo State in 1971, a Master’s Degree in 1981, and a Doctorate degree from West Virginia University in 1991.

On Aug. 21, 1971 Michael married Connie Gifford and built her a house on a hill in Rushford where their five children grew and learned by the example of their dad.

He was a born learner, teacher, innovator, and leader.  Michael taught at Wellsville Central School, Belmont BOCES, and Belfast Central School.  He was a professor at the National Technology Transfer Center at Wheeling Jesuit University.  Upon returning to Cuba, Michael became the Curriculum Coordinator of Math, Science, and Technology for Allegany-Cattaraugus BOCES until his retirement in 2010.

Kathryn B. Earle, aka K.B., age 99, of Elkland, PA passed away at her home on Friday, March 1, 2024.

Born July 17, 1924 in East Fork, PA, she was one of twelve children to Ward and Lena (Williams) Casbeer.

She retired from Corning Glass and enjoyed camping, fishing, crocheting, making sugar cookies and watching game shows.

Smethport – Donna M. Covert, 88, of Dickinson Manor, Smethport, PA passed away Friday (March 1, 2024) at Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

Arrangements will be announced by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

JoAnna L. Ross, 58, of Warren, PA passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in her home.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available.

The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Gene T. Makin, 84, of Wellsboro, PA passed away at home early March 2, 2024.  He was born November 21, 1939, in Wellsboro to Ernest and Velma (Wood) Makin.  He graduated from Wellsboro High School, served in the Army National Guard, and worked for GTE Osram in Wellsboro.  On November 21, 1974, Gene married Alma J. Mason, with whom he shared 39 years of marriage.  Gene loved life and cherished his family.

Samuel J. Delhunty, 28, of Marienville, PA died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

He was born on December 6, 1995, in St. Marys, a son of Joseph and Evelyn Delhunty Kemick, who survive of Ridgway.

Samuel was a graduate of Ridgway High School, class of 2014, where he was a standout as an athlete.  During his high school career, he was awarded MVP in wrestling and loved playing football.  He then went on to serve his country for 5 years in the U.S. Marine Corp, having earned the rank of Sergeant E-5 and where he will be remembered for being a remarkable Marine.  Semper Fi.

With a huge heart, a willingness to help anyone in need, and a personality that shone through any darkness, Samuel was a kind and wonderful father, brother, son, and grandson who will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Smethport – Gary R. Kroh, 78, of Bradford, PA passed away Friday (March 1, 2024) at The Pavilion at BRMC, Bradford.

He was born August 21, 1945 in Bradford, the son of Wayne and Nora (Gaul) Kroh. He had been married to Margaret Martin, who survives.

Gary was a 1963 graduate of Bradford High School and received an Associate Degree in Computer Science from University of Pittsburgh, Bradford.

He worked as a lab technician for Kendall/Witco Co. of Bradford, and later for Sunoco before his retirement.  He co-owned Kroh Photography and Tuxedo Rental in Bradford for over 25 years.

James D. Johns, 72, of Smethport, formerly of Coudersport, passed away Thursday February 29, 2024 at his home.

James was born on May 18, 1951, in Lancaster, the son of the late Brady and Miriam Johns.  On December 12, 1970 he married the former Glory Winters and celebrated 48 years of marriage until her passing on June 23, 2019.

James was a truck driver and owned and operated Glory Trail Trucking Company with his wife.  He later worked for Butler Transportation.  James was a member of the Gospel Tabernacle, Coudersport, the NRA, and a contributor to the Family Life Center.  He enjoyed hunting and spending time with his family.

Gloria J. Schenback:  Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister

Gloria J. Schenback, 65, of 7286 Rawson Road, Cuba, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at home.

Born on December 31, 1958, in Buffalo, she was a daughter of David F. Schenback and Patricia Siehl.

Gloria was a graduate of Lancaster High School Class of 1977.

She obtained her CDL License to drive truck and had worked for various trucking companies over the years including R.E. Lipp Enterprises.  

Gloria enjoyed Dairy Farming, ceramics, baking, building puzzles, and computer games, but most of all spending time with her grandchildren.

Juan A. DeJesus, 49, of Jamestown, NY, passed away Monday, February 26, 2024, at UPMC Chautauqua at WCA. 

Born on September 16, 1974, in Ponce, Puerto Rico  he was a son of the late Ines M. (Martinez)  Thacker and Jose  DeJesus, who survives.

He enjoyed riding ATV’s, camping, fishing, and watching the San Francisco 49ers, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family.  He also enjoyed playing basketball when he was younger. 

Sara Ann Murphy MSW, R-LCSW, of Tonawanda, NY, formerly of Bradford, entered eternal life on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Father Baker Manor, in Orchard Park, NY.

She entered earthly life on March 5, 1939, in Punxsutawney, she was a daughter of the late Francis P. and Frances (Behan) Murphy.

Sara was a 1957 graduate of St. Bernard School, she graduated from St. Marys of the Woods, in Terre Haute, IN with a Bachelors of Science degree in Socialology in 1961, and a MSW in Clinical Social work from the University of Buffalo Graduate School of Social Work in 1968.

She started her career as a Girl Scout coordinator of Western Pennsylvania, and 41 years at Catholic Charities in Buffalo, NY, retiring as Regional Supervisor of Early School Intervention and Dropout Services. She also served as a Clinical Consultant for Hospice of Western New York and volunteered with the Women’s Respite Program.  She earned the University of Buffalo Social worker of the Year in 1993.

Sara loved her family, friends, colleagues, so very much as well as her ministry as a social worker and parish member at St. Leo the Great Church, in Amherst NY, where she was a Lector and Eucharist Minister. She volunteered at the Women’s Respite Program.

Our Lord and the Blessed Mother were her number ones, as well as her
beloved Ireland. Sara rejoiced in her years of great friendship with her classmates and so enjoyed their company and greeting cards throughout the years.

Mary Kienzle helped care for Sara these recent years at their home and at Father Baker Manor.

RIXFORD — Brice C. “Chucker” Irons, 61, of Moody Hollow, passed away at home on Wednesday (Feb. 28, 2024).

Born on June 7, 1962, in Olean, N.Y., he was the son of Clark S. and Jean Bowden Irons. He married Kathy Davis, who survives.

Chucker was a lifelong resident of Rixford and was employed as an operator at Swanson and Sons in Bradford. He loved tinkering in his garage, it was his favorite place to be.

Ret Tpr. Jack W. Haase, 82, of Wellsboro, PA passed away on February 27, 2024, at UPMC Williamsport. He was born on April 11, 1941, to Ret. USN Cpt. A. Richard and Artemus Jacqueline (Wessel) Haase in Pittsburgh, PA. On December 9, 1972, he married Elizabeth “Betty” (Cappelli) Haase.

He served in the USMC at Guantanamo Bay during the Cuba Missile Crisis, was a Plank owner on the USS Enterprise CVN65, before becoming a Pennsylvania State Trooper and working security at the Tioga County Courthouse in which he had the small courtroom named in his honor.

Jack was an avid outdoorsman having enjoyed camping, hiking, photography, and fishing. He also found joy in reading especially Civil War history and Theology. Jack wrote for the Pennsylvania State Police Communicator ‘Retiree Scoop’. He loved his pet cats and especially his dogs.

Darryl H. Cline:  Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Son

Darryl H. Cline, 60, of 8152 Geere Road, Belfast, NY passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Wellsville, after a lengthy illness.

Born on August 27, 1963, in Cuba, he was a son of Homer J. Cline and Barbara Shelley Cline Bliven.  On August 27, 1987, at the Cuba First Baptist Church, he married the former Lauri A. Bixby, who survives.

Darryl was a graduate of Belmont Central School Class of 1981.  While in high school he attended the BOCES program and received his Welding Certificate.

After high school he had worked for the Friendship Foundry, API in Arcade and was a maintenance man at the Cuba McDonalds.  He was last employed as a fork truck operator and laborer for Crown-Y Recycling in Cuba. 

Hunting, fishing and carpentry were just a few things he enjoyed doing.

In addition to his wife Lauri, he is survived by

Mary Lou (Selleck) Wertz, age 82, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. 

She was born on March 16, 1941 in Towanda, PA, a daughter of the late Waldo Selleck and Eleanor (Wilcox) Lattimer. 

She graduated from Athens High School, class of 1959.  Mary was married to Ed Wertz for 64 years and retired from both Dresser Manufacturing and Laurel Health Systems where she was Personnel Director and Director of Development respectively.

She loved to paint, spend time with her grandchildren, family and friends in Oak Island, NC, as well as traveling with her best friend Sandy Griscavage.  She was an Executive Member of the Republican National Committee as well as a member of the Artists Guild, Wellsboro Women’s Chorus, Ladies Golf Association and volunteered at the Food Pantry and Wellsboro Hospital for many years.

She was a member of the Wellsboro United Methodist Church where she was also in the choir. 

Thomas A. Hammond, 57, of Keating Summit St., passed away unexpectedly Tuesday (Feb. 27, 2024) from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

     Born March 13, 1966, in Port Allegany, he was a son of Frederick O. and Dorothy I. Trimm Hammond.

     He was a lifetime resident of the area and a graduate of the Port Allegany High School, class of 1985.

     Thomas was a machine operator with American Axel Corp. of Ridgway, PA.

     He was a former member of the United Methodist Church, Port Allegany.

     Thomas was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting & fishing.  He also enjoyed  darts, shooting pool and being the life of the party.

     He was an avid Cowboys, Sabre, and Cubs Fan for many years.

Dolores K. Eastman, 99, of Chestnut St., passed away Tuesday (Feb. 27, 2024) in Penn Highlands Dubois, surrounded by family.

     Born February 15, 1925, in Port Allegany, she was a daughter of George F. and Daisy H. Stone Botera.  On June 8, 1947, in Montoursville, PA, she married Lloyd E. Eastman, who died Jan. 12, 2018. They were married 70 years.

    Dolores was a lifetime resident of the area and a graduate of the Port Allegany High School, class of 1942.

    She had been employed with Sylvania Co. formerly of Emporium, Pittsburgh Corning Co. and North Penn Gas Co. both formerly of Port Allegany, Liberty School, Port Allegany; but most enjoyably, a homemaker for her family.

     She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Port Allegany, where she taught Sunday school for 17 years, nursery worship volunteer, and was fundamental in forming, Adopt a Family Program, UM Church.

William J. “Billy Bob” Thompson Sr., 74, of Ridgway, died on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at his residence after a lengthy illness.

He was born on July 21, 1949, in Ridgway, a son of the late Wilbur J. and Lois M. Doull Thompson.

On May 10, 1986, he married Judith Miller, who survives.

William attended Ridgway Area High School and served in the U.S Marine Corps. He worked at GKN, retiring after more than 25 years of service.  William loved to be with his family and traveling. He was a Ridgway Fire Department Volunteer and later became Fire Police Captain for many years. 

William J. “Billy Bob” Thompson Sr., 74, of Ridgway, PA died on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at his residence following a lengthy illness.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Krise Funeral Homes and Cremation Services.

Shirley J. Milchuck, 83, formerly of Ridgway, PA died on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Pinecrest Nursing Home.

She was born on July 3, 1940, in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Cecil A. and Virginia B. (Hall) Berfield.

She had previously been employed at Carson Finance in Coudersport, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ridgway, and retired after many years at Alltel. She was an avid gardener, reader, shopper, and loved to travel.

David F. Bleem, Sr., 82, of Bradford, PA went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at the Olean General Hospital.

Born on September 12, 1941, in Bradford, he was a son of the late John W. Bleem and Mary Rose (Chicketti) Bleem-Fabian.

On September 9, 1961, in Bradford, he married Carol Ann (Anderson) Bleem, who passed away February 21, 2004.

He enlisted in the United States Army on June 29, 1961, and served until his honorable discharge on June 22, 1964.

David was a laborer in the Brick Union #9. He was a former member of the Moose Club.  He loved hunting, fishing, spending time with his family, sitting on the patio, and taking rides.

John Patrick Malone:  Husband, Father, Grandfather

John Patrick Malone, 88, of 9400 Laidlaw Rd, Franklinville, and formerly of Hinsdale, NY passed away Monday, February 26, 2024 at Cuba Memorial Hospital after a short illness.

Born on December 13, 1935, in Olean, he was a son of William and Pauline Moore Malone.  In 1958, he married the former Marilyn M. Brown who survives.

John was a graduate of Allegany Central School.  He then served in the United State Army from 1958-60.

He had worked at Acme Electric Corp. and owned his own construction business.  Last he was a self-employed plumber installing water pumps and plumbing on area farms in the Hinsdale area until his retirement.

He was a member of the Hinsdale American Legion Post 250 and the Cuba American Legion Post 655.  John enjoyed gardening, reading Western Novels and had read all the Louis L’Amour books.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by

Gene Vandusen

Gene M. Vandusen, 60, of Pleasant Twp., Warren, PA, died Tuesday morning, February 28, 2024, at Mercy Hospital, Youngstown, Ohio, after an extended illness. 

He was born March 3, 1963, in Arlington, Delaware.  He was the son of George and Jean Wast Vandusen.  Gene has resided in Warren, PA., since 2000.  He was a graduate of Kingsford High School, Kingsford, Michigan and earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Skidmore College. 

He served for 22 years with the U.S. Navy, as a Chief Petty Officer, retiring in April of 2000.  He was employed with the former G.T.E. Sylvania and was an operator of the Seneca Power Plant, retiring from there after 18 years employment. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, ice fishing, bowling, and traveling.

BRADENTON, FL- Patricia L. “Patty” Sweet “Loving mother, grandmother, and sister”

Patty L. Sweet passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024, at her home in Florida, surrounded by her friends, family, and dog after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Patty was born December 7, 1941, in Olean, NY, the daughter of Pascal and Lucy Aurino.  She was a lifelong resident of Olean, in later years, splitting her time between her home on York Street and winters in Florida.  

Patty graduated from Olean High School in 1959, where she lettered four years in varsity basketball and cheerleading.  She enjoyed athletics throughout her life as an avid skier and golfer.  Patty was the Bartlett Country Club Women’s Champion ten times.  Even after her diagnosis, she continued to stay as active as she could and through sheer willpower, lived on her own terms until the end.

Patty spent most of her life as a homemaker and wonderful mother.  She took great pride in her home, her sons, and her grandchildren.  She enjoyed the simple pleasures of planting flowers, the natural beauty surrounding her home, watching the sunset on Anna Maria Island and her beloved dogs. 

Heather Lynn Youndt                     “beloved wife, mother, daughter, and sister”

COUDERSPORT, PA—Heather Lynn Youndt, 48, of Coudersport, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in UPMC Cole Place, Coudersport, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on Tuesday, September 30, 1975 in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of John K. and Melanie L. “Mel” Lunn Volz.  On July 20, 2013 in Shinglehouse, she married Kevin William Youndt, who survives.

Heather was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse and also graduated from the former Olean Business Institute in Olean, NY.  Heather was employed for several years at the former Olean Tile Plant, then was employed as a CNA at the St. Elizabeth Mother House in Allegany, NY.   She then was employed as manager at the former Blockbuster Video Store in both Olean, NY and Wellsville, NY.  She then relocated to Georgia where she was employed for Holiday Inn.  After moving back to Potter County, Heather worked for Adelphia in Coudersport and later for the former K-Mart in Olean.  Prior to becoming ill, she was employed as a CNA for UPMC Cole in Coudersport.

Heather was a member of the First Baptist Church in Shinglehouse.  She enjoyed crocheting and crafts of all kinds.  Her greatest love was her family.

Margaret M. Visseau                      “beloved mother, grandmother, and GG”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Margaret M. “Margie” Visseau, 97, of Shinglehouse, a former longtime resident of Little Genesee, NY, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a short illness.

Born on Tuesday, October 5, 1926 in Shinglehouse, she was a daughter of William G. and Clara A Garneret Sutherland.  On February 18, 1950 in Bolivar, NY, she married Robert G. “Bob” Visseau, who passed away on March 31, 2006.

She was a graduate of Bolivar High School, Bolivar, NY.  Margie was employed at the former Dexter-Hysol Company in Olean, NY for 20 years, retiring on October 1, 1987.

She was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Shinglehouse and was a member of the 4Cs Senior Citizens Club in Bolivar.  Margie enjoyed reading, traveling, gardening, and horseback riding.

Her greatest love was spending time with her family.

Heather Lynn Youndt                   

Heather Lynn Youndt, 48, of Coudersport, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in UPMC Cole Place, Coudersport, after a courageous battle with cancer.

To pay respects to Heather and her family, calling hours will be held from 1pm to 7pm on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will be held at 3:30pm on Sunday, March 3, 2024, with Pastor Clint Pearsall of the First Baptist Church, Shinglehouse, and the Rev. Russell J. Horning of Shinglehouse, co-officiating. 

Heather 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 Heather, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

A complete obituary will follow.