Obituaries

Heather Lynn Bortz-Esbri, 60, of Russell, Pennsylvania died after a brief illness on Monday, March 18, 2024.

Heather was born in Erie, Pennsylvania and was the oldest of four children.  In 1972, she along with her family moved to Warren, Pennsylvania where her parent’s acquired ownership of Cable Hollow Golf Course.  Later, they would move again to Russell, Pennsylvania and live across from the 11^th hole of the family business.

In school, she was a cheerleader for the Pleasant Panthers, and she played her flute in the Eisenhower High School marching band.  After graduating from Eisenhower in 1982, she acquired her licensed practical nursing degree, and worked in local nursing homes of the Warren area.  She would move on from her nursing career and join her family at Cable Hollow Golf Course and serve as their head waitress.

Janice S. Amann, 80, a lifelong resident of Sabinsville, PA, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at UPMC Williamsport.

Born June 7, 1943, in Sabinsville, she was a daughter of the late Joe B. and Iola (Wilcox) Stebbins.  She was a 1961 graduate of Cowanesque Valley High School and on June 9, 1961, in Borden, NY, she married Fred A. Amann, who preceded her in death on December 27, 2006.

She worked at the Electri-Cord in Westfield for over 40 years. She was a member of the Clymer Baptist Church in Sabinsville where she taught Junior Church for many years, was the Sunday School financial secretary and a member of the choir.

She greatly enjoyed shopping, was a talented ceramic painter, made many scrapbooks, was an avid reader, enjoyed watching her “shows”, and especially loved rummage sales, both going to them and having her own every summer. Janice was an amazing woman who loved her family and friends and would help anyone who needed it. She was loved and will be missed by many.

Denise Liliane Schmitt Losey of Pioneer Road, Emporium PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 19^th.  She was born in Strasbourg, Alsace, France on the 30^th of June 1930 to Francois Paul and Irma Marie Burr Schmitt.  Her life in France was idyllic until WWII when she experienced nightly air raids and evacuations during the Nazi invasion.  During her teenage years the occupation required she change her nationality from French to German, then back to French after the allied victory.  She was fluent in French, German and English which garnered her work as an interpreter for the US Army and the American Graves Registration Command in Paris before she emigrated to the US at the age of 18.

After coming to Emporium, she was employed by Sylvania starting in the secretary pool until being noticed for her translating skills.  She met a young draftsman, Harold Losey while at Sylvania and in 2023 they celebrated 70 years of marriage.  He preceded her in death by 6 days, a testament to their devotion to each other.

Roy D. Jackson      “loving husband and missionary of Christ”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA— Roy D. Jackson, 82, a lifelong resident of Shinglehouse, PA, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 16, 2024, in his home surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy illness.

 Born on May 31, 1941, in Bolivar, NY (Allegany County), he was the son of the late David Samuel Jackson and Rhoda Iantha Chain. On April 8, 1961, in Conneaut Lake at the Church of Faith, Roy married Carol Grayce Gamble. Together they shared almost 63 wonderful years of marriage.

Roy was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, a pipefitter at Dresser Rand for 29 years, and a member of the Gospel Tabernacle Church, located in Coudersport, PA. With a heart for people and missionary work, Roy dedicated his life to serving others. In fact he traveled to over 33 different countries and distributed Bibles through World Mission Alliance. When Roy was not traveling, he loved gardening because he liked (as he would say) “to watch things grow,” and he also enjoyed giving people garden vegetables and talking about the Lord. Around the house, Roy loved to sing, talk about books and mission trips, and share his wonderful sense of humor. Oftentimes, his family would say when he teased: “That was an RJ joke.” He will be greatly missed.

Fred W. Disney, 85, of Lewis Run, PA was called home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, March 21st, 2024, after a brief stay at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.

Born on October 7, 1938, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Roy E. and Lenore (Ward) Disney. He was a 1956 graduate of Bradford Area High School.

On December 31, 1960, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Lewis Run, he married Marie (Frenz) Disney, who survives.  

Fred was a member of Hilltop Baptist Church in Gifford. He thoroughly enjoyed being with his family, especially his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, riding his four-wheeler, spending time outside, watching wildlife and tending to his garden. Fred was a prayer warrior and was known for his gentleness, kindness, and his love for helping others.

He was employed at Wright Monumental Works in high school, and continued his working career at Kendall Refining Company, starting in the barrel house. He worked his way up to Lead Production Supervisor at the Kendall/Amalie Packaging Plant and later took on additional responsibilities for Production Planning and Inventory Management at both the Packaging Plant and Blending Plant. He also owned and operated Disney’s Garage, famous for the area’s premier Auto Rust Proofing services, and Disney’s Dairy World.

Smethport – Mary Elizabeth Dibble, 93, of Smethport, PA passed away Wednesday (March 20, 2024) at The Pavilion at BRMC, Bradford, surrounded by her family.

She was born February 13, 1931 at her home in Smethport and was the daughter of Francis Patrick and Margaret Charlotte (Hubbard) Duffy. On August 1, 1953, at St. Elizabeth Church in Smethport, PA, she married G. W. Dibble (aka Mr. Terrible), who died May 10, 2010.

Mrs. Dibble was a Smethport High School graduate and received her bachelor’s degree in education from Edinboro University, and later, her master’s in education as well.

Mrs. Dibble was an elementary school teacher for the Smethport Borough, Farmers Valley and, finally, the consolidated Smethport Elementary School for a total of 27 years.

Her husband’s career in the Air Force found them living in several different states before his retirement allowed them to return to Smethport to be near family. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport, the Catholic Daughters of America, the Smethport Garden Club, and the Red Hats.  She enjoyed reading, cross-stitching, stained glass work, gardening, reading, and wood carving. She was always ready for family gatherings, a chance to travel or any other fun opportunity that came along.

In her words she is survived by the “best thing that ever happened” to her:

Renaee Lynn Griffin, 49, of 786 North Main Street, Limestone, NY,  passed away Friday, March 15, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.

Born March 16, 1974, in Mt. Pleasant, SC, she was a daughter of the late Russell Hunt Sr and Barbara Cornwell She was a graduate of George Mason School.

On July 30, 1991, in the Pioneer Pentecostal Holiness Church in Pinopolis, SC, she married Michael Griffin who survives.

Renaee was happiest being a stay at home wife, mother and grandmother watching the kids play their sports.

Mary Ann Collins, 80, of 170 Irishtown Road, Kersey, PA passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Penn Highlands Clearfield, following a brief illness.

She was born July 18, 1943, in Joliet, IL, daughter of the late Camden J. and Mary E. (Vail) Kent, Sr.  Mary Ann was a graduate of Edison High School in East Gary, IN, Class of 1961 and had been a resident of the area since 1964.

On June 27, 1964, in East Gary, IN, Mary Ann married Michael J. Collins, Sr., who preceded her in death on June 8, 2020.  They were blessed to share 55 years of marriage.

Donald P. Smith, Sr., 90, known to most as “Don or Smitty”, of West Branch Township, Potter County, PA, “went to be with his beloved Ann to the happy hunting grounds” in heaven. He passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Monday, March 18, 2024, at UPMC Williamsport. Born February 1, 1934, in Williamsport, he was the son of the late Melvin and Amelia (Chrapek) Smith.

Don graduated from Williamsport High School in 1952. On October 28, 1956, he married the former Anna Platt, who preceded him in death in 2001. Don was a veteran having served as Sargent in the United States Army in Germany. He worked for the Pa Game Commission his entire life, beginning at the Loyalsock Game Farm, and all three turkey farms before moving to the Southwest Game Farm where he retired as Superintendent. He was a Deputy Game warden most of his life. He loved the outdoors, wildlife and enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.

Don was a member of the Plunketts Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department, where he held several positions including chief. He was in the second EMT class in Pennsylvania and one of the first EMT’s in Lycoming County. He was the founder of the Plunketts Creek Township Fish Hatchery, that provided fish for local streams and kids fishing areas. He was a member of numerous clubs including Babylon Hunting Club, Upper Pine Creek Sportsmen Association, Highland Lake Manor 40-8, American Legion, and the V.F.W.

Mary Ann Collins, 80, of 170 Irishtown Road, Kersey, PA passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Penn Highlands Clearfield, following a brief illness. 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

Smethport – Mary Elizabeth Dibble, 93, of Smethport, PA passed away Wednesday (March 20, 2024) at The Pavilion at BRMC, Bradford.

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

Phillip A. “Bubby” Wingard, 91, of 353 Benzinger Road, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, following a lengthy illness of pulmonary fibrosis. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Marys Church, 315 Church Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Fr. Thomas More Sikora, OSB, as celebrant. 

Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Sunday, March 24, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM . 

Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements.

Ralph Skaggs, 85, of 10 Skaggs Drive, Bradford, PA passed away Monday, March 18, 2024, at his residence.

Born February 25, 1939, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Thomas and Hilda (Bedell) Skaggs Sr.

He was a graduate of Bradford High School.

On December 31, 1968, in Killbuck, N.Y., he married Bonita “Bonnie” (Learn) Skaggs, who preceded him in death on September 13, 2001.

Ralph worked most of his life as a self-employed building contractor. Prior to retiring in 2000, he was employed as a facilities maintenance supervisor at Pure Sil Inc. He served as Foster Township’s code enforcement and zoning officer from 1986 until 2009.

He was a former member of Fraternal Order of Eagles #2432, Bradford American Legion Post 108, Moose Lodge #124, and the Marche Club.

Evelyn A. Cole, 83, of Bradford, PA passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Born June 8, 1940, in Bradford, she was raised by her Aunt Edna and Uncle Carl Barton.

She was a 1959 graduate of Bradford Area High School.

Evelyn worked for many years at KOA Speer Electronics and went on to be the manager of Bell Warren Federal Credit Union, retiring in 2004.

Evelyn was a great example of love, patience, forgiveness, selflessness, and sacrifice.  She loved her time living in Mt. Jewett where she made many great friends. She was involved in the Methodist Church there and then when she later moved to Bradford, she became a member of the First Baptist Church. One of her greatest passions in life was being involved in the Cootiette Club. Cooties are dedicated members who perform duties involving aid to hospitalized veterans and those who are sick or injured at VA medical centers.

Evelyn spent her final years at the Bradford Ecumenical Home, where she was loved and adored by the staff.

Susan M. Wood, 72, of Bradford, PA passed away Monday, March 18, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Friends are invited to a Celebration of Susan’s Life on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 1:00 to 6:00 pm, in the Grace Lutheran Church.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenebeckcahill.com

Mary E. Culp, 87, of Warren, PA, died peacefully Wednesday afternoon, with her family at her bedside at Warren Manor Nursing Home, Warren, Pa.

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

The Villages, FL- Marion Joseph Kwiatkowski “Loving Mother, Grandmother, Sister & Aunt”

Marion L. Joseph Kwiatkowski of The Villages went Home to her husband, daughter, grandson, parents, and siblings on Saturday, March 9, 2024, after a short illness.

Marion was born on April 26, 1928, in Cuba, NY and was the daughter of Robert Elmer and Eva Mae King Joseph. On July 5, 1947, she married John J. Kwiatkowski, son of Joseph and Sophia Kwiatkowski, who predeceased her on June 5, 1975.

Marion was raised to be strong and fiercely independent. She has also been described as fun and spunky! She began her life of hard work and diligence when she was named Salutatorian of the Class of 1946 of Cuba Central School.  She had an illustrious career in human resources and personnel management, working for 30 years in the Allegany and Rochester plants of Acme Electric. While in Olean, she was president of the Olean Zonta Club and a member of the former Saint Helen’s Church in Hinsdale, NY. She had a second career working 20 years for the State of Florida after moving there in 1983. Marion enjoyed bowling, golfing, ceramic class, and especially gardening. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

Charles R. “Chuck” Larson of Ridgway, PA passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at a considerably healthy age of 91.

He was born on October 24, 1932, and he shared the same birthday as his late wife, Marilyn Skagenberg. They married on October 25, 1958, in the United Methodist Church in Mentor, OH. He was the youngest son of Lars and Cora Spinney Larson.

Charles graduated from Brisbin High School (Woodward-Mashanning) and served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 until 1956. He enjoyed baseball and loved to “raise the Jolly Rodger!” He often recounted his time as a kid, losing his two front teeth and wishing them back for Christmas, the hard farm life, milking cows, and walking 8 miles as a Boy Scouts, even in the deep snow that doesn’t exist like it did “back in the day”. Chuck worked in A&P as a manager for many years through the 70’s and 80’s. He also worked at BILO and was a bartender at Ridgway Moose Lodge. He was a lifelong member of the Moose, American Legion, Lutheran, and Methodist Churches, and an avid donator to children’s hospitals, YMCA, vets, and wounded warriors.

Louise C. Seth, 75, of Bayard St. in Kane, PA passed away Monday (March 18) at her residence.  Born June 2, 1948 in Kane, she is the daughter of the late Sigfred and Mildred (Eckdahl) Pearson.  On April 8, 1967 in Wilcox, she married Lewis Seth, who survives.

Louise was a member of the Halton Church of Christ in Ridgway.  She was very outgoing and she loved to attend her grandchildren’s sporting events.  She also loved sitting on her front porch and having wine and wisdom with her friends which she truly cherished.

Gerald “Jerry” Bizzak, 74, of Greeves St., Kane, PA passed away Friday (March 15) at his residence.  Born May 10, 1949 in Kane, he is the son of late Joseph and Mary (Ulyan) Bizzak.  On Aug. 17, 1968 in Kane, he married Karen Anderson, who survives.

Jerry worked much of his life as a logger, he then owned and operated the West Side Grill for 16 years.  He also had worked as a carpenter.  He was a member of St. Callistus Catholic Church, the Kane Elks Lodge #329 and the Kane VFW Lodge #1132.  He bowled for many years and was also a long-time bowling team sponsor.

Susan M. Wood, 72, of Bradford, PA passed away Monday, March 18, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Born on September 12, 1951, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Ruth (Vasbinder) Wheeler.

She was a 1971 graduate of Bradford High School.

On December 1, 1973, in Bradford she married Steve Wood who survives.

She worked at Nick’s Red Hots, and later as a night aide for Beacon Light.

Ralph Skaggs, 85, of 10 Skaggs Drive, Bradford, PA passed away Monday, March 18, 2024, at his residence. 

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

                             Joyce Mangini

Joyce M. Reynolds Mangini, 92, of Warren, PA, died Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Warren General Hospital, Warren, PA. 

Joyce was born September 6, 1931, in Warren, PA.  She was the daughter of James and Grace Armstrong Reynolds.  She was a lifelong Warren area resident.  Joyce was a 1951 graduate of Youngsville High School.  She was employed with the former G.T.E. Sylvania and then was a nurse’s aide at Warren State Hospital, retiring from there after 25 years employment. She was an Avon sales lady.  Joyce was a member of First Methodist Church.  She enjoyed scrap booking, collecting antique coins, exercising, walking, and singing songs.  Her family was also the center of her life, and she enjoyed having a great sense of humor.

Smethport–Sandra Jean (Norman) Green 83, of Smethport, PA passed away Friday, March 15, 2024 at Olean General Hospital, Olean NY.

Sandra was born January 12, 1941 in Kane, PA, the daughter of Russell W. and Linda V. (Johnson) Norman. On July 21, 1962 in Smethport, PA, she married Roger W. Green, Jr. who died November 13, 2021. 

Sandra was lucky enough to grow up and be surrounded by family in Smethport.  Some of her very best friends were her cousins Diane, Cynthia, Johanna, Karen, Bob, Morris, Maribel and more.  Sandy and her close friend Kathy Edgar, as well as Carol, would spend time in a cabin below Water Street listening to music on a record player and writing songs, such as “A Dog in the Door Tonight”, which daughters Amy and Diane know the words to, to this day.  Sandy and Kathy remained lifelong friends.  Her sister Carol was not only a sister, but a best friend, always there for her from a young age, sewing clothes for her, looking out for her and later spending holidays and traveling together.  She was also close to John and his wife Barb, and they spent many holidays together at their parent’s home on Water Street.  Roger also enjoyed spending time with John, talking about hunting and outdoor adventures.

DONNA FRANCES LEHMAN              “beloved Aunt Donna”

COUDERSPORT, PA—-Donna Frances Lehman, 87, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, PA passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024, after a brief illness.

Born on June 22, 1936, in Coudersport, PA, she was the daughter of the late Walter M. and Anna Brooks Lehman.

Donna was predeceased by her parents, her loving sister Alice Lehman Cizek, nephew Brian Neil Cizek, and brother-in-law Norman Cizek.

Raymond L. Foster:  Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather

Raymond L. Foster, 80, 4372 Mossbrook Road, Friendship, NY passed away on Monday March 18, 2024 at Jones Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Born on December 30, 1943, in Cuba, he was a son of Clifton and Genevieve Sweeney Foster.  On August 18, 2002, in Cuba, he married the former Pamela J. Adams who survives.

Ray was a graduate of Friendship Central School.  He worked for Quaker State in Bradford, Pennsylvania prior to his retirement.  He also owned and operated his own farm, which was his favorite job.

Christine A. “Chris” Wendel, 81, of 123 Grandview Road, St. Marys, PA passed away at Penn Highlands Elk on Monday, March 18, 2024, following a lengthy illness. 

She was born on December 21, 1942 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Arthur and Anna Herbst Miles. 

On September 7, 1963, at Queen of the World Church, she married the late Leander “Lee” Wendel, who preceded her in death on April 6, 2021. Together they shared more than 57 years of marriage. 

Chris was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and a member of Queen of the World Church. Always a very faithful woman, Chris could be found saying an afternoon prayer at 3:00 daily.  In her free time, she liked to read books on her Kindle and do crossword puzzles. In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling and painting. 

Over the years, she stayed active by going on walks and playing volleyball in her younger years. Chris loved to spend time with her family, and looked forward to her daily chats and FaceTime adventures with her granddaughter in Hawaii. She was a kind and loving mother, grandmother, and sister. 

Saundra Lee Sears Salerno, 85, passed away on March 17, 2024, in Largo, Florida of complications from dementia. The daughter of Walter and Gretta Sears of North Warren, she was born on June 2, 1938, and was an only child. Saundra graduated from Warren Area High School in 1956 and from Bryant Stratton College in Buffalo in 1958.

In July, 1960, she married Louis James Salerno of Warren and celebrated 46 years of marriage until his death in 2006. They lived in Texas while Louis was in the Army, then back to Warren and Corry for several years. Saundra was a legal secretary in Warren for Attorney Sam Bonavita in the 1960’s and ‘70s. They moved to St. Petersburg, FL in 1981 where she worked for Ohio Casualty Insurance until her retirement.

Brian A. Kelley, 53, of 31 Lafayette Avenue, Lewis Run, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, at Bradford Regional Medical Center.

Born November 3, 1970, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Donald and Suzanne (Bickel) Kelley. He was a 1988 graduate of Bradford High School.

On May 19, 2012, in Bradford, he married Ashley (Woodruff) Kelley who survives.

Brian was employed at Carrols LLC for 35 years.

Brian was a Limestone Winter Soccer League Coach. He enjoyed watching the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and the New York Yankees. He liked gardening in his yard, four wheeling and most of all vacations with his family.

Beverly Ann Cobb, 81, of Lehigh Acres, FL, formerly of Bradford PA, passed away Thursday, March 14, 2024, at HealthPark Medical Center in Ft. Myers FL. 

Born May 12, 1942, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Ralph P. and Josephine V. (Pascale) Campogiani. She was a 1960 graduate of St. Bernard School. On August 26, 1961, she married Albert Ted Cobb Jr, who survives.

Beverly started her career working for the State of Pennsylvania. Later, she enjoyed a long career in commercial real estate with Chase Lincoln Bank. 

Bev was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Bradford and St. Raphael Catholic Church in Lehigh Acres, FL.
 
Beverly cherished spending time with family. She found joy laughing and playing games with her beloved grandchildren. She was a dedicated volunteer at Hope Hospice in Lehigh Acres, FL and was a well-loved member of her community by her many friends.