Obituaries

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.

Theodore M. “Ted” Barrett, 85, of 68 East Warren Road, Custer City, PA passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the Sena Kean Manor.

Born February 1, 1939, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Paul L. and Margaret (Beckwith) Barrett. He was a 1957 graduate of Bradford High School.

On June 18, 1960, at the Hill Memorial United Methodist Church, he married Carol Sue (Byham) Barrett who survives.

Ted was manager of the autobody shop at Fairway Ford from 1960 to 1990. In 1990 he started Barrett’s Autobody Shop along with his wife. He retired in 2007, and turned the business over to his son Doug who continues to operate the company.

He was an active member of Hill Memorial United Methodist Church for many years, and the Street Dreams Car Club. Ted and Carol enjoyed going to car shows with his 1950 Chevy and her 1968 Mustang convertible.

Surviving in addition to his wife Carol of 63 years, is one daughter, Amy (Jim) Sage, of Pittsburgh, three sons, Jeffrey Barrett, of Orlando FL, Douglas (Kim) Barrett, and Sean Barrett, of Bradford, two grandchildren, Casey Sage and Kylie Sage, and several nieces and nephews.

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

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

Joanne C. Reese, 87, passed away at Elk Haven Nursing Home on Thursday, February 8, 2024, following a short illness. 

She was born on May 9, 1936 in Warren, PA, a daughter of the late Nels and Agnes Hagstrom Carlson.

Joanne was a graduate of Warren High School, class of 1954.  She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Warren, where she enjoyed attending and found solace in her faith.  She retired in 1998, having spent a long career working for many years at Bell Telephone Company and then several years in the office at New Process Company and then Blair Company.  Always enjoying reading and exercising, Joanne loved nothing more than spending time with her family and grandchildren.  A sweet, smart, loving, and precious mother and grandmother, she will be missed dearly by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. 

Maude A. MORLEY, 98, of Ulysses, PA, died Saturday, February 10, 2024 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.  

Friends may call at God’s Country Ministries, 1237 E. Second Street, Coudersport, PA on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with Funeral Services following at 11:00 AM.  

A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Adah F. Meacham

PORT ALLEGANY- Adah F. Meacham, 68, of W. Ransom St., passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Friday (Feb. 9, 2024) after a lengthy illness. 

     Born July 13, 1955, in Coudersport, she was a daughter of Walter F. and Jennie G. Shaffer Miles.  On Feb. 19, 1977, she married David C. Meacham, who died Feb. 28, 2013. 

     Adah was a lifetime resident of the area and a graduate of the Port Allegany High School. 

     She was known for her generosity, love of family, and God. She enjoyed spending time with loved ones, working on various family and church events.  Her hobbies included sewing, embroidery, crocheting, crafts, camping and enjoyed traveling with family.

Monika M. (Stehmer) Moser, age 48, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. 

She was born on May 15, 1975 in Cincinnati, OH, a daughter of Horst Peter and Christine (Schemainda) Stehmer.  Monika was employed by Dollar General and loved coloring, cooking, gardening, being outdoors and especially spending time with her grandson. 

She is survived by her parents: Horst Peter and Christine Stehmer of Fairfield, PA, son: Chase Moser of Mansfield, PA, daughter: Zoe (Ben) McCarthy of Mansfield, PA, sisters: Brigitte Sutherland of Portland, OR, Melanie (Steve) Stehmer-Townsend of Bethesda, MD, grandson: Liam McCarthy and her “soul sister”: Robyne Sautner of Blossburg, PA. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Wellsboro, PA with Rev. Jacek Bialkowski officiating.  Interment will be in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, Wellsboro, PA. 

Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.

ROCHESTER – Mary Hungerford, 96, former long-time Bolivar, NY resident, passed peacefully Tuesday (Feb. 6, 2024), with her family at her side. She was a resident of St. Ann’s Community, Rochester.

Mary was raised in Olean. She graduated from Olean High School in 1945 and Rochester Business Institute in 1947.

In Olean, she worked as a telephone operator and at the DEC, before her marriage to Thomas E. Hungerford in 1950 at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, Olean.

She lived in Bolivar for the next 65 years where she was a member of St. Mary’s Church and its Altar Society.

Mary had an infectious laugh that could be heard across the room. Born two days after St. Patrick’s Day, she was proud of her Irish heritage.

Dennis Strede, 61, of Haines St. in Kane, PA passed away Thursday (Feb. 7) in UPMC-Hamot.  

Born Dec. 22, 1962 in Willimantic, CT, he is the son of Joyce Potter and the late Raymond Strede.  On Dec. 16, 2006, he married Teresa Reed, who survives.

Dennis was a loving husband and father and a dedicated grandfather.  He was a skilled carpenter.  He also loved fishing.

Gary Olson of East Kane, 82, passed away on February 8, 2024, surrounded by his family at Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport.

Born on June 19, 1941 in Kane, Pa, he was the son of the late Harold and Virginia Olson. Gary loved Kane and lived his entire life there.

He worked at Stackpole Carbon company as a machinist for 45 years until he retired in 2004. He was also an expert carpenter who built and restored structures in Kane.

Gary was an outdoor enthusiast, with 22 years in the Pennsylvania Game Commission and taught gun safety school for 30 years. He enjoyed woodworking and created many interesting whirligigs and jewelry boxes. Gary enjoyed music and loved the Blues and Elvis. He played clarinet and saxophone flawlessly after decades of not using an instrument. Ham radio was a passion, and he stayed in touch with his community for many years as an Extra Class Operator. He also loved poetry and could still recite “The Shooting of Dan McGrew” by Robert W. Service by heart in his last days.

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

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

Joanne C. Reese, 87, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024 following a short illness.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 339 Main Street, Kersey, is handling the arrangements.