Obituaries

Susan F. Landis, 76, of South St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 16, 2023.

Born March 30, 1947, in St. Marys, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Frances Drake Landis.  A lifelong resident of the area, Sue was a proud graduate of Elk County Christian High School, Class of 1965, and later earned her Bachelor’s Degree from St. Francis University.

Throughout her life, Sue had a variety of professional roles.  She was a dedicated teacher, secretary, and quality control professional, and was committed to her faith and community.

Kevin E. Walters, age 58, of Osceola, PA passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024 at his home.

Born on October 30, 1965 in Wellsboro, PA, he was a son to Charles and Darlene (Doan) Walters. Kevin was a 1983 Elkland Area High School graduate and right out of high school he attended Williamsport Penn Tech where he achieved his Associate’s degree in computer science. 

He enjoyed hunting, playing cornhole, camping, playing various games on his personal computer and spending time with his family. Kevin and his brother, Joe, spent a handful of years bowling with the Hatfield Real Estate League at Crystal Lanes in Corning, NY and they also worked together as DJs for Joe’s business. He also was a lifelong member of the Butler Hill Baptist Church. 

Pilar (Esclapes-Torralba) Sargeant, age 85 of Westfield, PA passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Wheaton’s Private Care Home, with her family by her side.

She was born May 28, 1938 in Zaragoza Spain. Pilar was an active member of the St. Catherine’s Catholic Church and worked for years at the rectories in Elkland and Wellsboro.

She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, reading, gardening; most of all she loved spending time with her family. Pilar had an intense passion for running. She ran in many marathons all over the states and could always be seen running around the Westfield area.

Robert D. Magnuson, 91, of Park Ave. in Kane, PA passed away Sunday (Jan. 7) in the Lutheran Home at Kane.  

Born July 11, 1932 in Kane, he is the son of the late Dwight and Alice (Alexis) Magnuson.  On Oct. 3, 1956 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mt. Jewett, he married Josephine Frattali, who survives.

He graduated from Kane Area High School in 1950 and was a member of both the football and basketball team.  He then attended Upsala College.  Following college he served in the US Army during the Korean War and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Bob was a telephone technician and worked for Bell of PA, Bell Atlantic and Verizon prior to his retirement.  

Chrystal L. Burgeson, 70, of 182 Horner Rd., Wilcox, PA passed away early Monday morning, January 8, 2024, at UPMC-Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA following a brief illness.

She was born in Kane, PA on January 6, 1954, a daughter to the late Merle and Norma Akers Peters. On December 31, 2001, in Johnsonburg, she married Todd D. Burgeson, and he survives. 

Growing up in Kane, Chrystal was a 1972 graduate of Kane High School. She loved to stay at home with her family and dogs and play games on her computer.

Chrystal loved to care for others and had been a CNA at several nursing homes in the area, retiring from Highland View Health Care in 2013.

Eric J. Johnson, 58, died on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Penn Highlands Dubois following a lengthy illness.

He was born on July 26, 1965, in Ridgway, son of the late Richard H. and Evelyn M. Egger Johnson.

On July 14, 1990, he married the late June Bush, who preceded him in death on November 25, 2015.

Eric was a lifelong resident of Ridgway and attended Ridgway Area High School. From a young age, Eric worked at his family poultry farm. He also worked for Buehler Lumber, The Driveway Company, and Fairview Paving. Eric enjoyed taking rides in the woods, four-wheeling, hunting, and watching NASCAR.

Adda Jane Anderson, 80, of Ridgway, PA died on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Penn Highlands Dubois after a lengthy illness.

She was born on May 22, 1943, a daughter of the late Bruce and Grace Tuttle Johnston.

Jane was a strong-hearted woman who was always there to help. She spent many years working as the secretary for the IU9. Jane took great pride in her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She loved to mow her grass, play cards with her girlfriends, and take beach trips.

Sandra L. Pearson, 80, died at her home in Warren, Pa on Friday, January 5, 2024. She was born on March 24, 1943 in Warren, PA, the daughter of the late Carl E. Lundgren and Ethel M. Lundgren.

Sandra graduated from Warren Area High School in 1961 and Wilson College, Chambersburg, PA in 1965 with a degree in Fine Arts.

Sandra was predeceased by her former husband, Clarence I. Pearson, with whom she had one son, John F. Pearson of Warren. Together they operated his business, Karnak Tree and Shrub (later Karnak, Inc.), where she was an officer until his retirement in 1984.

A dutiful daughter, devoted wife, caretaker, loyal friend, she found time to be an active member in many of this community’s social clubs, pursued a variety of educational and art opportunities and served on several Boards engaged with improving the lives of those with disabilities.

Joseph L. Tarszowicz, Jr. 86, of Wellsboro, PA passed away unexpectedly on January 8, 2024.

He was born on November 14, 1937, in Williamsport, PA to Joseph and Elizabeth (Zuzel) Tarszowicz.

Joseph was the Owner and Operator of Jokers Coal and Morris Block in Wellsboro, and member of St. Peters Catholic Church. He enjoyed working on older cars, and feeding the birds in his yard.

Gloria Luce, 82, of Bradford, PA passed away Monday, January 8, 2024, at Bradford Ecumenical Home. 

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Jeanne Lousie DeRemer, 78, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024, at the Bradford Manor, where she had resided since 2016.

Born in Fort Wayne, IN on December 14, 1945, the daughter of Floyd and Marie Ernst of Columbia City, IN

She graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1964. She then attended Fort Wayne International Business College, where she received an accounting degree.

Jeanne worked for several area businesses, including International Harvester and Precision Plastics, from which she retired in 2013.

Diane M. Zeher, 79, of 8 Valleybrook Drive, Bradford, PA passed away Monday, January 8, 2024, surrounded by her family at her residence.

Born on March 8, 1944, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Louis H. and Josephine  F. (Cardamone) Pantuso. She was a 1963 graduate from Bradford Area High School.

On August 26, 1972, at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church, she married William G. Zeher Jr., who survives.

Diane began working at Producers Bank after graduation. She also worked part-time at the Super Duper and at Tops Markets in the business office. She later assisted her husband at the Zeher Hearing Aid Center before working at Northwest Savings Bank until her retirement in 2016, after 28 years.

William J. “Bill” “Bear” McMahon, 65, of Sunderlinville, PA, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. Bill was a member of the Catholic faith. 

Born May 13, 1958 in San Diego, CA, he was a son of the late William E. and Joyce McMahon. Bill was a 1976 Graduate of Kearney High School in San Diego.  

He became an accomplished welder and worked in the Navel yards in California. Bill was a football fan and was a fan of the San Diego Chargers and the Philadelphia Eagles.

He loved his big recliner, his extra large tv and his “Micky” beer. Bill had a larger-than-life personality and infectious laugh that will be missed.

Louise Poole, 76, of Custer City, PA passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024, surrounded by her family at her residence.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

James McLaughlin, 84, of Marshburg, PA passed away, Monday, December 25, 2023, at his residence.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 33 South Ave., followed by funeral services at 8:00 PM with Fr. John Jacquel, officiating.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Bette A. Carney, 100, of Bradford, PA, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home. 

Born September 2, 1923, in  Laquin, Bradford County, Franklin Township, she was a daughter of the late Arthur and Reba (Hurd) King.

She was a 1940 graduate of Bradford High School, and later graduated from Cosmetology School in 1978, and Electrolysis School in Atlanta in 1979.

In June of 1941, she married Leo A. Carney, who preceded her in death on July 4, 1974. 

Timothy L. McGuire, 72, of 121 Rutherford Run, Bradford, PA passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024, at The Pavilion at BRMC. 

Born August 20, 1951, in Bradford, he was a son of the late James R. and Agnes J. (Ralston) McGuire. He was a 1969 graduate of Bradford High School.

On February 1, 1971, he enlisted in the United States Army. He served in Company C 1ST Battalion of the 508th Infantry. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, Parachute Badge, Sharpshooter in the M-16, Expert M-60, M-79 and the 45 CAL. He was honorably discharged on January 31, 1973.

On May 19, 1984, in Bradford, he married Cindy (Himes) McGuire who survives. 

Tim had been employed at Dresser Manufacturing for over 40 years, retiring in 2013.

He enjoyed his children, grandchildren, golf, bowling, softball, and life in general.

He was a member of the Pine Acres Country Club, Dresser Softball League, Sherman Refrigeration Men’s Softball Team. He coached Bradford Little League Baseball at Mt. Alton and Custer City and was a Past President of McKean Little League. Tim served as secretary for the Friday Night Bowling League and also the Monday Night League. He also organized sports pools that benefited local children’s organizations.  

Dean  S. Stewart, 83, formerly of 61 Linwood Ave., Bradford, PA passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.

Born April 25, 1940, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Francis L. and Lillian (Carrow) Stewart. He was a 1959 graduate of Bradford High School.

In August of 1966 he enlisted in the United States Army. He served in Korea during the War and was honorably discharged on September 30, 1968.

On November 6, 1966, in Bradford, he married Rose V. (Pessia) Stewart who survives.. 

Dean had been employed at numerous companies, including Century Home Center,  Graham Florist, and he retired as a bus driver for the ATA. Dean enjoyed restoring old cars and spending time with his family.

George L. Songer, 88, formerly of Abbott Road, Bradford, PA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Chapel Ridge. 

Born on November 2, 1935, in Lafayette Township, he was a son of the late LaVerne J. and Anne Loretta (Veroche) Songer.

George graduated from Bradford Area High School in 1953. 

On September 15, 1953, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. and received an honorable discharge on September 14, 1956. 

On November 19, 1960, in Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church he married Judith L. (Franks) Songer who preceded him in death on September 17, 2013.

Martin W. GEORGE, 66, of Olean, NY, formerly of Ulysses, PA, died Monday, January 8, 2024 in Olean General Hospital.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Adda Jane Anderson, 80, of RIdgway, PA died on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Penn Highlands Dubois after a lengthy illness.

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

Jerry L. JAMES, 67, of Belmont, NY, died on Friday, January 5, 2024 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville.  

He was born on January 26, 1956 to Millicent (Hale) and Leland James.  In his younger years, he attended several schools in Allegany County.  His father died when he was eight years old.  With his mother unable to care for all of the children, he and his siblings were placed in foster care.  

Prior to moving to Belmont, he lived at West Seneca Developmental Center.  He eventually came to Belmont to live in a family care home and lastly at his group home on Corbin Hill (31A).  He was happy at his home.  He attended Day Hab on days when able.  Jerry loved Elvis and was able to visit Graceland, Michael Jackson, watching M*A*S*H*, dinosaurs, and going for rides in the car.  

He was friendly to everyone he met.  He would hold out his hand and say, “Hi, I’m Jerry, Jerry James.”  He saw very few of his family, who are spread far and wide in several states.  His caregivers and housemates at ARC were his family.  They were good to him and took good care of him, which was challenging at times.  He will be missed.  He was one of fifteen children.  

Sandra L. “Sandy” Pearson, 80, of Warren, PA, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024, in her home.

Graveside services and burial will take place at Warren County Memorial Park on Wednesday, January 10^th at 11:00 am.

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

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

Patricia A. Selle, 90, a resident of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of Bucktail Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Friday, January 5, 2024 at Pinecrest Manor.

She was born January 3, 1934, in St. Marys, daughter of the late William and Marcella Bille Dippold.  She was a lifelong resident of St. Marys, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, and a former employee of Airco Speer.

On April 25, 1959, in the Queen of the World Church, she married the late, Glenn G. Selle, who preceded her in death on March 29, 2006. 

Samuel A. Smith, 93, of Emporium, PA passed away at Elk Haven Nursing Home, St. Marys, PA on Saturday morning (January 6, 2024) following a lengthy illness.

He was born August 7, 1930 in Ridgway, PA a son of the late Arthur R. and Nora Burfield Smith. On September 26, 1953 in Morrisdale, PA he married Geraldine “Gerry” Schneider. Together they shared over 70 years of marriage.

Sam was raised by his great aunt Rose Burfield in Karthaus PA. He graduated from Cooper Township High School and shortly after joined the US Army in 1951 where he served in Korea with the 10th Corp. artillery earning the rank of corporal before he was discharged in the fall of 1952.

He and Gerry moved to Emporium where he began working at Sylvania. He served as a past member of the Emporium Fire Department, Emporium Fire Police, served as a past president and life member of 120 CB club, worked with the Cameron County Ambulance Service as an EMT, was a life member of VFW post 6221, and a member of the Emporium Senior Center.

Sam worked for PA Pressed Metals in the shipping department for eleven years before moving to Orange, Virginia in 1978 to work for a Texaco distributor for 17 years until 1995 when he retired. He was the last serving member of his family.

Rick L. LAAHS, 65, of Franklinville, NY, died Thursday, January 4, 2024 in Olean General Hospital. 

Born March 27, 1958, in Klamath Falls, OR, he was the son of Edward Clarence and Dorothy Mae Thorton Laahs.  On March 16, 1993, in Lake Tahoe, NV, he married the former Wendy L. Allen, who predeceased him on November 28, 2023. 

Rick was employed as a painter and drywaller for 40 years. He worked for Dineen Painting in Ellicottville, Aftermath, and The Woods at Bear Creek in Franklinville.  

Rick’s career choice mirrored his character, exuding warmth and joy through hard work and trial, and never without laughter. Beyond supporting his family, he brightened numerous lives, infusing spaces and hearts with color, leaving a legacy of unwavering dedication, love and loyalty.  

Gerald M. (Jerry) Griggs, 86, of Port Allegany, PA passed away Wednesday (January 3, 2024) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.

He was born May 17, 1937 in Williamsport, the son of Michael and Louise (Hoover) Griggs. On September 30, 1963 in Port Allegany, he married Lena Minich, who died on July 2, 2008

Mr. Griggs employed by Case Cutlery in Olean NY for many years.

Eldred – Rita A. Kaylor, 85, of Route 446, passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.

Born on February 19, 1938, in Austin, PA, she was the daughter of George and Alvina Kornacki Lininger.  In 1963, she married Theodore Elliott, who predeceased her in 1994.  In 2002, she married Tim Kaylor, who survives. 

Rita had been employed as a head cashier by Hills Department store in Olean for twelve years.

Rita enjoyed gardening, especially growing strawberries and a variety of flowers, but mostly spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Carl E. WILKINS, 84, of Wellsville, NY, died Saturday, January 6, 2024 in the Comfort House of Allegany County, Wellsville. 

Born October 5, 1939, in Wellsville, he was the son of Clarke D. and Minnie Jones Wilkins. 

He was employed by Market Basket in Wellsville and by Air Preheater for 35 years.  Carl spent a lot of time volunteering at Highland Park. 

Jason Eric McCallum, born July 24 1976, passed away on January 1st, 2024 in the comfort of his own home in Addison, New York.

Son of Kathy and Carlton (Butch) Davis and John and Cora McCallum, Jason spent 47 years (569 months) by the side of his family and friends. He always selflessly helped anyone and everyone he could.

Jason enjoyed creating joyous memories through laughing, making jokes, listening to music, and hosting bonfires and parties. He enjoyed spending his free-time grilling and smoking various meats to enjoy with his family on his Traeger grill while sipping an ice cold Budweiser, as well as collecting coins, and old war memorabilia.

He cared for and found a lifelong companionship in his “mans best friend” June. Only adding to the pack and his love with his 3 other dogs. Above all else Jason loved spending time with “his girls”, his wife Charlotte, daughters Abagail and Emily, and granddaughter Isabella.