Obituaries

Loving Mother, Sister, Friend

Inez L. Pervorse, 83, of 65 Pleasant Street, Bolivar, NY passed away Friday, November 17, 2023 at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility after an illness.

Born on July 18, 1940, in Bolivar, she was a daughter of J. Victor and Doris L. Richardson June.  On August 5, 1962, in Bolivar, she married Richard Pervorse who predeceased her on June 20, 2008.

Inez was a graduate of Bolivar Central School Class of 1960.  In 1980 she graduated from the Danville Kentucky School of Practical Nursing.  She worked for many years as an LPN in Danville before returning to Bolivar.

Lawanda “PeeWee” Freer, 80, of DuBois, PA formerly of Emporium passed away peacefully at her daughter’s residence in Emporium, PA on Friday (November 17, 2023) with her family at her side.

She was born October 12, 1943 in Sharon Township Potter County, PA, a daughter of the late Lyle “Shorty” and Beatrice Snyder Freer. On November 25, 1967, she married the late Charles Harvey, who passed away in 1984. She then was married to Joseph Studer from 1986 to 2001.

Lawanda had worked at Sylvania, Motor Coil, and the Guy & Mary Felt Manor in Emporium. She moved to Dubois in 2001 where she went to DuBois Business College to become a certified nursing assistant. She worked for the DuBois Nursing Home until her retirement in 2006.

Brian R. Long, 63, of Emporium, PA passed away at his residence, Emporium, PA on Thursday evening (November 16, 2023).

He was born August 22, 1961 in Renovo, PA a son of Mary (Hedgeland) Grasser of Emporium and the late Ray Long. He married Ginger Estridge, who survives.

Brian graduated from Cameron County High School in the class of 1980. He served for 6 years with the US Navy. Brian worked for many years as a plumber. He was a devoted husband.

Ann McCoy Gross, 76, of Galeton, PA, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023 after a lengthy illness.

Born May 27, 1947 in Kane, PA, she was the daughter of the late Gauin H. and Vivienne (Carlson) McCoy.

Ann was a 1965 graduate of Port Allegany High School. On March 26, 1966, in Grove City, PA, she married Charles Gross.

Ann was a Certified Nursing Assistant at Cole Manor and loved dogs, cats and horses.

Diana L. Foltz, 72, of Keating Summit, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at UPMC Williamsport.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 from 2pm to 5 pm in the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Home, Inc, 105 N. Main St., Port Allegany, PA.

Services will begin at 5 PM with the Rev Max Simms Officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Sartwell.

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

Loving Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister

Connie Y. Clayson, 67, of 4334 Route 305, Cuba, passed away Friday, November 17, 2023 at home after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Born on November 26, 1955, in Cuba, she was a daughter of Kenneth W.  and Anna Mae Cummins Pinney. 

Connie was a graduate of Cuba Central School Class of 1973.  In addition to raising her children, she worked at Acme Electric for 18 years and was last employed as a bartender at the Shawn M. Clemens Memorial AmVets Post 1 of Cuba from which she retired.

Juanita M. ALLMAN, 70, of Austin, PA, died Tuesday, November 14, 2023 in Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, NY.  

Born June 4, 1953, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of Boyd L. and Tillie Celia Ludwig.  She was married to David Wayne Allman, who survives.  A 1971 graduate of Austin Area High School, she studied bookkeeping and accounting at San Bernardino Valley College.  

Juanita was employed by the Salvation Army in San Bernardino and Social Services in Belmont, NY.  She loved playing bingo.  

Sally Ann Von Nieda Metzger, a vibrant and spirited woman, passed away peacefully at her home in Coudersport, PA on November 17, 2023, at the age of 94.

Born on May 2, 1929, in Girard, PA, Sally was the beloved daughter of Harold Bartram “Whitey” Von Nieda and Pauline “Polly” Emaline Clark. Her father was the esteemed owner of the Western Auto while her mother co-owned Suzy Q’s dress shop, both on Main Street in Coudersport, PA

On February 28, 1948, Sally married the love of her life, Edwin “Stub” Metzger. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and cherished memories.

Frances J. Williams, 84, of Cyclone, PA passed away, Friday, November 17, 2023, at her son’s residence in Bradford.  

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

Online condolences can be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Richard (Dick) L. Phillips went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 15, 2023. Born on October 24, 1938, in Austin, Pa., he was the son of Homer and Lucille Woodruff Phillips.

Dick served his country for 4 years as a U.S. Marine which he was always so proud of. In September of 1960 he married the love of his life, the former Virginia (Geannie) McCracken. They were married 63 years until her passing recently on October 24, 2023

Dick and Geannie moved to Kane where they worked and raised 3 children. He worked as a truck driver for Tayton’s Motor Freight. He was also a proud long-time member of the Kane Elks Lodge. A talented musician, vocalist, and songwriter, Dick performed in a popular country band called the “Broken Strings”.

After moving to Tennessee, Dick worked at “Southern Color Type Printing” Company and the “Smyrna Housing Authority” as the maintenance supervisor from which he retired.

Karen A. Benjamin, 67, of Port Allegany, PA passed away Friday (November 17, 2023) at her residence in Port Allegany.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Home are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.

John Ray Barley, age 47, of Middlebury, PA passed unexpectedly on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.

Born March 7, 1976 in Lancaster, he was the son of Carl Barley and Mary Jane (Jackson) Barley.

He was an AWS certified welder and worked for over 20 years at Ward Manufacturing and most recently was employed at Siemens.

Cathy Esther (Vanzile) Valentine, age 64, passed away peacefully November 11, 2023 in Scranton, PA.

She was born January 15, 1959 in Corning, NY to Ronald and Cecelia (Cornell) Vanzile. Cathy worked at FoodLion, Uptons, H&R Block, Proctor and Gamble, and Johnson and Johnson. One of her favorite things was to make candy. On November 9, 2009 she married Paul Valentine and settled down in Tunkhannock, PA where they lived happily for 14 years.

Cathy is survived by her loving husband, Paul Valentine of Tunkhannock, PA; son, Shane Bolt of New Hampshire; daughter, Tiffany Augustin (Shawn Dixon); step-son, Robert Valentine; step-daughter, Ashley (Steven) Goehring; granddaughters: Azrael Bolt, Kayleigh Bolt, and Jada Dixon; grandson, Triston Bolt; sisters: Pam VanEtten of Tuscarora, NY, Cheryl Bonham of Lawrenceville, PA, and Carol (Jim) Jamsen of Buffalo, NY; brother Ronald Vanzile, Jr. of Linley, NY; and sister-in-laws: Kathy Valentine and Michelle Valentine.

Cathy was preceded in death by her son, Joshua Bolt; mother, Cecelia Vanzile; brother-in-law, Louis Bonham; and niece, Angelica Bonham.

At Cathy’s request, there will be no services.

Memorial donations can be made to your local animal shelter. Arrangements are in the care of Kenyon Funeral Home, www.kenyonfuneralhome.com

M. Jane Brown, 102, of Lillibridge Creek Rd., Port Allegany, PA passed away Wednesday (Nov. 15, 2023) in her home.

     Born May 24, 1921, in Bradford, PA, she was a daughter of John R. and Rose M. Steffey Leonard. On June 6, 1942, in Bradford, she married Clifford L. Brown, who died Jan. 21, 1999.  They were married 57 years.

     Jane was co-owner of the family farm, and worked for the Port Allegany School District as a cafeteria worker, before her retirement.

     She was a graduate of the Bradford High School, class of 1939, and attended Clarion University. 

      Jane was a lifetime resident of the area and a member of the former Free Methodist Church, Port Allegany, where she was church organist and treasurer.

Maureen E. DRISCOLL, 78, of Wellsville, NY died Thursday, November 16, 2023 in her home. 

Born June 30, 1945, in Buffalo, she was the daughter of James F. and Elizabeth Connolly Driscoll. 

Maureen was a resident at The ARC Allegany-Steuben for many years.  She was a huge Billy Ray Cyrus fan and was able to attend one of his concerts. 

Juanita M. ALLMAN, 70, of Austin, PA, died Tuesday, November 14, 2023 in Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, NY.  

A complete obituary will be announced by OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfousthome.com.

Clarence M. “Clip” Gregory, 77, of Smethport, passed away unexpectedly, enjoying time on his farm on Thursday (November 16, 2023).

He was born September 9, 1946 in Bradford, PA, the son of Clarence C. and Jean H. (Malinowski) Gregory. In 1968, in Cyclone, PA, he married Judy K. Herzog, who survives.

Clip was a 1964 graduate of Smethport Area High School and served in the United States Marine Corps. from 1966 to 1968 during Vietnam.

Ernest Lee Farnsworth Jr., 38, of Olean, NY sadly passed away on November 14^th at his home.

Ernest was born on December 18, 1984, in Jamestown and was the son of Ernest Lee and Brenda Lee Steinhoff Farnsworth Sr.

Ernest was a 2004 graduate of Maple Grove High School. He was known to most as JR. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and was always outdoors.

Robert L. TILTON, 84, of Hunt, NY, died Wednesday, November 15, 2023 in Highland Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Wellsville. 

Born February 4, 1939, in Bristol, he was the son of Ernest and Jessie Mitchell Tilton.  He was married to the former Barbara Jean Hopkins for 62 years, who predeceased him on May 28, 2023. 

A graduate of Dalton School, he served honorably with the U.S. Army.  Bob was employed by Slawson’s Sawmill in Hunt and by the Town of Portage as a heavy equipment operator. 

Virginia L. “Ginny” Bogacki, 81, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of N. Mill Street in Ridgway, PA passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Elk Haven.

She was born December 28, 1942, in Knoxdale, PA, daughter of the late Joshua and Esther Dickey Sebring and was a graduate of Brookville High School.  Ginny and her husband, Donald, moved to St. Marys in the late 60s where they started their lives together and raised their family.

Aaron L. KUHN, 82, of Whitesville, NY, died Wednesday, November 15, 2023 in the Comfort House of Allegany County, Wellsville.  

Born September 18, 1941, in Genesee, PA, he was the son of Dan and Clara Sutton Kuhn.  On March 30, 1963, in Whitesville, he married the former Joan E. Chambers, who survives.  

A Vietnam War Veteran, he served honorably with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1960 – 1967.  He served with the U.S. Army Reserves from 1972 – 1990.  Aaron was employed by Dresser-Rand in Wellsville for 34 years.  

A life member (66 years) of the Genesee Volunteer Fire Dept., he served as Chief, President, Board member, and fundraising committee chairman.  He was a member and past commander for many years of the former Robert E. James American Legion Post #1012 in Whitesville, member of the Allegany County American Legion Honor Guard, and 40 & 8 NY District 8.  Aaron served as a Boy Scout leader in Whitesville.  

Vernetta P. Nichols, 73, of St. Marys, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, with her loving family by her side.

Born on July 25, 1950, in Salamanca, NY, Vernetta was the daughter of the late Gordon and Loretta Smith Lathrop.

Known for her green thumb, Vernetta had an innate ability to make anything grow. Her passion for gardening was evident in the beautiful flowers and plants that adorned her home. When she wasn’t tending to her flowers and plants, Vernetta could often be found cheering on her favorite NASCAR drivers or watching sports with loved ones. Her enthusiasm for these pastimes was infectious and brought joy to those around her.

DUKE CENTER, Pa.—John M. “Jack” Farrell, 82, a longtime resident of Duke Center, passed away in his home with his loving wife by his side on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, after a long illness.

Jack honorably served in the US Army and the US Air Force.

“avid outdoorsman”

COUDERSPORT, Pa.—Clayton C. Reed, 80, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.

Born on Tuesday, December 15, 1942 in Coudersport, he was a son of Clayton E. and Wanda A. Petrosewitz Reed.  On April 22, 1961 in Austin, he married Freda Y. Gleason, who passed away on November 25, 2016.

Clayton was a graduate of Coudersport High School, Class of 1960.  He was employed on the family farm and also drove a lime truck for the former Coudersport Agway.  He was also a self-employed logger for many years, retiring in 2007. Clayton also served as a Summit Township supervisor for 35 years.

Aaron L. KUHN, 82, of Whitesville, NY, died Wednesday, November 15, 2023 in the Comfort House of Allegany County, Wellsville.  

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

Jeffrey W. “Scrybe” Easton, 65, of Rock Run Road, Turtlepoint, PA passed away on Monday (November 13, 2023) at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born on October 12, 1958 in Warren, he was the son of William and Viola (Rose) Easton.  On September 10, 1982 in Eldred, he married Lois R. Lane who survives.

Jeff was a graduate of Youngsville High School, and formerly was employed as a printer for numerous companies, including the former Shalkowski and Futures businesses.  

Gelindo “Boots” Bonfardine, 89, of 148 Louis Street, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

Boots was born July 10, 1934 in Caledonia to the late John and Amelia Dezanet Bonfardine.  He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Weedville High School, Class of 1951.  He continued his studies at Penn State University, graduating in 1955 with a degree in Business Education and a minor in Accounting.  He retired from Airco Speer and Metco.

On October 31, 1959 in the Sacred Heart Church, Boots married the late Margaret A. Dornisch, who preceded him in death on May 2, 2013.

Gail E. ACKERMAN, 76, of Wellsville, NY, died Sunday, November 12, 2023 in the Comfort House of Allegany County. 

Born June 28, 1947, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Manley C. and Marjorie Reynolds Ackerman. 

A 1965 graduate of Wellsville Central School, she continued her education at Rochester Business Institute.  She was employed as a secretary by Syracuse Research Corporation, Hillsboro County School District in Florida, and at BOCES, where she was the special education secretary. 

Gail was a member of the Wellsville Alumni Association and served as the class coordinator for the class of ’65.  Gail enjoyed the many years she shared with her two groups of close friends in Wellsville and Brandon, FL. 

Ellen M. Peroski, 75, a lifelong resident of Sheffield, PA passed away Saturday morning November 11, 2023, at Lakeview Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in Smethport, PA.

She was born in Sheffield, PA on December 6, 1947, the daughter of Howard W. McClellan and Betty (Budila) McClellan.

She was a 1966 graduate of Sheffield High School. Ellen gained employment at the former McMillen family lumber company in Sheffield, PA. She was a devoted faithful lifelong member of the St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Sheffield where she attended mass daily when able.

Anna B. BONSER, 102, of Ulysses, PA, formerly of Marine City and Algonac, MI, passed peacefully into eternity on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, with her daughter-in-law, Barbara, by her side.  

Born July 6, 1921, in River Rouge, MI, she was the daughter of Paul and Julia Josephine Lozon Charron.  Orphaned at an early age, she was raised by her Aunt Minnie.  She was married to Angus Bonser, who predeceased her in 1984.  

Anna was employed as a nurse’s aide for many years.  She was a member of Starville Church, Starville, MI and Zion Christian Assembly in Ulysses.  In 2002, she moved to Ulysses and lived with her son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Barbara Bonser.