Obituaries

Sharon Ann Clark, age 79 of Westfield, PA passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at UPMC Wellsboro.

Born May 17, 1944 in Wellsboro, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Edna (Cole) Swesey. Sharon worked in the cafeteria for the Northern Tioga School District for many years, was a cook in the valley for numerous restaurants; Wagon Wheel, Home Comfort and Knoxville Fire Hall to name a few and was an Avon rep.

Charlotte “Charlie” Culver Cuccia, age 65, of Winter Park, Florida passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all who came to know her. If you had an opportunity to take a seat on the back porch and laugh, then you weren’t just a friend, you were family.

Charlie was born June 26th, 1957 in Port Allegany Pennsylvania, youngest to Ralph and Betty Culver.

Daniel R. “Dan” Bounds, 81, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Woodstock, Maryland, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, in his home.

In keeping with Dan’s wishes, there will be no obituary published or public services.

Mary Jane C. Martin, 86, of Warren, PA, died Wednesday morning, October 11, 2023, at Kinzua Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Warren, PA, after an extended illness. 

Mary Jane was born November 8, 1936, in Warren, PA, She was the daughter of Christopher and Pauline Maze Colvin.  She was a lifelong Warren area resident. 

Mary Jane graduated in 1954, from Warren High School.  She was employed for 42 years, with Blair Corporation in the Collections-Credit Department.  She was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church.  She was an avid walker, and enjoyed walking with her sister, Donna.  She is remembered as a loving grandmother, great-grandmother and who loved and tolerated her boys.

John S. Johnson, 60, of Warren, PA, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, in Warren General Hospital after an apparent heart attack.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc.

Charles M. Ditz, 86, of Warren, PA, and formerly of Fryburg, PA, died Tuesday morning, October 10, 2023, at Warren General Hospital, Warren, PA. 

Charles was born September 29, 1937, in Fryburg, Clarion Co., PA.  He was the son of Charles P. and Leona E.  Schill Ditz. 

He attended St. Michael’s Catholic School, Fryburg, PA, for 8 years.  He graduated from Farmington High School, Class of 1955.  He enlisted with the U.S. Army on April 24, 1957, as a Private First Class, and was stationed in Germany and Lebanon.  He was honorably discharged on April 18, 1959.

 Charles was employed with Warren Sand and Gravel for a year or so, and before that with the State of Pennsylvania.  He was employed for 30 years with the former G.T.E. Sylvania as a laborer working in many different jobs, working his last in the wire plating department with gold solder…after his 8-hour day at Sylvania he would then work 4 hours at Whirley Car Wash, for 15 years. 

Tamara Kathleen Meyer, 43, of 420 Rightmeyer Street, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly Saturday, October 7, 2023 at her residence.

She was born May 3, 1980 in St. Marys, daughter of the late Richard Meyer, who passed away Tuesday, October 10, 2023, and the late Pauline Rollick Meyer, who preceded her in death on November 26, 2012.  

She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1998.  She was employed at Eastern Sintered Alloys as a Quality Control Technician for 24 years.

Richard M. Meyer, 73, of 357 Meyer Road, St. Marys, PA passed away following a lengthy illness, Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at his home, with his family by his side.

He was born November 11, 1949 in St. Marys, son of the late Robert J. and Katherine DeLullo Meyer.  He was a lifelong resident of St. Marys and was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School.  Rich was extremely proud of his service for his country, serving in the United States Army as an Infantryman with the 7/17 Air Calvary during the Vietnam War. 

On May 17, 2014, in St. Marys, Rich married Leah E. Erich, who survives.

Alvin L. “Teed” Bair, 76, of Eldred, PA passed away Monday (Oct. 9, 2023) in the Buffalo General Hospital.

Born April 24, 1947, in Geneva, PA, he was a son of Orville F. and Cecile Bair James.  On June 12, 1965, in Duke Center, PA, he married Hazel M. Williams, who survives. They were married 58 years.

Alvin had been employed with Wayne Paving and Taylor-Armstrong Contracting, Inc., before his retirement.

He was a lifetime resident of the area and a life member of the Eldred Township Volunteer Fire Dept., member of the Sons of the American Legion, Post 887, Eldred, and Moose Lodge 460, Port Allegany.

Bonnie Jean Riffel, 67, of Mt. Vernon, MO passed away on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at her home. She was born Oct. 14, 1955, in Covina, Calif., the daughter of Joseph Liues and Jean Ardelle (Shafer) Frongello.

She was a 1974 graduate of Saint Marys High School in St. Marys, Penn. She worked at the Lawrence County Manor in Mt. Vernon, as a CNA and doing office work and helping with the activities. At the time of her passing, she was working in maintenance at the Ozark Travel Center in Mt. Vernon. She enjoyed arts and crafts and was a member of Mt. Vernon American Legion, the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Aurora, the (N.R.A.) National Rifle Association and B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse).

On March 12, 1985, she married George James “Pappy” Riffel, in Clarion, Penn., they were married 38 years before he passed away on May 3, 2023.

She is survived by her mother, Jean Ardell Herzing, of Coudersport, Penn.; two sons, Joe Forsythe and his fiancée, Lisa Powel, of Riverview, Fla. and Jake (Bonnie Joe) Forsythe of Penn Yan, N.Y.; two sisters, Joellen (Michael) Standard of Woodstock, Ill. and Julie (Jim) Neffe of Mt. Holly Springs, Penn.; one brother, George Herzing of Austin, Penn. and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father; stepfather, Leo Herzing; husband, George “Pappy” Riffel and one brother, Gary Herzing.

A celebration of life was held on Sunday, Oct. 8, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 18896 Lawrence 2185 in Aurora.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to the Mt. Vernon Veterans Assistance League for their activities fund, in care of the funeral home.

Richard M. Meyer, 73, of 357 Meyer Road, St. Marys, PA passed away following a lengthy illness Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at his home, with his family by his side. 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

Bruce K. Freeman, 76, formerly of 67 Oxford Street, passed away Saturday, October 7, 2023, at UPMC Hamot Medical Center.

Bruce was born in Bradford, on November 24, 1946, he was a son of the late Kenneth W. and Marion H. (Hosack) Freeman. He was a 1964 Graduate of Bradford High School, and achieved his Eagle Scout Award while in high school. 

Bruce earned a Bachlors of Arts degree in Literature from the University of Pittsburgh. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on December 20, 1968, he was honorably discharged on March 19, 1977. He was a civilian for the next 10 years and earned an additional degree in Business Management before joining the United States Army. Bruce served his country for an additional 10 more years before retiring to Bradford. While retired he worked at Walmart for five years. For the last four years he resided at the Bradford Manor.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, and the Bradford YMCA. He volunteered at BRMC. 

Wayne F. MacKENZIE, 72, of Coudersport, PA, died Saturday, October 7, 2023 in UPMC Williamsport following a brief illness.  

Born July 27, 1951, in Port Allegany, he was the son of Daniel N. MacKenzie and Patricia Kaziska MacKenzie O’Toole.  A 1970 graduate of Port Allegany High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Navy in the Vietnam War.  

Mary Jane Ayers, 93, of Warren, Pa., died Monday evening, October 9, 2023, at Kinzua Valley Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Warren, PA.  She was born May 24, 1930 in Warren, PA., and was the daughter of the late Giuseppe and Antoinette Gigliotti Salerno. She was a lifelong Warren area resident and a 1948 graduate of Warren High School.  Mary Jane was employed with the former Central Nursing Home as the office manager and with the Area Agency on Aging as office receptionist.  She was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church and Sweet Adeline’s.

Mary Jane is survived by her 5 Children – David F. Ayers and wife, Deborah of Bloomfield, CO., Rebecca A. Culbertson and husband, Gary of Warren, PA., Linda M. Eng and husband, Nelson of Alvin, TX., Pamela E. Hartman and husband, Earl, Lucinda A. Nuhfer and husband, Phillip all of Warren, PA., 1 Brother–Leroy Salerno and wife, Mary Anne of Sunnyvale, CA., 8 Grandchildren – Tron Valentine (Caitlin), Melissa Culbertson, Lindsey Abplanalp (Matt), Diane Mayhew (Cody), Kevin Ayers (Haley), Timothy Ayers (Erin), Vanessa Eng (T.J.), Nathan Eng, 4 Great Grandchildren – Chanel, Dominick, Cason,  Jayden, Josie and baby girl due in November, several nieces, nephews and cousins.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Dr.  Charles Salerno and Joseph Salerno.

Tamara Kathleen Meyer, 43, of 420 Rightmeyer Street, St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, October 7, 2023 at her residence.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

Charles M. Ditz, 88, of Warren, PA., died Tuesday morning, October 10, 2023, at Warren General Hospital, Warren, PA.
A complete obituary will be announced when available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA.

Marilyn I. Veit, 84, of Port Allegany, PA passed away Monday (October 9, 2023) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary

Connie B. Allen, 77, Port Allegany, PA passed away Friday (Oct. 6, 2023) in her home.

Born November 16, 1945, in Blossburg, PA, she was a daughter of Guy and Della Butler Sweet. 

Connie worked as a waitress at the former ABC Restaurant, Burtville, and most recently as a private home healthcare worker, before she retired.

Christopher Bice, age 34, of Blossburg, PA, passed away due to a brief illness, on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at UPMC Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.

He was born on August 12, 1989, in Norfolk, VA, a son of James and Tammy (Schoonover) Bice. Chris was the husband of Trisha Brimmer. He worked as a laborer at Ward Manufacturing in Blossburg, PA.

Chris was the most amazing, smart, outgoing, funny, crazy, loving person anyone was fortunate enough to know. He lived his life to the absolute fullest. He was daring, caring and charming. He took pride in making others have a good day even if it was his bad day. He loved his family and was always the one to be there when you needed someone to understand or listen.

Chris lived his life as the adventure it was meant to be, telling many crazy stories about it and leaving many people with stories to tell.

Evelyn J. Sicheri, 86, of 144 Teaberry Road, St. Marys, passed away Monday, October 9, 2023 at Elk Haven Nursing Home, following a brief illness.

She was born April 29, 1937 in Dagus Mines, daughter of the late Etalo and Mary Canton Mattiuz. She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Kersey High School, Class of 1955.  She was employed at Stackpole Carbon for 36 years and retired from Penn Metal Stamping.

On June 6, 1959, in St. Boniface Church, she married Frank Sicheri, who preceded her in death on March 23, 2022. 

Patrick J. “Phat Pat” Torpey 72, of Oil City passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Cuba Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness. 

Born Jan 10, 1951, in Camp Pendleton California, he was the son of William and Amelia Phillips Torpey. He relocated to Oil City after High School where he built his life and family.  He will always be remembered for his work ethic, his love for family and especially his sense of humor. 

He spent his entire career at Mersiol.  Despite many health challenges and obstacles along the way, he never once complained.  He loved nature, fishing, reading and was a movie buff.  An organ donor provided Patrick and his family with 20 additional years of life.  Once Parkinsons Disease, struck he medically retired.  As his body broke down, he handled his disease with humility and grace and always maintained a sense of humor.  Patrick was blessed that his daughter Megan and her husband were able to keep him at home for over 4 years to care for him. 

Judson R. Duell, II, 82, of Knotts Island, NC, formerly of Coudersport, PA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, and Helga Duell, 87, of Knotts Island, NC, formerly of Coudersport, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

Memorial services for Judson R. Duell, II and Helga Duell will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 1:00 pm at the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 North East St., Coudersport.  To share a memory or condolence visit www.thomasfickinger.com.

Gary R. Martin, 77, of Bradford, formerly of Warren, PA passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at the St. Vincent Hospital, Erie.

He was born on April 13, 1946 in the former village of Kinzua; a son of the late Troy and Vera Eschenbach Martin.

He was a 1964 graduate of the Warren Area High School and he earned his Bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Edinboro University in 1969.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War; serving from 1969 until his honorable discharge in 1972.  While serving his country Gary earned a Bronze Star Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal w/ 2 Bronze Stars as well as several other commendations and medals.

On August 27, 1988 in the United Methodist Church, Sheffield; Gary married Linda Wilson who survives.

Virginia Weidow, 83, of Bayard St. in Kane, PA passed away Wednesday (Oct. 4) at the Meadville Medical Center.  

Born May 3, 1940 in James City, she is the daughter of the late Russell and Bertha (Chittester) Farnsworth. On April 30, 1962, in James City, she married David Weidow, who preceded her in death.

Ginny worked as a housekeeper for many years and also had been employed by the Highland Group.  She was a member of the Living Waters Free Methodist Church and the Kane Eagles FOE 307.  She was a past member of the Kane VFW and the Kane Fire Dept. Auxiliary.

Michael Ronald Stanford, 70, of Middlebury Center, PA passed away early Thursday, October 5, 2023, at UPMC Susquehanna in Williamsport. 

He was born July 3, 1953, in Wellsboro, to Ronald Ivan and MaryLou (McConnell) Stanford.  He graduated from Wellsboro High School and earned his associate degree from WACC.  On November 20, 1971, he married Carole Joy Downey, with whom he shared nearly 52 years of marriage, and raised two daughters. 

Pauline R. Goochee, 72, of Skinner Creek Road, Port Allegany, PA passed away Wednesday (Oct. 4, 2023) at UPMC Hamot, Erie.

Born Jan. 22, 1951, in Central Falls, R.I., she was a daughter of Leo and Yvonne Charpentier Boucher. On June 4, 1984, in Chaffee, N.Y., she married James E. Goochee, who survives.

Pauline was a longtime area resident and a graduate of Jamestown Community College, Olean, N.Y., with a bachelor’s in nursing. She had been employed with several area healthcare facilities, but most recently with the Potter County Office of Aging, before her retirement.

She was a member of Port Allegany Alliance Church and Port Allegany Moose Lodge 460, a former EMT with Port Area Ambulance Service and a volunteer at many Potter County senior centers.

Victoria G. “Vickie” Johnson, 73, of 90 Main Street, Lewis Run, PA passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2023, peacefully, at her residence. She was a loving aunt to many.

Born May 23, 1950, in Bradford, she was the daughter of the late Phillip C. and Gertrude A. (Miller) Freeman. She was a 1969 graduate of Bradford Area High School.

On June 5, 1971, in First Free Methodist Church, she married James F. “Jet” Johnson, who preceded her in death on January 2, 2008. 

Vickie worked at KOA and later was Mrs. Graff’s housekeeper for several years. 

Roy A. Regis, 77, of Emerald Isle, Smethport, PA passed away unexpectedly Tuesday (Oct. 3, 2023) in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.

Born March 17, 1946, in Olean, NY, he was a son of Virgil E. and Beatrice Bova Regis.  On June 25, 1966, in Olean, NY, he married Dorothy M. Klampt, who survives.  They were married 57 years.

Roy was a lifetime resident of the area and a graduate of Otto-Eldred High School, class of 1965.

He had first worked for Minard Run Oil Co., Bradford, then as a salesman for Todd-Dodge of Smethport, for several years, and most recently Bauchard Dodge of Bradford, before retiring.

Joan O’Hare, 88, of Sheffield, PA., died peacefully, on Wednesday morning, October 4, 2023, at Rouse Home, Youngsville, PA. 

Joan was born April 15, 1935, in Sykesville, PA.  She was the daughter of George Pendleton and Jennie Pendleton Karns.  She has resided in Sheffield, PA, since 1966. 

Joan was a 1953 graduate of Sykesville High School.  She was employed for many years, at Blair Corporation, retiring from there.  She was a member of St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church, active with their Friday Lenten Fish Fry.  She enjoyed crocheting.