Obituaries

Karen S. Hyde-Kelley, 59, of Port Allegany, PA passed away Tuesday (January 16, 2024) at UPMC-Williamsport.

She was born November 28, 1964 in Wilkinsburg, PA,  the daughter of John and Viola (Zettle) Hyde.

On July 28, 2003, in Smethport, she married Alan Kelley, who survives.

Karen was a graduate of Wilkinsburg Schools and attended University of Pittsburgh, Bradford, receiving her degree as a registered nurse.

She worked at UPMC-Cole in Coudersport as an RN.  She then worked in sales at home on Etsy and eBay.

Karen enjoyed being outdoors and spending time “outback” at her home, camping and walks as well as spending time with her dog, “Waldo” and her bird, “Maclead” .

Brandon J. Shepker, of Coudersport Pennsylvania, and a former resident of Bucktown Pennsylvania, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 39 years of age.

He was born on July 20, 1984, in Montgomery County. He was the son of Diane M. Shepker (nee Lynch) of Pennsylvania and James R. Shepker of North Carolina.

Brandon was an extremely diligent and hard worker from a young age. He was very mechanically inclined and could fix just about anything. This paired with his strong sense of entrepreneurship drove him in the direction of owning his own landscaping business from his mid-teens into early adulthood in the Bucktown area.

As a student of Owen J. Roberts High School graduating class of 2002. Brandon was also involved in the DECA program and won many awards using the business platform he used for his landscaping business.

Brandon’s love for the mountains led him to Potter County, Pa where he then established himself and began a new business venture. Brandon was the owner and operator of Baker Creek Enterprises, LLC located in Coudersport, Pa. Baker Creek Enterprises, LLC was a full-service auto repair shop that also serviced many local municipalities in the area. Additionally, Brandon’s business provided a 24-hour towing service, PA State Inspections and welding services. All of these skills that Brandon obtained and used throughout his life were all self-taught.

“beloved father, son, and brother”

David Wade Garland, 48, of Shinglehouse, PA passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, in Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, NY.

Born on Thursday, July 17, 1975 in Olean, NY, he was a son of Donald Wade and Jacqueline D. “Jacqui” Jones Garland.

David was a graduate of Bolivar High School in Bolivar, NY.  He attended and graduated from Finger Lakes Community College.  He next attended The Ranger School in Wanakena for two years. David completed his Bachelor’s degree in Forestry at the State University of NY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

David worked in construction in Bolivar, Shinglehouse, and Geneva, NY.  He was a talented roofer.  After graduating from The Ranger School and SUNY College of ESF, David was an expert timber value specialist.  After completing his college degrees, he worked for LandVest Forestry in Vermont,  Western Massachusetts, and Eastern New York State.  Sadly David suffered a massive heart attack ending his career as a forester.

Karen L. Chiodo, 65, of Warren, PA, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, in her home. A complete obituary will be published when available.

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

Terry L. Bryant, age 68, of Wellsboro, PA, died suddenly on Friday, January 5, 2024. 

He was born on February 12, 1955 in Wellsboro, PA a son of the late Harold W. and Eloise M. (Hoyt) Bryant and was married to Sheila L. (Locey) Bryant. 

Terry was the owner and broker of Penn Oak Realty, Inc. of Wellsboro, PA and was former Penn. Dot county manager.  Terry was a founding member, life member and the current Chairman of the Board for Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA),  past board member and life member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, member and Past Master of Tioga Lodge # 373 F & AM, member of the Wellsboro Lions Club, GROW, Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce, and a former Boy Scout leader for 20 years. 

Barbara F. Latcovich, 99, of Ridgway, died on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Snyder Memorial Health Care after a brief illness.

She was born on July 31, 1924, in Highland Twp., a daughter of the late Victor and Mary Benic Latcovich.

Barb lived in Ridgway most of her life and a lifelong member of St. Leo Church. She volunteered for many years as a money counter at the church and was a self-employed beautician for over 50 years.  Barb enjoyed dancing to polka music, reading true crime books, and playing cards. She was a proud member of the Women’s Cursillo #151. Barb always loved to be around her family, giving hugs to each of them every time she left.

Gabriel F. Alvino, 81, of Warren, PA, died Wednesday morning, January 17, 2024, after a brief illness. 

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

Melvin Joseph “Joe” Swanson, a lifelong resident of Portville, NY passed away Monday, January 15, 2024, at his residence from natural causes at the age of 68.

Born December 29, 1955, in Olean, he was the son of Melvin and Pearl Swanson. Joe was formerly married to Pamela R. Martin Zielinski.

 He graduated from Portville Central School in 1975 and served in the Army from 1975 to 1979. He was previously employed by Hysol and Cooper Power Industries. In his later years, Joe enjoyed woodworking, fishing, riding his bike, watching his grandchildren play sports and tinkering in the woodshop.

Karen S. Hyde, 59, of Port Allegany, PA passed away Tuesday (January 16, 2024) at UPMC Williamsport, Williamsport.

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

David Wade Garland          

David Wade Garland, 48, of Shinglehouse, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, in Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, NY.

To pay respects to David and his family, calling hours will be held from 4pm to 7pm on Friday at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, PA and from 10am to 11am on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the Portville Baptist Church, Temple Street, Portville, NY, where funeral services will follow at 11am in the church, with the Rev. Mark Beckwith, pastor, officiating.

A complete obituary will follow.

David’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of David, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Muriel Kay Davis, age 85 of Corning, NY went home to be with the Lord on January 11, 2024.

She was born June 11, 1938 in Westfield, PA and was born to the late William Davis, whom passed in 1997 and Evelyn (Joseph) Davis, whom passed in 2008.

Muriel was a supervisor at General Dynamics in Rochester, NY and later worked at Corning Glass where she learned to blow glass and worked in production. She taught organ music, enjoyed coin hunting, loved Bluegrass music and went on cruises and bus trips. She was in the Red Hats Club for a few years and was a member of the Valley View Assembly of God Church in Knoxville, PA. Muriel had a full life, which she enjoyed.

“Loving Husband, Father & Grandfather”

Carlisle “Doug” Douglas of 4115 South 9 Mile Road, Allegany, NY went to be with his LORD and Savior on Friday, January 12, 2024, in Buffalo General Hospital, following an illness.

Doug was born on June 27, 1937, the only child of Alice and Victor Douglas of Bloomsburg, PA.

Doug grew up on a 206-acre Dairy Farm up the west branch area of Galeton, PA. He graduated from Galeton High School in 1956 and enlisted in the military on October 5, 1956. Doug trained to be a medic and an x-ray technologist at the Army Brook Medical Center in Texas. He enjoyed the service and the places where he was stationed. Including Alaska when it became our 49^th State.

After returning home from the military after three years, Doug went to work for the Potter County Hospital in Coudersport, PA which is now known as UPMC Cole. It was at this time that he met his wife-to-be. On July 22, 1961, he married Kathryn A. Meachem.

Ruby R. Sample, 97, of Smethport, PA passed away Monday (January 15, 2024) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.

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

Margaret A. “Peggie” Dippold, 91, recently a resident of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of Catalina Road, St. Marys, PA passed away at Penn Highlands Elk on Monday, January 15, 2024.

She was born on February 2, 1932 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Anthony “Bruno” and Luitgard “Louie” Schinabeck Schauer.

On June 19, 1954, in St. Marys Church, she married the late William L. “Bill” Dippold, who preceded her in death on June 25, 2020. Together they shared more than 66 years of marriage.

Peggie was a graduate of Central High School, class of 1950 and was a lifelong member of St. Marys Church. She was a longtime member of the CYMA, the K of C, and the CMF. She always enjoyed bowling, and looked forward to getting together with her friends for card games. With her quick wit and endless sense of humor, Peggie could always make you laugh, and enjoyed putting a smile on everyone’s face. Years ago, she worked the election polls, and could often be found walking the neighborhood with her little dog.

Patricia Marie “Pat” Wortman, a resident of Silver Creek Terrace and formerly of Berwind Street, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the age of 91.

She was born February 17, 1932, in St. Marys, the daughter of the late George Singer and Veronica (nee Emmert) Singer.

On August 1, 1953, in the Sacred Heart Church, Pat married Harry Frank “Putt” Wortman, who preceded her in death on August 22, 1983.

Helen J. McCanna, 88, of Coudersport, PA passed away Saturday, January 13, 2024, at UPMC Cole.

Born December 20, 1935, in Pleasant Valley, she was a daughter of the late Howard C. and Lena M. (Ohler) Stuckey. She attended schools in Roulette, Genesee and she was a 1955 graduate of Port Allegany High School.

On March 11, 1967, she married Robert C. McCanna Sr., who preceded her in death on January 22, 2013. Together they raised two children in Corydon Township.

Helen had been employed at many businesses throughout her working career. She last worked at Zippo Manufacturing for 18 years, retiring in 1998.

Kelly A. Kelley, 69, of 99 Nelson Avenue, Bradford, PA passed away Monday, January 15, 2024, at Buffalo General Hospital.

Born September 19, 1954, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late James M. and Mary “Sis” (Gray) Kelley, Sr.

Kelly was a 1972 graduate at Bradford High School, and also attended the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

She was a member of St. Bernard Church.

Kelly had been employed at Owens-Illinois and Georgia Pacific for 25 years, and later 10 years at Keystone Powdered Metals.

Bobby Jo Reid, 41, of Bradford, PA passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024.

She was born on July 19, 1982 in Olean, NY, a daughter of the late Gary, Sr. and Winifred McCracken Reid.

She attended Bradford Area schools.

Bobby Jo loved teaching all the kids in her family how to swim and spending time with her family; especially her grandbabies.  She was a dedicated and hard worker throughout her life.  She was also a free spirit who loved travelling across the country.  When she was a little girl she was a “poppy girl” for the Bradford American Legion Post 108.  She also enjoyed going to her nephew Buck’s sporting events.

She was employed by Seneca Manufacturing Co., Salamanca prior to working at Keystone Powdered Metal, Lewis Run.

                  “beloved husband”

WILLIAMSVILLE, NY—Theodore S. “Ted” Seamans, 85, of Williamsville, formerly of Wellsville, NY passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024, in Hospice Buffalo, after a short illness.

Born on Wednesday, March 23, 1938, in Bradford, PA, he was a son of Stanley I. and Anna Pauline Phillips Seamans.   On October 29, 1966 in Wellsville, he married Sharon M. Morris, who survives.

Ted was a graduate of Sheffield High School in Sheffield, PA.  He also attended Alfred University in Alfred.  Ted honorably served in the US Army.  He was employed as a draftsman at the former AirPreheater in Wellsville.  He owned and operated T & T Upholstery in Wellsville for many years.

Ted was a member of Akron Lodge # 527 F & A M in Akron. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.  He loved music and was a member of several bands in the Wellsville area where he sang, played the guitar and the harmonica.  He enjoyed golfing and loved spending time with his dog, Freddy. 

Paula J. Croyle, 72, of 424 Water Street Extension, Johnsonburg, PA passed away at Penn Highlands-Elk, St. Marys, PA following a lengthy illness. She was born in St. Marys on October 30, 1951, a daughter to the late Glenn and Adeline Cherry Weirick. 

A lifelong resident of Johnsonburg, Paula was a 1970 graduate of Johnsonburg Area High School. She was a member of Holy Rosary Church and was beloved by her family, especially her grandchildren.

Paula had retired in 2014 from MPP in Ridgway after 5 years of service. She had also worked as a private home health service aide for over 10 years. 

Jaysen Adam Adkins, age 52, of Mansfield, PA, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at his home.

He was born on August 6, 1971 in Los Angeles, CA, the son of Billy Joe Adkins and Tressa (Brace) Giles. J

aysen was employed as a plumber and was a veteran of the United States Army. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of the much-loved Dennis Craig Stromberg, age 78, of Bradford, PA.  Dennis was born in Bradford on July 22, 1945 to Sarah Thurley Dennis Stromberg and John Raymond Theodore Stromberg.

He attended Bradford schools, graduating with the Bradford Area High School class of 1964.  From there, he attended Macalester College, Minneapolis Minnesota, and the American Management Association, Saranac Lake, NY, receiving a Masters Certificate in business management.

Dennis began a wonderful career in executive sales and marketing as a trainee for the Caterpillar corporation, Peoria Illinois.  With his work there and with other construction equipment companies he lived in various countries in Europe for twenty years (Switzerland, Spain, England, Netherlands) with business territories covering Europe and the Middle East.

Dennis was adventurous in spirit and in action. He loved travel, was a car enthusiast, skier, passionate sailor and reader with an extraordinary ability to recall detail.  Most recently he served as President of the Kiwanis Club of Bradford and was an avid supporter of its important mission to serve children of our community.  Naturally outgoing, he easily formed and retained many long-term friendships throughout his life.

Karen B. Carty, 79 of Kane, PA died January 13, 2024 at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehab Center after a lengthy illness.

Karen was born in Bradford, PA on October 31, 1944. She was the daughter of Evelyn Vecellio and stepfather Clyde J. Vecellio. She graduated from Bradford High School in 1962.

On November 5, 1966 in Bradford, she married Ronald J. Carty, who survives. Karen worked several years at the Producers Bank in Bradford until 1967 when she and Ron moved to Kane. She spent the next 11 years working for Warren National Bank. In 1985 she and Ron established Katy Realty, which they co-owned for 40 years before selling to Howard Hanna Professionals.

Richard D. “Dick” MOSHER, II, 66, of Wellsville, NY, died unexpectedly Saturday, January 13, 2024 in Jones Memorial Hospital. 

Born May 31, 1957, in Wellsville, he was the son of Richard J. and Florence Allen Mosher. 

A 1977 graduate of Wellsville Central School, he attended BOCES for automotive.  He was employed as an auto mechanic in Virginia for many years, where he was a certified motor vehicle inspector.  

He enjoyed the simple things in life, listened to an array of music, but loved spending time with his family more than anything.  He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.  

Dick was a social member of Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702, Frank B. Church VFW Post #2530, and Wellsville Lodge No. 601 Loyal Order of the Moose. 

Marjorie “Jean” Clawson Quiggle Hackett, 99, of Warren, PA, died, Sunday, January 14, 2024.

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

Helen J. McCanna, 88, of Coudersport, PA passed away Saturday, January 13, 2024, at UPMC Cole.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Judith Ann “Judy” BRAYMILLER, nee Evans, 84, of Riverside Drive, Wellsville, NY, died in her sleep at home on January 10, 2024.  

Born September 24, 1939, in Salamanca, she was the daughter of Arnold R. and Helen L. Holmes Evans.  A 1957 graduate of Salamanca High School, she began attending Deaconess Nursing School in Buffalo in the fall, but soon left due to homesickness.  

On April 30, 1960, in Salamanca, she married Wayne G. Braymiller and began their family life.  In 1963, the couple settled in Wellsville and bought the family home about two years later. 

 Judy’s love for caregiving was seen in her choice of employment throughout the years.  She worked as a nurse’s aide in several nursing homes in the Wellsville area, and as a receptionist for Doctor Hong for several years.  She was finally able to finish her nursing degree at Alfred State College in 1984.  

Kay L. McNett, 75, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away at home on Thursday, January 11, 2024. She was born on January 6, 1949, in Shinglehouse, PA to Perry “Buster” and Ellen (Reed) McNett.

She worked in Quality Control for Corning Glass/Osram for over 37 years. She was a Deacon and Treasurer for the Presbyterian Church of Upper West Conococheague, a member of Presbyterian Women Organization and volunteered at Bountiful Blessings Inc. in Mercersburg, PA. Kay enjoyed playing bingo and truly loved her family.

Philip M. Kio, 99, of Kio Rd., Port Allegany, PA passed away Friday (Jan. 12, 2024) at his home.

    Born July 22, 1924, in Coudersport, he was a son of Byron J. and Etha V. Hayes Kio.  On Dec. 4, 1971, he married Leah Rae Whitney, who survives. They were married 52 years.

     Philip was a lifetime resident of the area and a graduate of Port Allegany High School, class of 1942.

     He was longtime farmer and was employed with North Penn Gas Co. for many years before his retirement.

    Philip was a veteran of WWII, having served in the US Navy.

    He was a member of the American Legion, Post 192, Coudersport, and Moose Lodge #460, Port Allegany.

WILLIAMSVILLE, NY—Theodore S. “Ted” Seamans, 85, of Williamsville, formerly of Wellsville, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024, in Hospice Buffalo, after a short illness.

Arrangements, entrusted to the care and direction of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.