Obituaries

Gordon Leary Vogt, Jr., 65, of Emporium, PA passed away at his residence on Tuesday morning (November 12, 2024). He was born September 29, 1959 in Tonawanda, New York (outside of Buffalo), and is the eldest son of Gordon Leary Vogt Sr. and Mary Krause Vogt.

Gordon graduated from Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe, Arizona, in 1977 and then briefly attended Mesa Community College. He often reminisced about “driving fast” down the highway with Led Zeppelin blaring in the car with his friends, missing the ease of his younger days. He left community college to pursue large-scale corporate manufacturing of explosives and large machinery for 30 years, where he gained lifelong friendships as well. Building large machines, robots, and rockets were part of Gordon’s favorite pastimes as he was a curious learner. In a perfect world, Gordon wished to fly planes – though his tall 6’9” stature had other plans and kept him from fitting in the cockpit.

Emma J. Lauver                  “faith, family, farm”

Emma J. Lauver, 85, of Smethport, formerly of Coudersport and Shinglehouse, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, with her loving husband by her side in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

Born on Tuesday, May 30, 1939 in Shinglehouse, she was a daughter of Louis C. and Kathryn Yeager Perkins.  She was first married to Douglas L. Matthews and later Jack Knowlton, who both preceded her in death. On September 12, 2008 in Smethport, she married Marcus H. “Marc” Lauver, who survives.

Emma was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse, Class of 1957.  She was employed by the former Clark Brothers Company in Olean, NY and was employed as a secretary at the Oswayo Valley Elementary School in Shinglehouse for many years until her retirement.

Barbara F. Heimel

Barbara F. Heimel, 101, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, died just after sunrise on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, at Cole Manor in Coudersport, the same building in which she was born.

Born Oct. 31, 1923, in the Coudersport Hospital, she was the third child of William Delos Fish and Grace Winifred Stevens Fish.

Raised in Coudersport during the Great Depression, Barbara Jean was nurtured in a family that embraced the value of hard work tempered with generous doses of the outdoors, reading, music, conversation — all with the awareness of the importance of building and contributing to community.

Barb was, by all accounts, a sunny child, with a bright smile and positive outlook that carried her through a long life. She graduated as salutatorian of the Coudersport High School Class of 1941 and was offered a scholarship to attend Waynesburg College. But the turmoil of World War II led her down a different path.

Emma J. Lauver, 85, of Smethport, formerly of Coudersport and Shinglehouse, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, with her loving husband by her side in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

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

P. Victor Moore, Jr., 70, of Ridgway, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Penn Highlands Dubois.

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

Samuel Manno, Jr., 75, of Warren, PA., died peacefully at his residence, Wednesday morning, November 13, 2024.  He was born June 20, 1948, in Warren, PA.  He was the son of Samuel Manno, Sr., and Vera Nodzak Manno Horvat. 

Sam was a lifelong Warren area resident and a 1966 graduate of Warren High School.  He served with United States Marine Corp as a sergeant, from June 22, 1967, to December 1, 1969, serving in Vietnam. He was employed with the Warren State Hospital as a welder and retired as Manager of Building and Grounds, after many years employment. 

He was a 32^nd degree member of North Star Masonic Lodge #241, Warren Shrine Club, Marine Corp League Pendleton Detachment of Warren County.  He was very generous to many charitable organizations.  He was cook for many years at the Heritage Festival.  He also belonged to numerous Blacksmithing organizations.

Ellen H. Eberly, 85, of Youngsville, formerly of Warren, Pa, died on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in the Rouse Suites, Youngsville, Pa.

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

Lewis Kirkpatrick II, 76, of Warren, PA., died peacefully at his home, Tuesday morning, November 12, 2024, after suffering an apparent heart attack. Lewis was born July 29, 1948, in Harrisburg, PA. He was the son of Lawrence Lewis and Zona Bernette Sherman Kirkpatrick. He has resided in Warren since 1968. He was a graduate of Western Beaver High School in Industry, PA., and earned a bachelor’s of science degree in Education from Edinboro University and a master’s degree from Penn State University. He was employed with the Warren County School District for 35 years and taught and coached at Eisenhower High School and retired from Warren Area High School. While at Eisenhower High School, Lewis coached the golf team, leading them to an undefeated record, and also coached the track team. During the summer, he taught driver’s education, where he had a unique approach: on the very first day, he had students get behind the wheel and drive. They would often make a stop at “Bob’s Trading Post” for ice cream before heading back to school. Many of his students affectionately called him “Mr. K,” a nickname he always answered to with a smile. 

Lewis Kirkpatrick, II

Lewis Kirkpatrick II, 76, of Warren, PA., died peacefully at his home, Tuesday morning, November 12, 2024, after suffering an apparent heart attack.

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

Barbara F. Heimel

Barbara F. Heimel, 101, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Cole Manor, Coudersport.

Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care 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.

Edward C. Palmer, 90, of 170 Toby Road, Kersey, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Penn Highlands DuBois.

He was born March 26, 1934, in Dagus Mines, son of the late Carl H. and Dorothy Green Palmer.  He was a graduate of Kersey High School and employed by Stackpole Carbon Company. 

On April 19, 1954, in Cumberland, MD, Ed married his high school sweetheart, the late Clara E. Lance, who preceded him in death on September 25, 2022.  They raised a large and loving family with whom both loved to spend time.  Both were active members of the United Methodist Church of Kersey.

Robert H. Carroll “B.O.B.”, 95, of Smethport, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.

He was born on October 27, 1928, in Mapleton Depot, he was a son of the late James H. Carroll and Vera Flo (Corbin) Carroll.

He was a 1946 graduate of Jeannette High School, received a Bachelor of Science from Indiana State Teachers College in Indiana, and earned a Master of Arts at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV.

On June 22, 1956, he married Shirley Woodle, who passed away on June 8, 1999.

Ronald Gary PRESTON, 65, of Belmont, NY, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 9, 2024 in his daughter’s home surrounded by family. 

Born July 2, 1959, in Cuba, he was the son of LeClair Archie and Myrtle Louise Bisnett Preston.  A graduate of Belfast Central School, he was first employed by his family gas station, Quaker State in Caneadea.  He then went on to Preston Truck Sales, Eastside Garage, and Preston Auto in Wellsville.  Later, he owned his own business, Twin Tier Auto Transfer in Belmont, and most recently was employed as transportation supervisor for Alfred-Almond School.  He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  Ron enjoyed camping, fishing, reading, and was a NASCAR enthusiast.  

Michelle Lin “Mickey” Swackhamer, 75, of Bradford, passed away Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Olean General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born September 25, 1949, in New Martinsville, WV she was a daughter of the late John J. “Jack” and Eleanor Jane (Leap) Walker, Jr.

She attended Magnolia High School in New Martinsville, WV until 1965 before moving to Limestone, NY where she was a 1967 graduate of Limestone High School.  She graduated top of her class from Olean Business Institute in 1968.

On April 11, 1970, in St. Patrick Church, Limestone, NY, she married Daniel J. Swackhamer, who preceded her in death on July 6, 1989.

Mickey worked for the YWCA as a Legal Advocate for 33 years and most recently as a Systems and Training liaison for the last two.

Robert J. “Mushy” Marsh, 76, of Crosby, passed away Saturday (November 9, 2024) at his home.

He was born March 14, 1948 in Port Allegany, a son of Robert and Dorothy (Cunningham) Marsh.

He was a 1967 graduate of Smethport Area High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970 in Vietnam.

Mr. Marsh worked at several different jobs in his life, ultimately as a laborer at the Crosby Sawmill before retiring.

He was a member of the American Legion; John Berg Post #976 of Crosby and the Smethport VFW Post #2497.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman and he loved working on cars.

Christopher M. Tronetti, 62, of Smethport, passed away Friday (November 8, 2024).

He was born January 2, 1962 in Kane, PA, a son of Robert and Charlotte (Foley) Tronetti.

Chris was a 1980 graduate of Smethport Area High School and attended Clarion University, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1984.

Chris first had worked for Children & Youth in his earlier years, then at Universal Well Services of Bradford. He lastly worked as a self employed laborer in Smethport.

Chris was a member of St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport, where he was always available for helping with maintenance to the grounds and building for many years, the Smethport Food Bank, the Keating Sportsmen Club and the McKean County Historical Society.

Mary L. (Butler) Chilson, 80, of Coudersport, passed away Thursday November 7, 2024, at home, surrounded by family.  She was born September 5, 1944, in Coudersport, to Glen and Verna Louise (McGibney) Butler.  She worked, at different times, for Adelphia, as a teacher’s aide for the Coudersport Area School District, and as an assistant manager for Rite Aid.  She married Gary Chilson, and enjoyed crocheting.

Mary is survived by three sons:  Keith Chilson (Stacey) of Coudersport, Kevin Chilson of Emporium, and Kelly Chilson (Yasmin) of Universal City, TX; a daughter:  Kathy VanDell (Glen) of Richmond, KY; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters and four brothers.  In accordance with her wishes, the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home 210 N. East Street Coudersport, PA is entrusted with her arrangements and there will be a private memorial service at the convenience of her family. 

To share a memory or condolence with her family visit www.thomasfickinger.com.

Evelyn TURNER, 90, of Riverside Drive, Wellsville, NY, died Friday, November 8, 2024 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville.  

Born April 2, 1934, in Louisa, KY, she was the daughter of Earl and Alma Katherine Lemaster Branham.  On October 8, 1952, she married Henry L. Turner, Jr., who predeceased her on August 26, 2008.  A graduate of Louisa High School, she and her husband owned and operated Turner & McNerney Pipeline Contractors, Inc. in Wellsville, where she managed finances, human resources, records, and internal controls for the company as assistant vice president and business manager.  Evelyn was a strong supporter and friend of the Alfred State Culinary Arts Department. 

David G. Anderson, 75, of 6624 Ridgway-Johnsonburg Road, Johnsonburg, passed away unexpectedly Friday, November 8, 2024 at his residence. 

Arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Anthony F. Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Johnsonburg, PA 15845.

Joyce Youmans Peterson, 93 of Wellsboro, PA died Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at home. Born May 17, 1931 in Covington, she was the daughter of F. Kenneth and Celia Youmans. On February 13, 1948, in Wellsboro she married Neuman J Peterson. She was a 1948 graduate of the Wellsboro High School.

Joyce was a member of St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wellsboro where she was the choir director for 35 years. She was a member of St Mary’s Episcopal Church in Bonita Springs FL where she sang in the choir and was a member of the Cursillo group.

Joyce’s passion was the arts. She performed in several musicals at Mansfield University under the direction of Jack Wilcox. She was a member of the Wednesday Morning Musicales, Wellsboro Women’s’ Chorus and several barbershop quartets. She participated in acting up and acting out with Hamilton-Gibson, the towns Red Garter Reviews, the Wellsboro Town Band, Dickens of a Christmas and choreographed or directed several of the high school musicals.

Michelle Lin “Mickey” Swackhamer, 75, of Bradford, passed away Thursday, November 7, 2024, at the Olean General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. 

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Dorothy J. (Coolidge) Smithgall age 95, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. 

She was born in 1929 in Kent, OH, a daughter of the late Stuart and Mary (Connor) Coolidge.  She graduated from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing and was married to the late Frederick A. Smithgall.  Dorothy was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Wellsboro, PA and loved reading, gardening, birdwatching and remodeling houses.