Obituaries

Richard E. Gray, 56, of Route 321 North of Kane, PA passed away Tuesday (Dec. 26) at a second property he owned on Fraley St. in Kane.

Born May 3, 1967, he was the son of the late Larry Bass and Debra Gray.

Rick was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and a lover of animals. He had worked as a roustabout in the oil fields and he was also a member of the Kane Eagles Club AERIE #307. He was a member of both a electricians’ union and a carpenters union in his lifetime.  He was full of life and humor and will be missed.

Joan T. Stromberg, 86, Port Allegany, PA passed peacefully in her home on Saturday, December 30, 2023. 

Joan was born to Reese and Sally Summerson in Port Allegany, PA on August 11, 1937. Joan attended Port Allegany High School. She married the love of her life, Paul L. Stromberg, on February 26, 1954. Together, they built a home, family, and life. They were married for 49 years until he died on September 4, 2003, also at home.

Joan, aka Mom, Grandma, and Aunt Joan, spent most of her days enjoying picturesque views from her kitchen table. She loved visiting with friends and family and having a cup of coffee and a little snack. She was an accomplished artist who was inspired by what she saw and whose brush was moved by her heart. In years long past, she worked at Chapins Store in Port Allegany and later with Jaguar Manufacturing Co. in Smethport.

James L. Hammond, 90, of Kromas Ave., Port Allegany, PA passed away Saturday (Dec. 30, 2023) in UPMC Cole Coudersport.

     Born August 21, 1933, in Troupsburg, NY, he was a son of Ephraim F. and Margariet Burton Hammond.

     James worked for Jack Frost Construction Co, State College, PA, for several years, working in both the office and on construction sites, before his retirement.

Joanne “Jody” Elizabeth Garbic, 77, formerly of Green Valley, AZ and Hickory Road, St. Marys, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at the Casey House in Rockville, MD after a long battle with cancer. 

Jody was born September 8, 1946, in St. Marys, daughter of James and Jane (Fox) Schloder.  She was a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, class of 1964, continued her education at the Christian College in Missouri, and was later employed by the St. Marys Area School District. 

On June 17, 1968, Jody married Peter G. Garbic.  They lovingly raised two sons, Jason and Peter. Jody made many lifelong friends in St. Marys and enjoyed hosting and attending family parties and gatherings.  

Kim E. Proper, 65, of Onofrio Street, Bradford, PA passed away Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Roswell Park Hospital in Buffalo NY.

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 J. “Tubby” Maduri, 75, of Gates Hollow, Bradford, PA passed away, Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Buffalo General Hospital. 

Born May 21, 1948, in Bradford, he was a son of the late James V. and Sadie (Kranzo) Maduri. Jim was raised in the 5th Ward and graduated in 1965 from Bradford High School. 

Tubby was employed as the Produce Manager at Harvest Markets on West Washington Street in the early 70’s. He moved on to cooking and formerly cooked at the Wellsboro Inn, Chateau D’OR and the Willows Restaurant. In the early 80’s he moved to Las Vegas with his brother, but returned to Bradford three year later. He started painting homes and interiors for area families and businesses, specializing in faux painting. During his career he worked with Ira Smades, and later Craig Campbell. He was still painting up until the time of his death.  

Walter V. Salamone, 74, of Coudersport, PA passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family. 

Walter was born on June 29, 1949, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late Albert and Anna (Mario) Salamone. Walter married the former Patricia A. Sommella on May 13, 1972, and they have recently celebrated 51 years of marriage. 

Walter was an Administrative Director for the New York City District Council of Carpenters.  He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War attached to the 3^rd Battalion, 5^th Marines.   Walter was a member of St. Eulalia Catholic Church, American Legion Potter Post 192, and the Black Forest Gun Club.  He enjoyed music, cooking, and driving his Vet. 

In addition to his wife, Patricia, Walter is survived by sons: Paul (Melissa) Salamone of Millstone, NJ; James (Natalie) Salamone of Coudersport; a daughter, Tricia (Richard) Montalbano of Canadensis, PA; a sister, Ann Marie Bacior of Chico, CA; five grandchildren; Vincent, Gabriella, Lorenzo, Salvatore Raymond, and Salvatore James and his pets; Harry, George, and Chloe

Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to Walter’s life from 10am-11am Wednesday January 3, 2024 at St. Eulalia Catholic Church in Coudersport, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11am in the church. 

Our country is in mourning for a veteran died today. 

The family has entrusted Walter’s arrangements to the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East St., Coudersport. To share a memory or condolence visit www.thomasfickinger.com.

William L. “Bill” Black, 87, of Port Allegany, formerly of Emlenton, PA, passed away Saturday (December 30, 2023) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.

He was born April 23, 1936 in Versailles Twp., Allegany County, PA, a son of Thomas Burton Black and Yola LaVerne McCutcheon. On Oct. 19, 1963 in the E.U.B Church, Port Allegany, he married Beverly L. Mantz,  who survives. They were married 60 years.

Bill was a graduate of Port Allegany High School class of 1954. He received a degree from Syracuse University, Alfred State, and Penn State in agriculture science and milk marketing. He worked on the family dairy farm until 1966 when his parents retired to live in Brownsville, TX. He then worked for the former Pierce Glass Co. for 30 years.

Upon his retirement, he grew and sold sweet corn and pumpkins for years. He donated pumpkins over the years to many school classes and organizations for them to do projects with. Bill was very active in church as a lay leader and Sunday School teacher. He and his wife sang together, played the guitar and accordion for many years. He was a member of the former E.U.B. Church of Port Allegany, then upon the closing of the church, he was a member of the Wrights Evangelical Church for 30 years. He surely loved and enjoyed serving his Church and Lord.

Sandra M. “Sandy” (McMullen) Cooper, age 77, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Saturday, December 30, 2023. 

She was born on May 13, 1946 in Wellsboro, PA, a daughter of the late James A. McMullen and Thelma M. (Fish) McMullen and was the wife of the late Gary E. Cooper who passed away in 2003. 

Sandy was an insurance agent with Wilkinson Dunn Company, Wellsboro, PA for over 20 years. 

Frank J. Raffaele Jr, 72, of Warren, PA, died early Monday morning January 1, 2024, in Kinzua Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Warren.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Sewickley, Pennsylvania – Mathias “Matt” Shaner, 44, of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly in Key Largo, Florida. His family, friends, and colleagues are devastated by his sudden death. Larger-than-life, Matt was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all.

Matt was born in Bolivar, NY to Ellen and Lance Shaner on November 24, 1979. The eldest of three, precocious and a natural leader, Matt enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Bolivar, organizing outdoor activities with siblings, cousins, and neighborhood friends.

The family moved to State College, PA when Matt was 13, where he attended State College High School, worked multiple jobs, and became a member of the State College High School football team. Later, Matt attended Kiski Prep and went on to study History at the Pennsylvania State University. While a student at Penn State, Matt joined Phi Kappa Tau, and co-founded the youth charity soccer tournament Kicks-4-Kids with his fraternity brothers in 2000.

After leaving Penn State, Matt worked for Senator Rick Santorum in Washington, D.C., making many personal and professional connections before returning to State College to work for the family business, where he met his wife, Andrea.

Richard D. “Dick” Abernathy, age 80, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Friday, December 29, 2023. 

He was born on December 25, 1943 in Wellsboro, PA a son of the late James and Edrie (Purvis) Abernathy and was married for 32 years to Linda M. (Wetherbee) Abernathy. 

Dick was retired from the Tioga County Prison where he had worked as a correction officer. 

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and snowmobiling.

He is survived by his wife: Linda M Abernathy of Wellsboro, PA, son: Eric Abernathy of Wellsboro, PA, daughter: Tracey (Bob) Schmouder of Wellsboro, PA, two stepsons: Allyn Townsend of Wellsboro, PA, Brian (Dianna) Townsend of Middlebury Center, PA, stepdaughter: Denise (Ray) Shelmire of Wellsboro, PA, brother: Leland Abernathy of Elmira, NY, sister: Linda (Tom) Tice of Mansfield, PA, ten grandchildren: Dylan Abernathy, Jordyn Abernathy, Braeden Abernathy and Kilion Schmouder, Danielle Southard, Trisha Tanner, Brianna Huck, Brad Townsend, A.J. Townsend, Colby Shelmire and 6 great-grandchildren. 

Services will be private and are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA

William L. “Bill” Black, 87, of Port Allegany, formerly of Emlenton, PA, passed away Saturday (December 30, 2023) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, from 10AM-12 Noon, at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 105 Main St., Port Allegany, where funeral services will begin at 12 Noon in the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Baldwin and Rev. Michael Culver, co-officiating.  Burial will be in Portage Valley Cemetery, Wrights, PA.

Henry D. “Dan” Bunce, 70, of 10 Riterville Road Lewis Run, PA passed away Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at his residence surrounded by family.

Born October 13, 1953, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Willard F. and Elizabeth (Golthwait) Bunce, Sr.

On June 26, 1976, in Bradford, he married Rhonda (Benner) Bunce, who survives.

Dan was an Ironworker for many years. He also helped his father install roofs on area homes. He enjoyed working on vehicles and listening to country music.

Robert Drew Miller, 80, of Waynesboro, formerly of Friendship, NY, passed away in his home on December 29, 2023.  

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Gail G. (Dunbar) Miller.

He was born June 3, 1943, in Little Genesee, NY, a son of the late Ralph S. and Anna (Marsh) Miller. 

After graduating in 1962 from Bolivar High School in Bolivar, NY, he enlisted in the Navy serving nearly 5 years during the Vietnam War.

Mr. Miller was a machinist with Ingersoll Rand in Olean, NY, where he was employed 25 years, until retiring in 1998.

Hunting and fishing along with woodworking, refinishing furniture and gardening brought him much joy.

A celebration of life for David A. Marquis, will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 11:00 am in First Methodist Church, 200 Market St, Warren, PA with the Rev. Dr. Mark Hecht, pastor, officiating.

Family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service in the Dunham Parlors at the church.

Joseph E. Geci, 72, of St. Marys and formerly of Homestead, FL, passed away on Wednesday, December 27th, following a lengthy illness at the home of his cousin, Sally Geyer, where he resided for nearly three years.

He was born on June 19th, 1951, the son of the late Joseph and Florence Kronenwetter Geci.

He is survived by numerous cousins.

Joseph is the last member of his immediate family. He was a graduate of the Saint Marys Area High School, Class of 1969. Joseph lived in Homestead, Florida for more than 40 years before moving back to Saint Marys.

Joyce “Joy” L. Lehosky, 85, formerly of West Eldred Road, Eldred, PA, passed away December 28, 2023, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home in Bradford, PA. Her daughter-in-law was by her side.

Joyce was born April 22, 1938, at the Canonsburg Hospital in Canonsburg, PA to the late Anthony and Bertha Fray Sacco of Southview, PA. She attended California State Teachers College (now known as PennWest California), in California, PA, where she met her husband. She graduated from St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, NY, and retired from Otto-Eldred Elementary School in Eldred, PA, where she taught second grade for several years.

Gerald E. “Jerry” Burrows, 70, of Barnum Road, Eldred, PA passed away on Tuesday (Dec. 26, 2023) at home surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 7, 1953 he was the son of Donald K. and Alice M. Freer Burrows.

Jerry was a lifelong resident of the Eldred area and attended the Otto-Eldred School District.  He retired from Dresser Rand and enjoyed hunting, fishing and drinking.

Judith A. Cady, age 76 of Westfield, PA passed away at her home on Thursday, December 28, 2023. 

Born March 26, 1947 in Westfield, she was the daughter of the late Van and Ella (Schultz) Grenolds. 

Judy enjoyed crocheting and canning, most of all she loved being a grandmother and great-grandmother. 

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

Born August 11, 1939, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Marshall P. and Marion G. (Sheldon) McLaughlin Sr.

Jim served in the United States Army. After the service he joined the Ironworker Local 772 in Clearfield, and the Laborers Local Union 603 and worked for Cummins Construction Company for many years.

He was a member of the Eagles, Bradford Moose Lodge, and the American Legion.

Lillian A. Panew, 99, formerly of New Jersey, passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home, surrounded by her family.

Born August 4, 1924, in Mannington WV, she was a daughter of the late Wesley and Grace (Keyes) Ice. She was a graduate of Mannington High School.

Lil had been employed for over 20 years as a custodian at the Skillman Training School in New Jersey. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, and raising plants, and flowers.

Henry D. “Dan” Bunce, 70, of 10 Riterville Road, Mt. Alton, PA passed away Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at his 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

Rev. Robert Edward ANDERSON, Jr., 63, of Ulysses, PA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 3, 2023.

Friends may call at Penn-York Camp Alpine Center, 266 Northern Potter Road, Ulysses, PA 16948 on Saturday, December 30, 2023 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM, with a Celebration of Life service following at 4:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Penn-York Camp and Retreat Center, 266 Northern Potter Road, Ulysses, PA 16948 or online at www.pennyork.com.  

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

Richard Todero of Greensburg, PA passed away, Saturday, December 23, 2023 at Kent General Hospital. He was 66.

Richard was born May 29, 1957 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to the late Richard Ralph Torero and Mary Kantz Todero.

He served in the United States Air Force retiring in 1995 after 20 years, and many deployments worldwide. He was a jack of all trades, very giving, caring man, a good dad, fully supporting his children in all their endeavors. Richard was a member of the American Legion Jerome Post #802 and former Commander.

Patricia A. Harrier, 64, of Austin, PA passed away Wednesday (December 27, 2023) at her home in Austin with her husband by her side.

Born May 18, 1959, in St. Mary’s, Pat was the daughter of Elmer and Betty (Heivly) Stengel. She grew up “on the hill” in a family-built pink house in Emporium.

Pat is a 1977 graduate of Cameron County High School, and she attended the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. She served as Township Secretary for Shippen and Roulette Townships for many years.

Pat loved music and attending concerts with her husband Bill. A self-described hippie, Pat could often be found flashing a peace sign while singing and dancing to her favorite songs. She also enjoyed gardening and loved animals, especially her cats and dog Whitman.

Gloria M. Wright, 80, of Warren, Pa., died Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at her home, after suffering an apparent heart attack. 

She was born June 15, 1943, in Dunkirk, New York.  She was the daughter of Murray R. Cain and Edward and Mildred Cain Wysocki. 

She has been a Warren Co. resident since 1976 and formerly lived in Russell, PA.  Gloria was a 1961 graduate of Dunkirk High School.  She was employed with the Irvine Distribution Center for New Process Company, retiring from there after 25 years of employment. 

Eldred- Alex and Xander Rixford, infant twin boys of Justin Rixford and Brittany Ray, passed away before birth on Saturday (December 16, 2023) at UPMC Cole.

Surviving is one brother; Jacob Ray, two sisters; Lakin Ray and Aurora Rixford, Paternal grandparents Michael Rixford of Eldred, and Bobbie Brawley of Eldred, Maternal grandmother Diane Simar of Emporium, three Aunts; Shannon Rixford, Brandi Rixford and Tiffany Simar.

Memorial contributions may be made to Justin Rixford and Brittany Ray 12 Stateline Rd Ext., Eldred, Pa 16731.

Online condolences may be made at www.framefuneralhome.com

Husband, Father, Grandfather

Steven L. “Cookie” Cook, 70, of 7557 Emerson Road, Wirt, NY passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at Olean General Hospital.

Born on December 29, 1952, in Olean, he was a son of Lawrence C. and Donna J. Peck Cook, Sr.  On October 13, 2001, in Richburg, he married the former Marie A. Dunmire who survives.

He was a graduate of Richburg Central School Class of 1970.  He then enlisted in the United States Army from August 8, 1972 until being honorably discharged on August 8, 1975.  He received the National Defense Service Medal and Marksman Medal for both hand grenades and rifles.

Cookie worked at Dresser Rand with his father for a short period of time, but was a well-known in the logging industry, owning his own business Cooks Logging until his passing.

He was an excellent athlete and was extremely competitive.  He still held several high school records.  He was an avid golfer and played on the town softball league for many years.  He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most of all his family was the most important to him. 

Steve was inducted in the Allegany County Sports Hall of Fame and bowled the first 300 game and first 800 series at Good Times in Olean.  He also had 10/300 games in his bowling career. 

Port Allegany – Patricia A. Harrier, 64, of Austin, PA passed away Wednesday (December 27, 2023) at her home in Austin with family by her side.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Home, Port Allegany, PA