Robert Joseph Wilhelm, 77, of Coudersport, passed away on July 12, 2023, at his home. Robert was born on February 1, 1946, in New London, OH, the son of the late Milton and Helen (Wideman) Wilhelm. He was the husband of the former Patricia Lee Ringwalt who preceded him in death on October 18, 2019.
A celebration of Robert’s life will be held Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 12:00 pm at Gospel Tabernacle, 420 US 6, Coudersport. A private committal was held in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions in Robert’s name be made to the Gospel Tabernacle, 420 US 6, Coudersport, PA 16915. The family has entrusted Robert’s arrangements to the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East St., Coudersport. To share a memory or condolence visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
Robert V. Howard, 80, of 110 Wehler Road, St. Marys, passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Snyder Memorial Health Care Center in Marienville, after an illness of the past year.
Bob was born May 3, 1943, in Kane, son of the late Leonard and Wilna Hitchcock Howard. He was a graduate of Kane High School, Class of 1961, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, earning his Metallurgy Degree, and continued his studies with Penn State University.
Bob was instrumental in the growth of the powdered metal industry in the region. In 1972, he founded Exotic Metals and served as President until the early 1990s. He earned the Distinguished Service to Powdered Metallurgy by the Powdered Metal Industry Federation in 2005.
Bob served multiple terms as mayor for both the Borough of Ridgway and the City of St. Marys. Among other accomplishments, Bob led the effort to have the Boot Jack by-pass built after numerous tractor trailer accidents in Ridgway. He was an Eagle Scout, a member of the Elk County Underwater Recovery and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed both fishing and hunting, as well as an avid Penn State University football fan.
On May 28, 1989, in Hawaii, Bob married Margaret A. “Peggy” Jackson, who survives. They were blessed to share 34 years of marriage.
He is also survived by his son, Dean S. Howard (Chrissy) of Greensburg; three step-daughters: Jennifer Myers (Dave) of Union City, Amy Provenzo (Curt) of Fairport, NY, and Anne Jackson (Shawn Anthony) of St. Marys; 10 grandchildren: Maggie Howard, Lauren Howard, Cameron Howard, Alec Myers, Brooke Myers, Claire Provenzo, Jackson Provenzo, Michael Provenzo, Carter Redmond, and Landyn Anthony; one great-grandson, Sullivan Howard; two nephews; and by two sisters-in-law: Mary Kay Votano of Houston, TX and Betsy Olmstead of Smethport.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his son, Donald Howard, and by his brother, Fred Howard.
A funeral service will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home at a later date and time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Snyder Memorial Health Care Center, 156 Snyder Memorial Road, Marienville, PA 16239.
The Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.
Margaret M. Groll, 91, of 129 Sara Road, St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Penn Highlands Elk.
She was born March 18, 1932, in St. Marys, daughter of the late John and Isabella Raffeinner Buerk. She was a lifelong resident of St. Marys and was instrumental in the family business at Groll’s Disposal.
On August 2, 1950, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, she married the late, Alexander M. “Doc” Groll, who preceded her in death on March 13, 2020. They shared their lives together for close to 70 years in marriage.
Margaret is survived by a daughter, Phyllis Ford of St. Marys; a son, James Groll (Anita) of St. Marys; a daughter-in-law, Mary Groll-Clelland (Scott) of St. Marys; eight grandchildren: Jeanette Groll-Leckey, Eric Groll (Jeanie), Allan Groll (Erin), Kevin Groll (Jessie), Ronald Ford (Shari), Lisa Hill (Brandon), Steven Groll, and Sierra Groll (Cody); 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters: Monica Ludwig, Rita Hice, and Gloria Cummings; a brother, Philip Erich; by numerous nieces, nephews, and longtime family friend, Sam Shefcyk of St. Marys.
In addition to her husband and parents, Margaret was preceded in death by three sons: Steven, David, and in infancy, Larry Groll; two grandsons: Martin Alexander Ford and Shawn Leckey; a son-in-law, Ronald Ford; seven sisters: Theresa Poland, Carol Erich, Agnes Cataldo, Dorothy Leonberg, Sabina Kidd, Genevieve Ruehl, and Sarah Daniels; and four brothers: Erhard Buerk, Gilbert Buerk, Joseph Buerk, and James Erich.
Margaret was a parishioner of Queen of the World Church. She enjoyed Bingo, gambling at the casino, and loved to travel especially with her husband, Doc. She enjoyed baking pies and everyone always loved her coconut cream pies. Above everything else, she cherished her time spent with her family and friends.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in the Queen of the World Church on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 10:00 AM, celebrated by Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
There will be no visitation.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com
Laura Minerva Fragale, age 80 of Brighton, Colorado passed away on August 10, 2023, following a lengthy illness, at the Colliger Hospice Center, Wheatridge, Colorado.
She was born on July 10, 1943 a daughter of the late Carl and Lena (Verbeck) Beldin of Sterling Run, PA. She married Terry Fragale on August 24, 1979.
She is survived by her husband, Terry Fragale of Brighton, Colorado; a son, Richard Grasser of Kersey, PA; three daughters, Pamela Franklin of Richburg, NY; Patricia See of Todd Creek, Co, and Joanne Pearson, of Emporium, Pa; several grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Larry, “Tinker” Beldin, Vernon “Joe” Beldin, and Edward “Butch” Beldin along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents; three brothers, Calvin Daugherty; Elmer ”Jr” Beldin and Harry Beldin.
Laura attended Cameron County School District. She was employed at Sylvania Electric and later at Zippo in Bradford, Pa. Laura was a very good, self taught, interior decorator and antique Upholsterer.
A prayer service will be held at the Barnett Funeral Home, Emporium, PA on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 10 AM. Internment will follow at the Moore Hill Cemetery.
Sherry L. Simon, 53, of State Street, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, following a brief illness.
She was born on October 13, 1969 in St. Marys, a daughter of Joyce Reed Simon, who survives.
Sherry was a lifelong resident of the area and member of the Methodist Church. She graduated from St. Marys Area High School, class of 1991. Over the years, Sherry was very active with and enjoyed participating in the Special Olympics, especially swimming and track and field.
Shae A. Ebner, age 28 of Rochester, NY, passed away on Saturday August 26, 2023 in Austin, PA.
He was born on March 16, 1995 in Warsaw, NY a son to Dawn M. (Herbert) Ebner and John C. Ebner.
Shae was a 2013 graduate of Letchworth Central High School. He attended Keuka College and transferred to Finger Lake Community College where he received his bachelor’s degree in Music, and Sound Engineering.
He was employed by Iatse 25 Union in Rochester where he worked as a Stage Hand Rigger. Shae was a drummer in several local bands, The Domino King Band, Herbal Tonic and Faukai. He had a great love for music, a passion for living everyday to the fullest.
He was known for his hugs, infectious smile and having the kindest soul. He enjoyed playing basketball, soccer, hiking, bike riding and cooking. His favorite things in life were his family, friends, music and the love of his nephew Colter.
Michael A. Hoza, 85, of Galeton, PA, passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at UPMC Susquehanna, Williamsport, PA.
Born September 30, 1937, in Wilpen, PA, he was a son of the late Steven and Mary (Fendorak) Hoza. On August 19, 1961, at St. Bibiana’s Catholic Church in Galeton, he married the former Marial Purdy, who survives.
Mike graduated from Lock Haven State Teacher’s College and then taught math and driver’s education at the Galeton Area School District for 35 years.
Victor E. KIENITZ, 93, of Hot Springs, SD, died Monday, August 21, 2023 at Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville, NY.
Born December 10, 1929, in Smithwick, SD, he was the son of Henry and Phyllis Buoey Kienitz.
A hard-working farm boy and beloved brother, Victor enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 18. After basic training, he was sent to Camp Lee in Virginia for shoe repair school, which eventually sent him to work in Okinawa in the fall of 1949 until the fall of 1951.
Mother and Grandmother Pauline L. Comes, 94, of Cuba, NY passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Cuba Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness.
Born on February, 20, 1929, in Olean, she was a daughter of John and Hazel Gore Dutton. On June 5, 1949, in Olean, she married Clair Comes who predeceased her.
She attended Olean High School. She later graduated from Olean Business Institute with a Medical Secretarial Degree, Alfred State with a degree in Medical Record Studies, and later from Jamestown Community College in Olean with an Associates in Arts.
She worked several places in Olean but spent a number of years at Park and Shop in Olean while also owning her own sewing shop.
Leon W. Piurkoski, Jr., 76, of Park Avenue, Ridgway, PA passed away at his home on Sunday, August 27, 2023, with his family by his side following a lengthy illness.
He was born on June 15, 1947 in Ridgway, a son of the late Leon Piurkoski, Sr. and Darlene Fischer Piurkoski.
On July 11, 1970, at St. Leo’s Church, he married Christine “Chris” DeGroat Piurkoski, who survives. Together they were blessed with more than 53 years of marriage.
Douglas K. ROBBINS, 92, of Westfield, PA, died Saturday, August 26, 2023.
Born April 16, 1931, in Corning, NY, he was the son of Clair and Eva Swan Robbins. On November 24, 1967, in Harrison Valley, he married the former Kathryn E. White, who survives.
A Korean War Veteran, he served honorably with the U.S. Army from 1952 – 56. He was employed by Eberle Tannery and Westfield Tanning Company. Doug loved to hunt and fish.
Ernest “Skipper” HARRISON, Jr., 74, of Wellsville, NY, died Tuesday, August 22, 2023 in his home.
Born October 11, 1948, in New York, NY, he was the son of Ernest and Ella Cocherham Harrison.
A Vietnam War Veteran, he served honorably with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1968 – 1970. He was employed as an engineer by Consolidated Edison in New York, from where he retired. He was also a pilot for Delta Airlines.
Surviving are: a daughter, Latonya Harrison of Atlanta, GA; a son, Derrick B. Workman-Harrison of Greensboro, NC; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; a sister, Ernestine Harrison of Bronx; nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Arnold Harrison.
Interment will be in Bath National Cemetery.
Cremation was at OLNEY-FOUST Private Crematory.
Memorials may be made to any veteran service organization.
Arrangements are under the direction of OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
Karen L. (Warren) Clark, 82, formerly of Wellsboro, PA passed away Saturday August 26, 2023, at Manor Care North in Williamsport.
She was born October 15, 1940, in Wellsboro, to Kenneth and Flossie (Murray) Warren.
Karen earned her associate degree and worked as an RN at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital in Wellsboro. She was Catholic and attended widows retreats with her sister. Karen was an avid reader who read all the time, and enjoyed walking.
BATH, N.Y.–Bernard J. Zawrotny, 87, of Bath, NY passed away August 2, 2023 at the Corning Hospital.
Born May 24, 1936 to John and Marie (Gronski) Zawrotny, Bernie graduated from Haverling High School in 1953 and Oswego State College in 1957 with a B.S. He earned his Masters at the University of Vermont.
He served 6 months active duty in the Army and 8 years in the reserves. He then taught industrial arts at Corning Free Academy, West High School, and over 26 years more at Lakeland High School in Westchester County where he taught electronics and computers. He was instrumental in helping to implement the computer program there. He also was an advisor for the ski club and enjoyed ski trips to Europe.
Michael J. Pontzer, 64, of Kersey, PA passed away unexpectedly Friday, August 25, 2023 at his residence.
He was born October 15, 1958, in St. Marys, son of the late Mark P. and Marie J. Carino Pontzer. Michael was a lifelong resident of Kersey, a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1977, and a retired employee of Straub Brewery.
Mary Frances Sipko, 89, formerly of 54 Bates Road, Bradford, PA passed away Thursday, August 10, 2023, at her residence in North Carolina.
Born February 28, 1934, in Mt. Alton, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Lauretta M. (Ryan) Perry.
She graduated from Salamanca High School in 1952, and later attended the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, before graduating from Jamestown Community College with a degree in Nursing.
Mary worked as a Registered Nurse at Bradford Hospital for over 25 years. At the time of retirement, she was the Pre-Admissions Testing Coordinator.
Robert V. Howard, 80, of Wehler Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Snyder Memorial Health Care Center, following a lengthy illness.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.
Shirley A. Raub passed away August 25, 2023 in Niagara Hospice House.
Born May 18, 1937 in Wayland, NY, she was the daughter of Richmond and Evelyn (Drake) Dean.
She worked for Durham Staffing in Depew, NY and was a member of the Cheektowaga Rotary Club where she was a past president. Shirley sang in “Sweet Adeline’s” for many years, enjoyed their home in Galeton, PA and their cottage in Rushford, NY, and also loved fishing in Canada.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Thomas A. Raub; sons, Scott (Lori) Walters and Zane Raub; granddaughters, Alyssa Zuch and Heather Raub; siblings, Paul (Sharon) Dean and Denise (Douglas) Dean; also several nieces, nephews and her beloved cat, Fluffy. She was predeceased by her brother, Richard Dean.
Relatives and friends may call on Thursday, August 31, 2023 from 5-7 PM at the Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Galeton and on Friday, September 1, 2023 from 10-11 AM at the Pine Creek Valley Church in Gaines, PA. A Funeral Service will follow at 11 AM with the Rev. Frank Billman officiating. Interment will be in West Hill Cemetery, Galeton.
Charles W. Runyan Jr., 75, of 104 S. Main Street, Belfast, NY passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at Olean General Hospital after a lengthy illness.
Born on October 6, 1947, in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, he was a son of Charles W. and Geneva Caldwell Runyan, Sr. On June 11, 1983 in Cuba, he married the former Sue L. Weatherly who survives.
Charles was last employed as a laborer for Peterson Roofing in Olean prior to his retirement.
He enjoyed tinkering on cars and transporting the local Amish families in the area.
Surviving in addition to his wife Sue are 3 daughters, Michele Runyan of Portville, Tiffany (Jr.) Thornes of Rochester and Colleen Runyan of Wellsville; 3 grandchildren, Justin, Arianna, and Olivia; a sister, Bonnie Stojek of Binghamton; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother Raymond Runyan.
Memorial Visitation will be held at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street Cuba, on Monday, August 28, 2023 from 4-6 P.M.
Burial will be in Eulalia Cemetery, Coudersport Pennsylvania.
Marjorie S. Colbert, 94, of Warren, Pa, formerly of Wadsworth, Ohio, died on Friday, August 18, 2023, in the Warren Manor.
She was born in Kent, Ohio, on February 21, 1929, the daughter of the late Norman and Ruth Weiss. Marjorie was graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School in Kent, Ohio. She was a secretary for Ohio Injector Co. and then worked as an Administrative Secretary for the University of Akron.
Marjorie was a tournament Euchre player, and one of the luckiest bingo players ever. She loved to cook and spend time with her family and grandchildren.
William A. Blum, 89, of Warren, PA., died Thursday afternoon, August 24, 2023, at Kinzua Valley Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Warren, PA.
William was born July 21, 1934, in Warren, PA. He was raised in Stoneham, PA. where he was one of fourteen sibilings, and was a lifelong Warren area resident. He was a graduate of Warren Area High School Class of 1952. He had served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving in Alaska as a Private First Class.
When he came home from the service, he was employed with Warren Car Company and then went to work as a Firefighter for the City of Warren Fire Department for 25 years and worked part-time with the Warren County Sherriff Office as a prison guard. He had also did logging work with the John Young Logging Company.
Phyllis Hamler, 92, of Warren, PA., died peacefully in her sleep at the home of her son’s, on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.
She was born October 27, 1930, in Rimersburg, Clarion County, PA. Phyllis was the daughter of Ira and Winifred Johnston Dunkle. She has resided in Warren since 1964 and was formerly of Brookville, PA. Phyllis was a graduate of Rimersburg High School. She was employed with G.T.E. Sylvania working in the Brookville and Warren plants, retiring after many years’ employment.
Cindy L. Nollinger, 69, of Warren, PA, died Thursday, August 24, 2023, at St. Vincent Healthcare Center-AHN, Erie, PA., after an illness of the past 2 weeks.
She was born May 20, 1954, in Warren, PA. Cindy was the daughter of Eugene Reynolds and Jean Lackey Mangine.
She was employed with North American Phillips, Lorangers and G.T.E. Sylvania.
Rachel Holly Spencer Roberts, 108, formerly of Bradford
Living niece, Sandy Postlewait, great niece, Pam Redmond, and great nephew, Mike Postlewait and their families of Port Allegany
Monday morning June 19, our dear mother, grandmother, great grandmother and mother-in-law died peacefully in her sleep at care center Maria Oord in Vinkeveen, The Netherlands. She had been living nearby in Abcoude with her daughter Sally Montoya for several years.
Rachel was born December 30,1914, in Bradford, PA, the second youngest of seven children of Edwin and Susie Belle (Washburn) Holly.
In her 108 years, Rachel was witness to many historic events. One of her first memories was of her father waking her up to watch the fireworks at the end of World War I. She watched how proudly her mother dressed in her Sunday best to vote for the very first time after the 19th amendment was passed in 1920. She also claimed to have seen the very first Zippo lighter when its inventor wandered into her workplace in Bradford, PA to show off his windproof lighter.
Betty Alexander Hill, 83 of Warren, PA, passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at her residence, Watson Memorial Home, Warren, PA., after an extended illness.
She was born June 1, 1940 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Robert and Margaret Beckenbach Alexander. She had resided in Cleveland, MS for 26 years before moving back to Warren and was a former resident of Gouverneur, NY for 9 years.
She was a 1958 honor graduate of Warren High School and attended SUNY at Buffalo and Delta State University at Cleveland, MS.
