Obituaries

On March 20, 1961 Debbie Lynn was born to Bill and Phyllis (Potter) Gaberseck and was destined to be full of life. A baby girl, with golden hair, she joined older brother, Billy Gaberseck, and then later younger brother, Larry (Mona) Gaberseck, and younger sister, Patty (Jess) Wilson.

Debbie graduated from Coudersport High School in 1979, which was the same year her son, Robert (Abbi) Rossman was born and 5 years later her son Jason (Liz) Rossman added to her family.

On October 22, 1988 she married the love her life, Geoff Mahaley. Together they built their business now known as Mahaley’s Outdoor Power Equipment. In June of 1989 she had her youngest son John (Maureen) Mahaley. Debbie and Geoff enjoyed many years together until November of 2016 when Geoff was called home.

Geraldine M. McDonald, 87, of 37 Fairview Heights, Bradford, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home. 

Born May 17, 1936, in Newark NY, she was a daughter of the late Theodore and Nellie (Wilover) Baker. She was a graduate of Gowanda High School.

On May 26, 1956, she married Glenn C. McDonald who preceded her in death on August 7, 1986.

Gerrie was employed at Loblaws Grocery Store. She was a member of the Greater Bradford Senior Center. 

Adam D. Ginther, 51, of 132 Laurel Lane, Kersey, PA passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Sena Kean Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Smethport.

He was born March 22, 1972, in Olean, NY, son of the late David F. and Marie Gradl Ginther.  He was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1990 and earned his degree in criminal justice from Edinboro University.

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

He was born on January 18, 1963, in Martinez, California, the son of the late John W. and Sandra Treadwell Johnson.  In 1989 John moved to Warren, PA and has resided here since. John married Michelle (Wood) Johnson in Russell, PA on June 27, 1998.

He worked as a diesel mechanic for Regal Trucking, in Ripley, NY.

“Beloved Daughter, Feral Sister, Wild Auntie, and Truest Friend”

Makena Lee “Kenna” Austin, 22, of Shinglehouse, PA tragically passed away with her whole loving family and most prized friends by her side on Friday, October 20, 2023, in Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Born on Thursday, March 15, 2001 in Coudersport, she was a daughter of Douglas R. and Hellen J. Limrick Ryan.

She was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, Class of 2019, Shinglehouse.  An accomplished artist and photographer, Kenna was accepted into the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts juried High School Art Exhibits at St. Bonaventure University when she was a senior in high school. She also made honors in the choir in high school as an alto singer.

After graduation, Kenna worked with her father at XPO Transportation in Olean, NY.  At the time of her passing, she was employed as a machine operator at Morgan AMT in Coudersport.

Edwin F. “Pike” Wittman, 87, of 607 Virginia Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Pinecrest Manor.

He was born August 30, 1936, in St. Marys, son of the late Edwin and Ethel Woods Wittman. 

Pike was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1954, as well as a 1958 graduate of Villanova University.  Pike joined GTE Sylvania after graduation where he served as Plant Controller until retirement. In addition, he taught accounting at Penn State DuBois for several years.   Following retirement, Pike and his brother entered the powdered metal industry by opening Elk Metals. 

On August 17, 1957, in the Sacred Heart Church, Pike married Sallie A. Fox, who survives.

Smethport – Beatrice D. Banks, 78, of Rew, passed away unexpectedly, on Saturday (October 21, 2023) at at her residence.

She was born October 31, 1944 in Port Allegany, the daughter of Lyle Rees and Martha (Raymer) Rees. On July 16, 1965, in the Bolivar Run Baptist Church, she married Ralph A. Banks, who survives.

She was a graduate of Smethport High School and was a homemaker, tending to the needs of her family.

David J. Smith, 60, of Ridgway, PA passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 following a lengthy illness.

A Memorial Service David Smith will be celebrated on Tuesday, October  24, 2023, at 5:00 PM at Hallton Bible Training Center, 657 Evergreen Drive, Ridgway, PA 15853.

Susan O. MOYER, 70, of Genesee, PA, died Friday, October 20, 2023 in Maple City Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Hornell, NY.  

Born April 9, 1953, in Germantown, she was the daughter of Paul and Mary Geovjian Okoorian.  On June 26, 1980, in Cheltenham, she married William N. “Bill” Moyer, who predeceased her on August 12, 2021.  

A 1972 graduate of Bensalem High School, she earned a degree in urban planning from Penn State University in 1976.  She was employed by Potter County Human Services as a school mentor in the Austin Area School District.  She was also a facilitator for the Big Brother Big Sister program in various schools prior to working at Human Services.  

Susan served as Genesee Township Secretary for several years.  

Edwin F. “Pike” Wittman, 87, of 607 Virginia Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Pinecrest Manor. 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home.

Adam D. Ginther, 51, of 132 Laurel Lane, Kersey, PA passed away unexpectedly Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Sena Kean Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. 

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

Stuart L. LAMPMAN, 72, of Macedon, NY, formerly of Harrison Valley, PA, died Friday, October 20, 2023 in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester.  

Born August 8, 1951, in Harrison Valley, he was the son of Truman K. and Audrey L. Hand Lampman.  On January 24, 1981, in Mills Union Church, Mills, PA, he married the former Sherrel A. Kotvis, who survives.  

Stuart logged with his father for five years and was employed by Electri-Cord in Westfield for 22 years and Metamora in Elkland for 11 years.  

Makena Lee “Kenna” Austin, 22, of Shinglehouse, PA tragically passed away with her entire loving family and her most prized friends by her side on Friday, October 20, 2023, in Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

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.

Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother

Mona W. Pettit, 85, of 9367 Watts Road, Cuba, NY passed away with her loving husband and family by her side on Friday, October 20, 2023 at Cuba Memorial Hospital after a short illness.

Born on September 9, 1938, in Knights Creek, she was a daughter of Gerald and Ernestine Cornish Walden.  On February 11, 1957, in High Point, North Carolina, she married her husband of 66 years, Robert C. Pettit, who survives.

Mona was the Valedictorian of Rushford Central Schools Class of 1957.  She had worked at Whites Flower Shop in Cuba, Cuba Cylinder Gas Company, and later purchased the Cuba Dress Shop selling clothing until its closing in 1982.  She then worked for Unscolinen & Co., but retired in 2001 from the Cuba Pennysaver.

John P. DUNN, 76, of Ulysses, PA, died Saturday, October 21, 2023 in Heritage Springs Memory Care, Muncy.  

Born March 18, 1947, in Seven Bridges, Coudersport, he was the son of Donald Robert and Pruella Edith Toombs Dunn. He was married to the former Honey Rounds Scott, who predeceased him on June 6, 2023.  

He was a 1966 graduate of Northern Potter High School.  A Vietnam Veteran, he served honorably with the U.S. Army from 1966 – 1968.  He was employed by the Northern Potter School District for 20 years and by National Fuel for 25 years.  

John was a member of the Ulysses Free Methodist Church, Carl E. Hyde American Legion Post #963, and the Tri-Town Volunteer Fire Company.  

Susan O. MOYER, 70, of Genesee, PA, died Friday, October 20, 2023 in Maple City Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Hornell, NY.  

Friends may call at Sacred Heart Church, Genesee, on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00 AM.  

A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  

Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Harlan R. Lindsay, 91, of Annin Creek Road, Turtlepoint, PA passed away Thursday (Oct. 19, 2023) in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.

He was born Oct. 21, 1931, in Wellsville, N.Y., a son of Gernell F. and Fay D. McNeil Lindsay. On Dec. 24, 1953, in Port Allegany, he married Cynthia M. Reese, who survives. They were married 69 years.

Harlan was a longtime self-employed dairy farmer, had worked for Annin Township for 15 years, and most recently, employed with G.L. Carlson Inc., Turtlepoint, before his retirement.

Alice “Dolly” Lepold Burgett, 82, born February 13, 1941, in Buffalo, NY passed away on Friday, October 20, 2023.

She was the daughter of Edna B. (Austin) and Henry A. Lepold. She married Dana Burgett in July 1961.

Alice Retired from Motor Coil in Emporium, PA. She was a member of Austin VFW and The Sinnemahoning Sportsmen’s Club. Her greatest love in life was riding the Harley with her husband and spoiling her grandkids and great-great-granddaughter.

Gerald “Jerry” Rice, 69, of Wellsboro, PA passed away Friday, October 20 at UPMC Susquehanna in Williamsport. 

He was born December 24, 1953, in Wellsboro, the son of Ralph and Margaret “Peg” (Cooney) Rice, and graduated from Mansfield High School. 

Jerry was a maintenance worker for Tioga County.  He married Lisa Borden in March of 1993, with whom he shared 30 years of marriage. 

He was a member of the Tioga County Historical Society, and a long-time member of the Wellsboro Fire Department. 

“beloved wife, mom, and Mimom”

COUDERSPORT, Pa.—In loving memory of Barbara J. (McCloud) Neefe, who was born in Port Allegany on June 24, 1950, to Carl D. and Sarah E. Houpt McCloud. She was a remarkable soul who graced this world until to her final moments on October 18, 2023. Barb’s life was a beautiful tapestry of love, laughter, and the joy she spread among those lucky enough to know her.

On December 26,1970, she married the hunk next door, Richard C. Neefe III, her devoted husband of nearly 53 years. She was a lifelong Coudersport resident, where she raised her family and ran her business.  

Barb was a devoted mother to her three children, Amber, Kristin, and Richard. Her love for them knew no bounds, and she took immense pride in watching them grow and succeed. She was not just a mother; she was their biggest cheerleader, confidante, and a source of unwavering support.  Some of her favorite Mimom moments were picking up seashells, “butts in the air”, with Carson and Madison along the beach.  

For over 30 years, Barb was the proud owner of a beloved beauty shoppe, where she touched the lives of countless clients, not just with her scissors, but with her kindness and compassion.

Loving Father and Grandfather

Jerry L. Garmong, 69, of 16 High Street, Friendship, NY passed away October 18, 2023 at home after a lengthy illness.

Born on July 14, 1954, in Cuba, he was a son of George and Florence Hull Garmong. 

Jerry was a graduate of Friendship Central School, Class of 1972.  While in high school, he enjoyed playing soccer, basketball, and baseball.  He later graduated from St. Bonaventure University with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. 

For 31 years, he worked for Allegany County in the Employment and Training Department, the last 11 of which he served as the Executive Director.

Stuart L. LAMPMAN, 72, of Ontario, NY, formerly of Harrison Valley, PA, died Friday, October 20, 2023 in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester.  Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

David C. Burton, 73, of 97 Marion Ave. Bradford, passed away Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Olean General Hospital.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Kenneth “Kenny” Kneidel, 61, of St. Marys passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Thursday, October 19, 2023, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer.

He is survived by his parents, Gladys and Jack Kneidel; two daughters, Rachael (Adam) Brink, and Kathleen Kneidel; two grandchildren, Owen and Quinn Brink; life partner, Sandy Eckert; four siblings, Ralph (Janine) Kneidel, Marsha (Guy) Zahumensky, Alan (Shannon) Kneidel, and John (Kara) Kneidel; eight nieces and nephews, Amanda Zahumensky, Samantha Cunningham, Nick Kneidel, Isabella Kneidel, Luke Kneidel, Gina Kneidel, John Kneidel, and Mitchell Kneidel; and his partner’s children who were just like family, Gina (Jim) Brem and Kurt (Ashley) Eckert, and their daughter, Charley. He is preceded in death by his nephew Timothy Zahumensky.

Kenny was born on October 7, 1962 in St. Marys, PA. He graduated from Elk County Christian High School in 1980 and worked at Osram Sylvania for most of his career.

He enjoyed the outdoors, whether it was golfing, doing yard work, shooting trap and skeet, splitting wood, or just spending time outside at home. There was no harder worker than Kenny and he took great pride in the tasks he undertook. Perhaps the true reflection of his work ethic was the way he made his house into an inviting home. For Kenny, his house was a labor of love, and it reflected his character – resilient, hardworking, and filled with a sense of pride in everything he did.

John R. “Jack” Reese, age 83, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.  He was born on November 10, 1939 in Wellsboro, PA a son of the late Leonard and Ruth (Rexford) Reese and was married for 62 years to Victorene “Vicky” (Thornton) Reese. 

Jack was formerly employed by Taynton Freight System, Wellsboro, PA, for over 20 years and then worked at Ralph’s Ford in Mansfield, PA.  He was a Charter member of the Ironheads Motorcycle Club and a member of Hillside Rod & Gun Club and the Arnot Sportsmen’s Club and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. 

Livio J. Morelli, 91, of Ridgway, PA passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

He was born on April 18, 1932, in Weedville, a son of the late Arturo and Secondina Flaim Morelli.

After attending Bennetts Valley Schools, he proudly served his country during the Korean conflict, after achieving the rank of sergeant, he was honorably discharged. He returned to Elk County and began a career as a skilled butcher, starting at Veronesi’s Market in Force, PA. He continued in the butcher business at The Center Market in Ridgway, where he met the love of his life Joan “Jennie” Viglione, who survives, their blessed marriage for 67 years. Together they successfully ran a prosperous business, Morelli’s Meat Market, serving the community for over 25 years.

Shirley Frances Palmatier Crone, 96, life long resident of Eldred, passed away Thursday (October 19, 2023) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.

She was born April 9, 1927 in Betula, PA, the daughter of Roy Palmatier and Ina Stiles Palmatier Ford. On December 12, 1957, in Eldred, PA, she married Mark Crone, who died October 8, 2004.

Shirley was a graduate of Eldred High School and was the dental assistant for Dr. John Welch, DDS in Eldred for many, many years. 

Virginia Grace Wynick, age 88 of Westfield passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Sena Kean Manor in Smethport. 

Born December 31, 1934, she was the only child of Frank and Anna (Gursky) Warmus.  She married Kenneth J. “Sarge” Wynick in 1956 and they shared 60 years together until his passing on March 10, 2016. 

Virginia liked to crochet, knit and sew and in her younger years, she was an avid bowler.  She was a member of the St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, the Altar and Rosary Society and the TOPS Weight loss group. 

Anthony (Tony) Paul Mihalko, 63, of Tiona, PA., died peacefully with his family at his side, after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. 

He was born February 21, 1960.  He was the son of the late Sandra Jordan Mihalko Reynolds and Anthony J. Mihalko of Cherry Creek, New York.  Tony was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He loved being out in the woods.  He spent many years working on his home and land, creating a peaceful place to call home.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren and taught them both how to fish.  He enjoyed spending time at home with his dog, Casey, listening to his stereo at full blast. 

He will always be remembered for his strength, kind heart, and the jokes he told that always had everyone laughing until tears rolled down their faces. 

Anthony (Tony) Paul Mihalko, 63, Tiona, Pa., died peacefully Wednesday evening, October 18, 2023, at his residence with his family at his side.

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