Obituaries

Kennth James Vogt, Sr., 70, of St. Marys, PA passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 with his wife and brother, Dale, by his side at Jefferson Manor following complications with Alzheimer’s.

Ken was born on October 21, 1953 in St. Marys, the fourth son of late Robert “Fish” and Joyce Wehler Vogt.

On June 18, 1977 Ken married his sweetheart and wife of more than 46 years, Geraldine Donachy Vogt.

He was a 1973 graduate of Elk County Christian High School. Ken was an avid Steeler fan and enjoyed spending time in nature. He was a multi-talented athlete of baseball, softball, karate, bowling, and golf. He loved the outdoors, animals, sports, and his family. He enjoyed umpiring and working with kids.

John L. “Jack” Green, 86, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, after a brief illness.

Jack was born on May 12, 1937, in Philipsburg, PA to the late Charles Leroy “Roy” Green and Bertha Seabolt Green. He graduated from BCI High School in 1955 and received his degree in education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He returned to BCI as a teacher, where he met his future wife, Rosemarie.

Dean R. Holmes, 79, of Farmersville, NY went home to his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Buffalo General Hospital surrounded by his family.

Born on June 5, 1944 in Franklinville, he was a son of Elwyn and Helen Tarbell Holmes.  On October 5, 1968, in Rushford, he married the former Susan E. Clark, who survives.  After marriage they moved to Farmersville where he resided until his passing.

He was graduate of Franklinville Central Schools Class of 1962 and worked with his father on the Holmes Dairy Farm and after losing his parents he continued to manage the Farm until 2011 when he retired.  He was proud that his daughter Bridget joined him in working on the family farm.

Dean was active in the community, attending the Farmersville Center Community Church where he served in several capacities including trustee.  He also was a member of the Farmersville Fire Department until his death, he and his wife provided the firemen with their needs on fire scenes. 

He was especially proud to receive the 100-year Century Farm Award for farming continuously for 100 years. 

Albert O. Rhodes, 35, of 8566 County Rd., Clarksville, NY passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at home.

Born on May 4, 1988, in Belfast, he was a son of Robert L. Rhodes and Theresa J. Dutton Rhodes.

Albert loved racing, hunting, animals, spending time with family and hanging out in the garage with family and friends.

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

Born December 24, 1959, in Adrian Hospital, Punxsutawney, he was the son of Robert and Rose Mary Johnston Anderson.  

A 1977 graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, a Master of Science in Chemistry from Penn State University, a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY, and his teaching certificate from Clarion University.  

On August 18, 1979, in Punxsutawney, he married his high school sweetheart, Melanie Copenhaver, who survives. They celebrated 44 years of marriage this past August.  

Rob was a beloved pastor of multiple churches during his lifetime in Franklin, Galeton, Ulysses, and Genesee.  He was currently serving as pastor of the Ulysses Methodist Church and Genesee Community Church.  Rob would often say that his teaching career supported his preaching habit as he was an adored chemistry teacher for Coudersport High School in Coudersport.  He loved to read, learn, teach, and mentor. 

Michael Eric Barber, of Buffalo, NY passed in his sleep Thursday (Nov. 28, 2023), one day shy of his 61st birthday.

Michael was born in Cuba on Nov. 29, 1962, and spent most of his life in the Allegany County area of Western New York. The son of Odis Lee Barber Sr. and Eunice Julia Barber, he was raised in Friendship.

As a youth, he was a star athlete in baseball, soccer and basketball, winning multiple awards.

After graduating Friendship Central High School in 1981, he pursued a career in the armed forces, serving in the Special Forces Division of the U.S. Army. Private First Class (PFC) Barber will have a full military salute as a part of his homegoing services.

He was a lifelong member of the Friendship Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Friendship.

Kenneth J. Vogt, Sr., 70, of Queens Road, St. Marys, PA passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

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

Portville- Walter B. Atkinson, passed away Sunday (December 3, 2023) at his home on Goss Avenue, Portville, NY after a long illness.

Walt was born June 9, 1928, in Vineland, N.J., he was the son of the late William A. and Marion Ellis Atkinson. On December 8, 1951, he married the former Lois D. Bowker, who predeceased him on July 23, 2016.

Walt was a 1946 graduate of Athens Area High School, Athens P.A. He attended college in Rochester at the Rochester Business Institute, and Kings College in New Castle, DE. Walt worked for Cutco/Alcas in Olean.

He worked at the Hamlin Bank in Eldred, PA., as bank President, and as Manager for the First National Bank in Portville, he also worked in the Olean bank. He worked in accounting at Acme Electric in Cuba.

Nancy Ellen Campbell MacDonell, 95, of Bolivar, NY passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023 after a lengthy illness. 

Nancy was born May 23, 1928 in the Cuba hospital, Cuba, New York and was a daughter of late Edward M. and Kathryn Elizabeth Sherwood Campbell.

Nancy married Robert Malcolm MacDonell on November 15, 1947.  They were married 65 years when Bob passed away on June 18, 2013

Nancy was a graduate of Bolivar Central Schools Class of 1946.  She then attended Alfred University.

She enjoyed working in retail for over 30 years and was an election inspector for the Town and Village of Bolivar for over 30 years.

Murray Martin Peterson, 79, of Russell, PA., died at his residence, Monday, December 4, 2023. 

He was born December 6, 1943, in Jamestown, New York.  He was the son of Murray H. and Viola M. Martin Peterson.  Murray was a lifelong Warren area resident.  He was a 1961 graduate of Northern Area High School.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in education from the California University of Pennsylvania. 

Murray was employed as a woodshop schoolteacher with the Warren County School District, teaching at Beaty Jr. High School and Warren Area High School, retiring in 1994, after 32 years teaching.  After retirement, he went to work with the Warren County Assessment office and worked his family farm. Murray was a member of the Stateline Draft Horse Club, and Carroll Lodge 1147 Free and Accepted Masons. 

Murray was a former Volunteer Fireman with the Russell Volunteer Fire Department.  He had served as a board member of the Warren County Fair, where he was instrumental in making sitting benches, constructing the Band Aid Barn, building Fort Williams, and building dressing rooms in the old Cornplanter Pavilion. Murray enjoyed pitching horseshoes and bowling. He loved woodworking and his horses. He made patterns for the Boy Scouts of America to make benches with.

John R. Osborne, 80, of 24 Hedgehog Hollow, Bradford, PA passed away Tuesday, December 5th, 2023, at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. 

Born June 4th, 1943, in Bradford Hospital, he was a son of the late J. Russell and Elizabeth W. (Carr) Osborne.

A 1961 graduate of Bradford Area High School, he went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in history from High Point University. He always remembered his time at High Point fondly joined by childhood friends and fellow alumni Chuck Schreiber and Richard McDowell.

On October 28, 1968, in Elkton MD, he married Rosemary (Harris) Osborne who survives. 

After a brief employment with the Public Assistance Office, John joined the Pennsylvania National Guard. While serving his country, he was employed at the family owned W. R. Case & Sons and ultimately Vice President of Manufacturing for the cutlery company his Great Uncle Russ founded. He later became a small business owner himself of office supplies and culminating in Copy Connection, a Xerox sales franchise he co-owned with his lifetime friend Colin Heron.

John L. “Jack” Green, 86, of Warren, PA, died on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, in Warren General Hospital.

Family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 pm Monday, December 11, 2023, at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East St. Warren, PA. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 pm in the funeral home.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available.

The family and friends of Thomas A. Krise, Sr. are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in the St. Boniface Church on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 10:00AM with Rev. Kevin Holland, Pastor, officiating.  Burial will follow in Ridge Cemetery in Kersey.

Joyce E. Cherry, 92, of 706 Bridge Street Johnsonburg, PA passed away early Tuesday afternoon, December 5, 2023 at Penn Highlands-Dubois following a short illness.

She was born on April 22, 1931 in Johnsonburg, a daughter to the late Chet and Florence Nagle Nortum. On November 26, 1949, she married Joseph A. Cherry and he survives. 

A lifelong resident of Johnsonburg, Joyce was 1948 graduate of Johnsonburg High School and was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. Joyce loved spending time with her family and tending her flower and vegetable gardens. She and her husband loved to travel and play cards. She was an excellent bowler and loved to do crossword puzzles and enjoyed reading her family bible.

Joyce had worked at Sylvania in Emporium for 15 years and she, along with her husband, owned and operated the Blue Jay Bar and Grill in Johnsonburg for 10 years.  

Constance S. “Connie” Kandare, 63, of Big Run, formerly of Smethport, PA passed away Sunday (Dec. 3, 2023) at her home.

She was born July 25, 1960, to the late Norman and Lucille (Brady) Seger in Punxsutawney.

Connie was a graduate of Port Allegany High School in 1978. Connie owned the Cottage House Restaurant in Smethport. She mainly worked in the restaurant industry most of her life. Connie moved to Big Run in 2012 to be closer to family.

Daniel Howard, 71, of Route 6 west of Mt. Jewett, PA passed away Monday morning (Dec. 4) at his residence.  

Born Dec. 6, 1951 in Kane, he is the son of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Degolier) Howard.  On Nov. 8, 1986, in Ridgway, he married Cheryl Mecca, who survives.

Dan graduated from Smethport High School and worked as a Plant Manager at Howes Leather, until it’s closing.  He then worked for Brian Sees.  He was also a Life Member of the Mt. Jewett Volunteer Fire Dept.

Rita Ann Kent, 79, of 5 Fullerton Road, Derrick City, PA passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Born January 30, 1944, in Jamestown, NY, she was a daughter of the late James and Kathrine (Cardy) DeMuro.

Rita was a 1962 graduate of Jamestown High School and later graduated from Continental Beauty School in Olean, NY.

On May 11, 1966, in Jamestown NY, she married Ronald E. Kent who survives.

Rita was a beautician for many years, and prior to her retirement worked as a CNA at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Murray M. Peterson, 79, of Russell, PA., died at his residence, Monday evening, December 4, 2023. 

Visitation hours will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 From 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA. 

A complete obituary will be announced when available.

BOLIVAR – Winifred F. Barber, also know as “Winnie,” passed away Friday (Dec. 1, 2023) at the age of 85, in Rochester.

She was born July 31, 1938, in Olean, to the late Junior and Loretta Gowan.

Winnie was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and she will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Winnie was a graduate of Olean High School and later worked for Service Stores/Park and Shop. She also had a career as a teacher’s aide at Allegany/Cattaraugus County BOCES.

Winnie was a faithful prayer warrior and had a passion for serving in her local church. She worshiped at the First Day Baptist Church in Richburg and later at Grace Baptist Church in Marion.

Port Allegany – A Celebration of life for Karen A. Benjamin, 67, of Port Allegany, who passed away Friday (November 17, 2023) will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at the  Port Allegany Moose Club, Pearl St, Port Allegany from 1pm till 4pm.                   

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.

Paul H. Blank, 79, of 216 Rose Street, Johnsonburg, and formerly of St. Marys, Punxsutawney and McKeesport, died Friday morning, December 1, 2023 at Penn Highlands-Elk, St. Marys, PA. 

Paul was born on January 17, 1944 and was originally from McKeesport, PA.  Paul was a Vietnam War Army Vet serving as a Tech Sergeant-Medic with the 2nd Evac Hospital MAH MEDDAC. For his service he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, 5 Overseas Bars, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Army Commendation Medal, Sharpshooter Badge with Carbine Bar, Expert Badge with Automatic Rifle Bar and Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar. 

Charles M. NELSON, 87, of Genesee, PA, died Monday, December 4, 2023 in his home.  

Born June 29, 1936, in Bingham Twp., he was the son of Charles B. and Mary M. Easton Nelson.  On November 9, 1956, in Potter Brook, he married the former Laura J. Carpenter, who survives.  

A 1953 graduate of Genesee High School, he attended trade school in Olean, NY.  He was employed by Rankin Dairy in Westfield, Ingersoll-Rand in Painted Post, Downer’s Hardware and Building Supply in Genesee for 13 years, Dresser-Rand in Wellsville for 12 years, Cass Appliance in Ulysses for several years, self-employed technician for ten years, and served as Bingham Township Tax Collector for 24 years, retiring at age 85.  

He served as Bingham Township Supervisor for 22 years and treasurer of North Bingham Cemetery since 1982.  He owned and operated Charles B. Nelson Sons Maple with his brother, Don.  

Maxine A. WATTER, 80, of Wellsville, NY, died Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Manor Hills Assisted Living, Wellsville. 

Born April 12, 1943, in Huntington, Long Island, she was the daughter of Max and Tillie Urban Watter.  A 1961 graduate of Half Hollow Hills High School in Long Island, she earned her BA in Art and English from Elmira College, MS in Art Education from Syracuse University, MFA and CAS in Synesthetic Education from Syracuse University, and MFA in Art from Marywood College in Scranton, PA. 

Victor A. “Vic” Wentworth, 91, of 800 West Washington Street, Bradford, PA passed away Saturday, December 2, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. 

Born on May 31, 1932, in Duke Center, he was a son of the late Glenn and Vivian (Barnes) Wentworth.

Vic graduated from Bradford Area High School in 1952. On January 5, 1953, he enlisted in the United States Army. He served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged January 4, 1955.

Vic worked many years as a food representative for several food service companies in the western New York and western Pennsylvania area.

Rose A. Kline, 89, passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Penn Highlands DuBois following a short illness.

She was born on October 1, 1934 in Brooklyn, NY, a daughter of the Isaac Gusmerotti and Marie Bleggi Gusmerotti.

On December 18, 1971, she married the late Richard Kline, who preceded her in death in 2000. Together they shared nearly 30 years of marriage.

Rose was a graduate of Horton High School and a member of Queen of the World Church. Rose enjoyed cooking and reading. To Rose, her family was her life and she delighted in caring for them. Always ready to help with her grandchildren, she loved nothing more than watching her grandkids grow. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and “Nona”.

Rose is survived by two sons; James Klein and his wife Cindy of St. Marys, and Donald Klein and his wife Liz of Weedville; and by her 8 beloved grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister; Yolanda Corradi of Erie, and by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Rose was preceded in death by her son; Gary R. Klein, who preceded her in death Nov. 2, 2023, by two brothers; James and William Gusmerotti, and by two sisters; Dolores Swanson and Helen Weis.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Rose A. Kline will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Queen of the World Church, 134 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Fr. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, as celebrant.
Burial will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens.

Matthew Scott Leach, 44, of Russell, PA, died peacefully of natural causes, with his family by his side, on Saturday, December 2, 2023. 

Matt was born November 30, 1979, in New Martinsville, WV.  He was the son of Donald R. and Janet Rogerson Leach of New Martinsville, WV.  He was a graduate of Magnolia High School in New Martinsville, WV, and he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Chemistry from West Virginia Institute of Technology, Montgomery WV. 

Matthew was employed by Veolia Environmental Services as account manager working primarily at United Refinery Company in Warren, PA.

Eugene M. Barr, Sr., 80, of DuBois, PA passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor, Brookville.

He was born on April 9, 1943 in Syracuse, NY, a son of the late Clare and Christine Thomas Barr.

On May 10, 1968 in Emporium, he married Lois R. Harrington who preceded him in death on July 23, 2015.

Eugene was a member of the Oasis Ministries, DuBois.  He enjoyed watching auto races and football and he loved listening to Elvis Pressley music.

James C. Loy II             “beloved son and nephew”

James C. “Jamie” Loy II, 43, a lifelong resident of Sweden Hill, passed away with his loving mother by his side on Friday, December 1, 2023, in Sena Kean Manor, Smethport, after a short illness.

Born on Friday, August 22, 1980 in Coudersport, he was a son of James C. Sr. and Patricia L. Boden Loy.

Jamie was a graduate of Coudersport High School.  He was an avid reader who thoroughly enjoyed studying and researching many matters in which he was interested.  He spent his entire life on Sweden Hill, greatly enjoying the outdoors. Along with his late father, he spent countless hours walking and enjoying nature on the family farm.

Matthew S. Leach, 44, of Russell, PA., died peacefully Saturday, December 2, 2023 with his family at his bedside. 

Friends may call on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, from 4 to 7 P.M. at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA.  A complete obituary will be announced on Tuesday.

Delores T. “Toots” Frey passed away peacefully at 88 ½ years old (she was very proud of the ½ of the year) Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home.

She was born May 3, 1935, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Leo and Agnes Krieg Samick.  She was a lifelong resident of the area, formerly resided on South Michael Road, and was a graduate of St. Marys High School, Class of 1953.  She was employed as an advertising sales representative for the Lake Shore Visitor and WKBI.

On September 15, 1956 in Queen of the World Church, she married Joseph R. Frey, who preceded her in death on January 28, 2015.