Obituaries

Steven A. Buck, 72, of Ridgway, PA passed away at his residence, Ridgway, PA on Thursday, November 9, 2023 morning following a lengthy illness.

He was born September 26, 1951 in Ridgway, PA a son of Alice Marie “Allie” Lindgren Buck, Ridgway and the late Teddy Buck. On April 16, 1982 in St. Leo Catholic Church he married Marjorie A. Kennedy, who survives.

Steve graduated from Ridgway Area High School in 1969 and served with the US Army from 1971 through 1973. He worked for the B & O Railroad several years, Allegany Color over 22 years and at the age of 56 he graduated from Pitt at Bradford with an associate degree in nursing. He worked for 11 years at Warren State Hospital before retiring. After retirement, he was a bus driver for Ridgway School District. Steve enjoyed golfing and fishing and loved spending time with his family.

William F. “Bill” Hetrick, 70, of 110 Mason Road, St. Marys, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Pinecrest Manor.

He was born March 8, 1953 in St. Marys, son of the late Charles “Charlie” and Monica Weisner Hetrick.  He was a lifelong resident of the area, a St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1971, and was a former owner of The Wizard as well as Bill’s Auto Body, where he truly enjoyed working on cars and the customers in which he considered his friends.

Peggy Lou Manning Maynard, 91, of Park Ave., Eldred, PA passed away on Tuesday (November 7th, 2023) at the Olean General Hospital.

Born on December 22, 1931 she was the daughter of Benjamin and Vivian Weaver Manning.  On August 17, 1952 in West Clarksville, N.Y., she married Orton E. Maynard who preceded her in death on May 14, 2023. 

Peggy was a graduate of Olean High School.  Before retiring, she was formerly employed at the Otto Eldred Elementary School in the cafeteria.

Branden David “B” LAMPMAN, 36, of Harrison Valley, PA, died Friday, November 3, 2023.  

Born June 11, 1987, in Wellsville, NY, he was the son of Steven L. Lampman and Stacey Clark Lampman Van Treese.  

Branden was employed in the construction industry for several years and most recently by Osmose Utility Services.  

Branden was interested in music, history, horror movies, and sports, particularly softball and golf.  Loyal, kind, patient, loving, generous, he would drop everything to help someone in need.  

Lorraine Wagner McMackin, of 640 Vine Road, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 7, 2023, surrounded by her family at the age of 97, just shy of her 98th birthday.

Lorraine was born here in St. Mary’s on December 23, 1925.  Her parents were the late George and Marcella Hanes Wagner.  Lorraine spent her early years with her nine siblings in a home full of humor and love.  

Lorraine was a graduate of St. Marys High School, Class of 1943. Lorraine also was a member of the Hi-Jinx Club in high school.  These girls remained lifelong friends and met for monthly luncheons in their golden years.  After high school Lorraine went to work at Sylvania, where she eventually met Michael “Mickey” McMackin (a moment she described as “like magic.”) They wed on June 5, 1948.

Vonnie S. Schimp, 74, of Bradford, PA passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at her residence, surrounded by her family.

Born on April 21, 1949, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Kenneth E. and Virginia (Eschrich) Sprester.

Vonnie attended M. J. Ryan School and graduated from Bradford Area High School in 1967.

On August 5, 1967, in the Lafayette Evangelical Church, she married Gerald G. “Jerry” Schimp who survives.

Sara Dinani Connelly, 49, of Bradford, PA passed away on November 7, 2023 at the Olean General Hospital.

She was born on September 7, 1974 in Bradford, the daughter of the late Suzanne Cattoni Ferro.

Sara graduated from Bradford Central Christian High School in 1992 and then received her LPN from the Upper Cape Cod Technical School in 2018; she then worked in Massachusetts.

Christopher J. “Chris” Confer, 53, of Erie, PA passed away on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at St. Vincent Hospital, Erie.

He was born on October 31, 1970 in Bradford, a son of Peggy A. Yeager Confer and the late Ronald Confer.

He was a graduate of the former Tech Memorial High School, Erie.

He was employed by Five Star International, Erie, for the past twenty-six years.

ELDRED, Pa. – Lucille “Lucy” Gleason Boysha, of Barden Brook Road, passed away Sunday (Nov. 5, 2023) at the Lake View Senior Care in Smethport.

Born July 6, 1925, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of Edwin Z. and Polly E. Shreve Fisk. In 1942, she married Charles Gleason, who predeceased her. On April 26, 2008, she married James P. Boysha, who predeceased her Nov. 11, 2014.

Lucy worked at various factories in the area including the former munitions plant in Eldred, Acme Electric Co. and the Olean Tile Plant.

William F. “Bill” Hetrick, 70, of 110 Mason Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Pinecrest Manor. 

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

Lorraine Wagner McMackin, of 640 Vine Road, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 7, 2023 surrounded by her family at the age of 97. 

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

Sherry Menniti, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on September 25, 2023 at the age of 68 following a long illness.

Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside committal service for Sherry on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 10 AM at Holy Rosary Cemetery, Johnsonburg. There will be a Celebration of Life for Sherry immediately following the service at the Holy Rosary School Cafeteria in Johnsonburg.
 
Sherry was born in Ridgway, PA on October 14, 1954, a daughter to the late Louis and Carrie DiIulio. On August 23, 1975, she married Greg Menniti whom she had been dating since the age of 16. They filled their 48 years of marriage with cherished memories and their bond of love shows the true meaning of devotion.
 
Sherry is also the loving mother of three children: Adrienne (Mrs. Jeff Stallard), Scott and Tony Menniti and was the proud and adoring grandmother of Collin and Felicity Stallard, who brought immense joy to her life.
 
Sherry was a retired x-ray technician and clinical supervisor at Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, WV. She was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church and was a member of the Catholic Women’s Club there for many years. Sherry was a prolific quilter and crafter and loved spending hours in her sewing room creating. She treasured quality time with her family and never missed an opportunity to spoil her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
 
A Mass of Christian Burial for Sherry was celebrated on Monday, October 2, 2023 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Chesapeake, Ohio.
 
Local arrangements are under the direction of the Anthony F. Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 401 Chestnut Street, Johnsonburg, PA

Emporium lost one of its greatest “characters” of all time this past week.

John Gartner, a son of the late Stanley Jacob and Thelma Montgomery Gartner, was born at home in Emporium May 18,1938.

John passed away at Snyder Memorial Health Center, Marienville, PA Friday afternoon (November 3, 2023) after a brief illness.

John served in the Air Force, training pilots and parachute jumpers in survival techniques, then returned to Emporium and piloted small planes for Stackpole. He flew anything with wings, and due to daring stunts survived three airplane and one helicopter crash. John was an avid rattlesnake hunter, skier, sailor, fisherman, and model airplane pilot.

John was a pretty big influence on his city-slicker nieces and nephew, who he taught to ride horses, milk the venom from rattlesnakes, shoot beer cans, jump off rope swings high over East Branch dam, fly hang gliders over the valley, and to appreciate Boone’s Farm and Swisher Sweets cigars (in moderation).

Herbert H. “Herb” Leininger, Jr., 65, of Bradford, PA passed away on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

He was born on May 7, 1958, in Oberlin, OH, a son of the late Herbert and Lennis Jones Leininger, Sr.

On January 14, 1982 in Elyria, OH, he married Eloise Fields, who survives.

Christine “Chris” “Critter” Marie (Kamin) Tasa, age 64, of Wellsboro, PA, passed away surrounded by friends and family in her home on Friday, November 3, 2023. 

She was born on January 27, 1959 in Ames, IA daughter of George J. Kamin and Shirley Ann (Daleski) Jordan.

She and her family moved to Wellsboro in 1972 where she participated in cheerleading and was elected prom queen in 1977. After graduating High School Chris moved to Colorado where she worked as a waitress- she believed this was a job everyone should do at least once- and at several factories.

At one of these, she met Steven Tasa. They married on September 16, 1988 and moved back to Wellsboro in 1993 where she gave birth to her daughter Courtney.

George Michael Masisak passed away October 29th, 2023.

He was born in Bradford, PA. in August 1966 to Raymond and Miranda Masisak. He grew up playing football, hockey and cheering for the Buffalo Bills.

George attended Bradford High School before studying Mechanical Engineering at Penn College. Upon graduating he moved to Va. Beach where he worked for M & G Electronics before starting his own company, Crane and Rigging Camera Systems LLC and Global Vision Products.

R. Scott Miller, 71, affectionately known as “Frog,” passed away unexpectedly at his home, Friday, November 3, 2023.  He was born, June 21, 1952, to Raymond and Ruth (McJunkin) Miller.

Scott was an avid outdoorsman, a veteran, and a Licensed Forester.  He graduated from Jamestown High School in June of 1970, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Army.  He was a Vietnam-era veteran who served as an MP, earning several medals and awards before his Honorable Discharge.  He considered it an honor and a privilege to have served his country.

He then attended JCC and graduated in June of 1977.  He went on to attend the University of Maine, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry.  He was a member of ACF and SAF.

For many years he worked alongside his father and his brother, David, where they created Allegheny Forestry Inc. 

After his father’s retirement, he continued his father’s legacy with his brother until he retired at the end of 2022. 

Phyllis A. Cook, 94, of Valley View Retirement Community and formerly of 502 Church Street, St. Marys, PA passed away Monday, November 6, 2023 at Valley View Retirement Community in Belleville, PA. 

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

Arthur “Art” R. Moate, 72, of Driftwood, PA formerly of Austin, PA passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday (November 6, 2023) following a lengthy illness.

He was born June 11, 1951, in Driftwood, a son of the late Arthur M. and Edna Smith Moate. On March 14, 1986, at the First Baptist Church in Emporium, he married Sarah J. “Sally” Lentz.

After attending Cameron County High School, Arthur enlisted in the Army where he served as an E5 in Okinawa during the Vietnam War. After being honorably discharged in 1974, he returned to Driftwood where he began and operated his own logging business for several years.

Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Wurm Johnston, born April 2, 1950, to the late Leroy and Dorothy (Luchs) Wurm, has passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, November 5th.

She was a devoted daughter, loving wife, cherished mother, and doting grandmother. Jackie was united in marriage with the love of her life, Michael ‘Mike’ Johnston, who preceded her in death, on July 6, 1968.

    Jackie’s life was defined by her unwavering faith, and she always turned to God for guidance during challenging times. Her strong sense of humor brought joy to those around her, and she continued to share laughter and jokes until her final moments. 

James E. “Jim” Wilson, 77, of Ridgway, PA died on November 4, 2023, at Bradford Manor after a lengthy illness.

He was born on September 16, 1946, in Ridgway, a son of the late Lyle “Tug” Wilson.

On August 7, 1976, he married Kathlene Miller who survives.

Jim was a lifelong resident of Ridgway. He spent his time working on the Wilson farm and working as a machinist at GKN. Jim enjoyed hunting, star trek, and westerns.

“beloved son and brother”

LIVERPOOL, NY—Gregory L. “Greg” Lawton, 58, of Liverpool, formerly of Bolivar, NY passed away unexpectedly in his home from an apparent stroke on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

Born on Tuesday, October 5, 1965 in Olean, he was a son of Lynn R. and Nada J. Burger Lawton.

Greg was a graduate of Bolivar High School and later attained his Associate’s Degree in carpentry from Alfred Ag Tech in Wellsville.

Greg was employed as a cabinet maker by One Source Millwork in East Syracuse.

Fay E. Campbell, 90, a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and GiGi, of 5185 Nichols Run, Limestone, NY passed away Saturday, November 4, 2023, with her family by her side at her residence.

Born December 21, 1932, in Olean NY, she was a daughter of the late Ernest G. and Aveh O. (Everetts) Marvin. She attended the Little Red School House on Nichols Run, and later graduated from Limestone Union Free School in 1950.

On March 20, 1954, in Allegany, NY, she married Lyle R. Campbell, who passed away December 1, 2000.

Fay worked for Bell Telephone in the 50’s, raised her family and returned to work in the cafeteria at Limestone Union Free School in the 70’s and 80’s.

Branden D. LAMPMAN, 36, of Harrison Valley, PA, died Friday, November 3, 2023.  

Arrangements will be announced by OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Leonard C. Anderson, 74, beloved husband, Dad and “Grampy”, of Smethport, PA passed away unexpectedly Thursday (November 2, 2023) at his home in Smethport.

He was born May 28, 1949 in Kane, the son of Carl L. Anderson and Catherine (Rounsville) Anderson.  On June 19, 1982, in Smethport, he married his childhood sweetheart, Sharon “Sherry” Marsh, who survives. They were married for 41 years and were always seen out and about together.

Lenny was a 1967 graduate of Smethport High School.  He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served from 1969 to 1971, serving one year in Vietnam as a Combat Medic from July 1969 to July 1970.  He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal with a “V” Device for Heroism, National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

He worked several jobs over the years in McKean, Clearfield and Jefferson Counties, but found a “home” at Zippo Manufacturing in Bradford, from where he retired in 2011.

Jill A. (Jeffers) Moore, 67, of Bradford, PA passed away Thursday, November 2, 2023.

Born September 18, 1956, in Gowanda, NY, she was the only child of the late Joan L. (LaBord) Jeffers.

She was a 1974 graduate of Bradford High School, and in 2006 graduated with a bachelors degree in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh of Bradford.

On August 19, 1978, in the First United Methodist Church, she married Brian E. Moore, who preceded her in death on December 7, 2019.

Jill had been employed at Sunshine Daycare and Northern Tier Daycare and at the time of her death was employed at the YWCA as a victims advocate where she took great care while working with domestic violence victims. She also taught safe dating courses at Fretz.

Georgiann M. Friedl, 92, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home for the past 6 years and formerly of Evergreen Road, St. Marys, PA passed away on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

She was born on August 27, 1931 in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late Roman and Bertha Eckert Wendel.

On November 23, 1950, in St. Marys Church, she married the late Gerard Friedl, who preceded her in death on July 28, 2004. Together they shared nearly 54 years of marriage.

Donna M Herbstritt, 75, of 1464 Rosely Road, St. Marys, PA passed away after a lengthy illness, Friday, November 3, 2023, at her residence with her family by her side.

She was born July 23, 1948, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Francis “Tootie” and Louise “Lucille” Hanes Meyer.

On November 18, 1967 in Queen of the World Church, she married Dennis L Herbstritt, who survives.

Donna was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School. Over the years, she worked and was part owner of Country Mountain Amusements.

LIVERPOOL, NY—Gregory L. “Greg” Lawton, 58, of Liverpool, formerly of Bolivar, NY passed away unexpectedly in his home from an apparent stroke on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

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

Harold W. Geiser, 98, of Germania, PA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 3, 2023. 

Born September 27, 1925 in Germania, he was a son of the late Philip and Clara (Hartman) Geiser. He was married to his loving wife Irma Carol (Heuser) Geiser for 71 years. She preceded him in death on March 12, 2023.

Harold was a World War II Veteran having served in the Navy Seabees. He then worked as a PennDot foreman, was a West Branch Township supervisor for many years, and was the former owner, along with his wife, Irma, of the Forest View Tree Farm in Germania until he retired.