Obituaries

Kevin M. Wyman, 70, of Bradford, passed away Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at UPMC Hamot, in Erie.

Born January 21, 1953, in Buffalo, NY, he was the son of the late Malcolm and Peggy (De Graff) Wyman.

Kevin was a 1971 graduate of Clarence High School in Clarence NY.

On July 23, 1976, at St. Bernard Church, he married Rosanne (Peroginelli) Wyman, who survives him along with his two children.

Kevin moved to Bradford after graduation and began working at Gallenkamp’s Shoe Store, where he met his future wife, Rosanne. He later worked at Bovairds and Glendorn, working in maintenance and later he worked security at Bradford Hospital. In retirement he worked part-time at Worth W. Smith.

Kevin enjoyed deer hunting and being outdoors, with an avid love of Harley motorcycles. He was a great provider to his family and will be remembered as a loving and dedicated grandfather to his three granddaughters.

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Ruth Ann Girlando (née Matteson) passed peacefully at Kobacker House on October 6. 

She was born to Anabelle and Horace Newton (“Newt”) Matteson of Long Island, New York, in 1938, the summer of the Great New England Hurricane, later known as the Long Island Express.  Ruth attended Miami University at Oxford, Ohio, graduating in 1960.  In 1962, she moved to Columbus and worked as a medical secretary, retiring in 1990.

Kevin Allen Kohn, 67, of Port Allegany, PA, a former longtime resident of Smethport, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023, in UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport after a long illness.

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.

Kent K. Smith, 84, of Smethport, PA passed away at his residence on Oct. 12, 2023.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

Ronald E. Thompson, 79, of 73 Rutherford Run, Bradford, PA passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at UPMC Williamsport.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Ralph E. Bullers, 83, formerly of Bradford, PA passed away September 25, 2023.

Born on November 9, 1939, in Kane, he was a son of the late Byron and Esther Bullers. He graduated from Bradford High School in 1955.

Ralph served in the Air Force for four years and then moved with his family to Rochester, NY, where he was employed by Eastman Kodak as an electrician. He retired from Eastman Kodak in 1992.

Ralph enjoyed spending time with his family, and friends, volunteering at Church, traveling across America and playing golf. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

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

He was born on June 25, 1963, in St. Marys, a son of James and Marlene Konen Smith of Kane.

Dave was a member of the Hallton Church of Christ, and was a graduate of the St. Marys Area High School, class of 1981.  He dedicated his career to the powdered metals industry, working as a Die Setter for many years at American Axle.  

Stephen C, Michielson, 66, of Norfolk, VA passed away at his home with family by his side, on Oct 11, 2023 after a lengthy illness.

He was born on May 26, 1957 in Maryland. On Oct. 15, 1977, he married Brenda (Woodkirk) Michielson.  After high school, he was employed by The Naval Supply Center, Naval Station Norfolk for 24 years.

Harry “Pete” McKay passed away after a brief illness on October 6, 2023, at the age of 86, with his loving wife by his side.

He was born September 19, 1937, to Ivan and Isabelle Mckay. He was raised in Bolivar, NY with his six brothers and sisters and as he would say “they were like most other families in the area at the time, lots of kids and poor, but we didn’t realize it because everybody else was poor too”.

After graduating High School, Pete chose to serve our country in the Airforce retiring after twenty years in 1975 as a Sr. Master Sergeant. He spent time in New York, Texas, Illinois, Vietnam, England and Alaska.

Upon receiving an honorable discharge, Pete came back to his hometown working for the Bolivar Cemetery and Pete-Za-Ria. Upon his move to Florida, he finished his career working at Eglin Air Force Base.

In September 1988, he married Patricia McKay. In their over thirty years together, they made their homes in New York and Florida. To avoid being homesick, they chose to split their time each year in both states.

Sharon Ann Clark, age 79 of Westfield, PA passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at UPMC Wellsboro.

Born May 17, 1944 in Wellsboro, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Edna (Cole) Swesey. Sharon worked in the cafeteria for the Northern Tioga School District for many years, was a cook in the valley for numerous restaurants; Wagon Wheel, Home Comfort and Knoxville Fire Hall to name a few and was an Avon rep.

Charlotte “Charlie” Culver Cuccia, age 65, of Winter Park, Florida passed away on Monday, May 22, 2023.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all who came to know her. If you had an opportunity to take a seat on the back porch and laugh, then you weren’t just a friend, you were family.

Charlie was born June 26th, 1957 in Port Allegany Pennsylvania, youngest to Ralph and Betty Culver.

Daniel R. “Dan” Bounds, 81, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Woodstock, Maryland, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, in his home.

In keeping with Dan’s wishes, there will be no obituary published or public services.

Mary Jane C. Martin, 86, of Warren, PA, died Wednesday morning, October 11, 2023, at Kinzua Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Warren, PA, after an extended illness. 

Mary Jane was born November 8, 1936, in Warren, PA, She was the daughter of Christopher and Pauline Maze Colvin.  She was a lifelong Warren area resident. 

Mary Jane graduated in 1954, from Warren High School.  She was employed for 42 years, with Blair Corporation in the Collections-Credit Department.  She was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church.  She was an avid walker, and enjoyed walking with her sister, Donna.  She is remembered as a loving grandmother, great-grandmother and who loved and tolerated her boys.

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

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc.

Charles M. Ditz, 86, of Warren, PA, and formerly of Fryburg, PA, died Tuesday morning, October 10, 2023, at Warren General Hospital, Warren, PA. 

Charles was born September 29, 1937, in Fryburg, Clarion Co., PA.  He was the son of Charles P. and Leona E.  Schill Ditz. 

He attended St. Michael’s Catholic School, Fryburg, PA, for 8 years.  He graduated from Farmington High School, Class of 1955.  He enlisted with the U.S. Army on April 24, 1957, as a Private First Class, and was stationed in Germany and Lebanon.  He was honorably discharged on April 18, 1959.

 Charles was employed with Warren Sand and Gravel for a year or so, and before that with the State of Pennsylvania.  He was employed for 30 years with the former G.T.E. Sylvania as a laborer working in many different jobs, working his last in the wire plating department with gold solder…after his 8-hour day at Sylvania he would then work 4 hours at Whirley Car Wash, for 15 years. 

Tamara Kathleen Meyer, 43, of 420 Rightmeyer Street, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly Saturday, October 7, 2023 at her residence.

She was born May 3, 1980 in St. Marys, daughter of the late Richard Meyer, who passed away Tuesday, October 10, 2023, and the late Pauline Rollick Meyer, who preceded her in death on November 26, 2012.  

She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1998.  She was employed at Eastern Sintered Alloys as a Quality Control Technician for 24 years.

Richard M. Meyer, 73, of 357 Meyer Road, St. Marys, PA passed away following a lengthy illness, Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at his home, with his family by his side.

He was born November 11, 1949 in St. Marys, son of the late Robert J. and Katherine DeLullo Meyer.  He was a lifelong resident of St. Marys and was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School.  Rich was extremely proud of his service for his country, serving in the United States Army as an Infantryman with the 7/17 Air Calvary during the Vietnam War. 

On May 17, 2014, in St. Marys, Rich married Leah E. Erich, who survives.

Alvin L. “Teed” Bair, 76, of Eldred, PA passed away Monday (Oct. 9, 2023) in the Buffalo General Hospital.

Born April 24, 1947, in Geneva, PA, he was a son of Orville F. and Cecile Bair James.  On June 12, 1965, in Duke Center, PA, he married Hazel M. Williams, who survives. They were married 58 years.

Alvin had been employed with Wayne Paving and Taylor-Armstrong Contracting, Inc., before his retirement.

He was a lifetime resident of the area and a life member of the Eldred Township Volunteer Fire Dept., member of the Sons of the American Legion, Post 887, Eldred, and Moose Lodge 460, Port Allegany.

Bonnie Jean Riffel, 67, of Mt. Vernon, MO passed away on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at her home. She was born Oct. 14, 1955, in Covina, Calif., the daughter of Joseph Liues and Jean Ardelle (Shafer) Frongello.

She was a 1974 graduate of Saint Marys High School in St. Marys, Penn. She worked at the Lawrence County Manor in Mt. Vernon, as a CNA and doing office work and helping with the activities. At the time of her passing, she was working in maintenance at the Ozark Travel Center in Mt. Vernon. She enjoyed arts and crafts and was a member of Mt. Vernon American Legion, the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Aurora, the (N.R.A.) National Rifle Association and B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse).

On March 12, 1985, she married George James “Pappy” Riffel, in Clarion, Penn., they were married 38 years before he passed away on May 3, 2023.

She is survived by her mother, Jean Ardell Herzing, of Coudersport, Penn.; two sons, Joe Forsythe and his fiancée, Lisa Powel, of Riverview, Fla. and Jake (Bonnie Joe) Forsythe of Penn Yan, N.Y.; two sisters, Joellen (Michael) Standard of Woodstock, Ill. and Julie (Jim) Neffe of Mt. Holly Springs, Penn.; one brother, George Herzing of Austin, Penn. and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father; stepfather, Leo Herzing; husband, George “Pappy” Riffel and one brother, Gary Herzing.

A celebration of life was held on Sunday, Oct. 8, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 18896 Lawrence 2185 in Aurora.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to the Mt. Vernon Veterans Assistance League for their activities fund, in care of the funeral home.

Richard M. Meyer, 73, of 357 Meyer Road, St. Marys, PA passed away following a lengthy illness Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at his home, with his family by his side. 

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

Bruce K. Freeman, 76, formerly of 67 Oxford Street, passed away Saturday, October 7, 2023, at UPMC Hamot Medical Center.

Bruce was born in Bradford, on November 24, 1946, he was a son of the late Kenneth W. and Marion H. (Hosack) Freeman. He was a 1964 Graduate of Bradford High School, and achieved his Eagle Scout Award while in high school. 

Bruce earned a Bachlors of Arts degree in Literature from the University of Pittsburgh. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on December 20, 1968, he was honorably discharged on March 19, 1977. He was a civilian for the next 10 years and earned an additional degree in Business Management before joining the United States Army. Bruce served his country for an additional 10 more years before retiring to Bradford. While retired he worked at Walmart for five years. For the last four years he resided at the Bradford Manor.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, and the Bradford YMCA. He volunteered at BRMC. 

Wayne F. MacKENZIE, 72, of Coudersport, PA, died Saturday, October 7, 2023 in UPMC Williamsport following a brief illness.  

Born July 27, 1951, in Port Allegany, he was the son of Daniel N. MacKenzie and Patricia Kaziska MacKenzie O’Toole.  A 1970 graduate of Port Allegany High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Navy in the Vietnam War.  

Mary Jane Ayers, 93, of Warren, Pa., died Monday evening, October 9, 2023, at Kinzua Valley Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Warren, PA.  She was born May 24, 1930 in Warren, PA., and was the daughter of the late Giuseppe and Antoinette Gigliotti Salerno. She was a lifelong Warren area resident and a 1948 graduate of Warren High School.  Mary Jane was employed with the former Central Nursing Home as the office manager and with the Area Agency on Aging as office receptionist.  She was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church and Sweet Adeline’s.

Mary Jane is survived by her 5 Children – David F. Ayers and wife, Deborah of Bloomfield, CO., Rebecca A. Culbertson and husband, Gary of Warren, PA., Linda M. Eng and husband, Nelson of Alvin, TX., Pamela E. Hartman and husband, Earl, Lucinda A. Nuhfer and husband, Phillip all of Warren, PA., 1 Brother–Leroy Salerno and wife, Mary Anne of Sunnyvale, CA., 8 Grandchildren – Tron Valentine (Caitlin), Melissa Culbertson, Lindsey Abplanalp (Matt), Diane Mayhew (Cody), Kevin Ayers (Haley), Timothy Ayers (Erin), Vanessa Eng (T.J.), Nathan Eng, 4 Great Grandchildren – Chanel, Dominick, Cason,  Jayden, Josie and baby girl due in November, several nieces, nephews and cousins.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Dr.  Charles Salerno and Joseph Salerno.

Tamara Kathleen Meyer, 43, of 420 Rightmeyer Street, St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, October 7, 2023 at her residence.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

Charles M. Ditz, 88, of Warren, PA., died Tuesday morning, October 10, 2023, at Warren General Hospital, Warren, PA.
A complete obituary will be announced when available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA.

Marilyn I. Veit, 84, of Port Allegany, PA passed away Monday (October 9, 2023) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary

Connie B. Allen, 77, Port Allegany, PA passed away Friday (Oct. 6, 2023) in her home.

Born November 16, 1945, in Blossburg, PA, she was a daughter of Guy and Della Butler Sweet. 

Connie worked as a waitress at the former ABC Restaurant, Burtville, and most recently as a private home healthcare worker, before she retired.

Christopher Bice, age 34, of Blossburg, PA, passed away due to a brief illness, on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at UPMC Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.

He was born on August 12, 1989, in Norfolk, VA, a son of James and Tammy (Schoonover) Bice. Chris was the husband of Trisha Brimmer. He worked as a laborer at Ward Manufacturing in Blossburg, PA.

Chris was the most amazing, smart, outgoing, funny, crazy, loving person anyone was fortunate enough to know. He lived his life to the absolute fullest. He was daring, caring and charming. He took pride in making others have a good day even if it was his bad day. He loved his family and was always the one to be there when you needed someone to understand or listen.

Chris lived his life as the adventure it was meant to be, telling many crazy stories about it and leaving many people with stories to tell.

Evelyn J. Sicheri, 86, of 144 Teaberry Road, St. Marys, passed away Monday, October 9, 2023 at Elk Haven Nursing Home, following a brief illness.

She was born April 29, 1937 in Dagus Mines, daughter of the late Etalo and Mary Canton Mattiuz. She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Kersey High School, Class of 1955.  She was employed at Stackpole Carbon for 36 years and retired from Penn Metal Stamping.

On June 6, 1959, in St. Boniface Church, she married Frank Sicheri, who preceded her in death on March 23, 2022.