Obituaries

Patrick M. Wheeler, 28, of 303 East Main Street, Bradford, PA passed away Monday, October 2, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Born August 11, 1995, in Bradford, he was a son of Amber M. Wheeler, and Jay J Smith.

Pat attended Bradford schools. He enjoyed playing his game stations, World of Warcraft, fishing, playing baseball and football, and collecting white tigers. He had a great sense of humor, and always put other people ahead of himself. His greatest joy was being with family, especially his niece Bella.

Nancy Laraine Copeland, of 70 Summer Street, Bradford, PA passed away Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Born November 8, 1936, in Bradford, she was the daughter of the late George and Katheryn (Eger) Cross.

On June 22, 1957, in the Custer City Methodist Church, she married James P.
Copeland, who preceded her in death on August 9, 2009.

Nancy was employed as a repair technician at Zippo Manufacturing Company for 45 years from October 1, 1963, until April 1, 2008. Before working at Zippo, she waitressed at Anderson Diner, Nicks Red Hot, and The Famous Lunch.

Lawrence H. “Larry” Mitchell, age 92, of Blossburg, PA, died on Sunday, October 1, 2023. 

He was born on September 30, 1931 in Blossburg, PA a son of the late William and Stella (Novitski) Mitchell. 

Larry was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blossburg and retired as an assistant manager for Acme Markets, Wellsboro, PA with over 30 years of service. 

October Skye Metcalf, age 16, of Harrison Valley, PA passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, October 1, 2023 due to an automobile accident.  

Born April 11, 2007 in Wellsboro, she was the daughter of Alexander Metcalf and Crystal Webster.  She lived full-time with her father and was his and her grandmother’s whole world; she loved them very much.  She loved her mother and all her family very much.  

October Skye went to school at Cowanesque Valley in her younger years, where she was a CV cheerleader and won many trophies at competitions and currently was a Junior at the Northern Potter High School; her favorite teacher was Mrs. Mcorkle.  

She was looking forward and hoping to attend Alfred State College in her future.  Skye was kind, sweet and cared about everyone.  She loved to hang with her friends, laugh and show all the new tricks on her iPhone.  

To relieve some of her stress she liked to put together lego sets.  October Skye was deeply loved by everyone she met in her life.  

She is survived by her three dogs, Bailey (her baby), Magnus and Roo; two cats, Midnight and Dawn; her parents, Alex Metcalf and Crystal Webster; sister, Alea White; grandparents, Pat and Randy Metcalf and Pat and Stan Webster; aunt, Melissa Webster and uncle, Aaron Metcalf.  

She lost her dog, Trapper, who she loved too. 

Family will receive friends at Kenyon Funeral Home, 222 W. Main St. Westfield on Friday, October 6, 2023 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM.  A Celebration of her Life will be held immediately following at 6:00 PM with Sherry Elliott officiating.  www.kenyonfuneralhome.com. 

Port Allegany – Joan M. Hardenstine, 82, of Smethport, PA, passed away Monday (October 2, 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 obit

Daisy (Montgomery) Smith, age 80, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Thursday, September 28, 2023. 

She was born on January 11, 1943 in Elmira, NY, a daughter of the late William and Leda (Wales) Montgomery and was employed for over 30 years by Broad Acres Nursing Home, Wellsboro, PA. 

Services will be private and are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.

Gregory A. Himes, 75, of 272 Seaward Avenue, Bradford, PA passed away Saturday, September 30, 2023, at his residence. 

Born on February 20, 1948, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Harry E. and Annalee M. (Sinibaldi) Himes.

He was a 1966 graduate of Bradford Area High School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on June 5, 1967, and he served in Vietnam, at the Phan-Rang Air Force Base. He was honorably discharged on June 4, 1971.

Greg worked in the New England states as a carpenter and later at the Bureau of Land Management in New Castle, WY, as an inspector of oil wells. Greg went back to school at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and earned his Petroleum Tech Degree.  He was self-employed with GSP Collectibles, buying and selling cards in the 90’s. He was currently working at Beacon Light as a TSS. 

Barbara Ann Frantz, 98, formerly of Gilbert Lane, and Nelson Avenue Apts., Bradford, PA went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 1, 2023, surrounded by her family at the Bradford Manor. 

Born April 25, 1925, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Richard and Bertha (Cauvel) Wright.

On February 5, 1943, in Allegany, NY, she married the late William C. Frantz, who preceded her in death on May 23, 2004.

Barbara worked for over 30 years at Zippo Manufacturing retiring in 1986. She and her husband enjoyed camping at Red Oak Campground, traveling with friends and their church family. She bowled in the Zippo Mixed League. Barb attended Silver Sneakers at the YMCA. She also volunteered at the Red Cross after retirement, working in the kitchen for the Meals on Wheels program.

Raymond W. Burgess, 91, of Patterson Lane, formerly of Langmaid Lane, Bradford, PA passed away Sunday, October 1, 2023, at his son’s residence.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Michael Conner Burgett, 48, of Derrick Road, Bradford, PA passed away Saturday, September 30, 2023 at his residence.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Anne Marie Sette, 91, of Christ the King Manor, formerly of Ridgway, PA died on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at Penn Highlands Dubois after a lengthy illness.

She was born on November 26, 1931, in Ridgway, a daughter of the late Clyde and Catherine Verbeck Piccirillo.

At St. Leos Magnus Church she married Patsy Sette, who preceded her in death after 55 years of marriage.

Michele L. Singer, 51, of Kersey, PA passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, October 1, 2023.

She was born on February 20, 1972 in St. Marys, a daughter of Michael Singer of Kersey and the late Joye Anderson Singer, who preceded her in death in 2022.

Michele was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School and then earned her degree in Chemistry from Clarion University. She also received a degree from Mercyhurst University. Michele worked for many years at Assured Testing Services in Ridgway. In her free time, she enjoyed bowling and gardening.

Darrell H. Taylor, 47, of St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.

He was born on October 2, 1975 in Las Angeles, CA, a son of the late Lynn H. Taylor and Benita del Rosario Taylor, who survives of St. Marys.

Darrell was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, class of 1993. He then graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Mechanical-Electrical Engineering and worked for many years at Arm & Hammer. He made his home in the York area for many years before returning home to St. Marys, and was a proud member of the Penn State Alumni Association.

Richard C. Rounsville, 97, of Smethport, PA passed away Friday (September 22, 2023) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.

He was born June 10, 1926 in Clermont, the son of Willard and Mary (Rice) Rounsville. On August 24, 1946, in United Methodist Church of Smethport, he married Mae E. “Betty” O’Brien, who died July 31, 2010.

Dick attended Smethport schools and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII from 1943 to 1946.

He worked as a tool & die setter at Dresser Manufacturing of Bradford, PA, before retiring in 1988.

CONEVILLE, PA–Family and friends are invited to attend graveside burial services For Mr. Bernard J. “Bernie” Zawrotny 87, of Bath, NY, at 11am on Saturday, October 7, 2023, in Rathbone Cemetery, Coneville, Pa.  The Rev. Thomas Brown, pastor of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Shinglehouse, Pa., will officiate.

Bernie passed away on August 2, 2023.

Bernie’s wife entrusted his burial services to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, Pa.

For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com

ULYSSES, Pa.—Family and friends are invited to attend an honor guard ceremony for Mr. Kari P. “Finn” Karhio, 66, of Ulysses, at 11am on Saturday, October 7, 2023, in the Carl E. Hyde Post 963 American Legion, Northern Potter Road (Rt. 49), Ulysses.  Members of the Potter County Honor will accord military honors.

Finn passed away on September 9, 2023.

Finn’s wife entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com

Carol L. Carlson, 70, of Ridgway, PA died on Friday, September 29, 2023, at her residence after a lengthy illness.

She was born on September 2, 1953, in Erie, a daughter of Lavina Carlson and the late Robert Carlson.

Carol loved spending her time with her family and grandkids. She was the owner of Memas Treasures in Ridgway.

Judith Y. Summerson, 81, of Emporium, PA passed away at UPMC Cole, Coudersport, PA on Saturday morning (September 30, 2023).

She was born July 11, 1942 in Ridgway, PA a daughter of the late Arthur and Helen Jolloff Harpster.

Judy graduated from Cameron County High School in the class of 1960. She retired from Sylvania where she worked for many years. She had been a member of the First United Methodist Church. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, whom she loved more than anything. She enjoyed elk viewing with her friends.

Harrijane B. Hannon-Moore, 84, of 33 Sanford Street, Bradford, PA passed away Friday, September 29, 2023.

Born December 5, 1938, in Kane, she was the only daughter of the late Harry Frederick and Lucille (Scott) Boylan. She was raised in Cyclone and attended local schools and was a college graduate.

Harrijane wore many hats during her lifetime. She always prided herself on the fact she always worked and wanted to work.

She was married to James R. Hannon who died in 2007. Later she married Jerry B. Moore who survives her.

Prior to entering the political arena, she was employed by the Bradford Area School District. She was an elected official for 30 years, starting with Bradford City Council person, McKean County Commissioner, and finally was elected to the McKean County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans Court. She was very active in the Republican Party.

Kimberly Ann Kohler, 59, Bradford, PA passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at Olean General Hospital. 

Born November 6, 1963, in Olean, NY, she was the youngest daughter of Gloria J. (Sokoly) Saar, who survives.

Kim was a 1982 graduate of Bradford Central Christian High School.

After graduating from BRCS, Kim relocated to Texas, and moved from ranch to ranch training race horses. She brought her passion for Equestrianism back home to Bradford, and opened 88 Acres in 1993. Kim, and later with her daughter Britney, would compete in barrel races and various competitions. Kim competed all over NY, PA, IN, and OH, with her prized championship being at Turn-N-Burn in Wilmington, OH. Retiring from competitive racing in 2008 Kim continued boarding horses for locals at 88 Acres. 

Carol L. Carlson, 70, of Ridgway, PA died on Friday, September 29, 2023, at her residence after a lengthy illness.

She was born on September 2, 1953, in Erie, the daughter of the late Clarence and Lavina Curtis Foster.

Anne Marie Sette, 91, of Ridgway, PA died on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at Penn Highlands Dubois.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Krise Funeral Homes and Cremation Services.

Michele SInger, of Kersey, PA died unexpectedly on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at her residence.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Krise Funeral Homes.

John R. Wood, age 95, of Knoxville, PA passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.

Born January 14, 1928 in Deerfield Twp., he was the son of the late Russell C. and Ruth (Edgcomb) Wood. 

John graduated from Knoxville High School as the valedictorian of his class.  He married Phebe Berdanier in 1953 and together they have shared 69 loving years and raised five wonderful children. 

Phyllis M. Sullivan, 93, of Emporium, PA formerly of 226 East Third Street passed away at Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA on Saturday, September 30, 2023 following a lengthy illness.

She was born September 5, 1930 in Emporium, PA, a daughter of the late John F. and Miriam Cooper McManigle.

Phyllis graduated from Emporium High School in the Class of 1948 where she was a proud member of the Red Raider cheerleading squad. Phyllis, along with three of her sisters, all cheered on the same squad, a record that stands to this day.

She was a lifelong resident of Emporium and started her working career at Sylvania in the Engineering department.  She held numerous other positions throughout her lifetime before finding her calling as the Office Manager at St. Mark Parish. She retired in 2005 and remained a member and volunteer of St. Mark church.

Layanah Irene Griffin, age 19, of Knoxville, PA, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023 at her home.

She was born on December 15, 2003 in Williamsport, PA, the daughter of Jennifer Griffin. Layanah was a student at Mansfield University.

In high school, she was a cheerleader and a member of the band and chorus. She enjoyed her animals, drawing, writing stories, and gaming.

Layanah is survived her mother, Jennifer of Campbell, NY; two brothers, Haven Wallace of Pottstown, PA, and Greyson McLaughlin of Campbell, NY; stepfather, DaRon Wallce of Pottstown, PA; grandmother, Gloria Wallace of Philadelphia, PA; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Selena Irene Rodriguez.

Friends and family are invited to call on Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 1-2pm at Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA. A memorial service will follow at 2pm with Pastor Cleveland Way officiating.

Memorial contributions can be made to Women Against Abuse, Inc., 100 South Broad St., Suite 1341, Philadelphia, PA, 19102. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com