Obituaries

John L. Pontzer, 92, a resident of St. Martha’s Villa, Downingtown, PA, and formerly of St. Marys, PA, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023, at St. Martha’s Villa. 

He was born February 20, 1931, in St. Marys, son of the late Raymond and Helen Victoria Smith Pontzer, Sr.  

He was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of St. Marys Public High School, Class of 1949.  John spent most of his working career as an employee and officer of the family business, Corbett Cabinet Company.

Richard L. Townsend, Jr., age 47 of Painted Post, NY passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre. 

Born August 5, 1976 in Corning, NY, he was the son of the late Richard L. and Virginia (Watkins) Townsend, Sr. 

He is survived by his children, Kameron and Kielee Townsend of Lawrenceville and two grandchildren, Elaina and Grayson. 

Private family services will be held at their convenience. 

Arrangements are in care of Kenyon Funeral Home, Elkland.  

Phyllis M. (Youmans) Taylor, age 86, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Friday, September 8, 2023. 

She was born on February 12, 1937 in Mansfield, PA, a daughter of the late Raymond and Eileen (Grinnell) Youmans and was married for 63 years to the late William “Bill” Taylor. 

Phyllis attended the First Baptist Church of Wellsboro and loved playing dominoes, taking care of others and loved to laugh and joke. 

William Boger, 60, of Warren, PA, died peacefully Sunday afternoon, September 10, 2023 at UPMC Hamot Medical Center, Erie, PA.

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

John L. Pontzer, 92, a resident of St. Martha’s Villa, Downingtown, PA, and formerly of St. Marys, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2023, at St. Martha’s Villa. 

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

KERSEY, PA–Michael J. Curley, 54, of Kersey, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 8, 2023 at Penn Highlands Elk.

He was born on September 1, 1969 in St. Marys, a son of the Richard and Dorothy Boring Curley.

Mike was a lifelong resident of Kersey and attended St. Marys Area Schools. He worked at Eastern Sintered Alloys for more than 30 years.

ST. MARYS, PA–Christina “Tina” Sette (Herbstritt), 57, of 960 Windfall Road, St. Marys, PA died on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at Allegheny General Hospital, after a hard fought battle with breast cancer.

She was born on April, 25, 1966, in St. Marys, a daughter of Nancy and Robert Caskey.  She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1984.

On August 12, 2017 in the Chapel at Las Vegas, she married Nick Sette, who survives. 

Joan Harrison, 83, of Lake Worth, Florida and formerly of Warren, PA, died at her residence, on Sunday morning, September 10, 2023. 

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

WELLSVILLE, NY–Carl Lee FULLER, 94, of Wellsville, NY, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, September 8, 2023 in Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Wellsville. 

Born November 28, 1928, in Andover, he was the son of Burrell Carl and Florence Grace Chapman Fuller.  On September 17, 1947, in Austin, PA, he married the love of his life, Bernice Anne Gavitt, who predeceased him on June 29, 2009. 

He was a graduate of Shinglehouse High School.  Carl worked several jobs which included Andover Historic Preservation Corp., HUD, Wellsville Central School, and Bulk-Tainer Corp.  He found his career early on with Air Preheater as an engineer, welder, inspector, supervisor manager, and fill-in section manager. He retired from Air Preheater after 33 years of service at age 57.  

PAINTED POST, NY–Richard L. Townsend, Jr., age 47 of Painted Post, NY passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre. 

Born August 5, 1976 in Corning, NY, he was the son of the late Richard L. and Virginia (Watkins) Townsend, Sr. 

He is survived by his children, Kameron and Kielee Townsend of Lawrenceville and two grandchildren, Elaina and Grayson. 

Private family services will be held at their convenience. 

Arrangements are in care of Kenyon Funeral Home, Elkland.  

SMETHPORT, PA– Gail M. Wilson, 73, of Mount Jewett, PA passed away on Saturday (September 9, 2023) at her home.

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

BRADFORD, PA–With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of William (Bill) A. Looker, 67, of 67 North Center Street, Bradford, PA formally of 283 South Kendall Avenue.

He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and a cherished friend of many. He departed from this world on Wednesday, September 7, 2023, at Olean General Hospital surrounded by loved ones after a brief illness.

Born July 9, 1956, he was a son of the late Francis W. And Mary D. (Bagnato) Looker. He was a 1974 graduate of Bradford Area High School.

After graduation, he embarked on a journey, with his father, running Bill’s Bike Shop, a business that became a cornerstone of Bradford. Together, they shared countless stories, helping fellow cycling enthusiasts discover the joy of two-wheeled freedom.

Loving Partner, Mother, Grandmother
FRIENDSHIP, NY–Tracy Wilson, 51, of 4307 Steenrod Road, Friendship, NY passed away, Monday, September 4, 2023 at Strong Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Born on April 18, 1972, in Wellsville, she was a daughter of Rodney and Kathryn Hildebrand Williams. In 1998, she met her Lifelong Partner Raymond Hadsell who survives.

Tracy was a graduate of Andover Central School Class of 1989.

She had worked at Bryne Dairies in Wellsville, was a manager for the Allegany County ARC, and last was employed by Cuba Cheese prior to retiring due to illness in 2012.

Loving Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother

OLEAN, NY–Phyllis M. Brady, 88, of Olean, NY passed away comfortably at home with her children by her side on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, from complications of scleroderma.

She was born on April 30, 1935, in Buffalo and was the daughter of Walter and Elizabeth Patrzyk Stachewicz. Phyllis was a graduate of East High School in Buffalo.

She was a proud member of the CYO, softball team, and was the Buffalo area ping-pong champion. After graduation she worked for City Memorials in Buffalo and was the Secretary to the owner of Dzienik Polish Newspaper.

On August 4, 1956, she married James A. Brady who predeceased her on June 21, 2013. She then became a stay-at-home mom living in Buffalo and Minnesota before moving to Olean in 1965.

When the children were older Phyllis worked at Oakleaf’s in downtown Olean then became a sales associate at Morgan Stanley where she retired.

MANSFIELD, PA—Norma Fern (Snyder) French, 91, formerly of Mansfield, PA passed away Friday, September 8, 2023, at Sweden Valley Manor. 

She was born July 6, 1932, in Coudersport, PA, to Otis and Vera (Toombs) Snyder.  She was a member of the River of Life Fellowship. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, gardening, canning and was devoted to her family.

Randal P. HARRIS, 51, of Andover, NY, died Tuesday, September 5, 2023 in his home. 

He was born February 28, 1972, in Hornell.  Randy attended Wellsville High School and was previously employed by Bullfrog Construction in Hornell.  Randy loved his dogs, NASCAR, and enjoyed riding motorcycles.  

Mildred R. HANNIGAN, 90, of Wellsville, NY, died peacefully on Friday, September 8, 2023 in her home surrounded by her daughters and her faithful little dog, Joey. 

Born January 13, 1933, in Genesee, PA, she was the third daughter of Robert S. and Mildred H. Bartlett.  Her family later moved to Wellsville, NY, where she attended school and where she learned to roller skate. She loved dancing on skates. She married Lawrence Hannigan on December 15, 1951, and they raised three daughters: Lucinda, Cheryl, and Kim. 

P. Michael Schloder, 79, of 111 Villa Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Friday, September 8, 2023 at Penn Highlands Elk with his family by his side.

He was born, August 1, 1944 in St. Marys, son of the late Wilfred G. “Willie” and Dolores Hoffman Schloder. 

Mike was a lifelong resident of the area, attended Sacred Heart Grade School, and was a member of the last graduating class at Central High School, Class of 1962.  Mike was employed at Keystone from 1962 until 1997 and was President of Specialty Pressed Components from 1997 until 2007.

On September 19, 1964, in Queen of the World Church, Mike married Geraldine “Gerry” Meyer, who survives.  They were blessed to share nearly 59 years of marriage.

Frankie J. Northup, age 52, passed away at his home on Tuesday, September, 5, 2023.

He was born on Saturday, December 20, 1970, in (Blossburg/Wellsboro) Pennsylvania to Frank and Elsie Northup (Saunders).

For education, Frank attended and graduated from Cowanesque Valley High School, Class of 1989.

He was a former employee of the Westfield Tannery in the late 90s, and a businessman for many years, owning the Frankie’s Second Hand shop in Westfield, which like many of his other adventures in life, included his greatest treasure in life, his children Lucas, Colton, and Frankielyn.

Carolyn  J. Marsh, 85, formerly of Barden Brook Road, Eldred, PA passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Born April 8, 1938, in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of the late Keith D. Marsh Sr. and Lucy (Harvey) Marsh.

Carolyn was a 1956 graduate of Smethport High School. She attended nurses training at Millard Fillmore Hospital School of Nursing. She joined the United States Army in 1960 as a Sgt. later appointed 2nd Lt, and 1st Lt. She completed her bachelor’s degree as a Registered Nurses at Pacific Lutheran University. Upon graduating she was promoted to Major. She worked as an Operating Room Nurse and served six years and nine months of foreign service during Vietnam, and was  promoted to Lt Col prior to her retirement in 1981. After her military career she worked as a School Nurse at St. Andrew’s Sewanee High School. She retired again and returned to the Eldred area in 2015.

Denise Ann “Holley” Cataldo, 66, of Pine Ave. in Kane, PA passed away Tuesday (Sept. 5) at her residence, surrounded by family and friends.

Born July 1, 1957 in Pontiac, MI, she is the daughter of the late Edward and Joanne (Reddeman) Holman.  On July 8, 2006, in Dubois, she married Anthony “A.J.” Cataldo, who survives.

Susan Crawford Quirk, 69, passed away in State College, Pennsylvania on August 25, 2023.

Susie was the first child of the late Virgil and Gail Quirk of St. Marys.  She was preceded in death by them and by her brother Alex.

She is survived by her sisters: Betsy (Tom) Wood of Timnath, Colorado, Caroline (Mark) Flacinski of St. Marys, Sally (Dan) Mills of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Nancy (Alan) Cameron of State College; along with 10 grandnieces and grandnephews; and six great-grandnephews and great grandnieces.

“Susie” was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, on January 9, 1954.  She was born with tuberous sclerosis and the effects left her with profound intellectual disabilities.  The cause of her difficulties was never known until recent DNA testing.  By the time she was six years of age, she required around-the-clock care and went to live at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, PA. 

Carolyn J. Marsh, 85, formerly of Barden Brook Road, Eldred, PA passed away, Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Georgia Lynn Hoffman, 57, of Theresia Street, St. Marys, PA passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at her residence. 

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

Richard B. “Dick” Rossman, 83, of Warren, PA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, September 6, 2023, at St. Vincent Healthcare Center, Erie, PA. 

Richard was born on December 18, 1939, in Warren.  He was the son of Harrison G. and Marie Schatzle Rossman.  A lifelong Warren area resident, Dick graduated from Warren High School in 1958. 

He served in the U.S. Navy, as a Radioman 3^rd Class with an expert rating in morse code.  While in the Navy, he was stationed in Japan, Hawaii, and Long Beach, CA.

He was employed with the U.S. Postal Service as a caring and friendly letter carrier in Warren, retiring in 1999 after 30 years employment.  He was proud of his hard work and served as a mentor/trainer to new letter carriers.  Shortly after retirement, he became a school bus driver, who safely transported students, as well as sports teams until the age of 80.

Rita R. Gahr, 92, a resident of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of 398 Main Street, Kersey, PA passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Pinecrest Manor.

She was born November 1, 1930, in Johnsonburg, daughter of the late Andrew and Margaret Solomon Santaniello.  Rita was a lifelong resident of the area and attended Johnsonburg schools.

On June 2, 1951, in Holy Rosary Church, Rita married the late Edwin G. “Junie” Gahr, who preceded her in death on August 10, 2016.

Robert “Bud” Clyde Paul, 65, of Galeton, PA, passed away on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at UPMC Wellsboro.

Born October 3, 1957, in Coudersport, PA, he was a son of the late Clyde H. and Virgina M. (Fowler) Paul. On July 29, 1983, in Galeton, he married the former Debra Dougherty, who survives.

Bud owned and operated Paul Family Farms with his brother and best friend, Tim Paul. Bud enjoyed hunting and taking hikes on his Mountain. He was also an avid reader and was a history buff. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Dorothy L. Carlson, 92, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of Charles Street, St. Marys, PA passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.

She was born on February 10, 1931 in Bradford, a daughter of the late Walter and Lois Clark Michaels.

On April 29, 1950, in Bradford, PA, she married Kenneth Carlson, who survives. Together they shared more than 73 years of marriage.

Alicia Eve Cornell, 46, of South Brooklyn Avenue, Wellsville, NY died on Friday, September 1, 2023, in Hagerstown, MD. She was born in Wellsville on December 28, 1976, the daughter of Billy and Janet (Geffers) Cornell. 

Alicia was a 1995 graduate of Andover Central School. She found her career at Dresser Rand/Siemen’s Energy, where she worked for the last 24 years.

Wesley S. Merrick, 55, of Fords Brook Road, Wellsville, NY died on Friday, September 1, 2023.

He was born on May 28, 1968, in Wellsville, the son of Deborah and William Merrick. On September 17, 2010, he married Carrie (Smith) Merrick, who survives.

Wes was a 1987 graduate of Andover Central School. He was an exceptional electrician throughout the surrounding communities and started his own business, Merrick Electric, which he successfully operated for the last 15 years, for the last 12 years his son Zac has been his apprentice.