Obituaries

Kenneth “Kenny” Kneidel, 61, of St. Marys passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Thursday, October 19, 2023, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer.

He is survived by his parents, Gladys and Jack Kneidel; two daughters, Rachael (Adam) Brink, and Kathleen Kneidel; two grandchildren, Owen and Quinn Brink; life partner, Sandy Eckert; four siblings, Ralph (Janine) Kneidel, Marsha (Guy) Zahumensky, Alan (Shannon) Kneidel, and John (Kara) Kneidel; eight nieces and nephews, Amanda Zahumensky, Samantha Cunningham, Nick Kneidel, Isabella Kneidel, Luke Kneidel, Gina Kneidel, John Kneidel, and Mitchell Kneidel; and his partner’s children who were just like family, Gina (Jim) Brem and Kurt (Ashley) Eckert, and their daughter, Charley. He is preceded in death by his nephew Timothy Zahumensky.

Kenny was born on October 7, 1962 in St. Marys, PA. He graduated from Elk County Christian High School in 1980 and worked at Osram Sylvania for most of his career.

He enjoyed the outdoors, whether it was golfing, doing yard work, shooting trap and skeet, splitting wood, or just spending time outside at home. There was no harder worker than Kenny and he took great pride in the tasks he undertook. Perhaps the true reflection of his work ethic was the way he made his house into an inviting home. For Kenny, his house was a labor of love, and it reflected his character – resilient, hardworking, and filled with a sense of pride in everything he did.

John R. “Jack” Reese, age 83, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.  He was born on November 10, 1939 in Wellsboro, PA a son of the late Leonard and Ruth (Rexford) Reese and was married for 62 years to Victorene “Vicky” (Thornton) Reese. 

Jack was formerly employed by Taynton Freight System, Wellsboro, PA, for over 20 years and then worked at Ralph’s Ford in Mansfield, PA.  He was a Charter member of the Ironheads Motorcycle Club and a member of Hillside Rod & Gun Club and the Arnot Sportsmen’s Club and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. 

Livio J. Morelli, 91, of Ridgway, PA passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

He was born on April 18, 1932, in Weedville, a son of the late Arturo and Secondina Flaim Morelli.

After attending Bennetts Valley Schools, he proudly served his country during the Korean conflict, after achieving the rank of sergeant, he was honorably discharged. He returned to Elk County and began a career as a skilled butcher, starting at Veronesi’s Market in Force, PA. He continued in the butcher business at The Center Market in Ridgway, where he met the love of his life Joan “Jennie” Viglione, who survives, their blessed marriage for 67 years. Together they successfully ran a prosperous business, Morelli’s Meat Market, serving the community for over 25 years.

Shirley Frances Palmatier Crone, 96, life long resident of Eldred, passed away Thursday (October 19, 2023) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.

She was born April 9, 1927 in Betula, PA, the daughter of Roy Palmatier and Ina Stiles Palmatier Ford. On December 12, 1957, in Eldred, PA, she married Mark Crone, who died October 8, 2004.

Shirley was a graduate of Eldred High School and was the dental assistant for Dr. John Welch, DDS in Eldred for many, many years. 

Virginia Grace Wynick, age 88 of Westfield passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Sena Kean Manor in Smethport. 

Born December 31, 1934, she was the only child of Frank and Anna (Gursky) Warmus.  She married Kenneth J. “Sarge” Wynick in 1956 and they shared 60 years together until his passing on March 10, 2016. 

Virginia liked to crochet, knit and sew and in her younger years, she was an avid bowler.  She was a member of the St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, the Altar and Rosary Society and the TOPS Weight loss group. 

Anthony (Tony) Paul Mihalko, 63, of Tiona, PA., died peacefully with his family at his side, after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. 

He was born February 21, 1960.  He was the son of the late Sandra Jordan Mihalko Reynolds and Anthony J. Mihalko of Cherry Creek, New York.  Tony was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He loved being out in the woods.  He spent many years working on his home and land, creating a peaceful place to call home.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren and taught them both how to fish.  He enjoyed spending time at home with his dog, Casey, listening to his stereo at full blast. 

He will always be remembered for his strength, kind heart, and the jokes he told that always had everyone laughing until tears rolled down their faces. 

Anthony (Tony) Paul Mihalko, 63, Tiona, Pa., died peacefully Wednesday evening, October 18, 2023, at his residence with his family at his side.

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

Frederick L. RASSMAN, Jr., 75, of Belmont, NY, died Sunday, October 15, 2023 in UR Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester.  

Born February 14, 1948, in Tarrytown, he was the son of Frederick L. and Annette Kovel Rassman.  On August 23, 1986, in Belmont, he married the former Linnea Stoll, who survives.

A graduate of  Pleasantville High School, he earned a degree in ceramic engineering from Alfred University.  He was employed by A.L. Blades in Hornell and Belmont as head of quality control.  

Homer F. Mott, Jr., 62, of Emery Towers, Bradford, PA passed away Thursday, October 19, 2023, at his residence. 

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Betty Faye Foster, 73, of Austin, PA passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Penn Highlands Dubois. 

Betty was born on February 17, 1950, in Coudersport, the daughter of the late Robert and Edith “Shirley” (Holt) Hunsinger. 

Betty worked for Truck Lite and was also a bartender and cook.  She was of Methodist faith, volunteered at the East Fork Sportsmen’s club, and enjoyed crafts, especially flower arranging, cooking, and baking.   

Mary L. PROUTY, 80, of Ulysses, PA, died Wednesday, October 18, 2023 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.  

Born September 25, 1943, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of Winford B. and Golda V. Hillyard Tubbs.  On February 1, 1963, in Wellsville, NY, she married Lloyd C. Prouty, who survives.  

She was a graduate of Fort Knox High School in Fort Knox, KY and business school in Louisville, KY.  Mary was employed by Galeton Production and Stackpole.  She was a member of West Pike Baptist Church.  

Surviving besides her husband, Lloyd, are:  four siblings, Charlene Earle of Brookings, SD, Carolyn Prouty of Ulysses, Rose (Timothy) Foust of Coudersport, and Dale R. Tubbs of Coudersport; nieces and nephews.  

Jack M. RISEWICK, 87 of Caneadea, NY, died Friday, September 22, 2023 in the Hart Comfort House, surrounded by his family.

Friends may call at Parish of the Holy Family, 4100 Lyell Road, Rochester, NY 14606 on Friday, October 20, 2023 from 11:00 – 12:00 PM, with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 12:00 PM.  Father Steve Lape will be the Celebrant.  Burial will be in Holy Ghost Cemetery, Gates, NY.

Arrangements are under the direction of OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Loving mother

Beverly A. Van Curen, of Little Genesee, NY passed away Tuesday (Oct. 17, 2023) after a long illness, at Olean General Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Born in Cuba on March 31, 1943, she was the daughter of Bernard and Louise Griffin Torpey. On July 10, 1965, she married Charles “Chuck” Van Curen, who passed away Dec. 25, 2006.

Beverly graduated from Portville Central School, going on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English from SUNY Geneseo. She ended her working career as a manager for Dunn’s Drug Store in Bolivar.

Todd D. Muroski, 52, of Warren, PA, passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023, in his home after an extended illness.

He was born in Warren, PA, on July 6, 1971, the son of the late David Muroski and Jacqueline Minninck Muroski who survives.

Todd was a graduate of Warren High School, Class of 1990. He worked in the restaurant industry and worked at many local establishments throughout the Warren area. Todd was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and served as an altar boy in his younger years.

Smethport–On March 10, 1939, Lena Southworth Smith and Worth Smith, welcomed their fourth, and last child into their home.  They named him Kent.

He grew up with his two older brothers and older sister on the homestead in Smethport, Pennsylvania.  As a boy, Kent helped with the many chores around the farm, and also at his father’s store, the Worth W Smith Hardware.  Here, he first heard one of his favorite quotes, “Flush twice, it’s a long way to Washington.”

A bright student, in High School Kent enjoyed all of his classes with the exception of Latin, saying he would have preferred to learn a “living” language. Kent graduated Valedictorian at Smethport High School in 1957.  Encouragement from a cousin led Kent to pursue the pre-med degree from Penn State, where he graduated in 1961. 

He then attended Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA, and graduated with his degree in medicine in 1965.  It was while attending med school that Kent met the love of his life, Miriam “Mimi” Lucas, at a bar called “Dirty Franks”. She was a talented artist. They married in Medford Lakes, NJ, June 6, 1964 and had two children, Kent Worth and Christie Lynn Wallis “Walt”.

“Loving Mother & Grandmother”

Nancy A. Venable of Absolut of Allegany passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean, NY.  A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 11:00 am.  The Rev. Dr. Anthony L. Evans will officiate.

A full obituary will be published. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association

Carroll Lee (Faivre) Plant, age 57, of Wellsboro, PA, passed away Oct. 17, 2023 at her home. 

She was born on Feb. 27, 1966 in Wellsboro, PA, a daughter of Carroll “Cub” and Dorothy (Fisher) Faivre and was married to John Plant.

She worked at the Tioga County Courthouse, Tioga HAS, Corning, Inc. and most recently Sam Inc.

COUDERSPORT, Pa.—Barbara J. Neefe, 73, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed away with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.

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.

Chief Timothy M. Johnson (TJ), 56, of Warren, PA, lost his life in the line of duty shortly after responding to an EMS call on Monday evening, October 16, 2023.  He passed away early Tuesday morning, October 17 at Warren General Hospital after an unexpected medical emergency.

Tim was born in Warren, PA, on December 1, 1966, the son of the late Gary W. and Jane L. (Bertetto) Johnson. On June 19^th, 1993, he married the former Kathryn (Kathy) McAulay at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

He was a graduate of Warren High School Class of 1985, he then graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He was employed by Whirley Industries for 34 years and most recently was the IT Director. 

Tim was a very active member at Pleasant VFD for the past 37 years.  He was the current Chief and Trustee as well as an EMT for over 35 years. Tim had also served Pleasant VFD as a secretary, deputy chief, and assistant chief.

COLUMBUS, Ohio—The family of Ruth Ann Girlando will receive visitors from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Ruth’s life at 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at J. Liu’s, 6880 North High Street, Worthington.  Friends are encouraged to attend and share stories about Ruth, if they wish.  Ruth’s ashes will be interred at Maple Grove Cemetery in Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania on November 4.

Ruth’s family entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, Pa.

For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com

Lee F. LaBARR, 82, of Harrison Valley, PA, formerly of Elkland, died Monday, October 16, 2023 in his home.  

Born October 1, 1941, in Blossburg, he was the son of Frederick and Alice J. Minnick LaBarr.  On March 3, 1962, he married the former Janet Eileen VanCise, who predeceased him on June 17, 2015.  He was employed by Ingersoll-Rand and Dresser-Rand in Painted Post, NY for 45 years. 

Mary L. PROUTY, 80, of Ulysses, PA, died Wednesday, October 18, 2023 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.  

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

Cornelia Wheeler Boyden “Corkie” THUM, 84, of Sabinsville, PA, died Sunday, October 15, 2023, in Wellsboro.  Born February 23, 1939, in New Brunswick, NJ, she was the youngest child of Alan Arthur and Mabel Josephine Gregg Boyden.  

Her early life was on the family farm that her oldest brother managed and where she learned to love and take care of all kinds of animals and value the outdoors.  A 1956 graduate of Princeton High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Douglass College.  After college, Corkie began employment as a caseworker for Middlesex County Welfare Board, where her fondness for all beings was realized by working with the poor.  On August 5, 1961, in Franklin Park, NJ, she married Richard D. “Rick” Thum, who predeceased her on January 23, 2019.  Together they enjoyed 57 years of marriage and had two sons, Douglas Scott Thum and David Steven Thum.  

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her son, Davey; brothers and sister-in-law, Alan Arthur Boyden, Jr. and Douglas Gregg (Helen) Boyden; and a sister, Mabel Maxon Davenport.  

Larry K. Legersky, 54, of Emporium, PA formerly of Apollo PA passed away at his residence, Emporium, PA on Wednesday  (October 18, 2023) morning following a lengthy illness. He was born June 23, 1969 in Natrona Heights, PA a son of the late John and Virginia Nale Legersky.

Larry worked for Kautz Plumbing for several years. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and hanging out with his friends.

Alan J. Peyno            “beloved father and grandfather”

Alan J. Peyno, 65, of Coudersport, passed away with his loving son by his side on Monday, October 16, 2023, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a short illness.

Born on Monday, November 18, 1957 in Havana, Cuba, he was a son of Edwin and Virginia Velaseo Peyno. 

Alan graduated from high school in Havana.  He was an auto mechanic by trade.

In keeping with his Cuban heritage, Alan enjoyed Cuban Salsa dancing, both in Cuba and in the United States.  He enjoyed fishing. His greatest love was his family, especially spending time with his granddaughter and grandson.  His grandchildren loved it when he pushed them on the swing and gave them ice cream!!

Sherri L. (Moon) Thornton, age 51, of Cogan Station, PA, formerly of Wellsboro, PA, died on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. 

She was born on May 29, 1972 in Wellsboro, PA, a daughter of George and Carol (Baldwin) Moon and was married to John Thornton. 

Sherri was formerly employed by Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA and as a Medicare claims examiner in Williamsport, PA and enjoyed crafting, birdwatching and cooking. 

She is survived by her parents: George and Carol Moon of Wellsboro, PA, husband: John Thornton of Cogan Station, PA, daughter: Taylor Hill of Liverpool, NY and a brother: Gary Moon of Lawrenceville, PA. 

A private family graveside service will be held at the Ansonia Cemetery. 

Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com

James Henry Bogdan, 71, of Otto Township, Pa., died Saturday (Oct. 14, 2023) at Olean General Hospital with his family by his side, after a battle with multiple myeloma.

Born to Henry and Dorothy Bogdan on Jan. 6, 1952, in Buffalo, Jim was a 1970 graduate of Canisius High School. He studied geology at SUNY Fredonia and moved to Pennsylvania to work in the oil fields. There, he worked for Piper Well Surveys Inc., Gearhart Wireline Inc., Kmart, Belden & Blake, and Catalyst Energy. Post-retirement, he worked for Metz at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

John Stephen Kohut, age 82, of Elkland, PA passed away at his home on Sunday, October 15, 2023. 

Born April 3, 1941 in Corning, NY, he was the son of the late John J. and Frances M. (Piecuch) Kohut. 

John graduated from the University of Cincinnati and built his career as a Software Engineering Manager with Control Data Corporation, where he was highly regarded among his peers, upper management, and those who worked for him.

During his time in California, he was recognized for his years of service by holding the title of Chairman Emeritus of the Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen in San Jose, CA.

August 10, 1919 — October 9, 2023

Allegany

BORN:                       Katherine Rita Joyce on August 10, 1919 in County Galway, Ireland

DIED:                         October 9, 2023 at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY.

DAUGHTER OF:      Peter and Mary McDonnell Joyce, Dorchester, MA.

Sr. Therese entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on August 14, 1940, was received into the Congregation on August 15, 1941, and professed her final vows on August 16, 1948.  Committed to the Franciscan charism, Sister lived for 83 years as a devoted member of the Allegany Franciscan Sisters sharing her life in community and ministry.

Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister

Donna M. Weatherly, 71, of 120 Abbotts Road, Lyndon, NY passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Olean General Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Born on July 31, 1952, in Buffalo, she was a daughter of Frederick and Loretta M. Lederhouse Witt, Sr.  On July 5, 1975, in Scio, she married Burton J. Weatherly who survives.

Donna worked as a one-on-one Aide in multiple schools, had been a clerk at the Uni-Mart in Cuba and last was a personal care aide for the Rehabilitation Center in Olean.