Obituaries

“beloved companion”

Jane C. Nicholas, 70, of Shinglehouse, PA passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 15, 2023, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

Born on Tuesday, December 30, 1952 in Easton, she was a daughter of Stewart and Phyllis Chamberlin Ruch. 

Jane was a graduate of Bangor High School, Class of 1971, in Bangor, Pa.  She was employed as a school bus driver for STA-Krise Bus Company in Bangor and also had been employed as a school bus driver for David Ebeling in Shinglehouse.

Jane loved her cats and dogs.  She was an avid gardener and loved studying the Bible. Jane took care of and fed Bwana Jim’s many animals while he was away doing his shows.

Deborah L. VanAlstine, 58, of 120 Pear Road, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly Sunday, October 15, 2023.

She was born December 26, 1964, in St. Marys, daughter of Donald Cunningham, who survives of St. Marys, and the late Carol Roth Cunningham.  She was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1984.  Deborah worked as a housekeeper at the Best Western Hotel.

In July of 1987, in St. Marys, Deborah married Keith A. VanAlstine, who survives. 

Todd D. Muroski, 52, of Warren, PA passed away unexpectedly on October 16, 2023, in his home.

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

Timothy M. Johnson, 56, of Warren, PA, passed away early Tuesday morning October 17, 2023, in Warren General Hospital after an unexpected medical issue. 

Friends may call on Friday, October 20, 2023, from 6 to 8 pm in the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East St., Warren. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 11:00 am in Pleasant Township Social Hall, 40 Fuller Ave., Warren, PA.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available

Patrick Stewart Fargo, 59, of Bradford, PA passed away Friday, October 13, 2023 at the Olean General Hospital, after a long illness. 

Born December 28, 1963, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Bruce C. and Beverly J. (Yard) Fargo.

He was a 1982 graduate of Limestone Union Free School, where he played varsity football and was proud to wear the “88” Jersey. He also played baseball and basketball.

On March 2, 2013, in Limestone, NY, he married Patricia Ann (Dewyer) Fargo who survives. 

He was employed at Bush Industries and retired as a CNC Machine Operator at W. R.Case Cutlery. 

V. Carol Wilson, 88, formerly of Aiken, passed away, Saturday October 14, 2023, in Westfield.

Born December 29, 1934, in Lewis Run, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Helen (Collins) Peterson.

Carol graduated from Bradford High School in 1952 and Otterbein College in 1956 with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She also served as an assistant professor at Otterbein College.

On September 21, 1957, in Westerville, OH, she married Richard Arthur Wilson who preceded her in death on November 29, 2021.

Carol taught English and Spanish in Smethport and Bradford High Schools until 1970. She was the administrator of the Hannum Memorial Rest Home from 1977-1980 and the bookkeeper for the Salvation Army until 1985.

She was a member of the Gifford United Methodist Church, the Choir director and organist. She served on the Elderberry board at the Smethport Senior Center, where she was Secretary and Treasurer. Carol also volunteered at BRMC. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, knitting and reading.

Jane C. Nicholas, 70, of Shinglehouse, PA passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 15, 2023, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

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.

“a great storyteller that created strong connections with loved ones”

PORT ALLEGANY, Pa.—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.

Born on Friday, February 10, 1956 in Buffalo, NY, he was a son of Ernest B. Kohn and Marlene Sullivan.  Kevin was raised by his grandparents, Ernest H. and Myrtle Kohn of Smethport.

As a young boy, he spent time delivering milk with his grandfather. In the summer, he spent time in Emporium with his father and stepmother, Cassie Kohn.  Kevin was a graduate of Smethport Area High School, Class of 1974, where he excelled in sports.  Kevin participated in the first Big 30 Football game in 1974.  He spent two years at Grove City College and then went into the workforce.  He had a variety of jobs but spent most of his time as an over-the-road truck driver.

Elizabeth A. “Betsy” Snyder, 62, of Roulette, PA, a lifelong resident of the area and had previously resided in Coudersport, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 13, 2023, in the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.

Born on Tuesday, April 11, 1961 in Coudersport, she was a daughter of Milton L. “Bud” and Waneta P. Perkins Snyder.

Betsy was a graduate of Coudersport High School, Class of 1980 and later in life she attended the former Olean Business Institute where she earned her Associate’s Degree.  She was employed for many years at Midland Optical in Coudersport in the Quality Control department, then at Acker and Larson Attorneys at Law in Coudersport and at JV Bank in Coudersport.  At the time of her passing, she was employed at Edward Jones in Coudersport where she worked for Kelly Wieder, Financial Advisor, whom she considered a dear friend.

Richard S. Houck, 86, of Smethport, PA passed away Friday (October 13, 2023) at UPMC-Hamot, Erie.

He was born February 24, 1937 in Olean, the son of George and Clare (Arto) Houck. On August 19, 1961, in St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport, he married Sylvia J. Bryson, who survives.

Rich had worked in several areas of construction over the years. He was an electrician working for the Local #1319 Union.  He had also worked for Case Cutlery of Bradford.

A Funeral Service for Robert V. Howard will be celebrated in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 10:30 AM, with the Rev. Ann Foor officiating.  Burial will follow in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Benezette.  

Lawrence J. Nicklas, Jr., a lifelong resident of St. Marys, PA passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at Penn Highlands Elk at the age of 91.

Lawrence was born on April 19, 1932 in St. Marys at 526 Chestnut Street, son of the late Lawrence Sr. and Eleanor (Simbeck) Nicklas.

He was a 1950 graduate of St. Marys Public High School. He met the late Shirley (Schreiber) Nicklas, his future wife, in 1949 at the Fox’s Skating Rink. The couple married on October 25, 1952 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last fall. She preceded him in death on June 4, 2023.

Smethport – Elijah Charles Thomas Bailey, infant, was still born Wednesday (October 11, 2023) at Oishei Children’s Hospital, Buffalo, NY.

He was the infant son of Thomas R. Bailey and Jennifer M. Gault.

He is survived by his father Thomas R. Bailey of Bradford and mother Jennifer M. M. Gault of Smethport

One brother: Ethan W. C. Edwards of Smethport

One sister:  Brooke A. Bailey of Glenwood, NY

Maternal grandparents: Rob & Lorie Gault “G-G” of Bradford

One Aunt: Shawna Gault

One Uncle: Rob (Justina Rodgers) Gault

Cousins: Maddison, Mackenzie, and Waylon Gault, Lydia Colts, and Cadin and Abram Rogers

Little Elijah was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Thomas and Martha Bailey.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, from 5-7PM in the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, where a memorial service will begin at 7PM with the Rev. Josh Haney, pastor of the First Church of the Nazarene of Bradford, officiating.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to Oishei Children’s Hospital, 818 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY  14203.  Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

“Loving Husband, Father & Grandfather”

Joseph M. Champlin, 76, of Genesee Street, Olean, NY passed away at his home on Friday, October 13, 2023, surrounded by his family, following a brief battle with cancer.

Joe was born on July 19, 1947, in Rochester and was the son of Lawrence L. and Betty Geise Champlin. On July 11, 1970, at the Hillside Wesleyan Church in Olean, he married his loving wife, Nancy Helen Marsh, who survives.

Joe attended grade schools in Olean, Millport, Ellicottville, Roulette, and finally, Hinsdale Central School, where he graduated in 1966.

Dale L. Lowrie, 68, of 152 Pine Street, Wellsville, NY passed away at home on Friday, October 13, 2023.

He was born February 12, 1955, in Bath, NY, the son of the late Leroy J. and Gladys M. (Raub) Lowrie.

Dale was a 30-year resident of Oswayo, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse, PA. He was formerly employed at Hennigh’s Trailer Sales in Shinglehouse. In 1995 he moved to Wellsville, and was employed by K-Arcy Corporation, Benjamin Smith Company, and Giant Food Mart. Dale was a long-time resident of 269 S. Main Street, and enjoyed swimming, hiking, winter sports, outdoor activities, and maintaining his home and lawn.  

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

She was born January 6, 1939 in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of Clarence and Dorothea (Babcock) Gulick.  On September 6, 1957,  in Elkton, MD, she married Henry P. Veit, who died on June 5, 2004.

Marilyn was a graduate of Franklin K. Lane High School and was a homemaker, tending to the needs of her family.

Scott Raymond Gibson, 53, of Northwest Rd., Kane, PA died unexpectedly, Thursday, October 12, 2023, at UPMC-Hamot.  

He was born October 28, 1969 in Kane to Corine Varga and the late James Gibson, and on June 7, 2008 in Kane, he married Kathleen Lindquist. On September 10, 2009, he became a father to Tyler Raymond Gibson, and then on September 9, 2011, his second son, Kellen George Gibson, was born.

Scott graduated from Kane High School in 1987.  He then graduated from Gannon University with a degree in accounting.  He went on to be the Controller at Clarion Sintered Metals where he would have celebrated his 30th anniversary this week.  

Shirley D. Presher, 91, of 11 Sullivan Road, Bradford, PA went to be with her Lord, on Saturday, October 14, 2023, surrounded by her family at her residence.

Born February 14, 1932 in Carrollton NY, she was the daughter of the late Clifford and Vera (Haigh) Spry. She attended school in Killbuck Salamanca, and Bradford.

On May 3, 1986, in Palatka FL, she married Willard J. “Willie” Presher Sr., who survives.

Shirley worked as a waitress at Johnson’s Restaurant for 25 years, and formerly worked at the Bradford Era, and Yum Yum’s Ice Cream Stand.

She was a 69-year member of Grace Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and prepared funeral dinners.

CAROL MARY CLOWER, died after a brief illness October 8, 2023 at Shady Grove Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born April 8, 1947 in Philadelphia, PA, the daughter of Charles and Agnes (McAdams) Smutnik. She was residing in Montgomery Village, MD.

Carol graduated from Mastbaum High School, Philadelphia, Class of 1965. Following graduation, she worked for the Disabled American Veterans for almost 20 years. She raised her two older children in Levittown, PA.

After they had grown, she moved to Shinglehouse, PA where she continued to raise her youngest son and worked at Community Bank of Olean, NY.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Thomas and Charles.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Walmer, sons Thomas Walmer and his wife, Sandy, and Brian Clower and his wife, Amanda; six grandchildren: Alex, Argo, Danielle, Joa, Kinsley, and Keeleigh; one sister, Dolores McKay; many nieces and nephews.

A private service of remembrance was held with her family.

Those who wish to remember Carol in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Heart Association.

Arrangements entrusted to Thibadeau Mortuary Service, p.a., 124 E Diamond Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, 301-495-4950, www.interfaithfunerals.com

Richard S. Houck, 86, of Smethport, PA passed away Friday (October 13, 2023) at UPMC-Hamot, Erie.

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

Lawrence J. Nicklas, Jr., 91, of 1104 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Sunday, October 15, 2023 at Penn Highlands Elk Hospital. 

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

ALLENTOWN – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Paul Copley, a devoted husband, loving father, favorite uncle and cherished friend, who left us all too soon at the age of 45.

John was born June 12, 1978, and departed from this world Oct. 9, 2023, after a courageous two-year battle with glioblastoma.

John was born in Kane, raised in Mount Jewett and attended college at Clarion University and University of Pittsburgh, where he met his wife, Kendra, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in chemical and petroleum engineering.

A man of unforgettable character, John was a dedicated husband to his wife, Kendra (Krutilla) Copley of Weirton, W.Va., and a fountain of unwavering love for his two young daughters, Makayla and Madelyn.

Richard Francis Black (January 14, 1956 – October 10, 2023)

Dr. Richard Black died on Tuesday, October 10th after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was born in Braintree, Massachusetts in January of 1956, which, as he’d tell you, is not far from the birthplace of John Adams.

He got his bachelor’s degree, master’s in public health & dental degree from Harvard University, followed by his training in Oral and Maxillofacial  Surgery from Mount Sinai in New York City.

He dedicated his life to treating his patients with dignity and respect and providing the highest level of care. He devoted much of his free time to Rotary, the Wellsboro community, and humanitarian work.

He was a singular man. He had a focus and commitment that characterized not only his working life, but his personal life as well. He loved a joke, a quote, or a bon mot. And a bành mì for that matter. He would likely have written a better obituary than this one.

He is survived by his wife, three children and 5 siblings. He will be missed.

Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to Dr. Black’s life at a Memorial Mass 11:00 am Saturday, October 28, 2023, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, and a reception 11:00 am-3:00 pm Sunday, October 29, 2023 at the Deane Center in Wellsboro. 

Donations in his memory may be made to the Wellsboro Rotary Club, PO Box 961, Wellsboro, PA 16901. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, 139 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA.  To share a memory or condolence with his family visit www.tusseymosher.com.

Bob (Robert) Allan Highhouse, 80, passed away Friday, October 13, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family and his loyal companion, Bubba.

Bob was born on September 8, 1943, to James and Florence Ruhlman Highhouse in Warren, PA. He attended Warren Area High School and joined the US Navy in 1960. He served as an Aviation Boatswains Mate—Fuel Specialist. during Vietnam and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Bob spent much of his time in the Navy on the U.S.S. F.D. Rosevelt Aircraft Carrier cruising the Mediterranean.

Bob attended VALE Technical institute in Blairsville, PA, and specialized in mechanics. He worked at DORCON, Sylvania, and National Fuel Gas, where he worked as a mechanic and gas regulator and measurement specialist. Bob retired after 32 years in 1999.

Loving Father, Grandfather

Russell G. “Russ” Scott, 79, of 9840 Hardy’s Corners Road, Rushford, NY passed way Friday, October 13, 2023 at his daughter’s home surrounded by family after a lengthy illness.

Born on March 10, 1944, in Friendship, he was a son of Floyd H. and Marie E. Vail Scott.  On September 19, 1964, in Friendship, he married the former Sylvia S. Speta and together they spend the next 48 years making family and wonderful memories until her passing on August 15, 2013.

Russ was a graduate of Friendship Central School Class of 1962.  He then went to Welding Technical School in Wellsville.

He worked at Air Preheater in Wellsville as a welder and traveled extensively for work.  In 1984, he became the Superintendent of Building and Grounds at Rushford Central School retiring in 2004.

Doris E. Childs of County Route 5, Bolivar, NY passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the Wellsville Manor following a brief illness.

Doris was born on February 6, 1934, in Olean and was the daughter of George L. and Mae V. Hamilton Collins. On August 24, 1952, at the Portville Methodist Church she married Leon Norwood Childs who predeceased her on November 11, 2004.

Doris was a 1952 graduate of Portville Central School. She worked at Portville Central School for over 25 years where she retired as a Cafeteria Manager after 12 years in the late 1990s.

Jane McDermit Hoare, 85, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at Elk Haven Nursing Home.

Jane was born in Cresson, PA, on May 5, 1938 to the late James and Margaret Yahner McDermit.  In 1950 her family moved to Knoxville, TN where she graduated from Knoxville Catholic High School, Class of 1956.  She then went to St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Knoxville, earning her R.N. Degree in 1959.  Her family moved back to Cresson, PA where she met and married Robert Hoare in 1960.  They were blessed to share 59 ½ years of marriage together.

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

Ronald was born in Wellsville, NY on January 30, 1944, he was a son of the late Howard E. and Marjorie “Marge” J (Cook) Thompson. He was a 1962 graduate of Bradford Area High School, and a graduate of Williamsport Technical Institute, with a degree in Drafting.

On June 29, 1963, in West Branch Evangelical United Brethren Church, he married Gail Ann (Smith) Thompson who survives.

Ron was formerly employed at Witco Kendall and retired from Pitt Corning in Port Allegany.

He was a member of the Bradford Union Lodge 749 F&AM, the Coudersport Consistory, and loved to build things and was a jack of all trades.

Elijah Charles Thomas Bailey, infant, was still born Wednesday (October 11, 2023) at Oishei Children’s Hospital, Buffalo, NY.

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

Doris Wescott Toronski, age 99, died Friday, October 13, 2023, at Pinecrest Manor.

She was born December 5, 1923.  On May 2, 1946 in St. Agnes Episcopal Church, she married Arthur H. Toronski who preceded her in death on April 6, 1995.

She was a lifelong Episcopalian and a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Ridgway.  She graduated from St. Marys Public High School in 1941.