Obituaries

Michael J. Hammond, 66, of Coudersport, passed away Monday (December 8, 2025) at UPMC-Williamsport.

Robert L. “Rob” Woelfel, 62, of Kersey, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Known by all as a gifted mechanic and lifelong tinkerer, Rob had an unmatched ability to bring machines back to life and a curiosity that never rested.

He was born on November 7, 1963 in St. Marys, a son of the late Wray “Lucky” and Doris Wolfe Woelfel.

On June 30, 1989 in Queen of the World Church, he married Judith Lundy Woelfel, who survives.

David “Dave” G. Steis, 60, a native and longtime resident of Ridgway, went home to the Lord on the afternoon of Saturday, December 6, 2025, after a brief stay in Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

In Hebrew, David means “beloved”, and that’s exactly how he was and will forever be received by friends and family. He was a graduate of St. Leo’s Catholic School in 1979 and Ridgway Area High School in 1983. He was a dual sport athlete for the Mighty Elkers football program as well as the former Elkers track and field team. He went on to further his education at Triangle Tech and earned a trade degree in carpentry. He earned his degree while working full-time and was awarded Most Outstanding Student and a 4.0 grade-point average.

Gail E. BUCHHOLZ, 62, of Wellsville, NY, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Saturday, December 6, 2025 in UR Jones Memorial Hospital following an illness.  

Born May 23, 1963, in Warsaw, she was the daughter of Paul T. Cook and Delores Post Cook.  Gail loved camping, fishing, and enjoying  Born May 23, 1963, in Warsaw, she was the daughter of Paul T. Cook and Delores Post Cook.  Gail loved camping, fishing, and enjoying cookouts.

Aaron M. Forstner Walter, 14, of Bradford, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 5, 2025 at his home with his loyal dog “Lois” by his side.

He was born on November 20, 2011 in Billings, MT, a son of Miles Forstner of Billings.

Aaron was currently an 8^th grade student at the Floyd C. Fretz Middle School.

He was a member of the 8^th grade basketball and football teams, the Fretz Science Club and a baseball player on the Bradford Little League.  He was also an avid fisherman who enjoyed playing golf and video games.  He was a fan of the Buffalo Bills and the LA Dodgers.  Aaron and his brother Dillon were partners in crime who could do anything when they were together and set their minds to it.

Ryan R. Taylor, 39, of California and formerly of St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 6, 2025.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

Kathryn L. Luzzi, 82, of Bradford, passed away peacefully , Wednesday, November 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at her residence. 

Born on October 10, 1943, in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of the late Clarence H. and Esther Ellen (Bass) Mott.

She was a graduate of Olean Area High School. After graduating, she attended Bradford Hospital School of Nursing and earned her LPN degree. 

On January 22, 1966, at St. Bernard Church, she married Francis J. “Dude” Luzzi, who preceded her in death on October 10, 2001.

Kathryn worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Bradford Regional Medical Center, for over 40 years.

Jeff A. Holly, 70, of Gates Hollow, Bradford, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025, with his grandsons by his side at his home.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Linda Jean Malone, 89, formerly of 241 Minard Run Road, passed away peacefully Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
 
Linda was born in New Martinsville, WV on April 27, 1936. She was the only child of Norman and Lida Headlee. She graduated from New Martinsville High School in 1954.
 
On February 9, 1963, she married Harry Otis Malone in New Martinsville, WV. Together they moved to Bradford in 1965.

Esther Ruth Ray “celebration of life slated”

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Esther Ruth Ray, 87, of Shinglehouse, at 11am on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in the First Baptist Church, Shinglehouse. Pastor Clint Pearsall will officiate.

Esther passed away on November 4, 2025.

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

For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com

Patricia M. “Pat” Pearson, 91, of Emporium, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, December 7, 2025, at Guy & Mary Felt Manor. She was born April 3, 1934, in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late G. Arthur and Bertha Selle Anderson. On September 3, 1955, in St. Marys, she married the late Frederick Pearson, and later was married to the late Angelo Mancini.

Pat was a 1952 graduate of the former Central High School in St. Marys. She began her working years with Sears & Roebuck before serving many years as a library clerk for the Cameron County School District. A devoted member of St. Mark Catholic Church, Pat lived her faith quietly and sincerely. She enjoyed her daily walks, reading, and word search puzzles, and was especially proud of her cooking, best known for her delicious apple pies, which she loved baking and sharing.

Daniel J. Lucia, of Warren, PA., died Monday morning, December 1, 2025, at Warren General Hospital, after a brief illness. 

He was born in Warren, PA., the son of Daniel J. and Mary Chiricuzio Lucia.  He was a longtime Warren area resident.  Dan was a 1961 graduate of Holy Cross Prep School, Dunkirk, N.Y. He spent some time in the Catholic Seminary towards that goal. He was a graduate of Gannon University with a bachelor’s degree in English. He earned a master’s degree in American studies, from Pennsylvania State University. He was also a licensed practical nurse, training at Warren General Hospital.  After obtaining his nursing degree, he worked primarily as an in-patient psychiatric nurse, with the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, IN, and later at Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster, PA.

John P. Vleminckx Sr., 92, of Bradford, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025, surrounded by his family at The Pavilion at BRMC. 

Born on June 17, 1933, in Chicago, Il, he was a son of the late Peter and Julia Vleminckx.

He was a 1951 graduate of Benton High School in Benton, IL. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served in Korea until his honorable discharge. 

On July 15, 1952, in Pocahontas, AR, he married Wanda L. (Overturf) Vleminckx, who survives.

Steven R. Wendel, 60, of St. Marys died at his home on Saturday, December 6, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family. 

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

John Confer, 82, of Kane, ended his hardworking and unforgettable earthly journey on December 5. He was born on June 27, 1943, and spent his life rooted in the community he knew so well – and who certainly knew him.

Most people will remember John as a little bit prickly and entirely unmistakable. He was the guy who managed to get himself tossed out of more than one borough council meeting for speaking his mind – usually because he insisted on pointing out what others preferred to ignore. He was also the landlord who would padlock a tenant’s door, but only after months of unpaid rent and far more patience than most would have offered. Stories like these became part of local legend, retold with disbelief, exasperation, and a certain fondness because they were so perfectly “him.”

Marilyn E. Riggs, 92, of Derrick City, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the Bradford Manor while under the kind and compassionate care of the Bradford Manor staff.

She was born on May 2, 1933 in Bradford; the daughter of the late Joel and Grace Hillyard Price.

She attended Bradford Area Schools.

On February 4, 1950 in the First Free Methodist Manse, Bradford, she married John W. Riggs who preceded her in death on June 16, 2018.

She was a member of the former East End Presbyterian Church.  She enjoyed camping at Hidden Valley in Kianton, NY, spending the winters in Florida for eighteen years and travelling in their motor home for seven years.

She was employed at the former Gigi’s for fifteen and a half years until she retired in 1995.

Harold F. “Hal” Wiley, 85, of 24 Abbott Rd., Bradford, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the Bradford Manor after a courageous battle with Parkinsons disease.

He was born on January 5, 1940 in Bradford; a son of the late Kenneth and Helen Kelly Wiley.

He was a 1957 graduate of the former St. Bernard High School and he earned his certificate in drafting from the Williamsport Technical Institute.

On June 13, 1964 in the St. Bernard Catholic Church; he married Karen Steinfeldt who survives.

Robert P. “Bob” STROMBERG, 97, of Cromwell, CT, formerly of Port Allegany, PA, died on November 29, 2025.  He was a resident of Covenant Living of Cromwell.  Born August 15, 1928, in Bradford, PA, he was the son of Eric R. and Gerda S. Olson Stromberg.  

In 1930, the family moved to a farm in Wrights, PA.  A 1946 graduate of Port Allegany High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Army from 1946 – 1948, with service in the Army’s 11th Airborne Division in Japan.  Returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Lucielle Esther Nelson, on May 8, 1948 in Port Allegany.  They shared 72 wonderful years together and had three children: Sally, Robert, and Ingrid.  

Robin Hackett, 60, of Bradford, passed away Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the home she shared with her partner, James Haley.

Born August 26, 1965, in Bradford, she was the daughter of the late Richard “Dick” Hackett and Betty Jones, who survives.

Robin attended Bradford Area High School. Throughout her life, she was known for her strong spirit, her sense of humor, and her unwavering devotion to the people she loved. She was happiest spending time with her children, grandchildren, and her dogs—Dora, Lady, and Twink—who were constant companions and a source of comfort and happiness.

Family meant everything to Robin. She cherished every moment spent with her children and was especially proud to be a grandmother. Her grandchildren brought extraordinary joy to her life, and she adored each of them deeply.

Daniel J. Lucia, of Warren, PA., died Monday morning, December 1, 2025, at Warren General Hospital, after a brief illness. A complete obituary will be published when it’s available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., Warren, PA.

Faye A. Eades “former Shinglehouse, PA resident”

DEL CITY, Oklahoma—Faye A. Eades, 82, of Del City, Oklahoma, formerly of Shinglehouse, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 10, 2025.

Born on Saturday, August 7, 1943, she was a daughter of Clifford and Marian Swift Hackett.

Faye was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, Class of 1960, in Shinglehouse, PA. Graduating at the age of 16, Faye went to the former Airline School in Annapolis, Maryland. After graduating from airline school, Faye was employed at the Pentagon for several years. A military wife, she lived in numerous places, finally settling in Oklahoma.

She had a fulfilling career at Tinker Air Force Base working for the Air Force in Oklahoma and later was employed at the Air Force Base by the Department of Defense, from where she retired.

Faye was an active member of her church. She was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time outside on her plants and flowers. At one time, Faye considered herself a “gym rat”, having gone to the gym everyday to workout.

Left to cherish her memory are a son, Alan (Melissa) Poe of Choctaw, OK; two sisters, Peggy Askins of Mesa, AZ and Julie Perkins of Shinglehouse; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Ceres, PA.

In lieu flowers, memorials in Faye’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Faye entrusted her local arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Faye, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Robert Allen “Bob” Bly, 59, of Derrick City, passed away peacefully at his home on December 3, 2025.

He was born November 11, 1966, in Bradford, a son of James Bly of Bradford, and the late Nancy Bly. He was a 1984 graduate of Smethport Area High School.

Bob was currently employed as a Foreman at Alleghany Industrial Insulation of Lewis Run. Prior to that, he worked as a Foreman for many years at DM Industries.

Mary B. Contant             “beloved wife, mother, and grandmother”

COUDERSPORT, PA—Mary B. Contant, 87, 0f Coudersport, passed away in her home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, after a long illness.

Born on Thursday, November 3, 1938 in Longview, Texas, she was a daughter of Kirby and Helen Dunning White. In 1955 in Spokane, WA, she married George W. Wilson, who passed away in 1989. On June 20, 1998 in Coudersport, she married Gilles S. Contant, who survives.

Mary was employed for many years at the former Pure Carbon in Coudersport. She enjoyed spending time at her cabin and tending to her flower beds. She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Brenda J. TRIPLETT, 79, of Port Allegany, PA, died Tuesday, December 2, 2025 in Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.  Born May 27, 1946, in St. Marys, she was the daughter of Roy E. and Hazel E. Cleaveland Wertz. On April 6, 1963, in Cody, WY, she married Samuel Gordon Triplett, who predeceased her on June 25, 2003.

A graduate of Port Allegany High School, she was a homemaker raising her children. Brenda was an artist and commissioned by many local people for her artwork. She was a member of Port Allegany Alliance Church.  

Thomas R. Davido, 72, of Ridgway, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 15, 2025, in Aruba with his wife by his side.

He was born on September 17, 1953, in Ridgway, the son of the late Donald J. and Ruth C. Harvey Davido.

On May 10, 1975, at St. Leo Church, he married Jo-Ann Marchese, with whom he celebrated 50 years of a blessed marriage.

Smethport – Thomas E. Burkett, 89, of Smethport, passed away Thursday (November 27, 2025) at his home in Smethport.

He was born August 20, 1936 in Bradford, the son of Harry W. and Wilma E. Burkett. On January 23, 1960, in Olean, NY, he married Laura M. Coast, who preceded him in death.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Mr. Burkett was employed by Case Cutlery of Bradford before retiring.

He enjoyed camping, going to the races, and spending time with his family. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and loved to watch them play.

David W. KALASNIK, 76, of Ulysses, PA, died Saturday, November 29, 2025 in his home.  

Born August 14, 1949, in Waterbury, CT, he was the son of Walter and Ann Zachar Kalasnik.  

He was married to Nola Empson Jonsson, who survives.  A 1966 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, Waterbury, CT, he served honorably with the U.S. Navy in the Vietnam War from 1966 – 1970.  He served on the USS Ticonderoga.  

Jeffrey R. Nuhfer, 58, of Rockland Avenue, Bradford, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Buffalo General Hospital, Buffalo, NY.

Born March 8, 1967, in Olean, NY, he was a son of the late Lial E. and Betty J. (McCool) Nuhfer.

Jeff was a 1985 graduate of Bradford High School and a 1989 graduate of Clarion university with a degree in Communications.

On June 22, 2002, in the First Wesleyan Church he married Michele M. (Buffa) Nuhfer who survives. 

Robert C. SHELLEY, Sr., 86, of Port Allegany, PA, died Friday, November 28, 2025 in Sena-Kean, Smethport, PA.  Born November 26, 1939, in Port Allegany, he was the son of Max R. and Ruth Carl Shelley.  On May 1, 1959, in Elizabeth City, NC, he married Julia Jones, who predeceased him on May 2, 2005.  

A U.S. Navy Veteran, he served honorably from 1957 – 1960.  He was employed as a supervisor by Port Allegany Borough.  Bob was a member of the Canoe Place Fish and Game Club and was active in local bowling leagues.  An outdoorsman, he enjoyed farming and riding his Harley Davidson.  Bob cherished time with his family.  He especially enjoyed dancing at the weddings of his grandchildren.  

Jean E. Dunkelberger, 101, of Emporium, PA, passed away peacefully at Penn Highlands Elk in St. Marys, PA, on Sunday night, November 30, 2025.

She was born August 9, 1924, in Emporium, PA, a daughter of the late John F. and Miriam Cooper McManigle. Jean was the granddaughter of the late James and Genevieve “Jennie” Flynn McManigle of Buffalo, NY. She attended Saint Theresa Catholic School and South Park High School in Buffalo. Shortly after graduation, in November 1943, she married her first husband, the late W. Merle DeLozier, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Buffalo. Following his passing, she later married the late Francis Quigley, and after his passing, she married the late Roy Dunkelberger.