Obituaries

BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y. – Dr. Richard Morse Darling, 92, of McHarrie Pointe, formerly of North Chili, NY passed away peacefully Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2023) after a brief illness.

Richard was the youngest of three sons born to Eugene David and Sarah Grace Morse Darling, on May 5, 1931, in Norwich. Richard was a 1949 graduate of Norwich High School where he excelled in academics and sports, particularly tennis. He was proud to be a member of the tennis team during his junior year when he led the Norwich Purple Tornadoes in an undefeated season and later was inducted into the NHS Sports Hall of Fame (2018).

He developed an interest in medicine from his mother, a nurse, who provided short- and long-term care in their Norwich home. He attended Roberts Wesleyan College and then transferred to Alfred State College, graduating in 1953. While at Roberts he met the love of his life, Lila Jean Robson of Eldred. They married June 12, 1954.

Vera Y. Smith, 84, of Route 46, Smethport, PA passed away Tuesday (Aug. 1, 2023) at Olean General Hospital, Olean, N.Y.

Born Dec. 20, 1938, she was a daughter of Floyd and Florence Canfield. On March 31, 1999, she married Larry D. Smith, who survives.

Wayland – Kevin W. Sharp, 64 years of age, passed away early Saturday morning, July 29, 2023 at his home in Wayland, after a 15 month battle with cancer.

Kevin was born August 16, 1958 in Blossburg, PA to Richard G. and Roxie L. (Houghtaling) Sharp and grew up in Mills, PA. Kevin married Cindy Palmatier on April 11, 1981 in Coudersport, PA and they have celebrated over 42 years together.  Kevin and Cindy raised their family in Brookland, PA and moved to Wayland, NY in 2019 to remain close to their son and grandchildren. 

Kevin was employed at Morgan AM & T in Coudersport for almost 42 years, before retiring in December 2020. 

A celebration of life for John Goerlich, who died Tuesday, May 30, 2023, will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 1:00 P.M. at Chapman Dam State Park, Clarendon, PA., at pavilion #4, A picnic will be held afterwards at 1:30 P.M.  Swimwear and hiking shoes are encouraged.

Ronald Joseph Petruzzi, of Barden Brook Road, Eldred, PA passed away on Friday (Aug. 4, 2023) at Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital.

Born Oct. 7, 1937, he was the son of Elmer and Angeline Marrone-Petruzzi. On June 15, 1963, he married Frances Guro. They had a loving marriage for over 60 years and were blessed with four children.

Ron graduated from Eldred High School Class of 1955 and Bloomsburg University Class of 1963.

Ron loved his hometown of Eldred. In 1968, he built a home for his growing family on Barden Brook Road, where he spent time gardening, cross-country skiing, golfing and hunting. Ron attended St. Raphael’s Church in Eldred and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Ron was a business math teacher in the Portville (N.Y.) school system for 15 years. In 1970, he founded Petruzzi Insurance in Eldred, later expanding to Smethport. In 1995, Ron and his son John opened an office in Olean, then expanded to Salamanca. Even after his “retirement,” Ron spent almost every day talking to customers and friends in the Eldred office.

Patricia M. Hain of N 19^th Street, Olean, NY, formerly of Shinglehouse, PA passed away on August 3, 2023 at the Olean General Hospital with her loving husband by her side, following an illness.

Patricia was born on December 12, 1941, in Richland, PA and was the daughter of Lee J. and Dorothy E. Noll Gingrich. On June 10, 1961, in Lebanon, PA she married her loving husband, Roger N. Hain who survives.

Patricia was a 1959 graduate of Northern Lebanon High School. She lived in the Lebanon area until her husband became ordained and became the pastor of a church in Reading, PA where they lived for 3 years. Together they moved to Harrisburg for 2 years before moving to Shinglehouse where her husband pastored at Bell Run Union Church then started Grace Bible Independent Baptist Church where she was the church secretary for about 7 years.

Joseph Tominez, 90, of Birch Street, Bradford, PA passed away peacefully, Thursday, August 3, 2023, after a brief illness. 

Born April 24, 1933, in Bradford, the youngest of nine to the late Frank and Eva (Katzuna) Tominez. 

Joe was a 1952 graduate of Bradford Area High School. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. 

On April 15, 1961, in Our Mother Perpetual Help Church, he married Jane Ann (Kervin) Tominez, who preceded him in death on August 22, 1994.

Monica Mae Himes, 78, peacefully enter into God’s Kingdom on Thursday, August 3, 2023, surrounded by loved ones, after complications from Parkinson’s.

She was born on December 15, 1944, in, a daughter to the late Paul “Poik” and Isabell Dippold Streich.  She was the youngest of three children, a sister Pauline Hooven and a brother, Winston Streich.

On August 19, 1961, she married the love of her life, Sylvester Himes who preceded in death in 2011. She went on to have 2 children, Deb Himes and John Himes.

In addition to her daughter, Deb, she is survived by grandchild,  Jessica Miller, and 4 great grandchildren: Andrew, Honey, Gemma, and Dom.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded death by her sister and brother, a son, John Himes, and a grandson, Steven Gnan.

Monica was employed at Johnson’s egg farm, Alpha Sintered, and as a people greeter at Walmart. She loved church and loved sharing the love and warmth of Jesus Christ.

A Memorial Services for Monica Mae Himes will be held on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at 2:00 PM at New Hope in Christ Church, 10 Gillis Ave., Ridgway, PA 15853.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Hope in Christ.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com

Daniel R. Tucker, 75, of 588 Ketner Rd., Glen Hazel, PA passed away Thursday morning, August 3, 2023 at LECOM at Presque Isle Rehab and Nursing Center, Erie following a brief illness.

He was born on February 1, 1948 in St. Marys, a son to the late Joseph and Virginia Field Tucker. Daniel grew up in St. Marys and attended Elk County Christian High School. On September 8, 1984 in Ridgway, he married Mary Ann Field and she survives.

SHINGLEHOUSE – A celebration of Paul Whitman’s life will be held at The State King in Olean, NY, today, Friday, August 4th, 2023, commencing at 3 pm. Family and friends are warmly welcome to attend this event and pay their respects to a remarkable man who touched the lives of many with his culinary talents, love for the outdoors, and unwavering dedication to his family.

Paul’s family 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

Phillip W. Richardson, 62, of Bradford, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

He was born on August 20, 1960 in Bradford, the son of the late Doris G. Sheridan McMillen.

Phillip was a hardworking father who dearly loved his family and his girlfriend, Mellany.

He is survived by five children, Jeremy Richardson, Jill Richardson, Christy Moonan, Cherra Richardson and Heath Moonan; two sisters, Darlene Anderson and Marlene Buchanan; girlfriend, Mellany Silvis and twenty-two grandchildren.

A private celebration of his life will be held at the convenience of the family.

Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park, Lafayette.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.  

Online Condolences can be expressed at www.maschofuneral.com.

Harry A. “Bud” Merritt, 77, of Main Street, Kersey, passed away on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at his home.

He was born on April 17, 1946 in Brockport, PA, a son of the late Harry and Ada Ruth Merritt. 

On February 10, 1968, in Johnsonburg, PA, he married Catherine “Kitty” Kearney Merritt, who survives. Together they shared more than 55 years of love and laughter. 

H. Joyce Coast, 85, of 781 Main Street, Duke Center, PA passed away Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Born on March 11, 1938, in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of the late Dorsey R. Smith and Helen E. (Edmonds) Brenan. She was a 1957 graduate of Otto High School.

On July 13, 1957, in Duke Center, she married James L. Coast who preceded her in death on January 8, 1986.

Joyce, along with her husband, owned and operated Jim Coast Sales and Service in Duke Center for many years.  After the death of her husband, she continued to run the business until her son Dan became owner.

Timothy S. Chase, 65, of Port Allegany, PA joined his ancestors on Wednesday (Aug. 2, 2023) in the Olean General Hospital, with his family by his side, following a lengthy battle against chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.

     Born on July 18, 1958, in Olean, NY, he was eldest son of Larry and Patricia Tripp Chase. 

     Tim had worked for Port Allegany Reporter Argus, Jaguar Manufacturing, and most recent Pierce Glass Co. (now Ardaugh) of Port Allegany, before having to retire in 2013.

Georgia E. “Sue” Frost, 74, of Four Mile Road, Allegany, NY passed away on Tuesday (Aug. 1, 2023) at Olean General Hospital following a lengthy illness.

Born on Dec. 24, 1948, she was the daughter of Martha Nace, and was raised by her grandparents Raymond and Ruth Yose. On Sept. 16, 1965, in Eldred, she married Leon L. Frost who preceded her in death on Aug. 10, 2019.

Marilyn J. Vecellio, 91, formerly of 134 Williams Street, Bradford, PA passed away Thursday, August 3, 2023, at The Pavilion at BRMC.

Born October 15, 1931, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Eugene W. and Anna (Johnson) Bond. She graduated from Bradford High School in 1949.

On May 7, 1955, in the Our Mother of Perpetual Help she married Ernest J. “Ernie” Vecellio who preceded her in death on April 25, 2007.

Deborah A. Frick, 72, of Alexandria, VA, passed away June 16, 2023, at the Emilia Assisted Living Home, in Springfield, VA.

Born on December 5, 1950, in Bradford, she was the daughter of the late Clifford and Gladys (Ausel) Frick. 

She was a graduate of Bradford Area High School class of 1968. She attended Business School in Newcastle.

“beloved mother and grandmother”

Lois A. Kellogg, 86, of Shinglehouse, PA went to be the Lord, with her loving family by her side, on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, N.Y., after a short illness.

Lois was born on Saturday, June 19, 1937 in Presque Isle, Maine.

She completed her high school education at Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio.  Before moving to Shinglehouse, approximately 38 years ago, Lois was employed as a surgical assistant at Defiance Hospital in Defiance.

Luann Sweigert, 67, of Coudersport, PA passed away peacefully, Wednesday morning, August 2, 2023 at her son Shannon’s home in Tower City.

Born in Lebanon, June 22, 1956, a daughter of the late Charles and Christine McConnell Whitman.

Luann was a retired custodian, working for Dauphin County. She had also worked for many years with the Harrisburg and Lebanon Humane Society, a job she truly loved.

She had a great passion for animals and enjoyed feeding the deer while living upstate.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Brad Whitman.

Surviving are her three children, William Sweigert III and his wife Michelina, Mechanicsburg, Shannon Sweigert and his wife Wendi, Tower City, and Tanetha Sweigert, Fredericksburg; four grandchildren, Travis, Hannah, Haylee, and Gabriella; one great granddaughter Geneva; siblings, Charles Whitman Jr. and his wife Suzanne, Myerstown, Dianna Dillen, Harrisburg, Barry Whitman and his wife Sandy, Coudersport, Tammy Landis and her fiancée Bennie Stuble, Lebanon, Sonya Long and her husband Ronald, Jonestown, Craig Whitman and his wife Courtney, Coudersport, and Forrest Whitman, Coudersport; many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 11:00 AM from the First United Presbyterian Church, 402 N Main Street, Coudersport. A luncheon and time of fellowship will be held at Kaytee’s Family Restaurant and Marketplace, 251 US-6, Coudersport immediately following the service.

The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve the Sweigert family.

Allen D. BERFIELD, 75, of Coudersport, PA, died Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in UPMC Williamsport.  

Born April 4, 1948, in Conneaut, OH, he was the son of Cecil A. and Virginia B. Hall Berfield.  On June 19, 1971, in Coudersport, he married Carolyn A. Potocek, who predeceased him on April 8, 2017.  

A graduate of Coudersport High School, he attended Mansfield University for three years, majoring in biology.  In high school, he was a member of the Coudersport rock ‘n roll band, Ollie and the Go Gos, with Larry Herbstritt, Carl Butler, Dennis Barnett, Charlie Cole, Tom Boyd, and David Anderson.  

Allen was a natural engineer.  At age 14, he turned his three speed English bicycle into a motorcycle using a centrifugal clutch.  

A Vietnam War Veteran, he served honorably as a medic with the U.S. Army from 1971 – 1974.  He was employed by the PA Liquor Control Board, managing the state store in Coudersport.  

Allen and Carolyn owned and operated Carallen Traditional Stained Glass for 25 years.  He was a member of the Susquehannock Trail Club.  In recent years he played his guitar and sang for the residents of Sweden Valley Manor.  

Surviving are: two children, Alan (Andreea) Berfield of Kirkland, WA and Larkan (Eric) Parker of Hooksett, NH; two grandsons, Aidan Berfield and Alexander Berfield; four siblings, Raymond (Rochelle) Berfield of Mineola, TX, Shirley Milchuk of Ridgway, Judy (Glenn) Bell of Doylesburg, and Roger Berfield of Angola, NY; nieces and nephews.  

Cremation was at Olney-Foust Private Crematory.  

A gathering to celebrate Allen’s life will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Huntington’s Disease Society of America at www.hdsa.org.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Robert H Archer, age 87, of Lawrenceville, PA passed away on Monday morning, July 31, 2023.

He was born on January 13, 1936 in Big Flats, NY. He was the son of Howard Archer and Bertha (Brought) Archer. He was married to Winona “Nonie” Gurnsey.

Robert was a 38 year retiree from Corning Incorporated where he worked in multiple jobs as a laborer. He was very proud of his work there and talked frequently about the work he did on the missile program and the friends he worked with.

He also spoke often about his love for farming as a young man and purchased his first and only farm as a young married man. He was a smart, energetic man that loved his flower gardens, yard and could fix anything. He had a big heart, loved to give hugs and loved visiting with family, friends and even strangers every where he went.

He is survived by his children, Gary Archer of Lawrenceville, PA; Debbie (Alan)Thomas of Interlaken, NY; Ronald (Pat) Archer of Greensboro, NC; seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; brothers Karl Archer, Richard Archer and William Archer of Big Flats and sister Jane Cleveland of Campbell, NY.

Calling hours will be at Kenyon Funeral Home, 214 W. Main St., Elkland on Friday 8/4/23 at 2:00 pm followed by a short memorial service at 3:00 pm with Rev. Larry O’Dell officiating.  www.kenyonfuneralhome.com

Patricia J. Duretto age 84 of Wellsboro, PA passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at Broad Acres Nursing Home in Wellsboro.

Born June 25, 1939 in Farmington Twp., PA, she was the daughter of the late William H. and Marion “Elsie” (Puffer) Thompson.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Louis W. Duretto on May 16, 2020. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery.

Arrangements are in care of Kenyon Funeral Home, Elkland. www.kenyonfuneralhome.com.

Marcia Marie Jarrett, age 67, a resident at Elk Towers in St. Marys, PA, went to be with her loved ones and her Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.

Born on July 25, 1956 in Brookville, PA. She was the daughter of the late Arthur and Amanda Lindemuth Jarrett.

Retired, Marcia had worked as a cook at many different area restaurants over the years. She was Protestant by faith, and enjoyed crocheting, crafting and especially cake decorating. Marcia also was perhaps “Tweety Bird’s” biggest fan.

Terry J. Bechakas, 91, of 100 Highpoint Dr. and previously of Dawson St. in Kane, PA passed away Sunday morning (July 30) at the Lutheran Home at Kane.  

Born May 19, 1932 in Kane, he is the son of the late James and Aglaia (Djivelis) Bechakas.  On Oct. 6, 1962, in Siatista, Greece he married Soultana Kyratzis, who survives.

Terry, along with his brother John, owned and operated the Texas Hot in Kane for many years.

He served in the US Army obtaining the rank of Corporal, and was a member of the Lt. Raymond A. Nicolas American Legion Post #250 in Kane, where he was a past Post Commander.  He was a member of the Kane Elks Lodge #329 and the Kane Fish and Game Club and loved to play cards.  He also was a member of the Siatista Association – USA (a Greek businessman’s Club), where he served as president for many years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter Aglaia “Leia” (Dan) Liberatore of Centennial, CO; one brother John (Toula) Bechakas of Kane; two granddaughters, Soultana “Sara” (Jace) Baldwin of Erie and Anna Liberatore of Centennial, CO; four nephews, James (Marisa) Bechakas of Kane, Costas Bechakas of Clearwater, FL, Terry Bechakas of Kane and Mike (Heather) Bechakas of Kane and many other relatives still living in Greece.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends are invited to a visitation which will take place on Thursday (Aug. 3) at 10:00 a.m. at the Cummings Funeral Home.  A funeral service will follow at 11:00 with the Rev. Father Soterios Rousakis, officiating.  Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.

Lois A. Kellogg, 86, of Shinglehouse, PA went to be the Lord, with her loving family by her side, on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, N.Y., after a short illness.

Family and friends may call from 9am to 11am on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Grace Bible Independent Baptist Church, 392 Coons Crossing Road, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will follow at 11am with Pastor Phil Seely, officiating.

A complete obituary will follow.

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

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

Lonnie M. Dennison, 67, of 9 East Main Street, Bradford, PA passed away Saturday, July 29, 2023 at the Olean General Hospital.

Born on June 14, 1956, in Bradford, he was a son of  Audie M. Dennison and the late Elizabeth  J. (Seeker) Dennison-Smith.

Kenneth C. Hultberg, 66, of 72 Rodgar Lane, Bradford, PA passed away unexpectedly, Monday, July 31, 2023, at his residence.

Born March 31, 1957, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Carl A. and Harriette L. (Hanson) Hultberg.

He was a 1975 graduate of Bradford High School. He attended Butler Community College where he played basketball. He majored in Oil Production at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and took classes at Penn State.

On June 14, 1980, in St. Bernard Church, he married Ann (Hajdu) Hultberg who survives.

Port Allegany – Delila V. Taylor, 87, of Eldred, PA passed away Sunday (July 30, 2023) surrounded by her family at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.

She was born September 28, 1935 in Shinglehouse, she was the daughter of Leon and Ethel (Riddle) Keech. On July 1, 1956, in Eldred, she married Norman C. Taylor, who passed away on July 16, 2014. 

Antoinette M. “Toni” Kilhoffer, 94, of Ridgway, PA passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at Penn Highlands Elk.

She was born on June 3, 1929 in Ridgway, PA, a daughter of the late Joseph and Lena Caggeso Viglione. 

On March 12, 1953, she married the late Louis Kilhoffer, who preceded her in death on July 6, 1996. Together they were blessed with 43 years  of marriage.