Larry L. Saar, 83, of Bradford, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family and little dog, Penny.
He was born on October 17, 1941 in Bradford, a son of the late James and Frances Ward Saar.
He was a 1960 graduate of the Bradford Area High School.
On October 31, 1964 in the West Branch United Methodist Church; he married Kathleen Clark who survives.
Larry’s story began on a small farm up Harrisburg Run, where he grew up surrounded by family and horses. His “no fear” nature led him to ride broncos for a short time in the rodeo circuit. He worked alongside his father in their family-owned oilfield.
Patricia E. Quagliani, 89, of 104 Homestead Road, Kersey, passed away Friday, March 21, 2025, at Elk Haven Nursing Home, after a lengthy illness.
She was born November 20, 1935, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Henry and Anna Haberberger Eckert. She was a retired employee of Stackpole Carbon, later Carbone of America, retiring in 1997.
Andrew Ernest Agosti, beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, coach, and co-worker, passed away on March 20, 2025, with his loved ones by his side. Andy was born on July 28, 1976, in Ridgway, PA, to parents William and Ann Dietz Agosti. His life was built on the values they instilled in him: a love of adventure (especially at the beach), helping others, a strong work ethic, and a passion for football—particularly the Buffalo Bills.
Michael R. Bero, 65, of Warren, PA., died Thursday afternoon, March 20, 2025, after an extended illness. Michael was born September 10, 1959, in Niagara Falls, N.Y. He is the son of Mary A. O’Donnell Johnson of Clarendon, PA., and the late Lawrence W. Bero. Michael was a resident of Warren, PA., most of his life. He was a 1978 graduate of Warren Area High School. He served with the U.S. Army as a Sergeant, in the mechanics division.
He was employed as a plastics operator in the molding department of Osram Sylvania, working there for many years, retiring due to illness. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman. He enjoyed spending time at his camp in Frewsburg, N.Y. with family, friends and especially with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was especially attentive attending many of his son, Michael’s sporting activities, as well as his nieces, nephews and stepdaughters. He was a very proud “Uncle” who stuffed his nieces and nephews with candy and then sent them home for the parents to deal with. Michael was always there to help someone out and you could always count of him in any way.
It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Benita E. Taylor of St. Mary’s, PA. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who passed away on Wednesday, March 19th and the age of 84.
Born in the beautiful town of Basco, Batanes, Philippines, on April 3, 1940 to the late Simon and Felisa Espinoza Del Rosario. Benita carried with her the warmth and resilience of her homeland throughout her life.
She was married to the late, Lynn H. Taylor, for 43 wonderful years. Together, they created a family that was her greatest pride and joy. She is survived by her three loving daughters, Jennifer Sparico and her husband Mark of Virginia, Kristine Burkholder and her husband Rick of Kansas, and Melissa Lambert and her husband John of Virginia who will cherish her wisdom, strength and unconditional love. She was preceded in death by her son, Darrell H. Taylor in 2023. She was also a proud grandmother to Samuel and Ava Sparico, Quinn and Carly Burkholder and to her precious great-grandson, Jett Ward.
Inez K. Jordan, 81, of Emporium, PA passed away unexpectedly at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown, PA on Wednesday night (March 19, 2025). She was born June 1, 1943 in St. Marys, PA a daughter of the late Lloyd and Faye Dempsey Mitchell. On August 30, 1958 in Emporium, PA she married Charles C. Jordan, who survives.
Mrs. Jordan graduated from Cameron County High School in the class of 1962. She worked in the deli at Olivett’s Grocery Store for over 23 years. She was currently serving as Secretary of Portage Township Cemetery. She was a member of the Driftwood Senior Center. Inez was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed help. She will be greatly missed.
Jon Ransom, 66, of 874 High Street, Bradford, passed away peacefully with his wife Judy, his sister Janet, and Pastor Barry via phone by his side on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at St. Vincent’s Health Center in Erie.
Born on January 8, 1959, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Robert Ransom and Margaret A. (Young) Ransom, who survives. He was a 1976 graduate from Bradford High School.
On May 29, 1998, he married Judy (Baney) Ransom, who survives.
Violette W. McLitus, 95, of Wellsboro, passed away, Friday, March 21, 2025, at her daughters home, with whom she lived. She was born on January 16, 1930, in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of the late Thomas Welsh and Violette (Heineken) Hoaglin.
Carol Corbin Francisco, 95, of Ranches, FL, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Vita Hospice Hospital in Sunrise, FL, after a brief illness. She was born December 24, 1929, at Jones Memorial Hospital of Wellsville, NY, the daughter of the late Manly and Margaret (Howe) Corbin. On December 26, 1947, in Belmont Episcopal Church, she married Roger Francisco, who predeceased her on September 4, 1993.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jude A. Zimmett, of St. Marys. Jude passed away on March 20, 2025 at the Mountain Laurel Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Clearfield, PA.
He was a beloved son, husband, father, and friend, whose kindness and warmth touched all that knew him. Whether through his unwavering support for family, dedication to his wife, or simply a kind word to a stranger, Jude left an indelible mark on the lives of many.
Jude was born on September 20, 1952, a son of the late Alvin Zimmett and Shirley Braun Zimmett, who survives of St. Marys.
Andrew E. Agosti, 48, of 1439 Rosely Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Thursday, March 20, 2025 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.
Diana Lynn Sherman, age 73, passed away on March 19, 2025, after an acute illness.
She was the daughter of Robert L Sherman and Rebecca Guilds Sherman Outman. Diana was the eldest of nine which proved to mold her into a person who always stuck up for the underdog.
Even though she resided in several different locations throughout her life, her heart always yearned for home (Potter County). She didn’t mince words or sugar coat things. She took great pride in her dedication and work ethic. Her most fulfilling job was being a traveling photographer for a large chain store.
Kathleen J. Perry, 79, of Pittsfield, Pa, Died on Monday March 17, 2025, in her home.
She was born in Las Vegas, NV, on December 8, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Robert Speaker and Dorothy Camp.
Kathleen was a registered nurse and retired from the Rouse Home, in Youngsville, Pa. She attended the Pittsfield Otterbein Global Methodist Church, in Pittsfield, Pa. Kathleen had a great group of friends that lived in the neighborhood, they always were looking out for each other, and there to help with anything that was needed. She married Maurice “Bud” Perry Jr. on September 20, 1984, in Pittsfield, and they spent 29 loving years together before he passed on April 14, 2013.
Dr. Anita J. Herbert, 87, formerly of Derrick Road, a resident at Chapel Ridge, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Esther A. Williams, 57, of Coudersport, PA, passed away at the UPMC Williamsport Hospital on March 17, 2025.
Born August 16, 1967, to the late Harry and Nellie (Gleason) Smith, Esther was a 1986 graduate of the Dundee Central School. In the fall of that year, she married the love of her life, Eric Williams. Esther loved her life as a homemaker as it gave her time to crochet and enjoy moments with her children. She was a loving wife and would always take time to help anyone in need.
Anita L. McDowell, 87, of Crosby, passed away Thursday (March 20, 2025) at Sena Kean Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
She was born December 28, 1937 in Farmers Valley, the daughter of Walter and Violet (Hibbard) Russell. On January 29, 1955, in Farmers Valley, she married James R. McDowell, who died February 22, 2024.
Anita attended Smethport schools and was employed at the former Smethport Diner as a cook for a period of time and then for Backus Company of Smethport, retiring in 2000 after 36 years of employment.
Anita loved family get-togethers where she could cook for the holidays, host summer picnics, and celebrate birthdays. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She loved attending as many sporting events, concerts, and school activities as possible. She became a “Grandma” to all the kids that she touched with her smile, kindness, and support. Anita was known for knitting the most beautiful baby sweaters and toddler zip-ups with pictures on the back. She also donated many mittens and hats. You could always find her in her chair knitting while watching her favorite game shows, rooting for her Pittsburgh Pirates and beloved Buffalo Bills. Anita and Jimmy attended several NASCAR races in Dover, DE and Charlotte, NC. They also traveled to Wheeling, WV to see country music entertainers and embarked on a family cruise to the Caribbean in 2009. Anita also traveled with her sisters to San Francisco and New England. She had a full life, loved being with people, and will be missed by many.
Donna K. Matheson, 87, of Ridgway, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Christ the King Manor following a lengthy illness.
She was born on June 10, 1937, in Ridgway, the daughter of late Sherwood T. and Ethel H. Holm Matheson.
Donna was a lifelong resident of Ridgway and a proud and faithful member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Donna dedicated many years of her career to the printing department at Stackpole, and later became the tax collector for the Ridgway Borough. A lover of simple pleasures, Donna cherished her daily routines of savoring coffee, nurturing her garden, and decorating.
Gayle Joan Tarbox, 77, of Gifford, passed away Saturday (March 15, 2025) at her home.
She was born July 10, 1947 in Bradford, the daughter of Howard and Betty (Erskin) Hartman. On October 14, 1967, in Allegany, NY, she married Jerry Wayne Tarbox, who preceded her in death on September 10, 2014.
Gayle was a graduate of Smethport Area High School Class of 1965. She had worked at the Sears Catalog Store in the Bradford Mall for many years. She then worked at Zippo Manufacturing in Bradford for over twenty years before her retirement.
The Honorable Robert Lea Wolfe, of Spartanburg, SC and formerly of Warren, PA., died peacefully Thursday, March 13, 2025, nine days after his 99th birthday.
He was the 12th President Judge of the 37th Judicial District, which encompasses Warren and Forest Counties, serving from 1970 to 1993, when he retired as President Judge. Following his retirement, he served another 13 1/2 years as Senior Judge, retiring from that position in 2006, at the age of 80, as then required by Pennsylvania Law.
Martha Nearing, 84, of El Paso, TX, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in El Paso.
Born January 17, 1941, in Bradford, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Ida (Tyger) Simons. Martha was a 1959 graduate of Bradford High School.
Martha moved to El Paso, Texas, in 1962, where she would build a life filled with love, adventure, and many cherished memories. She enjoyed her youth as a Girl Scout, loved running away to the Mountains in Ruidoso, New Mexico, loved planting flowers, and especially treasured spending time with her family. Martha’s kindness, warmth, and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her sparkle and legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Laura M. (Bliss) Wirtz, 85, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, formerly of Eldred, passed away surrounded by her loving family, on March 16,2025 at her residence in WI.
Born on December 30, 1939 in Weston Mills, NY, she was the daughter of the late Lyle R. and Marjorie (Baker) Bliss. Laura was a 1957 graduate of Otto-Eldred High School.
On November 24, 1962, in Eldred, she married her longtime boyfriend, Philip R. “Stub” Wirtz, who survives.
Gerald Joseph Breindel, 88, of 553 Wolfel Avenue, St. Marys, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home.
He was born January 30, 1937, in St. Marys. Out of thirteen, he was the eighth child of the late John and Loretta Fritz Breindel. Jerry was a lifelong resident of St. Marys and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, class of 1955 and was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Jerry began working part-time at B&R Electric on Railroad Street in 1953 while still in junior high school.
