Obituaries

Martin W. “Marty” GODRA, 86, of Wellsboro, PA, died Wednesday, November 13, 2024.  

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 18, 2025 in the First Baptist Church, 234 W. Main St., Galeton, PA 16922.  

Condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Francis P. Rovito, born October 7, 1934 in Bradford, PA to Fiore A. Rovito and Rose Marie Nepher Rovito passed away peacefully on January 10th, 2025 at the age of 90. 

He is survived by loving wife, Judy (Kelly) Rovito. They were married October 17, 1959.

Fran was a 1953 graduate of Bradford Area High School. He entered the Navy in 1955 and served on the USS Orion AS18 submarine tender as an Electrician’s Mate, 3rd Class. He was honorably discharged in 1957. He worked as a Journeyman Electrician for 45 years and was a member of the IBEW Local 5.

Fran was an avid gardener and was a certified Penn State Master Gardener. Fran acted as a mentor and consultant for many novice gardeners during his tenure as Master Gardener. Additionally, Fran was an active member of the Men’s Garden Club and Bonsai Society, Pittsburgh. 

Frank E. BACON, Jr., 79, of Bolivar, NY, died Monday, January 13, 2025 in his home. 

Born April 2, 1945, in Wellsville, he was the son of Frank E. and Mary L. Burnett Bacon.  A graduate of Allentown High School, he was employed by Plants & Goodwin Oil Field in Shinglehouse, PA. 

Surviving are: a cousin, John Burnett of Dansville; and friends, Raymond and Jodell Oberst of Bolivar.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Peggy Crissman and Norma Dodson.  Services will be private.  Burial will be in Knight’s Creek Cemetery, Scio.  

Memorials may be made to SPCA in Cattaraugus County, 2944 Route 16, Olean, NY 14760.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Donald M. Ferguson:  Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather

Donald M. Ferguson, 91, of 572 Horse Run Road, Little Genesee, passed away Monday, January 13, 2025 at home surrounded by family after a lengthy illness.

Born on July 30, 1933, in Brocton, New York he was a son of Merle and Alice (Ward) Ferguson.  On July 5, 1954, in Brocton, he married the former Nina Howard who predeceased him on January 20, 2019.

Don was a graduate of Brocton High School Class of 1951.  He then went to Alfred State College for Ceramic Engineering.

Rita Salerno, 68, of Wellsboro, passed away, Monday January 13, 2025, at UPMC-Wellsboro.  She was born on September 15, 1956, in Bronx, NY, the daughter of the late, Nicholas and Bruna (Ambrosi) LaMantia.  She married Robert R. Salerno on March 10, 2007. 

Rita was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary, Mansfield, the American Legion Post 49 Auxiliary Vets Club, Troy, the Wellsboro Social Club, and loved her dog, Buddy.

Adelaide “Addie” M. Stanton of 101 High Point Drive, Kane, PA, passed away at the Lutheran Home at Kane and was welcomed into her new Heavenly home in Heaven with Jesus.

Born January 8, 1929, in Crosby, PA, she was a daughter of Glenn and Olive McDowell.  In March of 1946, she married George Stanton. He preceded her in death in 1995.

Addie started her work career right out of high school at Herzog Mfg. She was a homemaker for 10 years, then rejoined the workforce at Backus Novelty. She also worked and managed the Smethport Tastee Freeze for 5 years for Ed and Helen Harmon. She also managed a dress shop for Trudy Robey. In 1969, she joined Jaguar Mfg. for the next 22 years, as plant manager. In that 22 years, she spent 5 years driving to Clearfield and was the quality control manager for Target Sportswear. Upon her retirement at 65, she went to work at the Smethport High School as a cafeteria worker. She also spent many volunteer hours at the Smethport Family Practice, filing charts, answering the phones, and working the desk. She was hired for 15 hours per week to continue working as a receptionist, until she retired at the age of 85. She once said of her management position, “It only takes a few years of encouragement to bring out the best in a person”. Her work ethic was impeccable.  She also on the weekends helped her sister, Phyllis, and her friend, Rose, to cater dinners nearly every weekend. The best food ever!!

Gloria Harvey, 83, of 508 Charles Street, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Elk Haven Nursing Home. 

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

Grace J. GEFFERS, 91, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of Belmont, died Tuesday, January 14, 2025 in Jones Memorial Hospital.  Born October 25, 1933, in Andover, she was the daughter of Winfred C. and Clara M. Perham Pero. 

On June 28, 1953, in Wellsville, she married Donald T. Geffers, who predeceased her on May 16, 2017.  Grace was a former member of the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in Wellsville and currently attended Brookside Wesleyan Church in Wellsville.  She was a devoted Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many.  Most of all, she highly valued her personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  

Dorothy M. Bon, 96, a resident of Kane Lutheran Home and formerly of 455 Wolfel Avenue, St. Marys, passed away peacefully at the Kane Lutheran Home on Monday, January 13, 2025.

Dorothy was born on June 10, 1928, daughter to the late William and Clara Lenze Breindel.  She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1947. 

On June 23, 1951, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dorothy married the late Ludwig L. Bon, Jr., who preceded her in death on February 14, 2013.

David Lee Bennett, Sr., 79, of 47 Corwin Lane, Bradford, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025, at UPMC Cole Hospital in Coudersport unexpectedly.

Born on May 29, 1945, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Charles and Bernice (Burt) Bennett, III, and was a 1964 graduate from Bradford High School.

On July 18, 1964, at the Bradford East End Presbyterian Church, David married his high school sweetheart, Irona Mae (Ramer) Bennett, who survives.

David worked at Kendall-Witco Refinery where he retired in 1998 after 25 years.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 749 of Bradford, where he served two years as Worshipful Master in 2020-2021. David was also a member of the Bradford American Legion Post 108.

He was known for being an avid camper, including being a member of the Targle Foote Camp Club. Along with being a camper, David loved the outdoors and hunted his whole life. David was also known as “Mr. Fix-It” when it came to repairing lawn mowers and watches. Above all, David loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Kaye L. Little, 85, of Columbia Hill Road, Smethport, passed away peacefully Friday, January 10, 2025, at her home, with her family by her side.

Born August 2, 1939, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Lloyd and Myra (Lineman) Newman.

Kaye was a 1957 graduate of Bradford Area High School.

On August 20, 1960, she married Bernard J. Little at the Sawyer E.U.B. Church in Bradford. They were married for 51 years until his death.  

Kaye was a Military Wife and a Homemaker. She lived all over the United States and Germany, making a loving home wherever they were stationed. Kaye was a member of the United Methodist Church of Smethport and a member of the Phoenix Chapter No. 15 Order of the Eastern Star. Her family was everything to Kaye. She loved spending time with family, whether it be at events or just sitting around talking at the kitchen table. Kaye was also extremely supportive of all of her son’s sports and activities, rarely ever missing any events. She loved gardening and especially growing and caring for flowers. Kaye also enjoyed canning vegetables from the garden and apple butter from her own apple trees. She truly loved Christmas and always made it special with making Christmas cookies, hard rock candy, and incredible meals. 

Gerald Eugene “Jerry” Brennen, Jr., 82, of 419 Gay Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on Monday, January 13, 2025 at his residence.

Jerry was born February 11, 1942 in St. Marys, son of the late Gerald and Edna Wolfel Brennen, Sr.  He was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1960.  He was an employee at Speer Carbon Company where he served as Plant Manager and retired from the company in 2000.  Jerry was a proud veteran of the United States Army Reserve and United States Air Force.

On February 16, 1963, at Sacred Heart Church, Jerry married Ethel “Ann” Ford, who survives.  They were blessed to share sixty-one years of marriage.

Beverly A. Harnish, 92, of Wellsboro, passed away peacefully, Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Green Home, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on December 21, 1932, in Morris, the daughter of the late Prosper E. and Anita Irene (VanZandt) Yohe.  She married Robert B. Harnish on May 11, 1985. 

Beverly graduated from Wellsboro High School, Class of 1952.  She was a retired L.P.N., she worked for the Blossburg State Hospital from 1956-1972, and the North Penn Comprehensive Health Services from 1973-1997.  Beverly attended the Coolidge Hollow United Methodist Church, she was a member of the Cowanesquee Chapter #33 Order of the Eastern Star, Westfield.  She volunteered with Laurel Home Health and Hospice from 2000-2016.  She enjoyed time at Hickory Hill Camping Resort in Bath, NY, gardening, bird watching, reading, her black labs, and holidays with her grandchildren, especially hiding eggs for the Easter egg hunt.

Steven L. GOSS, 65, of Shinglehouse, PA, died Friday, January 10, 2025 in Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.  

Born February 13, 1959, in Canandaigua, NY, he was the son of Kennard E. “Shorty” and Irene M. Romig Goss.  A U.S. Army Veteran, he served honorably from 1976 – 1979.  He was employed as a heavy equipment mechanic by L.C. Whitford in Wellsville.  Steve was a member of American Legion Post #530 in Shinglehouse.  

Phyllis N. Bonneau, age 94 passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025 at the Sena Kean Manor with her son and 2 daughters at her side.

Born in Roulette on October 10, 1930 to Harry arid Amelia (Peterson) Johnson.

Phyllis lived a long and fulfilling life. She could light up any room with her pretty blue eyes and bright smile. Phyllis spent most of her life working as a nurse’s aide with the elderly. Even after retirement, Phyllis would go into private homes to care for people.

Phyllis married Bob Cornelius on May 5, 1946 who passed away November 5, 1970. Phyllis then remarried to Ted Bonneau in the summer of 1976, Ted passed away December 19,2017.

Joan M. (Copp) Carson, age 90, of Wellsboro, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025.  She was born on March 12, 1934, in Wellsboro, PA, the daughter of the late Russell and Mary (Harding) Copp, stepmother Wilda Eberenz, and was married to her high school sweetheart, the late William L. “Bill” Carson. Joan graduated from Wellsboro Area High School, worked at Whitmer’s Fashion in Wellsboro, and was a member of the Wellsboro United Methodist Church. 

She was devoted to her family, always caring deeply for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Joan enjoyed reading, tending her flower beds, and baking cookies to share with her loved ones. Her kitchen was a welcoming place, always filled with conversation, laughter, and good company.

Robert A. Raught of 200 Pleasant Street, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at the Olean General Hospital following an illness.

Bob was born January 8, 1954 in Kane, PA and was the son of Donald E. and Margaret Audine Mulvihill Raught.  Bob married Phyllis Jean Freeman who predeceased him on October 22, 2002.

Bob worked with his dad at his body shop, Don’s Body and he also worked other various jobs.

Kaye L. Little, 85, of Columbia Hill Smethport, passed away Friday, January 10, 2025, at her residence, with her family by her side.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Richard “Dick” J. Cavallero, 85, of Bradford, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 1, 1939, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Dominic Francis and Mary Margaret (Persichini) Cavallero.

On June 20, 1969, in Bradford, he married Ann (Freaney) Cavallero, who survives.

Dick graduated in 1957 from St. Bernard Catholic High School. After high school, he was employed by Felmont Oil before completing the 10-week Basic Field Course for Municipal Policemen. He then began his 38-year career with the City of Bradford Police Department on May 21, 1962, serving as Chief of Police for 10 of those years until his retirement on January 1, 2001

Richard D. Hixenbaugh, 77, of Smethport, passed away Friday (January 10, 2025) at Olean General Hospital.

He was born October 14, 1947 in Smethport, the son of Floyd K. and Lula (Himelrick) Hixenbaugh. He was married to Nancy Conley on April 20, 1974. She died on September 26, 2018.

Richard was a graduate of Smethport Area High School and had worked over the years in several places as a produce manager.

He was a member of the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport. He enjoyed playing guitar and singing, spending time with family, and riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He was an avid hunter and gun fanatic.

Phyllis Bonneau, 94, of Smethport, passed away on Monday (January 13, 2025) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport, with family by her side.

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

Catherine (Kay) Rhodes passed away and went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 10,2025 after very brief illness.. Catherine was born October 25, 1931 in Snowden, Pa, to John and Anne (Swenson) Brown, whom preceded her in death. Catherine married Daniel Rhodes in 1949 in Meadville Pa, he preceded her in death in 1997. She resided with her son Gary and Daughter in Law Joyce in Wilcox, Pa.

Carolyn Washburn      “beloved mother and grandmother”

Carolyn Washburn, 79, of Olean, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, after a brief illness.

Born on Friday, July 20, 1945 in Shinglehouse, she was a daughter of Gerald E. Stonemetz and Edna M. Dean Stonemetz. 

Carolyn was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse, PA.  She was employed at The Rehabilitation Center in Olean, retiring after many years of service.

Carolyn attended church throughout her lifetime, being a faithful servant of God.  She was an avid reader and crafter.  She was a wonderful baker.  Her greatest love was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.