Thomas L. Snyder, 98, of 911 Plymouth Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 29, 2025, at his home surrounded by the love of his family. He was born April 16, 1927, in Daguscahonda, son of the late Joseph and Caroline Schatz Snyder.
On April 16, 1948, he married Betty Luchs of Ridgway. They were blessed with 52 years of marriage before her passing in 2000.
Joann R. BIROSH, 79, of Coudersport, PA, formerly of Roulette, died Thursday, June 26, 2025 in her daughter’s home in Shinglehouse. Born June 29, 1945, in Elmira, NY, she was the daughter of Leonard F. and Minnie M. Sherwood Jankowski. On September 11, 1965, in Roulette, she married Kenneth G. Birosh, who predeceased her on August 25, 2018.
A 1964 graduate of Southside High School in Elmira, NY, she was employed by St. Gobain Container Co. in Port Allegany. Joann was a member of the Gospel Tabernacle in Coudersport. She loved to crochet and excelled in flower arranging.
Mark E. Kline, 85, of 39 Jerome Avenue, Bradford, passed away, Friday, June 27, 2025, at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born September 8, 1939, in Bradford, he was the son of Ruth Kline. He was a 1959 graduate from Bradford High School.
On June 11, 1960, Mark married Joyce E. (Shipman) Kline, at the Abundant Life Assembly of God.
Mark was employed at Pittsburgh Allied Van Lines and Erie Allied Van Lines. He also was employed at E.W. Bissett for 30 years and was employed by NBS Trucking as a truck driver before retiring.
Beverly K. Grady, 86, of Warren, PA., died Saturday morning, June 28, 2025, at Kinzua Healthcare, Warren, PA., after an illness of the past 4 years. She was born January 9, 1939, in Kane, PA. Beverly was the daughter of Edward R. and Dorothy A. Sandberg Koza, Jr.
She has resided in Warren, PA., since 1958. Beverly was a graduate of Kane High School. She was employed with the law offices of Mervine, Calderwood and Hammond, as a stenographer, working for 50 years. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and was the church landscape gardener. She loved gardening.
Eva J. Wilson Meisel, 72, of St. Marys, PA, formerly of Emporium and Betula, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday (June 27, 2025) at Transitions Healthcare in Washington, PA with her loving family and dear friends continually by her side, after a long and truly courageous battle with multiple system atrophy.
Born January 6, 1953, in Driftwood, PA, Eva was the daughter of the late Mila Wilson. She graduated from Cameron County High School with the Class of 1970. On December 22, 2001, in Ireland a place as vibrant and spirited as she was she married the love of her life, the late William “Bill” Meisel.
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, memaw, sister and best friend, Barb Lee Boroi Buerk, who passed away on June 25, 2025, surrounded by her family in her home. Known for her feisty spirit, Barb was always the ringleader in the circus of life, with her family being the monkeys she loved—and sometimes, the monkeys who drove her a little wild. But no matter what, Barb was always there for her crew, ready to support, protect, and sometimes remind them of just how much she loved them.
Joseph L. CHLUDZINSKI, Sr., 80, of Port Allegany, PA died Thursday, June 26, 2025 in his home. Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, 77 Willow Street, Port Allegany, PA
Virginia M. Johnson, 87, of Port Allegany, formerly of Austin, PA, passed away Thursday (June 26, 2025) at Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.
She was born December 15, 1937 at home in West Renovo, PA, the daughter of Clyde and Lucy (Fantaski) Wertz. In November, 1972, in Renovo, PA, she married Dean G. Johnson, who died July 17, 1986.
Theodore M. “Ted” Haag, Sr., 87, formerly of Bolivar Drive, Bradford, passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Bradford Manor.
Born January 27, 1938, in Olean, NY, he was a son of the late James P. and Beula (Johnson) Haag, Sr. Ted grew up in Derrick City and attended Bradford schools.
On April 2, 1965, in Bradford, he married Mabel L. (Keller) Haag, who preceded him in death on July 1, 2008.
Richard “Dick” A. Herzing, Sr., 72, of 1466 Rosely Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Friday, June 27, 2025, at his residence.
He was born July 18, 1952 in St. Marys, son of the late Aurelius and Virginia Lanier Herzing. He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1970. He continued his schooling at Williamsport Community College and was employed at Suburban Builders and Osram Sylvania, where he retired. He traveled on hunting and fishing trips, volunteered as a basketball coach and Boy Scout leader, traveled to Georgia frequently for family visits, and was a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan.
John Michael Hennessy, 74, of Manchester, CT, passed away after a brief illness on June 14, 2025, with his family at his side. He was born September 29, 1950, the son of the late Jack and Mary Lou Hennessy.
John worked for many years at Combustion Engineering (later GE Power) in Windsor, CT. Above all, he was a devoted family man who cherished moments spent with those he loved. He enjoyed countless trips and celebrations, including memorable family trips to Florida, neighborhood New Year’s Day parties, summer vacations in Wildwood, NJ, and the Hennessy family reunions, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
In Loving Memory of Matthew Ian Lowe
Heaven Gained a Legend – April 3, 2025
On April 3rd, 2025, Matt left this world the way he lived in it—suddenly, boldly, and without asking for directions. With a heart that gave out far too soon, he traded in his earthly ride for a heavenly one, undoubtedly a chrome-plated Harley with angel wings and a celestial parking pass.
Matt was a man of many passions: Jesus, motorcycles, music, travel, family, and—yes—the New England Patriots. Whether he was worshipping in church, roaring down the highway, or screaming at the TV on game day (“Come on, Belichick!”), Matt did it all with soul, grit, and a gleam in his eye.
He sang like no one was listening (even when we were), laughed loudly, and loved deeply. His family was his heart, even if he sometimes covered it up with leather jackets and Patriots hoodies. Road trips were sacred, whether to a distant state or just down the road for a coffee and conversation. If you rode with Matt, you knew you were in for a journey—one that always came with a story and maybe a detour or two.
James E. “Animal” Benninger, 76, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Penn Highlands Elk.
He was born on February 9, 1949 in St. Marys, a son of the late Winfred and Mary Fritz Benninger.
On April 2, 1993, at Johnsonburg, PA, he married Roberta “Jean” Walker Benninger, who survives.
Dolores “Dollie” Wilber of Smethport, PA passed away on June 22, 2025 at Lakeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
Born July 14, 1936, in Portville, NY, the daughter of Edith Franklin Confer and William Goldsmith. The Granddaughter of Vernal and Martha Proper, who raised her. On January 21, 1966, at the First Church of God in Eldred, PA she married William Wilber who passed away September 23, 2011.
Donald P. Frye, 83, of Smethport, passed away Monday (June 23, 2025) at his home.
He was born March 18, 1942 in Danville, PA, the son of Paul and Mae (Becker) Frye. On June 13, 1962, in Elkton, MD, he married MaryKay Read, who died April 18, 2023.
Don was a ramp service handler, employed by Eastern Airlines for many years.
Claudia Kay (Morris) Sprague, passed away peacefully, with her daughter and daughter-in-law by her side, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, just shy of her 85th birthday.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Silas Austin Hyde, two-month-old son of Kaitlyn Smeltzer and Bryon Hyde of Lewis Run, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at home.
Silas was born on April 4, 2025, in Buffalo, NY.
He is survived by his parents, Bryon Hyde and Kaitlyn Smeltzer, of Lewis Run, one brother, Perseus Hyde, his grandparents, Shannon Hyde, and Stephanie McCamey, paternal great grandparents, David (Bobbea) Southard, maternal grandparents, Gary Smeltzer, and Rachel Hutchison, maternal great grandparents, Gerald (Jerry) Hutchison, and Naomi Smeltzer, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Ira “John” Knight Jr., 74, of Smethport, passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at home from complications of ALS.
Born August 2, 1950, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Ira R. and Thelma (Case) Knight. He was a 1969 graduate of Smethport Area High School.
Dana Earl Hess, 49, of Galeton, PA, formerly of Westfield, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer.
Born February 6, 1976 in Wellsboro, PA, he was a son of Elwyn “Barney” and Tina (English) Hess, who both survive. Dana was a 1994 graduate of Cowanesque Valley High School and then attended the Pittsburgh Institute for Mortuary Science where he received his degree for funeral directing. On June 5, 1999 in Westfield, he married his Dear, the former Jean “Jeannie” Amann, who survives. High school sweethearts, they more than enjoyed, they built a beautiful life together for 26 years. After graduating from mortuary school, Dana worked at Vickery Funeral Home in Troy, PA, Weber Funeral Home in Allentown, PA and then finally, he and Jeannie purchased Hess Funeral Home in Galeton in 2007 and have been operating it together since.
In 2020, Dana and Jeannie also purchased what is now Murphy’s Pizza in Galeton in hopes of keeping himself busy and giving them a place to have fun and meet people in better circumstances than as the funeral director. He loved delivering pizza with a huge smile on his face. Murphy’s also gave them an opportunity to give back to the community. He frequently donated pizza to many organizations and churches in the area. Even taking 30 pizzas to Westfield after the flood, just to hand them out to people. He found great joy in providing pizzas to the area churches for their Vacation Bible Schools.
Dana’s great passion was helping people. He strove every day to try to make someone else’s day better, however he could. He loved the Galeton community and always tried to be reputable, respectable, compassionate, loving, and caring to all those he served through the funeral home and those that he saw in the community every day. He was only in a suit when he had to be. He worked to be a member of Galeton, not just the funeral director. Dana was an Eagle Scout and a member of Clymer Baptist Church in Sabinsville, where he and Jeannie started dating at a youth group function 35 years ago as teenagers. He loved Irish Setters and all of Galeton saw him and his buddy, Alex, walking every day. Alex was 14 years old and stayed with Dana until the end. He was then let go to be with Dana and his girl Gracie.
A more contagious smile and laugh will be hard to find. A bright light has gone out on earth, but he is with his Savior in Heaven waiting for his Dear and his many family members and friends.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Jeannie Hess of Galeton and his parents, Barney and Tina Hess of Westfield, are a brother, Gregory (Laurie) Wood, Knoxville; a sister, Jeannine (Chris) Louca, Westfield; a brother, Miroslav (Vera Trnkova) Trnka, Czech Republic; a sister, Marinka (Antii-Markus Rantatorikka) Wuorenmaa, Finland; two nephews, Allan (Kassie Burch) Wood, Knoxville and Andrew Louca, Westfield; two nieces, Evelyn Louca, Westfield and Courtney (Johnny) Daum, Elmira, NY; a great niece, Willo Wood, Knoxville; three brothers-in-law, Francis, Scott and Freddie Amann; a sister-in-law- Pam “Sue” Whitmire; an adopted surrogate mother-in-law, Jessie Cole; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A private service for family only will be held at the Clymer Baptist Church in Sabinsville, with Pastor Kyle Horton officiating. Friends and the community may call on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 11:00am-1:00pm at his parents’ family farm at 52 Mill Creek Lane, Westfield.
Funeral Services will follow at 1:00pm with Pastor Sherry Elliott and Daniel Brelo officiating. Interment will be made in the Sabinsville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Goodyear Hose Company, the Gale Hose Ambulance Association or to Clymer Baptist Church. Arrangements are being handled by the Hess Funeral & Cremation Service, Kenyon Funeral, Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home and the Matthew X. Merlin Funeral Home.
Gerald Vaughn, 77, of Eldred, passed away Thursday (June 19, 2025) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.
He was born July 9, 1947 in Olean, the son of Edward G. and Marie (Baker) Vaughn. On September 4, 1971 in Smethport he married Alice J. Burdick, who survives.
Mr. Vaughn was a graduate of Otto-Eldred High School and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.
Brian M. Frost: Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend.
Brian M. Frost, 62, of 9196 East Main Road, Cuba, passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at home surrounded by his family after a year-long, but courageous battle with cancer.
Born on August 25, 1962, in Cuba, he was the son of Edward and Katherine A. Linderman Frost. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Gregory Frost in 2007.
Brian came into a single mother’s life who had 4 children, when they were broken and unsure of trusting anyone. He taught me and them that love could be unconditional, and that hands were for hugs. He showed them he would stand by their side whether it was the best or worse of times. He asked our children for permission to marry me, before proposing. He knew that this would impact their lives. On September 28, 1996, in Olean, he married the former Debbie Crowley who survives.
Bonita A. Chappell “beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother”
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Bonita Ann “Bonnie” Chappell, 87, of Shinglehouse, passed away unexpectedly with her loving family by her side on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.
Born on Sunday, September 5, 1937 in Portville, NY, she was a daughter of Benjamin Jankenski and Margaret Russell. She was adopted and raised by LeRoy and Laura Bunker Hemphill. On September 1, 1962 in Millport, she married Donald Romaine “Don” Chappell, who passed away on August 26, 2017.
Joseph Edward Eastburn, 84, of Galeton, PA, passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at his home. Born August 27, 1940, in Wilmington, DE, he was a son of the late Woodward and Mary (O’Connell) Eastburn.
Joe was a veteran having served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. On December 22, 1973 in Galeton, he married the former Margaret Sykora, who survives. Joe was self-employed as a canvas manufacturer and was a member of the Galeton Moose, the Kettle Creek Sportsman’s Club and God’s Country Snowmobile Club. He and Maggie spent 6 months a year in Montana and the other 6 months in his beloved Potter County. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved being outdoors.
William R. Finkele, 88, of Wellsboro, passed away at home June 18, 2025. He was born March 14, 1937, in Williamsport to William E. and Elizabeth (Stitzer) Finkele. He graduated from Williamsport High School, and served his nation in the US Air Force. While stationed at Laon AFB in France, he met his future wife Yvette Gresillon, who was raising her 7 year old sister Christine. May 6, 1960, William and Yvette were married.
Dana C. ERNST, 60, of Culpeper, VA, formerly of Port Allegany, PA, died Wednesday, May 14, 2025 in Culpeper Medical Center. Born January 30, 1965, in Norristown, PA, she was the daughter of Fred Wilson and Claire Marie McBurney Ernst, Jr.
On July 3, 2004, in Culpeper, she married James Sawyer, who survives. A graduate of Port Allegany High School, she earned a degree in agriculture from Penn State University. She was employed by USDA and Natural Resources Conservation Service. Dana was a member of Virginia Draft Horse and Mule Association and Virginia Forage and Grassland Council.
Dawn Aree C. WEBSTER, 77, of Westfield, PA, died Friday, June 20, 2025 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport. Born August 18, 1947, in Wellsboro, she was the daughter of Ransford M. and Mildred M. Townsend Webster.
Dawn was a kind and loving person, always willing to help anyone in need. She brought out the best in people. Taking care of her family was a priority. She brought her family together for special occasions and meals. Goulash and gingerbread with butter sauce were some of her specialties. She will be greatly missed and live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Rest in peace, Dawn.
Arlene H. GREELEY, 96, of Austin, PA, died Sunday, June 15, 2025 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, PA. Born December 6, 1928, in Mosgrove, she was the daughter of Vurnett and Anne Adaline Hoak Harrier.
On February 28, 1948, in the Austin Methodist Church, she married Barton M. Greeley, who predeceased her on January 18, 2024. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in 2023. A 1946 graduate of Union High School, Rimersburg, she studied Clarion State Teachers College. She was employed by Sylvania in Emporium over 20 years. Arlene was a member of the Potter County Historical Society and a former member of the Austin Methodist Church. An avid genealogist, she researched at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, UT.
Michael M. Davies, 58, of Morianna Avenue, Bradford, passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the VA Medical Center in Pittsburgh.
Born December 27, 1965, in Warren, he was a son of the late Donald and Paula Karen (Conklin) Davies. He was a 1985 graduate of Smethport High School.
On July 18, 1985, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was Honorably discharged on July 17, 1989. He continued to serve in the Navy Reserves until November 26, 1992.
Patricia J. “Pat” Corbett, 84, a resident of Elk Haven, and formerly of Grant Road, Ridgway, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
She was born on February 15, 1941, in Ridgway, a daughter of the late Charlie and Martha Fischer Ecklund.
On April 23, 1960. Pat married the late Gerald A. Corbett, who preceded her in death on July 28, 2007. Together they shared over 47 years of love and marriage.
Pat grew up on Grant Road and was a lifelong resident of Ridgway. She graduated from Ridgway High School, and was a devoted member of Faith United Church of Christ. Pat was a member of many area clubs including the Eagles, Elks, and American Legion. In her free time she loved being outdoors. Pat could often be found camping or fishing, and she especially enjoyed going for 4-wheeler and golf cart rides. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her dogs whom she adored.
Pat is survived by her 3 children; Randall C. Corbett of W.V., Laurie J. (Bruce) Kinley of St. Marys, and Melissa L. (Andy) Covac of Ridgway, by 12 grandchildren; David Corbett, John Elias Jr., Paige Corbett, Shane Corbett, Melinda Elias Fasnacht, Shari Kinley Johnson, Danielle Corbett Gulnac, Sierra Corbett, Nicolas Hoffman, Cassandra Hoffman, Mike Covac, and Samantha Covac, and by numerous great grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 sisters; Carol (Bud) Speaker and Judy Wolff, both of Ridgway, by a sister-in-law; Anne Ecklund of St. Marys, and by numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Pat was preceded in death by a son; Rodney A. Corbett, who preceded her in death on March 6, 2023, by a brother; Ron Ecklund, and by a brother-in-law; Tom Wolff.
Funeral services for Patricia J. Corbett will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Faith United Church of Christ, 400 Ash Street, Ridgway, PA 15853, with Paul Reed officiating.
Burial will take place in Lake City Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Faith United Church of Christ from 2:30 PM until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith United Church of Christ, 400 Ash Street, Ridgway, PA 15853.
Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center St., Ridgway, PA 15853, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Gerald Vaughn, 77, of Eldred, died Thursday (June 19, 2025) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport. Are incomplete and will be announcd.
