Obituaries

Edward W. Bennett, 76, of 2962 W. Fall Road, Olean, NY passed away Monday (July 22, 2024) at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 18, 1948 in Olean, he was a son of Mark and Rita Holtz Bennett. He was the loving husband of Dorothy M. Korb for the past 45 years.

Ed was a 1967 graduate of Portville Central School and soon after was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served from 1967 to 1969, primarily in Germany during the Vietnam War.

Upon discharge, he began working in a career as a maintenance mechanic, first for the Olean Tile Plant, and later for Henkel-Loctite in Olean from which he retired.

Ed was an avid car enthusiast and owned several vintage cars. He most enjoyed riding motorcycles and he and Dot rode with the Gold Wing Road Riders of America, Olean Chapter X until its dissolution. They then helped form the Twin Tier Tourers Motorcycle Club and enjoyed several more years of riding.

OLEAN – John W. Barber Jr., 62, of Olean, NY passed away Monday (July 22, 2024) at Olean General Hospital, surrounded by family, after fighting a long illness.

Born Dec. 8, 1961, in Olean, he was the son of John W. and Roberta C. Deibler Barber Sr. He enjoyed an 18-year union with his loving companion, Brigette Ross, who survives.

John was a graduate of Hinsdale Central School. He worked as an independent roofing contractor for many years, a job in which he was both skilled at and enjoyed.

Everyone knew him as an avid Buffalo Bills fan since childhood, but most knew him to be an outdoorsman, especially fishing which was his first passion. He also loved animals, and generally held a love of life itself.

Merle E. Dibble 94, of Derrick Rd., Bradford, PA passed away peacefully Tuesday (July 23, 2024) in the Olean General Hospital.

    Born November 17, 1929, in Betula, PA, he was a son of Alice A. Dibble. On April 26, 1958, in Scio, NY, he married Mary Brodie, who died Nov. 28, 2005. 

    Merle was a hard worker, starting off at age 13 when he quit school and worked full time logging and cutting chemical wood with teams of horses, which he loved.   At 18, he worked up Fishing Creek for room and board, at a dairy farm.  Starting in 1952 he worked 18 years in Coudersport for the Damascus Tannery.  Merle finished out his employment with  Ball-Incon Container Co. of Port Allegany, retiring in 1996, after 26 years of nearly perfect service, only missing 2 days.

     Merle was a lifetime resident of the area.  He enjoyed working in his garden and cutting firewood, planting trees, and spending time with family and friends.  Merle loved playing his harmonicas and singing and after retirement he joined a quartet.  Later in life, Merle revisited his passion for oil painting.  Merle loved helping out family and friends in need, and would often neglect his own needs. 

Richard A. Wineberg, 74, of Pierce Brook Road, Smethport, PA went to be with his Lord, after a courageous battle with cancer, Tuesday (July 23, 2024) at UPMC Cole, Coudersport.

Born April 22, 1950, in Olean, N.Y., he was a son of Kenneth E. and Grace Nick Wineberg. On July 28, 1979, in Bradford, he married Shirley M. Tanner Myers, who survives. They were married 44 years.

He was a lifetime resident of the area and a graduate of Bradford High School, class of 1968.
Richard was employed with Belser & Hale of Bradford for several years, and also Dresser Co. of Olean, before his retirement.

He attended Hilltop Baptist Church in Gifford. He was a member and past master of McKean Lodge 388 F&AM, Smethport, and the Coudersport Consistory.

Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing, and sitting on the front porch swing of the home he built. He enjoyed spending time with his family and beloved pets, and sharing devotions with his wife daily.

Kathleen (Kathy) Healy Ligday, 85, of Zelienople, PA, passed away on 16 July 2024.

A native of Bradford, PA, she was the only child of Marion (Wharton) and Gordon Healy. Gregarious and fun loving, Kathy spent her youth amongst many cousins and friends. She often attended dances donning mother-made poodle skirts, enjoyed outdoor fun like skiing, and cheered on the Bradford Bees baseball team with her adoring father.

Upon graduating from St. Bernard High School in 1957, she received a degree in Dietetics at Mount Mercy (now Carlow University) and embarked on her lifelong career as a dietician.

Settling in the Pittsburgh area, Kathy’s friend suggested a double date to a football game. Through Divine Providence, she met the man who she would eventually share 55 years of marriage.  She married Francis (Fritz) Ligday, Jr. in 1969, and set to work building their family in a modest home in Harmony, PA. It’s under this roof that their two sons – Francis and Stephen – experienced and witnessed their mother’s unconditional devotion and selflessness. Firm but fair, Kathy instilled virtues of commitment, sacrifice, and work ethic through a life of humility.  However, she was immensely proud of her boys – encouraging and embracing their passions and always cheering from the sidelines. She never missed the opportunity to draft a ‘blub’ for the local paper highlighting their accomplishments.

Glenn A. Wonderling, 63, of Main Street, Kersey, died on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Penn Highlands Dubois.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Krise Funeral Homes and Cremation Services.

Anna M. Kopp, 97, formerly of Houston Road in “Lynchville” St. Marys, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at the home of her daughter.

Anna was born on September 21, 1926 in St. Marys, daughter of the late Frank and Catherine Caskey Cheatle.  She was a lifelong resident of the area and attended St. Marys schools.

On May 3, 1948 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Anna married the late Richard “Dick” Kopp, who preceded her in death on February 25, 1976.

Travis James “TJ” McCleary, 47, of Brookings, OR, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. 

Born on June 12, 1977, in Bradford, he was a son of Cathy (Tsepelis) McCleary and the late Michael Daniel McCleary.

Frank W. Barton, Jr., 75, of 73 Edgewood Road, Bradford, PA passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at The Pavilion @ BRMC surrounded by his loving family.

Born August 24, 1948, in Kane, he was a son of the late Frank W. Barton Sr. and Lois Louise (Hines) Barton. He was a 1966 graduate of Kane High School. After high school he worked at the tannery in Mt. Jewett. Later in life he obtained an associates degree as a Paralegal from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and a business degree from Olean Business Institute

In 1968 he enlisted in the United States Army. He served in Korea and Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1970.

On April 5, 1969, in the Mt Nebo Chapel Mt. Jewett, he married Patricia A. (Trumbull) Barton who survives.  After the service he worked at Case Cutlery for 20 years then Cutco in Olean for 21 years then he retired. In 1990 he opened Barton’s Notary Service on Congress Street and operated the business until 2012.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 108, Eagles Club, and the VFW Post 212.

Smethport – John A. Marsden, Jr., 57, of Mt. Jewett, PA passed away Tuesday (July 23, 2024) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.

Arrangements will be announced with a full obituary by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

Clyde P. Beldin, Jr., 75, of Emporium, PA passed away at UPMC-Altoona Hospital, Altoona, PA on Monday morning (July 22, 2024). He was born May 20, 1949 in Ridgway, PA a son of the late Clyde P. Sr and Jennie McKimm Beldin.

Clyde Served with the US Army during the Vietnam conflict (January 1969- August 1970). He worked many years at PA Pressed Metals in the secondaries and grinding departments. Clyde was a member of the Miller-Raffaele Post 6221, VFW and enjoyed working on cars and riding his motorcycle. His love for FORD vehicles was unsurpassed.

Robin C. “Aunt Tweet” Mazurkiewicz, 60, of Prentisvale Road, Eldred, PA passed away on Monday (July 08, 2024) at Olean General Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 23, 1963 she was the daughter of Edgar and Connie Johnston Armstrong.  On June 27, 1987 in Eldred, she married Michael D. (Vern) Mazurkiewicz who survives.

Robin was a 1981 graduate of Otto-Eldred School and a lifelong resident of Eldred.  She was also a member of the Eldred Boro Fire Auxiliary.

Surviving including her husband is one son, Caleb E. Mazurkiewicz of Orchard Park, N.Y., one brother; Edgar “Meatball” Armstrong of Eldred and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 03, 2024 from 11am to 2pm. There will be a fire truck procession from the Eldred American Legion to the fire hall. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Research Center.

Online condolences may be made at www.framefuneralhome.com

Sandra Rose MacFarland 

Sandra Rose MacFarland, of Olean, passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

Born August 1, 1935, to Dr. Charles and Alice (Drath) Rose, Sandra grew up in Hornell, NY. She graduated from Hornell High School, then went on to receive her BS from Syracuse University in 1957 and a master’s in education from Cornell University in 1958.

On September 2, 1959, Sandra married William (Mac) MacFarland. Each had attended the other’s birthday parties since the age of three. They moved to Olean in 1965.

William G. Burke, 66, of Emporium, PA passed away at Penn Highlands DuBois, DuBois, PA on Monday afternoon (July 22, 2024). He was born August 25, 1957 in St. Marys, PA one of thirteen children born to the late Robert E. and Leonore Murphy Burke. His loving wife Anna Mae Tarbox survives.

William graduated from St. Marys Area High School. He served with the US Air Force from 1977 through 1995. He worked for many years at PA Pressed Metals in Emporium.

Ardyth Churchill Wagner, 93, of Middlebury Center, passed away Monday July 22, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.  She was born February 27, 1931, in Delmar Township, to Raymond Cronin and Jane Elizabeth (Harding) Churchill.  On May 18, 1952, she married Lyle Wagner with whom she shared nearly seventy years of marriage. 

She worked as a secretary for Carson’s Finance until their first daughter was born.  Ardyth was an avid bird watcher and a devoted prayer warrior.  Ardyth was talented and gifted, she made floral arrangements and sewed clothing and quilted for her family, she made her own greeting cards and kept in touch with a multitude of family and friends, and she would do the finish work on furniture her husband built or refinish old furniture.  She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother who always put others first.

Ardyth is survived by two daughters:  Geneva (the late Tom) Szafran of Bradford, and Laurel (Todd) Homet of Waynesburg, PA; two grandsons:  Kyle and Cole Homet of Waynesburg; two step-granddaughters:  Kathryn (Brock) Rice of Las Vegas, NV, and Suzanne (Brad) Walker of State College; and a sister:  Marylou Ferris of Boca Raton, FL; a brother:  Thomas Churchill of Sugar Hill, GA.  She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Priscilla H. “Sibby” Lenze, 84, of Johnsonburg, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Penn Highlands Elk.

She was born April 21, 1940, in Hartford, CT, daughter of the late Russell and Ruth McMillan Hunter.  She was a graduate of Wethersfield High School, Class of 1958 and continued her education at the Boston Museum School.  She focused her career around her passion of jewelry design and was a Goldsmith Extraordinaire. 

On February 12, 1994, in Evanston, IL, Sibby married the love of her life, Mark D. Lenze, who survives. 

Anna M. Kopp, 97, formerly of Houston Road in “Lynchville” St. Marys, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at the home of her daughter. 

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

Elwood Lundquist Hazelton passed away peacefully, Sunday, July 21, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Elwood was born in Wellsboro, September 19, 1932, son of the late John and Agnes Hazelton.  He married the love of his life, the former Lynda H. Withrow, and celebrated 58 years of marriage until her passing on December 29, 2019.

Elwood grew up in Wellsboro, graduated from Wellsboro high School, class of 1950, and owned and operated a dairy farm.  Elwood was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Edward W. Bennett

Edward W. Bennett, 76, of 2962 W. Fall Rd., passed away Monday (July 22, 2024) at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, surrounded with love by his family.

Born July 18, 1948 in Olean, he was the son of Mark and Rita Holtz Bennett.  He was the loving husband of Dorothy M. Korb for the past 45 years.

Ed was a 1967 graduate of Portville Central School and soon after was drafted into the US Army where he served from 1967 to 1969, primarily in Germany during the Vietnam War.

Upon discharge he began working in a career as a maintenance mechanic, first for the Olean Tile Plant, and later for Henkel-Locktite in Olean from which he retired.

David Paul Griser

David Paul Griser, 79, of Warren, PA, formerly of Allegheny County, died on Monday July 22, 2024, in the Warren Manor.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc.

Joy Annette Johnson Nordin, 84, of Warren, PA, passed away surrounded by her loving family, Sunday, July 21, 2024, at her residence, following a brief illness.

Joy was born October 18, 1939, in Warren, PA, the daughter of the late Vernon R. Johnson and Helen E. Tirak Gaydos Johnson.  

Joy was a 1957 graduate of Bradford High School. She was employed at New Process Company, Warren General Hospital, Loranger International, and Koebley Towing as a Dispatcher. Joy also babysat for several years for many area children who dearly referred to her as “Momma Joy.”

She was an active member at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 45-year member of Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, the Purple Majestic Red Hat Society, and in the doll club for many years. Joy loved doing digital puzzles and games, reading and creating poems, cooking, and enjoyed a good cup of coffee and conversation. She cherished her family and friends, especially watching her grandchildren in their many activities through the years. Her number of friends was a testament to her loving and generous spirit.

Lawrence J. “Larry” Elliott, 60, of Bradford, PA passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024 at his home.

He was born on December 1, 1963 in Bradford, a son of the late William J. Elliott and Helen M. Ritchey.

On April 14, 1984 in the Baptist Church, Smethport, he married Lisa K. Dixon who preceded him in death on May 28, 2010.

When Larry was younger; he enjoyed going hunting and fishing.  He especially loved spending time out in the woods hunting for ginseng.  He was also a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Olean- Helen Marie Caya 

 Helen M. Caya of Olean, NY passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.

 Helen was born on March 23, 1938, in McKeesport Hospital in Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Simon A. and Cynthia M. Wheeler Antonioli. She was formerly married to George Raymond “Ray” Caya.

 Helen grew up in the Dubois and St. Mary’s area. She is a 1956 graduate from Oswayo Valley High School where she was the Salutatorian. Helen worked in the office at Clark Brothers then became a Key Punch operator at ACME Electric in Cuba. She worked at Big E Bank as a Customer Service Representative before working in the St. Bonaventure University Business Office as a Student Account Administrator for over 25 years until her retirement in 2004. Helen enjoyed walking, riding her bike, being outdoors, and flowers. She was also a member of St. John’s Roman Catholic Church.

ELDRED – Shirley J. Stuck, 89, of Looker Mountain Trail, Rixford, PA passed peacefully from this life into the loving arms of our Lord, surrounded by her loving family, Friday (July 19, 2024).

Born March 31, 1935, in Allegany, N.Y., she was a daughter of the late Adelaide Reitz. She had resided in Rixford for over 60 years and was a well-known member of the community.

Mrs. Stuck began her career at Corning Glass in Bradford and then became a stay-at-home mom for many years before returning to work in the Otto-Eldred cafeterias. She was later employed as a cook at Glendorn for the Dorn family in Bradford. She then spent the rest of her career as part owner and operator of Stuck’s Garage and Stuck’s Buses in Rixford before retirement.

Shirley enjoyed crafting, diamond art, cross stitching, crocheting and knitting. She was very proud of her grandchildren and could be seen at every sporting, musical and dancing event proudly cheering on her loved ones. She loved and is survived by her dog, Abby.

Sharon R. ALBNEY, 66, of Coudersport, PA, formerly of Port Allegany, died Friday, July 19, 2024 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.  Born March 31, 1958, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of Frank V. and Dorothy M. Wright Albney.  

Sharon worked on the family farm growing up.  A graduate of Port Allegany High School, she was employed by W.R. Case & Sons Company in Bradford in her younger years.  Sharon was devoted to her family and loved her grandchildren.  She enjoyed yard sales and collecting.  

Vernon M. Nichols

Vernon M. Nichols, 86, formerly of Katherine St., Port Allegany, PA passed away Saturday (July 20, 2024) in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.

     Born on March 12, 1938, he was a son of Marcus R. and Margaret E. Baker Nichols.

     He was employed with the former Pittsburgh Corning Co., Port Allegany, before his retirement. 

    Vernon was a lifetime resident of the area and attended the Chestnut Street Baptist Church, Port Allegany.

Joseph E. “Joe” Zawatski, 70, of 130 First Avenue, Johnsonburg, PA passed away Sunday evening, July 21, 2024, at Penn Highlands-Elk, St. Marys, following a brief illness. He was born in Ridgway, a son to the late Edmund and Anna Soyut Zawatski. 

A lifelong resident of Johnsonburg, Joe was a 1973 graduate of Johnsonburg Area High School. After high school Joe served in the US Air Force as an Airman 1st Class Law Enforcement Specialist with the 48th SPS from July of 1973 to July of 1977. 

Joe had retired after 30 years of service as a flooring installer for Constable’s Stores of Johnsonburg in 2017. Joe was a member of Holy Rosary Church, he was an avid reader, especially military history and was a fan of everything Star Trek.

Lynn M. Wetherby:  Beloved Daughter, Sister, Cousin, Friend

Lynn M. Wetherby, 64, of Wellsville, New York, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2024 at Jones Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Born on April 12, 1960, in Cuba, she was a daughter of James A. and Delores I. Davis Wetherby.

Lynn was a graduate of the Belmont BOCES program.

She was a member of the O’Connor Street ARC home and enjoyed her friends there and liked to help make breakfast and never wanted ice in her soda.  The family is appreciative of the care she received throughout her life.

She is survived by

A Sister                                  Amy (Tracy) Wood             Cuba

Several Cousins

And the loving staff at ARC.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Graveside Service on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. in Cuba Cemetery.  Pastor Claudia Little will officiate.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba.

Josephyn Maribella Tanner    “cherished granddaughter, daughter, niece, cousin and friend”

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Josephyn Maribella “Josey” Tanner, 16, of Shinglehouse, PA passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 15, 2024, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY. 

Born on Friday, March 14, 2008, in Paris, Texas, she was a daughter of Justyn D. and Teena L. Calhoun Tanner.

Josey enjoyed all things outdoors: camping, 4 wheeling on ATV, swimming, roller blading and gardening.  She also loved animals, especially her dog, Lucky.  She also loved to watch movies and anime.  Three of her favorite things were unicorns, rainbows, and kitties.

Her Autism allowed her to see the world in a very unique way that we were all grateful to have shared with her. She was a very special soul and will be greatly missed.

Evelyn M. Moreth,94, formerly of Summer Street, Bradford, PA passed away in her sleep, Saturday, July 20, 2024, at her granddaughter’s residence, where she resided the past four years.

Born April 4, 1930, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Willard F. and Nellie L. (Sweet) Bunce. She attended Bradford schools.

On July 23, 1949, in Baldwinsville, NY, she married Norman F. “Syracuse” Moreth who preceded her in death on March 3, 2009.

Evelyn had been employed at KOA Speer, and she retired from the housekeeping department at Bradford Regional Medical Center. In retirement she worked for Pathstone cleaning at the YMCA.

She was a member of the First Wesleyan Church, and enjoyed bowling in various leagues, playing the lottery and going to bingo.