Obituaries

Kathleen J. Perry, 79, of Pittsfield, Pa, died on Monday March 17, 2025, in her home.

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

Gayle Joan Tarbox, 77, of Gifford, passed away Saturday (March 15, 2025) at her home.

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

Betty A. Grasser, 81, of 57 Buchanan Street, Wilcox, passed away Thursday evening, March 13, 2025, at Penn Highlands-Elk, St. Marys, following a lengthy illness. She was born October 20, 1943, in Ridgway, a daughter to the late Lyle and Margaret Huber Payne. On April 27, 1963, in Queen of the World Church, St. Marys, she married Joseph N. Grasser. He preceded her in death on January 6, 2001. 

A lifelong resident of Wilcox, Betty was a 1961 graduate of Wilcox High School. She had been active at St. Anne’s Church, the Wilcox Senior Center, and the Wilcox Holiday Lighting Committee. She was a volunteer for the Wilcox Fire Dep’t. as their premier ticket seller for all their fundraising events. Betty loved spending time with her children,  grandchildren and extended family, and she enjoyed her cats through the years. She was also the stern watchdog at the corner bus stop, keeping all the children safe and in line. She was an excellent cook and baker, especially known for her apple pies, and she loved everything Halloween, from making extravagant costumes to judging the costumes for the Halloween Parade.  

Michele R. Viola, 65, of Sinnemahoning, PA passed away peacefully, with her husband by her side, at their residence on Thursday night (March 13, 2025) following a lengthy illness. She was born March 1, 1960 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late Allen and Alice Long Shaw. She married Darrell Viola, who survives.

Michele graduated from Central Dauphin High School. She worked at Capital Blue Cross for many years before retiring and moving back to Cameron County. She was a member of the Sinnamahoning Sportsman Club. She loved watching wildlife and enjoyed flowers. She found great joy in nature.

Russell S. Beck, 54, of Emporium, PA passed away at UPMC-Hamot Medical Center, Erie, PA on Tuesday morning (March 11, 2025). He was born December 15, 1970 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late James and Lucinda “Cindy” McDowell Beck.

Russ graduated from Cameron County High School. He worked mostly in powdered metal industry but worked in several other industries as well. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

James A. Perry, age 77, formerly of Wellsboro, PA and Anchorage, AK, died on Monday, March 10, 2025.

He was born on October 4, 1947, in Jersey Shore, PA., a son of the late Theodore and Florence (Simpson) Perry and was the husband of the late Osun Perry. James was a proud Vietnam veteran, having served 2 tours.  He retired from the US Army after 22 years of service and made his home in Alaska.  His favorite pastime was fishing for Salmon and / or Trout or deep-sea fishing for Halibut.  When he was not fishing, you could find him smoking and canning his catch.  He was an avid cook and enjoyed sharing and spending time with family and friends. 

Grace M. Gavazzi, 91, of Apple Street, Weedville, passed away peacefully following a brief illness Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

She was born September 7, 1933 in DuBois, daughter of the late Joseph and Pauline Benny.  She grew up in DuBois and after marriage moved to Weedville.

On February 27, 1954, in DuBois, Grace married the late Richard V. Gavazzi, who preceded her in death on August 30, 2017.

James B. Finland, 85, of Bradford, passed away Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Pavilion at BRMC.

Born on September 8, 1939, in Bradford, he was a son of the late James and Cora (Freeman) Finland.

He was a graduate of Bradford Area High School.

On September 8, 1960, in Bradford he married Inez (Cramer) Finland who passed away December 2, 2010.

He was a janitor for the First United Methodist Church in Bradford.

A memorial service for Carolyn Kay Dille, who passed away on November 23, 2024, will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 in the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, at 11AM. 

Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport.

Arrangements are under the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

Sandra “Sandy” Young, 63, of 169 Washington Street, St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly in Johnstown, PA.

She was born August 14, 1961, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Raymond “Junie” and Arlene Carr Prechtel, Jr.  She was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1979.

On August 9, 2012, in Decker’s Chapel, she married Tex (John) L. Young, who survives.  They were blessed to share thirty-three years together before their twelve years of marriage with each other.

Mary Jane Mallison D’Amore passed away peacefully on Monday, March 10, 2025. Affectionately known as “Mal” to her friends and family, Mary Jane was born on December 13, 1935, to Linus and Frances McHenry Mallison. She married Joseph D’Amore on July 4, 1959.  Together, they enjoyed over 65 years of marriage.  Mary Jane attended the St. Marys Area Public Schools and graduated in 1954.  As the class treasurer, Mary Jane faithfully planned and organized all her class reunions every five years for 70 years.

Mary Jane was a devout Catholic and was a member of the Sacred Heart Church. Over the years, Mary Jane worked at G.C. Murphy’s, Stackpole Carbon Company, Johnson’s Grocery Store, and as a teacher’s aide.  Because she never missed voting in an election, Mary Jane received a proclamation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Mary Jane was also an avid reader, an active swimmer, and a passionate cook and baker.

Jerry E. Ward:  Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather

Jerry E. Ward, 78, of 4067 Times Square, Friendship, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at home.

Born on July 26, 1946, in Wellsville, he was a son of Orrin and Genevieve Linza Ward.  On December 23, 1972, in Friendship he married the former Barbara A. Cummins who survives.

Jerry attended Friendship Central School. He worked on the family farm until he was drafted in the United States Army Serving during the Vietnam War from 1965-67.   He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After his military service he worked for several jobs before going to work at the Town of Friendship as heavy equipment operator.  After retirement he worked as a seasonal employee as a heavy equipment operator for the Town of Cuba. 

Angeline M. Pellegrino

Angie M. Pellegrino, 97, of Warren, Pa, died on Tuesday March 11, 2025, at UPMC WCA Hospital, Jamestown, New York.

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

Raymond W. Neubert, 93, of 1454 Rosely Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully following a lengthy illness Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Elk Haven Nursing Home.

He was born October 1, 1931, in St. Marys, son of the late William and Mary Wendel Neubert.  He was a lifelong resident of the area, attended St. Marys Parochial Schools, and spent his entire life as a dairy farmer on the family farm.

He is survived by his sister, Maureen Newman, of St. Marys; a brother, Gerard “Gerry” Neubert (Rose Mary) of St. Marys; and his beloved nieces and nephews: Tom, Suzy, Mark, Tim, Deb, Joe, Dan, Mike, Karen, and Sharon.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by two brothers, William and Kenneth Neubert; a sister-in-law, Barbara Neubert; and a brother-in-law, Thomas Newman.

Patricia Vantine, 83, of Sleepy Hollow Rd. passed away Tuesday (March 11) in the Lutheran Home at Kane.  Born March 21, 1941 in Kane, she is the daughter of the late Kenneth and Iola (Jones) Fulmer.  On August 12, 1989, in Kane, she married James Vantine, who preceded her in death.

Patricia worked for many years as a teacher in the Kane Area School District.  As an educator she took great pride in giving each child she was honored with teaching an opportunity to learn and grow.  She was known to have a jar of Hershey’s Kisses and Huggs on her desk to commemorate even the simplest of achievements – she greatly believed each child she came across was special and deserved a chance to excel. She was an active member of the Tabor Lutheran Church, a volunteer at the Friend’s Memorial Library and a member of the Retired Teachers Group in Kane.  She also was a member of numerous quilting groups and created some of the most elaborate scrap books created.

Thomas L. Bells, Jr.     

Thomas L. “Tom” Bells, Jr., 51, of Whitesville, passed away with his loving family by his side on Monday, March, 10, 2025, in NYU Langone Hospital, NY, NY, after a long period of declining health.

Born on Saturday, July 14, 1973 in Brockport, NY, he was a son of Thomas L. Bells, Sr. and Bethany Baker Bells Peet.  On May 13, 1995 in Waterport, NY, he married Vicki M. Lamb, who survives.

Tom was a graduate of Kendall High School, Class of 1991, in Kendall NY.  He graduated from RIT with a degree in computer programming. 

Juli M. Creed, of 1043 Brook St., passed away peacefully Tuesday (March 11, 2025) at Olean General Hospital, with her loving husband and family by her side.

Juli was born Oct. 30, 1971, in Canton, Ohio, and was the daughter of James Dale and Joanne Marie Gipp Snyder. On June 1, 1991, in Smethport, Pa., she married Rodney R. Creed, who survives.

Juli was a 1990 graduate of Smethport High School. She continued her education at the St. Francis School of Nursing in Allegany and then continued by attending JCC, where she graduated with her degree in nursing. She received her bachelor’s in nursing from Purdue University.

Juli began working as a floor nurse at Olean General Hospital, then she worked as an ICU nurse for 15 years at BRMC, then she worked as a nurse at the Salamanca School District for the past eight years until recently returning to Olean General Hospital.

Alice Mae Sayers, 97, of Bradford, passed away Friday, March 7, 2025, at Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Born May 6, 1927, in Frogtown, she was a daughter of the late William and Pearle (McLain) Ferry.

On October 15, 1943, she married Lionel E. Sayers who preceded her in death on October 11, 2019. She was a 1944 graduate of Clarion Limestone High School.

Alice was a deeply spiritual person and prayer warrior who partnered in ministry alongside her husband when he answered the call to ministry in 1953. Alice was an active member and leader of United Methodist Women, taught Sunday School, assisted as a director of Jr. Camp at Findley Lake and served on the Board at Wesley Woods Christian Camp. Lionel and Alice served together at the following churches/charges: Hartfield and Elms Flats EUB Churches; Sugar Lake, Donation and Mount Pleasant EUB Churches; and Evans Memorial UMC. 

Darlene MacDonald, 78, of Bradford, passed away Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Pavilion at BRMC.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

A Celebrationn of Life for Ronald Johnson;

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at 1 PM on March 15, 2025 at the Moose Lodge, 35 Pearl Street,  Port Allegany. Military Honors will be accorede at that time.

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

Sue Ann SMITH, 66, of Galeton, PA, died Monday, March 10, 2025 in Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre.  Born August 31, 1958, in Wellsboro, she was the daughter of Robert O. and Gail Brown Ruef.  

On March 22, 1991, in Galeton, she married Thomas K. Smith, who survives.  A 1976 graduate of Cowanesque Valley High School, she was employed by the Potter County Housing Authority and Northwest Bank.  She was a member and treasurer of First Presbyterian Church in Galeton.  Sue Ann spent many of her years as a dedicated homemaker caring for her family.  She poured her heart and soul into doing things for others.  Her family will forever miss her wonderful holiday parties…door prize!  

Susan P. “Sue” HALL, 97, of Westfield, PA, died Monday, March 10, 2025 in her home.  Born October 30, 1927, in Syracuse, NY, she was the daughter of Foster and Grace Ackley Potter.  

On December 26, 1953, in the First Baptist Church, Westfield, she married George W. Hall, who predeceased her on April 16, 2004.  A 1945 graduate of Altamont High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in 1949 and a master’s degree from Mansfield University in 1952.  

She was a teacher at Westfield Elementary School for 34 years, retiring in 1992.  Sue was a member of the First Baptist Church in Westfield, where she served in several positions.  She sang in a barbershop quartet with Louise Cevette, Jean Gridley, and Barbara J. Olney for several years.  Mom kept her mind sharp by playing Soduko, doing the daily crossword puzzle, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and playing games on her cellphone.  She was an avid reader and loved birdwatching and caring for her cat of 18 years, Puddy Tatters.  Sue was loved and will be missed by everyone, including all her dedicated caregivers and former students.  

Dr. Joseph Cutry, MD, 97, of Wellsville, died on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born on November 26, 1927, in Massena, NY, the son of the late Anthony and Antoinette (Macro) Cutry. On July 23, 1960, in New York City, he married Gilda Paternoster, who survives.

He was a graduate of Sacred Heart School and was president of the Massena High School Graduating Class of 1946. He served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948. Under his G.I. Bill, he enrolled at St. Lawrence University in 1948 and received a B.S. degree in Chemistry in 1952; during his time at SLU he was a Dean’s List scholar, and in his senior year was president of Tri-Beta (the biology honorary society) and vice-president of Kappa Epsilon Mu (the chemistry honorary society). He was also a member of The American Chemical Society and Sigma Pi fraternity. 

After graduating from SLU, he was hired as a chemist by the Aluminum Company of America. A few months later, he decided to pursue an earlier goal to become a physician and enrolled in the six-year course in medicine and surgery at the University of Bologna in Italy. In his second and third years in medical school, he applied for and was accepted as a student instructor in the Anatomy Department based upon his scholastic achievement as a freshman. In his fifth year in medical school, he wrote a compendium on Diseases of the Nervous System. He graduated from medical school in 1958 with an overall scholastic average of 93%.

Steven A. Falconi, 73, of 8 West Irvine Street, Lewis Run, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Olean General Hospital.

Born on May 30, 1951, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Anthony T. and Viola J. (Vecellio) Falconi, Jr. He attended Bradford Area High School.

Steve was the owner/operator of his own auto-mechanic shop on Irvine Street for 40 plus years. He also formerly owned Roadhouse Bar and Steak House in Lewis Run.