Obituaries

Wayne A. Nelson “beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather”

Wayne A. Nelson, 89, of Shinglehouse, passed away with his loving family by his side at the home of his daughter, on Monday, July 14, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Wayne was born on Wednesday, December 11, 1935 at the family home in Mills, PA, where he spent his childhood and early adult life until moving to Shinglehouse in 1961. He was a son of Lawrence and Freda Pride Nelson. On April 20, 1960 in Mills, he married Dorothy L. Mills, who passed away on July 30, 2022.

Venessa K. Watson, 61, of Smethport, passed away unexpectedly Sunday (July 13, 2025) at her home.

She was born December 7, 1963 in Sacramento, CA, a daughter of Harold F. Miller and Juanita M. (Sturdevant) Bisnett. On December 3, 2005, at Overcomer’s Church of Faith, she married Jonathan A. “Josh” Watson, who survives.

Mrs. Watson was a graduate of Smethport High School Class of 1982 and worked several jobs over the years. She was ultimately a home maker, tending to the needs of her family.

Susan Jane McCracken, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and nurse, 79, of Crosby, passed away Saturday (July 12, 2025) at UPMC-Hamot, Erie.

She was born January 30, 1946 in Kane, PA, a daughter of Paul C. and Evelyn M. (Almony) Larson. 

She was the devoted wife of David McCracken, who knew he would marry her the moment he first saw her. Married October 7,1961, together, they shared a lifetime of love and partnership.

Tina Marie Whitford, 61, of 155 Constitution Avenue, Bradford, passed away Monday, July 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, at her residence. 

Tina was born in Bradford, on December 1, 1963, she was a daughter of the late James and Donna (Chartreau) Whitford.

She was a 1981 graduate from Bradford High School.

Tina was employed at Futures Inc. for 41 years. She worked at M&M’s Pastry Shop in the late 80’s and into the 90’s. She was also employed at the Shurfine Market and has worked a variety of jobs at Futures since 1984. Tina loved her work and built strong relationships with many friends and co-workers throughout the years.

Kathy A. Campbell, 72, of Derrick City, passed away Monday, July 14, 2025, at Olean General Hospital.

Born July 17, 1952, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Alexander and Harriett A. (Hubert) George. She was a 1970 graduate of Bradford Area High School.

On March 4, 1974, at Sacred Heart Church in Knapp Creek, she married Jay “B.J.” Campbell who survives.

Diane M. Hummel, 80, of Bradford, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. 

Born on February 27, 1945, in Jamestown, NY, she was a daughter of the late Richard M. and Helen V. (Erickson) Shannon. Diane was a 1963 graduate of Bradford Area High School.

On June 17, 1972, in Bradford, she married John H. Hummel, Jr. who passed away, October 1, 2017.

Patricia Catherine Warfield, 83, of 83 Crookerhouse Lane, Bradford, passed away Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Bradford Manor, with her family by her side, after multiple battles with cancer.

Born January 11, 1942, in Niagara Falls, NY, she was a daughter of the late George H. and Marjorie (Harrick) Mann.

Pat was a 1960 graduate of Haverling High School in Bath, NY. After graduation she attended Geneseo College, graduating in 1964 with a degree in Elementary Education.

Julia W. Hayes, 85, of Bradford, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at the Pavilion at BRMC.

Born October 19, 1939, in Mt. Pleasant, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Julia (Owad) Warzinski.

Julia was a 1957 graduate of Hempfield Area High School in Greensburg, and she completed several business courses after high school.

On March 10, 1962, in Hartford CT she married John W. Hayes Jr. who preceded her in death on May 3, 2018. 

Joseph “Joe” Duell, 67, of Knotts Island, NC, left us peacefully on January 27, 2025. He was a cherished son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend, whose loyalty and thoughtful nature left an impact on all who knew him.

Born on March 21, 1957, in Giessen, Germany, Joe was the son of Helga (Pitz) Duell and Judson R. Duell II, formerly of Coudersport, PA. Joe’s journey brought him from his early beginnings overseas to Coudersport, PA when he was 10 years old. Being part of a military family, he eventually relocated to Dunn, NC and graduated from Dunn High School. Joe then went on to join the Army at the age of 18, where he proudly dedicated his time and energy to serving his country. Following his military career, Joe lived in Williamsport, PA where his strong work ethic was displayed through his commitment to his career and to his family.  He was also a member of the Eulalia Masonic Lodge #342.

Ellwood D. Cosgrove           “graveside services slated”

COUDERSPORT, PA—Graveside burial services for Ellwood D. Cosgrove, 91, of Coudersport, will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, in Homer Cemetery, Inez, PA, at 1pm.  The Rev. Greg Rapp, pastor of Park United Methodist Church, Coudersport and the Rev.  Thomas Shatto of Galeton, will officiate.

David Hodgson, 85, of Bradford, passed away July 13, 2025, at The Pavilion at BRMC.

Born May 24, 1940, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Bernard and Margaret (Myers)Hodgson. He attended Limestone Area School.

On March 18, 1959 he joined the United States Army until his honorable discharge on February 28, 1961.

Dave worked for the Bradford Area Water Authority.

Michael F. Bunk: Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather

Michael F. Bunk, 72, 35 Spring Street, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2025 at home after a brief illness.

Born on August 24, 1952, in Cuba, he was a son of William J. and Sara A. Simpson Bunk.  On June 15, 1985, in Cuba, he married the former Marilyn Simmons who survives.

Mike was a graduate of Cuba Central School Class of 1972. 

After high school he began working for Clarks Brothers, Dresser Rand, and Siemens retiring as the Distribution Clerk after 42 years of employment. 

Jeffrey C. Pratt:  Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Son

Jeffrey C. Pratt, 70, of 9545 County Road 7, Cuba, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025 at Salamanca Rehabilitation and Nursing, after a lengthy illness.

Born on June 29, 1955, in Marysville, California, he was a son of Joseph L. and Patricia Stevens Pratt.  On June 29, 1994, at the Cuba First Presbyterian Church, he married the former Elizabeth A. “Buffy” Callen who survives.

Jeff was a graduate of Randolph Central School Class of 1973.  He served his country in the United States NAVY from 1973-77.  After serving he was employed by BOCES as an Electronic Technician for most of his career.  As a retirement job he started North Shore Dock Works on Cuba Lake.

Venessa K. Watson, of Smethport, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025.

Arrangements will be announced by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport

Richard “Dick” Cool, 92, of Emporium, PA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

Born to Marion and Kathleen Foley Cool in 1932 during the great depression, Dick was a lifelong worker and storyteller. A member of Operating Engineers Local #66 for 70 years, he traveled widely, operating heavy machinery and building roads, pipelines, and friendships along the way.

He married his high school sweetheart, Bev, and together they shared a lifetime of adventure—raising a family, serving their community, and exploring nearly every state by motorhome.

Edward “Levi” Levenduski, 94, of 149 Houston Road, St. Marys, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at his residence. 

He was born August 9, 1930 in Byrnedale, son of the late Anthony and Agnes Levenduski. He attended school in Bennett’s Valley and in 1952 he joined the United States Marine Corps earning the Excellent Marksman Award.  As a veteran, he was proud of his country and his service to it.  Levi was employed at Keystone Carbon for forty-seven years, where he retired.  Following retirement, he later found joy teaching students the expertise of die setting at ITech in Ridgway for many years.

On May 29, 1954,in Holy Rosary Church, Ed married the late Patricia Zuraski,  who preceded him in death on May 4, 2023.  He was also preceded in death by three brothers: Joe, John, and Anthony Jr.; one sister, Pearl; his son-in-law Chris Hauber; grandson, Nick Levenduski; and step-granddaughter, Erin Martinko.  He was the last surviving member of his family.

Sheree Lynn Mills-Dixon, 67, a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, of Limestone, NY, passed away Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Bradford Manor. 

Born on August 16, 1957, in Limestone, MA, she was a daughter of the late David R. and Patsy Junell (Stevenson) Mills. She attended Limestone Union Free High School.

On August 9, 2008, in Limestone, NY, she married the love of her life, Eugene E. Dixon, who survives.

Sheree enjoyed quilting, knitting, sewing and making clothes and dresses. She loved to play pull tabs and spending time in her flower beds and gardening, and spending time with her dogs, Charlie and Buddy.

Shirley F. Hillebrand, 90, of St. Marys, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, July 11, 2025.

She was born on July 20, 1934 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Herbert and Alice Probst Fledderman.

On May 21, 1966, at St. Marys Church, she married the love of her life, Otto A. Hillebrand, who preceded her in death on August 1, 2010. Together they were blessed with more than 44 years of marriage.

Marilyn A. (Murphy) Volchko, 91, of Bradford, passed away quietly in her sleep on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the Pavilion at Bradford Regional Medical Center.

Born on April 17, 1934, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Frederick F. and Helen L. (Benning) Murphy Shurilla. 

She is a 1952 graduate of Bradford Area High School. Marilyn then attended The Pennsylvania State University for one year.

On November 25, 1961, in Pittsburgh, Marilyn married John J. Volchko who preceded her in death on June 12, 1994.

Joanne L. Guild:  Loving Mother and Grandmother

Joanne L. Guild, 86, formerly of Cuba, New York, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Field of Dreams Senior Living, in Allegany, after a lengthy illness.

Born on March 3, 1939, in Olean, she was a daughter of Charles and Ruth Rutledge Rose.  On July 26, 1956 she married Samuel H. Guild who passed away on August 31, 2014.

Joanne was a graduate of Cuba Central School Class of 1956.  She also earned a Teaching Assistant Certificate from The University of the State of New York in 1973.

Beverly A. “Bev” Stroup Dittman, 89, of Emporium, PA, formerly of Bradford, PA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Guy and Mary Felt Manor, Emporium. 

Born March 22, 1936, in Bradford, PA, she was the daughter of the late William Francis and Viola Walter Stroup. She graduated from Bradford High School with the Class of 1954. On February 1, 1985, in Friendship, NY, she married the late F. Ronald Dittman. 

Bev received her LPN license in 1969 and her RN in 1983 and was dedicated to nursing until she retired in 2004. Through the years, she loved to go camping and snowmobiling and spend time with her family and cherished pets. 

Jerry Stuart

Jerry R. Stuart, 70, of Warren, PA., died peacefully Thursday morning, July 10, 2025, at his residence in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer. 

A complete obituary will be announced when available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA.

Ardis L. Hayes, 95, of Ogden, Arkansas, formerly of Bradford, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on July 7, 2025, surrounded by the thoughts and prayers of those who loved her most.

Born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, on March 8, 1930, to Marian and Harold Foster, Ardis carried a lifelong devotion to faith, family, and quiet acts of kindness. In Bradford she met John “Bud” Hayes. Both were born in the same hospital just three days apart from each other, and together they shared 34 years of marriage. Their greatest joy was raising their four children: Mila, Robert “Bob,” Edward “Ed,” and Patricia “Patti.” After the family moved to Richardson, Texas, Ardis created a welcoming home where her children completed grade school and countless friends found warmth.