Obituaries

Joan Claire Becker           “beloved mother of Shinglehouse, PA residents”

BELLEVIEW, Florida—Joan Claire Branigan Becker, 89, of Belleview, FL, formerly of Bancroft, NE, passed away at the Grace Davis Hospice House in Ocala, FL, on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024.

Joan was born in Omaha, NE on October 5th,1934 to Berniece (Sage) and Bernard Branigan. She was the firstborn and had three younger brothers. She grew up in the Cathedral area of Omaha, and attended St Cecilia’s Cathedral elementary and high school. She was in the Honor Society and was at the top of her class. 

She was married to Bruce Marr at St. Cecilia’s Cathedral in Omaha, NE in 1951. To this union twelve children were born. The couple moved to Grand Island, Lyons, and eventually settled in Bancroft, NE where they owned Marr’s Star Market and Locker Plant for over 15 years. While in Bancroft, Joan was active with the Holy Cross Catholic Church, the pro-life movement, was a CCD teacher, and in the Altar Society. She was active with other county and civil groups and always loved to be involved. She was a great cook, seamstress, and could teach herself how to do most anything. She was the greatest “fix-it” person around, always ready to tinker with something until it was working again. She loved a clean house and a well-set dinner table to welcome anyone that happened to stop by at mealtime. The Marr home in Bancroft had a revolving door for all the neighborhood kids. Joan and Bruce later divorced.

Thomas H. McCune, Jr., 63, of Bradford, PA passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo, NY.

He was born on September 14, 1960 in Bradford, a son of the late Thomas and Nancy Meyers McCune.

He was a former employee of the Bradford Regional Medical Center and TOPS Friendly Markets as well as various other jobs in the area.

He was an avid bowler and he enjoyed playing lottery scratch-off tickets.

Marlene A. Brasington, 79, of Warren, PA., died Friday morning, July 12, 2024, at Rouse Home, Youngsville, PA.

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

Timothy Schloder, 75, of 200 Lawrence Street, St. Marys, PA passed away Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Select Specialty Hospital in Johnstown. 

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

Limestone- Curtis Eugene Towne

 Curtis Eugene Towne of 107 Hillside Drive, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at his home.

 Curtis was born March 6, 1957 in Jamestown and was the son of Milford E. and Patricia A. Lank Towne. On June 15, 2013 at their home he married his loving wife Lynn Pickhardt who survives. 

 Curtis was a cook in the Navy during Vietnam. He loved riding his motorcycle, his family and cooking for them, and all of his friends.

Marlene Marjorie Veilleux, 76, of Smethport, PA passed away Thursday (July 11, 2024) at her residence in Smethport.

She was born January 21, 1948 in Port Allegany, the daughter of Gordon and Marjorie (Treat) Dudley. On January 7, 1967, in Port Allegany, she married Andre Veilleux, who survives.

Marlene was a 1965 graduate of Port Allegany High School and attended Olean Business Institute, where she received her Associate Degree to be a Paralegal.

She loved baking, cooking, doing puzzles and painting. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by:

Susan Stitt, 75, of Highland Rd, Kane, PA passed away Wednesday evening, July 10, 2024 at Select Specialty in Erie.

Born October 14, 1948 in Kane, She was the daughter of the late Lewis and Josephine (Ulyan) Bizzak.

On August 4, 1973 she married the love of her life Donald E. Stitt, who survives, sharing 50 wonderful years together.

Mrs. Stitt worked as a school teacher for many school districts in the surrounding area but found her home in the halls of the Johnsonburg schools, retiring in 2011.

She was a member of the St. Callistus Catholic Church in Kane where she belonged to the Catholic Daughters of America. She was also an avid member of the Red Hat Society.

Rick Holmes (Fredrick L. Holmes, Jr), 73, of Kane, PA, Daytona Beach, FL, and Ione, WA passed away on Sunday (July 7) at UPMC Erie. He was full of life, made friends easily, and animals loved him (and he them). Rick was self employed for much of his life; first as a logger (primarily in Washington) and in later years he managed his oil and gas royalty company.

Rick loved to travel and he not only enjoyed frequent trips to visit friends and family, but also to experience new areas of the world. Highlights include visiting Australia with his niece and many trips to Europe with Barb Neumayer, Brandy Krause, and John Kidd.

A proud alumnus of Penn State (1973), Rick’s enthusiasm for Nittany Lions football was steadfast. He was a member of Kane High School class of 1969, as well as a member of the Kane Elks, Eagles, and Moose clubs.

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 life long resident of Eldred.  She was also a member of the Eldred Boro Fire Auxiliary.

Cody James Thomas            “beloved father, son, brother, and friend”

Cody James Thomas, 31, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, PA was found deceased on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

Born on Tuesday, February 16, 1993, in Lancaster, he was a son of David A. and Donna E. Brandt Thomas.  He married Kiersten V. Fairbank, who survives.

Cody was a graduate of Coudersport High School.  He had been employed by various companies in the Coudersport area.

He loved being in the outdoors, especially hiking and fishing with his wife and son.  He also loved skateboarding and helping his friends and family in any way they needed.  He most especially loved spending time with his beloved son, Oliver.

Gail E. ACKERMAN, 76, of Wellsville, NY, died Sunday, November 12, 2023. 

A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 13, 2024 in Yorks Corners Cemetery. 

Arrangements are under the direction of OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY.  

Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Onolee Howard

OLEAN – Onolee Howard passed away peacefully Sunday (July 7, 2024) at Olean General Hospital, after a long illness.

Born March 30, 1935, in Allegany, she was the daughter of Lawrence and Lucille Dunham Nudd. On Aug. 18, 1956, in Allegany, she married David W. Howard, who predeceased her Oct. 15, 2020.

Mrs. Howard was a graduate of Allegany Central School.

In her free time, she enjoyed canning and freezing fruits and vegetables. She was a member of the Five Mile Baptist Church and later joined the Allegany Baptist Church.

Owen George Saulter, affectionately known as “Buck”, was born in Coudersport, Pennsylvania on January 20, 1952, to the late Clair and Susan (Whit) Saulter.  He passed away after a long illness on July 9, 2024, at the age of 72, surrounded by loved ones.

Buck is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Mary (Veselka) Saulter, his two sons Trevor Saulter (Jennifer), Chris Saulter and two stepdaughters, Kimberly (Mouser) Linam, her husband, Mike and Shawn (Mouser) Sabol.

Cody James Thomas, 31, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, was found deceased on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

Arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.

Richard J. Uhl Sr., 83, of Kersey, PA died on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Penn Highlands Dubois after a brief illness.

He was born on December 19, 1940, in St. Marys, the son of the late Alfred and Marie Feldbauer Uhl.

On November 28, 1959, at St. Boniface Church, he married Helen Smith, who survives.

Richard was a lifelong resident of Kersey and a member of St. Boniface Church. Richard had a successful career, working at St. Marys Carbon, Keystone, Michigan Sintered Metals, and eventually retiring from Metafusion. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of GKN. His passion for hunting and fishing brought him joy and relaxation throughout his life. Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all.

Marlene Marjorie Veilleux, 76, of Smethport, PA passed away Thursday (July 11, 2024) at her residence in Smethport.

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

Richard J. Uhl, 83, of Kersey, PA died on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Penn Highlands Dubois.

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

Richard P. Reed                

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA–It is with immense sadness that we share the passing of Richard P. Reed, 68, of Shinglehouse, PA. He passed on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 due to complications with cancer.

Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.

Betty J. Land             “former Shinglehouse, PA resident”

BALTIMORE, Maryland–Betty J. Land, 69, of Baltimore, passed away unexpectedly in her home on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

Born on Wednesday, August 25, 1954 in Baltimore, she was a daughter of George N. and Ella Blimline Shenberger.

While residing in Shinglehouse, Betty attended the First Baptist Church.  She enjoyed gardening and loved animals.

Yvonne L. Smith, age 80 of Mansfield, PA passed away on Monday, July 8, 2024 at UPMC Williamsport. Born May 18, 1944 in Potter Brook, PA, she was the daughter of the late Edward C. and Ruby C. (Jones) Johnson. Yvonne married Larry Dale Smith and they shared 55 years together until his passing on August 10, 2023.

She was a strong Christian who loved sharing His truth & love with every person who crossed her path. She liked to travel and paint.

Port Allegany -A Celebration of Life for Joan M. Hardenstine, who passed away Monday (October 2, 2023) will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 2PM at 689 N. Open Brook Rd., Smethport, PA

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

Helen V. “Ginny” (Lewis) Alexander, age 94, formerly of Wellsboro, PA, died on Monday, July 8, 2024. 

She was born on November 4, 1929 in Westfield, PA, a daughter of the late James and Margaret (Parker) Lewis and was married to the late Harold Alexander who passed away in 2017. 

She was a homemaker and was formerly employed by Wundies, Wellsboro, PA.  She was a member of the Church of Christ, Wellsboro, PA and enjoyed cooking, baking, doing puzzles and spending time with her family. 

Erica A. Runyan, 79, of 312 Pine Run Road, Lewis Run, PA passed away, Monday, July 8, 2024, in her home, with her loving family by her side. 

Born April 28, 1945, in Rudolstadt, Germany, she was a daughter of the late Wanda Izbinski and Joseph Wolfe.

Erica worked for 34 years in various capacities at Case Cutlery, she retired as Assistant Plant Manager. She owned and operated the Tacks Inn Produce Stand for many years, she also made all the home cooked specialty items at Tack’s Inn such as perogies, fried tomatoes, Coleslaw, potato salad, and daily homemade pies for many years. 

Brandon Michael Veite, 25, of Pike Street, Bradford, PA passed away Friday, July 5, 2024, at Bradford Regional Medical Center, after a three-year battle with cancer.

Born May 6, 1999, in Bradford, he was a son of Mark Turner, of Buffalo NY, and the Laura (Veite) Morgan, of Bradford.

He was a 2017 graduate of Bradford High School.

Brandon was formerly employed at Scott Electric, Bradford Manor as the Activities Director, Holiday Valley, and the Corner Bar. Prior to his illness he was working at the Gin Mill in Ellicottville.

He enjoyed taking walks with his daughters, spending time with his family and going to the casino.

John B. “Bruce” Bauer, 89, of Rightmeyer Street, St. Marys, PA passed away on Monday evening, July 1, 2024, at Penn Highlands DuBois.

He was born on August 7, 1934 in St. Marys, PA, a son of the late Richard and Marie Vollmer Bauer.

On November 1, 1969, in Emporium, he married Roselyn Bauer, who preceded him in death on December 20, 2007. Together they shared more than 38 years of marriage.

Bruce was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of Central High School. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church and retired from the Post Office after many years of service as a rural mail carrier. He also worked for a number of years at Sylvania and as a cement mason.

Charles (Butch) E. Gross

Butch was born on August 11, 1946 as the only child of the late Walter C. Gross Jr, and Mary Beacker Gross in Coudersport, Pennsylvania.

He passed away after an intense battle with a short illness on July 7, 2024 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Butch spent most of his life in Galeton, PA graduating from Galeton High School in 1964. After graduation he moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana where he attended the Indiana Institute of Technology and Rochester, New York where he completed his college degree at RIT and worked for several years at Bausch and Lomb.

During that time, he met and married his wife, Ann McCoy (who preceded him in death on November 18, 2023) and they started their family. After returning to Galeton in 1971, Butch began a long career in the construction industry, which saw him work, start and manage his own firm, C.E. Gross General Contracting, for over 15 years.

Butch loved all things related to farming, which he learned working on the Beacker farm during the summers throughout school. He spoke fondly of those summers and of his beloved Grandma Beacker. This period in his life instilled his love of hard work, dedication and being early to rise which helped him throughout his life as evidenced by the fact that he continued to work long after “retirement”. Butch also loved horses and maintained several at his home even when his riding days were behind him.

He was a dedicated husband who provided care to his wife throughout her lengthy battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He was a proud father and an even prouder grandfather. Butch was a willful and determined person, and he will have a lasting impact on his friends and family who will miss him greatly, particularly for the color that he added to their lives.

Robin L. RICE, 63, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of Westfield, PA and Ulysses, PA, died Saturday, July 6, 2024 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville with family at her side.  

Born October 22, 1960, in Wellsboro, PA, she was the daughter of Stanley Eugene Fuhrer and Alice Faye Brown Erickson.  She had a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife.  Robin was an animal lover, having cats, dogs, and horses over the years.  

Adrian Vladimir Gregory-Kielbasa, 26, of Center Street, Angelica, NY died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in the Town of Cohocton. He was born January 23, 1998, in Batavia, the son of Jason Kielbasa and Miranda Gregory.

Adrian was raised in Elba and Scio, graduating from Scio Central School in 2017. He was the owner and operator of Grateful Tie Dyes, after inheriting it from special friend Mike “Wook” Whitney. He loved animals, dirt bikes, and was involved with the Dam Show of Austin, PA and Esitival Festival of Caneadea, NY . He was an avid nature lover, an artist, and a poet.

He is survived by: his mother Miranda (Danny Coleman) Gregory and father Jason Kielbasa; siblings, twin Alexsander Gregory-Kielbasa, Baileigh Higby, Tatum Higby, and Jade Higby; grandparents, Joy & Frank Kielbasa, Robert & Sherry Gregory, and Dan Coleman; aunts Carrie (Cortney) Gale, Bridget Fairfield, and Katie Mills; uncle Adam (Stephanie Harris) Shipwash; acquired brother, Dahmus Logue; close friend, Whitefeather; as well as several cousins. He was predeceased by: great-grandmothers, Janet Williams and Francis “Babci” Kielbasa; acquired brother, Colin McCabe; and special friends, Michael Whitney and Matt Fuller.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 4 pm to 6 pm at J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. His funeral will follow in the funeral home at 6 pm. Please consider memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Theresa was born to Anthony and Elena “Lena” Agliardo Miglicio on August 3rd, 1932. She was one of five children.

Theresa is survived by one daughter; Mary (Gary) Howard of Wilcox, her grandson; Brandon (Megahn) Howard of Pittsburgh, her great grandson; Leland Howard, and by her stepson; Michael (Carol) Vizza of Reynoldsville.

Throughout most of her childhood and adult years Theresa could be found working at both of her family’s businesses in Emporium, The Cabin Kitchen and The Buttonwood Inn. She also worked in the kitchen for many years at the Bavarian Hills Golf Course in St. Marys.

Like her mother, she was known for her delicious made from scratch pies that she made so many of while working with her mother Lena at the Cabin Kitchen for many years.

Clement J. Nagley, 90, of West Creek Road, St. Marys, PA passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.