Obituaries

Patricia A. Torrey, 82, of 136 Big Shanty Road, Lewis Run, PA passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the Olean General Hospital.

Born on January 11, 1942, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Wendall L. and Ethel R. (Benninger) Fox. 

Pat was a 1959 graduate of Bradford Area High School. On July 30, 1960, in the Evans Memorial United Methodist Church in Lewis Run, she married Thomas L. Torrey, who survives. 

Pat was a homemaker while her children were being raised, and also worked as a teacher aide at MJ Ryan School, and several other part-time jobs. Her greatest joy was time spent with her children and grandchildren. 

Nyla Sue Sloat:  Beloved Cousin and Friend

Nyla Sue Sloat, 82, of 6 Genesee Parkway, Cuba, NY passed away Friday, July 5, 2024 at home.

Born on October 16, 1941, in Cuba, she was a daughter of Robert and Bertha Johnson Sloat.

Nyla attended Cuba Central School where she played softball and volleyball in gym class.  She was very proud to have received her GED later in life. 

She worked doing odd jobs, mowing lawns, and cleaning houses.  In 1986 she was hired by the Village of Cuba to be a crossing guard and she retired in 2002 after 16 years.  She loved interacting with the children and was proud to help them get to school safely.  She rarely missed a day. 

JoAnne Marilyn (Grass) Dingman, age 90, of Gaines, PA, passed away on Friday, June 28, 2024.  She was born on November 1, 1933 in Monticello, ME, a daughter of the late John and Lona (DeLong) Grass and was the wife of the late Ormonde Ray Dingman who passed away in 2015. 

She enjoyed riding horses and reading mystery novels.  JoAnne was a microchip processing trainer at Motorola in Mesa, AZ where she worked alongside many of her friends for over 15 years before retiring and moving back to Gaines, PA. 

Raymond Howard Sacks, age 87, of Knoxville, PA passed away at home on Saturday, July 6, 2024. Born March 9, 1937 in Zieglerville, PA, he was the son of the late Howard and Elmeda (Huber) Sacks.

He proudly served in the US Army from 1955 – 1958. He worked many places throughout his life; Superior Tube in Collegeville, PA, Dresser Rand in Painted Post, NY, State of PA Highway Department, Phillips Light in Bath, NY, was a driver for Adelphia in Coudersport, was a farmer and owned/operated Sacks Auction.

Ray was a member of the Masonic Lodge #477 in Westfield, life member of the Knoxville VFW, member of the Knoxville Deerfield Fire Department, Swamp Creek Rod & Gun, American Flint Glass Workers Union and a member of the PA Auctioneers since April 1981. He enjoyed hunting, buying/selling and setting up for auctions in his auction barn, traveling and driving on the back dirt roads.

He was quite a socialite and loved making his rounds at the bars and hunting camps. He enjoyed morning coffee with the morning crew, thirsty Thursday at the VFW and Fire Hall and fun Friday at the VFW and Fire Hall.

Roy J. Mack, age 86 of Elkland, PA passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Broad Acres Nursing Home in Wellsboro.

Born April 28, 1938 in Westfield, he was the son of the late Esson and Doris (Costley) Mack. Roy retired from Corning Inc., enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and building things. He built both houses that he and his wife lived in.

Geraldine June Runyan, 81, of Coal Hollow, Kersey Pa. passed away Saturday, July 6, 2024, at her home with her family by her side. 

Geraldine was born November 9, 1942, in Kersey, a daughter of the late Walter and Edna Fredrickson Geer. 

On November 7, 1959, in Brockway, she married Melvin E. Runyan of Kersey, who survives. Together they shared almost 65 years of love and marriage.

Judith A. Shippling, 85, of 421 Church Street, St. Marys, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Pinecrest Manor.

She was born June 12, 1939, in Kane, daughter of the late Roy and Genevieve Yeager Nelson Mitchell.  She was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of St. Marys High School, Class of 1957, and employed at St. Marys Area Middle School as a secretary.

On August 23, 1958, in Johnsonburg, Judy married the love of her life, the late Myles W. Shippling, who preceded her in death on August 15, 2019.  They were blessed to share sixty-one years of marriage.

Douglas G. Little                “pain in the ***”

AUSTIN, PA—Douglas G. “Doug” Little, 55, of Austin, PA passed away unexpectedly at his camp on Friday, July 5, 2024.

Born on Sunday, June 1, 1969, in Lansing, Michigan, he was a son of David and Connie L. Ritter Bock, Sr.  In November of 1999 in Emporium, he married Carey J. Kinard, who survives.

Doug was employed by Keating Township doing road maintenance before retiring due to injuries he received in a motor vehicle accident.

Doug loved camping, hunting, riding his Harley, gardening and his dogs.  His greatest love was his family, especially his grandchildren.

Ronald J. Long, 77, of Emporium and St. Marys, PA passed away at DuBois Nursing Home, DuBois, PA on Friday (July 5, 2024) morning. He was born November 5, 1946 in Renovo, PA a son of the late Joseph and Ethel (Drabic) Long. He and his loving wife Frances (McKimm) Long were married for over 50 years.

Ron graduated from Renovo High School in the class of 1964. He served with the US Army during Vietnam War from January 21, 1966 through January 19, 1968 where he received Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, marksman badge rifle M14 and 2-O/S bars. He was a life member of the Miller-Raffaele Post 6221, VFW, Emporium, PA

Zachary J. BARNETT, 25, of Wellsville, NY, died Thursday, July 4, 2024.  Born April 2, 1999, in Wellsville, he was the son of Dale A. and Tina L. Durgan Barnett.  

He was employed as a painter.  Since age nine, he attended the Canandaigua Pageant of Steam, where he was an operator for the last two years.  Zach was a member of New York Steam Engine Association.  An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and kayaking.  He was a gaming enthusiast.  

Betty J. Land

Betty J. Land, 69, of Baltimore, formerly of Shinglehouse, passed away unexpectedly in her home on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

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.

Paul Carson, 74, of West Wind Rd., Kane, PA passed away Thursday (July 4) at UPMC-Shadyside, following a brief illness.  Born Nov. 18, 1949 in Kane, he is the son of the late Emmett and Caroline (Caramboni) Carson.On Feb. 4, 1978, in Kane, he married Becky Kibbie, who survives.

Paul worked as a boilermaker for the Local #154 for many years.  He then owned and operated West Wind Whitetails after his retirement from the union. He was a member of the Highland Sportsman Club and a past member of the Kane Fish and Game Club.  He also frequented many car shows with his 57 Sedan Delivery.

Janice Johnson, 62, of North Charleston, SC passed away Sunday (June 30) at MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston.  Born Nov. 2, 1961 in Kane, she is the daughter of the late Edward and Patricia (Bouch) Johnson.

Janice was a career veteran, serving in the U.S. Air Force.   She attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and spent much of her career in the  field of Aerospace Ground Equipment.  She had also been a member of Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church prior to moving away.

Janice was a very active person and could be found biking or walking for hours.  She also had a great sense of humor and made many friends both at home and while in the military.  She will be missed by family and friends alike.

Linda A. (Keagle) Pettitt, 67, of Wellsboro, PA passed away Monday, July 1, 2024, at the Corning Hospital in Corning, NY.  She was born April 20, 1957, in Blossburg, PA, to Robert and Rachael Keagle. 

She graduated from North Penn High School and earned a degree in Elementary Education from Mansfield University.  On November 10, 1983, she married Michael Pettitt with whom she shared forty years of marriage.  As Michael served in the US military and worked overseas, Linda served with him, and when she had the opportunity, taught where they lived. 

Linda loved to golf, garden and take care of the lawn wherever they were stationed, and when she was able to move back to the Wellsboro area, they became members of the Tyoga Country Club.  She was also an avid supporter of the Dean Center, and was a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Liberty and volunteered for the Military Food Bank.

Barbara Ann DAVIS, 89, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of Andover, died Wednesday, July 3, 2024 in Wellsville Manor Care Center. 

Born January 20, 1935, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Emerald and Inez Kenyon Ordiway.  On August 27, 1960, in Genesee, PA, she married Harold L. “Smoky” Rennells, who predeceased her on July 13, 1964.  On February 6, 1977, in Wellsville, she married Alfred L. Davis, who predeceased her on April 27, 2006. 

She attended Andover School and was a homemaker.  Barbara attended the Genesis Bible Church in Scio.

Douglas G. Little               

Douglas G. “Doug” Little, 55, of Austin, passed away unexpectedly at his camp on Friday, July 5, 2024.

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.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Doug, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Theresa M. Vizza, 91, a resident of Elk Towers, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, July 4, 2024. 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Jerrold Lee NORTH, 90, of Barefoot Bay, FL, formerly of Harrison Valley, PA, died Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in West Melbourne, FL.  

Born April 13, 1934, in Grant, MI, he was the son of Clifford and Myrle North.  A Korean War Veteran, he served honorably U.S. Army from 1954 – 1957 as a paratrooper.  On November 4, 1954, in Parkton, MD, he married the former Irene M. Dill, who predeceased him on December 3, 2010.  

He was employed by Air Preheater in Wellsville, NY, Eberle Tanning Company and Westfield Tanning Company.  Jerry was a member of the NRA.  

Kym Marie Coolidge, 72, of Wellsboro, PA passed away on Monday, July 1, 2024, at her home.  Kym was born on December 22, 1951, in Wellsboro, the daughter of the late Earl and Helen (Webster) Coolidge.

Kym worked in the Tech Department for the State of Michigan for many years.  She enjoyed crafts, crocheting, and knitting. 

Diana Rose Reed-Brooks, 61, of Emporium, PA passed away at her residence, Emporium, PA on Monday (July 1, 2024) afternoon following a brief illness. She was born April 2, 1963 in Lorraine, Ohio a daughter of the late John and Delores Niskey Bodnar. On December 8, 2009 in Coudersport she married the late Kevin Brooks.

Diana graduated from Marion Steele High School in Amherst, Ohio in the class of 1981. She moved to Emporium from Ohio years ago. She loved cats and took many stray cats into her home.

She is survived by her companion, Joe Clary, Emporium; brother, James R. Bodnar (Janice), Avon, OH;

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a sister, Karen Bodnar.

There will be no visitation and services will be at the convenience of the family.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Cameron County SPCA, 678 South Mountain Rd., Emporium, PA 15834

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.

Patricia A. Torrey, 82, of Lewis Run, PA passed away, Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the Olean General Hospital.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.co

Donald Dean Steck, 85, formerly of Timbuck, a resident of Simpsonville, SC, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

Born March 8, 1939, in Degolia, he was the 13th child of the late Leonard and Louise (O’Neil) Steck. He was a graduate of St. Bernard School.

On July 22, 1967, in Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church, he married Patricia Ann (Cardenas) Steck who preceded him in death on December 29, 2021.

A native and life-long resident of Bradford, Dean worked for over 30 years at the Kendall/Witco Oil Refinery. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Dean loved participating in and watching all sports, but especially rooting for the Buffalo Bills. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends.

Robin G. Formoso

Robin G. Formoso, 66, of Church St., Port Allegany, PA passed away unexpectedly Thursday (July 4, 2024) in her home.

     Born April 28, 1958, in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of Lawrence M. and Phyllis E. Abel Brundage.  In May 1999, she married Joseph M. Formoso, in Cincinnati, OH.

     Robin was a graduate of the Port Allegany High School, class of 1976.

     She had been employed with Ethan Allen Corp., Eldred, PA, for 20 years, and later with Judson Care Center, as a certified nurse’s aide, in Cincinnati, OH.

     She attended the Chestnut Street Baptist Church, Port Allegany. She was a member and president of the Port Allegany Senior Center. Robin loved her cross-stitching & puzzles, but most of all she loved her two cats, and planting flowers.

James Dorr Thomas, age 70, was a son of the late George and Doris (Lyon) Thomas of Westfield, PA and was born in Wellsboro on June 20, 1954.

James passed following a long illness on July 3, 2024 at his home in Lawrenceville, PA, with his best friend, Jason Black (of Addison, NY) by his side.

Vernon H. Stanley, age 79, of Osceola, PA passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Corning Hospital. Born September 23, 1944 in Osceola, he was the son of the late Harry and Pearl (Morseman) Stanley.

Vernon served in the 101st Airborne Army Division during the Vietnam War. He retired from Corning Inc, coached little league and volunteered at Hills Creek helping to make the trails. Vernon enjoyed hunting, fishing and his boat. He was a good husband, a good father and loved family.

Judith A. Shippling, 85, of 421 Church Street, St. Marys, PA passed away Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Pinecrest Manor, after a brief illness. 

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

Sarah J. Neilson, 95, of Powers Ave., Johnsonburg, PA passed away early Thursday morning, July 4, 2024, at Penn Highlands-Elk, St. Marys following a brief illness. She was born on June 1, 1929, in Johnsonburg, a daughter to the late Anthony C. and Gertrude Keenan Kriegel. On May 17, 1952, in Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg, she married Donald Neilson. He preceded her in death on May 28, 1998.
 
A lifelong resident of Johnsonburg, Sarah was a 1947 graduate of Johnsonburg High School. She was a member of Holy Rosary Church and was a member of the Funeral Dinner Committee for many years. She was the treasurer for the East End Hose Co. Aux, for 28 years and was the longest living Auxiliary Member of the Johnsonburg Fire Dep’t. having joined in 1952. Sarah loved spending time with her family, camping, traveling, gardening and was known for her delicious pies. 

Sarah had spent most of her life as a homemaker, but had worked at the Comet Supermarket, the A&P, and G.C. Murphy Co., all in Johnsonburg.

Dana A. Bunk:  Loving Father, Grandfather, Son and Brother

Dana A. Bunk, 62, of 6739 Crabb Hollow Rd., Town of New Hudson, NY passed away unexpectedly Friday, June 28, 2024 at home.

Born on February 2, 1962, in Cuba, he was a son of William J. and Alice (Snyder) Bunk II.

Dana attended Cuba Central School.  He was a General Laborer all of his career and was currently employed by Great Lakes Cheese of Cuba.

He enjoyed being outdoors, taking long walks in the woods with his dog Grizzly, collecting the perfect rocks for patios and was always setting himself up for future endeavors like buying a wood splitter to sell firewood and a saw mill to produce lumber.  He aspired to always be independent.

He is survived by

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

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and are under the direction of the Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services.