Obituaries

Lousie A. TAYLOR, 64, of Galeton, PA, died Thursday, May 15, 2025 in UPMC Williamsport.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.  

Deborah L. Ryan, 76, of Coudersport, PA, was surrounded by love when she transitioned to eternal life on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at UPMC-Cole Memorial Hospital, after a heroic 6-year battle with Frontal Temporal Dementia.

Family and friends may call from 10am-12pm, Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Christ Episcopal Church, 601 N. Main St., Coudersport.  A memorial service will be held at 12 noon. Memorial donations may be directed to the Patrick W. Ryan Creative Writing and English Scholarship Fund, Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers, 104 N. West Lockhart Street, Sayre, Pa 18840, the Coudersport Senior Center/ Meals on Wheels, 200 Chestnut Street, Coudersport, Pa 16915, and the Cole Foundation, 1001 E. 2^nd Street, Coudersport, Pa 16915.

Arrangements under the direction of the Fickinger Funeral Home.  To share a memory or condolence with her family visit www.thomasfickinger.com.

Duane R. “Ricky” Payne:  Beloved Brother

Duane R. “Ricky” Payne, 61, of Wellsville, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025 at F.F. Thompson Hospital, Canandaigua after a lengthy illness.

Born on February 6, 1964, he was a son of Duane R. Payne and Judy (Lindey) Doty.

Duane was a graduate of Cuba Central School.  He was a machinist for Dresser Rand working first in the Wellsville Plant and then transferred to the Olean Plant, retiring after many years. 

Nancy Marie DeStevens, 57, of Gaines, PA, passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Penn Highlands Hospital, DuBois, PA, surrounded by her family. 

Born July 21, 1967 in Coudersport, PA, she was a daughter of the late Carmen “Peanuts” DeStevens and Frances (Pansero) DeStevens, who survives.

Nancy was employed by East Coast Splicing, Inc. in Wellsboro, PA as a secretary.

Robert A. “Rob” Stebbins, 60, of Eldred, passed away Thursday (May 15, 2025) at Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo, NY.

He was born September 15, 1964 in Olean, NY, the son of Franklin Stebbins, Jr. and Janet (Raszman) Stohr.

He attended Otto Eldred schools and was a 1982 graduate of Port Allegany High School.

Rob worked at several jobs over the years. He was employed at Zippo in Bradford for a period of time, Otto Eldred school district as a custodian, but ultimately worked as a meat processor for several local grocery stores. He worked for Costa’s Supermarket, Market Basket, and most recently, Shop-N-Save of Port Allegany.

He had been a track coach for Otto Eldred High School and was a member of the Port Allegany Moose Lodge #460

Christopher A. Safford, 49, of Port Allegany, passed away Thursday (May 15, 2025) at his home in Port Allegany.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany are incomplete and will be announced.

William L. Illingsworth, 88, of Germania, PA, passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at home. 

He is survived by his wife, Rachael Illingsworth, Germania; stepchildren, Steven (Mary Jo) Parrish, VA and Jenny Parrish, TX; five grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

As per his wishes, there will be a private family service at a later time.

Arrangements and the cremation have been entrusted to Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Galeton.

Virginia M. Stebick, 99, of Emporium, PA formerly of Keating Summit passed away at Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA on Wednesday afternoon (May 14, 2025). She was born June 30, 1925 in Emporium, PA a daughter of the late Albert and Margaret Zurflue Streich. On February 12, 1949 in Emporium she married the late John “Jack” Stebick.

Virginia enjoyed spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.

Robert A. “Rob” Stebbins, 60, of Eldred, passed away Thursday (May 15, 2025) at Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo, NY.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary

David Rudy Thiele, 67, of Rio Rancho, NM, formerly of Lewis Run, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025, after a lengthy illness surrounded by family.

Born November 6, 1957, in Bradford, he was a son of the late George and Betty (Sankner) Thiele. Dave was a 1975 graduate of Bradford Area High School and was an accomplished football player.  He was chosen to participate in the Big 30 game in 1975.

On February 12, 1980, in Olean, NY, he married his loving wife Mary Ann (Pavlovich) Thiele, who survives. 

Ruth Fitzpatrick SOLLEY, 98, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of Zephyrhills, FL, Girard, OH, and Whitesville, NY, died Monday, May 5, 2025 in UR Jones Memorial Hospital after a short illness. 

Born September 15, 1926, in Independence, she was the daughter of George and Mary Allen Fitzpatrick.  On August 9, 1988, she married Elwood Lemar Solley, who predeceased her on October 21, 2021.

David C. Johnston                “beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend”

David C. “Dave” Johnston, 69, of Oswayo, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 11, 2025, from injuries sustained in a tragic accident.

Born on Sunday, July 17, 1955 in Olean, NY, he was a son of Elvin “Buck” and Patricia Brizzee Johnston.  On November 22, 1977 in Coudersport, he married Deanna L. Van Pelt, who survives.

Dave was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse.  In his early years, he worked in local oil and gas fields. For most of his working career, he along with his business partner and friend, Larry Coole, owned and operated D.A.L. Flagstone where eventually he and his son Dan worked together mining Pennsylvania Bluestone for 28 years.

Susan L. Topor, 79, of Belfast, New York, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Wellsville Manor Care Center after a lengthy illness.

Born on May 19, 1945, in Olean, she was a son of Paul Seth and Beulah Castle.  She is survived by her longtime companion of 39 years Larry W. Young, Jr.

She attended school in Olean.

Susan absolutely adored her children and grandchildren and loved spending time with them.  After her children were grown, she spent countless hours volunteering for several local organizations.

Dorothy K. (Krause) Smith, 94, of Wellsboro, passed away Monday, May 12, 2025, in her home surrounded by family. 

She was born December 16, 1930, to Harry D. and Florence (Briston) Krause in Wellsboro.  Dorothy graduated from Wellsboro High School in the class of 1949.  On August 19, 1950, she married Carl L. Smith and together they enjoyed 74 years of marriage.  She and her husband Carl owned and operated the family dairy farm, Smith Piano and Organs, Radio Shack, and Smith’s RVs. 

Christian Ross Howard, 43, of Port Allegany, passed away Friday (May 9, 2025) at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

He was born June 24, 1981 in Kane, the son of Christian J. and Carol (Burgason) Howard. On September 25, 2022, in Westline, PA, he married Jan L. Himmelreich, who survives.

Ross was a 1999 graduate of Kane High School and of the Culinary Institute through IUP in 2000. He worked as a chef in several locations. He cooked for the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, FL, Glendorn of Bradford, PA and the Westline Inn of Westline, PA. He recently was employed at Morgan Advanced Materials of Coudersport, PA.

Richard A. SURDAM, 70, of Galeton, PA, died Thursday, April 24, 2025.  A gathering to celebrate Richard’s life will be held Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at 1303 South Brookland Road, Ulysses, PA.  Please bring a picture or memory to share.  Food, drink, and music provided.  Please contact Sheila Blass at 570-439-2432 with questions.  Online condolences may be expressed at  www.olneyfoust.com.

Anthony Laktash, Jr., 81, of Eldred, passed away Friday (May 9, 2025) at Wellsville Manor, Wellsville, NY.

He was born June 4, 1943 in Uniontown, PA, the son of Anthony, Sr. and Sarah (Bloom) Laktash.  On June 5, 1965, in Eldred, PA, he married Roberta Goldsmith, who preceded him in death.

Anthony was a graduate of Uniontown High School and a graduate of Penn State DuBois campus with an associate degree in computer science.

He served in the U.S.Navy as a Navy Seal and did two tours in Vietnam. He received a Good Conduct Medal and the Purple Heart for his service.  He worked several different jobs over the span of his working career, his last employment was from Zippo Manufacturing in Bradford, from where he retired.

Christian Ross Howard, 43, of Port Allegany, passed away Friday (May 9, 2025) at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

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

Are incomplete and will be announced

Philip L. “Toby” Mangus, 82, of 100 Rockland Avenue, Bradford, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Bradford Regional Medical Center.

Born January 5, 1943, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Ralph and Angeline “Angie” (George) Mangus. He was a 1962 graduate of Bradford High School.

On July 9, 1964, he was drafted into the United States Army. He served with Company D 249th Engineer Brigade 7th and was honorably discharged on June 23, 1967. He was awarded the National Defense Service and the Rifle Sharpshooters Badge.

Danny E. Fox, 81, of 286 School Street Rixford, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Bradford Regional Medical Center.

Friends are invited to a Memorial Service on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the Rixford EUB Church at Noon. A Celebration of Life will follow in the Otto Township Fire Department.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Linda M. Hurd

“beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister”

Linda M. Hurd, 61, of Clara, passed away with her loving family by her side on Friday, May 9, 2025, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY, after a short illness.

Born on Tuesday, July 2, 1963, in Coudersport, she was a daughter of Lawrence and Sophia Denhoff Snyder. On September 25, 1982 in the Hebron Union Church, Hebron Center, she married John P. Hurd, who survives.

Steven Hoden

Steven G. Hoden, 76 of Warren, PA, died Sunday, May 11, 2025, at UPMC Hamot, Erie, PA. Steve was born August 14, 1948, in Warren, PA. He was a lifelong Sheffield and Warren area resident.

He was a 1966 graduate of Sheffield High School. He had served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a Specialist 4th Grade. He had received the purple heart, combat infantry badge, national defense service medal, Vietnam campaign medal and 2 V device for valor medals. Steve had worked with the Jones Chevrolet when they were located in Sheffield, Pa., and was employed with Betts Industries as a supervisor for 45 ½ years, retiring in 2012.

Linda M. Hurd                “beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister”

CLARA, PA—Linda M. Hurd, 61, of Clara, passed away with her loving family by her side on Friday, May 9, 2025, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY, after a short illness.

Born on Tuesday, July 2, 1963, in Coudersport, she was a daughter of Lawrence and Sophia Denhoff Snyder.  On September 25, 1982 in the Hebron Union Church, Hebron Center, she married John P. Hurd, who survives.

Donald E. Geneski, age 69, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

He was born on January 23, 1956 in Blossburg, PA, a son of the late Walter and Rose (Jelliff) Geneski. Don was a self-employed carpenter for most of his life and enjoyed hunting, riding motorcycles and snowmobiles, going to rock concerts and his muscle cars.