Obituaries

John F. Pontzer, 79, formally of Ridgway, died on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at his residence.

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

Fred Highhouse

Fred Norman Highhouse, 85, of Starbrick, PA., died peacefully with his family at his bedside, Saturday morning, January 25, 2025, at his home. 

He was born September 7, 1939, in Warren, PA.  He was the son of Norman and Helen Betts Highhouse.  He was originally from Sheffield, PA., and was a 1957 graduate of Sheffield High School. He served with the United States Navy from 1958 to 1962, was honorably discharged with the rank of RD2.  He was employed for 30 years as a foreman with Betts Industries, retiring in 2001.  He loved the Lord and shared his faith in Jesus Christ.  He loved teaching Sunday School and preaching the word of God.  He was a lay preacher for 40 years in various churches throughout the county.  He served at Emmanuel Baptist Church for 40 years.  He was a member who attended and preached at Starbrick Community Church.  He has gone to be with his Savior and family.  He invited anyone who has not given their hearts and lives to Jesus to take this opportunity to do so now.  He will be missed, but we have that blessed hope of seeing him in heaven someday.

Dorothy Culbertson

Dorothy Tannler Culbertson, 100, of Warren, PA. died Thursday morning, January 23, 2025, at the Rouse Home, Youngsville, PA.

She was born August 29, 1924, in Warren, PA.  Dorothy was the daughter of John Walter and Rachel Lynn Greer Tannler.  She was a former resident of Kinzua for 14 years, and a lifelong Warren area resident.  Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Warren High School.  She was employed with the former G.C. Murphy Company, Solar Electric and retired after 29 years employment with New Process Company.  She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Warren Senior Center.  She enjoyed playing bingo, completing crossword puzzles, watching golf, or any sporting events.  She was an avid reader of mysteries. Dorothy loved to watch her favorite television program, the Golden Girls and play noodle ballon game, especially with all her grandchildren. She raised 4 children on her own, and is remembered as the most loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother and friend.

Susan J. Saunders:  Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister

Susan J. Saunders, 64, of 70 Olean Street, Bolivar, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Olean General Hospital after a short illness.

Born on July 22, 1960, in Olean, she was a daughter of Robert and Gene (Colter) Doane.  On December 2, 1978, in San Antonio, Texas, she married Donald “Andy” Saunders who predeceased her on December 31, 2021.

Susan was a graduate of Bolivar Central School Class.  She was a proud Bulldog.

She was a loving wife and mother to her children, dedicated to making their lives better however she could.  She loved and adored her grandchildren.  She always kept busy making wooden décor crafts.

Cindy L. Swander, 70, of Shonts Road, Bradford, passed away at home on Sunday, January 19, 2025, with her husband and son by her side. 

Born April 1, 1954, in Culver, she was a daughter of the late Emma (Sunderlin) Burns and Larry Rorabaugh. 
Cindy was a 1972 graduate of Bradford High School. 

On July 1, 1972, in Bradford, she married Donald G. Swander, who survives. 

Virginia M. Ross, 93, of Bradford, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home. 

Born in Red House, NY on September 13, 1931, she was a daughter of the late Carl and Emma (France) Goodrich. She attended Randolph High School, and later attained her G.E.D.

On December 24, 1949, in Red House, NY, she married Anthony Ross, who died May 8, 1990. 

Virginia was employed at Rathburn Molding, Holiday Valley, and in the Court System of the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office for several years.

She was a member of the Bradford Moose Lodge. She was an avid Bingo player and enjoyed attending Bingo at the Derrick City Fire Department.

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.

On February 5, 2000, in Bradford, he married Barbara A. (Haynes) Zeigler Mangus, who preceded him in death on February 10, 2003. They were together for over 15 years.

Virginia L. “Ginny” Stoneking, 80, formerly of 1050 East Main Street, Bradford, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, in Mechanicsburg.

Born May 13, 1944, in Bradford, she was the daughter of the late Lynn and Jessie (Graham) Abbey. Ginny was raised in Smethport, where she was a 1962 graduate of Smethport High School.

On June 8, 1963, in the Smethport United Methodist Church, she married H. Daniel Stoneking, who died May 25, 2010.

Ginny was a Staff Accountant and co-owner of Smith, Best & Stoneking CPA, along with her husband Dan. She enjoyed watching the Mets play baseball (even when they lost), traveling, baking, and volunteering at Bradford Regional Medical Center. The thing she enjoyed the most however, was spending time with her family…especially her grandchildren.

Jeffrey D. Kelly                

Jeffrey D. “Jeff” Kelly, 63, of Coudersport, formerly of Orlando, Florida, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Sunday, January 26, 2025.

Born on Thursday, October 26, 1961 in Rochester, NY, he was a son of Gene Kelly and Joan M. Jackson Kelly Freeman. 

Jeff was a graduate of Coudersport High School.  For many years he was employed by Twin Trucking in Georgia where he transported travel trailers and campers.

He enjoyed NASCAR.

Jack L. Scott               “beloved father and grandfather”

Jack L. “Scotty” Scott, 82, of Alma, formerly of Black Creek, passed away in his home with his loving family on Sunday, January 26, 2025, after a long illness.

Born on Monday, June 29, 1942 in Belvidere, NY, he was a son of Edward C. and Rose Mastin Scott.

Jack attended Belmont High School in Belmont.  He held many positions throughout his life, having worked at the cast iron foundry in Friendship, had also worked in construction, and had been employed by Turbodyne in Wellsville.  He retired from Cooper Industries in Olean where he was employed as an electronic tester.

Jack, also known as “sure shot Scott” loved hunting, trapping and fishing.

Harry Glotz

Harry Glotz, 95, of Warren, PA. died peacefully in his sleep Monday morning, January 27, 2025, at Kinzua Valley Healthcare, after an extended illness.  He was born October 30, 1929, in Tidioute, PA. to the late Carl and Rozella Yazinski Glotz, Sr. 

Harry was a 1948 graduate of Warren High School.  He had served with the U.S. Army as a sergeant during the Korean War, serving from 1951 to 1953 with the 101^st Signal Battalion Corp. where he earned the Korean Service Medal with 4 stars, United Nation Medal, National Defense Medal and Unit Merit Commendation.  He was employed with the former Bell Telephone Company for 35 years as a PBX Installer, retiring in 1984.  He was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church.

He enjoyed crossword puzzles, woodworking and any handyman projects. Harry also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Jeffrey D. Kelly                

Jeffrey D. “Jeff” Kelly, 63, of Coudersport, formerly of Orlando, Florida, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Sunday, January 26, 2025.

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.

John M. Peterson, Jr., 85, of Windfall Road, St. Marys, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Elk Haven Nursing Home following complications of a fall and battle with dementia.

He was born on October 25, 1939 in Wildwood, NJ, a son of the late John Peterson, Sr. and Mary Louise Souders Peterson.

On October 22, 1966, in Arlington, VA, he married Rita Hnath Peterson, who survives. Together they shared more than 58 years of love, laughter, and marriage. John spent his entire married life prioritizing his wife and his love for her.

John was a graduate of Falls Church High School, class of 1959. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963 and was a member of Queen of the World Church. He spent the first part of his career running heavy equipment for a construction company, and then moved into the insurance industry, selling insurance for many years. When he wasn’t mowing his grass, he could be found woodworking or taking his Harley for a ride. He delighted in spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. A dedicated, hard working and loving man, John was affectionately known as “Poppy” to all those who loved him.

Janet E. Otto, 82, of Toby Road, Kersey, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025, at her residence.

She was born on September 27, 1942, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, a daughter of the late Paul A., Sr., and LaMina J. Gaudette Hoffmann.

Janet was an avid reader, a lover of gardening, and found immense happiness in the company of her cherished grandchildren. She was known for her vibrant spirit and her passion for travel, especially the cherished moments she spent exploring the world with her beloved partner, Tom. Janet pursued a career in sales at St. Marys Carbon, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic. 

James L. Patterson, age 84, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Thursday, January 23, 2025. 

He was born on November 18, 1940 in Wellsboro, PA, a son of the late Henry “Foster” and Sybil (Vaughn) Patterson, was married to Sharon L. (Wetherbee) Patterson for 61 years, was a barber in Wellsboro for over 30 years, retired from truck driving for Tioga Transport Inc. and had served in the US Army National Guard. 

Jim was a member of the United Methodist Church of Wellsboro, PA and the Ossea Lodge # 317 F&AM.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He played basketball in highschool and was a member of the Grand Canyon FFA.  His hobbies were growing and selling Christmas trees, cooking, making maple syrup and loved spending time with his family and friends and his grand dogs. 

Florence B. “Flo” Carter, 88, of Smethport, died Friday (January 24, 2025) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.

She was born January 29, 1936, during the Great Depression, the eldest child of Robert N. and Bertha (Carey) Barr. On June 29, 1957, in Smethport, PA, she married Harold L. “Sonny” Carter, Jr., who died September 29, 2003.

Flo was a 1953 graduate of Smethport High School. She was a 1956 graduate of Bradford Hospital School of Nursing, the last nursing class that went through the hospital.

She received her RN certification and worked at Bradford Hospital for a period of time before working as an OBGYN nurse in the office of Dr. Henry in Bradford, then Dr. Jung, also of Braford. Flo was a nurse for 42 years before she retired, bringing many children into the world.

Flo was a member of the United Methodist Church of Smethport, it’s church choir, the United Methodist Women, Order of the Eastern Star, Red Hats, American Legion Auxiliary, Smethport Food Bank, Coudersport Consistry Choir with her mother, and was a founding member of the Smethport Ambulance Association. She enjoyed camping, boating, spending time with family and friends, and playing cards. Flo was part of a very tight-knit farm family with musical talents. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed being of service to others in her community. She was an inspiration and legacy of nursing to her nieces.

Vivian R. (Krause) Roby, age 92, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Saturday, January 25, 2025. 

She was born on October 21, 1932 in Wellsboro, PA, a daughter of the late Harry and Florence (Briston) Krause and was married to the late Robert H. Roby.  Vivian was a member of the Draper Baptist Church and enjoyed reading, bowling, baking and was a devote Christian and an excellent seamstress.  She was the co-owner of Roby’s LP Gas with her husband and had also worked at Commonwealth Bank for over 30 years and the Acme grocery store. 

She is survived by a daughter: Susan Champaign of Wellsboro, PA, grandson: Douglas (Nicole) Champaign, and a great grandson: Levi Champaign, sister: Dorothy Smith of Wellsboro, PA and a special sister-in-law: June Ackley of Westfield, PA. 

Vivian was predeceased by a son: David W. Roby, daughter: Sandra Roby, and a grandson: David H. Roby. 

A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 11:00 am to Noon at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA. 

Funeral services will follow at noon with Pastor Ronald W. Bly officiating.  Interment will be in the West Branch Cemetery, Wellsboro, PA.

Mona Kay Sullivan, 85, of Lewis Run, passed away peacefully after a long illness, Thursday, January 23, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her family.

Born on May 22, 1939, in Custer City, she was a daughter of the late Kenneth L. and Ida D. (Breese) Torrey. She was a 1957 graduate of Bradford Area High School. 

On March 22, 1961, at St. Mary’s of the Angels Church in Olean, she married James F. “Jim” Sullivan, who preceded her in death on January 4, 2022. 

Kay was employed at McCourt Label, later as the Tax Collector for Lewis Run, Secretary for Lewis Run Boro, and at School Street Elementary in the Latch Key before and after school program. She retired in 2020.  

Mary Louise Burns

Mary Louise Burns passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025. She was born on November 25, 1935, in Sheffield, PA.

She was the daughter of Roy and Mary Sversko Blum. She was a lifelong resident of the Brookston/Sheffield area and was a graduate of Sheffield High School. She loved her family and always thought of others and put everyone’s needs above her own. She made it a point to keep in touch with many friends and family members throughout her life. Mary will be greatly missed by her husband, Larry, whom she married on August 24, 1957, son, Robert Burns, daughters, Linda Young (Jeff), and Cindy Wargo (Dave), three grandchildren, Sara Pittock, Andrew Wargo (Elizabeth), Kathryn Karney (Louis Haas), three great grandchildren, Ryan Wargo, Robert Wargo, Iris Haas, nephew, Christopher Blum, brother-in-law, Fred Burns (Lewelyn), several nieces, nephews, cousins.

Ward Dennis Llewellyn, 66, of 35 Onofrio Street, Bradford, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Born on July 9, 1958, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Jack D. and Henrietta (Herbstritt) Llewellyn. Ward attended school in Ohio.

Ward started dating PJ in 1984, then on July 16, 1994, in Limestone, he married Phyllis Jean (Moore) Lewellyn, who survives.

Ward was employed at the Bradford and Olean Perkins Restaurant. He worked at Bradford Electronics and was a route driver for DHL. 

Ward was a member of the Eagles Club. He loved to play in pool leagues and shot for the Edge Team. He was also a member in local bands like Not A Clue and Gamblers. 

David Dangelo

David M. “Delco” Dangelo, 63, of Pittsfield, PA., died Thursday, January 23, 2025, at AHN-St. Vincent Hospital, Erie, PA., after an extended illness. He was born October 7, 1961, in Warren, PA.  He was the son of the late Joseph J. and Catherine V. Babcock Dangelo.  David was a lifelong Warren Co. resident.  He was a 1979 graduate of Warren Area High School.  He was a self-employed auto mechanic. He enjoyed karaoke, going to car shows, riding his four-wheeler.  He was a real animal lover.

Susan A. Valentine

Susan A. Valentine, longtime educator, friend, and beloved sister and aunt, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after her battle 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.

Earl L. Knight, 61, of 68 Main Street, Mt. Jewett, passed away Monday, January 20, 2025, at his residence.

Born April 30, 1963, in Bradford, he is a son of Anne M. (Perrott) Knight of Bradford and the late Carl A. Knight, Sr. who died in 1976.

Earl attended and graduated from Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and from Johnstown College with a degree in food preparation.

Earl had been employed at John Williams Bakery, and Bob’s Big Boy.

Michael A. Singer, 85, of Brandy Camp Road, Kersey, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

He was born on March 3, 1939, in Kersey, PA, a son of the late Merle and Ramona Buttano Singer.

On May 6, 1961, at Maria Lutheran Church, he married the late Joye Anderson Singer, who preceded him in death on November 2, 2022. Together they shared more than 61 years of marriage.