Damon M. Carlson, 30, of Ridgway, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at his residence.
He was born on May 17, 1994, a son of Lesley Carlson and the late Christopher Kinley.
Damon dedicated his life to his greatest joy: his children. He poured his heart and soul into parenting, providing unwavering love and care. He found immense joy in sharing adventures with his best friend, Derek, whether they were casting lines on serene fishing trips, embracing the thrill of hunting, or enjoying the excitement of the races. His love for family was evident in every laugh, every embrace, and every memory they created together.
Ricky Joe Fink, 69, of 655 Bolivar Dr., Bradford, gained his angel wings on December 30, 2024 at UPMC Hamot Hospital, Erie.
Ric was born on February 10, 1955 in Bradford; a son of the late Edward and Theresa Fink.
Ric was an avid Jeep lover his whole life. Envisioning and customizing many, the last of which he took to car shows and won multiple trophies for. Ric retired from selling cars, where he was known as an honest salesman. Ric spent his retired years detailing cars and working at the car wash in Foster Brook. Each morning after work, Ric could be found at Tim Hortons enjoying his coffee and conversation with friends.
Ralph J. “Babe” HARRISON, 90, of Roulette, PA, died Tuesday, December 31, 2024 in UPMC Cole.
Born December 22, 1934, in Elco, he was the son of Ralph and Tornada Roberts Harrison. On November 17, 1955, in Port Allegany, he married Kaye A. Hayner, who survives. A 1953 graduate of Port Allegany High School, he was employed by Pittsburgh Corning in Port Allegany, retiring as superintendent. Ralph was a member of Riverside Methodist Church in Roulette, Port Allegany Lodge #505, F & AM, Smethport Country Club, and a life member of the Roulette Fire Department.
John G. Peet, 87, a lifelong resident of Hebron, passed away in his home with his loving wife by his side on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, after a brief illness.
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 Simons, 78, of Park Ave., passed away Tuesday (Dec. 31) in UPMC-Hamot. Born Sept. 1, 1946 in Kane he is the son of the late Harvey and Charlotte (Trimble) Simons. He married Karen Sherwood, who survives, in Kane on June 24, 1972.
John served four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He then worked at Kane Handle until it closed and Holm Industries until his retirement. He was an active member of the Kane Community Methodist Church.
Gladys M. (Risinger) “Grandma Tootie” Ramsey, 93, of Shinglehouse, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at UPMC Cole, in Coudersport. She was born November 14, 1931, in Indiana, PA to Charles Edgar and Anna Marie (Sundburg) Risninger.
Della O. Vanness of Brook Street passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.
Della was born on January 8, 1959, in Olean and was the daughter of Paul J. and Grace E. Smith Kayes Sr. On July 14, 1984, at Trinity United Methodist Church she married Timothy J. Vanness, who survives.
Tracy Lynn Scott, born March 23, 1972, beloved daughter of David and Nancy Scott of Canandaigua, NY passed away suddenly Thursday, December 26th, 2024. She was a vibrant and unique spirit, leaving a legacy of love and laughter.
Cecil A. Miller, 59, of Birch St., passed away of Friday (Dec. 27) at UPMC-Kane. Born in Kane on Jan 5, 1965, he is the son of the late Robert Miller and Judith Rockwell.
Shirley A. Pedine, 95, formerly Lewis Run, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born April 11, 1929, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Angelo and Antoinette (Alvino) Vinca, Jr. She was a 1948 graduate of St. Bernard School.
On June 16, 1950, in St. Bernard Church, she married Julio J. Pedine, who preceded her in death on April 23, 2012.
Shirley had been employed for nearly 30 years as an Insurance Adjuster for Russell Parrot.
She was a member of St. Bernard Church, and a former member of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church.
Shirley enjoyed hosting Sunday family dinners. and attending BACPAC events.
Gary O. ERWAY, 77, of Ulysses, PA, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport. Born August 7, 1947, at home in Newfield, he was the son of L. Clifton and Mary E. Gearhart Erway.
George F. Harrier, Jr. “beloved brother and uncle”
George F. Harrier, Jr., 67, of Shinglehouse, formerly of Port Allegany and Bradford, passed away in his home on Thursday, December 26, 2024, after a long illness.
Born on Thursday, October 3, 1957 in Olean, NY, he was a son of George F. and Betty E. George Harrier.
George attended Portville (NY) High School. He loved antiques and had previously been employed in Bradford at an antique store.
In his younger years, George was a volunteer fireman in Portville. He enjoyed fishing with his nephew. He loved his dog, Buddy and loved to work with his hands and tinkering in general.
Ronald C. “Ron” Kerr, 92, of Wellsboro, passed away Sunday December 29, 2024, peacefully in his home. He was born August 12, 1932, in Latrobe, PA to Wilbur T. and Edna Mae (Spangler) Kerr. He graduated from Blairsville High School in 1950, and on September 24, 1954, he married Jean Lydick with whom he shared 70 years of marriage. After serving in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict, Ron worked for Bell Telephone (now Verizon), eventually becoming an Outside Plant Engineer.
Ron was a member of the United Methodist Church of Wellsboro, a 65-year Mason, Bell Pioneers, a member of Eastern Star, the VFW, the Sinnemahoning Sportsman’s Association, an endowment member of the NRA, and former member of the Wellsboro Lions. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors of rural Pennsylvania. Ron was devoted to, took great pleasure in, and had intense love for his family and friends, his country, and his God and he unselfishly served them well.
Charles Albert Wilcox, 86, formerly of Lawrenceville and Yuma, AZ, passed away, Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Elderwood at Waverly, Waverly, NY. He was born August 7, 1938, in Blossburg, PA, the son of the late Charles and Gladys (Robertson) Wilcox. He was the husband of Donna Lee (Lundgren) Wilcox for 62 years until her passing on June 3, 2021.
Chuck was a graduate of Liberty High School and was an ambitious businessman from a young age. He was the owner and operator of a local service station, Chuck’s Esso and used car lot Chucks used cars. He opened Lawrenceville Napa in the 1970s. He also owned Casita Verde RV Park later in life in Cassa Grande, AZ. Charles was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Lawrenceville, PA and GILA mountain United Methodist Church, Yuma, AZ.
He had a love of classic cars and traveling with his wife across the US and beyond. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles with friends and family. Chuck was a kind; generous and thoughtful man and he was loved by everyone. He had million dollar smile that will live on in our memories and as Charlie always said “keep smiling they will wonder what you’re up to”.
Local media icon, Geraldine “Gerri” Miller, passed away on December 24, 2024, in Hudson, Fl. after a long illness.
Gerri was born on March 31, 1948, in Coudersport, Pa., to Merritt and Shirley Miller, of Roulette, Pa., who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by 2 brothers, Wesley Don Miller and Stephen Miller, and a long-time companion, Jayne James. She is survived by a sister, Teresa Pratt, of Shinglehouse, a loving companion, Judy Bliss Spaeth, of Hudson, Fl., several nieces and nephews, and 2 stepchildren, Nate James and Jody Gum.
Gerri graduated from Port Allegany High School in 1966 and received a diploma from Charles Morris Price School of Advertising and Journalism, in 1973. Upon her return to Potter County, she devoted herself to local journalism. She started the Town and Country Journal in 1973 which was published until 1979. She co-owned Creative Communications from 1978 until 1985. She became a familiar voice during her tenure at WFRM Radio Station in Coudersport, starting in 1979 through 2008, often broadcasting remotely from local festivals, events, and the county fair. She owned and operated Black Forest Broadcasting from 2008 until 2023 and managed the Potter County Artisan Co-op from 2018 until 2023 when she retired to Florida with her beloved dog, Molly, to be with her companion, Judy.
As a journalist, Gerri is remembered by her colleagues as a staunch advocate of the public’s right to know. She attended countless local government meetings and vigorously questioned officials when she believed there was more information to be learned. She was an avid photographer, specializing in sepia prints.
A Celebration of Life will be announced later. Donations in Gerri’s memory may be made to the Potter County Artisan Co-op, 227 N. Main St., PO Box 261, Coudersport, PA 16915, or to Potter County Animal Assistance Project, c/o. Kim Mitchell, Treasurer, 208 Beech Street, Coudersport, PA 16915.0
Robert A. KELLEY, 69, of Smethport, PA, died Saturday, December 28, 2024 in UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh.
Born May 2, 1955, in Olean, NY, he was the son of Ivan D. and L. Imogene Phipps Kelley. He was married to Kelly J. Backus, who predeceased him on September 20, 2017. A 1973 graduate of Otto-Eldred High School, he attended trade school in DuBois to be an electrician. He was employed by Ethan Allen for many years until it closed and was also the owner of Kelley Electric located in Smethport with the help of his sons. Bob was a member of Eldred American Legion Post #887, American Legion Sons Post #887, Eldred VFW Post #2092.
Juanita V. ELDER, 64, of Whitesville, NY, died Friday, December 27, 2024 in her home.
Friends may call at Ellisburg Union Wesleyan Church on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with a Memorial Service following at 11:00 AM.
Rev. Roy Ward and Rev. Barbara Moshier will co-officiate.
A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.
Patrick E. Rodgers, 82, of Emporium, PA passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Bradford Manor, Bradford, PA on Friday evening (December 27, 2024). He was born January 20, 1942 in Houtzdale, PA a son of the late Francis and Jean Sheridan Rodgers. On December 10, 1966 he married the late Delores Cardinal.
Pat graduated from Moshannon Valley High School in the class of 1960. He served with the US Army from 1964-1966. He worked many years for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board from which he retired in 2002. Pat was an active member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Emporium, the VFW, Moose, and was a Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Emporium Council #990 from June 1980 through June of 1982.
Michael J. Lundberg, 74, of Warren, PA., died Saturday afternoon, December 28, 2024, at his residence with his family at his side. He was born April 26, 1950, in Kane PA. Mike was the son of Wilfred “Bud” and Doris Anderson Lundberg. He was a lifelong Warren area resident. Mike was a 1968 graduate of Warren Area High School. He was owner/operator of Warren Diamond Core Drilling, worked 25 years at United Refining Company and currently at Jefferson Defrees Family Center.
Mary L. Adams, 85, of 9459 Dewey Road, Black Creek, passed away, Friday, December 27, 2024 at home after a short illness.
Born on September 10, 1939, in Hinsdale she was a daughter of George and Margaret Willover Barber. On October 22, 1955, in Black Creek, she married John M. Adams who predeceased her on April 21, 1993.
Mary was a graduate of Cuba Central School. While her children were young, she was a homemaker and later worked for Home Care and Hospice for 25 years before retiring.
She enjoyed reading, crafts, crocheting, knitting, and line danced for sixteen years, but most of all cherished the time she spent with her family.
Donna Kay Long, 74, of Emporium, PA passed away with her daughter by her side at Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, PA on Saturday morning (December 28, 2024). She was born September 21, 1950 in St. Marys, PA a daughter of the late Joseph and Eleanora Lefler Kossman. On November 13, 2010 in First Baptist Church, Emporium she married Richard Long, who survives.
She graduated from Cameron County High School and retired from Sheetz in Emporium where she worked for many years. Donna loved her family more than anything and her cabin in the Valley: Her Yellow Rose.
Peggy (Bohnert) Butters, 92, of Morris, passed away on December 24, 2024, with her family by her side.
She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Butters, who passed away in 2012. They shared 58 years of marriage together. Peggy was born September 27, 1932, the daughter of the late Franklin Bohnert and Margaret Taylor Bohnert, and later after her mother’s passing, her stepmother Dorotha Bohnert. Peggy graduated from Liberty High School and was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. Peggy assisted her husband Raymond on the farm and was a long-standing and active member of the church. She loved being with her family and friends, and keeping busy attending church, farming, milking cows, cooking, canning, baking cookies, and gardening.
