Obituaries

Gary Lee Brumagin

Gary Lee Brumagin, 71, of North Warren, Pa, died unexpectedly on Thursday January 2, 2025, in Warren General Hospital.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc.

Darlene A. Nappe, 73, of 302 North Michael Street, St. Marys, passed away Friday, January 3, 2025, at her residence. 

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

Charles E. Spiegel, 72, of Coudersport, passed away Thursday (January 2, 2025) at his residence in Coudersport. He was born June 6, 1952 in Port Allegany, the son of James and Janet (Billsborough) Spiegel. On November 21, 1970, in Eldred, he married Suzanne I. Ours, who survives.  They were married for fifty-four years. 

Charles was a 1970 graduate of Port Allegany High School and worked for the PA Department of Transportation, retiring in 1997. While employed with PennDOT he built many local bridges.  He loved working with his hands and building anything he could, including his own home. He built many special things and pieces of furniture for various family members. 

He was a member of the Turtlepoint Evangelical Church. He loved to sing hymns and his favorite was It Is Well With My Soul.

Lynn M. SMITH, 66, of Friendship, NY, died Thursday, January 2, 2025 in her home.  

Born February 1, 1958, in Cuba, she was the daughter of Stanley and Doris Graham Davenport.  On August 24, 1984, in Pekin, she married Roger D. Smith, who survives.  She was a 1976 graduate of Franklinville Central School.  Later in life, she earned an associate’s degree in drafting from Niagara Community College.  Lynn was employed by the University of Buffalo in the engineering department for a few years and then traveled on the road with Roger for his work.  She was a member of the Richburg Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.  Lynn enjoyed doing crafts, carving wooden walking sticks, making Swedish weaving blankets, baking, and camping.  She also loved to collect rocks, crystals, and seashells.  

John G. Peet               

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.

Born on Friday, July 23, 1937 in Port Allegany, he was a son of Robert H. and Marie L. Metzger Peet.  On May 10, 1969 in the Hebron Seventh Day Baptist Church, he married Karlene S. Parker, who survives.

John was a graduate of Coudersport High School, Class of 1956.   He attended Penn State University for animal husbandry and business administration.  He also attended Pitt Bradford studying gerontology. 

John, along with his wife, owned and operated Sunset Valley Farm.  Early in his working career, he was employed as a technician with N.E.P.A. as an artificial inseminator.  For 35 years, John was employed at the former Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport, holding various positions including opening the Physical Therapy department.  For the majority of John’s career, he was the director of Recreational Services for the hospital, a position that he truly enjoyed.

For over 54 years, John served as treasurer of the Woodland Cemetery Association and for over 62 years, he was the caretaker of the cemetery, a position he was truly dedicated to serve.

With an avid interest in history, John was a member of the Potter County Historical Society in Coudersport.  He was also a member and master of Odin Grange #1254 in Odin and a member and master of Potter County Pomona Grange #54.  He was also a member of the National Trust for Historical Preservation and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

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.

Charles E. Spiegel, 72, of Coudersport, passed away Thursday (January 2, 2025) at his residence in Coudersport.

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

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               

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.

Kama S. Cleveland, 87, of East Smethport, passed away in Melbourne, FL on December 23, 2024.

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

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.

Judith Wilson, 85, of Warren, Pa, passed away on Tuesday December 31, 2024, in her home after an extended illness.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc.

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. 

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. 

Shirley A. Pedine, 95, formerly Lewis Run, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

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.  

Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com

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.