Obituaries

Thomas R. “Tom” Peterson

Mass of Christian Burial for Thomas Peterson will be held at 11:00 am on Friday February 7, 2025, in St. Joseph R.C. Church 600 Pennsylvania Ave W., Warren, with the Rev. Richard Tomasone, pastor, officiating. Family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 am in the Church. Burial will be in Mount Tabor Cemetery, Kane, PA. Please visit www.lewisfuneralhomeinc..com to view a full obituary.

Richard D. Carney, Sr.: Loving Husband, Father and Grandfather

Richard Douglas Carney, Sr., 93, of 4749 Castle Garden Road, Friendship, NY, passed away peacefully at Jones Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loved ones.  Richard, “Dick” to those that knew him, was born on July 10, 1931, in the caretaker’s house behind the Cuba Block Barn to John A. and Julia (Douglas) Carney.  He was the youngest of 14 children, Mary, Lovina, Leona, Violet, Francis, John, Julia, Loretta, Alfred, Harold, Elizabeth “Pete”, Sarah, and Art. and now they are reunited in Heaven.  He shared his birthday with his sister, Mary, born on July 10, 1905. 

On November 12, 1971, in Richburg, NY, he married the former Carolyn Hodge, who survives. 

Dick spent his childhood growing up in Cuba, Clarksville and Friendship. If you ever traveled Route 305 from Clarksville to Portville with him, you know where he went to school – the little school house where he walked barefoot to school, five miles uphill both ways in waist deep snow carrying his sibling’s books and a bear at his heels.   Dick was a graduate of the “school of hard knocks” having traded classroom studies for employment. 

Paul G. Hurler, AKA “Bubbie or “Pete”, age 55 of Knoxville passed away at home on Friday, January 31, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 27, 1969 in Wellsboro, PA he was the son of Gordon L. and Gloria J. (Davenport) Hurler. Pete graduated in 1988 from Cowanesque Valley High School. He worked for Robs Welding Shop in Coudersport, Watson’s Lumber Yard, Phil Wood’s Lumber, Cunningham Surveyors, David Ulmer Fire Protection and PennDOT. Paul enjoyed riding his bitch, dancing, camping, hanging our with all his great friends and riding on the hill with his ranger. He loved plowing snow in his big truck, music and hunting. He was a member of Gods Country Abate, Iron Reign Riders, Moose Riders, Knoxville Deerfield Fire Company, Elkland Moose and the Ulysses American Legion.

Marilyn (Johnston) McCracken, 84, of Vandalia, Ohio, passed away Sunday, January 12th, 2025, at Kettering Hospital after a short illness. 

She was born on March 11th, 1940, in Swarthmore, PA, daughter of the late Hugh Kirkpatrick and Ivy Gwen (Conner) Johnston. Marilyn and former spouse, Richard J. McCracken shared six children. Marilyn especially loved music and was an active pianist, vocalist and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, for many years. 

Richard Paskey

Richard J. Paskey, 76, of Warren, PA., died Thursday evening, January 30, 2025, at Kinzua Valley Nursing Home, Warren, PA.

Arrangements are through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA.

Clarence Frederick

Clarence R. Frederick, 85, of Pleasant Twp., Warren, PA., died Friday morning, January 31, 2025, at Warren Manor Nursing Home, Warren, PA.

A complete obituary will be announced when available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA.

Donald Moore

Donald E. Moore, 66, of Warren, PA., died peacefully with his family at his bedside, on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at UPMC Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.

A complete obituary will be announced when available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA.

Esther Kuzminski Warren, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love. She was born May 7, 1944, in Newport, NY, to Michael Joseph and Jeanette E. (Grabowski) Kuzminski. 

Esther is survived by her husband, Bruce Warren; her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Cyndi (Thompson) Warren; and sister-in-law Elsie Johnston; nine nieces:  Valerie, Pamela, Gabrielle, Michelle, Lisa, Heather, Stacey, Robin, and Tracey; and five nephews:  Bradley, Craig, Benjamin, Christopher, and Aaron.

She was predeceased by her parents; her uncle:  Andrew Kuzminski; sisters:  Wanda Gladwin and Martha LoCurto; father and mother-in-law:  Ivan and Eunice Warren; and sisters-in-law Betty Gibson and Mary Jo Sherlock.

Joan “Jennie” Viglione Morelli, 89, of Alpine Street, Ridgway, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025, following a brief illness.

She was born on February 22, 1935, in Ridgway, a daughter of the late Joseph and Lena Viglione.

Jennie’s love for God and family was extraordinary, she was known for her smile and love of laughter, the best medicine, Livio often said how her smile lights up the darkest room. Her smile was the brightest when her family were all together for Sunday dinner. She loved playing cards at The Elks Club with her girlfriends, also playing cinch after Sunday dinner with her granddaughters.

Michael A. Kamandulis, 75, of 101 Browns Road, Kersey, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Penn Highlands DuBois.

He was born October 11, 1949 in Brockton, MA, son of the late Joseph A. and Mathilda Miller Kamandulis.  Michael graduated from Technical Memorial High School, Class of 1967.  He furthered his education, earning his undergraduate degree from Edinboro University and master’s degree from Millersville University.  Mike had a passion for learning and teaching, starting his career as a teacher Middletown High School.  He eventually moved to the area to teach at Johnsonburg Area High School, where he was affectionately known as “Mr. K”.  Following retirement, Mr. K taught at Penn State DuBois and continued his lifelong passion for learning and teaching. 

Ellen L. MATTESON, 76, of Whitesville, NY, died Wednesday, January 29, 2025 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville.  

Born May 9, 1948, in Jamestown, she was the daughter of Robert E. and Beatrice Walker Ostrander.  She was married to Eddy Joe Matteson, who predeceased her on August 12, 2002.  A graduate of Eden Central School, she was employed by the Beef Haus in Wellsville for many years.  Ellen leaves behind her forever faithful and loyal fur baby, Ryleigh Ann.  

H.B. Von Hause, 69, of Emporium, PA passed away at Penn Highlands DuBois in DuBois, PA on Wednesday night (January 29, 2025). Von was born February 4, 1955 in Youngstown, Ohio a son of the late Harry and Nora Howlett Hause. On June 3, 1978 at Square Timber Vista on Ridge Road he married Sandra George, who survives.

Von attended Cameron County High School where he played football and other sports. He was employed for many years as a Lumber Township Supervisor, where he served as chairman and roadmaster of Lumber Township. He served as president of the Cameron County Township Officials and was on various committees of Pennsylvania State Association of Township Officials. He served as president of the Cameron County Solid Waste Management Bureau, and on other various local committees. 

Von had been the chairman of the Cameron County Democratic Committee and served on the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee and other offices over the years. He was especially proud of four generations of his family who served as chairman of the Cameron County Democratic Committee, including his grandmother, Margaret Moate, his father, Harry Hause and his son, Zachary Hause. 

Michael A. Kamandulis, 75, of 101 Browns Road, Kersey, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Penn Highlands DuBois. 

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

Marcia R. Burrell, 77, of 10 Wagner Ave Bradford, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. 

Born on January 1, 1948, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Robert Emery and Eugenia (Bell) Gorton Sr. She was a 1964 graduate of Smethport High School.

In 1964, in Limestone NY, she married Larry R. Hamilton, who preceded her in death on December 16, 1978. Then on November 5, 1982, in Bradford, she married Martin L. Burrell, who preceded her in death on October 20, 2004. 

Marcia worked at Zippo for 42 years until her retirement on November 1, 2008. 

Deacon Joseph A. Lucia, Jr.

Deacon Joseph A. Lucia, Jr., 80, of Warren, PA., died peacefully Wednesday morning, January 29, 2025.  He was born February 7, 1944, in Warren, PA. He was the son of Joseph A. and Rose Fazio Lucia, Sr.  Joe was a lifelong Warren area resident.  He was a 1962 graduate of Warren High School and earned his teaching degree from the former Edinboro State Teachers College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in education.  He taught school in Shinglehouse, Oswego Valley Central School and retired from Falconer Central High School where he taught Math and Calculus, retiring after 29 years of teaching. Joe had a great love of music; he served as music director at St. Joseph Church and served as their organist.

Mary Jo Sheldon

Mary Jo Sheldon, 66, of Warren, PA., died Saturday, January 25, 2025, at ST. Vincent Health Care, AHN, Erie, PA.  She was born November 6, 1958, in Cleveland, Ohio.  She was the daughter of Joanne M. D’Ercole Kantner and Harry E. Kantner, Sr. She was formerly of Lorain County, Ohio, moving to Warren in 1986. 

Mary Jo was a graduate of Midview High School, Grafton, OH.

She was employed with the PA Department of Human Services as a drop in worker for 10 years.  She volunteered with the Warren Chapter of the American Red Cross and Warren Special Olympics.  She was a great cook, enjoyed reading, listening to music from the 60, 70, and 80’s.  She enjoyed walking, especially spending time with family, laughing and enjoying life.  She loved animals, watching television programs such as the Little Rascals, Mash, George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg and Who’s Line is it anyway?  She was a diehard Cleveland Browns and Indians fan.

With sincerity and sorrow of heart, we offer the news of the passing of Jacqueline “Jackie, Jack” Granger Ward. aged 89 years old. 

On April 16, 1935, our beautiful mother was born and raised in West Seneca, NY. until 1947 her family moved to Belfast, NY.  Parents Gerald Floyd Granger Sr. and Dorothy Wilhelmina Elsaesser and her treasured siblings. Jackie graduated from Belfast Central School in 1947.  

Mom married our father, Lawrence William Ward (Larry) on 10/23/1954 in Belfast, NY where they lived until 1956. Mom and dad then made a home in Friendship, Ny. First they found their home on Moss Brook Rd in Friendship until 02/15/1964 then they moved to Pennsylvania avenue, Jackie’s dream home. She presided here for her remaining years. 

Jackie wore many hats throughout her life. She enjoyed knowing and helping her community. 

She became a professional seamstress and upholsterer while still in High School. She also had many hobbies to include painting, drawing, stained glass, photography, cross stitch, knitting, crocheting, gardening, furniture refinishing and upholstery, carpentry! and stonework! 

Charley E. BOOM, 86, of Westfield, PA, died Monday, January 27, 2025 in his home.  

He was born May 19, 1938, in Blossburg.  A 1957 graduate of Cowanesque Valley High School, he served honorably with the US Marine Corps from 1957 – 1960 and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, the Philippines, and Korea.  On April 9, 1961, in the Westfield United Methodist Church, he married the former Sherell A. Dibble, who survives.  A graduate of auctioneer school in Fort Smith, AR, he operated Col. Boom’s Auction Service.  Charley and his wife owned and operated a dairy farm for many years and he was last employed as a NY State grape inspector.  He attended the Cowanesque United Methodist Church and previously served as a Westfield Township Supervisor.  

Robert H. MOON, Sr., 88, of Westfield, PA, died Sunday, January 26, 2025 in his home.  

Born October 13, 1936, in Potter Brook, he was the son of Lynn H. and Violet Casey Moon.  A U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, he served honorably from 1954 – 1959.  On December 28, 1957, in Freeman, NY, he married the former Naomia F. Knickerbocker, who survives.  Bob was employed by Eberle/Westfield Tanning Co., Ingersoll-Rand in Painted Post, NY, and the Borough of Elkland.  He was a member of the American Legion.  

Scott Walter Kane, 57, of Shippensburg, PA, passed away unexpectedly at his parents’ home in Wellsboro Monday January 27, 2025. 

He was born January 29, 1967, in Wellsboro, to Walter “Bud” and Marquene “Markie” (Thomas) Kane.  He graduated from Wellsboro Area High School, and earned his associate’s degree from Penn Technical College in Williamsport.  He served in the US Air Force, and on February 10, 2001, he married Wendy Hayes.  Scott was a member of the American Legion, enjoyed hunting and was an avid golfer.  He had recently been enjoying making an effort to get back in touch with his military friends.

It is with great sadness, that her family announces the passing of Dexie Turner, at age 79.

Dexie was born in Meridian, Mississippi and moved north at 13, to Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, where she met and eventually married her high school sweetheart, Raymond Turner. Ray and Dexie moved to Averill Park as newlyweds in 1967. Dexie taught reading at Poestenkill Elementary for five years, before leaving to raise her children. She began working part-time as an aerobics instructor and ended up creating her own business as a fitness instructor and personal trainer. She adored her classes and her students for 35 years. Dexie was a passionate gardener, walker, and a self-taught gourmet cook. She was also the most kind, supportive, and non-judgmental friend, wife, and mother a person could have. 

Robert L. Leslie, 98, of Stone Ave., Bradford, passed away Monday, January 27, 2025, at 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.com

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.