Reporting North Central PA & Southern Tier NY News As It Happens
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Nikki's Dance Studio We had a blast competing this weekend in Akron!! World’s Smallest Violin and Don’t Stop Me were named Regional Champions! World’s Smallest Violin, Don’t Stop Me, In The Sun, and Shake Your Tail Feather all earned Golden Tickets to Worlds and the team brought home Judge’s Choice Awards and Overall placements!
Ramona A. (Akey) Winters, age 68, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Friday, March 29, 2024.
She was born on January 10, 1956 in Blossburg, PA a daughter of the late Elwynn and Beverly (Cook) Akey and was married to the late Dennis Winters who passed away in 2021.
Ramona was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Wellsboro, PA and was formerly employed as an LPN at the Green Home, Wellsboro, PA.
She loved spending time with her grandchildren, listening to music and reading her Bible.
Patricia Ann “Patty” Visbisky, 74 of 56 Cornen Street, Bradford, PA passed away, Monday, April 1, 2024, peacefully surrounded by family and friends at Olean General Hospital.
Born December 16,1949, in St. Mary’s, she was raised in Johnsonburg the daughter of the late Robert and Dorothy (Crotzer) Preshak.
Patricia graduated from Johnsonburg High School in 1967. She then went to work at Sylvania in Warren, and then Stackpole in St. Mary’s.
She then met the love of her life, Lawrence Visbisky, and was married on November 15, 1969.
She then raised her son, Lawrence R. Visbisky, and then returned to work at George G. Blaisdell Elementary School. Patricia then worked at Zippo Manufacturing Company and retired at the age of 60.
Patricia loved to dance, loved the Buffalo Bills, loved camping, loved QVC, and loved her dear friends, her outside deck, and all their time together over so many years. Her pride and joy were her family, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Marie J. Milks, 99, formerly of Gifford, PA passed away Sunday, March 31, 2024, at Sena-Kean Manor in Smethport.
Born December 31, 1924, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Robert A. and Lydia K. (Kapp) Horton. She was a 1943 graduate of Bradford High School.
Marie started working for the Kendall Refinery on December 3, 1943. She worked in the Research Department prior to her retirement after 45 years of service.
She was a member of Lafayette Evangelical Christian Church, a member of the Quarter Century Club at Kendall, and she loved baby-sitting for Randy and Linzy. In 2018 she was crowned Senior Citizen Queen of the McKean County Fair.
Surviving is, one niece, four nephews, and several grandnieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by one son, Paul Milks, one brother Robert English Horton, and one sister-in-law Carol V. Hart who died the same day as Marie.
Michael P. Kelley “Loving Father, Grandfather & Brother”
Michael P. Kelley, 62, of Queen Street, Olean, NY passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024.
Michael was born on January 10, 1962, in Olean, the son of Matthew John and Eleanor J. Lyman Kelley.
Michael attended Olean High School. He worked for Techfill Industries, a bottling plant, for a number of years until they closed in the mid-90s. He also worked for his stepfather, Richard “Dick” Erhart construction until he passed away. Afterwards, Michael became a self-employed contractor and worked on roofs. Michael enjoyed fishing, camping, and being outdoors, including hiking with his daughter and friends.
Linda R. Leahy, 70, of Walnut St, Ridgway, PA died on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at her residence after a lengthy illness.
She was born on March 11, 1954, the daughter of the late Henry Cherubini and Shirley Pontious Anderson.
On December 11, 1977, in Ridgway, she married Mark Leahy who survives.
Linda graduated from St. Marys High School, Class of 1972, and worked at Ferragine Pools and Spas, West End Superette, and eventually retired from PC Systems. In her leisure time, Linda found joy in the little things that brought her happiness. Going for rides in the truck, spending time at camp, and feeding the chipmunks, squirrels, and birds brought her immense joy. She enjoyed crocheting, painting, and reading. Above all, Linda will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family.
Gene Susanne Riley, age 88, of Sabinsville, PA passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024 in Sabinsville.
Born July 18, 1935 in Burlington County, NJ, she was the daughter of the late William G. and Genevieve (Dimon) Siether. Sue married Donald G. Riley and they shared 46 years together until his passing on November 5, 2002.
She was the business manager for Galeton High School and a member of the Kitchen Band and the Red Hatters Club.
Sue loved all animals, especially her horses and taking her dog, Bindy to Sweden Valley Manor to visit with the residents.
She is survived by her children, Michael and Joyce Riley of Westfield and Donna Sue Morrow of Wellsboro; grandchildren, Pamela Shutter of Tioga and Daniel Riley of Westfield and a great-granddaughter, Haley Grace Shutter.
A graveside service will be held in the Champlin Cemetery, Westfield on Saturday, April 6th at 11:00 AM with Rev. William O’Neil officiating.
PORT ALLEGANY-Ralph C. Glase, 66, of N. Brooklynside Rd., passed away unexpectedly, Saturday (Mar. 30, 2024) at the home of his daughter, in Shippensburg, PA.
Born April 17, 1957, in Port Allegany, he was a son Frank C. and M. Olive Harrison Glase. On Oct. 27, 1980, in Smethport, he married Sandy K. Burns, who survives.
Ralph was a lifetime resident of the area and a graduate of Port Allegany High School, class of 1975.
He was employed with the former Pittsburgh Corning Co., Port Allegany, for several years, before his retirement.
He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Jean M. YOUNG, 97, of Scio, NY, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, April 1, 2024 in Wellsville Manor Care Center.
Born February 26, 1927, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Wilford and Kathryn Mallery Young. She was a graduate of Wellsville High School, Boston University (B.S. & EdM), and Michigan State University (PhD).
Jean taught both in public schools and colleges from New England to the Mid-West, including Emmaus Bible College. She enjoyed Christian fellowship and teaching the Bible. She also enjoyed sports, especially water sports. Jean and her friend, Connie, owned and flew a small plane.
Donald E. “Donnie” Mahovlich, 69, of St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, March 30, 2024.
He was born on October 3, 1954 in St. Marys, a son of the late Frank and Rose Anne Wolfe Mahovlich.
In May of 1986, in St. Marys, he married the late Susan A. “Susie” Smith, who joined him in death on March 30, 2024. Together they shared nearly 38 years of marriage.
Donnie was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, class of 1972, and a member of Sacred Heart Church. He retired from Straub Brewery after more than 40 years of dedicated service as a truck driver. Always a hard worker, Donnie could often be found mowing grass and tending to his animals. In his free time, he enjoyed playing cards. Donnie will always be remembered as a caring person who loved his family. He was a staple of the community and will be missed by many.
Susan A. “Susie” Mahovlich, 68, of Jackson Road, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, March 30, 2024.
She was born on June 16, 1955 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Gerald and Audrey Resch Smith. In May of 1986, she married the late Donald E. “Donnie” Mahovlich, who joined her in death on March 30, 2024. Together they shared nearly 38 years of marriage.
Susie was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, class of 1973 and a member of Sacred Heart Church. She received her associate’s degree from Olean Business College and worked as a secretary at Penn Highlands Elk for more than 35 years, and enjoyed the many friends she made there over the years. Susie enjoyed floating down the river, shopping, and her cats. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a beautiful and kind lady who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by two daughters; Jenna (Justin Hinz) Mahovlich and Nicole (James) Merat, both of St. Marys, by a step-son; Brandon (Karen) Mahovlich of St. Marys and by her four beloved grandchildren; Ethan, Damian, Kenzie, and Kyndra. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Susan A. and Donald E. Mahovlich will be celebrated on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 12:30 PM at Sacred Heart Church, 337 Church Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.
Burial will be in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Crystal Fire Department, Elkland Search and Rescue, or to the St. Marys Police Department.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com
Darryl E. Jackson “beloved husband, father, grandpa and brother”
COUDERSPORT, PA—Darryl E. Jackson, 58, a longtime resident of Coudersport, passed away with his loving wife by his side on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a long illness.
Born on Sunday, May 23, 1965 in Elkton, Maryland, he was a son of Charles “Chick” Boughner and Virginia Passwaters Thompson. On June 8, 2002 in Coudersport, he married Deborah S. “Debby” Yentzer, who survives.
Darryl’s greatest love was his family. He provided a loving home for his wife and family for 32 years. He loved gardening and his dogs, and was the Dallas Cowboys’ greatest fan.
Randall E. “Randy” STEBBINS, 60, of Wellsville, NY, died Sunday, March 31, 2024 in Highland Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Wellsville.
Born June 14, 1963, in Wellsville, he was the son of Harvey E. and Susan A. Schrader Stebbins. A 1982 graduate of Whitesville Central School, he was employed as a truck driver by Gallman’s in Angelica and Southern Tier Express in Andover. He also delivered papers for the Wellsville Daily Reporter for 20 years.
Randy was a member of Willing Volunteer Hose Company, serving as fire police for many years and was a life member of Wellsville Moose Lodge. He enjoyed hunting, bowling, working on cars, and spending time with his family.
David W. “Dave” VanSlander, 77, a resident of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of Daguscahonda, passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024 with his loving family by his side following a lengthy illness.
He was born on November 5, 1946 in St. Marys, a son of the late William and Bernetta Haberberger VanSlander.
Dave was a graduate of Elk County Catholic High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked at Quality Components for many years and then retired from Arete. Dave enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and playing golf. He also enjoyed taking trips to camp and riding atv’s. He could often be found watching Gunsmoke or a Steelers game. Never sitting still, he was always building or tinkering with something, earning his title of “Mr. Gadget”. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball with his friends, who knew him better as “Catfish”. Dave loved nothing more than spending time with his family and forever had a joke to tell, always putting a smile on the faces of his family and friends.
He is survived by his four daughters; Lisa (Dave) Starr of Kersey, Tami (Dave) Vakiener of Ridgway, Kari (Jeff) Smith of Ridgway, and Rhonda (Chuck) Krobot of Daguscahonda, and by one son; DJ (Cindy) VanSlander of St. Marys; and by his 13 beloved grandchildren, including his little Andie-pie; and by 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 brothers; Bill VanSlander, Jr. of Force, and John VanSlander of Rasselas, and by numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his best friend and former wife; Sandra VanSlander of Daguscahonda.
In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by a brother; William B. VanSlander Jr., and by a sister; Sue Ellen VanSlander.
A Memorial Service for David W. VanSlander will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.
Burial will be in Parklawn Memorial Gardens.
Family and friends will be received at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreeenfuneralhome.com
Daniel P. Thorwart, 79, of 114 Capri Road, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly Saturday, March 30, 2024 at his residence.
He was born November 8, 1944, in St. Marys, son of the late Adam and Marie Young Thorwart. Dan was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of St. Marys High School, Class of 1962, and was employed at St. Marys Carbon for 47 years before retiring in 2009. He promptly returned and continued part-time until last week.
On March 2, 1965, in the Sacred Heart Church, Dan married Lois A. Schreiber, who preceded him in death on February 13, 2023. They were blessed with nearly 58 years of marriage.
Rosemary LEHMAN, 94, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of Ulysses, PA, died Sunday, March 31, 2024 in Wellsville Manor Care Center.
Born March 6, 1930, in Blossburg, PA, she was the daughter of Herbert R. and Frances Minnie Gee LaRoy. On October 20, 1946, in Brookland, PA, she married Claude M. Lehman, who predeceased her on May 26, 1994.
She was employed by the Blass family at Coolridge Potato Farms. Rosemary was an excellent cook and baker. She loved to shop and enjoyed flowers. She was a devoted Christian and her family was always her priority.
Gary O. Rathbun, 92, of Friendship, NY, passed away on March 31, 2024 after a brief illness. Born on May 16, 1931 in the small hamlet of South Bay, New York, he was the third son of the late Clarence H. Rathbun and Lucinda B. Maranville Rathbun.
In 1945, he came to the Olean area to visit a friend who he served in the Army with. There he met Beverly M. Eaton of Olean whom he married on March 30, 1955, and who predeceased him on March 16, 2023.
Gary graduated from Fort Ann Central School in 1948 and never lost his love for the Adirondack State Park and the beautiful mountains and lakes that exist there. In 1951, he was invited by Uncle Sam to join the Army, where he spent 33 months in the Military Police. From March 1955 to October 1979, he was employed in Engineering and Sales at Acme Electric, Cuba, NY. From 1979 to 1986 he was co-owner of B-B Electric and Systems in Bradford, PA. After retiring he worked part-time for Norton Electric in Eldred, PA.
Gary and Beverly were members of the Friendship Methodist United Church since 1960. Gary served on the Friendship Village and Town Boards for six years, was Town Justice for seven years and served on the Friendship School Board for five years. He was a member of the Cuba-Friendship Lodge #306 F&AM, and during that time, he was a Past District Deputy from 1990 – 1991, and served on several Grand Lodge Committees. He was also a member of the Corning and Rochester Consistory, Damascus Shrine, Court 3 Royal Order of Jesters, Allegany County Shrine Club, New Smyrna Beach, FL Shrine Club, New York State Magistrates Association, the Friendship American Legion Post 1168 and the Friendship Rotary.
After retiring, Gary and Bev traveled extensively in the USA and Canada, and for several years spent the winters in New Smyrna Beach Florida. His hobbies were woodworking, hunting and traveling. He loved to travel around the county in his Shay replica of a 1929 Model A Roadster.
Christena L. Pistner, 77, of Morianna Avenue, Bradford, PA passed away Monday, March 25, 2024, at the Olean General Hospital.
Born on November 22, 1946, in Buffalo, NY, she was a daughter of the late Lowell and Rowena Barber.
She was a 1964 graduate of Olean High School.
On February 14, 1973, in Bradford, she married Rupert C. Pistner, who survives.
Chris was very involved in Boy Scouts for many years. She was a Boy Scouts Leader, Den Mother, Pack Leader, Council Activities Chairman, Summer Camp staffer, and more. She not only helped her two sons both earn their Eagle Scout Award, but several other local boys as well. She was awarded the Silver Beaver in 1995. She volunteered at the Elk Lick Scout Reserve and worked at Calumet International Camporee from the early 1990s until the camp’s closing 2022. She loved woodcarving and fishing.
Troy T. Coppella, 56, of West Washington Street, Bradford, PA passed away Friday, March 29, 2024, at UPMC Shadyside, with his family by his side.
Born May 9, 1967, in Saint Marys, he was a son of the late Thomas L. Coppella and the late Margaret Ann Pistner.
He was a 1985 graduate of Bradford Area High School.
On October 3, 1992, he married Christa M. (Lucco) Coppella who survives.
Troy began working after graduating from high school for his father at Coppella and Associates. He continued to operate the business after his father retired, and was currently working right up until his death. In 1998 he joined the Bradford City Water Authority starting as the staff accountant and later became the billing manager/controller.
Maria E. Wolcott, 77, of Derrick City, PA passed away Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Erie County Medical Center, in Buffalo, NY.
Born on March 12, 1947, in Santiago de Chuco, Peru, she was a daughter of the late Antonio and Angela Aguilar Escobedo.
Maeia graduated high school in Peru and later graduated in 1970 from Inca Gacilaso De La Vega University in Lima, Peru, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Family Education and Childcare. She worked for an organization helping orphans and children in Hauraz, Peru after a major earthquake there where she met Chris Wolcott, her future husband, who was working there in the Peace Corps. They married on July 20, 1972, in Lima, Peru.
After coming to the United States in 1973, Maria worked at the Children’s Home in housekeeping and then as a childcare worker. She later taught Spanish at Bradford Central Christian High School for many years until its closing and part-time at the University Pittsburgh at Bradford. She also taught Spanish at The Learning Center and worked at the YMCA Day Care Center until illness forced her to retire.
Mary Eileen Dubler Culp was born in Ridgway, PA on March 19, 1937. She went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 20, 2024.
Mary Eileen graduated from Johnsonburg High School, Johnsonburg, PA in 1955. Mary Eileen graduated from St. Margaret’s School of Nursing in Albany, New York as a Child Nurse. Mary Eileen worked as a Child Nurse at St. Margaret’s after graduation. She also worked for the Ridgway Hospital in Ridgway, PA in the operating room, at the Philipsburg Hospital in Philipsburg, PA, and at Warren County Christian School in Youngsville, PA.
She was married to Ralph Culp on Sept. 19, 1964. After getting married and moving to Maryland, she was employed in the Gandy Goose Day Care Nursery until her son Todd was born in 1968. That is where she met Faye Wolfgang, her longtime friend and godmother to her son Todd. Faye’s husband John Wolfgang was Todd’s godfather.
William Jones, 76, of Alpharetta, Ga., passed away on March 24, 2024.
Throughout his life, Wily pursued knowledge, gave generously, loved his family and was enormously proud of his children and grandchildren.
Wily, also known as Bill or Wayne, grew up in Bolivar, NY, and attended Bolivar Central School, where he was active in many clubs, sports and theater. He graduated from Alfred University and in 1969 was commissioned by General William Westmoreland as an infantry 2LT in the United States Army Reserve. Granted an educational delay to take advantage of a scholarship, he earned an MBA from Syracuse University in the spring of 1971. He served 10 years in the Army Reserve and rose to the rank of Captain. Wily married Deborah Joyce of Long Island in East Islip, NY, in 1972.
Shortly after finishing graduate school at Syracuse, Wily started working with his parents in the family business, an advertising shopper called the Moneysaver that his father started in 1953. Wily helped expand its circulation area and profitability and bought the Moneysaver in 1981. Wily always credited the success of the business to the talented and dedicated team that worked there. Together, they won over 50 state, regional and national awards for graphic design and twice won first place General Excellence from Free Community Papers of New York (FCPNY) and Mid-Atlantic Community Papers Association. They won first place Community Service in the nation from Association of Free Community Papers. Wily served on the board of directors of FCPNY for 25 years, serving two terms as president, was named Publisher of the Year in 2009, and served on the PaperChain national board. Wily sold the business and retired in 2011 and moved with his wife to the Atlanta area in 2013. Upon moving to Georgia, he and Deborah enjoyed a newcomers group and made wonderful friends through participation in a wine-and-dine group. Wily also was an active member of the Lions Club both in Wellsville, NY, and Roswell, Ga.
Wily spent most of his life in Wellsville, NY, where he made lifelong friends and was active in the community. He and his wife raised two children, Jennifer and Jeffrey. He was raised in the Methodist faith but converted to Catholicism in part because of his relationship with Monsignor McCarthy. Wily was an avid reader, always pursuing knowledge, particularly about politics and national news. His political views were informed by what he saw during the Vietnam War era, and he had a great love for his country and a great passion about the importance of providing opportunities to those less fortunate than he was. He was a loyal Buffalo Bills fan, taking his family to two home games per year during the late 1980s and early 1990s, and he enjoyed watching college basketball, particularly nearby St. Bonaventure, his alma mater Syracuse, and West Virginia because of family affiliation. He loved photography and always sought out the newest gadgets, enjoyed visiting museums, exploring new places, and attending theater and symphony productions, and he hosted memorable family vacations in Kiawah Island, St. Simons Island, Amelia Island and Asheville.
Wily is predeceased by his parents, William and Marian Jones. Wily is survived by his wife of 51 years, Deborah, children Jennifer Boyd and Jeffrey Jones, son-in-law Joel Boyd, daughter-in-law Heather Jones, brother James Jones, grandchildren Emily Boyd, Matthew Boyd, Hudson Jones and Parker Jones, many nieces and nephews including Doug Jones, and lifelong friend John Bevilacqua.
A memorial service will take place at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation in his name, please consider the Salvation Army, PDA North America and Celiac Disease Foundation.
COUDERSPORT, PA—Darryl E. Jackson, 58, of Coudersport, passed away with his loving wife by his side on Saturday, March 30, 2024, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a long 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.
