Obituaries

She Never Met A Stranger

Desarae J. CURRIER, 28, of Friendship, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2024.  

Born September 17, 1996, she was the daughter of Bert Currier and Darcy Geffers.  Those who knew her cherished her immensely, as her love for family and friends was boundless.  Desarae had a remarkable ability to connect with people and was known for her friendly nature and engaging conversations, much like her father.  A 2015 graduate of Wellsville High School, Desarae was passionate about volleyball and continued to seek opportunities for the sport beyond her high school years.  Professionally, she worked as a home healthcare aide and at Allegany ARC, where she demonstrated exceptional skills in assisting and caring for individuals in need.  Additionally, Desarae was an avid fishing enthusiast and could often be found enjoying the tranquility of fishing by the water’s edge.  

Leon A. SNYDER, 83, of Westfield, PA, died Thursday, 

December 19, 2024 in his home.   Born July 21, 1941, in Coudersport, he was the son of Leon J. and Helen Brown Snyder.  He was employed as a carpenter by Al Pagano Construction in Galeton and worked as a self-employed logger.  Leon served as a forest fire warden.  

Kathleen Marie (Kennedy) Hancock, 74, of Middlebury passed away on Saturday December 21, 2024, at The Green Home in Wellsboro. She was born in Wellsboro on March 1, 1950, to Mahlon and Wanda (Bockus) Kennedy. She married Billy Hancock on March 30, 1970.

She was a Case Worker at the Tioga County Assistance Office, A member of the First Baptist Church of Wellsboro, member of Pioneer Club chaperoned mission trips and made four mission trips to the Dominican Republic, and she was an avid bowler.

Donna M. Whitford, 85, formerly of East Avenue and Constitution Avenue, went to be with her Lord in heaven, Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Pavilion at BRMC.

Born January 30, 1939, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late John M. Chartreau and Clara (Cicerello) Dibler. Donna was a 1954 graduate of Bradford High School.

On April 16, 1955, in St. Bernard Church, she married her soulmate James N. Whitford who preceded her in death on February 15, 2005.

Donna worked at Bradford Hospital for 12 years then began working at W.R. Case Cutlery until her retirement after 38 years of service. 

Donna attended St. Bernard Church. She was a life member and Past President of the Francis Sherman Auxiliary, Life member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, the Women of the Moose where she served as Senior Pilgrim, and College of Regents, Fireflies, Cootiette Club, Chief Greyback, Range Greyback, and Past Grand President three times of the Pennsylvania State Greybacks. She enjoyed bowling and volunteering at the United Way, Bradford Hospital, the American Red Cross and was a generous blood donor where she donated over 75 times for nearly 10 gallons of blood.

Dorothy M. Wilson, 86, of Smethport, passed away Sunday (December 22, 2024) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.

She was born November 13, 1938 in Angelica, NY, a daughter of Gertrude Welch. In September of 1966, in Olean, NY, she married Richard L. Wilson, who died August 22, 2014.

Dorothy was an Olean High School graduate and worked for Hounds & Hunting Magazine when it was in Bradford, PA.

She was a member of the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport Auxiliary and the Smethport VFW Post #2497 Auxiliary. Her true passion, however, was playing Bingo.

Barbara L. Scacchi, 85, of Main Street, Limestone, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024, at The Pavilion at BRMC.

Born May 2, 1939, in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of the late Marvin B. and Edythe L. (Pfouts) Kessel. Barb was a 1957 graduate of Limestone Union Free High School.

On August 1, 1959, in Portville NY, she married Donald E. Scacchi who survives.

After her marriage she traveled the country while her husband served in the Navy. Don retired in 1976, and they returned to Limestone. She formerly worked as the Limestone Village Clerk and was the Town Justice for the Town of Carrollton for many years, retiring in 2004.

Karen Sue Beck, 70, of, Mt. Jewett, PA, passed away Sunday, December 22, 2024, at UPMC Kane.

Karen was born August 18, 1954, in Oil City, PA, the daughter of the late Donald B. and Alice E. (Morrison) Umstead. She was employed in Custodial services at many places. Karen was a volunteer at the Mt. Jewett Library and went to the Mt. Jewett Senior Center. She enjoyed thrift shopping, scratch off tickets, walking, playing cards, and coloring games. Karen enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.

Ann M. Wehler, 83, of 160 Margaret Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Penn Highlands DuBois.

She was born May 30, 1941 in St. Marys, daughter of the late Charles and Genevieve Rigard Weichman.  She was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, and took great pride in her work at Pinecrest Manor, where she was a cook.

On March 18, 1988, in St. Marys, Ann married the late James Wehler, who preceded her in death on December 9, 1996.

William Bloom, 89, of Wellsboro, passed away on Thursday December 19, 2024, at The Green Home. He was born on April 29, 1935, in Boalsburg, PA. William’s parents were Charles and Frances (Beck) Bloom. Frances, his adopted mother, passed away when he was very young in which he was then raised by Charles and Olive Bloom. He married the late Janet (Coppinger) Bloom on June 16, 1963.

William was a motorcycle enthusiast, having raced them until he was 83yrs old. During this time, he was not only Elvis Presley’s motorcycle mechanic but also one of the original White Plate Flat Trackers (noted on a monument in Sturgis, SD). He even managed to race on every NASCAR track in the eastern US. William served in the US Army and was a member of Stony Fork Baptist Church.

Diana R. Hadden

“Celebration of Lifeslated”

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Diana R. Hadden, 73, of Ceres, NY, from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the Shinglehouse American Legion, Route 44S, Shinglehouse, PA.

Diana passed away on December 10, 2024.Diana’s family entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com

Mark E. Skinner, 59, of Russell, PA., died Friday morning, December 20, 2024, at UPMC Hamot, Erie, PA., after a brief illness. 

He was born September 25, 1965, in Warren, PA.  He was the son of Edson T. and June Johnson Skinner.  He was a lifelong resident of Russell, PA.  Mark was employed with Superior Tire, working there the past 19 years.  He enjoyed the annual poker game with his friends, during the Superbowl.

Eugene M. BUTTON, 91, of Tioga, PA, died Saturday, December 14, 2024 in UPMC Soldiers & Sailors, Wellsboro.  

Born May 21, 1933, in Tioga, he was the son of Forrest and Bernice Whitney Button.  A Korean War Veteran, he served honorably with the U.S. Army from 1953 – 1955 in France and Germany.  On January 18, 1967, in Tioga, he married the former Ruth E. Blackman Osterhoudt, who predeceased him on June 25, 2023.  He was employed by Corning Glass Co. for many years, retiring in 1991.  

George D. PARSELL, 93, of Galeton, PA, died Saturday, December 14, 2024 in UPMC Soldiers & Sailors, Wellsboro.  

Born October 6, 1931, in Orangeville, he was the son of John Roland and Marie Estep Parsell.  A graduate of Bloomsburg High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education from Bloomsburg State Teachers College.  A U.S. Army Veteran, he served honorably from 1953 – 1955.  On December 27, 1958, in Orangeville, he married the former Laura Jane Unger, who survives.  George was social studies teacher at Northern Potter High School in Ulysses for 38 years.  He was a hunter/trapper educator for the PA Game Commission for over 60 years.  His love of hunting, fishing, and trapping was equaled by his love of sports.  

William E. “Billy” DOLAN, 56, of Port Allegany, PA, died Wednesday, December 18, 2024 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.  Born August 5, 1968, in Franklin, he was the son of William O. and Marlene Shawgo Dolan.  He lived with foster parents, Andy and Betty Kulp, in Roulette for eight years.  A graduate of Port Allegany High School, he was employed as a nurse’s aide and worked odd jobs.  

Angela M. “Julie” DOUGLAS, 98, of Horseheads, NY, died Monday, December 16, 2024 in Guthrie Corning Hospital.   

Born May 7, 1926, in Galeton, PA, she was the daughter of Antonio and Nancy C. Lollo Messino.  She was married to Gordon L. Douglas, who predeceased her on December 24, 1999.  A graduate of Galeton High School, she was employed by JC Penney in sales and as a buyer.  At Penney’s, she brightened the men’s department with her sparkling personality and sometimes snarky sense of humor.  She was well-respected by her co-workers.  Angela lived life enjoying a good laugh with humor and a cheerful disposition, drawing many friends.  She had an amazing fashion sense and style.  She was always dressed elegantly with a little bit of bling.  Her free time was filled with reading, ceramics, and watching soap operas.  Family was the center of her life.  It was evident how much she loved her children and grandchildren by how much she talked about them.  

Susan B. Kaveney, 72, of Bucktail Road, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at her home with her family by her side following a lengthy illness.

She was born on April 19, 1952 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Leroy and Gertrude Vollmer Ginther.

On May 24, 1980, she married the love of her life, James Kaveney, who survives. Together they were blessed with more than 44 years of marriage.

Mary E. Mattivi, 55, of Glen Hazel Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. 

She was born, May 11, 1969 in St. Marys, daughter of the late Siegfried J. and Nancy Distler Engelberg.  She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1987.  Mary furthered her education at Penn State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.  Mary enjoyed her career as a teacher.  She started her teaching career at Holy Rosary School in Johnsonburg then spent a couple of years at Fox Township Elementary School before her start at South St. Marys Street Elementary School, where she spent the last seventeen years.  Mary had a true passion for teaching that had a profound impact on many young lives.  Through teaching, she valued the many strong friendships in which she cultivated.  

On February 10, 1996 in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, she married her best friend, Anthony Mattivi, who survives.

George R. Bauer, 93, a resident of Silver Creek Terrace and formerly of S. Michael Road, St. Marys, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, following a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

He was born on March 12, 1931 in St. Marys, a son of the late Norman and Hilda Pontzer Bauer.

On October 15, 1955, at Queen of the World Church, he married the love of his life, Dolores F. “Dolly” Feiley Bauer, who preceded him in death on January 20, 2014. After seeing Dolly walking down the street many years ago, he exclaimed that he was going to marry her. He did just that, and together their love endured more than 58 years of love, laughter, and marriage.

George was a lifelong member of Queen of the World Church. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and then retired from Keystone after many years of service. He will be remembered for his mechanical abilities, always having the ability to fix anything. When he wasn’t tinkering in his garage, he enjoyed fishing and tending to his flowers. A man of strong faith, George had a quiet calm about him, and was the true definition of a gentleman with his warm demeanor, kind smile, and gentle spirit. He cherished his family and was immensely proud of each one, and loved nothing more than spending time with them.

Mary Lou Fragale, 67, of Emporium, PA passed away at Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA on Tuesday morning (December 17, 2024) following a lengthy illness. She was born September 7, 1957 in St. Marys, PA a daughter of the late Michael V. and Jennie Costanzo Fragale.

Mary Lou graduated from Cameron County High School in the class of 1975. She graduated from Penn State University in 1979, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies. While in her last year of college she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the young age of 24. Mary Lou’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and a deep sense of community. She thrived during her time at Penn State University, where she not only earned her degree but also forged lasting friendships and developed a lifelong loyalty to the Nittany Lions.

Mary E. Mattivi, 55, of Glen Hazel Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. 

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

Michael M. Davies, 58, of Morianna Avenue, Bradford, passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the VA Medical Center in Pittsburgh. 

Born December 27, 1965, in Warren, he was a son of the late Donald and Paula Karen (Conklin) Davies. He was a 1985 graduate of Smethport High School.

On July 18, 1985, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was Honorably discharged on July 17, 1989. He continued to serve in the Navy Reserves until November 26, 1992.

On July 21, 1995, in Hinsdale, NY, he married Cindy (Best) Davies who survives.

Betty J. Miller, 98, formerly of Chapel Ridge, in Bradford, passed away Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home. 

Born June 22, 1926, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Gilbert and Mabel (Storms) Eidson.

Betty attended Lee Driver grade school, and was a 1944 graduate of Bradford High School.

On November 11, 1973, in the Sawyer Evangelical Church, she married LeRoy J. Miller who preceded her in death on September 2, 1998.

Betty worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the Tax Collector for 35 years.

She was a member of Sawyer Evangelical Church, and Pennsylvania Retired Employees Association.

Eugene “Gene” R. Staiger Jr., 77, of, Linda Lane in Warren and previously of Mt. Jewett, passed away Sunday (Dec. 8) at his residence.  Born July 31, 1947 in Coudersport, he is the son of the late Eugene “Babe” and Dorothy Staiger.  He married Nadine Holmberg, who also preceded him in death.

Gene served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  He then worked for the McKean County Department of Public Welfare, where he retired as the Executive Director. Gene was a kind and loving man and he was very active.  He was a former member of all the following; the Kane Country Club, the McKean County Shrine Club/Roadrunners. president of the Coudersport Borough Council,  secretary of the Coudersport Area Recreation Board,  president of the Coudersport Men’s Softball Association, member and driver of the Coudersport Ambulance, the VFD of Coudersport, the Mt. Jewett Sportsman Club, the Mt. Jewett American Legion Post #574 and VFW Post #1132, the F&AM Lodge #566,  and the Zem Zem Shriners.

Richard W. Young Sr., 71, of Greeves St., passed away Monday (Dec. 16) at his residence. He was born June 9, 1953 in Kane, the son of the late William and Lavina (Heasley) Young.

Rick had worked in construction and the oil and gas industry, but most recently was the owner and operator of the James City Cafe.  He had a passion for drumming and played in several bands over the years.

Matthew Reeves, 29, of Second Avenue, Johnsonburg, passed away December 14, 2024 at Penn Highlands, DuBois. He was born on August 26, 1995, in St. Marys, PA a son to Jana Miller and Robert W. Reeves, Sr. 

A lifelong resident of Johnsonburg, Matthew was a 2016 graduate of Johnsonburg Area High School. 

To say Matthew was anything but a grumpy old soul would be a lie. He had a tender heart with his selected few and fiercely protected those lucky enough to be loved by him. He was a dedicated athlete and enjoyed wrestling, track and going to the gym regularly. He was a fearless BMX rider. 

Matthew loved to work with carpentry and other artistic outlets. 

Barbara Claire:  Loving Wife Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Friend

Barbara Claire, 88, formerly of 69 Plum Street, Bolivar, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Wellsville Manor Care Center after a lengthy illness.

Born on March 9, 1936, at home in Allentown, she was a daughter of Ronald O. and Hilda M. Meyers Adams.  She was married to Lou Claire who predeceased her on July 22, 1997.

Barb was a proud graduate of Allentown Union School Class of 1953.  When her children were young, she worked at ACME Electric and then was the Co-owner and Office Manager of Allegany Printing Company in Bolivar with her husband until her retirement.

Barbara Kirby, 79, of Coudersport, passed away, Monday (December 16, 2024) at Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.

Deborah L. Cole, 72, formerly of Bolivar Drive, Bradford, passed away, Friday December 13, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Born March 11, 1952, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Charles Lee Cole and Peggy Ann Kramer.

She was a 1970 graduate from Bradford High School and attended Edinboro University. 

Deb worked for Charles Day Interior Designer for a short time before being employed by W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery. She retired from KOA Speer Electronics, Inc. in 2016 after 29 years.

Deb was an avid knitter and was a member of the knitting group at St. Francis. 

Clayton A. Shobert, 95, of Ridgway, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Penn Highland Elk after a brief illness.

He was born on September 11, 1929, in Hallton, a son of the late Arthur and Majorie Wallace Shobert.

On August 24, 1963, he married the late Patricia Tramack, who preceded in death on February 23, 2011.