Obituaries

Constance E. Stone             “beloved mother, grandmother, and sister”

Constance E. “Connie” Stone,  91, of Clara, passed away in her home with her loving daughter by her side on Sunday, March 23, 2025, after a short illness.

Born on Sunday, February 4, 1934 in Wellsville, NY, she was a daughter of Ronald A. and Gertrude E. Stilson Pierce.  On April 26, 1953 in the Genesee United Methodist Church, she married Robert E. “Bob” Stone, who passed away on March 16, 2017.

Connie was a graduate of Genesee (PA) High School.  She was a member of the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church where she had served as a Sunday School teacher and had also been a youth leader.  Connie was an avid reader.  She loved to cook and bake for her family.

John F. Laktash, 79, of Salamanca, passed away Sunday (March 23, 2025) at Olean General Hospital, Olean.

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

Shirley A. Wendel, 90, of 135 Edward Road, St. Marys, passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2025 with her family by her side.

She was born November 9, 1934, in St. Marys, daughter to the late John “Jack” and Irene Whiteman Glessner.  She was a lifelong resident of the area and a proud graduate of St. Marys Public High School, Class of 1952. Shirley retired from National Fuel Gas after twenty-four years of service to the company and worked at Kanter’s department store and at Stackpole Carbon Company before marrying.

On September 24, 1954, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Shirley married the late Laverne W. “Jerry” Wendel, who preceded her in death on December 7, 2001.

Patricia L. Tankersley             “beloved mother and grandmother”

ROULETTE, PA—Patricia L. “Pat” Tankersley, 83, of Roulette, passed away in her home with her loving family by her side on Sunday, March 23, 2025, after a long illness.

Born on Sunday, August 3, 1941 in Bradford, she was a daughter of Bernard J. and Francis L. Olewinski Pistner. On February 24, 1962 in Port Allegany, she married Larry E. Tankersley, who passed away on July 14, 2007.

Pat was a graduate of Bradford High School in Bradford.  She was employed as a proof reader for National Geographic in Washington, DC and had also been employed in the kitchen at St. Bernard Elementary School in Bradford.

Pat was a member of St. Bernard Roman Catholic Church in Bradford.  She loved to read, crochet, and word search puzzles.  She loved her dogs, Maggie and Candy. 

Patrick H. McBurney, 68, of Kersey, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025, at his residence following a lengthy illness.

He was born on March 30, 1956, in Ridgway, the son of the late Robert McBurney and Madeline Smith Huff.

On March 2, 1984, he married Corinne “Kris” Parmigiani, who survives.

John F. Laktash, 79, of Cuba, NY, passed away Sunday (March 23, 2025) at Olean General Hospital, Olean.

He was born February 18, 1946 in Smock, PA the son of Anthony and Sarah Bloom Laktash, Sr.

Mr. Laktash attended school in Smock, PA then entered the U.S. Navy, serving during the Vietnam War.

Ronald L. Haight, Jr., 52, of Wildwood Avenue, Bradford, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025, at his residence.

Born August 16, 1972, in Bradford, he was is son of Minerva E. Means E. (Means) Haight, of Lewis Run, and the late Ronald L. Haight, Sr.

He was a 1991 graduate of Bradford High School.

Ron formerly worked at Walmart for over 10 years, and currently was working at the Dollar General. He enjoyed playing the drums, gaming, and spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed keeping two parrots, Eddie and VanHalen.

Christine Ann (Double) Michalski, 91, passed away in her sleep on Sunday, January 26, 2025, in Stratford CT. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM in St. Bernard Catholic Church.  Burial will be private.  

Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Home is assisting the family. 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

A Celebration of life for John Van Street will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Elk Baptist Church, 191 Ford Road, St. Marys, PA  15857, with Rev. Barry Moyer officiating.  Interment will be held in the Arlington National Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the Fox Twp. Burial Detail.

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.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com

James W. Williamson III:  Husband, Father, Grandfather

James W. Williamson III, 83, of Coudersport and formerly of Cuba, New York, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025 at Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport after a lengthy illness.

Born on August 22, 1941, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, he was a son of James W. and Anne (Morris) Williamson, Jr.  On July 23, 1960 he married the former Rose Marie Dempsey who predeceased him on October 2, 2000.  Later he married Kathleen Wilson who survives.

Thomas L. Larson:  Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather

Thomas L. Larson, 77, of 20 South Park Street, Cuba, and formerly of Friendship, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Jones Memorial Hospital after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Born on November 27, 1947, in Jamestown, New York, he was a son of Elver and Lillian (Malmstrom) Larson of Falconer, New York.  On January 2, 1971 he married the former Carolyn Davidson who survives.

Tom was a graduate of Falconer High School Class of 1966.  He then served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from November 30, 1968 until April 7, 1972.

Ronald Lewis Haight Jr. passed away in his home Sunday (March 23, 2025) at the age of 52. He was born Aug. 16, 1972, in Bradford. Ronald was a lifelong resident of the area and active in the community.

He is survived by his girlfriend, Crystal Brackett Summers; mother, Minerva E. Haight; brother, Brad L. Haight; two sons, Anthony Haight and Joshua Good; one daughter, Sabrina Miller; nephew Derec Haight; and several aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Haight Sr.

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., case number 25052.

Lee J. COWBURN, 83, of Ulysses, PA, died Thursday, March 20, 2025 in her home.  

Born March 31, 1941, in Rochester, NY, she was the daughter of Arnold R. and Leona M. Jones Goerner.  On July 25, 1965, in Kingston, GA, she married Ronald G. Cowburn, who predeceased her on September 8, 2010.  

Debbie J. BREWER, nee Perkins, 70, of Coudersport, PA, died Saturday, March 15, 2025 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.  

Born November 7, 1954, in Wellsville, NY, she was the daughter of Jack Carl and Loraine Shelley Perkins.  She attended school in Smethport until her family moved to California.  Debbie devoted her life to raising her sons.  She was employed as a deli manager and worked as a tax preparer until her health failed.  Debbie was an avid bird watcher and an excellent cook.  

Drew Eric HEISEY, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on March 16, 2025, at the age of 39.  Born March 14, 1986, in Wellsville, NY, he was the son of Daryl and Linda Peters Heisey of Rexville, NY.

Growing up on a farm, Drew developed a strong work ethic from an early age, helping with daily chores and responsibilities.  He cherished the outdoors, spending countless hours fishing, hunting, and riding with friends.  In more recent years, Drew also developed a love for golf, a sport where he found peace and joy, often enjoying the game with those closest to him. 

A 2004 graduate of Whitesville Central School, Drew excelled in athletics, with basketball being his lifelong passion.  One of his proudest moments came during his senior year when he led his team to the State finals alongside his best friends and family, and supported by the unwavering spirit of his tight-knit community.

Patricia Anne Pecora passed away peacefully of natural causes on Friday, March 21, 2025, with family members by her side. 

Patricia was born September 6, 1925, and spent most of her life in Bradford.

After graduating as valedictorian of her high school class in 1942 from Bradford Area High School. Pat married the love of her life, Maurice Pecora, who predeceased her. 

Patricia L. Tankersley            

Patricia L. “Pat” Tankersley, 83, of Roulette, passed away in her home with her loving family by her side on Sunday, March 23, 2025, 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.

Dr. Anita J. Herbert, 87, formerly of Derrick Road, a resident of Chapel Ridge, Bradford, passed away, Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Bradford Regional Medical Center.

Born January 7, 1938, in Rew, she was a daughter of the late R.D. Herbert and Carrie (Coleman) Bryson. She was a 1955 graduate of Bradford High School.

Anita was a 1959 graduate of the University of Buffalo with a Bachelor of Science Degree in chemistry. Anita continued her education at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree in 1963.

Anita completed her internship and residency training at EJ Meyer Memorial Hospital in Buffalo and at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. After finishing her residencies, she came to Bradford in 1968 and practiced internal medicine, with affiliation at Bradford Hospital. In 1974 she was board-certified in Internal Medicine and became a diplomat for the National Board of Internal Medicine.

Gloria Suppa

Gloria J. Suppa, 78, of Pleasant Township, Warren, PA., died Saturday morning, March 22, 2025, with her family at her side.

Gloria was born January 8, 1947, in Warren, PA. She was the daughter of Naomi “Jeanette” Hatch Font Walstrom and Francis Anthony “Shay”Font. Gloria was a lifelong Warren area resident. She was a 1965, graduate of Warren High School.

She worked with her husband, Victor at Suppa Shell Station, retiring after many years. She was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church, the Ladies Auxiliaries of the Warren Eagles Aerie, Warren American Legion Post 135, and Son of Italy.

Larry L. Saar, 83, of Bradford, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family and little dog, Penny.

He was born on October 17, 1941 in Bradford, a son of the late James and Frances Ward Saar.

He was a 1960 graduate of the Bradford Area High School.

On October 31, 1964 in the West Branch United Methodist Church; he married Kathleen Clark who survives.

Larry’s story began on a small farm up Harrisburg Run, where he grew up surrounded by family and horses. His “no fear” nature led him to ride broncos for a short time in the rodeo circuit. He worked alongside his father in their family-owned oilfield.

Patricia E. Quagliani, 89, of 104 Homestead Road, Kersey, passed away Friday, March 21, 2025, at Elk Haven Nursing Home, after a lengthy illness.

She was born November 20, 1935, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Henry and Anna Haberberger Eckert.  She was a retired employee of Stackpole Carbon, later Carbone of America, retiring in 1997.

Andrew Ernest Agosti, beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, coach, and co-worker, passed away on March 20, 2025, with his loved ones by his side.  Andy was born on July 28, 1976, in Ridgway, PA, to parents William and Ann Dietz Agosti. His life was built on the values they instilled in him: a love of adventure (especially at the beach), helping others, a strong work ethic, and a passion for football—particularly the Buffalo Bills.

Michael R. Bero, 65, of Warren, PA., died Thursday afternoon, March 20, 2025, after an extended illness.  Michael was born September 10, 1959, in Niagara Falls, N.Y.  He is the son of Mary A. O’Donnell Johnson of Clarendon, PA., and the late Lawrence W. Bero.  Michael was a resident of Warren, PA., most of his life.  He was a 1978 graduate of Warren Area High School.  He served with the U.S. Army as a Sergeant, in the mechanics division.

He was employed as a plastics operator in the molding department of Osram Sylvania, working there for many years, retiring due to illness.  He was an avid hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman.  He enjoyed spending time at his camp in Frewsburg, N.Y. with family, friends and especially with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  He was especially attentive attending many of his son, Michael’s sporting activities, as well as his nieces, nephews and stepdaughters. He was a very proud “Uncle” who stuffed his nieces and nephews with candy and then sent them home for the parents to deal with. Michael was always there to help someone out and you could always count of him in any way.

It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Benita E. Taylor of St. Mary’s, PA. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who passed away on Wednesday, March 19th and the age of 84.

Born in the beautiful town of Basco, Batanes, Philippines, on April 3, 1940 to the late Simon and Felisa Espinoza Del Rosario. Benita carried with her the warmth and resilience of her homeland throughout her life.

She was married to the late, Lynn H. Taylor, for 43 wonderful years. Together, they created a family that was her greatest pride and joy. She is survived by her three loving daughters, Jennifer Sparico and her husband Mark of Virginia, Kristine Burkholder and her husband Rick of Kansas, and Melissa Lambert and her husband John of Virginia who will cherish her wisdom, strength and unconditional love. She was preceded in death by her son, Darrell H. Taylor in 2023. She was also a proud grandmother to Samuel and Ava Sparico, Quinn and Carly Burkholder and to her precious great-grandson, Jett Ward.

Inez K. Jordan, 81, of Emporium, PA passed away unexpectedly at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown, PA on Wednesday night (March 19, 2025). She was born June 1, 1943 in St. Marys, PA a daughter of the late Lloyd and Faye Dempsey Mitchell. On August 30, 1958 in Emporium, PA she married Charles C. Jordan, who survives.

Mrs. Jordan graduated from Cameron County High School in the class of 1962. She worked in the deli at Olivett’s Grocery Store for over 23 years. She was currently serving as Secretary of Portage Township Cemetery. She was a member of the Driftwood Senior Center. Inez was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed help. She will be greatly missed.

Eugene R. Mills, 91, of 110 Olean Street, Bolivar, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025 at Wellsville Manor Care Center after a short illness.

Born on November 12, 1933, in Wellsville, he was the son of Ralph and Hattie (Roeske) Mills.

Eugene worked construction for many years prior to his retirement.

Jon Ransom, 66, of 874 High Street, Bradford, passed away peacefully with his wife Judy, his sister Janet, and Pastor Barry via phone by his side on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at St. Vincent’s Health Center in Erie.

Born on January 8, 1959, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Robert Ransom and Margaret A. (Young) Ransom, who survives. He was a 1976 graduate from Bradford High School.

On May 29, 1998, he married Judy (Baney) Ransom, who survives.

Violette W. McLitus, 95, of Wellsboro, passed away, Friday, March 21, 2025, at her daughters home, with whom she lived.  She was born on January 16, 1930, in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of the late Thomas Welsh and Violette (Heineken) Hoaglin.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jude A. Zimmett, of St. Marys. Jude passed away on March 20, 2025 at the Mountain Laurel Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Clearfield, PA.

He was a beloved son, husband, father, and friend, whose kindness and warmth touched all that knew him. Whether through his unwavering support for family, dedication to his wife, or simply a kind word to a stranger, Jude left an indelible mark on the lives of many.

Jude was born on September 20, 1952, a son of the late Alvin Zimmett and Shirley Braun Zimmett, who survives of St. Marys.