Obituaries

Patricia A. Mott, 92, a former longtime resident of Lewis Run, passed away Thursday, January 9, 2025, at UPMC Cole.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

James A. Wonderling, 96, of Kersey, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Penn Highlnads Dubois after a brief illness.

He was born on July 6, 1928, in St. Marys, the son of the late Jay and Winnifred Jury Wonderling.

On July 22, 1949, he married the late Betty J. Wingate, who preceded him in death in 1980.

James found joy in the simple things in life, whether it was cheering on his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers or enjoying a thrilling baseball game. He cherished every moment spent with family and friends, always making time for gatherings filled with laughter and love. Some of his favorite pastimes included playing bingo, camping under the stars, hunting in the great outdoors, and eagerly watching dirt track racing. He truly embraced life to the fullest, even finding joy in the humble act of mowing grass.

Samuel F. Hadden:  Loving Father and Grandfather

Samuel F. Hadden, 92, of 4218 Route 305, Cuba, passed away shortly after arrival at Olean General Hospital.

Born on August 12, 1932, in Duke Center, Pennsylvania, he was a son of William B. and Goldie M. Hockenberry Hadden.  On July 16, 1955, in Cuba, he married the former Maxine A. Bunk who predeceased him on February 16, 2016.

Sam graduated high school in Mahaffey, Pennsylvania.  He then served in the United States Army from 1953-55.  He starting working for Montgomery Ward as an appliance repairman for 17 years, then for himself for several years and last for Bradner’s in Olean for 6 years.  He also drove school bus for Cuba Rushford Central School for 21 years retiring in 2012 at the age of 80, and always enjoyed transporting the Amish children.

He enjoyed playing bass guitar with the Country Playboys band and woodworking, making numerous pieces of furniture for friends and family.

Florentino J. “Tino” Cesa, 94, of Upper Cherry Road, Kersey, passed away surrounded by his loving wife and children Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Penn Highlands Elk.

He was born June 15, 1930 at home in Coal Hollow, son of the late Santo and Antonia Grioletta Cesa.  Tino was a lifelong resident of the area and attended Kersey schools.  He was employed by Stackpole Carbon Company where he retired after forty-one years of service to the company.

On May 15, 1954, in St. Ann’s Church in Millvale, Tino married Audrey E. Anthony, who survives.  They were blessed to share seventy years of marriage.

Patricia Ann Hamilton, 96, of Smethport, passed away Thursday (January 9, 2025) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.

She was born August 15, 1928 in Pittsburgh, the daughter of John and Gladys (Williams) Krampert. On April 28, 1951, in Wilkinsburg, PA, she married Robert  M. Hamilton, who died April 16, 2009.

Patricia was a 1945 graduate of Wilkinsburg (PA) High School and was a home maker tending to the needs of her family.

She was a member of the Smethport Women’s Club and also a member of their Bridge Club. She was also involved with memberships and clubs with her husband.

Ami Jo Shavalier, age 69, of Smethport, PA, passed away on January 6, 2025.

Ami was born in Erie, PA to Russell and Vera (Allen) Swanson on October 21, 1955.

She went to Smethport Area High School, graduating in 1973. She graduated from Olean Business Institute with an Associate’s Degree in Accounting in May of 1991.

She was T.O.P.S. leader for several years as well as President of the Elderberries Club at the Smethport Senior Center. She was also McKean County Fair Senior Queen in 2018. She was on the board for the McKean County Housing Authority. She was also a member of the Smethport Women’s Club and a member of the Hilltop Baptist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, her cat, “Cuddles”, baking and being active in the community.

Barbara E. (Jasko) Saladis, age 93, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Sunday, January 5, 2024. 

She was born on October 9, 1931 in Manhattan, NYC a daughter of the late Andrew and Theresa (Basha) Jasko and was the wife of the late Peter P. Saladis, Sr. who passed away in 2004 and was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Wellsboro, PA. 

A memorial service and interment will be held on Staten Island, NY. 

Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA

Nancy Elizabeth Jones, 86, formerly of Wellsboro, PA, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025, in Johns Island, S.C. surrounded by the love of her family. Born on July 18, 1938, Nancy brought joy, strength, and love to all fortunate to have known her. 

She is survived by her daughters, Sharon, Christeen, and Kathaleen; her grandchildren; and her cherished great-grandchildren, whose love filled her life with immeasurable happiness. 

She was preceded in death by her devoted mother, Alice Weasner, and her husband and love of her life, Robert Jones, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and cherished memories. 

Nancy will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, ability to light up any room, and knack for finding joy in life’s simplest moments. Whether it was sharing a warm meal, experiencing new adventures, or simply embracing a quiet afternoon, Nancy taught us all the value of living fully and loving deeply.” 

A family graveside service will be held at the Welsh Settlement Cemetery, Wellsboro, PA.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.

Michael P. Milford        “beloved husband, father, son, Poppy, and brother”

Michael P. “Mike” Milford, 56, of Roulette, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, in Coudersport, after suffering injuries while at work.

Born on Thursday, April 4, 1968 in Wadsworth, Ohio, he was a son of John and Judy Bice Milford.  On October 3, 1998 in the Free Methodist Church in Port Allegany, he married Angela R. “Angie” Bailey, who survives. 

Mike was a graduate of Port Allegany High School.  He was self-employed, owning and operating Milford Trucking, along with wife and son, Koty. 

Mike loved working on his old cars and trucks, including his 1972 Chevy pickup.  He also loved his many “man toys”: his Harley, side by side, Enduro, and snowmobiles.  In his earlier years, he loved driving stock cars with his family at area racetracks.  He cherished the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, but was always there for all his family.

James A. Wonderling, 96, of Kersey, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Penn Highlands Dubois after a brief illness.

Frederick L. Stives, Jr.  Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend

Frederick L. Stives, Jr., 79, of 85 Wellsville Street, Bolivar, passed away Monday, January 6, 2025 after a short illness.

Born on December 31, 1945, in Wellsville, he was the son of Frederick and Beulah Cole Stives, Sr.  On October 14, 2006, at the Bolivar Country Club he married the former Ella M. Slocum, who survives.

Fred was a graduate of Bolivar Central School Class of 1964.  While in high school he was a three sport athlete and played football one season with a broken arm.  He attended Alfred Tech.  He proudly served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967. 

When he returned to Bolivar he went to work for the former Clark Brothers in Olean holding various positions from March 8, 1965 until his retirement on December 31, 2008.

Fred was active in the Bolivar Community for many years. He was a life member and past commander of the Kenyon Andrus American Legion Post 772, was a former Village of Bolivar Patrolman and Village of Bolivar Town Justice.  He was also a past commander of the Allegany County American Legion, served as the 8^th District Vice Commander of the American Legion, was past Chief of the Bolivar Fire Department, and Bolivar Rescue Squad.

Robert E. Dennis:  Beloved Son, Brother, Uncle

Robert E. Dennis, 63,  of 8751 County Route 1, Clarksville, passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025 at Erie County Medical Center after a short illness.

Born on January 15, 1961, in Cuba, he was a son of Ronald E. and Janice E. Edwards Dennis.

Robert was a graduate of Richburg Central School and Alfred State College where he received an Associate’s degree in Animal Husbandry. 

Robert went on to serve as Assistant Dairy Herdsman for the Alfred State College Farm during the 1980’s through the mid 1990’s.  It was also during that time, that he and his brother Raymond also operated a dairy farm in Angelica, New York.  They were proud to have built up a very nice herd of Guernsey cattle and also produced maple syrup.  Robert enjoyed showing his cattle at the County and State fairs, and loved attending several other county fairs throughout Western New York and Pennsylvania.

Robert finished out his career as a groundskeeper for SUNY Geneseo and then spent several years serving the Amish Community as a driver, where he developed many long-lasting friendships.

To say the least, Robert was a man of many hobbies.  He enjoyed going to all types of auctions, especially those with antiques and collectibles.  He loved having friends over for dinner in which he cooked on his wood cookstove, and would spend time explaining the history of his collectibles and furnishings while he hand-cranked homemade ice cream for dessert.

Thomas A. Krivonyak, 63, of 182 Trailer Court Drive, Emporium, passed away Saturday, January 4, 2025 at his residence. 

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

Kenneth W. Rall, 75, of Wellsboro, passed away at his home Monday January 6, 2025.  He was born June 22, 1949, in Williamsport, to Arthur and Arlene “Ruth” (Baysore) Rall.  He graduated from Hughesville High School, served in the US Air Force, and married Jacqueline “Jackie” Medori.  Ken worked as a machinist at the Dresser Foundry.  He was an avid fisherman.

Kenneth is survived by two daughters:  Pauline Medori of Harrisburg, and Angie Lattanzio of Reading; three grandchildren:  Kristi, Kelli, and Kevin; two brothers:  Robert (Deb) Rall of Westfield, and William (Amy) Rall of Tioga; and three sisters:  Sandra Burdick of Middlebury Center, Linda (Jay) Lamphere of Monroeton, PA, and Jean Huck of Fayette, TN.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and two sisters:  Mary Holmes and Sherry Frisch.

In accordance with his wishes, the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home 139 Main Street Wellsboro, PA 16901 has been entrusted with his arrangements, and there will be no public services.  To share a memory or condolence with his family, visit www.tusseymosher.com.

John W. Brocious, age 64, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. 

He was born on January 11, 1960 in Wellsboro, PA a son of the late Quay E. Brocious, Sr. and Stella M. (Campbell) Brocious.  John worked for General Dynamics, Groton, CT for many years and other employers since then.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, painting, making candles and many more crafts. 

James Robert Locke, 81, of Bradford, formerly of Hazel Hurst, passed away January 5, 2025, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

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

Clinton James (Jim) Baker, 78, of Carlisle, formerly of Port Allegany passed away Monday (January 6, 2025) at UPMC-Carlisle, Carlisle PA with his wife by his side.

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

Juanita Vining ELDER, 64, of Whitesville, NY, passed peacefully on December 27, 2024, with her devoted husband, Mark, by her side.  

Born June 22, 1960, in New Orleans, LA, she was the daughter of Raymond and Eula Mitchell Vining and the youngest of their five children.  She spent most of her early years making cherished, life-long memories with her cousins, siblings, and some very dear friends that she considered family.  On May 15, 1982, in Bayou L’Orurse, LA, she married Mark E. Elder, who survives.  They moved to Whitesville, NY, where they raised their two daughters.  

She was well known for her contagious laughter, immeasurable love, and incredible singing voice.  For many years, she shared in leading the worship service at Ellisburg Church, where she also led the youth group.  When not singing in church, she delivered singing telegrams as the Cowabunga Cavewoman to friends, complete with original poems she had written.  Juanita loved her children with her whole heart and was a second mom to any child that entered her home.  Her most cherished role by far was that of Grammy to her adoring granddaughters, with whom she loved to exploring nature.  She touched countless lives with her kindness, creativity, and love, and will be dearly missed.  

Surviving besides her husband, Mark, are: daughters, Julia Elder (Kevin Stephens) and Leah Kalpin (Justin Penna); granddaughters, Natalie Kalpin and Lyla Kalpin; three siblings, Deloris Gilchrist, Evy Vining (Amy), and Herbert Vining (Vickie); many nieces, nephews, and cousins; her mother-in-law, Dortha Caylor; and brother-in-law, Scott Elder.  

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Raymond Vining Jr.; son-in-law, Nicholas Kalpin; and dear cousin, Dodie Duke.  

Friends may call at Ellisburg Union Wesleyan Church, 2005 Ellisburg Road, Genesee, PA 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 Mosher will co-officiate.  

Juanita will be laid to rest with her parents in Morgan City, LA.  Memorials may be made to Ellisburg Union Wesleyan Church, 1020 Rag Hill Road, Genesee, PA 16923 or a charity of the donor’s choice.  Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Eleanor R. Johnson, 90, of Russell, PA, died on Sunday January 5, 2025, in UPMC Hamot Hospital, Erie, PA.

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

Cynthia M. “Cindy” Braum, 64, of Glen Hazel Road, Wilcox, passed away at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 following a lengthy illness.

She was born on January 14, 1960 in Ridgway, a daughter of the late Robert and Elizabeth Ford Loudermilk.

In August, 1985, she married Robert “Bob” Braum, who survives. Together they shared nearly 40 years of marriage.

Cindy was a lifelong resident of the area and enjoyed sewing and spending time with her family.

Caliban “Cal” Eren Geitner, born and entered into God’s loving care on December 20, 2024, a son of Samantha R. Knopsnyder and Vincent J. Geitner of Reynoldsville.

Caliban was welcomed into the world at 6:50 AM on December 20, 2024, weighing 1 pound, 9 ounces and was 12.25 inches long. Born at Magee Women’s hospital in Pittsburgh at 24 weeks gestational age, he was born early due to pregnancy complications after his mother was involved in a serious car accident which caused her water to break and go into hospital for a month. Cal was a very wiggly and squirmy baby, often kicking the heart monitors off Sam’s belly or squirming away from the doppler for ultrasounds. He loved any type of food, his favorite was when his dad, Vinnie, would make homemade meals for him and his mom to enjoy. He also loved when his mom would sing to him in her tummy. Both things made him kick harder than usual, showing his excitement.

After 14 hours in the NICU, Caliban gained his wings and passed in his mother’s arms with his dad by his side. As long as we live, we will never forget our time with you even though it was too short. Mommy and Daddy love you and will wish you were by our side every single day. Until we meet again, our beloved son, our angel, our sweet Cal.

In Loving Memory of Dylan James Reed

March 28, 1978 – January 3, 2025

With profound sadness and broken hearts, we announce the passing of Dylan James Reed, of Edinboro, PA (formerly State College, PA) who left this world far too soon entering his final eternal resting place on January 3, 2024, at the age of 46.

Dylan was born March 28, 1978, in Coudersport, PA, the son of Roger Reed and the late Constance Kandare (Seger).

Dylan was a graduate from Coudersport High School, class of 1996. After graduating Dylan became a dedicated professional in management and sales, where he built strong relationships and earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike with his charisma and ability to connect with people effortlessly.

Dylan’s life extended far beyond his work. His life was filled with the things he loved most. Dylan was passionate about all things wine, liquor and beer. He was a fierce supporter of Penn State Football and the New York Mets. He also had a lifelong love of NASCAR, especially the #9 car (Chase Elliot) whom he admired. Dylan found great joy and peace in the outdoors, spending unforgettable time hunting and camping at the Glen.

At the center of Dylan’s heart was his family and beloved dog, Baxter. Dylan adored his sister with whom he shared an unbreakable bond filled with love and admiration. His faithful dog, Baxter, was his loyal companion, bringing him constant joy and comfort. Dylan’s playful spirit and deep affection for Baxter were clear to all who knew him.

Dylan was known for his infectious smile and vibrant personality that could brighten even the darkest of days. His magnetic personality and kind spirit made him a friend to all and a source of happiness wherever he went. Dylan’s passing leaves an immeasurable void, but his kindness, love and joy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him.