Obituaries

Thomas E. Muroski, 83, of 405 Mill Street, Johnsonburg, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Elk Haven Nursing Home.

He was born September 27, 1941, in St. Marys, son of the late Wade J. and Anne M. Kazmierski Muroski.  He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Johnsonburg High School, Class of 1959.  Following high school, he studied at Coyne Electrical School in Chicago and entered the workforce for Keystone Thermometrics, where he worked for forty-eight years before retiring.

On December 28, 1963, in Holy Rosary Church, Tom married Mary Ellen Griffin, who survives.  They were blessed to share sixty years of marriage and were looking forward to celebrating their sixty-first anniversary next month.

Nancy Lee Maze, 88, of Tonawanda and formerly of James City, passed away Thursday (Oct. 31) in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Williamsville, NY. Born April 11, 1936 in Kane, she is the daughter of the late Reed and Isabelle (Shatto) Lemmon.  On Sept. 4, 1954 in Kane, she married Delbert Maze who preceded her in death on Jan 31, 2020.

Nancy had worked for many years in Quality Control at Stackpole.  She also had worked for Houston Electronics and the Market Basket and was the auditor for Highland Township for many years.  She was a member of the Kane Community Methodist Church, where she served on several church groups and was a member of the quilting group, the Red Hats and the 54 Huggers (her graduating class group).

Herbert Dale Pfingstler, 85, of 216 Columbus Street and formerly of the Elk Towers, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Elk Haven Nursing Home. 

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

Marjorie M. (King) Bergh, age 83, of Middlebury Center, PA, died on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. 

She was born on November 23, 1940, a daughter of the late Leland and Mary (Davis) King and was the wife of the late Mason Bergh.  She was formerly employed by Mergenthaler and enjoyed playing golf and gardening. 

She is survived by a son: Tom (Shelly) Gee of Middlebury Center, PA, brother: Gary King of Middlebury Center, PA, sister: Linda Cochran of Wellsboro, PA, 2 grandchildren: Megan Gee, Lane Gee and 2 great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by an infant son: Jamie Gee. 

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

Marilou  L. Filips      “beloved sister, aunt and friend”

Marilou L. Filips, 70, of Bradford, formerly of Ceres, NY, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 3, 2024, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a long fought illness as her family surrounded her.

Born on June 13, 1954, she was a daughter of the late Kenneth Sr. “Baldy” and Erla Mae Robbins Herzog.  She was affectionately known to many as “Toot” or “Red”. 

Marilou married Richard Filips on July 7, 1978 who predeceased her in January of 2002.  She later  married Alex Nemeth on May 22, 2021, who recently passed away in July.

Kathryn A. Blewett

Kathryn A. Blewett, 81, of Coudersport, Pennsylvania passed away on October 29, 2024 in Rock Hill, South Carolina. 

Born on November 28,1942 in Greentown, Pennsylvania, Kathryn dedicated much of her life to the care and wellbeing of others, both as a Registered Nurse and a devoted mother.  Kathryn graduated from Hawley High School in Hawley, PA and completed her education in nursing at Scranton Mercy Hospital.  She spent much of her professional career at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport. 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald W. “Jerry” Olshefski, who departed this life on November 3, 2024. Born on October 23, 1935 to Walter and Stella (Chalk) Olshefski in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Jerry’s life was characterized by his strong sense of dedication, service, and a genuine commitment to his family, friends, and personal interests.

Jerry graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 1957, where he was an active participant in the ROTC program and a proud member of the men’s basketball team. His athleticism and determination shone during the team’s impressive run in the NIT tournament in 1956, an achievement he held dear throughout his life. 

After graduation, Jerry began a distinguished career in the United States Army, eventually transitioning to the U.S. Army Reserve, where he retired as a lieutenant colonel after 31 years of service. His commitment to his country was a cornerstone of his life, and he inspired many with his strength, resilience, and dedication. 

Sue J. PORTER, 85, formerly of Coudersport, PA, died Sunday, November 3, 2024 in the Lutheran Home, Kane.  Born October 10, 1939, in Bolivar, NY, she was the daughter of Clarence and Vivian Cobb Jackson.  

On May 3, 1958, in Shinglehouse, she married Harlow D. “Hal” Porter, who predeceased her on April 10, 2019.  She was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School and Zion Bible School.  Sue devoted her life to her family.  Sue was a member of Gospel Tabernacle in Coudersport, where she served as organist for many years, and the Christian Motorcycle Association.  

Marilou L. Filips

Marilou L. Filips, 70, of Bradford, formerly of Ceres, NY, passed away with her loving family by her side on Sunday, November 3, 2024, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.

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.

Edward T. Bosnik, 90, of 319 Sorg Street, St. Marys, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home.

He was born February 3, 1934 in St. Marys, son of the late Frank and Frances Koss Bosnik.  He was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1952, and retired from Straub Brewery. He enjoyed assisting in the building of the Bavarian Hills Golf Course and later worked part time at the pro shop there.

In the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in 1953, Ed married the late Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Straub, who preceded him in death on February 26, 2006.

JoAnn D. (Griech) Gradizzi, 86 of Kersey, passed away Sunday, November 3, 2024, following a brief illness.

She was born June 10, 1938 to Peter and Mary (Curci) Griech of Ridgway.

JoAnn was a graduate of the Ridgway Area High School class of 1956.

On June 27, 1959 in St. Leo’s Church, Ridgway, she married Jerome J. Gradizzi.  Together they shared 33 years of marriage until Jerome’s passing in December 1992.

Mary Lou Herzing, 91, of 715 Clark Road, St. Marys, passed away following a lengthy illness at her residence with her family by her side on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

She was born July 4, 1933 in St. Marys, daughter to the late Joseph and Mary Ella Squires McKnight.  She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1951.  She was a committed member to her county, serving as Justice of the Peace, and took a great interest in making her community stronger.  Mary Lou worked for Stackpole Carbon Company and served as Vice President alongside of her husband for Indus-Sales, Inc.

She married her late husband, Kenneth M. Herzing on October 11, 1952 in the Sacred Heart Church.  He preceded her in death on June 24, 2013.

Benjamin A. Hash, Jr., 80, of Wellsboro, passed away Saturday, November 2, 2024, in the Green Home surrounded by family.  He was born November 9, 1943, in Chester County, PA to Benjamin and Elizabeth (Myers) Hash.  On August 10, 1963, he married Joan Butler, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage.  They had known each other since the third grade and graduated from Downingtown High School together in 1961.  When he was 25, he was drafted into the Army, and he served in the 82^nd Airborne.  Ben was a Boy Scout leader, helped with 4H, enjoyed trains, Pittsburgh Penguins hockey, and flannel shirts.  He was committed to his family and was a deeply loved husband, father, uncle, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather “Poppy”.

John D. Baker, Sr., 63, of Smethport, passed away Saturday (November 2, 2024) at his residence after battling cancer.

He was born January 10, 1961 in Olean, NY, the son of John DeForest Baker and Veda H. Kagerise. Since 1992, he has been together with his longtime companion, Dawn R. Pierce, who survives.

John had worked in many fields as a laborer and was a truck driver as well, before becoming disabled.

Trista S. Jones, 41, of Bradford, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024 at her home.

She was born on December 23, 1982 in St. Marys; a daughter of Mary Cutting and the late William Cutting.

She was a 2001 graduate of the Bradford Area High School and a 2010 graduate of BOCES, Olean, NY; where she earned her LPN degree.

Barbara A. Kellogg            “beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister”

Barbara A. “Barb” Kellogg, 75, of Coudersport, passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a long illness.

Born on Wednesday, December 29, 1948 in Hornell, NY, she was a daughter of Dean M. and June H. Clark Kellogg.  On April 13, 1991 in Olean, NY, she married Joseph M. Hughes, Sr., who survives.

Bruce L. Leet, 85, of Smethport, passed away Sunday (November 3, 2024) at the Bradford Manor, Bradford.

He was born July 15, 1939 in Weston Mills, NY, the son of James and Gladys (VanGorder) Leet . On March 30, 1968, in Mt. Jewett, PA, he married Leola Fay Keller, who survives.

Mr. Leet was a 1957 graduate of Smethport High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965.  He worked for the PA Dept. of Transportation.

Vergil Hulings

Vergil F. Hulings, 78, of Warren, PA., died peacefully, Saturday evening, November 2, 2024, at Warren Manor Nursing Home, Warren, PA.  He was born March 20, 1946, in Redclyffe, Forest Co., PA.  He was the son of Floyd and Julia Smail Hulings.  He has resided in Warren County since 1970, moving there from Marienville, PA.  He was a graduate of Milton Hershey School, where he learned the trade of carpentry. Vergil had served with the U.S. Navy, during the Vietnam War, working with the Seebees, from February 1966 until his honorable discharge in October of 1970.  He was employed with United Refining Company as a maintenance foreman, retiring from there after many years employment.  Vergil was a member of the Warren Eagles Aerie #313. 

He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed fishing in several anglers fishing competitions. He was an avid hunter. Vergil and his son, Mark always hunted together when Mark was growing up.  They spent hours in the woods.  Mark was always amazed at how fast Vergil could run when it came to tracking his deer.  Vergil enjoyed many summers at the beach with his family.  He didn’t love the beach, but he loved watching his wife and kids enjoying the sunshine and waves.  His greatest joys in his life were spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He was extremely proud of them and loved to talk about each one of them.  He was known at the Warren Manor as a great storyteller, telling the staff that he was feeding the neighboring deer apples by hand.

Jeffrey S. Lane, 56, of Emporium, PA passed away at Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, PA on Thursday afternoon (October 31, 2024). He was born May 20, 1968 in Towanda, PA a son of the late Carl Walter John and Marianna Darling Lane.

He attended SRU School District. He worked as a logger for many years before working at GKN where he worked for over 25 years. He was a member of Bucktail Rod & Gun Club. He loved fishing, hunting, camping and anything outdoors.

Lowell B. Fryxell, 77, of Emporium, PA passed away at Penn Highlands DuBois on Tuesday night (October 29, 2024) following a brief illness. He was born November 4, 1946 in St. Paul, Minnesota a son of the late Bernard and Evelyn Johnson Fryxell. On February 9, 1968 in First United Methodist Church, Emporium, PA he married Rebecca  “Becky” Thomas, who survives.

Lowell graduated from Taylor’s Falls High School in Minnisota. He served with the US Navy during Vietnam from March 1964 through November 1967. He worked many years at PA Pressed Metals and later retired from Embassy Powder Metals. Lowell enjoyed fishing and cooking but especially loved spending time with his family.

Sara Y. SQUIER, 100, formerly of Ulysses, PA, died Friday, November 1, 2024 in Phenix City, AL.  Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Connie A. Crown                 “faithful servant of the Lord”

COUDERSPORT, PA—Connie A. Crown, 63, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, left the loving care of her family in her home and passed into the arms of the Lord on Friday, November 1, 2024, after a long illness.

Born on Saturday, April 1, 1961 in Port Allegany, she was a daughter of Edith Stewart Clark.  On June 16, 1979 in Port Allegany, she married Bill F. Crown, who survives.

Connie was a graduate of Coudersport High School.  She was a loving caregiver to her neighbors and church family who needed assistance.

Paul A. Buchsen           “beloved husband, father, and businessman”

Paul A. Buchsen, 82, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

Born on Monday, June 22, 1942 in Coudersport, he was a son of George and Steffie Pransky Buchsen.  On October 31, 1964 in St. Bibiana’s Catholic Church in Galeton, he married Dolores M. Rankin, who survives.  He passed away one day short of their 60^th wedding anniversary.

Maxine Rouse FAULISI, 94, of Corning, NY, passed away October 17, 2024 in her home after a brief illness surrounded by family.  

Maxine proudly lived independently with support from her family.  Born November 9, 1929, in Lawrenceville, PA, the daughter of Robert and Mary Wood Rouse.  Maxine was an Honor Society member and graduated from Northside Blodgett High School.  She attended the First United Methodist Church in Corning.  In her early years, she taught Sunday school in the Presho Methodist Church.  Additionally, she was employed by New York Telephone Company where she worked for several years and during this time she met her husband, Nicholas D. Faulisi, and they were married December 2, 1950.  

Lorna Ruth Elmore “Loving Mother, Grandmother & Sister”

 Lorna R. Elmore of 615 Irving Street, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, following a courageous battle with cancer. 

 Lorna was born January 13, 1930 in Niagara Falls and was the daughter of Robert W. and Lois J. Barnes Easley. On November 27, 1954 in Olean she married Herbert Elmore who predeceased her on July 30, 1994. 

Rich N. Anderson, 55, of Lake City, passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at Penn Highlands Dubois.

He was born on August 1, 1969, in Ridgway, a son of the late Richard and Shirley Pontious Anderson.

Rich, a passionate outdoorsman and avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, found joy in working in his yard, tinkering with motors, and embarking on camping, hunting, and canoeing adventures. His selflessness in helping others has left a lasting impact on all who knew him.