Judith M. Lewis, 81, of Youngsville, PA, died on Friday, February 9, 2024, in the Rouse Home.
A complete obituary will be published when it’s available.
The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Daniel Hayes Whitford passed away on February 5, 2024, after a tragic accident at his home on Cuba Lake. Countless people have been impacted by his death, and his place in our shared history has been nothing short of legendary.
The Law of the Conservation of Energy says that energy can neither be created nor destroyed – only converted from one form to another. Daniel’s love for his family, his life, and for other people was what defined him. His energy was positive, intense, seemingly endless, and will not be diminished, but carried on by all of us.
Born in Olean, New York to proud parents Chandler and Karen Whitford on June 22, 1977, Daniel grew up on Cuba Lake and was a graduate of Cuba-Rushford High School, Class of 1995. He graduated from Gannon University. He started his career in the family business, The L.C Whitford Co., Inc., in the trades during his summers off in high school, the same as his brothers. He then progressed through the ranks to his most recent appointment as vice president. Throughout all these roles, his compassionate and authentic personality contributed to the cohesiveness that is the fabric of the company.
Daniel is survived by his parents, wife Rochelle (Darling), son Ford, daughter Stella; brothers Brad, Rod, and Clint; nieces Ellie and Isa Whitford; and sisters-in-law Amanda Darling and Meghan and Lauren O’Keefe. To list his close friends would be impossible because of the immediate connections he made everywhere he went.
The life of Daniel has many themes: Family man, intense love, adventurous soul, and a mission of happiness. He was most passionate about his wife and children; swimming, fishing, or boating with them on Cuba Lake or at his favorite place of all – Lady Evelyn Lake in Ontario, Canada.
Daniel lived an outrageously full life, adding color to the mundane or a lightning bolt to the party. But, above all, he genuinely cared about other people’s feelings and happiness as much as his own.
Daniel leaves so many lives changed forever, and all for the better. To try and capture his life in a picture or paragraphs would be an impossible feat. His many friends have mourned his passing with some tales and moving remembrances, including living life to the fullest, amazing hugs, making you feel at home, spreading joy and happiness, lighting up a room, infectious smile, and the list goes on.
The Whitford Family invites friends to join them in celebrating Daniel during a visitation on Sunday, February 11 at Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service Inc., 9 Bull Street, in Cuba from 1 to 5 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on his birthday, which is the summer solstice.
The Whitford Family will be establishing a memorial fund to honor Daniels’s memory. Details will be announced before the celebration of life.
Don’t forget Daniel’s important mantra: “Straight to the top!!”
ELDRED – Judith A. Raught, 83, formerly of Looker Mountain Trail, passed away Wednesday (Feb. 7, 2024) at Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born July 28, 1940, in Olean N.Y., she was the daughter of Chester and Thelma Reigel Rice. On Dec. 3, 1966, in Coryville, she married Thomas R. Raught, who preceded her in death April 20, 2022.
Judith was a 1959 graduate of Smethport High School, and when younger worked at Zippo, and then part time at Dexter-Hysol.
She enjoyed James Bond movies, crosswords, puzzles, needlework and arts and crafts. Judith was very artistic, which led her to serve as president of the Residents Society. She also previously enjoyed traveling, and sightseeing with her husband, Thomas Raught. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with, and was very proud of, her grandchildren.
ELDRED — Michael O. “Ort” Maynard, 69, of Route 446 passed away Sunday (Feb. 4, 2024) at St. Vincent Hospital, Erie, following a brief illness.
Born Aug. 23, 1954, in Olean, N.Y., he was the son of the late Orton and Peggy Manning Maynard.
Ort was a lifelong resident of Eldred, and had worked at the former Ball Foster Glass Plant, the Gold Eagle Hotel and VFW Post 2092 of Eldred. He was a social member of VFW Post 2092 of Eldred and American Legion Post 887 of Eldred, and was a prior officer for Sons of the American Legion.
He annually attended the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, N.Y., was an avid video game player and also enjoyed going fishing.
Pauline M. White, 91, of Wellsboro, PA passed away at her home on Thursday, February 8, 2024. She was born on December 6, 1932, in Oregon Hill, the daughter of the late Charles F. and Bertha M. (Gilbert) Kalmbach. She was the wife of the late Richard L. White.
Joan Lucille (Dagustine) Martin, 90, of 111 West Main Street, Ridgway, PA passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
She was born on June 24, 1933, in Johnsonburg, a daughter of the late Frank and Joan Feronti Dagustine.
On October 25, 1952, at Holy Rosary Church, she married the late Daniel G. Martin. Together they shared more than 65 years of marriage.
Joan was a graduate of Johnsonburg Area High School class of 1951. She was a member of St. Leo Magnus Church and Catholic Daughters of America. She was also a member of the Ridgway Woman’s club for many years. Joan was secretary at Elk County Veterans’ Affairs office, retiring in 1999. She was a Jury Commissioner for 4 years (2000-2004).
Joan served as a waitress for many years at various clubs and restaurants, including the Ridgway Country Club, Elk’s Club, and the Mediterranean. She thoroughly loved waitressing and serving people throughout Ridgway. Joan was a self-taught cake decorator and well known throughout the community for her many cakes, cookies, pies, and baked goods.
Robert W. WAGNER, 49, of Friendship, NY, died Tuesday, February 6, 2024 in his home.
Born April 11, 1974, in North Tonawanda, he was the son of Floyd and Sharon Kowalski Wagner. On June 11, 2016, in Richburg, he married the former Ruth E. Norton, who survives.
A graduate of Friendship Central School, he earned his welding certificate at BOCES. Bob was employed by API from 1993 – 2007 and Siemens from 2007 – 2023, working as a welder in Wellsville, Olean, and Painted Post.
Bob enjoyed hunting and dirt track racing with his son, Justin. Bob loved working on his racing team as crew chief and mechanic. He could weld and build anything. Bob and Ruth spent a lot of time together farming, gardening, and spending time with the grandchildren.
Robert Main, Jr.
Robert G. “Bob” Main, Jr., 66, died Wednesday, February 7, 2024, after suffering an apparent heart attack while at work.
A complete obituary will be announced when available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA
Friendship, NY— Charles W. Geisel, 62, of 3282 County Road 8, passed away unexpectedly, at home, on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
Born April 22, 1960 in Rochester, NY. He was the son of Henry and Mary Dubey Geisel.
Charles was a graduate of the Richburg Central School Class of 1978.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving from 1981-1983.
He was employed at the former Cooper Industries in Olean as a Kiln Operator for twenty-two years, prior to his retirement. He later bartended at the Chef Grill, Bolivar and was employed as a custodian for Scio Central School for two years.
Charles enjoyed spending time with his family and cruising in his Corvette. The highlight of the year was his annual family reunion. He took great pride in his grandchildren’s accomplishments and attending their sporting events.
Michael M. Lovell
AUSTIN, PA—Michael M. “Mike” Lovell, 78, of Austin, PA passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024, in UPMC Cole, after a long illness.
Born on Sunday, September 30, 1945 in Stonemarket, England, he was a son of Carl and Sheila Peck Lovell. On July 4, 1987 in Austin he married Diane E. Dow Lovell, who passed away on October 20, 2020.
Mike was a US Navy veteran. He was employed at various places throughout the years.
Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle.
H. Richard Curfman “State Game Protector”
COUDERSPORT, PA—H. Richard “Dick” Curfman, 94, a longtime resident of Coudersport, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.
Born on Tuesday, October 22, 1929 in McConnellstown, Huntingdon County, PA, he was a son of Homer O. and Helen E. Lang Curfman. On September 1, 1962 he was united in marriage to Betty A. Homolash, who survives.
He lived his earlier years in the Huntingdon, PA area and had resided in Coudersport since 1960.
Dick attended Walker Township Elementary School in McConnellstown and was a 1947 graduate of Huntingdon High School.
Dick was a US Army veteran having served from 1950 to 1952 in Korea. His military service (1948 – 1957) included him being a member of the PA National Guard Unit based in Huntingdon, both prior to and following his service in Korea.
In the 1940’s he worked on farms in the Woodcock Valley area, was employed by Weis Market and also by Laney’s Feed Mill, both in Huntingdon. During the 1950’s he was employed by Owens Corning Fiberglass Corporation in Huntingdon and also owned and operated a trucking (coal) business and lawn mower repair shop from his home in McConnellstown.
Finishing first in his class, Dick was a 1960 graduate of Ross Leffler School of Conservation in Brockway. Following graduation, he was employed by the PA Game Commission as District Game Protector stationed in Coudersport. He also served as a US Deputy Game Warden until his Pennsylvania Game Commission retirement. During the time (1960-1992) he intermittently served as North Central Region Land Management Supervisor, Potter-Tioga Unit Supervisor as well as with the PGC Special Investigation Unit during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Following PGC retirement, Dick was employed by Johnson Excavating in Roulette for several summers.
Harry C. Sickler II “beloved husband, son, and brother”
COUDERSPORT, PA—Harry C. Sickler II, 63, a longtime resident of Coudersport, passed away in his home on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on Saturday, July 16, 1960 in Berwick, PA, he was a son of Harry C. and Shirley Kramer Sickler. On August 20, 1994 in Coudersport, he married Tamra M. “Tammy” Lewis, who survives.
Harry was a graduate of Coudersport Area High School, Class of 1978 and was a graduate of Williamsport Area College becoming a radiologic technologist.
Harry was employed by the former Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, now UPMC Cole, as a sonographer and radiologic technologist until his retirement. After his retirement from the hospital, Harry volunteered at the Potter County Food Bank as manager.
Harry was a member of the Christian Missionary Alliance in Harrison Valley. He enjoyed taking his dogs for walks.
Jane L. “Janie” Floyd, 78, of Driftwood, PA passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Monday morning (February 5, 2024). She was born February 2, 1946 in New Castle, PA, a daughter of the late Braden J. and Ida Dunkerly Walker. On September 21, 1968, in New Castle, PA, she married William Floyd, who survives.
Janie graduated from Shenango High School in the class of 1963. She was an accomplished seamstress who enjoyed making clothing for her children, and grandchildren as well as making pillowcases, clothing for dolls and much more for relatives and friends.
Joan Martin, 90, of Ridgway, PA died on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Penn Highlands Elk.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Krise Funeral Homes and Cremation Services.
Peggy Sitarchuk-Price, 61, of South Kendall Avenue, Bradford, PA went to join her mother and father, Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Howard L. CRIPPEN, 79, of Ulysses, PA, died Monday, February 5, 2024 in UPMC Williamsport.
Born May 15, 1944, in Hector Township, he was the son of Louis W. “Luke” and Arvilla M. Seeley Crippen. On September 26, 1964, in Williamson, NY, he married the former Barbara J. Blauvelt, who predeceased him on September 10, 2015.
He was employed by Ingersoll-Rand/Dresser-Rand in Painted Post, NY for 36 years. Howard was a member of God’s New Beginnings Church in Harrison Valley.
Cynthia K. Wedge, 62, of 595 West Washington Street, Bradford, PA passed away Sunday, February 4, 2024 at her residence.
Born August 9, 1961, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Robert L. and Palma J. (Densmore) Walker.
Cindy was a 1979 graduate of the Limestone Union Free School.
Cindy worked as a bank teller at Producers Bank at CNB Bank, and later at Bradford Forest Products as a receptionist.
Neal Osmer, 53, of South Settlement Rd. in Kane, PA passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday (Feb. 6) at his residence.
Born Feb. 15, 1970 in Kane, he is the son of the late Arthur and Nancy (Thrush) Osmer.On April 28, 2017, in St. Marys, he married Deborah Lehman, who survives.
Neal worked at Bradford Forest Products as a heavy equipment operator. He had also worked as an electrician and a logger. He was a kind man who would help anybody in need. He was also a talented musician and played in the band Luke and the Drifters.
Portville- Mark W. Hannon passed away Monday (February 5, 2024) at the Cuba Hospital.
Mark was born in Olean on September 11, 1922, he was the son of the late Mark James and Frances Naoma LeStrange Hannon. On July 11, 1952 he married the former Carolyn R. Wormer, who predeceased him on November 15, 2019.
Mark was a graduate of Olean High School. He enrolled in St. Bonaventure University, leaving school to go serve his country in WWII where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Returning after the war to St. Bonaventure to get a bachelors degree. While at Bonas he was a big part of the ROTC program. Mark went on to work as a salesman for the Millcraft Paper Company.
He was a member of Bolivar Country Club, lifetime member of Bartlett Country Club, playing golf into his late 90’s. He belonged to Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. He also was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Portville, where he served as a Trustee and was involved in numerous church activities, including Catholic Charities. He was an election inspector for the Village of Portville. Later in life he received an honorary degree from St. Bonaventure’s University President, Sister Margaret Carney, for perseverance.
Frances E. Ouderkirk loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother
Olean- Frances E. Ouderkirk, of East Windfall Rd, passed away peacefully Monday (February 5, 2024) at home surrounded by her loving family.
Frances was born in Olean on March 2, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Rose Fahey Snyder. On September 2, 1961, she married David F. Ouderkirk, who predeceased her on November 3, 2021.
After graduation, Frances went on to get her beauty license. She and her husband owned and operated Daves Restaurant and Dave Ouderkirk Construction for many years. Frances also worked at the Olean General Hospital, retiring in 2001. She was a former vice president of the Christopher Columbus Lodge.
Bona M. Heiberger, 86, of 128 Melody Road, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, February 5, 2024.
She was born on December 25, 1937 in Bukovo, Yugoslavia, a daughter of the late Pando and Ilinka Srbinovski Djorevich.
Bona immigrated to America with her family on June 4, 1952 from North Macedonia (the former Republic of Yugoslavia).
On June 7, 1958, at St. Marys Church, she married the late Edwin J. Heiberger, who preceded her in death on September 29, 2014. Together they shared more than 56 years of marriage.
She retired from St. Marys Carbon Company in 2000 after 44 1/2 years of service.
Elwin Lewis GEER, 83, of Rexville, NY, formerly of Wellsville, died Monday, February 5, 2024 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville.
Born August 4, 1940, in Wellsville, he was the son of Raymond Elwin and LaNora Aline Fanton Geer. On July 23, 2004, in Scio, he married the former Elsie Potter Davis, who survives.
A 1959 graduate of Wellsville High School, he was employed by Frederick Mulholland at Mulholland Funeral Home in Wellsville while in school from 1952 to October 1959. In October 1959, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until July 1962, honorably discharged as Shipfitter (pipefitter) Petty Officer 3rd Class. Elwin was employed by C.E. Air Preheater in Wellsville as a welder/fitter from September 1963 to July 1980. He moved to Florida in 1980 and returned to Wellsville in 1993. He was employed by Current Control in Wellsville from May 1995 until his retirement in October 2010.
Elwin was a member of Christian Temple Church, now Grace United Church, for over 50 years, Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702 in Wellsville, ACRES (Allegany County Radio Emergency Service) CB radio club, Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and was one of the original members of the Civil Defense Rescue Squad. He enjoyed doing paint-by-number paintings and bead banners.
Howard L. CRIPPEN, 79, of Ulysses, PA, died Monday, February 5, 2024 in UPMC Williamsport.
Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Arthur J. Smith Jr., 67, formerly of 22 Miller Street, Bradford, PA died Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the Pavilion at BRMC.
Born May 9, 1956, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Arthur J. and Elizabeth Laura (Colett) Smith, Sr.
He attended St. Bernard School and Bradford Central Christian High School.
Art served in the United States Marine Corps.
Art worked at Bradford Hospital, later at the Bradford Mall as Maintenance Supervisor. He also worked at Hanley Brick and he did construction around the country. When he retired, he was employed at the Allegheny Particleboard Plant in Hutchins.
Madi Elizabeth Mohr, infant, of Bradford, PA passed away Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.
Madi is survived by her parents, Paul J. and Morgan L. (Jordan) Mohr, Jr., one brother, Elijah Mohr, all of Bradford, her maternal grandparents, Jenny (Tim Hale) Clark, and Robert Jordan, maternal aunts and uncles, Cody (Kayla) Jordan, Hunter Jordan, and April (Raven Burkett) Lanphere, paternal grandmother, Jackie Jones, paternal aunts and uncles, Preston Jones, Kylynn Jones, Alyssa Jones, and Rachel Houghtailing, and many great aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 3:00 pm in the Derrick City Seventh-Day Adventist Church, with Rev. Andrew Christiansen, officiating.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Norma L. (Grinnell) Gee, age 89, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Monday, February 5, 2024.
She was born on July 12, 1934 in Blossburg, PA, a daughter of the late Frank and Lorena (Reynolds) Grinnell and was married to the late Henry D. Gee.
Norma was employed as a telephone operator in Wellsboro, PA and also worked at the Wellsboro Sears Store.
She was a member of the Mountain view Baptist Church and enjoyed crocheting, Pottery, sewing, cooking, canning and especially spending time with her grandchildren.
Dawn Louise Smith
Dawn Lousie Smith, 63, formerly of Cuba, New York and Dryden, passed away Sunday, February 04, 2024 at the Cayuga Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a lengthy illness.
Born on April 27, 1960, in Hornell, she was a daughter of Herbert and Ann Witter Smith.
Dawn was a graduate of Cuba Central School Class of 1978. She later attended the Veterinary Program at Cornell University.
She had been a pet sitter for many years and worked in a Veterinary Clinic in the Dryden area prior to becoming ill.
Sarah E. Miller VanCise, 57, of Bradford, PA passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.
She was born on October 12, 1966 in Bradford, a daughter of the late Francis and Carol Sweetapple Miller.
She attended Bradford area schools and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Psychology from the University of Phoenix.
On June 8, 2001 in Limestone, NY, she married Christopher M. VanCise; who survives.
Michael G. Schwarz, age 75 of Elkland, PA passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
Born May 24, 1948 in Elkland, PA, he was the son of the late Joseph F. and Rose (Ziglin) Schwarz.
Michael graduated from Elkland High School in 1966 and was a lifelong resident of Elkland and also resided in Galeton, PA. He was a lifelong educator and mentor who truly enjoyed working with every student helping them reach their full potential. He had a positive influence on the lives of many who regularly contacted him to express their gratitude.
Michael was a Math teacher, Vice Principal and Principal at Cowanesque Valley High School. He finished his career as Superintendent of Galeton School District.
He was a basketball referee for 40+ years and also a member of the Tioga County Hall of Fame as a coach/contributor. He was an avid golfer and fisherman, loved tying flies, making wine, and traveling. The highlight of his day was socializing with the people that he came in contact with and especially enjoyed meeting with his morning coffee groups.
He was a member of River Valley Country Club. He generously volunteered his time on a daily basis and could always be found cleaning golf carts, searching for golf balls or mentoring people with their golf swing. Michael was also a member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Elkland and Galeton Moose Lodge, Knoxville VFW and the Knoxville Fire Department. Michael was a Mayor of Elkland and served on the Elkland Borough Council.
Robert Carlson, 79, of N. Fraley St. in Kane, PA passed away Sunday (Feb. 4) at UPMC-Hamot. Born Aug. 6, 1944 in Kane, he is the son of the late William and Joyce (Jackson) Carlson.
Bob worked as a special education teacher for many years in the Otto-Eldred School District.
