Obituaries

Smethport – Allen L. Jackson, 77, of Smethport, passed away Saturday (February 8, 2025) at his home in Smethport.

He was born October 26, 1947 in Port Allegany, the son of Franklin B. and Maryetta (Keech) Jackson. On January 1, 2000, in Eldred, PA, he married Jodee L. Comes, who survives.

Mr. Jackson was a graduate of Otto-Eldred High School Class of 1965 and attended technical trade school in Florida for early computers.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1971.

Allen worked as head of maintenance at Lakeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Smethport, until his retirement.

Obituary for William Gaylor Hayes: June 5, 1938 – February 7, 2025

After a full and adventurous life on earth, William Gaylor Hayes “Wild Bill” entered into the great adventure of eternity on February 7, 2025. He was 86. Bill was born on June 5, 1938 in St. Marys, Pennsylvania to Clarence Rakestraw Hayes and Josephine Gaylor Hayes. From an early age, Bill was an avid outdoorsman and athlete. A lifelong Boy Scout, he rose to the Order of the Silver Beaver and was an expert at lighting fires, building lean-tos in the rain, and knowing which plants were edible. He lettered in four sports at St. Marys High School: baseball, basketball, football, and wrestling–and was captain of the first wrestling team at the school. Bill was class president his senior year, and at graduation received the Babe Ruth Award given to the most outstanding male student in athletics. He wrestled through college and into his army career, achieving entry into the Bucknell University Hall of Fame as well as the honor of coaching the U.S. Armed Forces Wrestling Team as a First Lieutenant.

Betty J. Craig, 86, of W. Washington St., Bradford, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, at Bradford Regional Medical Center.

Born September 15, 1938, in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of the late Parker Wesley and Pearl Isabelle (Finney) Reed.

Betty was a 1956 graduate of Bradford Area High School. She graduated from BOCES in 2003, with a computer degree.

She was a member of VFW, Italian Club, and the Eagles.

Thomas R. Carpenter, Sr., 77, of Smethport, passed away Tuesday (February 11, 2025) at his residence in Smethport.

He was born January 1, 1948 in Bradford, the son of Herbert and Dorothea (Kibble) Carpenter. On February 22, 1975, in Eldred, PA, he married Janice C. Thompson, who died November 27, 2017.

Mr. Carpenter was a truck driver, last employed by Superior Oil & Gas Services of Bradford, PA.

He enjoyed the outdoors.

Terry L. FLEWELLYN, 66, of Whites Corners, PA, died Tuesday, February 11, 2025 in his home.  

Born July 21, 1958, in Coudersport, PA, he was the son of Guy E. and Pearl Moore Flewellyn.  On August 12, 2000, in Ulysses, he married Michelle L. Mack, who survives. A U.S. Army Veteran, he served honorably from 1978 – 1981.  He was employed by PennDOT for 26 years.  

Frank Delbert HILLS

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our father, Frank Delbert Hills. Frank passed away peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Messiah Lifeways in Mechanicsburg, PA. On March 31, 1934, Frank was born on March 31, 1934 in Port Allegany, PA, the eldest son of Everett G. and Doris A. Johnson Hills.

He was a 1956 graduate of Pennsylvania State University and upon graduation, Frank was commissioned into the US Air Force as a second lieutenant, assigned to San Antonio, TX for flight school. It was there, on a blind date, that he met LaVonne Oetjen and they married on November 22, 1956.

For twenty-one years Frank proudly served in the USAF as a helicopter pilot. His assignments stretched from Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada to Vandenburg AFB in California, to Bolling AFB in Washington, DC, to Vietnam. While Frank was assigned to Vietnam, he flew 200 combat missions including a successful helicopter rescue behind enemy lines whilst under fire. For this he received the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross. His last assignment was USAF liaison officer to the PA Civil Air Patrol. Frank retired from the Air Force in May 1977 with the Command Pilot rating and nearly 7000 hours of flying time.

Beverly F. HALLOCK, 92, of Port Allegany, PA, died Monday, February 10, 2025 in Sena Kean Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.  

Born January 3, 1933, in Farmersville Station, NY, she was the daughter of Myron B. and Gladys L. Holmes Clark.  On May 16, 1964, in Weston Mills, she married Roydon D. Hallock, who predeceased her on October 23, 2007.  A graduate of Olean High School and Westbrook Business School, she was employed by Houghton Laboratories in Olean in the accounting department and by Rocket Oil in Olean as the office manager.  Beverly was a member of the Shakespeare Club and the Port Allegany Church of the Nazarene.  She enjoyed reading, knitting, and playing on the computer.  

Shirley P. COZZI, 95, of Scio, NY, died Monday, February 10, 2025 in Wellsville Manor Care Center.  

Born January 3, 1930, in West Seneca, she was the daughter of  John and Elizabeth Blumenstine Aiple.  On February 2, 1952, in Buffalo, she married Paul Cozzi, who predeceased her on August 8, 2019.  Shirley was employed by the United States Post Office in Scio for 31 years, retiring in 1993.  She was a member of the Scio Volunteer Firemen’s Auxiliary and loved to go bowling.  

Virginia “Ginny” Davis Peangatelli, 85, of Albemarle, NC, formerly of Genesee, PA, was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.  

Born on December 27, 1939, in Coudersport, PA, Ginny was the beloved daughter of Jesse and Nina Hulbert Davis and sister to Jesse Allen “Buddy” Davis.  She grew up on a small farm in Raymond, PA, where she developed a love for music, horseback riding, and lively gatherings.  Some of her fondest memories included playing music with family, attending dances at North Bingham Bailey’s, and spending time with dear friends in Potter County.  Ginny was a 1958 graduate of Northern Potter High School and a lifelong member of Eulalia Chapter #148 of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she proudly served as Worthy Matron from 1989 to 1990.  Ginny was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  

Lee Hunter Sittig, 71, of Bradford, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025 at Buffalo General Medical Center, Buffalo, NY.

He was born on December 5, 1953 in Bradford, the son of the late Floyd and Ruth Thornton Sittig.

He was a 1971 graduate of the Bradford Area High School.

He was an U.S. Air Force veteran; serving stateside during the Vietnam War from 1973 until his honorable discharge in 1977.

He was employed by the Allegheny Bradford Corp., Lewis Run as an electrician until his retirement.

Lee was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Richard L. Sexauer, age 75, of Wellsboro, PA peacefully passed on Thursday, February 6, 2025.  He was born on January 20, 1950 in Erie, PA, son of the late Richard and Shirley (Cassidy Lay) Sexauer.  Richard is survived by his wife of 55 years, Celeste Burns of Wellsboro, PA; his beloved children Staci Sexauer of Wellsboro, PA; Kristine Van Tassel of Elizabethtown, PA; and Adam Sexauer and daughter-in-law Kim of Covington, PA; his brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Sue Sexauer, of Erie, PA; his sister, Diane Sexauer and brother-in-law, Bill Ray, of Erie, PA; and his six grandchildren, Jericho, Gaven, and Luke Sexauer, Hannah Park, Ben and Aaron Van Tassel;  Sisters-in-law Jessie Wolfe and Juliette Shearer (John Anderson), brothers in-law Jim Burns and Jerry Siliano; and many nieces and nephews whom he made an impact on.

Richard worked for 25 years with the Tioga County Human Services Agency, serving as Director of Daycare, and later Director of Community Service.  He was also instrumental in establishing the elementary school at Trinity Lutheran, where he served as a Director of Education for many years. 

Sonja Jo POTT, 68, of Ellisburg, PA, passed away Friday, February 7, 2025 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville, NY.  

Born September 10, 1956, in Huntingdon, she was the beautiful daughter of Clyde A. and Sandra J. Moore Scott.  She was married to her soulmate, Nathaniel J. “Bud” Pott, who predeceased her on February 17, 2000.

Terry B. Maxson             “life is a journey” 

Terry B. Maxson, 77, of Little Genesee, went to be with the Lord with his loving sister by his side on Monday, February 10, 2025, in Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wellsville, NY, after a long illness.

Born on Wednesday, June 11, 1947, in Olean, NY, he was the oldest son of Bruce C. and Aola P. Howard Maxson. 

Terry was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse, PA, where he excelled in basketball.  He had been employed at the former Dresser-Rand in Olean, NY. 

Terry loved being in the outdoors, working in his garden and grapevines.  He was always working on a project.  He loved animals.  His faith was the driving force throughout his life and had attended the First Seventh Day Baptist Church in Little Genesee.  Terry had a deep love for his family.

Terry was blessed to be cared for by his sister, Brenda, for many years.

Esther C. (Brugger) Ansell, age 85, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Sunday, February 9, 2025. 

She was born on May 7, 1939 in Elmira, NY a daughter of the late Albert and Christine (Stump) Brugger and was the wife of the late Daniel Ansell.  Esther taught sewing, and enjoyed quilting and doing crafts.  She was a graduate of the Cowanesque Valley High School class of 1957. 

Lorra A. Olson, 59, of St. Marys, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at Penn Highlands Dubois following a brief illness.

She was born on September 24, 1965 in Ridgway, a daughter of the late James and Gayle Hanes Day.

Lorra was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, class of 1983 and attended Queen of the World Church. She worked in retail at various places in town, and always enjoyed the friends she met along the way. In her younger years, she loved going camping with her family, where she loved sitting on the back porch and visiting with her family. She loved her family dearly, and adored and cherished both of her children.  She looked forward to spending each year at her cousin Lonnie’s 4th of July celebration and was also fond of her dogs, and loved spoiling them.

Craig L. Switzer, Sr., 73, of Eldred, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2025, at his residence.

Born on January 4, 1952, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Carl James and Anna Laura (Smith) Switzer.

He was a 1971 graduate of Bradford Area High School and received his Act 120 certification from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1983.

Craig was a Sgt, for the Foster Township Police Department. Worked for the Corydon Township Police Department, United States Forest Service and was the Otto Eldred Police Chief until his retirement in 2015.  Along with his former wife, Evie, he owned and operated Fox’s Pizza Den of Eldred, for over 20 years.

He was a member of SLEA, Northern Star Lodge # 555, and Past Worshipful Master, Coudersport Consistory, the Eldred Conservation Club and the Otto Township Volunteer Fire Department.  

Melvin R. “Dick” Johnston Sr., 86, of Hedgehog Lane, Bradford, passed away Saturday February 8, 2025, while at home, with his family by his side.

Born August 23, 1938, in Hornell, NY, he was a son of the late James and Violet (Grimes) Johnston. 

Dick formerly worked at Owens Illinois and Charlie Schneider Service Station, and Bradford Air Cargo. Prior to retiring he worked for Paul Smith & Son as a mail truck driver delivering to and from the Pittsburgh area. 

Dick was an avid hunter, fisherman, and the life of the party. He was a former member of the Eagles Club. 

Donna M. Newpher, 83, of South Avenue, Bradford, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Born April 6, 1941, in Bradford, she was the daughter of the late George D. and Helen L. (Nellis) Russell. She was a 1960 graduate of Bradford High School.

On October 25, 1980, in Bradford, she married Larry Daniel Newpher, who died May 7, 1995. Together they shared Trixie, Spunky, and Toby, their beloved dogs.

Donna was employed at Bell Telephone Company as an operator, and for 23 years as a Patient Care Sitter for the American Red Cross.

Pete Mealey, 69, of 48 Derrick Road, Bradford, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025, at The Pavilion at BRMC.

Born February 2, 1956, in Bradford, he was a son of Marion (Brown) Mealey, of Bradford and the late Gerald “Tucker” Mealey.

He was a 1974 graduate of Bradford High School.

Pete had been employed as a groundskeeper for the Dorn Family, and later at Bradford Laundry for many years.

He enjoyed hunting, reading, and photography. He loved doing anything he could to help friends and others, but especially his family. He also had a fondness for his dog Tasha.

Melvin R. “Dick” Johnston Sr., 86, of Hedgehog Lane, Bradford, passed away Saturday February 8, 2025, while at home, with his family by his side.

Born August 23, 1938, in Hornell, NY, he was a son of the late James and Violet (Grimes) Johnston. 

Dick formerly worked at Owens Illinois and Charlie Schneider Service Station, and Bradford Air Cargo. Prior to retiring he worked for Paul Smith & Son as a mail truck driver delivering to and from the Pittsburgh area. 

Dick was an avid hunter, fisherman, and the life of the party. He was a former member of the Eagles Club. 

Richard M. “Dick” & “Sarge”, Manning, 74, passed away February 2, 2025. 

Dick served 33 years and 12 days in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard with one active deployment to Germany. He worked most of his life as an automotive mechanic at multiple service stations throughout the area. Finally retiring from Ethan Allen. 

On March 17, 1978, he married Linda L. Manning, who survives and resides in TX. 

Carroll Louis “Cub” Faivre, 94, of Wellsboro, passed away at his home Tuesday February 4, 2025.  He was born August 4, 1930, in Brookside, PA, the son of the late Albert and Lula M. (Carroll) Faivre.  Cub married the former Dorothy J. Fisher on February 8, 1957, and would have celebrated 68 years of marriage. 

Cub was an Army veteran, serving in Korea.  He worked for many years as a mechanic for Corning Glass.  He loved the outdoors, woodworking and homesteading on his property.

Tina M. Baldwin Lockwood:  Loving Mother, Grandmother

Tina M. Baldwin Lockwood, 57, of 8560 Jackson Hill Road, Cuba, passed away Friday, February 7, 2025 at Olean General Hospital after a brief illness.

Born on December 3, 1967, in Cuba, she was a daughter of Donald M. Baldwin and Diane E. Edwards.  On August 18, 2001, in Black Creek, she married Samuel T. Lockwood who predeceased her on April 1, 2021. 

She was a graduated of Cuba Central School Class of 1986. 

Tina worked as a Certified Nurses Aide for her working Career.  She worked at Cuba Memorial Hospital for 22 years and was currently by Jan and Bev’s Homecare. 

She enjoyed dancing, singing Karaoke, and going to the casino.  She was loved by so many people and would help anyone in need, quite often putting others before herself.  Her pride and joy were her children and grandchildren.

James (Jim) F. Dick Sr. :   Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather

James (Jim) F. Dick Sr., formerly of Richburg, New York residing at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wellsville since December 2021, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025.

Jim was born February 27, 1931, in Richburg, New York to the late J. Frederick and Thelma “Skip” (Glover) Dick.  He graduated from Richburg Central School and married his high school sweetheart, Carol Cole November 5, 1949, in the Richburg Parsonage.  Jim and Carol founded Sunny Hill Campsite in Richburg, New York and for 47 years, owned and operated the private, family-owned business. During those years, he was blessed with two sons, James Jr. and Steven Douglas.

William J. Bierly, 73, of St. Marys, PA formerly of York and Emporium passed away at Elk Haven Nursing Home, St. Marys, PA on Friday  afternoon(February 7, 2025). He was born February 26, 1951 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late William Johnson and Cynthia Marie Beck Bierly. He was married to Renate Mohler, Emporium who survives.

Bill graduated from Cameron County high school. He worked many years in York PA before returning back to Cameron County. He enjoyed hunting, collecting Hess trucks, military and hunting knives and magazines and videos. He had been a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home in St. Marys, since 2021, for a number of medical reasons.

Norma J. HAND, 65, of Mills, PA, died Saturday, February 8, 2025 in Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital, UPMC Wellsboro.  

Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  

Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.