Obituaries

Robert L. “Boats” Spencer, age 58, of Wellsboro, PA, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 with his loving wife Theresa by his side. 

He was born on July 11, 1966 in Elmira, NY a son of the late Llewellyn and June (DeLong) Spencer and was married to Theresa A. (Holzwarth) Spencer.  Rob greatly loved his bikes “Christine” and “Amazing Grace” and rode many many miles both locally and cross country several times.  In addition to riding motorcycles, Rob enjoyed traveling, taking cruises, hunting, fishing and camping.  Rob was a career Navy man who crossed the equator several times. 

He was stationed on both sides of the US multiple times and his favorite location was San Diego, CA.  He was a member of the Mansfield VFW, Blossburg American Legion, CVMA-1910, God’s Country ABATE, Westfield Sons of Hiram M.C., Wellsboro Rotary, Tioga County Honor Guard, Ossea Lodge # 317 F & AM, Royal Arch Chapter and the Coudersport Consistory.  Rob was an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church, an Eagle Scout and an avid lover of Western movies. 

Judith E. METCALF—BACKER, ­­­­78, of Westfield, PA, died Wednesday, December 4, 2024. 

Friends may call at People’s Church of Potter Brook, 62 Rte. 49, Westfield, PA 16950 on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with a Memorial Service following at 11:00 AM.  Arrangements are under the direction of OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Scott G. Schiller, Jr., Major, USAF (Ret), 92, of Emporium, PA passed away on the morning of Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at the Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA. Born January 3, 1932 in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late Scott G. and Janet Morrell Schiller, Sr. On November 1, 1984, he married his current wife Doris with whom he shared 40 years of marriage.

Scott graduated from Westview High School in 1949 and joined the US Air Force where he served during the Korean and the Vietnam Wars from February 1950 through July 1971. His 22 years of service saw a very unique path.  He enlisted at 18 years of age and served as a Ground Control Intercept (Radar) Technician reaching the rank of Technical Sergeant until receiving a Warrant Officer Commission in 1957.  During his time as a Warrant Officer, he attended Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training, ultimately receiving his pilot wings and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1958. During the remainder of his career, he served as a Transport Pilot, Aircraft Commander, and Instructor Pilot, accumulating over 10,000 flying hours.

He served in numerous locations around the globe, including: Maine, Korea, Texas, Washington, Hawaii, New Jersey, Viet Nam, and Washington D.C.. He was qualified on numerous military and civilian aircraft including, but not limited to: B-25, C-118, C-135, C-141, VC-118, and VC-135. During his distinguished flying career, Major Schiller had the honor of transporting numerous dignitaries, including: ADM Elmo R. Zumwalt (USN), GEN Mark W. Clark (USA), GEN Creighton Abrams (USA), GEN William C. Westmoreland (USA), and the astronauts of the Apollo 11 moon landing (Neil Armstrong, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, Michael Collins). Scott’s final qualification as a military pilot was on the VC-135, also known by some as Air Force One. Major Schiller’s military awards include: The Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Crew Medal, and multiple Campaign Awards from Korea and Viet Nam. He retired honorably from the Air Force in July 1971 at the rank of Major and moved to Emporium.

Diana R. Hadden                  

Diana R. Hadden, 73, of Ceres, NY, passed away with her loving family by her side on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, in High Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Wellsville, 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, PA, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.

Patricia A. Wentz, 68, of Coudersport, PA, entered God’s eternal care Saturday, December 7, 2024, at her home.

Born July 19, 1956, in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of Norman and Nora L. (Grote) Sandruck.  Patricia was the loving fiancée of James M. Abramczyk.

Patricia was a 1974 graduate of South Western High School, Hanover, PA.  She worked as a bookkeeper at W. L. Sterner, Miller & Brown CPA’s, Hilltop Precision Machining, Inc. and then at Pat’s Tax Services and Wilson Bus Transport, both in Coudersport, PA.

Patricia enjoyed crafting, coloring, embroidery, sewing, gardening, arranging flowers, loved working with numbers, and especially loved spending time with her family. 

Alexandra “Addie” Cummins Strawbridge Smith

COUDERSPORT, PA–Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1937, Alexandra Smith, affectionately known to her family and friends as, Addie, passed gently from this earth surrounded by her family and the kind staff at Sweden Valley Manor in Coudersport, Pennsylvania on December 11, 2024.

Addie leaves behind a lasting legacy of seven children, twenty grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren. Addie, with her husband, “Smitty”, and 7 children in tow moved to Coudersport from the Philadelphia area in 1972. She worked as a mother, grandmother, Registered Nurse, and animal rescue services volunteer, benefactor, and advocate for the next 52 years. Addie was an avid reader, and loved a good conversation about religion and politics, among many other philosophical and historical topics.

Addie will be remembered and honored as the Matriarch of a large, loving family of God-fearing children. She will be deeply missed until the family reunites on a future date known only to God.

Shirley A. HOSMER, 88, of Scio, NY, died Tuesday, December 10, 2024 in her home.  Born January 5, 1936, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Charles Burwell and Eva Cornwell Pressler.  She was married to Charles Edward Hosmer, who predeceased her on March 31, 2014. 

Shirley was employed in housekeeping by Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville for 21 years.  She was a member of Riverside Assembly of God. 

Stephen B. MORLEY, of Adamstown, MD, formerly of Campbell, NY, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024, after a lengthy illness.  Born December 2, 1935, in Wellsville, NY, he was the son of Calvin and Gladys Neff Morley.  

On July 2, 1960, in Ulysses, PA, he married the love of his life, Pauline “Polly” Burdick, who survives.  They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this past July.  

A graduate of Ulysses High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and mathematics education from Lock Haven University and a master’s degree in school administration from Alfred University.  Stephen began his teaching career at Campbell Central School as a classroom teacher.  Over his 41 years with the district, he served as a guidance counselor, high school principal, and finally, the district superintendent.  He was devoted to the school and the Campbell community; both were a source of great pride.  He thought of the students as well as the people he worked with as an extension of his family.  Stephen was also a 33rd degree Mason.  He was committed to the Masons because of the positive impact they made on the community.  

Thomas J. Curtin, 82, formerly of Clarendon, Pa, died on Tuesday December 10, 2024, at the Lutheran Home at Kane, PA., after a brief illness. He was born in Warren, Pa, on July 16, 1942, the son of the late Donald Joseph and Helen Ann Ronan Curtin. Tom was a Sheffield and Clarendon resident most of his life. He was a graduate of Sheffield High School Class of 1960. 

He was an Eagle Scout with Boy Scout Troop 35 of Coudersport and Troop 36 Explorer Post, he also was member of Order of the Arrow, served as Vice Chief. Tom then graduated from Baldwin Wallace University and Clarion University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree of Education and a master’s degree in history and government. While in college, Tom was involved with the Public Relations Department and School Newspaper as their photographer.

Donald L. Serkleski                     “services slated”

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation for Donald L. “Don” Serkleski, from 1pm to 2pm on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Millport Community Church, Canada Hollow Road, Millport, PA, where a Celebration of Don’s life will follow at 2pm, with Howard Wheeler of Jamestown, NY, Don’s brother-in-law, officiating.

Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors on Saturday at the Millport Community Church.

Don’s family entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

For further information please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com

Maynard “Flip” Gleason, age 73, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Friday, December 6, 2024. 

He was born on April 26, 1951 in Sayre, PA, a son of the late Raymond W. Gleason, Sr. and Lilah L. (Southard) Gleason and was married to the late Terry L. (Cummings) Gleason. 

Flip was a Vietnam Veteran serving in the US Army and had worked at Truck-Lite, Wellsboro, PA. 

A family graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at the Middlebury Union Cemetery, Middlebury Center, PA. 

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

Dennis R. Bartlett, 65, of 9 Sleepy Hollow, Bradford, passed away Thursday, December 5, 2024, at his residence. 

Born September 28, 1959, in Bradford, he was a son of the late L. Wayne “Slick” and Patricia A. (Schadt) Bartlett.

He was a 1977 graduate of Bradford Area High School and attended the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford 

Dennis had been employed at Dresser Rand for 15 years and worked as a motorcycle mechanic for Race Honda.

He enjoyed fishing.

Patricia L. Dawley, 90, of Smethport, went to be with her Lord on Monday (December 9, 2024).

She was born August 8, 1934 in Richburg, NY the daughter of Charles W. and Maude C. (Edmiston) Billsborough . On August 14, 1954, in Rixford, PA, she married Kenneth R. Dawley, who died August 26, 2013. They were married for 69 years.

Betty J. Miller, 98, formerly of Chapel Ridge, in Bradford, passed away Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

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

Online condolences may be expressed at hollenbeckcahill.com

Shirley A. Miller, 90, of Wellsboro, passed away Tuesday December 3, 2024, in her home surrounded by family.  She was born August 1, 1934, in Runnemede, NJ, to Lawrence and Alice (Martin) Jones.  On November 28, 1958, she married Robert E. Miller with whom she shared 56 years of marriage.  Shirley owned and operated the Yellow Basket Shop for many years.  She enjoyed crafts and participated in craft fairs, and often worked food concessions at the Morris Snake Hunt.

Patricia “Pat” Long, 84, of Smethport, passed away Sunday (December 8, 2024) at Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.

She was born January 18, 1940 in Kane, PA, the daughter of James Milton and Margaret DiCapua (Button) Barr.

She was an Allied Security Guard employed by the Quaker State Refinery of Farmers Valley, an accountant, bar tender at the Maple’s Inn, server in multiple restaurants and other jobs she worked with pride and dignity, knowing she was providing an example of work ethics to her family.

She was a member of The Smethport Garden club, the Order of the Eastern Star #15, The King St. Discussion Group, Den Mother to Cub Scouts, supporter of Hamlin Memorial Library, and Author of “Inside the Fence”.

Patricia L. Dawley, 90, of Smethport, passed away Monday (December 9, 2024) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.

Arrangements will be announced by Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

Daniel J. Butchello, Jr. “Loving Brother & Uncle” 

Daniel J. Butchello, Jr. of 140 ½ S. Clinton Street passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. 

D.J. came into the world with a bang on July 4, 1960, in Olean and was the son of Daniel J. and Stephanie A. (Rieger) Butchello.

D.J. was a 1978 graduate of Olean High School where he was a gifted student. He attended Cornell University and later received his Bachelors of Business Administration degree in Finance from St. Bonaventure University in 1992. D.J. also excelled in athletics and was an especially fearsome competitor on the football field. He was a member of the undefeated 1977 Olean High School Football team that was ranked #1 in New York State and was named to the Big 30 All-Star Teams in both football and baseball.

Richard R. Steadman “Loving Father, Grandfather & Brother” 

 Richard R. Steadman of Portville Olean Road passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024, following an illness. 

 Richard was born on July 18, 1949, in Buffalo and was the son of Frederick R. and Elizabeth L. Robinson Steadman. He was formerly married to Nancy Marton. On June 14, 1993, at the Good News Chapel in Lewiston, Maine he married Linda A. MacDonald, who predeceased him on May 8, 2019. 

Jean T. Turney, 94, of Creekside Suites, Bradford, passed away Sunday, December 8, 2024 at her residence. 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com