Judith Marie Barnhart Wilson, 85, of Warren, Pa, died on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, in her home.
She was born July 23, 1939, in Warren, Pa, the daughter of the late Donald Betts Barnhart and Gladys Banks Barnhart. She married Dennis Allen Wilson on October 13,1960, in St. Callistus Church in Kane, Pa, and he passed on August 30, 2010.
Carl Joseph Luppino, 88, of Warren, PA died suddenly on January 2, 2025, after suffering a heart attack. He bravely battled Parkinson’s Disease for several years.
Carl was born as Carmelo Giuseppe Luppino on November 7, 1936, in Tionesta, PA to the late Nicola and Concetta Leuzzi Luppino. Carl graduated from Franklin High School in 1954, and then served in the U.S. Navy for three years.
Thomas R. Peterson, 88, of North Warren, PA, went to be with our Lord on Thursday December 26, 2024, in the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House, after an extended illness.
Tom was born on July 19, 1936, in Nansen, McKean County, PA, the son of the late Oscar R. and Mary E. Weaver Peterson. He was a Warren County resident for the last 65 years. After moving to North Warren, Tom began his employment career with the Warren Water Company which eventually became the Pennsylvania American Water Company a subsidiary of the American Water System. After 41 years he retired as Warren and Kane’s facility manager.
Ellis S. Pringle of 3rd Ave passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, following an illness.
Ellis was born on July 28, 1965, in Brooklyn and was the son of Mary Ann Pringle.
Ellis enjoyed life and being able to inspire people. He was always willing to help anyone. He was very giving and proud of all of his children and always giving back to the community.
John L. Luchs, 91, of Ridgway, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Penn Highlands Elk.
He was born on December 3,1933, in Portland Mills, a son of the late Lola Luchs.
On February 19, 1952, he married the late June Marie Gardner, who preceded in death on July 21, 2020.
John was known as “Papa” by everyone – you did not have to be related by blood to be one of his children or grandchildren. He lived a life that embraced the beauty of nature and the serenity of the woods. He dedicated many years of his life to his work as a logger, where he found joy and fulfillment among the trees and the tranquility of the outdoors. Family was the cornerstone of John’s life; he loved nothing more than going on family vacations, growing his beloved tomato garden, playing cards, and spending quiet moments feeding the birds.
Catherine Coleen Lyons (Cathy), 81, of Emporium, PA, passed away on January 1, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family in her final moments.
Catherine was born on September 30, 1943, in Cameron County, PA, to James and Ann Barr Williams. A proud graduate of Cameron County High School in 1961, Cathy’s life was marked by her love of people, nature, and animals, as well as her tireless dedication to her family and community.
Her career journey was as diverse as her interests. She began in the field of nursing, then transitioned to work as a veterinary technician in Oklahoma, before finding her calling with the U.S. Postal Service. Cathy worked her way up from a postal carrier to serving as Postmaster in Elko, Nevada, and later in Bradford, PA, where she eventually retired.
Cathy’s passion for animals extended beyond her career. In Nevada, she volunteered with 4-H programs, teaching children about horses, and earned a raptor rehabilitation license. Partnering with the U.S. Forest Service, she rescued and rehabilitated injured birds of prey and other wildlife, ensuring their return to the wild.
Hugh “Slugger” Rockwell, 73, of Brick Yard Rd. in Kane, passed away Thursday (Jan. 2) at Sena Kean Manor. Born May 6, 1951 in Warren, he is the son of the late Hugh and Lois Rockwell. On March 18, 1977 in Kane, he married Cindy Chittester, who survives.
Hugh had worked at Kane Screens and more recently at Kellington Protective Services.
Helen M. Olshefski, 84, of Bradford, Pennsylvania, peacefully left this world on December 22, 2024, embraced in love and surrounded by her family. Born on October 9, 1940, in Bradford, Helen was a loving and devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Helen’s kindness knew no bounds, she was a living example of empathy, wisdom, and unconditional love. Through her, many experienced a depth of love that few will ever know. In times of uncertainty, she had an extraordinary gift for simplifying life’s complexities. Her advice always brought comfort, and the way she spoke made the path to resolution feel clear and filled with hope. Helen’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and selflessness. Her warmth and gentle nature touched the hearts of all who knew her, and her memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to experience her kindness.
Charles E. Spiegel, 72, of Coudersport, passed away Thursday (January 2, 2025) at his residence in Coudersport. He was born June 6, 1952 in Port Allegany, the son of James and Janet (Billsborough) Spiegel. On November 21, 1970, in Eldred, he married Suzanne I. Ours, who survives. They were married for fifty-four years.
Charles was a 1970 graduate of Port Allegany High School and worked for the PA Department of Transportation, retiring in 1997. While employed with PennDOT he built many local bridges. He loved working with his hands and building anything he could, including his own home. He built many special things and pieces of furniture for various family members.
He was a member of the Turtlepoint Evangelical Church. He loved to sing hymns and his favorite was It Is Well With My Soul.
Lynn M. SMITH, 66, of Friendship, NY, died Thursday, January 2, 2025 in her home.
Born February 1, 1958, in Cuba, she was the daughter of Stanley and Doris Graham Davenport. On August 24, 1984, in Pekin, she married Roger D. Smith, who survives. She was a 1976 graduate of Franklinville Central School. Later in life, she earned an associate’s degree in drafting from Niagara Community College. Lynn was employed by the University of Buffalo in the engineering department for a few years and then traveled on the road with Roger for his work. She was a member of the Richburg Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Lynn enjoyed doing crafts, carving wooden walking sticks, making Swedish weaving blankets, baking, and camping. She also loved to collect rocks, crystals, and seashells.
John G. Peet, 87, a lifelong resident of Hebron, passed away in his home with his loving wife by his side on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, after a brief illness.
Born on Friday, July 23, 1937 in Port Allegany, he was a son of Robert H. and Marie L. Metzger Peet. On May 10, 1969 in the Hebron Seventh Day Baptist Church, he married Karlene S. Parker, who survives.
John was a graduate of Coudersport High School, Class of 1956. He attended Penn State University for animal husbandry and business administration. He also attended Pitt Bradford studying gerontology.
John, along with his wife, owned and operated Sunset Valley Farm. Early in his working career, he was employed as a technician with N.E.P.A. as an artificial inseminator. For 35 years, John was employed at the former Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport, holding various positions including opening the Physical Therapy department. For the majority of John’s career, he was the director of Recreational Services for the hospital, a position that he truly enjoyed.
For over 54 years, John served as treasurer of the Woodland Cemetery Association and for over 62 years, he was the caretaker of the cemetery, a position he was truly dedicated to serve.
With an avid interest in history, John was a member of the Potter County Historical Society in Coudersport. He was also a member and master of Odin Grange #1254 in Odin and a member and master of Potter County Pomona Grange #54. He was also a member of the National Trust for Historical Preservation and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Damon M. Carlson, 30, of Ridgway, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at his residence.
He was born on May 17, 1994, a son of Lesley Carlson and the late Christopher Kinley.
Damon dedicated his life to his greatest joy: his children. He poured his heart and soul into parenting, providing unwavering love and care. He found immense joy in sharing adventures with his best friend, Derek, whether they were casting lines on serene fishing trips, embracing the thrill of hunting, or enjoying the excitement of the races. His love for family was evident in every laugh, every embrace, and every memory they created together.
Ricky Joe Fink, 69, of 655 Bolivar Dr., Bradford, gained his angel wings on December 30, 2024 at UPMC Hamot Hospital, Erie.
Ric was born on February 10, 1955 in Bradford; a son of the late Edward and Theresa Fink.
Ric was an avid Jeep lover his whole life. Envisioning and customizing many, the last of which he took to car shows and won multiple trophies for. Ric retired from selling cars, where he was known as an honest salesman. Ric spent his retired years detailing cars and working at the car wash in Foster Brook. Each morning after work, Ric could be found at Tim Hortons enjoying his coffee and conversation with friends.
Ralph J. “Babe” HARRISON, 90, of Roulette, PA, died Tuesday, December 31, 2024 in UPMC Cole.
Born December 22, 1934, in Elco, he was the son of Ralph and Tornada Roberts Harrison. On November 17, 1955, in Port Allegany, he married Kaye A. Hayner, who survives. A 1953 graduate of Port Allegany High School, he was employed by Pittsburgh Corning in Port Allegany, retiring as superintendent. Ralph was a member of Riverside Methodist Church in Roulette, Port Allegany Lodge #505, F & AM, Smethport Country Club, and a life member of the Roulette Fire Department.
John G. Peet, 87, a lifelong resident of Hebron, passed away in his home with his loving wife by his side on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, after a brief illness.
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.
John Simons, 78, of Park Ave., passed away Tuesday (Dec. 31) in UPMC-Hamot. Born Sept. 1, 1946 in Kane he is the son of the late Harvey and Charlotte (Trimble) Simons. He married Karen Sherwood, who survives, in Kane on June 24, 1972.
John served four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He then worked at Kane Handle until it closed and Holm Industries until his retirement. He was an active member of the Kane Community Methodist Church.
Gladys M. (Risinger) “Grandma Tootie” Ramsey, 93, of Shinglehouse, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at UPMC Cole, in Coudersport. She was born November 14, 1931, in Indiana, PA to Charles Edgar and Anna Marie (Sundburg) Risninger.
Della O. Vanness of Brook Street passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.
Della was born on January 8, 1959, in Olean and was the daughter of Paul J. and Grace E. Smith Kayes Sr. On July 14, 1984, at Trinity United Methodist Church she married Timothy J. Vanness, who survives.
Tracy Lynn Scott, born March 23, 1972, beloved daughter of David and Nancy Scott of Canandaigua, NY passed away suddenly Thursday, December 26th, 2024. She was a vibrant and unique spirit, leaving a legacy of love and laughter.
Cecil A. Miller, 59, of Birch St., passed away of Friday (Dec. 27) at UPMC-Kane. Born in Kane on Jan 5, 1965, he is the son of the late Robert Miller and Judith Rockwell.
Shirley A. Pedine, 95, formerly Lewis Run, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born April 11, 1929, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Angelo and Antoinette (Alvino) Vinca, Jr. She was a 1948 graduate of St. Bernard School.
On June 16, 1950, in St. Bernard Church, she married Julio J. Pedine, who preceded her in death on April 23, 2012.
Shirley had been employed for nearly 30 years as an Insurance Adjuster for Russell Parrot.
She was a member of St. Bernard Church, and a former member of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church.
Shirley enjoyed hosting Sunday family dinners. and attending BACPAC events.
Gary O. ERWAY, 77, of Ulysses, PA, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport. Born August 7, 1947, at home in Newfield, he was the son of L. Clifton and Mary E. Gearhart Erway.