Obituaries

LeRoy J. Soble, 92, of Langmaid Lane, Bradford, PA passed away Saturday,
March 9, 2024, surrounded by his family at Olean General Hospital.

Born June 24,1931, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Archie D. and
Bessie D. (Wimpy) Soble.

LeRoy enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard while in high school. He
graduated in 1949 from Bradford High School and was ordered into active
duty in the United States Army on February 14, 1950. He was stationed in
Germany until his honorable discharge on June 24, 1953.

On December 30, 1950, at the First United Methodist Church in Bradford,
he married the love of his life, Arlene M. (Stoddard) Soble, who preceded
him in death on April 15, 2017.

LeRoy worked as a meat cutter while in High School, returned to the trade
after serving three years in the service, and worked 28 years for Loblaws
and Tops. He retired from Olean Wholesale.

He was a member of and Past Worshipful Master of Masonic Lodge #334,
served as President the Bradford Lions Club and was a member for over
30 years. He was a former Cub Scout Leader, President of the West
Branch PTO, and volunteered with the West Branch Little League.

LeRoy enjoyed hunting, home projects, time spent with family, and a good
steak off the grill. After retirement, he pursued golf and he and Arlene
Wintered in Myrtle Beach, SC for numerous winters.

Janet L. Pesce, 83, formerly of 237 Madison Street, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully Friday, March 8, 2024, at Elk Haven Nursing Home.

She was born April 3, 1940, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Edward and Edna Zwald Leithner.

On May 2, 1959 in Queen of the World Church, she married the late Robert J. Pesce, Sr., who preceded her in death on December 8, 2023.  They were blessed to share 64 years of marriage together.

Janet was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1958.  She was employed at Andrew Kaul Memorial Hospital as a nurse’s aide in the emergency room.

Smethport – Thomas P. Murphy, Sr., 75, of Smethport, PA passed away Thursday (March 7, 2024) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.

He was born November 27, 1948 in Olean, NY, the son of Pascal and Harriet (Smith) Murphy. On January 26, 1973, in Farmers Valley, PA, he married Noressa Kay Rote, who died April 16, 2018.

Tom was a 1967 graduate of Smethport High School.  He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam.

Tom worked at North Penn Gas Co., now UGI, of Port Allegany for over 40 years, retiring in 2013.

He was a Life Member of the VFW Post #2497 of Smethport.  He loved deer and turkey hunting, along with trapping game.

He is survived by:

Virginia T. (Oshier) Mullen, age 85, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Born on November 15, 1938, in Faust, NY, Virginia, the daughter of the late Aleric and Hazel (Ayotte) Oshier and the beloved wife of George H. Mullen. Virginia enjoyed a loving childhood in North Tonawanda, NY, and spent her summers with relatives and maternal grandmother Delia Lagoy Ayotte at the family’s ancestral home in Tupper Lake. There, she learned to swim at Moody Beach on Little Wolf Pond, going on to teach swimming and lifesaving to generations of children.

Roxanna Dwyer               “beloved mother, grandmother, and aunt”

COUDERSPORT, Pa. – Roxanna “Roxy” Dwyer, 82, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed on Thursday, March 7, 2024,  at UPMC Cole Place, Coudersport, after a lengthy illness.

Born July 7, 1941, in Coudersport, PA, she was the daughter of the late Edgar D. and Betty French Brewer.  On May 5, 1970, she married the love of her life, Andrew J. Dwyer, who passed away on September 16, 2019.

Roxy was a member of the wonderful CHS Class of 1959 and served as the Senior Class Secretary. After graduation, she attended Fairmont State University, WV, and St. Bonaventure University, NY, majoring in English. She held many jobs: telephone operator, bookkeeper for her father’s Central Buick Garage, owner-operator in the trucking industry, and outbound telephone sales.

Roxy loved children and enjoyed teaching CCD classes for many years at St. Eulalia. She also loved animals, especially dogs, and her chestnut gelding, Jimmy Boy. Roxy was an accomplished rider, an excellent dancer, and an amazing singer,  blessed with a beautiful soprano voice. She was also the family photographer, compiling hundreds of photos over the years.

Roxy loved to travel and was fortunate to travel across the country with Andrew in their 18-wheeler. She enjoyed Disney World with her grandchildren, and several cruises, including a trip to Italy where she was able to visit the Vatican, a life-long dream. She was unselfish to a fault, often neglecting her own needs for the needs and well-being of her family. 

Alice Lorraine Childs: Loving Mother, Grandmother, and Sister

Alice Lorraine Childs, 96, of County Road 40, Clarksville, NY passed away Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the Absolut of Salamanca after a short illness.

Born on October 3, 1927, in Olean, she was a daughter of Louis E. and Cyrene Keller Kellogg.  She had been married to Harold Schmidt, Henry Benjamin, and Floyd Sisson and last to Albert F. Childs, all who predeceased her. 

Lorraine was a graduate of Olean High School Class of 1945.  While in high school she was employed at Dewey White’s Convenience Store.  She later graduated from Olean Business Institute. 

After her graduation from Olean Business Institute, she had worked at the St. Francis Hospital in Olean, Parish Hardware in Portville, AVX in Olean and last owned and operated Alice’s Restaurant in Franklinville.

Lorraine was a member of the West Clarksville Baptist Church and her religion was very important to her.  She also enjoyed crocheting and sewing.

She leaves behind;

Alisia S. Wood:  Mother, Grandmother, Daughter

Alisia S. Wood, 50, of 9729 Main Street, Machias, NY passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at Buffalo General Hospital after a brief illness.

Born on September 12, 1973, in Missoula, Montana, she was a daughter of Donald Wood and Beverly Duvall. 

Alisia was a graduate of Rushford Central School.

Some of her fondest childhood memories are spending time on Rushford Lake.  She loved to travel, any type of water and lived her life to the fullest.  Her grandchildren were the center of her life.  She was also proud to have been a cancer survivor. 

She leaves behind

Daniel K. “Mack” Lechner, 82, of St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 8, 2024.

He was born on June 5, 1941 in St. Marys, PA, a son of the late William and Sophie Barbarich Lechner.

On November 25, 1961, at Queen of the World Church, he married Carol Nussbaum, who survives. Together they shared more than 62 years of love, laughter, and marriage.

Mack was a 1959 graduate of Elk County Catholic High School. He went on to retire from Keystone Thermometrics after many years of service. He was a member of the St. Marys Moose, and in his free time enjoyed playing cards and going on trips to Salamanca. Mack excelled at bowling and was the city singles champ at one time. He could often be found telling jokes and making people laugh, or spending time on his porch taking care of flowers and watching hummingbirds. His family was the highlight of his life, he loved spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids, and going for car rides with his loving wife.

Gloria J. Vecellio, 87, of W. Irvine Street, Lewis Run, PA passed away peacefully at home in her sleep on Friday, March 8, 2024, at her residence.

Born August 6, 1936, in Crosby, she was a daughter of the late Albin and Ida (Frigo) Faes. She attended school in Crosby and graduated from Smethport High School.

On August 4, 1956 in Smethport, she married Clayton V. Vecellio, who survives.

Gloria was employed at Allegheny Bradford Corporation.

Roxanna Dwyer             

COUDERSPORT, Pa. – Roxanna “Roxy” Dwyer, 82, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, passed on Thursday, March 7, 2024,  at UPMC Cole Place, Coudersport, after a lengthy illness.

Family and friends may call on Thursday, March 14, 2024,  from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the gathering space at St. Eulalia Catholic Church, Coudersport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Christopher Wheeler, pastor, as celebrant.

Roxy’s family has entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse. 

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Roxy, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

A complete obituary with follow.

Janet L. Pesce, 83, formerly of 237 Madison Street, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully Friday, March 8, 2024, at Elk Haven Nursing Home. 

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

Daniel K. “Mack” Lechner, 82, of St. Marys, passed away peacefully at his home on March 8, 2024.

He was born on June 5, 1941 in St. Marys, PA, a Son of the late William and Sophie Barbarich Lechner.

On November 25, 1961, at Queen of the World Church, he married Carol Nussbaum, who survives. Together they shared more than 62 years of love and marriage.

Mack was a 1959 graduate of Elk County Catholic High School. He went on to retire from Keystone Thermometrics after many years of service. He was a member of the St. Marys Moose, and in his free time enjoyed playing cards and going on trips to Salamanca. Mack excelled at bowling and was the city singles champ at one time. He could often be found telling jokes and making people laugh, or spending time on his porch taking care of flowers and watching hummingbirds. His family was the highlight of his life, he loved spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids, and going for car rides with his loving wife.

Bruce J. Haight, 66, of Smethport, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at UPMC Cole, Coudersport.

He was born on January 24, 1958 in Bradford; a son of the late Edward and Freda Exley Haight.

He was a graduate of the Bradford Area High School.

Bruce was an avid fisherman who loved taking his grandchildren and great grandchildren fishing.  He enjoyed camping, watching local car races and spending time with his friends and family.  When he was younger; he also enjoyed hunting.

He was a U.S. Army veteran who served from September 1976 until his honorable discharge in December 1979.

Patricia A. Simonds, age 73, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Friday, March 8, 2024. 

She was born on May 1, 1950 in Wellsboro, PA, a daughter of the late Frederick and Marietta (Dexter) Coupe.

  Pat graduated from the Williamsport Community College and had volunteered at the Broad Acres Nursing Home, Wellsboro, PA.  She was married for 55 years to Clifford Simonds and attended the Coolidge Hollow Community Church.  She enjoyed walking, watching old TV shows, reading, selling Avon and living in Florida.

Robert W. SEELEY, 67, of St. Marys, PA, formerly of Westfield, died Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Bradford Regional Medical Center.  

Born February 21, 1957, in Wellsboro, he was the son of Robert Leroy and Winifred Tomb Seeley.  He was employed by Elcam, Inc. in St. Marys.  Robert was an animal lover.  He enjoyed going out to eat, country music, Dolly Parton, and watching The Price Is Right.  

John E. CORNEBY, 75, of Genesee, PA, died Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in his home following a long battle with dementia.   

Born April 26, 1948, in Waverly, NY, he was the son of Frank Edward and Grace Eloise Norris Corneby.  

A 1966 graduate of Athens High School, he earned a bachelor of science degree with highest honor in engineering in 1971 from LeTourneau College in Longview, TX.  He was a partner in Corneby Wood Products in Sayre, Whitesville Wood Products in Whitesville, NY, and Acorn Veneer in Whitesville.  He was last employed as a shop supervisor by Otis Eastern.  

Helen P. Snowman, 94, of Coudersport, PA passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, March 8, 2024. 

Helen was born on October 20, 1929, in Coudersport, the daughter of the late Gust and Bessie (Georgas) Psychos. She married Galen A. Snowman on July 12, 1958, in Coudersport, and celebrated 53 years of marriage until his passing on December 10, 2011. 

Helen was the valedictorian of Coudersport High School, Class of 1947. Her professional career started at an early age working alongside her parents at the family-owned confectionery, the Olympic. The Olympic was a gathering place for many young people and provided fond memories for the local community. She then worked for Production Credit in Coudersport, but left to start her family. She was a longtime Mary Kay Consultant (50+ years), and continued to be well into her 90’s. 

She was a dedicated member of the Christ Episcopal Church, the Eulalia Chapter #148 of the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Office Girls Club of Coudersport. In her earlier years, Helen enjoyed square dancing and sewing. She loved cooking and was well known for her Greek pastries during the holidays. She was very proud of her Greek heritage. Helen’s door was always open and she particularly enjoyed visiting with her friends and family on her front porch.

James C. Chapman, 76, of Vine St. in Warren, PA passed away Friday (March 1) at St. Vincents Hospital in Erie.  Born July 22, 1947 in Kane, he is the son of the late Luzerne and Ruth (Rymer) Chapman.

James had been employed as a social worker for the Warren State Hospital.

Travis J. Young, 42, of 139 Woodland Road, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at Penn Highlands DuBois.

He was born March 12, 1981 in St. Marys, son of John Young (Sandy Prechtel) of St. Marys and Joan Prechtel Thompson (Kevin) of Custer City.  He was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 2001, and employed at Jet Metals for 21 years.

On January 6, 2022, in St. Marys, Travis married Sarah M. Mineweaser, who survives.

Port Allegany- Norma J. DeHaven, 89, formerly of Grimes District Road, went to be with the lord on Wednesday (March 06, 2024) at Sena Kean Manor, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 04, 1934, she was the daughter of Clifford and Neva C. McNeil Grimes.  On June 26, 1954, at the Free Methodist Church in Port Allegany, she married Donald A. DeHaven who preceded her in death on February 02, 2010. They were married for 55 years.

Norma was a 1953 graduate of Port Allegany High School. She was previously employed by Sylvania, Cameo Doll Factory in Port Allegany, and then retired as a seamstress from Ethan Allen.

She was previously a member of the Pennsylvania Women’s Bowling Association and was a State Champion in 1983.  Also, she was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America, Enchanted Mountain Snowmobile Club, and previously attended the Free Methodist Church of Port Allegany where she was a Sunday School Teacher.

Norma enjoyed bowling, hunting, and had many stories to tell, snowmobiling, crafting and attending craft bazaars. She also enjoyed spending her summer weekends camping at the former Foote Rest Campground in Mt. Jewett. Norma also was an avid animal lover and loved to bake.

Smethport – Thomas Pascal Murphy, Sr., 75, of Smethport, PA passed away Thursday (March 7, 2024) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

Daniel Arthur Reiff

Daniel A. Reiff, 75, of Warren, PA passed away on March 5, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. He was born February 23, 1949, to the late Frantz and Johanne Reiff.

Dan was a 1967 graduate of Warren Area High School. He served during Vietnam with the U.S. Navy Attack Squadron 165 as hydraulics and structural mechanic on the Grumman A-6 Aircraft. Dan retired from United Refining Company in 2010 after 32.5 years of service.

He was a member of the Moose Lodge 109, American Legion Post 135, VFW Post 8803, and the Eagles Aerie 313. Dan was a member of the Disabled Veterans Chapter 75 where he was the treasurer for many years.  He was also Chairman of the DAV Walleye Tournaments for seven years, raising over $60,000 for our local veterans.  

He was a member and secretary of the Pennsylvania Office off-Highway Vehicle Association, Allegheny Trail Riders president for three years, Allegheny Alive, Jamestown Rifle Club, Sheffield Rod and Gun Club, Ridgeway Rifle Club, Pine Grove Sportsman’s Association Board of Directors for four years, NRA Benefactor Member, Ring of Freedom and Certified Basic Pistol Instructor, International Defensive Pistol Association as a Safety Officer on the range as well as participant in Level II and III Tournaments in addition to local monthly matches, Chautauqua Camera Club, and Warren Camera Club.

He visited 33 countries and 35 states. His most recent accomplishment was being member of the team that won the St. Susan benefit Trivia in Jamestown NY and meeting “Cash Cab” host Ben Bailey.

Kenneth Prouty, age 91, of Gaines, PA, entered the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at Sheila’s Personal Care Home in Mansfield, PA.

He was born on February 17, 1933 in Watrous, PA, the son of Harold and Margaret (Fuller) Prouty. He owned and operated Kenshire Kampsite and was a member of Valley Alliance Church in Wellsboro, PA. Kenneth was also a member of The Gideon’s and Roving Volunteers in Christ’s Service (RVICS). He enjoyed restoring John Deere tractors.

Robert “Bob” M. McCann, 59, of 23 Gilbert Lane, Bradford, PA passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at his residence.

Born May 19, 1964, in Bradford, he was a son of Maxine (Lerch) McCann, of Bradford and the late Robert E. McCann. Bob was a 1982 graduate of Bradford Central Christian High School.

On October 25, 1986, in St. Bernard Church, he married Christina “Tina” K. (Miller) McCann, who survives.

Bob worked at Tops, Sal’s and Son’s, and Pure Tech. He was employed for 26 years at FCI McKean for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, where he retired in 2015 as the Gardener Supervisor. After he retired from the Prison, he worked at the University of Pittsburgh Bradford in Facilities Management.

Bob was a member of the Corydon Township Volunteer Fire Department and the Eagles Club. He loved walleye fishing as well as turkey hunting, camping, Notre Dame Football, and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bob was an incredible craftsman and handyman. He took great pride in the carpentry and construction projects he completed throughout his life.  

Dale A. Thurston, 76, of 106 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA passed away Thursday, February 29, 2024, at his residence.

Born September 4, 1947, in Olean, NY, he was a son of the late Lawrence A. and Joanne (Reynolds) Thurston.

He graduated in 1966, from Salamanca High School. After graduating, he enlisted on November 7, 1966, in the United States Army and served four years as an SP4 in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on October 28, 1969. Dale was a self-employed and talented house painter, who also enjoyed painting and drawing.

Dale had attended the Lutheran Church in Olean and was a member of the Bradford American Legion Post 108.

Michelle C. Laughner, 42, of Punxsutawney, formerly of Ridgway, PA died unexpectedly at her home on Monday, March 4, 2024.

She was born on February 3, 1982, a daughter of David Pepper and Laurie Lenze Laughner.

Michelle was a graduate of Ridgway High School and was part of the soccer and track teams. In her free time, she enjoyed walking dogs, finding solace in the company of furry friends. Michelle’s nurturing nature extended beyond animals, as she adored her nephews and niece, showering them with love and affection.

                             Debra Robeson

Debra Jeanne Robeson, of Russell, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the Rouse Home, Youngsville, PA.

Debbie was born January 17, 1937, in Cleveland, OH to Ford and Margaret Baker Gibson.  She married Earl S. “Sonny” Robeson on May 5, 1956.  They left Cleveland in 1966, to move to a farm in Russell, PA.

Living in the country in a farmhouse was always her dream.

Debbie loved flower gardening, and at one point had 13 flower beds.  She enjoyed scrapbooking, quilting, and creating/building dollhouses were all hobbies she loved.  She filled her farmhouse with antiques and many collections.

She was a member of Cable Hollow Church, the Hill and Dale Garden Club for many years.  Debbie will be greatly missed by family and friends. 

Robert F. Kinney, 99, of Port Allegany, PA passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024 in Coudersport Pa.

Robert arrived on Christmas Day 1924, just as the noon train passed by, born a son to Fred and Esther (Seyler) Kinney, on the Portage Road Kinney Farm, Port Allegany PA. He had four siblings; John, Orton, and James Kinney and a sister Belle (Jack) Ball.

Bob remained and worked on the family farm until the age of eighteen at which time he enlisted
in the Army and volunteered for the Ski Patrol. Following basic training at Camp Hale he left for Italy as a member of the io” Mountain Division Ski Troop. He was a very proud World War II Veteran who enjoyed sharing stories of his service years. Following the War he returned to Port Allegany and on November 20, 1948 married his sweetheart, Bernadine Thrash.

At a young age, Bob developed an interest in old automobiles that continued throughout his 99 years, including the acquisition and sale of old car parts, along with sharing his knowledge with other antique car buffs. One of his most treasured automobiles was rumored to have been originally purchased by notorious bank robber John Dillinger for his girlfriend Mary Longnecker.

His final working years before retirement were spent with the former North Penn Gas Company where he developed many long-lasting friendships.

A lover of animals he was rarely without a dog. In later years he could be found on many a summer day sitting on his front porch, with his dog, waiting for a passerby, looking forward to a visit.

Bob was a member of the AACA, Liberty Lodge # 505 Free and Accepted Masons and the Coudersport Consistory.

                             Beverly Check

Beverly Johnson Check, 72, a resident of Lebanon, OH., and formerly of Warren, PA, died Wednesday morning, March 6, 2024, after an extended illness.  Bev was born March 25, 1951, she was the daughter of Leonard Carl and Elaine Chiodo Johnson.  She was a lifelong Warren area resident.  Bev was a 1969 graduate of Warren Area High School and earned her registered nursing degree from University of Pittsburgh-Bradford.  She was employed with the Warren State Hospital as a registered nurse. 

Bev was a member of St.  Joseph R.C. Church.

Kathy L. Mesler:  Loving Wife, Mother, and Grandmother

Kathy L. Mesler, 63, of 7934 Rte. 417W., Bolivar, NY passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at Sisters Hospital, Buffalo, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on August 4, 1960, in Wellsville, she was a daughter of Kenneth M. and Margaret Nolan Gilliland.  On June 6, 1981, in Obi, she married Michael M. Mesler who survives.

Kathy had worked for AVX and AMC in Olean until they closed.  She then worked for Northern Lights in Wellsville until her retirement due to illness.

She loved snowmobiling, camping, and UTV riding.  Kathy enjoyed crafting and going to antique stores. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family. Kathy was always up for an adventure. 

In addition to her husband, she is survived by