Obituaries

Kimberly A. (Wetherbee) Warriner, 61, of Wellsboro, passed away Friday January 17, 2025, surrounded by family, at UPMC Williamsport. 

She was born August 29, 1963 in Blossburg, to Gordon A. and Marjorie G. (Mudge) Wetherbee, she earned her Associate’s Degree and on October 15, 1988, married Timothy Warriner.  Kim worked at Dunham’s Department Store in Wellsboro, and for more than 20 years managed the Sporting Goods and Automotive Departments at Walmart, and was a Teachers’ Aide in the Wellsboro School District. She loved community events, especially Dickens and Laurel Festival, and enjoyed photography especially taking pictures of people who weren’t her, Kim also enjoyed bird watching.  Kim was an avid sports fan, and served as an assistant coach of the Wellsboro Middle School softball team and the Wellsboro High School volleyball team, and was very supportive of the school teams and enjoyed the high school band performances.  But most of all Kim loved her family and was a devoted mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend.

Thomas J. Cleary, Jr., 89, of Emporium, PA passed away at Penn Highlands DuBois, DuBois, PA on Friday evening (January 17, 2025). He was born February 10, 1935 in Emporium, PA a son of the late Thomas J. and Julia Hout Cleary.

Tom graduated from Cameron County High School and served with the US Navy from 1956 through 1960. He retired from Cameron County School District where he worked for many years and also was a bus driver for over 38 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 990, Emporium, Christabelle Club, the VFW and St. Mark Catholic Church.

Martin E. Watson

Martin E. “Marty” Watson, 90 years young, of Sanford, NC, a former longtime resident of Millport, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, in his home with his loving family by his side.

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.

Larry A. Packer, age 85, of Middlebury Center, PA, died on Friday, January17, 2025. 

He was born on October 28, 1939 in Dansville, NY, a son of the late Lawrence and Laura (Lawrence) Packer and was married to Marie (Glerum) Packer.  Larry was an electrician for most of his live and was a member of the Whitneyville United Methodist Church.  He was a member of the IBEW Local 86, Rochester, NY, F&AM lodge # 392, Sodus, NY and enjoyed hunting, square dancing, watching western movies and going to Florida in the winter. 

Darla M. DAVIS, 58, of Westfield, PA, died Thursday, January 16, 2025.  Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Terry L. Hurlburt of Cuba, NY passed peacefully in his sleep on Jan 15, 2025, age 72 in Erie, PA. 

Born November 8, 1952 in Olean, NY to William and Anna Bertha Mott Hurlburt, Terry loved the rural life he was born into and spent his life in Hinsdale and Cuba, though he traveled widely whenever he had the opportunity.  Terry’s childhood was spent on his parents Hinsdale farm, baling hay, hunting, fixing equipment, riding ponies and horses, playing basketball and developed a lifelong love for classic vehicles.  His nickname on the court was “Big T”. 

Terry graduated from Hinsdale high school in 1970 and Alfred State College in 1972.  The same year he married Cathy Swift on Sept 8, 1972.  Terry worked at Acme Electric from 1973-1975 as a draftsman.  Terry and Cathy purchased a farm in Cuba in 1973 and began milking cows in an old tie stall barn.  They raised five daughters on the farm. 

Linda Lee (Cenni) Giovanini, of 805 Stonehedge Meadows Drive, Ridgway, PA died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, January 17 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

She was born on March 1, 1948, in Ridgway, a daughter of the late Ray and Emma Castagnari Cenni.

On June 27, 1970, she married the love of her life, David Giovanini, who survives.

Linda was a graduate of Ridgway High School Class of 1966, where she was Snowball Queen. She was employed by the US Postal Service for 20 years, serving as a clerk in Kersey, PA. She was a volunteer in the community donating her time with the March of Dimes, Meals on Wheels, and as a ticket taker and usher at Penn State Football games. She was always eager to help friends and family. She had an enthusiastic smile that would light up any room.

Joseph S. Baker, 53, of Austin, PA passed away at his residence on Tuesday morning (January 14, 2025). He was born March 21, 1971 in Coudersport, PA a son of Myrtle Schweikart Baker, Emporium and the late Franklin Lewis Baker.

Joe graduated from Austin High School in the class of 1989 and served with the US Air Force from 1990 through 1994. He worked, as an electrician, for several years at Amphenol. He was a member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, a member of the Austin Volunteer Fire Department and served over 22 years with the Ridgway Fire Department. He was also very active in Scouting America with Troop 93, Ridgway.

Peter C. Bosnik, 68, of 319 Sorg Street, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly Thursday January 16, 2025 at his residence.

He was born January 8, 1957, in St. Marys, son of the late Edward and Elizabeth “Betty” Straub Bosnik.  He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1975.  Pete was employed by the Straub Brewery, where he dedicated fifty years to the organization.

Laura A. Myslinski, 69, of Pinecrest Manor, St. Marys, and formerly of Johnsonburg, passed away Wednesday evening, January 15, 2025, at Penn Highlands-Elk following a brief illness. She was born on January 5, 1956, in Ridgway, a daughter to the late Leon J. and Mary Redmond Myslinski. 

A resident of Pinecrest since 2015, Laura spent most of her life in Johnsonburg. She attended Johnsonburg schools and was a member of Holy Rosary Church. She liked to spend her time playing games with friends and family and loved to color with pencil and crayon.

Martin W. “Marty” GODRA, 86, of Wellsboro, PA, died Wednesday, November 13, 2024.  

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 18, 2025 in the First Baptist Church, 234 W. Main St., Galeton, PA 16922.  

Condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Francis P. Rovito, born October 7, 1934 in Bradford, PA to Fiore A. Rovito and Rose Marie Nepher Rovito passed away peacefully on January 10th, 2025 at the age of 90. 

He is survived by loving wife, Judy (Kelly) Rovito. They were married October 17, 1959.

Fran was a 1953 graduate of Bradford Area High School. He entered the Navy in 1955 and served on the USS Orion AS18 submarine tender as an Electrician’s Mate, 3rd Class. He was honorably discharged in 1957. He worked as a Journeyman Electrician for 45 years and was a member of the IBEW Local 5.

Fran was an avid gardener and was a certified Penn State Master Gardener. Fran acted as a mentor and consultant for many novice gardeners during his tenure as Master Gardener. Additionally, Fran was an active member of the Men’s Garden Club and Bonsai Society, Pittsburgh. 

Frank E. BACON, Jr., 79, of Bolivar, NY, died Monday, January 13, 2025 in his home. 

Born April 2, 1945, in Wellsville, he was the son of Frank E. and Mary L. Burnett Bacon.  A graduate of Allentown High School, he was employed by Plants & Goodwin Oil Field in Shinglehouse, PA. 

Surviving are: a cousin, John Burnett of Dansville; and friends, Raymond and Jodell Oberst of Bolivar.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Peggy Crissman and Norma Dodson.  Services will be private.  Burial will be in Knight’s Creek Cemetery, Scio.  

Memorials may be made to SPCA in Cattaraugus County, 2944 Route 16, Olean, NY 14760.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Donald M. Ferguson:  Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather

Donald M. Ferguson, 91, of 572 Horse Run Road, Little Genesee, passed away Monday, January 13, 2025 at home surrounded by family after a lengthy illness.

Born on July 30, 1933, in Brocton, New York he was a son of Merle and Alice (Ward) Ferguson.  On July 5, 1954, in Brocton, he married the former Nina Howard who predeceased him on January 20, 2019.

Don was a graduate of Brocton High School Class of 1951.  He then went to Alfred State College for Ceramic Engineering.

Rita Salerno, 68, of Wellsboro, passed away, Monday January 13, 2025, at UPMC-Wellsboro.  She was born on September 15, 1956, in Bronx, NY, the daughter of the late, Nicholas and Bruna (Ambrosi) LaMantia.  She married Robert R. Salerno on March 10, 2007. 

Rita was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary, Mansfield, the American Legion Post 49 Auxiliary Vets Club, Troy, the Wellsboro Social Club, and loved her dog, Buddy.

Adelaide “Addie” M. Stanton of 101 High Point Drive, Kane, PA, passed away at the Lutheran Home at Kane and was welcomed into her new Heavenly home in Heaven with Jesus.

Born January 8, 1929, in Crosby, PA, she was a daughter of Glenn and Olive McDowell.  In March of 1946, she married George Stanton. He preceded her in death in 1995.

Addie started her work career right out of high school at Herzog Mfg. She was a homemaker for 10 years, then rejoined the workforce at Backus Novelty. She also worked and managed the Smethport Tastee Freeze for 5 years for Ed and Helen Harmon. She also managed a dress shop for Trudy Robey. In 1969, she joined Jaguar Mfg. for the next 22 years, as plant manager. In that 22 years, she spent 5 years driving to Clearfield and was the quality control manager for Target Sportswear. Upon her retirement at 65, she went to work at the Smethport High School as a cafeteria worker. She also spent many volunteer hours at the Smethport Family Practice, filing charts, answering the phones, and working the desk. She was hired for 15 hours per week to continue working as a receptionist, until she retired at the age of 85. She once said of her management position, “It only takes a few years of encouragement to bring out the best in a person”. Her work ethic was impeccable.  She also on the weekends helped her sister, Phyllis, and her friend, Rose, to cater dinners nearly every weekend. The best food ever!!

Gloria Harvey, 83, of 508 Charles Street, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Elk Haven Nursing Home. 

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

Grace J. GEFFERS, 91, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of Belmont, died Tuesday, January 14, 2025 in Jones Memorial Hospital.  Born October 25, 1933, in Andover, she was the daughter of Winfred C. and Clara M. Perham Pero. 

On June 28, 1953, in Wellsville, she married Donald T. Geffers, who predeceased her on May 16, 2017.  Grace was a former member of the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in Wellsville and currently attended Brookside Wesleyan Church in Wellsville.  She was a devoted Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many.  Most of all, she highly valued her personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  

Dorothy M. Bon, 96, a resident of Kane Lutheran Home and formerly of 455 Wolfel Avenue, St. Marys, passed away peacefully at the Kane Lutheran Home on Monday, January 13, 2025.

Dorothy was born on June 10, 1928, daughter to the late William and Clara Lenze Breindel.  She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1947. 

On June 23, 1951, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dorothy married the late Ludwig L. Bon, Jr., who preceded her in death on February 14, 2013.

David Lee Bennett, Sr., 79, of 47 Corwin Lane, Bradford, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025, at UPMC Cole Hospital in Coudersport unexpectedly.

Born on May 29, 1945, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Charles and Bernice (Burt) Bennett, III, and was a 1964 graduate from Bradford High School.

On July 18, 1964, at the Bradford East End Presbyterian Church, David married his high school sweetheart, Irona Mae (Ramer) Bennett, who survives.

David worked at Kendall-Witco Refinery where he retired in 1998 after 25 years.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 749 of Bradford, where he served two years as Worshipful Master in 2020-2021. David was also a member of the Bradford American Legion Post 108.

He was known for being an avid camper, including being a member of the Targle Foote Camp Club. Along with being a camper, David loved the outdoors and hunted his whole life. David was also known as “Mr. Fix-It” when it came to repairing lawn mowers and watches. Above all, David loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Kaye L. Little, 85, of Columbia Hill Road, Smethport, passed away peacefully Friday, January 10, 2025, at her home, with her family by her side.

Born August 2, 1939, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Lloyd and Myra (Lineman) Newman.

Kaye was a 1957 graduate of Bradford Area High School.

On August 20, 1960, she married Bernard J. Little at the Sawyer E.U.B. Church in Bradford. They were married for 51 years until his death.  

Kaye was a Military Wife and a Homemaker. She lived all over the United States and Germany, making a loving home wherever they were stationed. Kaye was a member of the United Methodist Church of Smethport and a member of the Phoenix Chapter No. 15 Order of the Eastern Star. Her family was everything to Kaye. She loved spending time with family, whether it be at events or just sitting around talking at the kitchen table. Kaye was also extremely supportive of all of her son’s sports and activities, rarely ever missing any events. She loved gardening and especially growing and caring for flowers. Kaye also enjoyed canning vegetables from the garden and apple butter from her own apple trees. She truly loved Christmas and always made it special with making Christmas cookies, hard rock candy, and incredible meals. 

Gerald Eugene “Jerry” Brennen, Jr., 82, of 419 Gay Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on Monday, January 13, 2025 at his residence.

Jerry was born February 11, 1942 in St. Marys, son of the late Gerald and Edna Wolfel Brennen, Sr.  He was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1960.  He was an employee at Speer Carbon Company where he served as Plant Manager and retired from the company in 2000.  Jerry was a proud veteran of the United States Army Reserve and United States Air Force.

On February 16, 1963, at Sacred Heart Church, Jerry married Ethel “Ann” Ford, who survives.  They were blessed to share sixty-one years of marriage.

Beverly A. Harnish, 92, of Wellsboro, passed away peacefully, Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Green Home, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on December 21, 1932, in Morris, the daughter of the late Prosper E. and Anita Irene (VanZandt) Yohe.  She married Robert B. Harnish on May 11, 1985. 

Beverly graduated from Wellsboro High School, Class of 1952.  She was a retired L.P.N., she worked for the Blossburg State Hospital from 1956-1972, and the North Penn Comprehensive Health Services from 1973-1997.  Beverly attended the Coolidge Hollow United Methodist Church, she was a member of the Cowanesquee Chapter #33 Order of the Eastern Star, Westfield.  She volunteered with Laurel Home Health and Hospice from 2000-2016.  She enjoyed time at Hickory Hill Camping Resort in Bath, NY, gardening, bird watching, reading, her black labs, and holidays with her grandchildren, especially hiding eggs for the Easter egg hunt.

Steven L. GOSS, 65, of Shinglehouse, PA, died Friday, January 10, 2025 in Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.  

Born February 13, 1959, in Canandaigua, NY, he was the son of Kennard E. “Shorty” and Irene M. Romig Goss.  A U.S. Army Veteran, he served honorably from 1976 – 1979.  He was employed as a heavy equipment mechanic by L.C. Whitford in Wellsville.  Steve was a member of American Legion Post #530 in Shinglehouse.