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The Potter-Tioga Maple weekend is celebrating their 21st year of hosting the art of maple syrup creation. There are 17 participating farms and educational experiences throughout the two counties on March 15 and 16 from 10 AM - 4 PM. Photo by Andy Lychalk, Jr.
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Juan A. DeJesus, 49, of Jamestown, NY, passed away Monday, February 26, 2024, at UPMC Chautauqua at WCA.
Born on September 16, 1974, in Ponce, Puerto Rico he was a son of the late Ines M. (Martinez) Thacker and Jose DeJesus, who survives.
He enjoyed riding ATV’s, camping, fishing, and watching the San Francisco 49ers, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He also enjoyed playing basketball when he was younger.
Sara Ann Murphy MSW, R-LCSW, of Tonawanda, NY, formerly of Bradford, entered eternal life on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Father Baker Manor, in Orchard Park, NY.
She entered earthly life on March 5, 1939, in Punxsutawney, she was a daughter of the late Francis P. and Frances (Behan) Murphy.
Sara was a 1957 graduate of St. Bernard School, she graduated from St. Marys of the Woods, in Terre Haute, IN with a Bachelors of Science degree in Socialology in 1961, and a MSW in Clinical Social work from the University of Buffalo Graduate School of Social Work in 1968.
She started her career as a Girl Scout coordinator of Western Pennsylvania, and 41 years at Catholic Charities in Buffalo, NY, retiring as Regional Supervisor of Early School Intervention and Dropout Services. She also served as a Clinical Consultant for Hospice of Western New York and volunteered with the Women’s Respite Program. She earned the University of Buffalo Social worker of the Year in 1993.
Sara loved her family, friends, colleagues, so very much as well as her ministry as a social worker and parish member at St. Leo the Great Church, in Amherst NY, where she was a Lector and Eucharist Minister. She volunteered at the Women’s Respite Program.
Our Lord and the Blessed Mother were her number ones, as well as her beloved Ireland. Sara rejoiced in her years of great friendship with her classmates and so enjoyed their company and greeting cards throughout the years.
Mary Kienzle helped care for Sara these recent years at their home and at Father Baker Manor.
RIXFORD — Brice C. “Chucker” Irons, 61, of Moody Hollow, passed away at home on Wednesday (Feb. 28, 2024).
Born on June 7, 1962, in Olean, N.Y., he was the son of Clark S. and Jean Bowden Irons. He married Kathy Davis, who survives.
Chucker was a lifelong resident of Rixford and was employed as an operator at Swanson and Sons in Bradford. He loved tinkering in his garage, it was his favorite place to be.
Ret Tpr. Jack W. Haase, 82, of Wellsboro, PA passed away on February 27, 2024, at UPMC Williamsport. He was born on April 11, 1941, to Ret. USN Cpt. A. Richard and Artemus Jacqueline (Wessel) Haase in Pittsburgh, PA. On December 9, 1972, he married Elizabeth “Betty” (Cappelli) Haase.
He served in the USMC at Guantanamo Bay during the Cuba Missile Crisis, was a Plank owner on the USS Enterprise CVN65, before becoming a Pennsylvania State Trooper and working security at the Tioga County Courthouse in which he had the small courtroom named in his honor.
Jack was an avid outdoorsman having enjoyed camping, hiking, photography, and fishing. He also found joy in reading especially Civil War history and Theology. Jack wrote for the Pennsylvania State Police Communicator ‘Retiree Scoop’. He loved his pet cats and especially his dogs.
Darryl H. Cline: Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Son
Darryl H. Cline, 60, of 8152 Geere Road, Belfast, NY passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Wellsville, after a lengthy illness.
Born on August 27, 1963, in Cuba, he was a son of Homer J. Cline and Barbara Shelley Cline Bliven. On August 27, 1987, at the Cuba First Baptist Church, he married the former Lauri A. Bixby, who survives.
Darryl was a graduate of Belmont Central School Class of 1981. While in high school he attended the BOCES program and received his Welding Certificate.
After high school he had worked for the Friendship Foundry, API in Arcade and was a maintenance man at the Cuba McDonalds. He was last employed as a fork truck operator and laborer for Crown-Y Recycling in Cuba.
Hunting, fishing and carpentry were just a few things he enjoyed doing.
Mary Lou (Selleck) Wertz, age 82, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.
She was born on March 16, 1941 in Towanda, PA, a daughter of the late Waldo Selleck and Eleanor (Wilcox) Lattimer.
She graduated from Athens High School, class of 1959. Mary was married to Ed Wertz for 64 years and retired from both Dresser Manufacturing and Laurel Health Systems where she was Personnel Director and Director of Development respectively.
She loved to paint, spend time with her grandchildren, family and friends in Oak Island, NC, as well as traveling with her best friend Sandy Griscavage. She was an Executive Member of the Republican National Committee as well as a member of the Artists Guild, Wellsboro Women’s Chorus, Ladies Golf Association and volunteered at the Food Pantry and Wellsboro Hospital for many years.
She was a member of the Wellsboro United Methodist Church where she was also in the choir.
Dolores K. Eastman, 99, of Chestnut St., passed away Tuesday (Feb. 27, 2024) in Penn Highlands Dubois, surrounded by family.
Born February 15, 1925, in Port Allegany, she was a daughter of George F. and Daisy H. Stone Botera. On June 8, 1947, in Montoursville, PA, she married Lloyd E. Eastman, who died Jan. 12, 2018. They were married 70 years.
Dolores was a lifetime resident of the area and a graduate of the Port Allegany High School, class of 1942.
She had been employed with Sylvania Co. formerly of Emporium, Pittsburgh Corning Co. and North Penn Gas Co. both formerly of Port Allegany, Liberty School, Port Allegany; but most enjoyably, a homemaker for her family.
She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Port Allegany, where she taught Sunday school for 17 years, nursery worship volunteer, and was fundamental in forming, Adopt a Family Program, UM Church.
William J. “Billy Bob” Thompson Sr., 74, of Ridgway, died on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at his residence after a lengthy illness.
He was born on July 21, 1949, in Ridgway, a son of the late Wilbur J. and Lois M. Doull Thompson.
On May 10, 1986, he married Judith Miller, who survives.
William attended Ridgway Area High School and served in the U.S Marine Corps. He worked at GKN, retiring after more than 25 years of service. William loved to be with his family and traveling. He was a Ridgway Fire Department Volunteer and later became Fire Police Captain for many years.
Shirley J. Milchuck, 83, formerly of Ridgway, PA died on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Pinecrest Nursing Home.
She was born on July 3, 1940, in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Cecil A. and Virginia B. (Hall) Berfield.
She had previously been employed at Carson Finance in Coudersport, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ridgway, and retired after many years at Alltel. She was an avid gardener, reader, shopper, and loved to travel.
David F. Bleem, Sr., 82, of Bradford, PA went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at the Olean General Hospital.
Born on September 12, 1941, in Bradford, he was a son of the late John W. Bleem and Mary Rose (Chicketti) Bleem-Fabian.
On September 9, 1961, in Bradford, he married Carol Ann (Anderson) Bleem, who passed away February 21, 2004.
He enlisted in the United States Army on June 29, 1961, and served until his honorable discharge on June 22, 1964.
David was a laborer in the Brick Union #9. He was a former member of the Moose Club. He loved hunting, fishing, spending time with his family, sitting on the patio, and taking rides.
John Patrick Malone, 88, of 9400 Laidlaw Rd, Franklinville, and formerly of Hinsdale, NY passed away Monday, February 26, 2024 at Cuba Memorial Hospital after a short illness.
Born on December 13, 1935, in Olean, he was a son of William and Pauline Moore Malone. In 1958, he married the former Marilyn M. Brown who survives.
John was a graduate of Allegany Central School. He then served in the United State Army from 1958-60.
He had worked at Acme Electric Corp. and owned his own construction business. Last he was a self-employed plumber installing water pumps and plumbing on area farms in the Hinsdale area until his retirement.
He was a member of the Hinsdale American Legion Post 250 and the Cuba American Legion Post 655. John enjoyed gardening, reading Western Novels and had read all the Louis L’Amour books.
Gene M. Vandusen, 60, of Pleasant Twp., Warren, PA, died Tuesday morning, February 28, 2024, at Mercy Hospital, Youngstown, Ohio, after an extended illness.
He was born March 3, 1963, in Arlington, Delaware. He was the son of George and Jean Wast Vandusen. Gene has resided in Warren, PA., since 2000. He was a graduate of Kingsford High School, Kingsford, Michigan and earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Skidmore College.
He served for 22 years with the U.S. Navy, as a Chief Petty Officer, retiring in April of 2000. He was employed with the former G.T.E. Sylvania and was an operator of the Seneca Power Plant, retiring from there after 18 years employment. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, ice fishing, bowling, and traveling.
BRADENTON, FL- Patricia L. “Patty” Sweet “Loving mother, grandmother, and sister”
Patty L. Sweet passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024, at her home in Florida, surrounded by her friends, family, and dog after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
Patty was born December 7, 1941, in Olean, NY, the daughter of Pascal and Lucy Aurino. She was a lifelong resident of Olean, in later years, splitting her time between her home on York Street and winters in Florida.
Patty graduated from Olean High School in 1959, where she lettered four years in varsity basketball and cheerleading. She enjoyed athletics throughout her life as an avid skier and golfer. Patty was the Bartlett Country Club Women’s Champion ten times. Even after her diagnosis, she continued to stay as active as she could and through sheer willpower, lived on her own terms until the end.
Patty spent most of her life as a homemaker and wonderful mother. She took great pride in her home, her sons, and her grandchildren. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of planting flowers, the natural beauty surrounding her home, watching the sunset on Anna Maria Island and her beloved dogs.
Heather Lynn Youndt “beloved wife, mother, daughter, and sister”
COUDERSPORT, PA—Heather Lynn Youndt, 48, of Coudersport, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in UPMC Cole Place, Coudersport, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on Tuesday, September 30, 1975 in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of John K. and Melanie L. “Mel” Lunn Volz. On July 20, 2013 in Shinglehouse, she married Kevin William Youndt, who survives.
Heather was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse and also graduated from the former Olean Business Institute in Olean, NY. Heather was employed for several years at the former Olean Tile Plant, then was employed as a CNA at the St. Elizabeth Mother House in Allegany, NY. She then was employed as manager at the former Blockbuster Video Store in both Olean, NY and Wellsville, NY. She then relocated to Georgia where she was employed for Holiday Inn. After moving back to Potter County, Heather worked for Adelphia in Coudersport and later for the former K-Mart in Olean. Prior to becoming ill, she was employed as a CNA for UPMC Cole in Coudersport.
Heather was a member of the First Baptist Church in Shinglehouse. She enjoyed crocheting and crafts of all kinds. Her greatest love was her family.
Margaret M. Visseau “beloved mother, grandmother, and GG”
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Margaret M. “Margie” Visseau, 97, of Shinglehouse, a former longtime resident of Little Genesee, NY, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a short illness.
Born on Tuesday, October 5, 1926 in Shinglehouse, she was a daughter of William G. and Clara A Garneret Sutherland. On February 18, 1950 in Bolivar, NY, she married Robert G. “Bob” Visseau, who passed away on March 31, 2006.
She was a graduate of Bolivar High School, Bolivar, NY. Margie was employed at the former Dexter-Hysol Company in Olean, NY for 20 years, retiring on October 1, 1987.
She was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Shinglehouse and was a member of the 4Cs Senior Citizens Club in Bolivar. Margie enjoyed reading, traveling, gardening, and horseback riding.
Her greatest love was spending time with her family.
Heather Lynn Youndt, 48, of Coudersport, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in UPMC Cole Place, Coudersport, after a courageous battle with cancer.
To pay respects to Heather and her family, calling hours will be held from 1pm to 7pm on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will be held at 3:30pm on Sunday, March 3, 2024, with Pastor Clint Pearsall of the First Baptist Church, Shinglehouse, and the Rev. Russell J. Horning of Shinglehouse, co-officiating.
Heather 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 Heather, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Joseph R. Hardy, 89, of Austin, PA passed away Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at his home.
Joseph was born on April 25, 1934, in Pittsburgh, the son of the late William and Anna (McLaughlin) Hardy. He was married to the former Donna J. Parsons, who preceded him in death on March 10, 2020.
Mary Louise Stone, 68, of Coudersport, formerly of Southampton, NY, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at her home. Mary was born on January 2, 1956, in Southampton, Long Island, NY, the daughter of the late Michael and Ella (Brown) Ambrose, Jr. She married Dayvid Stone on December 4, 1976, in Southampton, NY and celebrated 47 years of marriage.
Mary is a member of the Gospel Tabernacle, Coudersport, and the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 192, Coudersport. She also enjoyed watching sporting events, playing cards, and spending time with her husband and friends.
Ervin D. SMITH, 91, of Wellsville, NY, died Monday, February 26, 2024 in his home.
Born October 5, 1932, in Coudersport, PA, he was the son of Richard William and Eva Mae Rogers Smith. He was employed by the New York State Highway Dept.
Surviving are: a sister, Ella Mae Haxton of Wellsville; nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, Gloria, he was predeceased by 15 siblings.
Services will be private. Cremation was at OLNEY-FOUST Private Crematory
. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
Juan A. DeJesus, 49, of Jamestown, NY, passed away Monday, February 26, 2024, at UPMC Chautauqua at WCA.
Born on September 16, 1974, in Ponce, Puerto Rico he was a son of the late Ines M. (Martnez) Thacker and Jose DeJesus, who survives.
He enjoyed riding ATV’s, camping, fishing, and watching the San Francisco 49ers, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He also enjoyed playing basketball when he was younger.
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Margaret M. “Margie” Visseau, 97, of Shinglehouse, a former longtime resident of Little Genesee, NY, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a short illness.
To pay respects to Margie and her family, calling hours will be held from 6pm to 8pm on Friday at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9am on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Puritan Street, Shinglehouse, with the Rev. Thomas Brown, pastor, as celebrant. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.
Margie entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
Kathy D. Flanigan, 69, of Warren, PA, passed away on Sunday, February 25th, 2024, in Warren General Hospital after an extended illness.
She was born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 1, 1954, the daughter of the late Willie and Delores Steinman. Kathy was a graduate of General Braddock High School, Class of 1973. After high school, she married John W. Flanigan on December 6, 1973. In her younger years, Kathy was a homemaker while raising her 3 children.
Kathy enjoyed camping, fishing, baking, crocheting, and puzzles. She was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers Fan, and her favorite holiday was Halloween. Kathy also enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Michael Hamer, 76, of Bradford, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, February 22, 2024, at home.
Born January 28, 1948, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Stephen L. and Virginia D. (Heitzinger) Hamer.
Mike graduated from Bradford Area High School in 1966, and Lincoln Welding School.
On July 15, 1969, he married Barbara (Weidow) Hamer, who preceded him in death on August 5, 1981.
He worked for Penelec, Asplundh Tree Services, he was a self employed mechanic and a welder pipefitter at ARG.
Mike enjoyed rebuilding cars, muscle cars, hunting, and boating. He was an avid stock car racing fan, attending many tracks in Western Pennsylvania, and New York.
Sonia Gail Wright, 88, of Montmorenci Road, Ridgway, died on Monday, February 26, 2024, at her residence following a lengthy illness.
She was born on February 8, 1936, in Ridgway, a daughter of the late Wallace R. and Elizabeth W. Oknefski Olson.
She was a lifelong Ridgway resident, was as a graduate of Ridgway Area High School, class of 1954 a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church. She was also a member of the Fox Twp. Senior Center for many years. Sonia loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and watching their sporting events. She loved to watch her flowers bloom, enjoyed cooking, and was an avid Steeler fan.
Sonia was a homemaker taking care of her family, later Sonia retired from Community Nurses after several years of service. Sonia also worked for the Ridgway Telephone Company, Alpine Pressed Metals, and Helpmates.
Mary V. Bauer, 98, of Silver Creek Terrace and formerly of 414 Evers Avenue, St. Marys, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 26, 2024 at Elk Haven Nursing Home with her loving family by her side.
She was born August 3, 1925, in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Matilda Smithbauer Young. Mary was a lifelong resident of St. Marys. She attended St. Marys Parochial School. Over the years, she was employed at The Daily Press where she led a feisty crew of early-morning inserters. She was an avid bingo player, enjoyed playing cards, sharing a beer at family gatherings or with anyone stopping by her house, reading, working on search-a words and watching the Hallmark channel and mystery movies.
On June 30, 1945, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, she married the late Harold A. Bauer, who preceded her in death on June 21, 1989. They were blessed with 44 years of marriage.
Mary is survived by four children: her daughter, Yvonne ‘Von’ Cherry (Mike) of St. Marys and three sons, Wayne Bauer (Ann) of St. Marys, Jim Bauer (Cathie) of St. Marys, and Perry Bauer (Sue) of DuBois.
Robert J. Way, 82, of Warren, PA., died Sunday morning, February 25, 2024, after a brief illness. He was born July 24, 1941, in Clearfield, PA. He was the son of Robert J. and Rose Matsock Way, Jr. Bob was a resident of Warren, most of his entire life. He was employed with the U.S. Forest Service and A Safe Place. Bob enjoyed collecting coins.
