Obituaries

Samuel A. Smith, 93, of Emporium, PA passed away at Elk Haven Nursing Home, St. Marys, PA on Saturday morning (January 6, 2024) following a lengthy illness.

He was born August 7, 1930 in Ridgway, PA a son of the late Arthur R. and Nora Burfield Smith. On September 26, 1953 in Morrisdale, PA he married Geraldine “Gerry” Schneider. Together they shared over 70 years of marriage.

Sam was raised by his great aunt Rose Burfield in Karthaus PA. He graduated from Cooper Township High School and shortly after joined the US Army in 1951 where he served in Korea with the 10th Corp. artillery earning the rank of corporal before he was discharged in the fall of 1952.

He and Gerry moved to Emporium where he began working at Sylvania. He served as a past member of the Emporium Fire Department, Emporium Fire Police, served as a past president and life member of 120 CB club, worked with the Cameron County Ambulance Service as an EMT, was a life member of VFW post 6221, and a member of the Emporium Senior Center.

Sam worked for PA Pressed Metals in the shipping department for eleven years before moving to Orange, Virginia in 1978 to work for a Texaco distributor for 17 years until 1995 when he retired. He was the last serving member of his family.

Rick L. LAAHS, 65, of Franklinville, NY, died Thursday, January 4, 2024 in Olean General Hospital. 

Born March 27, 1958, in Klamath Falls, OR, he was the son of Edward Clarence and Dorothy Mae Thorton Laahs.  On March 16, 1993, in Lake Tahoe, NV, he married the former Wendy L. Allen, who predeceased him on November 28, 2023. 

Rick was employed as a painter and drywaller for 40 years. He worked for Dineen Painting in Ellicottville, Aftermath, and The Woods at Bear Creek in Franklinville.  

Rick’s career choice mirrored his character, exuding warmth and joy through hard work and trial, and never without laughter. Beyond supporting his family, he brightened numerous lives, infusing spaces and hearts with color, leaving a legacy of unwavering dedication, love and loyalty.  

Gerald M. (Jerry) Griggs, 86, of Port Allegany, PA passed away Wednesday (January 3, 2024) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.

He was born May 17, 1937 in Williamsport, the son of Michael and Louise (Hoover) Griggs. On September 30, 1963 in Port Allegany, he married Lena Minich, who died on July 2, 2008

Mr. Griggs employed by Case Cutlery in Olean NY for many years.

Eldred – Rita A. Kaylor, 85, of Route 446, passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.

Born on February 19, 1938, in Austin, PA, she was the daughter of George and Alvina Kornacki Lininger.  In 1963, she married Theodore Elliott, who predeceased her in 1994.  In 2002, she married Tim Kaylor, who survives. 

Rita had been employed as a head cashier by Hills Department store in Olean for twelve years.

Rita enjoyed gardening, especially growing strawberries and a variety of flowers, but mostly spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Carl E. WILKINS, 84, of Wellsville, NY, died Saturday, January 6, 2024 in the Comfort House of Allegany County, Wellsville. 

Born October 5, 1939, in Wellsville, he was the son of Clarke D. and Minnie Jones Wilkins. 

He was employed by Market Basket in Wellsville and by Air Preheater for 35 years.  Carl spent a lot of time volunteering at Highland Park. 

Jason Eric McCallum, born July 24 1976, passed away on January 1st, 2024 in the comfort of his own home in Addison, New York.

Son of Kathy and Carlton (Butch) Davis and John and Cora McCallum, Jason spent 47 years (569 months) by the side of his family and friends. He always selflessly helped anyone and everyone he could.

Jason enjoyed creating joyous memories through laughing, making jokes, listening to music, and hosting bonfires and parties. He enjoyed spending his free-time grilling and smoking various meats to enjoy with his family on his Traeger grill while sipping an ice cold Budweiser, as well as collecting coins, and old war memorabilia.

He cared for and found a lifelong companionship in his “mans best friend” June. Only adding to the pack and his love with his 3 other dogs. Above all else Jason loved spending time with “his girls”, his wife Charlotte, daughters Abagail and Emily, and granddaughter Isabella.

Mark J. Viola, 65, of 181 Summer Street, Bradford, PA passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.

Born January 28, 1958, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Henry M. and Marie Stella (Crupi) Viola.

He was a 1976 graduate of Bradford Central Christian High School.

On July 28, 1990, in First United Methodist Church he married Stephanie (Cornelius) Viola who survives.

Mark was a member of St. Bernard Church and the Italian Club.

Vi was employed by Coca Cola, later he worked for Dom Piganelli, at Always Green Landscaping. In 1992 he acquired the family business from his Uncle Joe Viola, Viola’s Restaurant on Brennan Street in the 5th Ward, a family business operated by the Viola family for three generations. Mark retired in June 2022, after owning the Restaurant for nearly 30 years.

George L. Songer, 88, formerly of Abbott Road, Bradford, PA passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Chapel Ridge. 

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

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Daughter, Mother, Grandmother

Susan J. Ward, 63, of Wellsville New York, and a former Cuba resident, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2023 at Wellsville Manor Care Center.

Born on October 4, 1960, in Cuba, she was a daughter of Richard and Marilyn Wells Abramowicz. 

Sue was a graduate of Cuba Central School Class of 1978.  She worked as a bartender and in customer service all of her life.  She loved people and her greatest accomplishment was to be a good friend. 

She will be remembered for always being helpful and living by the slogan “Life is what you make it.”  She enjoyed watching NASCAR and the times she attended in person at Watkins Glen.

Mildred G. “Millie” Olmstead, 99, of Elk Haven Nursing Home, St. Marys and formerly of Fairview Avenue, Johnsonburg, PA passed away early Thursday morning, January 4, 2024 at Penn Highlands-Elk following a brief illness.

She was born on November 24, 1924 in Butler, PA a daughter to the late Francis and Irene Burns Angert. On June 10, 1944 in Butler, she married Maurice A. Olmstead. He preceded her in death on July 16, 2017. 

Raised in Butler, Millie was a graduate of Butler High School and she and Maurice lived in Butler after their marriage until 1951. After moving to Johnsonburg and working other jobs, alongside her husband, they opened Olmstead’s Hardware and Olmstead’s Plumbing and Heating and operated it out of the storefront on Market Street until their retirement in 1996. 

         “beloved husband, father, and grandfather”

HEBRON CENTER, PA—James Frederick VanHorn passed away surrounded by his family in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, on Thursday, January 4, 2024.

James was born on Sunday, September 17, 1950, a son of Raymond Arthur and Grace Evelyn Burrows VanHorn.  On July 20, 1974 in Keating Summit, he married Starlette Haight, who survives.

Jim was employed at Pittsburgh Corning in Port Allegany for close to 40 years.  He owned and operated his own garage and towing company, J & S Auto in Sweden Valley, for years where he enjoyed meeting and talking with people.

Jim was known for his good humor,  tinkering in his garage with anything mechanical.  He shared his love of outdoors and horses with his wife of nearly 50 years.  He also loved visiting with family and his grandchildren.

Thomas E. Hayden, 73, of Emporium, PA passed away at Penn Highlands DuBois, DuBois, PA on Tuesday morning (January 2, 2024). He was born December 5, 1950 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late Edward L. and Marie Shores Hayden.

Tom graduated from Cameron County High School in the class of 1968. He retired from Pro America Premium Tools, where he served as the Emporium plant manager for many years.

Tom loved baseball (playing, coaching, umpiring, and watching), and he golfed as much as he possibly could. He was known for his humor, generosity, kindness, musical ability, dedication and mentorship to the athletes of Cameron County, story-telling, and his love for all things Emporium and Cameron County, Tom will be greatly missed. We are comforted that his faith was strong and that he has, indeed, gone Home.

William R. Pichler, age 83, of 221 Fairview Road, Kersey, PA passed away at home on January 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on October 8, 1940, at the family homestead in Kersey, son of the late Albert and Mary Anzinger Pichler, Sr.  Bill was a lifelong resident of Kersey and a member of the last graduating class of Kersey High School, Class of 1959.

He was married on April 16, 1966, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church to his wife Ellen Forster, who survives.   They were blessed to share 57 years of marriage.

Beverly “Sue” Jean Crawford, 77, died at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport, PA at 6:20 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

She resided with her longtime companion, John Ziegler, at 27 Whispering Pines Lane, Galeton, in Potter County, since moving there in 2001.

Beverly was born Aug. 5, 1946, the daughter of the late Jesse Clinton Keith and Betty Alva Harshbarger-Fouse.

She married Gary M. Crawford Sr. Dec. 31, 1979, at the Church of the Brethren, Harrisburg, and he preceded her in death May 24, 2001.

In Loving Memory of Cathey Louise Beldin

Cathey Louise Beldin, passed away peacefully in December of 2023, in Darlington, PA. She was born in August of 1953, in Punxsutawney, PA to the late Delores and John Fuller.

A proud native of Punxsutawney, Cathey spent her life in Emporium, PA, where she became an integral part of the community. She was a union officer during the majority of her employment at GE Motor Coils. She retired from GE Emporium after decades of dedicated service, leaving behind a commendable professional legacy.

Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather

Robert C. Pettit, 86, formerly of 9367 Watts Road, Cuba, NY passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Cuba Memorial Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit after a lengthy illness.

Born on July 25, 1937, in Olean, he was a son of Donald and Doris Keller Pettit.  On February 11, 1957, in High Point, North Carolina he married the former Mona Walden and together they shared 66 years of marriage until her passing on October 20, 2023. 

Bob was a graduate of Rushford Central Schools Class of 1955, where he was a star soccer and basketball player.

Carol A. Miller, 76, of Bradford, PA passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at her son’s residence, surrounded by her family. 

Carol was born in Bradford, on November 10, 1947, a daughter of the late Robert and Katherine L. (Schine) Livingston.

On October 21, 1978, in Bradford, she married Charles L. Miller who preceded her in death on February 19, 2005.

She attended Bradford Area High School. Carol formerly worked at Case Cutlery and worked as a bartender at the VFW. Carol was outspoken, generous, funny, and kind. She loved Elvis, Betty Boop, word searches, collecting dolls, and German chocolate cake.

Frank A. Fragale passed away on December 31, 2023 at age 78.  He was born in Emporium, PA to the late, Michael and Anna Fragale.  He was also predeceased by his wife, Nanci Fragale; brothers, Michael and Jennie and James and Janice Fragale; sister, Mary Lou Fragale; nephews, Pete Fragale.

Frank is survived by his daughters, Aletha (Charlie) Fragale-Steehler and Christine (Michael) VanDemortel; grandchildren, Angela (Jake) Stacy, Anthony Mosca, Emilee (Aaron Maltese) VanDemortel, and Ryan VanDemortel; great-grandchildren, Jaxson and Karter Mosca, Judah and Iris Stacy; siblings, Marlene (Chuck) Farren and John Fragale; several nieces, nephews, and other family.

Frank Lived in the Rochester area for over 50 years.   However, Emporium was always Home.  There was nothing more important to Frank than his family.  Frank was an avid Hunter…Deer, Duck, Turkey, it did not matter as long as he was out with nature and family and friends.  He Loved his annual “Fishing Trips” back home to the “Rats Nest” with his Brothers.  Frank spent the majority of his career at Artcraft Optical. Where not only did he manage the business, he also molded and changed the lives of so many.  

David James Farrell, 72 of Limestone, NY died Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Olean General Hospital from complications related to COPD.

Born January 6, 1951, in Bradford, he was a son of the late George Raymond and Patricia Lou (Clark) Farrell Jr.

Dave was known in his career as an excellent salesman, starting out working at the Western Steer for his father George and having worked for several companies such as Coca-Cola, Bradford City Beers and Save- A-Lot Markets.  

He was a fan of the outdoors, as a hunter, a fisherman and avid golfer.  

Louis J. Colts Jr., 41, of Miller Street, Bradford, PA passed away suddenly on Monday, January 1, 2024.

Louis was born on May 19, 1982, in Bradford and was the son of Louis J. and Martha E. Wyche Colts Sr.

He was a man of few words who enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, especially the outdoors. He cared deeply for his children, family, and friends. Louis was always there when he was needed the most.

“beloved son, grandson, brother and friend”

RICHBURG, NY—Daniel James Barkley III, 20, a lifelong resident of Richburg, passed away unexpectedly at the home of his grandparents in Friendship on Monday, January 1, 2024, after suffering an apparent heart attack.

Born on Friday, January 17, 2003 in Olean, NY, he was a son of Daniel J. “Jamie” Jr. and Wendy L. Green Barkley.

Daniel was a graduate of Bolivar-Richburg High School in Bolivar. 

Daniel enjoyed gaming.  At the age of 10, he built his first gaming computer.  He enjoyed hanging out with his family and friends.  He spent many days and nights with his grandparents in Friendship. 

In 2013, Daniel’s father, Jamie, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack while at work.  His passing created a deep void in the lives of his family.  Since Jamie’s passing, Daniel has carried his father’s wallet with him, giving him great comfort. 

Although Daniel was not a football fan, he spent many hours sharing in his mother’s passion for the Dallas Cowboys, helping her cheer the team on!!  His greatest love was his family.

Frank J. Raffaele Jr., 72, of Conewango Township, North Warren, PA passed on Monday, January 1, 2024, in Kinzua Healthcare and Rehab Center, after an extended illness.

He was born in Pittsburgh, PA on September 25, 1951, the son of the late Frank J. Sr. and Ivis Mae Peabody Raffaele. He was a graduate of West Deer High School Class of 1969. He then moved to Warren and resided here since 1971. Frank worked as a psychiatric aide with the Warren State Hospital for 25 years.

He was an avid handyman, he enjoyed cooking, and, working on cars, houses, and boats. He and his wife Margaret enjoyed traveling and camping as well. Frank loved talking and would sit and have a conversation with anyone.

Frank married the former Margaret August on June 20, 1979, in the Interfaith Chapel at Warren State Hospital, and they enjoyed 44 years together.

Loving Husband

Jeffrey A. Frazier, 55, of Friendship, NY passed away Monday, January 1, 2023 at home with his wife, aunt, and fur kids by his side.

He was born on October 17, 1968, in Cuba, and adopted and raised by Leonard and Nancy Ann Duman Frazier.  He is survived by his loving companion of the last fourteen years, Denae F. Clute, whom he married on October 21, 2023.

Jeffrey served in the United States Navy from July 13, 1987 until his retirement on July 31, 2007.  He was very proud of his military service and achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer E-7.  He was on the ship that shot the first missile during Operation Desert Storm.  For his military service, he was awarded numerous medals. 

Kim E. Proper, 65, of Onofrio Street, Bradford, PA passed away Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Roswell Park, in Buffalo, NY

Born November 16, 1958, in Meadville, she was a daughter of the late Wayne Hoffman, and Harriette (Coon) Hoffman, who survives in Meadville.

Kim was a 1976 graduate of Meadville Area High School, and she was a 1977 graduate of Southeastern Academy, in Orlando, FL.

On October 7, 1978, in the Emmanuel Church of Christ in Meadville, she married Frederick V. Proper who survives.

Kim was employed as a Senior Bank Teller at Northwest Savings Bank in Bradford for over 10 years. She was formerly employed at National City, K-Mart, Eckard Pharmacy and Emery Travel.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, and Zonta Club. 

Mary Lou Washabaugh, 89, formerly of Bradford, PA passed away Monday, January 1, 2024, at Sena-Kean Manor in Smethport. 

Mary Lou was born in Brookville, on February 5, 1934, she was a daughter of the late James and Arlene (Case) Himes.

She attended school in Bradford, and later graduated from the Continental Beauty School in Olean NY. She was employed as a beautician for many years. She spent her retirement in Arizona and Florida.

Christine A. ADAMS, 63, of Ulysses, PA, formerly of Hamburg, died Sunday, December 31, 2023 in her home.  

Born October 11, 1960, in Reading, she was the daughter of Paul R. and Dorothy J. Clouser Waninger.  On March 1, 2019, Galeton, she married Raymond A. “Corky” Adams, III, who predeceased her on November 20, 2021.  

Chris was well-loved in the Ulysses area, where she had made her home since 2006.  She was a member of Carl E. Hyde American Legion Post #963 Auxiliary.  

Howard A. “Homer” White, age 72, of Ridgway, PA passed away on January 2, 2024, after a brief illness.

Homer was born July 2, 1951. He attended Saint Leo grade school, Elk County Christian high school, where he participated in track and football. He began at Penn State University for teaching, but he found his passion in the outdoors as a logger.

He continued in the teaching gift with his children, imparting skills in hunting, fishing, and woodworking, and instructing even his children’s friends how to navigate life. His children say he was the best dad. Homer also passed along his knowledge of tree cutting to others.

Shelby C. Henderson, age 74, of Knoxville, PA passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at her home surrounded by family.

Born on October 15, 1949 in Corning, NY, she was a daughter to the late Charles and Mable (Wescott) Nichols.

She loved being outdoors; whether that was camping, fishing, or going yard-saling. She also enjoyed scrapbooking, reading, gardening and canning, sewing and spending time with friends and family.

Shelby and her husband, Thomas Henderson, were members at the Knoxville VFW and after his passing, she continued attending Friday Nights Fish Fry when she had the chance.

Loving Father, Grandfather

Louie J. Wilson, 85, of 649 Sanford Hollow Rd., Genesee, NY passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 30, 2023 at home.

Born on November 29, 1938, in Parishville, he was a son Walter and Amanda Lottie Wilson.  He came from a large family in upstate New York with many siblings.  On March 3, 1967, in Denver, Colorado, he married the former Carol Baker who predeceased him on October 15, 2022. 

Louie was a self-employed building contractor in the area for many years retiring in 1998. 

He was an avid hunter, loved animals, country music, and enjoyed playing the guitar.

RICHBURG, NY—Daniel James Barkley III, 20, a lifelong resident of Richburg, passed away unexpectedly at the home of his grandparents in Friendship on Monday, January 1, 2024, after suffering an apparent heart attack.

Funeral arrangements, under the care and direction of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.