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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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Sharon T. Barr, 42, of St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 17, 2024, following complications of pneumonia.
She was born on December 2, 1981 in Oil City, a daughter of Terry Barr of Ridgway, and Kathy Jo Thomas Barr of St. Marys.
Sharon was a graduate of Oil City High School, class of 2000. Several years ago, she worked at the manager at the Elk County Humane Society where she was able to express her love of animals. For the past few years, she worked as a customer service representative at CNB Bank, where she enjoyed the many friends and connections that she made there. Sharon loved teaching classes at JAM Cycle, where she tried to make an impact on the lives of others, and made many lifelong friends along the way. In her free time, Sharon enjoyed going on Harley rides with her life partner, Shaun, a journey they also took on their first date. She also enjoyed going camping and spending time outdoors. More than anything else, she loved spending time with her family, her caring nature earned her the nickname “Mama Barr” among her son’s friends.
Irene C. “Cookie” Nussbaum, 79, of 258 West Creek Road, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Penn Highlands Elk, with her family by her side.
She was born April 5, 1944, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Edward J. and Edna Zwald Leithner. She was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1962, and a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
On April 25, 1964, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Cookie married Robert J. Nussbaum, who survives. They were blessed to share 59 years of marriage.
Robert M. Buckheit (Bob), of Port Allegany, PA, and formerly of Hamburg, NY, passed away on February 18, 2024 in Coudersport, PA following a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 78 years old.
Born in Olean, NY to Joseph and Geraldine Buckheit, Bob grew up in Port Allegany, PA where he developed his lifelong appreciation of Village life. Bob flourished in sports and academics and excelled in both Science and Football.
Following high school graduation, Bob attended and graduated from Edinboro State College in Edinboro, PA. He was part of the football team and met many of his lifelong friends and teammates that he still kept in touch with. He would eventually receive his master’s degree in education from SUNY@ Buffalo. He also studied at the University of Maine, Portland-Gorham with a focus on Marine Geology while working towards his master’s.
His football accomplishments were award-winning. His passion for science and natural ability to lead and educate brought him to Hamburg, NY where he became part of the Hamburg Junior High Faculty. While working in Hamburg, Bob was a committed educator and football coach. He touched, enriched and inspired so many young lives.
Gerald I. Fiske II “honored member of the community”
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Gerald I. “Fuzzy” Fiske II, 39, of Shinglehouse, PA passed away with his loving family by his side on Friday, February 16, 2024, in Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on February 6, 2024.
Born on Friday, August 31, 1984 in Olean, NY, he was a son of Stephen W. and Sarah L. Skinner Fiske.
Fuzzy, also known as Squirrel, was a 2004 graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse. He served in the US Air Force being certified in power supply. He was deployed twice overseas.
Fuzzy was a self-employed general handyman, whose purpose in life was to help others, not looking for monetary gains. He was a certified auto mechanic and for over 20 years worked with his friend, mentor and grandfather figure, Don Taylor, at Taylor Excavating in Ceres.
Fuzzy attended Grace Bible Independent Baptist Church in Shinglehouse. He was a member of the Oswayo Valley Historical Society in Shinglehouse. In his leisure time, he loved to work on heavy equipment. He also enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, camping and his Ford Mustangs. He loved spending time with his family and friends having spent extra attention on the well-being of the children.
Left to cherish his memory are his father of Bradford; his brother, Robert L. (Amber) Fiske of Bradford; two sons, Gerald I. Fiske III and Sheldon A. Fiske, and their brother, Xavior; a nephew, Vincent; his grandfather figure and mentor, Don Taylor of Ceres; and many close friends and relatives.
In addition to his mother, Sarah, Fuzzy was predeceased by his brother, Stephen W. Fiske, Jr.; and his loving companion, Jessica Flagg, who finally brought him peace by taking his nightmares away.
To pay respects to Gerald and his family, calling hours will be held from 11 am to 1 pm on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Grace Bible Independent Baptist Church, 392 Coons Crossing Road, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will follow at 1 pm with Pastor Phil Seely, officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Ceres.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gerald’s name may be made to Grace Bible Independent Baptist Church, 392 Coons Crossing Road, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.
Gerald’s family has entrusted his 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 Fuzzy, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Gerald’s last act of kindness was to be an organ donor, saving four people’s lives.
Gary W. Schul, 85, of Clay St. in Kane, PA passed away Sunday (Feb 18) at UPMC-Hamot. Born July 14, 1938 in Arkansas City, KS, he is the son of the late Wayne Schul and Doris Price. On Sept. 7, 1963 in Kane, he married Lynda Swanson, who survives.
Gary was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and served from 1958-1966, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. After leaving the service he worked for Stackpole Carbon Co., then as Director of Maintenance and Building Services at the Kane Community Hospital, and then was employed by Kane Screens.
In a life marked by public service, Gary served his community as a Borough Councilman since 2014 and also served as the Emergency Management Coordinator in Kane since 2018. He devoted countless hours to the Kane community and forged important partnerships through his active involvement with the McWAPEC Counties Borough Association and Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Scott (Linda) Schul of Warriors Mark, PA and Lance (Ann) Schul of Littleton, CO; one granddaughter, Annika (Drew) Dellert; three grandsons, Emilio Schul, Trevor Weddell, and Zach Schul; and one great-granddaughter, Addison Dellert. He was beloved by this family and worked tirelessly to provide for them.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Gail Schul and one sister, Carolyn Massey.
Friends are invited to attend a visitation which will take place on Thursday (Feb 22) at Tabor Lutheran Church in Kane, PA from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A second time of visitation will take place on Friday (Feb. 23) at Tabor Lutheran Church from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 with the Rev. David Pflieger and the Rev. Scott Schul officiating.
Burial will be in Mt. Tabor Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church, 200 Dawson St. Kane, PA 16735, or to the Lutheran Home at Kane, 100 High Point Dr. Kane, PA 16735,
John Eugene Robbins, age 76, of Middlebury Center, PA passed away at home on Sunday, February 18, 2024.
Born January 23, 1948 in Wellsboro, PA, he was the son of the late John H. and Clara L. (McVannan) Robbins.
John was the owner of Willie’s Bar in Osceola for many years until his retirement.
His favorite pastime was fishing.
He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Mary E. (Flynn); daughter, Cathy and Bob Williamson and two granddaughters, Tatianna Castellino and Abigail Hurler.
John was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy Robbins.
Per his wishes there will be no services.
A Celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date.
Dennis R. Moyer, age 81, of Sabinsville, PA the son of the late Glenn E. and Cora B. (Benjamin) Moyer.
Dennis married Judith A. Bartoo, they shared 55 years together.
He retired in 2004 from the Dresser-Rand after 32-plus years of service.
He enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter, Roxanne K. Sabins of Wellsville, NY; son, Michael R. (Connie) Moyer of Sabinsville; grandson, William E. (Nancy) Cole and five great-grandchildren.
Per his wishes there will be no services at this time.
Burial will be in Sabinsville Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Kenyon Funeral Home, Westfield. www.kenyonfuneralhome.com.
Douglas M. Koenig of Maple Avenue, Allegany, NY passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the Buffalo VA following a short illness.
Doug was born on November 25, 1962, in Rochester and was the son of Donald G. and Louise Williams Koenig.
Doug was a 1980 graduate of Salamanca High School. He enlisted and served in the US Army for 3 years. Doug worked at several restaurants as a Chef in Rochester before moving to Olean where he continued to work as a Chef at the Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca for 10 years. Doug was currently working at Home Depot. Doug was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Webster and the Knights Templar in Rochester. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.
Michael R. SUCHOCKI, 80, of Ulysses, PA, formerly of Boyertown and Gilbertsville, died Wednesday, February 14, 2024 in Roswell Park, Buffalo, NY.
Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park, Pottstown.
Born October 7, 1943, in Philadelphia, he was the son of John and Catherine Ruskie Suchocki. On September 22, 2008, in Wellsboro, he married Joan M. KappensteinYoung, who survives. A graduate of Mount Carmel High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1961 – 1965 during the Vietnam War. He was employed as a prison guard at SCI Graterford and the Potter County Jail.
Rochelle Huet Laird, 57, of St. Marys and formerly of the Philippines, passed away peacefully at Sweden Valley Manor in Coudersport on Friday, February 16, 2024.
She was born June 8, 1966 in Bulan, Sorsogon, Philippines, daughter of the late Artemio and Sophia Magante Huet. On September 24, 1988 in Cherry Point, NC, she married William T. Laird, who survives.
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Gerald I. “Fuzzy” Fiske II, 39, of Shinglehouse, PA passed away with his loving family by his side on Friday, February 16, 2024, in Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision on February 6, 2024.
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
Donald L. HOCKENBERRY, 81, of Scio, NY, died Monday, February 19, 2024, in Jones Memorial Hospital.
Born July 7, 1942, in Altoona, he was the son of David and Margaret Harris Hockenberry. On April 2, 1977, in Lewiston, he married the former Eileen J. Young, who predeceased him on February 14, 2021. He was employed by the Youngstown School District as a janitor.
Debra L. Caskey, 62, of Bradford, PA passed away Sunday, February 18, 2024 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born on May 22, 1961, in Olean, NY, she was the daughter of the late Donald E. and Mary E. (Lindy) Crattie.
She was a 1979 graduate at Bradford High School. She then attended the University of Pitt-Bradford, and later main campus, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in English.
On July 3, 1993, in the First Presbyterian Church, she married Steve R. Caskey, who survives.
Deb worked for Morgan Optical, Seneca Optical, and retired as an Optician at Gateway Ophthalmology.
She was a member of the American Legion Post 108 Auxiliary, and the Pine Acres Country Club. Deb loved to spend time with her family and attend her children’s activities.
Al Mack Van Orden, Jr., 77, of 28 Hall Road, Derrick City, PA passed away, Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Pavilion at BRMC.
Born October 27, 1946, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Al Mack and E. Jeanne (Schoolmaster) Van Orden, Sr. He was a 1964 graduate of Bradford High School.
He married the love of his life, Diana C. (Campbell) VanOrden on February 14, 1998. She preceded him in death on January 21, 2021.
He was a member of the Foster Township Police Department from 1976 to 1980. He served as Deputy Sheriff of Pratt County KS. from 1980 to 1985. He also drove truck for many years locally and over the road. He was a Briggs and Stratton Master Mechanic last working for Burt Young Sales.
He loved to hunt, fish, and attended Foster Township meetings. He was a life member of the Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department.
Irene C. “Cookie” Nussbaum, 79, of 258 West Creek Road, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Penn Highlands Elk, with her family by her side.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.
Robert M. Buckheit, 78, of Port Allegany, PA died Sunday (February 18, 2024) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary
Robert J. Dean: Loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather
Robert J. Dean, 89, of 7796 Rte. 417, Bolivar, NY passed away peacefully Monday, February 19, 2024 at home with family by his side.
Born on August 20, 1934, in Alma, he was the son of the late James and Mildred Cline Dean. On September 27, 1953, in Oswayo, he married the former Frances A. Sturdevant and together they shared the next 70 years together.
Bob was a graduate of Allentown High School. He served in the United States Army and also served in the United States Army Reserves.
He owned and operated Bob’s Auto Body Shop in Bolivar for fifty years from 1970 until his retirement in 2020.
Bob was a member of the Bolivar United Methodist Church, Macedonia Lodge 258 F&AM, the Coudersport Consistory, the Ismailia Shriners, and the Empire State Towing and Recovery Association. He had served on the Advisory Board at Alfred State College for the Auto body/Automotive Technical Program, and had served as President of the Southern tier Auto Body Association in the 1970’s.
Donald E. Richardson “Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Hero”
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA — Donald E. Richardson, 76, of Shinglehouse, PA, but a nomad at heart, went home to be with the Lord with his loving family by his side in his home on Saturday, February 17, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on Thursday, March 6, 1947, in Bozeman, Montana, a son of Harold E. and Kathleen Lutes Richardson. In July of 1978, in Kalispell, Montana, he married Catherine S. “Scottie” Lightner, who survives.
Don was a graduate of Belgrade High School in Belgrade, Montana, and was a graduate of The College of Santa Fe, New Mexico, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Education. He also received his pilot’s license at age 17.
Don was a US Army veteran having served in the Vietnam War for 19 months. During his military career, Don was awarded two Air Medals, which are the equivalent of Bronze Stars. He flew just under 1,000 combat hours as a crew chief. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. After the war, he joined the US Army Special Forces (Airborne) and later served in the US National Guard.
After 20 plus years working in accounting, Don changed careers to pursue his passion and became a history teacher. He taught social studies for 18 years in New Mexico and North Carolina. He retired from teaching at Southern Lee High School in Sanford, NC in 2014.
Don was a member of Crosstown Alliance Church in Shinglehouse. He enjoyed history, writing, and traveling. Don’s greatest love was his family.
Pauline V. Barner, 103, of Warren, PA died on Saturday February 17, 2024, in her home at the Rouse Suites, Youngsville, PA.
She was born in Tiona, PA on October 12, 1920, the daughter of the late William McClellan and Pearl Duchaine. Pauline was a lifelong resident of Warren and worked as a teacher’s aide for Warren County School District and at Sylvania Electric Wire Division. She also was a nanny for many local families of the Warren area. Pauline was former member of Tiona United Methodist Church and the First Methodist Church in Warren.
On December 23, 1940, she married Raymond R. Barner in Warren, he passed on August 9, 1979.
Joseph P. STALLONE, 67, of Wellsville, NY died Thursday, February 15, 2024.
Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM, Wednesday, February 21, 2024 in Immaculate Conception Church, Wellsville. The Rev. James Hartwell will be the Celebrant.
Born April 27, 1956, in Buffalo, he was the son of Vincent Vito and Mary Martone Stallone. On January 1, 2001, in Wellsville, he married the former Lisa Peck, who survives.
Joe was a graduate of Bishop Timon High School in Buffalo and Erie Community College. He was employed as store manager at Bridgestone Tires in Buffalo, commercial manager at AutoZone in Wellsville, and recently as a salesman at Bokman of Wellsville. He enjoyed playing golf, going to car shows with his Corvettes, and watching the Sabres and Bills play. Joe was a kind-hearted man that would light up any room he walked into.
Surviving besides his wife, Lisa, are: five children, Joseph Stallone of Buffalo, Vincent Stallone of Wellsville, Samantha (Glenn) Phillips of Chesapeake, VA, Jesse (Bristol Lee) Nye of Aiken, SC, and Danielle (Matt) Gardner of Lexington, SC; seven grandchildren, Dominick, Anastasia, Camryn, Liam, Piper, Sydney, and Abigail; a sister, Donna (David) Sarratori of Palm Coast, FL; a nephew, James Sarratori; a niece, Christina Sarratori; his mother-in-law, Susan Peck of Wellsville; and countless other family and friends, including his close friend, Rich (Mary) Iantorno. He was predeceased by his parents; and father-in-law, Richard Peck.
Marvin K. JAMES, 62, of Belmont, NY, died on Monday, February 12, 2024 at his home after a long illness.
Marvin Kenneth James was born on October 16, 1961, to Millicent (Stuck) King and Leland James. His father died when he was eight years old. With his mother unable to care for all the children, he and his siblings were placed in foster care. He was in the care of Robert and Frances Ames of Friendship and then arrived at the home of James and Lois Balcom in 1970. He was accepted and considered as one of their own. He continued to be close to both foster families up until his death.
He graduated from Friendship High School in 1981. After High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany before coming back to the states. He was employed by Macler Industries in Friendship for some time and the former Stuffer’s cookies, previously known as Farnsworth’s Cookies Factory in Cuba, NY for several years.
Marv could be described as comical, strong, outgoing, selfless, who gave with his whole heart and loved unconditionally. He had a love for his family and friends. He enjoyed time outdoors, all wildlife, NASCAR racing, listening to country and classic rock. As long as Marv was busy, he was happy. In his younger years, family remembers him driving his motorcycle in the dead of winter in Friendship and the surrounding area. If you were a stranger in a store, Marv always made it a point to say “How are ya doing today?” and may have even offered to help you put your groceries in your car.
He was always down for conversation and was often found at the Modern Diner in Wellsville having coffee among the locals. He was always willing to give a helping hand everywhere he went. If family or friends needed help, he was there. Marv will also always be remembered for his witty personality and many of his signature lines, “See you on the flip side, or in agreement, “10-4!” will be missed by all!
He was one of fifteen children, along with foster family that were a part of who he held close.
Stanley D. Ferguson, 81, of Big Shanty Road, Lewis Run, PA passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024, at his residence.
Born September 20, 1942, in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Stanley and Jean (Markunas) Ferguson.
Stan was a 1960 graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill.
In July of 1960, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served until his honorable discharge in 1964. Stan was a Qualified Parachutist and a Naval Gunfire Forward Observer, deployed in the Fleet Marine Force in the Far East and the Mediterranean Sea.
After military service Stan was employed by J.W. Marriott Corporation in Philadelphia. He later used his GI Bill to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Villanova University. Subsequently, he returned to Marriott and managed one of their restaurants. In the early 80’s Stan visited Westline for a couple of winters to train his sled dogs and soon afterward moved there permanently. Stan was employed as a waiter at the Westline Inn for over 30 years, retiring in 2020.
Stan enjoyed raising and training his Siberian Huskies and mushed his teams twice in the Alaskan Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. He was a member of the International Sled Dog Racing Association and ran his sled dogs in Western Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Michigan.
Penny L. Dickey, 64, of North Maple Ave., Ridgway, PA passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 16, 2024, at her residence.
She was born on December 16, 1959, in Ridgway, a daughter of Nancy Merritt Trumbull and the late Robert Trumbull.
On October 26, 2007, she married Robert Dickey, who survives.
Penny lived in Ridgway and the surrounding area most of her life and worked many jobs at local restaurants and establishments. She loved her friends in Christ and enjoyed Bible studies with them when she was able. She was most proud of her children and was always there to support them through life, no matter what. Penny will be remembered for so many things in her life through those that will continue on without her. She always had little gifts to bear and was the haver of all things. If anyone was ever needing something random, the answer was always “G-ma probably has one!”, and she almost always did. Penny would want to be remembered for the love she had for her family, grandkids, and being the host of the crazy family get togethers. She was always in the stands for her grandkids school events and was enjoying her recent two years doting over her youngest 2 grandbabies.
Rochelle Huet Laird, 57, of St. Marys and formerly of the Philippines, passed away peacefully at Sweden Valley Manor in Coudersport on Friday, February 16, 2024.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.
Greta E. Edminster, 61, of North Branch Rd, Eldred, PA passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the Snyder Memorial Health Care Center.
Born May 3, 1962 in Olean, NY, she is daughter to Howard F. Sr and Greta (Ault) Yeaples. She is a 1980 graduate of Otto-Eldred Jr-Sr High School.
On June 26, 1982, in Rixford, PA, she married Jeffrey R. Edminster, who survives.
Greta retired from Otto-Eldred Jr-Sr High School, where she worked as a custodian for about 18 years. Her previous employment includes several years at Duke Center Superette and a short time at Temple Particleboard Plant.
North Tonawanda-Sara G. “Sally” Richardson, formerly of Olean, Eldred, Pa , East Aurora NY and Holley, NY passed away Wednesday (February 14, 2024) at the DeGraff Long term Care Facility in N. Tonawanda, NY.
Sara was born in Eldred, Pa on March 10, 1923. She was the daughter of the late Oscar and Lillian Brown Carpenter and sister to the late Gerald Carpenter and the late Myrl Reed.
Sara graduated from Otto/Eldred High School and the Westbrook Academy in Olean.
She married Morris E. Richardson, Jr whose family owned Richardsons Grocery on N.13th and W State St. He predeceased her in 1996. When Morris left for the south Pacific, Sara worked at Ft. Monmouth, NJ for the three years he served. Sally was the leader of the steno pool at the Developmental Laboratory there. She was a Church Secretary for many years at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Aurora. After her husband’s retirement from Moog in E Aurora and returning to Olean, Morris became active in the family business before it was sold. They then moved to Holley NY where she was a member of the Concordia Lutheran Church in Brockport.
Born February 25, 1947, in New York City, NY, he was the son of George and Anna Vrabel Kertis. On March 21, 1987, in Richboro, he married the former Valerie J. Thiers, who predeceased him on January 13, 2014. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a sister, Veronica.
