Reporting North Central PA & Southern Tier NY News As It Happens
CLICK ABOVE TO SEE OUR FACEBOOK EDITION.
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.
List your Yard Sale FREE on our Auction & Yard Sale page: Send to shurfine40@gmail.com
Joanne C. Reese, 87, passed away at Elk Haven Nursing Home on Thursday, February 8, 2024, following a short illness.
She was born on May 9, 1936 in Warren, PA, a daughter of the late Nels and Agnes Hagstrom Carlson.
Joanne was a graduate of Warren High School, class of 1954. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Warren, where she enjoyed attending and found solace in her faith. She retired in 1998, having spent a long career working for many years at Bell Telephone Company and then several years in the office at New Process Company and then Blair Company. Always enjoying reading and exercising, Joanne loved nothing more than spending time with her family and grandchildren. A sweet, smart, loving, and precious mother and grandmother, she will be missed dearly by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Maude A. MORLEY, 98, of Ulysses, PA, died Saturday, February 10, 2024 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.
Friends may call at God’s Country Ministries, 1237 E. Second Street, Coudersport, PA on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with Funeral Services following at 11:00 AM.
A complete obituary will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
PORT ALLEGANY- Adah F. Meacham, 68, of W. Ransom St., passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Friday (Feb. 9, 2024) after a lengthy illness.
Born July 13, 1955, in Coudersport, she was a daughter of Walter F. and Jennie G. Shaffer Miles. On Feb. 19, 1977, she married David C. Meacham, who died Feb. 28, 2013.
Adah was a lifetime resident of the area and a graduate of the Port Allegany High School.
She was known for her generosity, love of family, and God. She enjoyed spending time with loved ones, working on various family and church events. Her hobbies included sewing, embroidery, crocheting, crafts, camping and enjoyed traveling with family.
Monika M. (Stehmer) Moser, age 48, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
She was born on May 15, 1975 in Cincinnati, OH, a daughter of Horst Peter and Christine (Schemainda) Stehmer. Monika was employed by Dollar General and loved coloring, cooking, gardening, being outdoors and especially spending time with her grandson.
She is survived by her parents: Horst Peter and Christine Stehmer of Fairfield, PA, son: Chase Moser of Mansfield, PA, daughter: Zoe (Ben) McCarthy of Mansfield, PA, sisters: Brigitte Sutherland of Portland, OR, Melanie (Steve) Stehmer-Townsend of Bethesda, MD, grandson: Liam McCarthy and her “soul sister”: Robyne Sautner of Blossburg, PA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Wellsboro, PA with Rev. Jacek Bialkowski officiating. Interment will be in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, Wellsboro, PA.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.
ROCHESTER – Mary Hungerford, 96, former long-time Bolivar, NY resident, passed peacefully Tuesday (Feb. 6, 2024), with her family at her side. She was a resident of St. Ann’s Community, Rochester.
Mary was raised in Olean. She graduated from Olean High School in 1945 and Rochester Business Institute in 1947.
In Olean, she worked as a telephone operator and at the DEC, before her marriage to Thomas E. Hungerford in 1950 at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, Olean.
She lived in Bolivar for the next 65 years where she was a member of St. Mary’s Church and its Altar Society.
Mary had an infectious laugh that could be heard across the room. Born two days after St. Patrick’s Day, she was proud of her Irish heritage.
Dennis Strede, 61, of Haines St. in Kane, PA passed away Thursday (Feb. 7) in UPMC-Hamot.
Born Dec. 22, 1962 in Willimantic, CT, he is the son of Joyce Potter and the late Raymond Strede. On Dec. 16, 2006, he married Teresa Reed, who survives.
Dennis was a loving husband and father and a dedicated grandfather. He was a skilled carpenter. He also loved fishing.
Gary Olson of East Kane, 82, passed away on February 8, 2024, surrounded by his family at Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport.
Born on June 19, 1941 in Kane, Pa, he was the son of the late Harold and Virginia Olson. Gary loved Kane and lived his entire life there.
He worked at Stackpole Carbon company as a machinist for 45 years until he retired in 2004. He was also an expert carpenter who built and restored structures in Kane.
Gary was an outdoor enthusiast, with 22 years in the Pennsylvania Game Commission and taught gun safety school for 30 years. He enjoyed woodworking and created many interesting whirligigs and jewelry boxes. Gary enjoyed music and loved the Blues and Elvis. He played clarinet and saxophone flawlessly after decades of not using an instrument. Ham radio was a passion, and he stayed in touch with his community for many years as an Extra Class Operator. He also loved poetry and could still recite “The Shooting of Dan McGrew” by Robert W. Service by heart in his last days.
William E. Lyon, 79, of Emporium, PA passed away at his residence in Emporium, PA on Thursday morning (February 8, 2024). He was born July 30, 1944 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late William D. and Irene Uber Lyon. On February 17, 1990 in Wells, Nevada he married Catherine (Coleen) Williams, who survives.
Bill graduated from Cameron County High School in the class of 1962. Years ago Bill worked for Cameron Manufacturing and then he went into the trucking business hauling logs. In 2012, he retired from hauling logs and became a full-time farmer on his family farm located on Bryan Hill. He continued to operate the farm until he went to be with the Lord. Farming was the love of his life. His heart and soul were in farming. He was a member of Endless Mountains Methodist Church, and a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years.
John L. Taylor, 73, formerly of the Lafayette hilltop, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. He was welcomed into the open arms of his beloved wife, Linda, and his feline best friend, HoBo, who were waiting for him up in Heaven.
Born March 27, 1950, in Kane, he was a son of Bob & Vicky Taylor. He grew up in a home surrounded by nature, with his three siblings and plenty of wildlife keeping him company.
He married the love of his life, Linda (Hetrick) Taylor in 1972 and spent his early adult life as a renowned electrician, working at the Box Factory, Pennzoil, PGE, and ARG.
We knew him as a kind, hardworking, and loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend. We knew him as the unofficial “Mayor” of Lafayette, as a long-standing member of his “Breakfast Club,” and as the family videographer. He loved to travel and sight-see. He was the king of snacks and board games. He was Mr. Fix It, a storyteller like no other, the father of three ducklings, and the one person who you could count on being outdoors, working sunrise to sunset.
John’s memory will be lovingly held in the heart of all those who knew him best, carried forever among the countless friends and family who he left an unforgettable impact on.
Robert “Bob’ G. Main, 66, of Warren, PA., died suddenly Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Warren General Hospital Emergency Room, Warren, PA., after suffering an apparent heart attack while at work.
He was born May 27, 1957, in Warren, PA. He was the son of Carol Ann Hoffman Main of Warren, PA., and the late Robert M. Main, who died February 9, 2023. Bob was a lifelong Warren area resident. He was a 1975 graduate of Warren Area High School. He had served with the U.S. Air Force.
After the service he was employed as a welder with Allegany Valve and Coupling Company for 15 years, and previously with the former National Forge Company for many years. He was a master mechanic, enjoyed working on cars. He raced #3 at Stateline Speedway and Eriez Speedway. Bob was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. He loved his kids, even though they were a pain in his ass.
Margaret M. (Peg) Proebstle, 83, of Jackson, Michigan, formerly of Warren, PA, and Canton, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in Henry Ford Jackson Hospital surrounded by her family.
Peg was born in Canton, Ohio, on October 9, 1940, the daughter of the late Paul V. and Mildred T. (Betzler) DeVille. She was raised in Canton, OH, and graduated from Central Catholic HS. After attending Ursuline College for two years, Peg was a PBX operator and receptionist at the DeVille Lumber Co. and was later employed in the mail order dept. with the Blair Corporation.
On November 30, 1963, Peg married John L. Proebstle in Canton, OH. Subsequently they lived on the West Coast for 17 years where John was employed by the US Forest Service and they raised their four children. The family enjoyed canoeing, camping, and other outdoor activities. As their daughters were growing up, Peg was a Bluebird and Campfire leader.
Daniel Hayes Whitford passed away on February 5, 2024, after a tragic accident at his home on Cuba Lake. Countless people have been impacted by his death, and his place in our shared history has been nothing short of legendary.
The Law of the Conservation of Energy says that energy can neither be created nor destroyed – only converted from one form to another. Daniel’s love for his family, his life, and for other people was what defined him. His energy was positive, intense, seemingly endless, and will not be diminished, but carried on by all of us.
Born in Olean, New York to proud parents Chandler and Karen Whitford on June 22, 1977, Daniel grew up on Cuba Lake and was a graduate of Cuba-Rushford High School, Class of 1995. He graduated from Gannon University. He started his career in the family business, The L.C Whitford Co., Inc., in the trades during his summers off in high school, the same as his brothers. He then progressed through the ranks to his most recent appointment as vice president. Throughout all these roles, his compassionate and authentic personality contributed to the cohesiveness that is the fabric of the company.
Daniel is survived by his parents, wife Rochelle (Darling), son Ford, daughter Stella; brothers Brad, Rod, and Clint; nieces Ellie and Isa Whitford; and sisters-in-law Amanda Darling and Meghan and Lauren O’Keefe. To list his close friends would be impossible because of the immediate connections he made everywhere he went.
The life of Daniel has many themes: Family man, intense love, adventurous soul, and a mission of happiness. He was most passionate about his wife and children; swimming, fishing, or boating with them on Cuba Lake or at his favorite place of all – Lady Evelyn Lake in Ontario, Canada.
Daniel lived an outrageously full life, adding color to the mundane or a lightning bolt to the party. But, above all, he genuinely cared about other people’s feelings and happiness as much as his own.
Daniel leaves so many lives changed forever, and all for the better. To try and capture his life in a picture or paragraphs would be an impossible feat. His many friends have mourned his passing with some tales and moving remembrances, including living life to the fullest, amazing hugs, making you feel at home, spreading joy and happiness, lighting up a room, infectious smile, and the list goes on.
The Whitford Family invites friends to join them in celebrating Daniel during a visitation on Sunday, February 11 at Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service Inc., 9 Bull Street, in Cuba from 1 to 5 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on his birthday, which is the summer solstice.
The Whitford Family will be establishing a memorial fund to honor Daniels’s memory. Details will be announced before the celebration of life.
Don’t forget Daniel’s important mantra: “Straight to the top!!”
ELDRED – Judith A. Raught, 83, formerly of Looker Mountain Trail, passed away Wednesday (Feb. 7, 2024) at Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born July 28, 1940, in Olean N.Y., she was the daughter of Chester and Thelma Reigel Rice. On Dec. 3, 1966, in Coryville, she married Thomas R. Raught, who preceded her in death April 20, 2022.
Judith was a 1959 graduate of Smethport High School, and when younger worked at Zippo, and then part time at Dexter-Hysol.
She enjoyed James Bond movies, crosswords, puzzles, needlework and arts and crafts. Judith was very artistic, which led her to serve as president of the Residents Society. She also previously enjoyed traveling, and sightseeing with her husband, Thomas Raught. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with, and was very proud of, her grandchildren.
ELDRED — Michael O. “Ort” Maynard, 69, of Route 446 passed away Sunday (Feb. 4, 2024) at St. Vincent Hospital, Erie, following a brief illness.
Born Aug. 23, 1954, in Olean, N.Y., he was the son of the late Orton and Peggy Manning Maynard.
Ort was a lifelong resident of Eldred, and had worked at the former Ball Foster Glass Plant, the Gold Eagle Hotel and VFW Post 2092 of Eldred. He was a social member of VFW Post 2092 of Eldred and American Legion Post 887 of Eldred, and was a prior officer for Sons of the American Legion.
He annually attended the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, N.Y., was an avid video game player and also enjoyed going fishing.
Pauline M. White, 91, of Wellsboro, PA passed away at her home on Thursday, February 8, 2024. She was born on December 6, 1932, in Oregon Hill, the daughter of the late Charles F. and Bertha M. (Gilbert) Kalmbach. She was the wife of the late Richard L. White.
Joan Lucille (Dagustine) Martin, 90, of 111 West Main Street, Ridgway, PA passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
She was born on June 24, 1933, in Johnsonburg, a daughter of the late Frank and Joan Feronti Dagustine.
On October 25, 1952, at Holy Rosary Church, she married the late Daniel G. Martin. Together they shared more than 65 years of marriage.
Joan was a graduate of Johnsonburg Area High School class of 1951. She was a member of St. Leo Magnus Church and Catholic Daughters of America. She was also a member of the Ridgway Woman’s club for many years. Joan was secretary at Elk County Veterans’ Affairs office, retiring in 1999. She was a Jury Commissioner for 4 years (2000-2004).
Joan served as a waitress for many years at various clubs and restaurants, including the Ridgway Country Club, Elk’s Club, and the Mediterranean. She thoroughly loved waitressing and serving people throughout Ridgway. Joan was a self-taught cake decorator and well known throughout the community for her many cakes, cookies, pies, and baked goods.
Robert W. WAGNER, 49, of Friendship, NY, died Tuesday, February 6, 2024 in his home.
Born April 11, 1974, in North Tonawanda, he was the son of Floyd and Sharon Kowalski Wagner. On June 11, 2016, in Richburg, he married the former Ruth E. Norton, who survives.
A graduate of Friendship Central School, he earned his welding certificate at BOCES. Bob was employed by API from 1993 – 2007 and Siemens from 2007 – 2023, working as a welder in Wellsville, Olean, and Painted Post.
Bob enjoyed hunting and dirt track racing with his son, Justin. Bob loved working on his racing team as crew chief and mechanic. He could weld and build anything. Bob and Ruth spent a lot of time together farming, gardening, and spending time with the grandchildren.
Friendship, NY— Charles W. Geisel, 62, of 3282 County Road 8, passed away unexpectedly, at home, on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
Born April 22, 1960 in Rochester, NY. He was the son of Henry and Mary Dubey Geisel.
Charles was a graduate of the Richburg Central School Class of 1978.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving from 1981-1983.
He was employed at the former Cooper Industries in Olean as a Kiln Operator for twenty-two years, prior to his retirement. He later bartended at the Chef Grill, Bolivar and was employed as a custodian for Scio Central School for two years.
Charles enjoyed spending time with his family and cruising in his Corvette. The highlight of the year was his annual family reunion. He took great pride in his grandchildren’s accomplishments and attending their sporting events.
AUSTIN, PA—Michael M. “Mike” Lovell, 78, of Austin, PA passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024, in UPMC Cole, after a long illness.
Born on Sunday, September 30, 1945 in Stonemarket, England, he was a son of Carl and Sheila Peck Lovell. On July 4, 1987 in Austin he married Diane E. Dow Lovell, who passed away on October 20, 2020.
Mike was a US Navy veteran. He was employed at various places throughout the years.
Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle.
COUDERSPORT, PA—H. Richard “Dick” Curfman, 94, a longtime resident of Coudersport, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.
Born on Tuesday, October 22, 1929 in McConnellstown, Huntingdon County, PA, he was a son of Homer O. and Helen E. Lang Curfman. On September 1, 1962 he was united in marriage to Betty A. Homolash, who survives.
He lived his earlier years in the Huntingdon, PA area and had resided in Coudersport since 1960.
Dick attended Walker Township Elementary School in McConnellstown and was a 1947 graduate of Huntingdon High School.
Dick was a US Army veteran having served from 1950 to 1952 in Korea. His military service (1948 – 1957) included him being a member of the PA National Guard Unit based in Huntingdon, both prior to and following his service in Korea.
In the 1940’s he worked on farms in the Woodcock Valley area, was employed by Weis Market and also by Laney’s Feed Mill, both in Huntingdon. During the 1950’s he was employed by Owens Corning Fiberglass Corporation in Huntingdon and also owned and operated a trucking (coal) business and lawn mower repair shop from his home in McConnellstown.
Finishing first in his class, Dick was a 1960 graduate of Ross Leffler School of Conservation in Brockway. Following graduation, he was employed by the PA Game Commission as District Game Protector stationed in Coudersport. He also served as a US Deputy Game Warden until his Pennsylvania Game Commission retirement. During the time (1960-1992) he intermittently served as North Central Region Land Management Supervisor, Potter-Tioga Unit Supervisor as well as with the PGC Special Investigation Unit during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Following PGC retirement, Dick was employed by Johnson Excavating in Roulette for several summers.
Harry C. Sickler II “beloved husband, son, and brother”
COUDERSPORT, PA—Harry C. Sickler II, 63, a longtime resident of Coudersport, passed away in his home on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on Saturday, July 16, 1960 in Berwick, PA, he was a son of Harry C. and Shirley Kramer Sickler. On August 20, 1994 in Coudersport, he married Tamra M. “Tammy” Lewis, who survives.
Harry was a graduate of Coudersport Area High School, Class of 1978 and was a graduate of Williamsport Area College becoming a radiologic technologist.
Harry was employed by the former Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, now UPMC Cole, as a sonographer and radiologic technologist until his retirement. After his retirement from the hospital, Harry volunteered at the Potter County Food Bank as manager.
Harry was a member of the Christian Missionary Alliance in Harrison Valley. He enjoyed taking his dogs for walks.
Jane L. “Janie” Floyd, 78, of Driftwood, PA passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Monday morning (February 5, 2024). She was born February 2, 1946 in New Castle, PA, a daughter of the late Braden J. and Ida Dunkerly Walker. On September 21, 1968, in New Castle, PA, she married William Floyd, who survives.
Janie graduated from Shenango High School in the class of 1963. She was an accomplished seamstress who enjoyed making clothing for her children, and grandchildren as well as making pillowcases, clothing for dolls and much more for relatives and friends.
Peggy Sitarchuk-Price, 61, of South Kendall Avenue, Bradford, PA went to join her mother and father, Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Howard L. CRIPPEN, 79, of Ulysses, PA, died Monday, February 5, 2024 in UPMC Williamsport.
Born May 15, 1944, in Hector Township, he was the son of Louis W. “Luke” and Arvilla M. Seeley Crippen. On September 26, 1964, in Williamson, NY, he married the former Barbara J. Blauvelt, who predeceased him on September 10, 2015.
He was employed by Ingersoll-Rand/Dresser-Rand in Painted Post, NY for 36 years. Howard was a member of God’s New Beginnings Church in Harrison Valley.
