Obituaries

Angela M. “Julie” DOUGLAS, 98, of Horseheads, NY, died Monday, December 16, 2024 in Guthrie Corning Hospital.   

Born May 7, 1926, in Galeton, PA, she was the daughter of Antonio and Nancy C. Lollo Messino.  She was married to Gordon L. Douglas, who predeceased her on December 24, 1999.  A graduate of Galeton High School, she was employed by JC Penney in sales and as a buyer.  At Penney’s, she brightened the men’s department with her sparkling personality and sometimes snarky sense of humor.  She was well-respected by her co-workers.  Angela lived life enjoying a good laugh with humor and a cheerful disposition, drawing many friends.  She had an amazing fashion sense and style.  She was always dressed elegantly with a little bit of bling.  Her free time was filled with reading, ceramics, and watching soap operas.  Family was the center of her life.  It was evident how much she loved her children and grandchildren by how much she talked about them.  

Susan B. Kaveney, 72, of Bucktail Road, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at her home with her family by her side following a lengthy illness.

She was born on April 19, 1952 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Leroy and Gertrude Vollmer Ginther.

On May 24, 1980, she married the love of her life, James Kaveney, who survives. Together they were blessed with more than 44 years of marriage.

Mary E. Mattivi, 55, of Glen Hazel Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. 

She was born, May 11, 1969 in St. Marys, daughter of the late Siegfried J. and Nancy Distler Engelberg.  She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1987.  Mary furthered her education at Penn State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.  Mary enjoyed her career as a teacher.  She started her teaching career at Holy Rosary School in Johnsonburg then spent a couple of years at Fox Township Elementary School before her start at South St. Marys Street Elementary School, where she spent the last seventeen years.  Mary had a true passion for teaching that had a profound impact on many young lives.  Through teaching, she valued the many strong friendships in which she cultivated.  

On February 10, 1996 in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, she married her best friend, Anthony Mattivi, who survives.

George R. Bauer, 93, a resident of Silver Creek Terrace and formerly of S. Michael Road, St. Marys, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, following a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

He was born on March 12, 1931 in St. Marys, a son of the late Norman and Hilda Pontzer Bauer.

On October 15, 1955, at Queen of the World Church, he married the love of his life, Dolores F. “Dolly” Feiley Bauer, who preceded him in death on January 20, 2014. After seeing Dolly walking down the street many years ago, he exclaimed that he was going to marry her. He did just that, and together their love endured more than 58 years of love, laughter, and marriage.

George was a lifelong member of Queen of the World Church. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and then retired from Keystone after many years of service. He will be remembered for his mechanical abilities, always having the ability to fix anything. When he wasn’t tinkering in his garage, he enjoyed fishing and tending to his flowers. A man of strong faith, George had a quiet calm about him, and was the true definition of a gentleman with his warm demeanor, kind smile, and gentle spirit. He cherished his family and was immensely proud of each one, and loved nothing more than spending time with them.

Mary Lou Fragale, 67, of Emporium, PA passed away at Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA on Tuesday morning (December 17, 2024) following a lengthy illness. She was born September 7, 1957 in St. Marys, PA a daughter of the late Michael V. and Jennie Costanzo Fragale.

Mary Lou graduated from Cameron County High School in the class of 1975. She graduated from Penn State University in 1979, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies. While in her last year of college she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the young age of 24. Mary Lou’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and a deep sense of community. She thrived during her time at Penn State University, where she not only earned her degree but also forged lasting friendships and developed a lifelong loyalty to the Nittany Lions.

Mary E. Mattivi, 55, of Glen Hazel Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. 

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

Michael M. Davies, 58, of Morianna Avenue, Bradford, passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the VA Medical Center in Pittsburgh. 

Born December 27, 1965, in Warren, he was a son of the late Donald and Paula Karen (Conklin) Davies. He was a 1985 graduate of Smethport High School.

On July 18, 1985, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was Honorably discharged on July 17, 1989. He continued to serve in the Navy Reserves until November 26, 1992.

On July 21, 1995, in Hinsdale, NY, he married Cindy (Best) Davies who survives.

Betty J. Miller, 98, formerly of Chapel Ridge, in Bradford, passed away Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home. 

Born June 22, 1926, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Gilbert and Mabel (Storms) Eidson.

Betty attended Lee Driver grade school, and was a 1944 graduate of Bradford High School.

On November 11, 1973, in the Sawyer Evangelical Church, she married LeRoy J. Miller who preceded her in death on September 2, 1998.

Betty worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the Tax Collector for 35 years.

She was a member of Sawyer Evangelical Church, and Pennsylvania Retired Employees Association.

Eugene “Gene” R. Staiger Jr., 77, of, Linda Lane in Warren and previously of Mt. Jewett, passed away Sunday (Dec. 8) at his residence.  Born July 31, 1947 in Coudersport, he is the son of the late Eugene “Babe” and Dorothy Staiger.  He married Nadine Holmberg, who also preceded him in death.

Gene served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  He then worked for the McKean County Department of Public Welfare, where he retired as the Executive Director. Gene was a kind and loving man and he was very active.  He was a former member of all the following; the Kane Country Club, the McKean County Shrine Club/Roadrunners. president of the Coudersport Borough Council,  secretary of the Coudersport Area Recreation Board,  president of the Coudersport Men’s Softball Association, member and driver of the Coudersport Ambulance, the VFD of Coudersport, the Mt. Jewett Sportsman Club, the Mt. Jewett American Legion Post #574 and VFW Post #1132, the F&AM Lodge #566,  and the Zem Zem Shriners.

Richard W. Young Sr., 71, of Greeves St., passed away Monday (Dec. 16) at his residence. He was born June 9, 1953 in Kane, the son of the late William and Lavina (Heasley) Young.

Rick had worked in construction and the oil and gas industry, but most recently was the owner and operator of the James City Cafe.  He had a passion for drumming and played in several bands over the years.

Matthew Reeves, 29, of Second Avenue, Johnsonburg, passed away December 14, 2024 at Penn Highlands, DuBois. He was born on August 26, 1995, in St. Marys, PA a son to Jana Miller and Robert W. Reeves, Sr. 

A lifelong resident of Johnsonburg, Matthew was a 2016 graduate of Johnsonburg Area High School. 

To say Matthew was anything but a grumpy old soul would be a lie. He had a tender heart with his selected few and fiercely protected those lucky enough to be loved by him. He was a dedicated athlete and enjoyed wrestling, track and going to the gym regularly. He was a fearless BMX rider. 

Matthew loved to work with carpentry and other artistic outlets. 

Barbara Claire:  Loving Wife Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Friend

Barbara Claire, 88, formerly of 69 Plum Street, Bolivar, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Wellsville Manor Care Center after a lengthy illness.

Born on March 9, 1936, at home in Allentown, she was a daughter of Ronald O. and Hilda M. Meyers Adams.  She was married to Lou Claire who predeceased her on July 22, 1997.

Barb was a proud graduate of Allentown Union School Class of 1953.  When her children were young, she worked at ACME Electric and then was the Co-owner and Office Manager of Allegany Printing Company in Bolivar with her husband until her retirement.

Barbara Kirby, 79, of Coudersport, passed away, Monday (December 16, 2024) at Sweden Valley Manor, 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.

Deborah L. Cole, 72, formerly of Bolivar Drive, Bradford, passed away, Friday December 13, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Born March 11, 1952, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Charles Lee Cole and Peggy Ann Kramer.

She was a 1970 graduate from Bradford High School and attended Edinboro University. 

Deb worked for Charles Day Interior Designer for a short time before being employed by W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery. She retired from KOA Speer Electronics, Inc. in 2016 after 29 years.

Deb was an avid knitter and was a member of the knitting group at St. Francis. 

Clayton A. Shobert, 95, of Ridgway, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Penn Highland Elk after a brief illness.

He was born on September 11, 1929, in Hallton, a son of the late Arthur and Majorie Wallace Shobert.

On August 24, 1963, he married the late Patricia Tramack, who preceded in death on February 23, 2011.

Paul R. Plants “beloved husband, father, grandfather, and servant of the Lord”

Paul R. Plants went to be with Jesus Christ his Savior surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at the age of 87 after a short illness.

He was born on September 28, 1937 in Kane, PA to Ruben and Grace Tanner Plants. On July 19, 1958, Paul married the former Eloise Babcock and for 67 years they worked to build a family, run a farm, and start a business.

Paul enlisted in the Army in 1958 where he was stationed in Fort Benning, GA and was recognized for several accomplishments during his active duty.

When he returned to Champlin Hollow after serving in the Army, he and Eloise bought the farm owned by his parents and began six decades of raising kids and cattle. Also at this time, Paul returned to his job at Acme Electric in Allegany, NY, where he would work second shift for the next 27 years. The last several years at Acme he served as plant manager.

Charles E. “J.R.” BACH, Jr., 82, of Galeton, PA, died Friday, December 13, 2024 in Sena-Kean Manor, Smethport.  

Born April 12, 1942, in Johnstown, he was the son of Charles E. and Clara May Burkhart Bach.  On October 22, 1988, in the First United Presbyterian Church, Coudersport, he married Joy Conable, who survives.  A 1960 graduate of Johnstown Central High School, he served honorably with the U.S. Army from 1960 – 1964.  He attended Robert Morris Junior College and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from the University of Iowa, where he played on the football team.  

He was employed by the PA Fish Commission, Potter County Children and Youth, and was the Vice President of Human Service Providers in Mansfield.  J.R. served on the Potter County Board of Commissioners, Galeton Area School Board, and Cole Hospital Authority.  He was a member of the Galeton and Ulysses Masonic Lodges and the American Legion.  

Edward Lewis Colvin

Edward L. Colvin, 87, passed away Monday, December 9, 2024, in Lancaster, PA. Born in Corning, NY he was the son of the late Frederick and Ruth (Simpson) Colvin.

He was a graduate of Addison High School. Ed worked for Ingersoll Rand for a time, worked as a logger, and later a well driller. He was most known for the time he spent managing a lab rabbit farm. After raising his family in Potter and Tioga counties, he moved to Branson, MO for his retirement years where he enjoyed fishing daily at Table Rock Lake.

Ed was an avid hunter, fisherman and Ginseng digger.

Shirley J. Culp, 81, of Galeton, PA, passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at UPMC Cole, Coudersport, PA. 

She was a Valentine baby being born on February 14, 1943 in Renovo, PA. She was a daughter of the late Russell McKinley and John and Martha (Bowers) Miller. She was a 1962 graduate of Renovo High School. On October 15, 1966, she married Kenneth Culp, who preceded her in death on August 16, 2018. Shirley worked at Smith of Galeton Gloves before retiring. She enjoyed gardening, riding four wheelers, loved hummingbirds and Christmas was her favorite time of year.

Edward M. Fitzgerald

Edward M. Fitzgerald, 70, of Warren, PA., died peacefully Saturday morning, December 14, 2024, at his residence. 

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA. has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Jerome Kennedy “Jerry” Copley, 90, of Wellsboro, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, December 13, 2024. He was born October 12, 1934, in Asaph, PA, the son of the late Wayne and Nellie (Parsons) Copley.  He married Nina Mae Bowers in 1961 and would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on December 22. 

Jerry graduated from Wellsboro-Charleston High School, Class of 1953.  He served in the US Airforce; then joined the US Army National Guard and was activated and deployed for the Cuban Missile Crisis.  Jerry worked for the PA Employment Office as a Disabled Veterans Representative and was a former Delmar Township Supervisor.  He was a member of the Stony Fork Baptist Church and attended the Dexter Baptist Church.  He was a 50– year member of the Ossea Lodge #317 of the Free and Accepted Masons; American Legion Post 84; a Life Member of the NRA; an executive board member of the Nessmuk Rod & Gun Club; and was an avid hunter.    

Jane Carol Atwater, of Machias, NY passed away on December 12, 2024 at the Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw, NY at the age of 88.

She was born on April 11, 1936 in Bradford, PA to the late Carl Reynolds and Francis (Newton) Baldwin.

Jane married the love of her life (the late) Donald Atwater of Elton, NY on June 20th, 1953 who predeceased her in death in 2009. The couple had 5 children, Ronald (Hope) Atwater of Arcade, NY, Carol Davies of Machias, NY, Barbara (the late Lynn) Schoepflin of Arcade, NY, Debra (Daniel Pitonack) Callahan of Machias, NY, the late Robert (Rebecka-surviving) Atwater of Delevan. Jane is also survived by their foster children Trinket Gack of El Paso, TX, Tina (Rob) Tilton of North Carolina, Louise (Tom) Dille of North Carolina, Cathy (Dave) Colin of Salamanca, NY, Rebecca Maxim of Florida, Fred Sherman of Pennsylvania, 30 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren. Debby (Cliff) Anthony, Chris Reynolds and David Reynolds are her surviving siblings all of Bradford, PA.

H. Donald Austin             “beloved brother and uncle”

H. Donald “Don” Austin, 82, of Shinglehouse, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a long illness.

Born on Thursday, July 16, 1942 in the Mountain Clinic in Olean, NY, he was a son of Howard E. and Mary E. Taylor Austin.  On January 23, 1971 he married Laura H. Houck Kochel, who passed away on July 31, 1986.

Don was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, Class of 1960, Shinglehouse.  Following graduation, he enjoyed farming with his father. Don retired from Pierce Glass in Port Allegany.  

Mikell R. Haskins                  “beloved mother, grandmother, and sister”

Mrs. Mikell R. Haskins, 85, a longtime resident of Coudersport, passed away on Thursday December 12, 2024, at Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, after a long illness.

Born on Sunday, July 2, 1939 in Buffalo, NY, she was a daughter of Robert and Winifred Kelly Quimby.  On December 31, 1960 in Coudersport, she married Paul S. Haskins, who passed away on May 15, 2018.

Mikell graduated from high school in Kenmore, NY.  She was a preschool teacher at the Park United Methodist Church.

Charles E. “J.R.” BACH, Jr., 82, of Galeton, PA, died Friday, December 13, 2024.  Arrangements will be announced by Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.

Edward Lewis Colvin

Edward L. Colvin, 87, of Lancaster, passed away Monday, December 9, 2024 at LGH. Born in Corning, NY he was the son of the late Frederick and Ruth (Simpson) Colvin.

He was a graduate of Addison High School. Ed worked for Ingersoll Rand as a logger, later as a well driller and most recently managed a rabbit lab farm. After retirement he lived most of his retirement years in and around Branson, MO where he enjoyed fishing daily at Table Rock Lake.

Ed was an avid hunter, fisherman and Ginseng digger.

He is survived by his five children: Lee Colvin (Starla) of Westfield, PA, Gayla Anderson (Marvin) of Louisville, KY, Craig Colvin of Colorado Springs, CO, Thomas Colvin (Dixie) of Lancaster, and Anthony Colvin (Carrie) of Hurricane, UT; 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; siblings, Wanda Vance of James City, PA, Kara Bradstreet of PA, Melen Fox (Dennis) of FL, and Gary Colvin of AL. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Frederick Colvin Jr., Maynard Colvin, Richard Colvin, Eleanor Brown and Janet Smithers.

A Gathering to celebrate Ed’s life will be held from 1-4PM on Friday, December 20, 2024 at Tri Town Fire Department, 810 State Rte 49, Ulysses, PA 16948. To send an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com.

Bachman Snyder
Funeral Home & Crematory
717-687-7644

Robert L. “Boats” Spencer, age 58, of Wellsboro, PA, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 with his loving wife Theresa by his side. 

He was born on July 11, 1966 in Elmira, NY a son of the late Llewellyn and June (DeLong) Spencer and was married to Theresa A. (Holzwarth) Spencer.  Rob greatly loved his bikes “Christine” and “Amazing Grace” and rode many many miles both locally and cross country several times.  In addition to riding motorcycles, Rob enjoyed traveling, taking cruises, hunting, fishing and camping.  Rob was a career Navy man who crossed the equator several times. 

He was stationed on both sides of the US multiple times and his favorite location was San Diego, CA.  He was a member of the Mansfield VFW, Blossburg American Legion, CVMA-1910, God’s Country ABATE, Westfield Sons of Hiram M.C., Wellsboro Rotary, Tioga County Honor Guard, Ossea Lodge # 317 F & AM, Royal Arch Chapter and the Coudersport Consistory.  Rob was an ordained minister through the Universal Life Church, an Eagle Scout and an avid lover of Western movies.