Leon E. Cline, 91, of County Road 18, passed away at home on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, with his family by his side. He was born March 13, 1933, in Wellsville, the son of the late Leon S. and Esther M. (Willard) Cline.
Leon was raised in Allegany County and attended school in a Wellsville area one-room-schoolhouse. He was eventually awarded an honorary GED from the school district. With special permission from his parents, he enlisted at 16 with the United States Army and deployed at 17 to Korea with the 32nd infantry, proudly serving from 1950 to 1953. After his honorable discharge he travelled the United States, including spending time in Florida as a Tugboat Operator and in Arizona, working at his aunt’s bar.
John Alfred Mascioni, Jr., 59, of Bolivar Drive, Bradford, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the Olean General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on July 22, 1965, in Olean, NY, he was a son of Gail Liane (Tice) Dunkle, of Bradford and John A. Mascioni, Sr., of Limestone.
He was a 1983 graduate of Bradford Area High School.
After high school he apprenticed at McCourt Label which led to a 20-year career there. He later worked in the Electronics Department at Walmart, until his health failed, and he was unable to be employed. John courageously battled significant health issues for years and was the recipient of a heart transplant. Over the course of his treatment, he became more than a patient to many of his providers – he also became a friend.
He formerly volunteered at the Bradford Regional Medical Center and at the SPCA where he also served on the board. He loved tinkering with electronics and computers.
Sandra A. “Sandy” Klink, 74, of Cobb Street, Johnsonburg, PA passed away at her home surrounded by her family, Wednesday morning, July 31, 2024, following a lengthy illness.
Sandy was born on January 1, 1950, in St. Marys, a daughter to the late Robert “Soup” and Margaret “Annie” McCabe Stahli. On January 21, 1967, in Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg, she married Thomas Klink. He preceded her in death on May 17, 2024.
Sandy lived most of her life in Johnsonburg and attended Johnsonburg schools. She was a member of Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg Legion Post 501, the Prince of Piedmont Club and Central Hose where she had been a bartender for 12 years before her retirement in 2012.
Sandy loved spending time at home, sending greeting cards to everyone she knew for every occasion, good and bad, and even a ”Just Thinking Of You” card to keep in touch. She also loved feeding and watching the birds and sitting and visiting with family and friends.
Eli L. Schneider, 88, of Canfield Hollow passed away on Friday (July 19, 2024) at home surrounded by his loving family.
Born on December 24, 1935 in Gaines he was the son of Charles Raymond and Matilda Olive May Gilbert Schneider. On May 10, 1958 in Eldred, he married Connie M. McDivitt who survives.
After growing up and graduating from Gaines (Pa) Highschool, Eli was a lifelong resident of Eldred. During high school, Eli moved back to Gaines to help his uncle operate his farm. He was then part of the construction crew that built Viko Furniture in Eldred, and then he went on to work there for many years. Finally, he worked for Hysol in Olean until his retirement, where he was a foreman in the chemical division.
He was an avid deer and rabbit hunter and loved to play Euchre. Eli also went to NASCAR and bowled for many years under several different leagues.
Rosenna Marie Pratt, age 73 passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at the Personal Care Home in Mainesburg.
Born October 20, 1950 in Corning, NY, she was the daughter of the late Lyle and Barbara (Colvin) Beard. Rosenna retired from Corning Inc. She enjoyed camping and traveling. She had a love for animals and always had a faithful furbaby companion by her side.
Elaine H. CARLSSON, 83, of Wellsville, NY, formerly of Rocky Point, died Tuesday, July 30, 2024 in Maple City Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Hornell.
Born October 2, 1940, in Morristown, NJ, she was the daughter of Francis Joseph and Helen Hanlon Dacey. On November 3, 1962, in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY, she married Tage G. Carlsson, who predeceased her on March 28, 2019.
A graduate of Port Jefferson High School, she was employed as a CNA by Sunrest Nursing Home in Port Jefferson for over 40 years. She loved thrifting and going to the casino.
Patricia N. “Pat” Olson, 94, formerly of Montmorenci Road, Ridgway, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024.
She was born on October 19, 1929, in Ridgway, a daughter of the late Eugene A. and Marie A. Kilhoffer Nelson.
In September of 1949, Pat married the late C.H. Arnold Olson, who preceded her in death on October 1, 1981. Together they shared 32 years of marriage.
Pat graduated from Ridgway High School, class of 1948. She cared for her family for many years as a homemaker. Pat was a very involved member of St. Leo Magnus Catholic Church, where she served with the team that counted the collection on the 4th Sunday of the month for many years. She was also a proud member of the Catholic Daughters of America.
Nancy Watkins Dunham passed away on July 24, 2024, at the age of 81. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, kind and generous community leader, and beloved friend to many.
She was born on January 22, 1943, to Emily (Gross) and Forrest Watkins in Winfield, Kansas, where her father was stationed at Strother Army Airfield for pilot training during World War II. The family returned to Pennsylvania and eventually settled in Port Allegany, where her mother worked as a teacher and her father as the high school guidance counselor.
Nancy graduated from Port Allegany High School in 1960 and from Allegheny College in 1964 with a B.A. in Elementary Education. She loved her years at Allegheny and met lifelong friends there. While at Allegheny she participated in Singers, the college choir. It is through her participation in the choir that she met her husband John Dunham while attending a Singers reunion concert in Emporium, PA. They shared a love of music and continued to participate in college choir reunions together and support their college and the music program.
John and Nancy lived in Wellsboro where John worked for the family-owned business Dunham’s Department Store. They were married on Sunday, July 21, 1968, a day and date chosen because the store was closed on Sundays. Nancy had not planned to work at the family store but offered to work one day when an employee left unexpectedly, thus beginning an over 50-year career as a manager, buyer, and then owner of Dunham’s. She became a constant presence at the store, helping generations of shoppers pick out the perfect purchase while also managing other aspects of the business. Many remember visiting with Nancy and John at the store and in the coffee shop, where they connected with customers and spent time with friends.
Nancy dedicated her life’s work not only to the store, but also to Wellsboro as a whole, becoming active in a variety of civic and social organizations, including several foreign exchange student programs. Through these programs Nancy and John opened their home to many exchange students, creating lifelong bonds as some became like her own children.
Throughout her life Nancy loved to travel, easily making friends wherever she went and serving as a loyal ambassador for Wellsboro. Just this year she was able to attend her 60th college reunion and take an extended trip to visit family in Costa Rica. Most recently in June, Nancy joined her brother and sister-in-law Ed and Chris Watkins on a 4,400-mile road trip to visit and reconnect with dozens of friends and relatives whom she had not seen for many years. One stop on this trip was Nancy’s birthplace of Winfield, Kansas, where Ed and Nancy visited the historical society and helped identify an unmarked photo of their father in his aircraft taken at Strother Army Airfield during his training.
Nancy loved puzzles, reading, playing the piano, singing, and Broadway musicals. She delighted in family game night where she was nearly unbeatable in every word game. She remained steadfastly loyal to her birth state of Kansas, including a love of sunflowers and the Kansas University Jayhawks basketball team. The Christmas season held a special place in Nancy’s heart. She shared her love of the holiday by decorating every corner of her home, hosting Christmas parties, and taking her grandchildren Christmas shopping each year.
Donald Houser, 72, of Reigel Rd. in Kane, PA passed away on Sunday (July 28) at UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA.
Born on January 23, 1952 in Kane, he was the son of the late Frank and Eleanor (Pearce) Houser. On June 18, 1976 in Kane, he married Peggy Van Straten, who preceded him in death.
After high school and technical school, Don took a year off to drive around the country with a friend. After seeing much of the country, he settled into a simple life that he enjoyed greatly. He loved spending time with friends and being outdoors gardening, fishing, and hunting. Don enjoyed the company of his pets. He also loved learning obscure facts and was very good at trivia.
Always a hard worker, Don put in the effort to do a job well. He had various jobs throughout his life starting as a newspaper carrier as a kid and culminating with retirement from Kane Hardwood. His favorite job, other than retirement, was as a heavy equipment operator at Kane Stone Co.
Leonora C. “Lee” Irish “beloved wife, mother and fur mom”
COUDERSPORT, PA—Leonora C. “Lee” Irish, 86, a longtime resident of Coudersport, PA passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a short illness.
Born on Tuesday, April 5, 1938 in Norwalk, Connecticut, she was a daughter of Charles R. II and Celia Barbarosa Pennington. On October 15, 1960 in Norwalk, she married Ferd W. Irish, who passed away on January 9, 2018.
Lee was a graduate of Norwalk High School in Norwalk, CT and was a graduate of Yale-New Haven Nursing School in New Haven, CT. She earned her Master’s Degree in Nursing from Alfred University.
After her marriage and relocating to Coudersport, Lee was employed as a private duty Registered Nurse taking care of Charles Cole at the former Potter County Hospital in Coudersport. She then was employed at the hospital and after the completion of the “new hospital” was head nurse for many years in the Emergency Room. She was then instrumental in writing the policies and procedures for the Short Procedure Unit (SPU) running that department for many years until her retirement at the hospital. After her retirement from the hospital, she became Dr. Miller’s nurse at the Potter County Health Center until finally retiring from healthcare. She had recently served as Sweden Township Auditor. She, for many years, served as Judge of Elections on the election board in Sweden Township. It goes without saying that as a potato farmer’s wife, she was there to help her beloved husband in any way possible on the farm.
Lee was a member of the former St. Bibiana Catholic Church in Galeton and was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America Court Doyle 932 in Coudersport where she had previously served as treasurer. She was a former member of Potter County Hospice where she also served on the Board of Directors. She served on many volunteer associations’ Board of Directors, including the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum in Ulysses and also the Coudersport Public Library where she was active in their auctions. She was a devoted wife, mother and fur mom. Her compassion covered not only humans but animals of all kinds. She had a love of all animals. Lee was a voracious reader. At the age of 55, she proudly completed the NYC Marathon.
She was a woman of great faith, finding comfort and strength in her beliefs throughout her life.
Wayne Edward Heck, 83, of Middlebury Center, PA passed away July 29, 2024, at his home surrounded by family. He was born September 4, 1940, at home in Middlebury Center to Albert and Genevieve (Gaylord) Heck. Wayne graduated from Wellsboro Area High School in the class of 1959.
Wayne worked at Cornell Brothers for forty-nine years, Owlett’s Farm Store for three years, and Tops Markets for five years. On May 6, 1967, he married Patricia McConnell.
He served Middlebury Township in the Volunteer Fire Department for sixty-six years and was a life member and past chief of the department. He was a member of the Elkland and Wellsboro Moose, and the American Legion. Wayne was an avid outdoorsman who loved to garden, hunt, and fish.
Pauline “Polly” WEART LUCAS, 99, passed away Saturday, July 27, 2024 in her home at Eden Heights in Olean, NY, just a few months shy of her 100thbirthday.
Born at home in Farmersville, NY, on October 8, 1924, Polly was the eldest child of Herbert and Lura Wallace and older sister to Kenneth (June) Wallace. She graduated from Ten Broeck Academy, Franklinville, NY in June 1942 and earned a BA in Music Education from Fredonia State Teachers College in 1946. Following her graduation, Polly worked as a teacher of vocal music for the Friendship and Cuba Central School Districts. Polly was a pioneer in the development of a vocational education program in Cuba and made multiple trips to Albany to work with the NYS Department of Education. From 1979-1992, Polly substitute taught at multiple Allegany County Schools.
Eversyn Xavier Lee JONES, infant son of Sandra and Patrick Jones of Ulysses, PA, was born sleeping on Friday, July 26, 2024 in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, PA.
Surviving besides his parents are: maternal grandparents, Michael and Angel Wigman, Sr.; maternal great-grandmother, Lucy “Nanny” Heisler; paternal grandmother, Bessie Jones; eight siblings, Arianna Weaver, Cheyanne Jones, Patrick Jones, Jr., Erika Jones, Cayden Jones, Adalynne Jones, Raidyn Jones, and Brisyn Jones; aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his maternal great-grandfather, Alfred “Pappy” Heisler; and his paternal grandfather, David Jones, Sr.
Service plans are incomplete at this time.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Dohn Hayes, 67, of Tionesta Ave. in Kane, PA passed away Thursday (July 25) at UPMC-Hamot. Born April 30, 1957 in Ridgway, he is the son of the late Cecil and Evelyn (Hollabaugh) Hayes. On Aug. 11, 1978, in Kane, he married Loretta Horam, who preceded him in death.
Mr. Hayes had worked as a machinist for SGL Carbon in St. Marys for many years. He was a member of the First Church of God, where he was currently serving on the board, and he was a long-time member of the U.S. National Guard.
Preston P. Prough, 58, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at the Guthrie Corning Hospital following a brave battle against cancer. Born October 27, 1965, in Huntingdon, PA, he was the son of the late Marvin E. and Linda (Roland) Prough-Shuey.
After graduating from the Wellsboro Area High School, class of 1983, Preston enlisted in the US Air Force, and worked as a dental assistant. With his honorable discharge complete, he returned to work in many fields, including Assistant Pro at the Tyoga Country Club (Wellsboro), Willow Creek Gold Course (Big Flats, NY), and The Tioga Golf Course (Nichols, NY). Preston was considered one of the top golfers of the Northern Tier of PA, during his lifetime and was involved with the sport until his passing. He was also an avid outdoorsman, with a passion for ice fishing for pan fish, and black powder deer hunting after Christmas.
George “Rick” Glover, 61, of Austin, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at his home. Rick was born on December 21, 1962, the son of the late Thomas and Lula (Eck) Glover. He married his wife Sherri Crawford, his world, on September 9, 1989.
Rick worked in construction. He and his wife were previous owners of the Costello General Store. He was a member of the Austin Costello Sportsmen’s Club, and enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his great granddaughter Jacelyn.
M. Ilene Close, 93, of Galeton, PA, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at UPMC Wellsboro.
Born August 6, 1930 in Roulette, PA, she was a daughter of the late Glenn and Rebecca (Weimer) Bickford. She was a 1948 graduate of Coudersport High School. On January 20, 1951, in Galeton, she married George A. Close, Sr., who preceded her in death on December 16, 2010. Ilene was the cafeteria manager at Galeton Production for seven years and then worked at St. Mary’s Carbon for over 19 years.
Leonora C. “Lee” Irish, 86, a longtime resident of Coudersport, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a short illness.
Janet L. Hasselman, 88, of Ford Road, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at Penn Highlands Elk.
She was born on May 4, 1936 in Emporium, a daughter of the late Hilmer and Helen Bergstrom.
On May 27, 1961 she married Daniel Hasselman, who survives. Together, they were blessed with more than 62 years of marriage.
Jan was a lifelong resident of the area and member of Queen of the World Church, where she enjoyed volunteering in the cafeteria when her son was in elementary school. She worked at Sylvania for a number of years before staying home to care for her family, always finding fulfillment in being a wife and mother.
Jan could often be found sitting on her front porch, where loved watching the birds and tending to her flowers every year. She also enjoyed listening to the radio and visiting with her family and friends.
Mary Eileen Horton Calhoun (nee Anderson), age 89, died July 17, 2024, in Wetumpka, Alabama, where she resided with her son Dan.
Mary was born August 14, 1934, in St. Marys PA, to Richard and Madeline Kranking Anderson of Johnsonburg. Mary graduated from Hershey High School in 1952, where she was a popular cheerleader and athlete. The following year she married Filmore Horton, and together they raised three children. Mary later married Larry Calhoun, a happy union lasting 33 years. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Richard “Dick” Anderson, as well as both of her husbands.
Nancy L. Engstrom, 91, of 212 Constitution Avenue, Bradford,PA passed away, Saturday, July 27, 2024, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, at the Pavilion @ BRMC.
Born on January 31, 1933, in Bradford, she was one of nine daughters of the late Clarence and Ila (Howe) Cramer. She was with the graduation class of 1951 of Bradford Area High School.
On September 2, 1951, at the Kane Congregational Church, she married George E. Engstrom, who preceded her in death on October 6, 2007.
Nancy worked for 10 years in the Bradford City Treasurer’s Office as Deputy City Treasurer, and also as a bookkeeper for Culligan Water Conditioner.
She was very active as a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Red Hat Society, Ecumenical Home Auxiliary and volunteered at Crook Farm. She loved animals, spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, music, and poetry.
Karen Placer, 76, of Smethport, PA, (born Karen Renae Flickinger) passed away peacefully at her home on July 27, 2024.
She was born on February 28, 1948 in Kane, Pennsylvania to Earl Flickinger (Father) and Louise (Carrow) Flickinger (Mother). Karen graduated from Smethport Area High School in 1966. Karen shared many great years of marriage with Anthony “Tony” Placer who she married on December 12, 1970 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Smethport.
Karen worked for several years at Sylvania Electric in Emporium, Pennsylvania. During her life, Karen also provided cleaning/housekeeping services to numerous families and formed lasting friendships with those people she served. She treated their homes like her own; she wanted each home to be “spotless.”
John Albert Yilek, 89, of Germania, PA, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at UPMC Wellsboro. Born June 25, 1935, in Blossburg, PA, he was a son of the late Albert and Julia (Karhan) Yilek. He was Veteran having served in the United States Army 8th infantry division Baumhalder in West Germany from1958-1960.
On May 2, 1964 in Germania, he married the former Ruth “Toni” Succowich who survives. John was a heavy equipment operator for PENN DOT before retirement. In his earlier work years, he truly enjoyed his passion of logging for Ted Sykora. He continued his logging passion and equipment operating working with his son, John, well into his mid-80s.
He was a member of Saint Germain’s Catholic Church, former Assistant Chief of Germania Fire Company, and former Supervisor of Abbott Township.
Hunting with family members, fishing, gardening, camping, and snowmobiling kept him active in the outdoors, and as many of you know, he cut wood year-round. Potato farming with Jim Gilbert brought back family memories for John. He also made daily trips to make sure all of his “grand dogs” had what they needed.
Elfriede E. Achter, age 87, of Sabinsville, PA passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at the Green Home in Wellsboro. Born May 5, 1937 in Waiblingen, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Wilhelm and Frida (Schaefer) Stilz.
Elfriede worked for Wundies Inc in Wellsboro. She loved gardening and her flower beds, reading, watching baseball and loved her pets, cats and dogs.
