Obituaries

Mary L. Strutt, 85, of Smethport, PA passed away Tuesday (January 30, 2024) at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

Gloria Jean Sarginger, 68, a resident at Elk Haven Nursing Home, passed away Monday, January 29, 2024 at Elk Haven. 

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

COUDERSPORT, PA—Erika Frank Lentz passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024. She was born in Vienna, Austria to the parents of Anna Hopfinger Frank and Koloman Frank on August 26, 1928.  She had 4 siblings, Eda, Elfie, Koloman and Walter. She had 4 half-siblings, Ernestina, Koloman, Heidi and Hans. Her family lived and siblings grew up during World War II. Erika was 10 years old when the war started.

Her half-sister Ernestina married after the occupation and left with her family for Australia with no contact from then on. Her brother Koloman at age 17 was required to serve in the military and after only six months was reported as missing in action and assumed killed.

In 1947 after being liberated by the United States she met a soldier and his name was Lawrence M Lentz from the little town of Austin, Pa. They were a couple…Lawrence was discharged from the military and came home in December 1946.  His bride followed in January 1947. They were married in the little town of Austin. She was welcomed by the Lentz family with kindness, love and compassion.

Erika became a citizen of the United States in 1955.  Erika’s sister Eda and brother Walter left their homeland as well and relocated to Canada sometime after. Her mother, Anna, and her sister, Elfie,  came to the US around 1960. At this point, Erika had not seen her mother for those 13 years and there were NO cell phones, NO internet, and virtually no international calling. After a short visit in the States, her mom and sister relocated to Canada.

Erika and Lawrence raised seven children and one grandchild in Austin; Katherine, Lawrence, Mark, Vera, Liesa and her daughter Tara, Brenda and Melinda. It was an awesome time for us her children…we had so many relatives and it was a great family. We were not rich or rocket scientists but we were all FAMILY…we all loved each other and laughed at each other and took care of each other.

My mother never worried if we were gone all day playing with our cousins because she knew one of our aunts or grandparents would be watching out for us, feeding us or sending us home if we got into mischief. I think my mother didn’t realize how her children loved our family life until the past several years. It’s funny how parents and children see things differently. We as parents are striving for better for our children when in reality they already have the best because we love each other…..you can’t beat that!!

Diana (Gerow) French, 75, of Wellsboro, PA passed away Sunday, January 28, at UPMC Williamsport. 

She was born March 12, 1948, in Blossburg, PA. Her mother, Lillian Gastrock and step-father, William Gastrock, Sr., raised eight children together of which Diana was the eldest. Diana excelled at secretarial work, having attended secretarial school in Syracuse. In her early career, she was a secretary for attorneys Owlett and Lewis as well as the Whitneyville Vocational School until she became a pharmacist technician for Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital from which she retired.

She was a long-time member of Christ Church, and her love of children led her to serve volunteering in the Awana program and with the Child Evangelism Fellowship ministry where she especially enjoyed the summer camps at Ives Run. Diana had a green thumb and loved plants, from house plants to edible wild plants. She would attend workshops where she enjoyed learning about plants and sharing that knowledge.

Sallie A. (Allen) Sticklin, age 70, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Sunday, January 28, 2024. 

She was born on May 5, 1953 in Wellsboro, PA, a daughter of the late Arvine and Jeanette (Sweely) Allen and was married for 51 years to Lewis E. Sticklin. 

She was employed as an LPN for several area Healthcare facilities and enjoyed sewing, camping and spending time with her family. 

SMETHPORT- Elizabeth “Arlene” Howard, 90 of W. Valley Rd., passed away Wednesday (Jan. 24, 2024) in Lakeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.

   Born November 9, 1933, in Bradford, she was a daughter of Rollo and Eunice O’Niel Keesler. On Mar. 20, 1954, in Cuba, NY she married Kenneth L. Howard, who died Aug. 8, 2019. They were married 65 years.

    She was a lifetime resident of the area and a graduate of the Hamlin Township High School, Hazel Hurst, class of 1951.

    Elizabeth worked for Corning Glass Works, Bradford, during her earlier years of employment.

    She attended the United Methodist Church, Smethport, where she helped with funeral dinners & Lenten lunches. She enjoyed puzzles, needle point, and playing cards. She also liked to travel and spend time with her family.

Linda M. Kemick, 73, of Marion Avenue, Bradford, PA passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.

Born May 20, 1950, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Robert C. and Ruth E. (Nick) Rodgers Sr. She was a 1968 graduate of Bradford High School and later graduated from Clarion University with a degree in Elementary Education.

She married Donald A. Kemick Jr. “Mick” in 1976 who passed May 5, 2009.

Linda was a dedicated teacher for 40 years until her retirement in 2011, from the Bradford Area School District. This passion for teaching extended into her love for teaching catechism at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.

Linda enjoyed reading, working on crosswords, coloring pictures for her grandchildren, watching the Buffalo Bills and being with her family.

Charles W. Woodhouse, Sr., 91, of Cross Fork, PA, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at his home.

Born September 9, 1932, in Olean, NY, he was a son of the late Royce and Beatrice (Berfield) Woodhouse. He was a Veteran having served in the United States Army during the Korean War. On April 9, 1955, at the First Presbyterian Church in Galeton, he married the former Charmian Artley, who survives.

Charlie was a Supervisor at the Consolidated Natural Gas Company in Leidy for many years until he retired. He was a member of the Kettle Creek Hose Co., the Cross Fork Sportsman’s Club, and the Kettle Creek Ambulance Association.

COUDERSPORT, PA—Erika Lentz, 95, of Coudersport, passed away in her home with her loving family by her side on Sunday, January 28, 2024, after an illness of several weeks.

Funeral arrangements, under the care and direction 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.

Robert L. McFall, age 60, of Emporium, PA passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024, in DuBois Penn Highlands Hospital.

Robert was born on September 14, 1963, in Elmira, NY, the son of the late Rodney and Vivian Lewis McFall. He was a member of the Cameron County High School class of 1982, and after high school Robert joined the US Army Reserves and served from 1982-1988. Following his service Bob was employed for over 30 years by Motor Coils Manufacturing (now Wabtec) in Emporium. On August 11, 2018, he married Kimberly A. Clonan who survives.  

In his spare time Bob enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and spending time with family. He was also an avid bowler. 

Richard G. “Hinder” Geitner, 58, of S. Michael Road, St. Marys, PA passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh following a lengthy illness.

He was born on September 3, 1965 in St. Marys, PA, a son of the late Gerhart “Gary” Geitner, who preceded him in death in 2003 and Carol Meyer Geitner, who survives of St. Marys.

On October 14, 1989, in St. Marys Church, he married Lori Nasoni, who survives. Together they shared more than 34 years of love and laughter.

Hinder was a 1983 graduate of St. Marys Area High School and had worked at Eastern Sintered Alloys for the past 38 years. He was a longtime member of the Eagles and the Camp Owners. He loved being outdoors, and enjoyed spending time in the woods hunting and going to camp. Most of all, he loved being with his family and being a Papa to his five grandchildren.

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather

Bernard A. “Bernie” Hawks, 76, of Cuba, NY passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024 at home with family by his side after many years of related illnesses to Agent Orange he lost his battle to pancreatic cancer.

Born on January 31, 1947, in Wellsville, he was a son of Robert E. and Isabelle Linza Hawks.  On February 22, 1969, in Friendship, he married the former Julie A Graves who survives.

Bernie was a graduate of Richburg Central Schools Class of 1966 where excelled in sports.  He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1966-68.  For his service he received the Vietnam Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 60. 

His entire working career was in Tire Sales, but retired from Valley Tire Co., in Olean after 40 years in the tire industry. 

Bernie was an active member of the Cuba Methodist Church where he served in many board positions and the Cuba American Legion Post 655.  He had coached the Cardinals Little League Team during his son’s youth and was a basketball referee for many years.  He was well known in the area for selling tires and attending sporting events. 

In addition to his wife of 54 years, Julie, he is survived by

Linda M. Kemick, 73, of Bradford, PA passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.

Family will be receiving friends on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 33 South Ave. followed by funeral services at 6 pm. A complete obituary will follow soon.

 Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

M. Phyllis Daly, 92, formerly of Forest Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Friday, January 26, 2024, at Christ the King Manor in DuBois.

She was born January 24, 1932, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Alfred and Frances Meyer Gleixner.  She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1949 and a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  After graduating from Central Catholic, Phyllis continued her education at Seton Hill College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics.

On April 24, 1954, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Phyllis married the late Eugene F. Daly, who preceded her in death on July 23, 2008. 

Daniel J. Romaneo, 77, of Westfield, PA, passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024, at the Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA. Born November 11, 1946, in Wellsboro, PA, he was a son of the late Garry and Helen (Zengerle) Romaneo.

Dan was a 1966 Graduate of Cowanesque Valley High School in Westfield. After graduation, Dan worked in the music industry in marketing, was a DJ at many Elmira, NY radio stations and was the lead singer in the band, Them Five and Eye. On June 19, 2004, Dan married the former Pamela (Smith) English, who survives. Dan and his wife, Pam, owned and operated the The Log Cabin Inn, located in Wellsboro, for 20 years. His love of music and being a talented pianist led him to start the East Hill Blues Band, and then later, the band, Cabin Fever. He also greatly enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family, friends, and patrons.

Albert J. Stage, 89 of Lawrenceville, PA passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at his home surrounded by family.

He was born May 28, 1934 in Lawrenceville, PA to the late Fred and Marian (Osgood) Stage. He married Lucille Erickson and they shared 60 plus loving years together before her passing in April 2022. 

Albert worked at Ingersol-Rand for 30 plus years before he retired. He enjoyed being outdoors in the woods, riding his bulldozer and cutting wood.

M. Phyllis Daly, 92, formerly of Forest Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Friday, January 26, 2024 at Christ the King Manor in DuBois. 

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

Kathy A. Lauffenberger, 80, of Warren, PA., died Friday morning, January 26, 2024, at her residence, after an extended illness. 

She was born May 22, 1943, in Columbus, Ohio.  She was the daughter of Byron and Emma Jean Keller Gross.  She has resided in Warren area most of her life.  Kathy was employed as secretary of the president of New Process Company and worked with her husband, building fireplaces.  She was of the Lutheran faith, she enjoyed motorcycle riding, going to the beach, spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. 

Timothy R. Thomas, of Ridgway, PA, peacefully departed this life at the age of 67 on Thursday, January 25, 2024 surrounded by his family after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

He was born on March 29, 1956 in Ridgway, PA. He was the son of the late Lloyd R. Thomas (Georgeanna) and Mary T. Viglione Popson (James).

Tim was a 1974 graduate of Ridgway Area High School. After, he enlisted and served in the United States Airforce.

On August 6, 1977, he married the love of his life, Susan Anderson. She survives.

After the United States Airforce, he worked for a defense contractor, attained his college degree, and travelled across the USA and world while raising his family. After returning to Ridgway in 1997, he owned and operated a contracting business, Christmas tree farm, and clock repair. He taught industrial electronics at I.T.E.C. and retired from Dickinson Center, Inc. as the Program Director of Elkwood Arts.

Tim was a true craftsman. He built his family’s residence. He enjoyed spending his time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He could be found listening to bluegrass while working on projects in his workshop or barn. He maintained a garden and homestead. He could fix anything but a broken heart.

David J. STONEHAM, Jr., 43, of Wellsville, NY, died Wednesday, January 24, 2024 in his home.  He was born November 1, 1980, in Wellsville.  

Dave was a 1999 graduate of Wellsville High School.  He enjoyed helping DJ Jazzy Jeff, The Music Alley, ZOAR, and his good friend, Tim Whitesell.  He was part of the Green Machine bowling team and loved spending time outdoors hunting and fishing.  David touched many lives in the community.  

Frank O. Pier, age 86, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Thursday, January 25, 2024. 

He was born on May 18, 1937 in Wellsboro, PA a son of the late Oliver and Dorotha (Lloyd) Pier and was the husband of the late Alice (Arwin) Pier. 

Frank was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wellsboro, Wellsboro Men’s Chorus, he was a teacher for the Wellsboro Area School District for 29 years, an avid walker and enjoyed woodworking. 

Edward L. Stebick, 83, of St. Marys, PA passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Penn Highlands DuBois.

He was born September 14, 1940, in St. Marys, son of the late Alfred Stebick, Sr. and Geraldine Kreckle Stebick.  He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1958.  He was employed at Powdered Metal Products for 42 years and was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  He was a sacristan at the church and was a devout and loving Christian throughout his life.

On February 4, 1961, in Sacred Heart Church, Ed married Patricia “Patty” Vollmer.  They were blessed to share 62 years of marriage and were very much looking forward to celebrating their 63^rd anniversary in a few days.

David W. Herzing, 82, of 733 West Creek Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

He was born February 24, 1941, in St. Marys, son of the late Frank X. and Louise Brown Herzing.  He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1958. 

On February 23, 1963, Dave married Carol Jean Haberberger, who survives.  They were blessed to share 60 years of marriage.  Along with his loving wife, Dave is survived by their four children: David Herzing, Jr., of Concord, North Carolina, Shelley Herzing (Carly) of Richmond, Virginia, Melissa Herzing of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Peter Herzing (Khrista) of Disputanta, Virginia; grandchildren, Alex Herzing, Marlies (Michael) Young, Jacob (Bethany) Herzing, Wyatt, Rion, Kyla, Zeke, and Mazie Herzing; great-granddaughter, Gemma Young; three sisters: Margaret Ruckman of Fredonia, New York, Sally Caskey of St. Marys, and Marie Kresge (Ronald) of Columbus, Ohio; a brother, Frank Herzing (Helen) of St. Marys; a sister-in-law, Donna Herzing of St. Marys; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Scott Aaron Bebko, 52, of Bradford, Pennsylvania, died all too suddenly while at work on January 17, 2024.

Scott was born on April 8, 1971, in Erie, PA.  He was the beloved son on the late Ronald J. and Peggy Comita Bebko. Scott graduated in 1989 from Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie. He then attended Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, where he pledged and became an Active in the Alpha Phi Omega (ABN) fraternity organization. This was one of the most pivotal and happy times in Scott’s life, and where he made lifelong friends.

Scott lived in Richmond, Virginia for 5 years, where he worked for Time-Life. After moving back to Olean, NY in 1999, Scott met the love of his life, his wife, Lori. On August 21, 2004, they were married in Allegheny State Park. They were each other’s best friend.

Scott worked in many trades, with the majority being in sales. He was employed by Bradford Forest Products, Autozone, Walmart, and then found his calling at Keystone Powdered Metal in Lewis Run, Pennsylvania. He was employed as a CNC Operator at the time of his death.

Scott was the epitome of honor, loyalty, and goodness. Anyone who met him was better for having the opportunity. His love and expertise at Magic the Gathering and D&D was legendary.

Geraldine P. “Gerri” Hoffman, 80, of 148 Upper Cherry Road, Kersey, PA passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Pinecrest Manor.

She was born February 27, 1943 in St. Marys, daughter of the late George and Elsie Martin Pfaff.  She was a lifelong resident of the area, graduated from the first graduating class at Elk County Christian, Class of 1962, and was employed at Sylvania.

On November 23, 1962 in Sacred Heart Church, Gerri married Louis Hoffman, who survives.  They were blessed to share 61 years of marriage.

Donald R. “Bear” Dalrymple, 65, of Coudersport, PA passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Friday, January 19, 2024.  Bear was born on July 19, 1958, in San Mateo, CA, the son of the late Linda Dalrymple.  

Bear worked for many years as a computer programmer for Adelphia, Level 3 and Ithaca College. Bear was a member of Gospel Tabernacle, in Coudersport and enjoyed playing guitar and riding motorcycles. Before moving to Coudersport, Bear was ordained by Calvary Chapel in 1996 and served as the planting pastor of Vista Christian Church right outside of Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.  He was passionate about serving his Lord and helped many area churches with worship and preaching.

Bear is survived by his two daughters, Bonnie and Caitlyn, a brother David Hickey of Lathrop, CA; and close friends; Pastor Joe Gerhart of Karthaus; Roxanne Bencardino of Austin; Pastor John and Gina Minor of Coudersport; and Walt Miles Jr of Roulette. 

A celebration of Bear’s life will be held on February 1st at 6:00 pm at the Gospel Tabernacle. 420 Route 6 West, Coudersport. 

The family has entrusted Bear’s arrangements to the Thomas E Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East St., Coudersport.  To share a memory or condolence, visit www.thomasfickinger.com. 

William C. Hendrickson, 75, of Driftwood, PA passed away at his residence on Wednesday (January 24, 2024) morning following a lengthy illness.

He was born September 15, 1948 in Altoona, PA a son of the late Charles and Jean Fredrick Hendrickson. On June 22, 1991 in Emporium Country Club he married Marsha Jeffrey, who survives.

Bill graduated from Cameron County High School in 1966. He received a bachelors degree in education from Penn State, and was a lifelong Penn State football fan. He served two years in the US Army during the Viet Nam War

He retired from the Postal Service in 2010. He loved birding, traveling, hunting, fishing, the family land in Nebraska, and cats.

George L. Lewis, 76, of Emporium, PA passed away at Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA on Monday morning (January 22, 2024) following a lengthy illness. He was born April 8, 1947 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late Lawrence and Mary Hornung Lewis.

George graduated from Cameron County High School and served with the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed trapping and being with his family.

David W. Herzing, 82, of 733 West Creek Road, St. Marys, passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at Elk Haven Nursing Home. 

Specific visitation information for Friday and service information for Saturday will be announced in the full obituary.  

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