SHINGLEHOUSE, PA—Travis S. “Shovelhead” Wackwitz, 42, of Shinglehouse, passed way unexpectedly at the home of his parents in Shinglehouse, PA, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, after suffering an apparent heart attack.
Family and friends may gather from 5pm to 8pm on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, PA, where funeral services will follow at 8pm.
A complete obituary will follow.
Travis’ family has entrusted his care and funeral arrangements 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 Travis, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Dolores “Dot” D. Manno, 97, of Ridgway, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home.
She was born on August 19, 1928, in Altoona, the daughter of the late Thomas and Alice Reilly Zimmerman.
On May 21, 1949, at St. Leos Church, she married the late Armond E. Manno, who preceded her in death on March 15, 2005.
A member of St. Leo’s Church, Dot found great joy in her faith and the community that surrounded her. She cherished the friendships she nurtured at the Ridgway Senior Center, where she enjoyed playing cards and sharing laughter with her friends. Her remarkable baking skills were known throughout the neighborhood; she loved baking for those around her, bringing warmth and delicious treats to many friends and neighbors.
She is survived by 3 children: John Manno and his wife Carol of Houma, LA, Joseph Manno and his wife Cindy of Suffolk, VA, and Jane Marroni of Pittsburgh, PA, 6 grandchildren; Megan, Jack, Dean, Kelly, Lauren, and Kirsten, and 2 great grandchild, Owen and Aanya. She is also survived by a sister, Alice Piccirillo of Ridgway, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Peggy Zimmerman and a brother, Tom Zimmerman.
Funeral Services for Dolores D. Manno are being held privately by the family.
Burial will follow at St. Leos Cemetery.
Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA 15853 is handling the services and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Gisela M. “Pat” Sterner, 90, of longtime resident of both Cheektowaga,NY, and Austin, PA, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Elderwood of Williamsville.
Pat was born on February 10, 1935, in Worms, Germany, the daughter of the late Johannes and Anna (Herrmann) Sackreuther. She married George Sterner on August 14, 1956, and celebrated over 57 years of marriage until his passing on January 12, 2014 Pat was an avid reader, enjoyed knitting, and was a loving mother and wife.
Pat is survived by daughters: Deborah Sterner of Hamburg, NY; Kimberly (Mark) Sullivan of Buffalo, NY; a daughter-in-law, Judy Sterner of Tonawanda, NY; 7 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and one on the way.
In addition to her husband and parents, Pat was preceded in death by sons: Frank Sterner, Scott Sterner, and a brother, Hans Sackreuther.
At Pat’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. A private burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Austin. The family has entrusted her arrangements to the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East St., Coudersport. To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
Marie L. Gahr, 63, of St. Marys, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Highland View Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Brockway.
She was born on November 5, 1962 in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late Donald and Etha Leithner Gahr.
Marie was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of St. Marys Area High School. A faithful Catholic, Marie attended church every Sunday, serving as a Eucharistic Minister at both Sacred Heart Church and Queen of the World Church over the years. She found great joy in participating in church activities.
She is survived by two sisters; Diane (Jeff) Fogleboch of Virginia, and Linda Gahr of Smethport, and by a brother-in-law; Mark O’Connor of St. Marys. She is also survived by two nieces and one nephew.
In addition to her parents, Marie was preceded in death by two sisters; Kathleen O’Connor and Jean Gahr.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Marie L. Gahr will be celebrated on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Queen of the World Church, 134 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Fr. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, as celebrant.
Family and friends will be received at the Queen of the World Church on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 10:30 AM until the time of the Mass.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Doreen M. Marzella, 83, of Ridgway, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Penn Highlands Dubois following a lengthy illness.
She was born on October 6, 1942, in Philadelphia, the only daughter of the late Raymond and Iva Silvis Case.
On October 8, 1960, she married the late John R. Marzella, who preceded her in death on February 12, 2002.
Doreen was a proud graduate of St. Leo’s High School and a active member of St. Leos Church. She was a dedicated employee at Cliffe’s Pharmacy, where she worked for 45 years before retiring in 2013. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening and crafting. Throughout her life, Doreen cherished spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by 3 sons; Raymond (Luanne) DeAngelo, Richard (Julee) Marzella, and David Marzella (Jill), all of Ridgway, by 8 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
Port Allegany – Edward E. Babcock, Sr., 89, of Port Allegany, passed away Thursday (January 29, 2026) at his home.
Ed was born July 27, 1936, in Shinglehouse, PA, the son of Lloyd and Emma Babcock. On June 13, 1959, in Shinglehouse, PA, he married Diane Sutton, who survives.
He was a 1954 graduate of Shinglehouse High School and attended Mansfield University, receiving a degree in secondary education in mathematics. He received his master’s degree and Principal’s certificate from St. Bonaventure University. Both he and Diane were first generation college graduates, and their lives were devoted to helping others achieve the American dream through an investment in education.
Mr. Babcock began his career as a high school math teacher for Port Allegany High School in 1958 and, in 1971, upon receiving his principal certification, he served as the Port Allegany High School Principal for many years, finishing his career in 1993. After his retirement from Port Allegany, he served several other local communities in temporary administrative roles in support of their needs. He had a heart for service and used his God-given gifts and talents for many decades in the school systems of northwestern PA. When he did eventually “retire”, he went back to being a full-time farmer, which he still enjoyed up to the day he passed.
Debra L. Byerley, 69, of Harrisburg Run, Bradford, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Olean General Hospital.
Born on October 16, 1956, in Franklin, she was a daughter of the late Richard Canter and Mary (Anastasia) Canter who survives. She was a 1974 graduate from Rocky Grove High School, in Franklin.
On May 11, 1991, in the Bolivar Run Grange, she married Bradley D. Byerley, who survives.
After graduation she worked for the Bradford Area High School and the Bradford Ecumenical Home. Deb was an artist for Zippo for over 20 years until her retirement in 2021.
Debra loved spending time with her granddaughters, being outdoors, camping, and doing arts, crafts, and puzzles.
James “Jim” Andrew Crowley, Sr., 78, of Bradford, passed away January 23, 2026, at UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie.
Born October 4, 1947, in Lock Haven, he was a son of the late John and Elizabeth (York) Crowley.
On October 24, 1977, in Las Vegas, NV, he married Sue A. (Burton) Crowley who survives.
James was a 1965 graduate from Kane High School.
On April 27, 1967, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Renshaw and USS Perkins as an electrician’s mate 2nd class until his honorable discharge on February 16, 1971.
After the service he worked as a lead lineman at Penelec, retiring after 31 years of service.
Jim was a member of the Bradford VFW Post 212 and the Bradford American Legion Post 108. He loved to hunt, fish, and sit on the deck in the sun enjoying a good book.
Surviving in addition to his wife Sue of 49 years, is one son, James Crowley (Katelyn) of Buffalo; two sisters, Mary (Kurt) Schmidt of Kentucky, and Margaret (Harvey) Johnson of Florida; two brothers, Jack (Diane) Crowley of New Jersey, and Joseph (Janet) Crowley of Pittsburgh; two grandchildren, Wynona and Arlo Crowley; sister-in-law Juanita (Sis) Huntoon; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Matthew Crowley.
At Jim’s request, there will be no public services observed. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Friends Memorial Public Library (Kane), or the charity of the donor’s choice.
“beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother”
Geraldine “Ella” Howard, 99, a lifelong resident of Shinglehouse, passed away with her loving son at her side on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.
Born on Monday, January 3, 1927 in her family home on Palmer Street, Shinglehouse, PA, she was number four of eight children of Levernon and Eva Mae Foote Howard.
Ella was a Class of 1944 graduate of Shinglehouse High School. She was employed for over 20 years (1943-1963) at Freeborn’s (combination luncheonette, grocery, and soda fountain) which was the meeting place, teen hangout, and fabric of the Shinglehouse community life. Later Ella was employed at the Shinglehouse Insurance Office and Market Basket until 1969.
Ella was a life member of the First Baptist Church in Shinglehouse. She loved her cats, gardening (corn and strawberries), mowing her lawn, sitting on her porch, and calligraphy writing for the Funeral Home, First Baptist Church and relative’s weddings. She was a true pioneer. She played on the first women’s softball league in Shinglehouse during the late 1940’s. She bowled on the Shinglehouse women’s bowling league for over 20 years, which included bowling in tournaments in Buffalo and Syracuse NY. She loved making her famous “Carrot Juice”. She was extremely proud of her family and son’s military service. Her greatest love was without a doubt her family. She especially loved spending time with her son and granddaughters.
Surviving are a son, COL (Ret) William “Billy” Howard of Ithaca, NY; two granddaughters, Breanna “Bre” (CPT Jake) Halisky of Spring Lake, NC and Paige “Ella” Howard of Ithaca, NY; two great-grandchildren Joseph “Joey” and Annie Halisky of Spring Lake, NC; a sister-in-law, Cecelia “Pud” Howard of Shinglehouse; and countless nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Ella was predeceased by three sisters, Aola Maxson, Jacqueline “Jackie” Dietze, and Leverna “Yvonne” Milliken; and four brothers, Virgil ‘Virg” Howard (USMC WW II), Henry “Hank” Howard (USA Korea), Vincent “Vince” Howard (USMC WW II), and Leonard “Joe” Howard (USMC).
Family and friends may pay their respects from 10am to 12pm on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will follow at 12pm with The Rev. Russell J. Horning, former pastor of the First Baptist Church, Shinglehouse, officiating. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse. A reception will follow the service at the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530 at 1pm.
Memorials in Ella’s name may be made to the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530, 1364 State Route 44 S. Shinglehouse, PA 16748 or to the First Baptist Church, PO Box 68, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.
Ella’s family has entrusted her 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 Ella, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.comor the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Margaret C. Patterson, 93, of Coudersport passed away Thursday January 22, 2026 at Sweden Valley Manor.
She was born July 3, 1932 in Tionesta, PA, to Charles and Nell (Davis) Curtis. She graduated from high school and attended Clarion College, on November 18, 1951 she married Julian A. Patterson and together they raised their son Jeff Patterson.
Margaret worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Reese, she was a bookkeeper for Bruzi Electrical Contracting, and then for Sweden Valley Manor. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and loved the outdoors, especially gardening.
Margaret is survived by her son: Jeff Patterson of Pittston, PA; two grandchildren: Kylie Patterson/Carr (Devin) of Kingston, PA, and Matthew L. Patterson of Pittston; and three grandchildren: Eli Jeffrey Patterson, Vienna Genevieve Patterson, and Wilson John Patterson/Carr.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a step-sister: Eva Cobb.
Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to Margaret’s life at a memorial service in the Thomas Fickinger Funeral Home 210 North East Street Coudersport, PA 16915, that will be held at a later date. To share a memory or condolence with her family visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
David “Russ” McCracken, 87, of School Street, Rixford, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Bradford Manor.
Born May 22, 1938, in Sayre, he was a son of the late Warren and Frances (Stedge) McCracken. Warren died and Frances remarried Ralph Deitz who raised Russ.
Russ attended Sayre High School. He joined the United States Navy on December 21, 1962, where he received his GED. He served in Korea and Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on January 8, 1965.
On August 12, 1961, at the Church of the Epiphany Rectory in Sayre, he married Alice V. (Norton) McCracken who passed away on May 21, 2021.
Russ worked at Ingersol Rand Corporation in Athens, and then as a supervisor at Stowe Manufacturing in Binghamton NY. After he retired, he and his wife moved to Rixford to reside near their daughter. In his retirement he delivered tires for Stoney North, he also truly enjoyed singing and rebuilding small engines and tractors.
Russ was a member of J.E. Wheelock Hose Company, the American Legion in Sayre, Halstead, where he was a Past Tri County Commander, and Eldred, where he held different offices. He was a member of the Eldred VFW, and a former member of the Eagles Club of Bradford.
Surviving is one daughter, Kathleen (A.J.) Curtis of Duke Center, his cherished grandchildren, Dan (Angela) Sullivan of RIxford, and Mary (Trevor) Dowell of RIxford, and one great granddaughter, his precious “Little Alice Kathleen” Dowell, of Rixford, one sister Janet (David) Fortune, of Athens, one brother, LeRoy Hurd, of NC, and several nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Russ’s life on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 10am at the Rixford Evangelical Church 1112 Looker Mountain Trail, Rixford, with the Rev. Mike Rex, officiating. Burial will be in Tioga Point Cemetery in Athens.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Gary Dean Troutman “Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Uncle”
Roulette, PA – Gary D. Troutman, 80, of Roulette, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at UPMC Presbyterian Pittsburgh, due to complications following a heart attack, with his loved ones who stayed by his side.
Born on June 6, 1945 in Bradford, PA, he was the son of the late Frederick and Susan (Martindale) Troutman. Gary married the love of his life, Patricia A. Troutman, on September 29, 1984, who survives. For the next 42 years they would build a life fit for the story books, filled with adventure, laughter and love. They moved through this world, turning strangers into friends and friends into family, all the while supporting each other’s passions and aspirations.
At 17 years of age, in 1962, Gary enlisted in the United States Air Force. He bravely and proudly served as an Aircraft Mechanic in the Vietnam War, working on C130 aircraft in Okinawa and Saigon until 1966. He earned several US Military accolades including the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and the Vietnam Service Medal.
Upon returning from Vietnam, he worked his way up to a Foreman position in Asplundh Tree Company as a skilled Bucket Operator and Tree Trimmer. Gary took this knowledge and opened his own business and proudly owned and operated Troutman’s Tree Service. He was a truly amazing arborist and skilled contractor. He could lay the most complicated trees down with absolute precision and did so into his late 70s with strength and skill rarely seen today.
Mitzi P. HASKINS, 87, of Port Allegany, PA, died Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in ECMC, Buffalo, NY. Born January 19, 1939, in Cesis, Latvia, she was the daughter of Alfreds and Anna Berzins Markovs.
A 1958 graduate of Port Alegany High School, she attended what is now known as Case Western Reserve University and earned a degree as a medical laboratory technician. She was employed as a medical secretary by Dr. Robert Niles in Port Allegany.
On June 24, 1961, in Port Allegany, she married Duane R. Haskins, who predeceased her on April 20, 2021. They shared 59 years of marriage.
Mitzi was a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church, where she was a Sunday School teacher, a Church Council member, and served on the Altar Guild. She was a member of Church Women United and a volunteer at the Port Allegany Senior Center.
Mabel Shirley MONG, 97, of Wellsville, NY, died Friday, January 23, 2026 in her daughter’s home surrounded by family. Born March 13, 1928, in Corning, she was the daughter of William S. and Cora Beers Wheaton.
On June 16, 1946, in Wellsville, she married Jay D. Mong, who predeceased her on May 26, 1986. A graduate of Portville Central School, she spent her years raising her children and grandchildren. Mabel was a member of the Rebekahs. She was passionate about her grandchildren, making sure she attended every game she could and she loved baking cookies and sending them with a gallon of milk to every away game for her grandchildren to share on their way home from the games.
Tina L. DUFRESNE, 63, of St. Marys, PA, formerly of Kersey, died Tuesday, January 20, 2026 in her home.
Born December 26, 1962, in Ridgway, she was the daughter of Adam G. and Doris Smith Zuchowski. She was a graduate of St. Marys High School.
Surviving are: a daughter, Sarah (Caleb) Benson of Port Allegany; two grandchildren, Sophia and Kinsley; longtime companion, George Anderson; four sisters, Louann Goodrow, Rose Redmond, Maria Johnson, and Nancy McKinney; four brothers, Adam (Debra) Zuchowski, Raymond Zuchowski, Randy Zuchowski, and Steven Zuchowski; nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Brian Zuchowski and Terry Zuchowski. There will be no services.
Memorials may be made to Elk County Humane Society, 1029 East Eschbach Rd., St. Marys, PA 15857.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Switzer Chapel, Port Allegany, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Susan E. Hughes 66 of Bradford, passed away Tuesday January 13, 2026, at Olean General Hospital.
Born March 18, 1959, in York, she was a daughter of the late Rowland and Martha E. (Burritt) Hughes.
Susan was a graduate of Warren High School. She attended the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and went on to earn her master’s degree in business.
She was an Administrator at the Bradford Manor, former Treasurer for the Church of the Nazarene, the Secretary for First United Methodist Church, and was employed as a stenographer at the McKean County Courthouse.
Emma Wright, 97, formerly of 468 Lambert Drive, Bradford, passed away January 23, 2026, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born August 21, 1928, in Bradford.
Emma was a graduate of Bradford Area High School.
She married Norman “Mac” Wright who preceded her in death on July 6, 1996.
Emma worked at the YWCA in the Domestic Abuse Department and later in sales for Raymour & Flanigan Furniture Store and volunteered for the Republican Party of McKean County.
Lester C. Neal, “beloved father, grandfather, and brother”
MYRTLE, PA—Lester C. Neal, 87, of Myrtle, passed away in his home with his loving family by his side, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, after a long illness.
Born on Tuesday, December 20, 1938, in Keeneyville, PA, he was a son of Harold M. and Lena May Rice Neal. On June 7, 1958 in Portville, NY, he married Caroline L. McNeil, who passed away on September 18, 2017, having celebrated 59 years of marriage.
Lester was the owner of Myrtle Leasing until his retirement due to ill health. After retiring from his own business, Lester was employed at Portville Truck in the shop. Prior to starting his own business, he worked at Faulkner’s Farm.
Lester enjoyed tinkering and was able to fix anything. Lester and his wife enjoyed eating out, especially at the former Dave’s Diner, Perkins, Red’s, and Trudy’s. He and Caroline very much enjoyed Labor Day weekend, celebrating at their son’s home. His greatest love was his family, especially his grandchildren.
Wesley A. Welch, 12, of Port Allegany, formerly of Coudersport passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Wesley was a cherished child and a loving and passionate brother.
Born on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, he was the oldest son of Brandon T. Welch and Sarah E. Langworthy.
Wesley, known to his friends as Jesse, was a seventh grader at the Port Allegany Junior-Senior High School. He was a talented musician, his favorite instrument was his guitar followed by his saxophone. His guitar talents were so impressive, he was welcomed by his music teacher into lessons a year earlier than other students. He also enjoyed marching band. He was also a promising young entrepreneur. He enjoyed skateboarding and picking on his little brother. He never missed an opportunity to make anyone laugh. His friends especially meant the world to him.
He is survived in love and life by his father, Brandon T. (Bridget Dowling) Welch of Port Allegany; his mother, Sarah E. (William “Reid”) Langworthy of Coudersport; his adoring siblings, Natalie Welch, Oliver Welch, Alivia Langworthy, and Daxx Langworthy; his paternal grandparents, Alvin and Crystal Welch of Shinglehouse; his maternal grandparents, Fred and Brenda Henning of Coudersport; his paternal great-grandmothers, Susan Lewis of Shinglehouse, Barbara McCallon of Sierra Madre, CA, and Anna Welch of Mississippi; three aunts, Casey Henning of Jamestown, NY, Crystal Henning of Torrance, CA, and Brianna (Travis) Wilson of Coudersport; four uncles, Jeff Henning of Riverside, CA, David (Jessica) Welch, Jeremy Welch, and Michael Welch, all of Shinglehouse; numerous cousins; and many friends.
Wesley was predeceased by an infant sister, Isabella Rose Langworthy; his maternal great-grandparents; and his paternal great-grandfathers.
Family and friends may gather from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Coudersport Alliance Church, 7 Alliance Avenue, Coudersport, where a celebration of life will follow at 7pm with Pastor Josh Dean, officiating.
Wesley’s family 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 memory of Wesley, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
For those dealing with depression or thoughts of suicide, help is available, dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. You are not alone.
Russell M. “Mick” METZGER, III, 73, of Ulysses, PA, died Thursday, January 15, 2026. A gathering to celebrate Mick’s life will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Carl E. Hyde American Legion Post #963 in Ulysses beginning at 1:00 PM. Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Potter County Honor Guard. Condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Barbara J. Hackett, 98, formerly of 809 East Main Street, Bradford, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born September 6, 1927, in Coudersport, she was the only daughter of the late Charles S. and Daisy Roena Davey. She was a graduate of Coudersport Area High School.
On February 2, 1946, in Wellsville NY she married Fred P. Hackett Jr. who preceded her in death on December 9, 1996.
Barb worked as a cashier and later in the office at Tops Supermarket for many years before retiring.
Barb was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She was an avid bowler in several leagues in Bradford and was a good cook and baker. She and her husband traveled several years in their retirement, especially enjoying trips to Arizona to visit their son and daughter-in-law. She enjoyed going to bingo, visiting casinos, and having cats as house pets.
Surviving are two daughters, Linda (Dale) Bisker of Bradford, and Janelle (Joel) Hirst of Michigan, three sons, Jerry (Judy Petitt) Hackett of Glendale AZ, Jeffrey (Anthony) Hackett of Texas and Jon Hackett, of Bradford, four grandchildren Brian (Stephanie) Bisker, DeAnn (Mark) Persichini, Jordan Hirst, and Jeret Hirst. Four great grandchildren, Carli Persichini, Alyssa (Persichini) Nay, Blane Bisker and Conner Bisker.
At Barb’s request there will be no public services. Private services will be held for family at the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. Burial will follow in Sweden Hill Cemetery in Coudersport.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the McKean County SPCA PO Box 113 Bradford, PA 16701, The Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Patricia Hitchcock, 91, formerly of Lafferty Hollow, most recently of Chapel Ridge, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born on September 24, 1934, in Bradford, she was the daughter of the late Norman S. Ellis and Teresa H. Bowen. Pat was a 1952 graduate of Bradford High School.
Pat and Richard, who preceded her in death, celebrated 50 years of marriage.
Her working career included employment with Tuna Valley Savings and Loan, Forest Oil (as an Executive Secretary for 25 years), and the Glendorn Foundation. Privately, Pat worked doing bookkeeping, taxes, and provided clerical services.
Pastor Wallace J. “Wally” Mapes Jr. of 64 Foster Hollow entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Friday (Jan. 16, 2026), following a brief illness.
He was born Feb. 13, 1944, in Lockport, N.Y., to Wallace J. Mapes Sr. and Ruby Martin Mapes.
He graduated from Lyndonville High School in 1963 and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps until 1967. Wally held several careers, including law enforcement and car sales before answering his true calling after finding Christ. He pursued ministry and graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College in 1988.
On Sept. 30, 1972, he married his high school sweetheart, Ruth, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith and love.
Pastor Wally carried the Word of Christ across the country, evangelizing in various churches before founding Healing Reigns Fellowship in 2007. He was well known in the community and could often be found at local establishments enjoying a cup of coffee and striking up conversations with everyone he met.
His greatest passion was sharing the love and message of Christ with others.
Michael R. “Mick” Baker, 91, of Smethport, passed away Tuesday (January 20, 2026) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
He was born June 1, 1934 in Eldred, PA, the son of Edwin and Alice (Billyard) Baker.
Mick served in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Italy. He was employed by Owens-Illinois/Georgia-Pacific of Bradford, PA, for many years before retiring in 1996.
He was a member of the American Legion; John Berg Post #976 of Crosby, PA.
He is survived by:
Three sons: Michael L. Baker and Danny J. Baker, both of Smethport, and Brian K. (Kathy) Baker of Johnsonburg
Four daughters: Vanessa (Robert) Black of East Smethport, Billie (Tony) Barnish and Laurie (Robert) Kinniburgh, both of Smethport, Terry (Lane) Corbett of Crosby and Sandra K. Swanson of Mt. Jewett
Fourteen grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, along with several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mick was preceded in death by one brother, LaVerne Baker; an infant sister at birth, Bertha Ann Baker; a son in law, Bradley C. Swanson; and a daughter in law, Kimberly Covert Baker.
In keeping with Mick’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the American Legion; John Berg Post #976 of Crosby, PA. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Lynn I. Rimer, 86, of St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Penn Highlands Elk.
She was born on May 31, 1939, in Johnsonburg, PA, a daughter of the late Robert and Virginia Russey Beimel.
On July 4, 1957, at Holy Rosary Church, she married the late Paul Rimer, who preceded her in death on December 19, 2003. Together, they shared more than 46 years of marriage.
Lynn was a member of St. Marys Church and a graduate of Johnsonburg High School. She retired from Sylvania after many years of service. An avid baker, Lynn loved making goodies for her family to enjoy. She also enjoyed playing cards and going to lunch with her friends. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family.
Vivian Ann Youngblood, 91, of Roulette, passed away on Sunday (January 18, 2026) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.
She was born April 1, 1934 in Kingston, TN, the daughter of W.F. and Bertha (Cate) Neergaard. On May 30, 1958, in Kingston, TN, she married H. D. Youngblood, Jr., who died April 24, 2017.
Vivian graduated from Sequatchie High School in Dunlap, TN. She attended Erlanger School of Nursing in Chattanooga, TN. She worked many years at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, in the OB department, ending her career as a nursery nurse taking care of newborn babies.
She ministered faithfully alongside her husband in his pastoral ministry of 43 years. She loved the Lord and was a faithful member and charter pastor’s wife of the Chestnut Street Baptist Church, Port Allegany; a church which they helped establish.
Ray Glen Johnson, of Port Allegheny, PA, passed away on January 15th, 2026, at the age of 78. His earthly journey has come to an end, and he will be remembered by those who knew him.
Ray was born on January 12th, 1948. He was the son of Raymond Glenn Johnson, Sr. and Stella Green Johnson. Ray had a large extended family.
He is survived by four sons, including Stanley (Piper) Easton of Coudersport PA, and Chris Johnson of Crosby PA. He is also survived by grandchildren Heather Easton of Bradford, PA. Lexi Easton of Batavia, NY, Hunter Easton of Roulette, PA. and Oliver Johnson.
He is survived by his sister, Linda Bartas of Roulette PA and was preceded in death by his sister, Rose Freeman of Port Allegany.
He is also survived by Rosa’s children: Robin Engel Taylor of Mount Jewett PA, Randy Peasock of Coudersport PA and Bruce Taylor of Port Allegany PA. He was preceded in death by Rose’s son Dennis Peasock.
Faith B. Benner, 82, of Morris passed away Friday, January 16, 2026, at her home. She was born on August 22, 1943, in Quakertown, PA, the daughter of the late Stanley and Ethel (Landis) Beidler. She married Pastor Paul K. Benner on June 22, 1963, and has celebrated over 62 years of marriage together.
Faith was a devoted and active member of the Mennonite Bible Fellowship, Morris. At the church, she taught children, coordinated meals, coordinated the sewing circle, which she was still attending weekly. She and her husband Paul also owned and operated the Benner’s General Store, in Morris. Faith enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, flowers, raising her children, and caring for her husband.
