Obituaries

Audrey Ann Deegan, 88, of Allegany, formerly of Smethport, PA passed away Thursday (January 11, 2024) at Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

She was born July 9, 1935 in Erie, the daughter of Bernard Bargielski and Jean Brzezicki. On August 30, 1958, in St. Casmir’s Catholic Church, Erie, PA, she married Raymond Edward Deegan, who died December 29, 2018.

Audrey was a graduate of Villa Maria Academy of Erie, PA.  She attended Pittsburgh’s Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, where she received her registered nurse certification. 

She was a registered nurse at Sena Kean Manor in Smethport for many years.

Shirley Ann Raught, 85, of Smethport, PA died Wednesday (January 10, 2024) at Lakeview Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.

She was born July 1, 1938 in Bryan, PA, the daughter of Parks and Blanche (Tonkin) Hall. On January 20, 1957, in Mt. Jewett, PA, she married Richard Allen Raught, who died February 9, 2018.

Shirley was 1957 graduate of Kane High School.  She was the secretary for Hamlin Township for 45 years before retiring.

Shirley was a life member of the Hamlin Twp. Fire Department and was a huge NASCAR fan.  She loved playing Bingo and traveling to the Casino.  She was also an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

Port Allegany – Helen E. Tronetti, 83, of Smethport, PA passed away Friday (January 12, 2024) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary

Duane E. Wallace, of Cuba and formerly of Friendship, NY, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Cuba Memorial Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit after a brief illness.

Born on April 23, 1951, in Wellsville, he was the son of Lew and Leona Kuhn Wallace. On April 24, 1996, in Cuba, he married Vicki D. Winchell and they shared 28 years of marriage.

Duane was a graduate of Friendship High School class of 1969 and started driving a truck for Olean Wholesale Grocery CO-OP in July 1979 until he retired in July 2018.  After retirement, he couldn’t sit still and went back to work at the Valero car wash in Cuba NY to keep himself busy.

Duane loved driving the “Big Truck” and talking to the people he met on his route or at the warehouse.  He spent his free time buying cars at the auction with friends, fishing with family, watching the Winston Cup races, and traveling to Martinsville Speedway, Coca-Cola 600, Watkins Glen, and Dover. He was an avid Buffalo Bills Fan, loved his family, and ensured the little ones paid attention or got the “boot”.

Nancie R. Anderson, 72, of 6624 Ridgway-Johnsonburg Road, Johnsonburg, PA passed away Wednesday morning, January 10, 2024, at her residence following a brief illness.

She was born in St. Marys, on January 13, 1951, daughter to the late Albert and Margaret Seeley Sarginger. On December 9, 1972, in Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg, she married David G. Anderson and he survives.

Nancie grew up in St. Marys and was a 1968 graduate of Elk County Christian High School. She was also a 1972 graduate of Clarion State College with a BS in Business. She was a member of Holy Rosary Church, the Red Hats, Women Who Care and the Johnsonburg Library Book Club. She was an avid reader, she loved her flower gardens, decorating for holidays and traveling around the country.

Nancie had retired from Keystone Trucking of Ridgway in 2008 after 15 years of service.

Dale Neilson, 58, passed away Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Ira Davenport Hospital in Bath, NY, after a brief illness. 

He was born June 6, 1965 in Cuba, NY to Raymond and Dorothy Neilson.  Dale was a 1984 graduate of Cuba Central School.  Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and was honorably discharged three years later.  During that time, he was stationed all over the world and had many great stories to share.  He was very proud of his military service.

Dale would tell you himself that he was a jack of all trades and master of none.  He held several jobs but had to quit working due to health issues.   

In 2012, he was robbed and severely beaten.  After a long road of recovery, it was determined that Dale could no longer live on his own and spent his last remaining years at the Corning and Bath Arbor group homes.  Many thanks go out to the staff at both homes for their dedication and kindness.  It will not be forgotten.  Also, a huge thank you goes out to the residents that were truly considered family by Dale.  He loved them all. 

Jack Abbott, 94, of Lander, PA passed away on January 9, 2024, at the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House.

Jack was born in Sugar Grove, PA on November 6, 1929, the youngest child of Ralph and Loretta (Spencer) Abbott. He graduated from Sugar Grove High School and went to work at Jamestown Bank where he worked until his draft number came close, so he joined the Navy, where they put him in the Reserves, remaining in for 14 years. He soon started his career with Bell Telephone, where he retired after over 30 years. 

Jack married Janet Marie Burgett on January 29, 1955, celebrating over 61 years of marriage. Jack was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoying trips to Canada and out West.  He enjoyed surf fishing in Avon, NC, and bass fishing on Lake Erie. But he loved living on his farm on the top of the hill in Lander, where they raised their children, who still run the family farm. The “boys” had to finally kick him out of the hay mow at 90 years old.

               “great wife, mother and grandmother”

Delores A. “Dee” Johnson, 83, of Shinglehouse, PA passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY, after long illness.

Born on Friday, October 4, 1940 at the family homestead, she was a daughter of Clair L. and Charlotte A. Hackett Austin.  On June 4, 1971 in in the Ceres United Methodist Church, she married Carl F. Johnson, who survives.

Dee was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse and was also a graduate of the former Olean Business Institute in Olean, NY.  Dee was employed for 21 years at the Olean General Hospital as an EKG technician until her retirement.

She was a charter member of the Bell Run Union Church in Shinglehouse where she served on the Missions Board and was also a member of the Bell Run Community Club.  Dee had a very caring heart and was a passionate caregiver, helping her neighbors and friends as they faced challenges in their later years.  She also was a safe-haven for many teenagers who faced various challenges throughout the years, giving them a place to feel secure and loved.  Her greatest love was her family.

Rita Marie Bevevino (Lepkowski), 81, Warren, PA died on January 10, 2024, surrounded by her family after a long and brave battle with Parkinson’s disease.  

Mrs. Bevevino was born July 20, 1942, to the late Carl and Mary Lepkowski in Elyria Ohio.  She attended Elyria Catholic High School where she was not only a cheerleader and valedictorian of her class, but wrote the school fight song. In addition to skipping a grade because she was so smart, she was member of student council and selected to serve as a representative to the Ohio Boy’s and Girls Ohio State Convention.  Following graduation, she attended St. Johns college in Cleveland, OH, where she again wrote the fight song before graduating with a degree in education.   

After meeting with a kiss on Saint Patrick’s Day in 1962, she married (her hero) William Bevevino two years later. The couple lived in Ohio and moved to Warren after Bill completed law school.

In addition to her devoted husband, Rita is survived by her three great kids; her son (and definitely the favorite) Mark A. Bevevino and our favorite daughter in law Lynn (Dabbiero), Malvern, Pa; and her equally great daughters Judy L. Bevevino; and Jill C. Tonachio and her husband Phillip J. Tonachio, (all of Chester Springs, Pa).  She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Billy, Frank, Elena, Tommy and Sam Bevevino; Skye, Riley and Lilly Bevevino; and Alicia, Angie and Amanda Tonachio, and her favorite adopted son Greg Latimer.  Rita is also survived by siblings Jimmy Lepkowski and Carl Alan Lepkowski of Ohio.

Rita’s strong faith was an important part of her life. She was an active member of St Joseph’s Catholic Church and taught at the school for many years.  She also dabbled in real estate as an agent for Century 21 before landing her favorite job with Whirley Industries Inc. where she was the Human Resources Manager. She shined in this role and helped the company be recognized as one of the best places to work in Pennsylvania.

As a mother and grandmother, she loved spending time with her family baking, watching the waves in Sanibel, worrying about the weather, and sharing the local news. Rita was a life-long learner and loved to travel with her dearest friend Jane Betts. She and Jane read Fodor’s travel books and adventured across Europe, convincing Rod and Bill to join them on occasion. 

She showed us what it means to always be engaged as she chaperoned our trips, painted Christmas ornaments, took guitar, learned Italian, played piano, made various Jello desserts, and enjoyed every type of candy. She was a voracious reader who loved a good romance, and has graced us with several macrame plant holders and bead necklaces created at the Rouse Home where she was well cared for and loved by the nurses and staff alike.  

Family will receive friends on Friday January 19, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:00 am at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, 600 Pennsylvania West, Warren Pa. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am with Fr. Richard Tomasone, pastor, officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow mass in the church.

Donations can be made to The Rita Bevevino Endowment Fund and sent to St. Joseph’s Church at 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, Pa 16365.  Email condolences may be sent by visiting www.delewisfuneralhome.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Patricia A. BLACK, 86, of Wellsville, NY, died Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Jones Memorial Hospital. 

Born February 16, 1937, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Edward and Dorothy Clark Fisher.  On December 2, 1955, she married Richard Jadwin, Sr., who predeceased her in 1958.  In 1959, she married King S. Black, III, who predeceased her on November 9, 1996. 

Pat was a homemaker, spending most of her time chasing her five boys around.  She loved music, participating in a band in her younger years. 

Ann A. COYLE, 82, of Genesee, PA, died Thursday, January 11, 2024 in her home.  

Born April 29, 1941, in Detroit, MI, she was the daughter of Joseph and Josephine Svendsen Arehart.  On July 6, 1998, in Ulysses, she married William J. Coyle, who survives.  

A graduate of Mountain Lakes High School, Mountain Lakes, NJ, she earned a degree in English Literature and Secondary Education in 1963 from the University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA.  

Ann was employed as an English teacher by Immaculate Conception School in Wellsville, NY from 1980 – 1982 and by Northern Potter High School from 1982 – 2003.  

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Genesee and Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees.  Ann enjoyed gardening and reading. 

Gary C. Hickerson, 77, of Austin, PA passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at his home.  Gary was born on April 11, 1946, in Patterson, NJ, the son of the late Samuel and Eleanor (Smith) Hickerson.

Gary was an Army veteran, serving in Vietnam.  He worked many years as a security guard for a mall in New Jersey. 

Delores A. “Dee” Johnson, 83, of Shinglehouse, PA passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY, after long illness.

Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care 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.

Husband, Father, and Son

Leslie Michael “Les” Blouvet, 37, of 4112 Blouvet Road, Friendship, NY passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2024 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Born on March 5, 1986, in Wellsville, he was a son of Michael Blouvet and Tina Homuth Blouvet.  On May 25, 2007 in Concord, North Carolina, he married the former Emily A. Evingham who survives.

He was a graduate of Friendship Central Schools Class of 2005.

Les owned his own semitruck and drove over-the-road several years, but was currently working as a logger for Blouvet Logging.

He loved tinkering, trucking, logging, the “new” yearly trips to Tennessee, and Saturday night cards.

Les leaves behind;

With great sadness, Virginia Joan Kellogg (aka Peanut, Mom, Nana), 81, of Pocomoke City, Maryland passed away on December 25, 2023 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, Maryland after a short illness.

She was born in Coudersport, PA in 1942 and is the daughter of the late Myron and Mary Lloyd. Virginia graduated from Coudersport High School in 1960 where she was a majorette (“GO FALCONS”) and involved in many club activities. She loved the Eastern Shore but longed to be home in Pennsylvania.

Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather

Gary Lee Fancher, 73, of 6474 New Hudson Road, New Hudson, NY passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at home.

Born on April 15, 1950, in Olean, he was a son of Harlan James and Virginia Mae Russell Fancher.  On November 22, 1969 at the Seventh Day Baptist Church, Richburg, he married the former Lois May Taylor who survives.

Gary had worked for Dresser Rand and Air Preheater before going to work for the New York State Department of Corrections working for both the Fishkill Correctional Facility in Beacon and the Livingston Correctional Facility in Sonyea from where he retired in April of 2012. 

He played lead guitar in several local rock and country bands and was proud to have the Christian music song he wrote “Where Would I Be” copyrighted, loved watching old westerns on TV, and was a season ticket holder of the St. Bonaventure Men’s Basketball team for many years.

John M. “Jack” Abbott, 93, of Lander, PA, passed away on Tuesday, January 9^th, 2024, in the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Richmond, Va.- Georgette Hall Gutierrez, 77, was called home by our dear Lord and Savior on January 08, 2024.

Born on February 06, 1946, in Jamestown, N.Y., she was the daughter of George and Billie Koons.  In 1963 she married Edward Peters and in 1978 she married William Hall, who both preceded her in death.  In 2020 she married her longtime partner Daniel Gutierrez, who survives.

She was raised in Bolivar, N.Y., and then relocated to Eldred, to raise her family.  

Georgette truly had a heart of gold and was always looking out for others.  She was always willing to lend an ear and offer her support to anyone in need.  She was also a very entertaining storyteller and would have you laughing in no time.  She will be greatly missed.

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Gloria  A. Luce, 82, of 64 Chris Drive, Bradford, PA passed away Monday, January 8, 2024, at Bradford Ecumenical Home. 

Gloria was born in Buffalo, NY on August 16, 1941, she was a daughter of the late Bignal  and Martha (Franklin) Hurd.

She was a graduate of Bradford Area High School.

On October 18, 1972, in Bradford, she married Victor “Vic” Luce, who survives. In 1992, Rev. David Souder renewed their wedding vows at the First Wesleyan Church on Boylston Street where she was also a member.

Gloria had been employed at AirCo Speer, W.R. Case Cutlery, and once her children arrived she became a homemaker for her family. She also worked throughout the community as a Home Health Care Provider for many years. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandma.

Martin W. GEORGE, 66, of Olean, NY, formerly of Ulysses, PA, died Monday, January 8, 2024 in Olean General Hospital.  

Born July 17, 1957, in Wellsboro, PA, he was the son of Leonard E. and Jean Whitney George.  

Marty loved to read, paint, and take landscape photography.  Musically inclined from a young age, he liked to sing, play coronet and harmonica.  

Susan F. Landis, 76, of South St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 16, 2023.

Born March 30, 1947, in St. Marys, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Frances Drake Landis.  A lifelong resident of the area, Sue was a proud graduate of Elk County Christian High School, Class of 1965, and later earned her Bachelor’s Degree from St. Francis University.

Throughout her life, Sue had a variety of professional roles.  She was a dedicated teacher, secretary, and quality control professional, and was committed to her faith and community.

Kevin E. Walters, age 58, of Osceola, PA passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024 at his home.

Born on October 30, 1965 in Wellsboro, PA, he was a son to Charles and Darlene (Doan) Walters. Kevin was a 1983 Elkland Area High School graduate and right out of high school he attended Williamsport Penn Tech where he achieved his Associate’s degree in computer science. 

He enjoyed hunting, playing cornhole, camping, playing various games on his personal computer and spending time with his family. Kevin and his brother, Joe, spent a handful of years bowling with the Hatfield Real Estate League at Crystal Lanes in Corning, NY and they also worked together as DJs for Joe’s business. He also was a lifelong member of the Butler Hill Baptist Church. 

Pilar (Esclapes-Torralba) Sargeant, age 85 of Westfield, PA passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Wheaton’s Private Care Home, with her family by her side.

She was born May 28, 1938 in Zaragoza Spain. Pilar was an active member of the St. Catherine’s Catholic Church and worked for years at the rectories in Elkland and Wellsboro.

She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, reading, gardening; most of all she loved spending time with her family. Pilar had an intense passion for running. She ran in many marathons all over the states and could always be seen running around the Westfield area.

Robert D. Magnuson, 91, of Park Ave. in Kane, PA passed away Sunday (Jan. 7) in the Lutheran Home at Kane.  

Born July 11, 1932 in Kane, he is the son of the late Dwight and Alice (Alexis) Magnuson.  On Oct. 3, 1956 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mt. Jewett, he married Josephine Frattali, who survives.

He graduated from Kane Area High School in 1950 and was a member of both the football and basketball team.  He then attended Upsala College.  Following college he served in the US Army during the Korean War and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Bob was a telephone technician and worked for Bell of PA, Bell Atlantic and Verizon prior to his retirement.  

Chrystal L. Burgeson, 70, of 182 Horner Rd., Wilcox, PA passed away early Monday morning, January 8, 2024, at UPMC-Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA following a brief illness.

She was born in Kane, PA on January 6, 1954, a daughter to the late Merle and Norma Akers Peters. On December 31, 2001, in Johnsonburg, she married Todd D. Burgeson, and he survives. 

Growing up in Kane, Chrystal was a 1972 graduate of Kane High School. She loved to stay at home with her family and dogs and play games on her computer.

Chrystal loved to care for others and had been a CNA at several nursing homes in the area, retiring from Highland View Health Care in 2013.

Eric J. Johnson, 58, died on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Penn Highlands Dubois following a lengthy illness.

He was born on July 26, 1965, in Ridgway, son of the late Richard H. and Evelyn M. Egger Johnson.

On July 14, 1990, he married the late June Bush, who preceded him in death on November 25, 2015.

Eric was a lifelong resident of Ridgway and attended Ridgway Area High School. From a young age, Eric worked at his family poultry farm. He also worked for Buehler Lumber, The Driveway Company, and Fairview Paving. Eric enjoyed taking rides in the woods, four-wheeling, hunting, and watching NASCAR.

Adda Jane Anderson, 80, of Ridgway, PA died on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Penn Highlands Dubois after a lengthy illness.

She was born on May 22, 1943, a daughter of the late Bruce and Grace Tuttle Johnston.

Jane was a strong-hearted woman who was always there to help. She spent many years working as the secretary for the IU9. Jane took great pride in her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She loved to mow her grass, play cards with her girlfriends, and take beach trips.

Sandra L. Pearson, 80, died at her home in Warren, Pa on Friday, January 5, 2024. She was born on March 24, 1943 in Warren, PA, the daughter of the late Carl E. Lundgren and Ethel M. Lundgren.

Sandra graduated from Warren Area High School in 1961 and Wilson College, Chambersburg, PA in 1965 with a degree in Fine Arts.

Sandra was predeceased by her former husband, Clarence I. Pearson, with whom she had one son, John F. Pearson of Warren. Together they operated his business, Karnak Tree and Shrub (later Karnak, Inc.), where she was an officer until his retirement in 1984.

A dutiful daughter, devoted wife, caretaker, loyal friend, she found time to be an active member in many of this community’s social clubs, pursued a variety of educational and art opportunities and served on several Boards engaged with improving the lives of those with disabilities.

Joseph L. Tarszowicz, Jr. 86, of Wellsboro, PA passed away unexpectedly on January 8, 2024.

He was born on November 14, 1937, in Williamsport, PA to Joseph and Elizabeth (Zuzel) Tarszowicz.

Joseph was the Owner and Operator of Jokers Coal and Morris Block in Wellsboro, and member of St. Peters Catholic Church. He enjoyed working on older cars, and feeding the birds in his yard.

Gloria Luce, 82, of Bradford, PA passed away Monday, January 8, 2024, at Bradford Ecumenical Home. 

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com