Jill A. (Jeffers) Moore, 67, of Bradford, PA passed away Thursday, November 2, 2023.
Born September 18, 1956, in Gowanda, NY, she was the only child of the late Joan L. (LaBord) Jeffers.
She was a 1974 graduate of Bradford High School, and in 2006 graduated with a bachelors degree in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh of Bradford.
On August 19, 1978, in the First United Methodist Church, she married Brian E. Moore, who preceded her in death on December 7, 2019.
Jill had been employed at Sunshine Daycare and Northern Tier Daycare and at the time of her death was employed at the YWCA as a victims advocate where she took great care while working with domestic violence victims. She also taught safe dating courses at Fretz.
Georgiann M. Friedl, 92, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home for the past 6 years and formerly of Evergreen Road, St. Marys, PA passed away on Saturday, November 4, 2023.
She was born on August 27, 1931 in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late Roman and Bertha Eckert Wendel.
On November 23, 1950, in St. Marys Church, she married the late Gerard Friedl, who preceded her in death on July 28, 2004. Together they shared nearly 54 years of marriage.
Donna M Herbstritt, 75, of 1464 Rosely Road, St. Marys, PA passed away after a lengthy illness, Friday, November 3, 2023, at her residence with her family by her side.
She was born July 23, 1948, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Francis “Tootie” and Louise “Lucille” Hanes Meyer.
On November 18, 1967 in Queen of the World Church, she married Dennis L Herbstritt, who survives.
Donna was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School. Over the years, she worked and was part owner of Country Mountain Amusements.
LIVERPOOL, NY—Gregory L. “Greg” Lawton, 58, of Liverpool, formerly of Bolivar, NY passed away unexpectedly in his home from an apparent stroke on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, Pa., are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
Harold W. Geiser, 98, of Germania, PA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 3, 2023.
Born September 27, 1925 in Germania, he was a son of the late Philip and Clara (Hartman) Geiser. He was married to his loving wife Irma Carol (Heuser) Geiser for 71 years. She preceded him in death on March 12, 2023.
Harold was a World War II Veteran having served in the Navy Seabees. He then worked as a PennDot foreman, was a West Branch Township supervisor for many years, and was the former owner, along with his wife, Irma, of the Forest View Tree Farm in Germania until he retired.
On October 24, 2023, Virginia Lee Phillips went home to be with her Lord. The youngest of 6 children, she was born on November 29, 1941, to Lawrence and Virginia McCracken of Wellsville, NY. On September 5, 1960, she was united in Marriage to Richard “Dick” Phillips who survives.
Dick and Geannie moved to Kane, Pa. where they worked and raised 3 children. Geannie was an accomplished musician and vocalist with the “Broken Strings” band.
While in Kane she also worked at Walker’s Printing, The Kane Republican, Stackpole, the Hillcrest Restaurant, and as an EMT for the Kane Ambulance Service.
In 1985 they moved to LaVergne Tennessee where Geannie worked with computers at Thomas Nelson Publishing until her retirement.
James M. “Jim” Gausman, 90, of Ridgway, PA died on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Elk Haven Nursing Home following a lengthy illness.
He was born on December 24, 1932, in Ridgway, a son of the late Edward and Elizabeth Proesl Gausman.
On Aug 14, 1965, at St. Leo Church, he married Rachael H. “Rae” Campbell, who survives. Together they shared more than 58 years of marriage.
Jim was a lifelong resident of the area and graduate of St. Leo’s High School, class of 1950. He was a faithful and dedicated member of St. Leo’s Church, where he ushered for nearly 45 years. Jim proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He then went on to earn a Mechanical Engineering Degree from Gannon College, and retired from Speer Carbon after many years of service.
Michael Shane Hess, age 68 of Sabinsville, PA passed away at home on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 with his loving family by his side.
Born March 22, 1955 in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Robert Edward “Bud” and Clara Bernice (Bump) Hess.
Mike graduated from Cowanesque Valley High School, where he was the senior class president of 1973, sang in the Indianaires and the barbershop quartet, and lettered in football, wrestling, and track.
In 1974, he enlisted in the US Navy and served as an electrician. He worked for Westfield Tanning Company, Schoonover’s Heating and Plumbing, and finally, for Contel, GTE, and Verizon, as a telephone lineman technician for 22 years until his retirement in 2010.
He married his high school sweetheart, Janice Eaton, on June 12, 1976. They shared 50 years together and celebrated 47 years of marriage.
Gary R. Klein, 65, of Fern Road, St. Marys, PA passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, November 2, 2023.
He was born on September 23, 1958 in St. Marys, a son of Rose Gusmerotti Kline, who survives of St. Marys, and the late Richard Klein, who preceded him in death in 1994.
Gary was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, class of 1976. He was a member of Queen of the World Church and recently retired from Keystone Carbon Company as a Research & Development Coordinator after more than 45 years of service.
Mary Lee Vollmer, 85, of 106 Jackson Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Thursday, November 2, 2023, at the home of her son, Greg, after a lengthy illness.
She was born October 6, 1938, in Kersey, daughter of the late Dale and Julia Distler Green. She was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School.
On April 22, 1960, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Rectory, she married Edward J. Vollmer, who preceded her in death on November 24, 1998. Also preceding her in death in 2021 was her daughter Jean.
PORT ALLEGANY- Harold H. Phillips, 88, formerly of S. Main St., passed away Wednesday (Nov. 1, 2023) in UPMC Cole, Coudersport.
Born February 12, 1935, in Austin, PA, he was a son of Homer E. and Lucille Woodruff Phillips. On Oct. 29, 1955, in Port Allegany, he married Betty M. Colwell, who died Nov. 8, 2008. They were married 53 years.
Harold was employed with Ball-Incon Corp. as a machine operator in the front end, retiring in 1993, with 36 years of service. After retiring, he worked as a school van driver for Dan Bollhorst, Coudersport, for several years.
He attended the Port Allegany Alliance Church. He was a former president of the Glass Blowers & Mold- makers Assoc.
Thomas E. Tiemissen, 63, of Emporium, PA passed away at his residence, Emporium, PA on Thursday (November 2, 2023) morning following a lengthy illness.
He was born January 23, 1960 in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada a son of the late Peter M. and Bernadette Tiemissen. On January 17, 1987 he married Jeanette Celinski, who survives.
Tom enjoyed working on cars, online gaming with his friends, helping anyone who needed help and listening to music. Most of all he loved spending time with his loving wife Jeanette.
Cynthia L. Ford, 69, of Ridgway, PA died on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Penn Highlands Dubois after a brief illness.
She was born on January 3, 1954, in Kane, a daughter of the late David and Donna Allen Zimmerman.
On October 14, 1995, she married Robert W. Ford who survives.
Cynthia was a graduate of Johnsonburg High School and a member of First Baptist Church in Johnsonburg. She worked for Community Nurses, retiring this year after 25 years of service.
Lois E. Covert, 97, formerly of Wellsboro, PA passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Albion, PA, surrounded by family.
She was born January 27, 1926, in Wellsboro to Gilbert C. and Ethel J. (Knapp) Stock. She worked at Osram in Wellsboro, was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and enjoyed cooking and being with family.
PORT ALLEGANY, PA— James R. Petzold 90, of Port Allegany, passed away peacefully on Monday (Oct. 30, 2023) while visiting his family in Tioga Center, NY. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Born November 8, 1932, in Johnsonburg, PA, he was the son of Emil John Petzold and Anna Marie Johnson Petzold. He was the youngest of four siblings. He graduated from Johnsonburg High School, class of 1950. In 1956 he graduated from Clarion State Teachers College. In 1964 he completed his Masters of Education degree at Penn State University.
While living in Johnsonburg, before college, he worked at the co-op Nelson’s Grocery Store, B & O Railroad and William Pontiac. After college he served on active duty with the U.S. Navy from 1956-1959. After service in the U.S. Navy, he accepted a position with the Port Allegany School District and taught Physics and Mathematics. He retired in 1993 after 33 years of teaching.
In 1958, he married Marjorie Jean Daum in the Good Hope Lutheran Church, Oil City, PA. Jim and Marge were both members of the Port Allegany United Methodist Church where Jim was active as a Sunday School teacher, Choir member and Trustee. Jim was also a member of the Port Allegany Garden and Carver’s Club, Meals on Wheels volunteer and Webelos Den Leader.
St. Marys, PA—Christine M. “Chrissy” Bagley, 73, of Windfall Road, St. Marys, PA passed away at Pinecrest Manor on October 30, 2023, with her family by her side following a brief illness.
She was born on May 28, 1950 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late J. Marshall and Helen Dippold Bagley.
Chrissy attended the St. Marys Area High School and was a member of the St. Marys Church. She was a previous member of the Christain Fellowship Association and had been active in the Cursillo. Chrissy was also a member of the Elk and Cameron County Spark Club, where she enjoyed the friends she made over the years.
Lawrence D. “Larry” Boring, 85, of Montoursville, PA formerly of Cameron Road, Emporium, PA passed away at UPMC Williamsport Divine Providence, Williamsport, PA on Monday afternoon (October 30, 2023).
He was born February 24, 1938 in Conemaugh, PA a son of the late Walter and Rosella Williams Boring. On September 4, 1960 in Conemaugh, he married the late Mary Sue Dennis.
Larry served in the PA Nation Guard (Staff Sergeant). He graduated from Lock Haven University and from West Virginia University with a master’s degree in History Education. He retired from Cameron County High School where he taught health and physical education for many years.
BORN: Roberta Ellen Brunner, June 22, 1937, Olean, NY
DIED: October 21, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY.
DAUGHTER OF: Edward and Helen Duffy Brunner, Allegany, NY
Roberta entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on January 4, 1959, was received into the Congregation on July 2, 1959, and professed her final vows on July 3, 1966. For 64 years, Sister lived her commitment to Franciscan values through her ministry and life in community.
Roberta attended St. Bonaventure Elementary School and graduated from St. Elizabeth Academy, Allegany, NY. She attended St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, NY and D’Youville College, Buffalo, NY, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She pursued graduate studies at St. Clare’s School of Nursing in New York, New York, University of Rochester and the State University of New York in Buffalo, NY, where she graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing and a minor in Administration.
A registered nurse and Administrator, Roberta worked in Congregational hospitals: Our Lady of Lourdes, Camden, NJ; St. Elizabeth Hospital, New York, New York; St. Joseph’s Hospital, Tampa. FL where she served in many roles including Director of Inservice Education, Director of Nursing, Instructor in Staff Development, Coordinator of Cancer Care Center, and a Clinical Cancer Specialist.
Lucille A. “Lucy” Nelson, 76, of Warren, PA, died peacefully at home with her family at her bedside on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, after an 8-year battle with kidney disease.
She was born February 6, 1947, in Philipsburg, PA. She was the daughter of Marcel and Betty Gathagan Lefebvre. Lucy grew up in Philipsburg, PA., and Jamestown, N.Y.
She was employed as a press operator, with Loranger Manufacturing Corp, retiring from there after many years of employment. Lucy was a member of the Warren, PA., First Methodist Church, Warren Moose Lodge 109 Ladies Auxiliary, Warren American Legion Post 135 Ladies Auxiliary. She bowled on the Thursday night ladies’ league for many years.
Robert E. “Bob” Walker, 86, of St. Marys, PA, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 after a courageous, 2 1/2 year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Known by his family as a silent warrior, he faced the terrible diagnosis with grace and dignity – never asking one time – why me? Bob was born November 28, 1936 in Dayton, PA, a son of the late Robert Charles and Myrtle Whitacre Walker.
Bob married and is survived by his wife Betty Weaver Walker in Dayton, PA in a simple ceremony that resulted in a marriage that lasted more than 60 years.
Bob proudly served in the U.S. Army as a vehicle mechanic for two years. After moving to St. Marys in the early 1960’s, he began his career at Powdered Metal Products where he worked for 38 years until retirement.
When Bob and Betty moved to St. Marys, they purchased a “fixer upper” along Bucktail Road. After decades of hard work, the house where they raised their family is still home. Bob’s determination and work ethic was certainly passed on to his kids. He was an active member of the St. Marys Methodist Church where he really enjoyed fellowship and the time spent with his small group members.
Bob loved his garden and making trips to greenhouses each spring to look for just the right plants. He was so happy when someone would stop by and ‘take a look’ at his garden. Later in life he spent many hours sitting on a porch swing just watching everything grow as the seasons changed.
He loved basketball, going to his grandchildren’s sporting events, and visiting his friends at the Hilltop Diner, where he made nearly daily trips for many years. He also enjoyed trips to the casino, hunting when he was younger, the tv show Gunsmoke, taking car rides with Betty and in the end, just sitting outside as the weather permitted.
Bob was most proud of his grand and great-grandchildren. He was fortunate to share connecting yards with 2 of his granddaughters and their families, allowing him daily visits with 5 of the great-grandchildren. Many believe this was a contributing factor to his ability to not only survive but thrive through his illness. The holidays were amazing as the family gathered at Sandy’s house, next door, as all the children would be reconnected with their cousins and spend the days just being kids. Bob will be sorely missed but so many memories were created and will be cherished forever.
Bob is survived by his five children; Larry (Ann) Walker of Pittsburgh, Sandy (Bob) Buerk of St. Marys, Ed (Michele) Walker of Kersey, Susie (Tim) Nussbaum of Kersey, Nancy (DJ) Eckert of St. Marys, and by 12 grandchildren; Scott (Clara) Walker, Jennifer (Shane) Byrd, Steven (Amanda) Walker, Ashley (TJ) Steele, Leslie (Mike) Trumbull, Justin (Kelsey) Walker, Bryce Walker (Lauren Eckert), Katelynn Nussbaum (Hawk Bullers), Jamie Nussbaum (Lacey Williams), Kevin Eckert (Jen Hallinen), Ben Eckert, and Amy (Alex) Salvaggio. He was extra blessed with 19 great-grandchildren, Cora, Julianna, Jacob, Hannah, Emily, Lilah & Levi Walker, Jack Eckert, Sam, Luke and Maggie Byrd, Gabbie & Bobby Steele, Betsey, Garrett & Grady Trumbull, Louie, Evelyn and Olivia Salvaggio. He is also survived by one brother; Richard “Jack” Walker of Dayton, PA and one sister; Florence Harkelroad of Indiana, PA, as well as his close friend, Denny Ginther of St. Marys.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister; Betty (Walker) Stewart.
Funeral Services for Robert E. Walker will be held on Monday, November 6th at 11:00 AM at the St. Marys Methodist Church, 140 N. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Rev Chris Kindle, officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. Burial will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions would be appreciated for the St. Marys Methodist Church, 140 N. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA or St. Marys Ambulance Service, 773 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 or Hahne Cancer Center, 100 Hospital Ave, DuBois, PA 15801.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com
Madeline C. Holtz, 76, a loving mother and grandmother, of 609 West Washington Street, Bradford, PA passed away Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Olean General Hospital.
Born November 25, 1946, in Erie, she was a daughter of the late Leo T. and Dorothy (Skokowski) Sebunia.
She graduated from Academy High School in 1965 and later attended Erie Business School.
Madeline worked at General Electric in Erie, and later for the United States Forestry Service in Marshburg.
Floyd W. GEIGER, 92, of Andrews Settlement, PA, died Monday, October 30, 2023 in UPMC Hamot, Erie.
Born May 11, 1931, in Quakertown, he was the son of Harry Peter and Carrie Louise Yost Geiger.
A Korean War Veteran, he served honorably with the U.S. Army from 1952 – 1954. He was employed by American Olean Tile in Lansdale, operating the kilns and ultimately becoming a machinist. He was married to Alice Jane Capehart. They resided in Trumbauersville, Landsdale, and Tylersport, where they raised their two daughters, Susan and Lori.
Loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather
Terry J. (Trevor) Bell of Eldred, PA passed away unexpectedly on Monday (October 30, 2023) at home.
Born in Silver Creek on November 9, 1955, he was the son of Marvin and Betty Repine Bell. On June 22, 1974, he married the former Patti Soules at the United Methodist Church in Eldred, PA.
Terry graduated from Otto-Eldred High School. He liked going to work, and worked as a heavy equipment operator for Bell & Bell, Jack Bell Excavating and Duffy Inc.
Paula M. Smith, 59, of Bolivar Drive, Bradford, PA passed away Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born August 9, 1964, in Bradford, she was the daughter of Patricia (Bednar) Smith, of Bradford, and the late Alfred E. “Ed” Smith, who died February 2, 2014.
She was a 1982 graduate of Bradford Area High School and had attended the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
Paula was employed at Zippo Manufacturing Company for 35 years.
Mary E. Graham, 97, formerly of 315 Seaward Ave, Bradford, PA passed away Friday, October 27, 2023, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home, where she had been a resident for six years.
Born in Bradford on June 7, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Anna (Cassels) Gontero. She graduated from Bradford Area High School with the Class of 1944. On October 21, 1950, in Bradford, Mary married Robert N. Graham who preceded her in death on June 4, 2017.
She worked many years for the National Supply Company in Bradford. She also worked in the family business, Graham’s Greenhouse, which was started 132 years ago and is now owned and operated by the fifth generation, William Graham and his sons, Ben and Fred.
