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The Potter-Tioga Maple weekend is celebrating their 21st year of hosting the art of maple syrup creation. There are 17 participating farms and educational experiences throughout the two counties on March 15 and 16 from 10 AM - 4 PM. Photo by Andy Lychalk, Jr.
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Phyllis A. Bell, 88, of 1328 East Main Street, Bradford, PA passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023, at the Olean General Hospital.
Born on October 7, 1935, in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of the late Frank T. and Genevieve (Cappozzelli) Palmer. She was a graduate of Olean High School.
On July 7, 1999, in St. Bernard Church, she married Charles G. Bell, who survives.
Phyllis was a member of St. Mary’s of the Angels in Olean and St. Bernard Church.
For many years she was the Bookkeeper at the Greater Bradford Senior Activities Center.
Sheila A. SPICER, nee McCullough, 71, of Whitesville, NY, died Sunday, December 24, 2023 in her home.
Born June 27, 1952, in Clymer Township, she was the daughter of Kenneth H. and Addie K. Hitchcock McCullough. She was married to Leland Spicer, who survives.
Sheila was a homemaker and lifelong area resident.
Audrey D. LOWREY, 83, of Dry Prong, LA, formerly of Gaines, PA, died Wednesday, December 20, 2023 in her home.
Born July 16, 1940, in Hector Township, PA, she was the daughter of Howard and Mayme B. Snay Stevens. On February 24, 1990, in Knoxville, she married Melvin L. Lowrey, who predeceased her on September 3, 2019.
She was employed by Cooper-Slide in Genesee, Electri-Cord in Westfield, and retired from Truck Lite in Wellsboro in 2003.
G. Mina Cooney, 86, a longtime resident of Austin, PA passed away on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, 2023.
Born on Monday, September 20, 1937 in Renovo, she was a daughter of the late Rev. Walter N. and Pearl M. Uhl Plotts.
Mina grew up in the Austin and Coudersport areas and was a graduate of Coudersport High School.
On June 22, 1957 in Austin, she married John L. “Jack” Cooney who preceded her in death on March 25, 2012. They celebrated 54 years of marriage before his passing.
Phyllis R. O’Neill, 86, of Warren, PA, died Monday, December 25, 2023, at St. Vincent Healthcare AHN-Erie, PA., after suffering a fall and fracturing her hip on Saturday, December 23, 2023.
Phyllis was born May 5, 1937, in Warren, PA. She was the daughter of Horace and Lillian Swanson Gorton. Phyllis was a 1955, graduate of Warren High School. She was employed with Loranger’s, Bon Ton, and worked as a secretary at Boy Scouts of America Cornplanter Council, and Warren County Prothonotary office. She retired as secretary of Elk Township. She was owner and operator of the former Yarn Basket.
Phyllis was a member of First Methodist Church, their Quilters guild, Eastern Star and Order of the Amaranth. She had served as a Girl Scout Leader and served as a board member. She was a member of the Warren YMCA, Warren Bocce Group, and Pine Grove Lioness Club where she served as treasurer. Phyllis was an avid knitter. She is remembered by her family, as a woman with a great sense of humor, who loved being a grandmother and great-grandmother.
Jesse Allen Reid, 49, of St. Marys, PA, passed away suddenly early morning of December 23, 2023 at his home.
Born on April 18, 1974, in Coudersport, PA, Jesse was a loyal and beloved friend to many, a dedicated brother and a genuinely good (and sometimes complicated) person. Despite certain hurdles, Jesse persevered and always maintained a hopeful outlook.
Jesse is survived by his brothers: Fred (Patricia) Reid of Wilcox, PA; Norman (Penelope) Reid of Emporium (Beechwood), PA; Jody (Audra) Reid of Emporium, PA; Grant Reid of Emporium, PA; Theodore Reid of St. Marys, PA; and several beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Marshall Reid of Emporium (Beechwood), PA and his father, Richard Reid of Emporium (Beechwood), PA.
Nadene B. Howard, 91, of Port Allegany, PA passed away Friday (December 22, 2023) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.
She was born May 28, 1932 in Roulette, the daughter of Harold F. and Doris (Wambold) Baker. On June 3, 1951 in Sartwell Creek E U B Church, she married LaVerne R. Howard, who died November 27, 2021.
Mrs. Howard was a homemaker tending to the needs of her family and assisting her husband Rev. LaVerne Howard in his ministry.
She is survived by a daughter: Lezlee (Fred Dean) Olson of Port Allegany, PA.
Three grandchildren: Kevin (Jodi) and Korry (Ashley) Lindemuth and Kym (James) Moore
Seven great-grandchildren: Jackson, Carter, Jade and Maddox Lindemuth, Aubrey and Gage Dinger, and Tristen Moore
One great-great grandchild: Emersyn Lindemuth
And several nieces and nephews
She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son Clayton R. Howard, one son Lee A. Howard, one grandson Zachary Olson, and one brother Dr. Norman F. C. Baker.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 from 12-2pm in the Sartwell Creek Union Church, where funeral services will follow at 2pm with the Rev. Allen Long, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Sartwell Creek Union Cemetery, Port Allegany.
CUBA, NY—David E. “Dave” Shemeld, 84, of Cuba, NY, passed away after a brief illness on Friday, December 22, 2023, at the Wellsville Manor.
Dave was born May 13, 1939, to Irving and Marguerite Shemeld in Upper Darby, PA who predeceased him. Dave married Mary Sue Rathbun in 1963 at the Methodist Church in Olean, NY who survives.
During his formative years his family moved to East Derry NH from Upper Darby, where Dave attended the local Pinkerton Academy High School in Derry Village. In 1961 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) from Penn State University in University Park, PA.
Donna J. SEYMOUR, 74, of Colorado Springs, CO, formerly of Endwell, NY and Knoxville, PA, died Thursday, December 21, 2023.
Born May 12, 1949, in Elkland, PA, she was the daughter of Merle C. and Almira Libbey Beebe. She was married to David J. Seymour, who predeceased her on April 20, 2014.
A 1967 graduate of Cowanesque Valley High School in Westfield, PA, she earned a degree in German from Mansfield University. Donna worked several administrative jobs throughout her life in Endwell, NY and Arlington, TX before retiring to be near her children in Colorado Springs.
AUSTIN, PA—Ralph M. Young, 80, of Austin, PA passed away in his home on Thursday, December 7, 2023.
Born on Tuesday, June 1, 1943 in Plainfield, NJ, he was a son of Howard and Ruth Manning Young. He had been previously married to Jacqueline Piltz Young, Nadine Young, and Bonnie Yeaples Young.
Mr. Young proudly served as a Pennsylvania State Trooper for more than 25 years, retiring as a Corporal. Ralph later served as a Pennsylvania Constable. Prior to enlisting in the Pennsylvania State Police, he was a plumber.
While residing in Plainfield, he was a volunteer for Plainfield Search and Rescue. Ralph served on the Austin Area School Board and also served on the Seneca Highlands IU-9 Board. He was a member of Eulalia Lodge # 342 F. & A.M. in Coudersport. He enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and riding his side-by-side. In general, he enjoyed the outdoors.
Patricia A. Luzier Hunt, 64, of Hinsdale, NY passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, December 21, 2023.
She was born November 13, 1959 in Olean, NY, the daughter of the late Robert and Marjorie Corthell Luzier. In May of 1997, in Black Creek, she married David L. Hunt who survives.
She was a graduate of Cuba Central Schools Class of 1977.
Though she had many jobs during her life, she most recently was employed at the St Elizabeth Mother House in Allegany. This place held a special place in her heart and she adored working and caring for the sisters who lived there. She always took pride in her work and in everything she did.
On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, N. Marks Byam peacefully passed away at the age of 82.
Marks was born October 26, 19 in Norwich, NY to Archer & Ellen Byam.
Marks was a United States Army Vietnam-era veteran, serving in active duty 1964-1966 and in the Army Reserves until 1970. He was an expert in pistol and rifle and received both an expert infantryman badge as well as a good conduct medal.
Residents of Wellsboro, Middlebury, and neighboring communities will remember Marks during his pivotal role in reshaping the small towns of Holiday and Nelson. Moving several of the homes and even a few churches, literally changing the face of those communities after the 1972 Agnes floods to make way for the Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque dams.
Marks then enjoyed a career with the Tioga County Housing Authority as maintenance technician for the public housing projects in Westfield, Elkland and Lawrenceville. Marks loved hunting and was an expert marksman with both rifle and bow. His proficiency in mechanics served as a significant asset in both his professional endeavors and for his family. He skillfully tackled repairs ranging from household appliances like washers and dryers to heavy machinery such as bulldozers.
Thomas G. Black, 88, of 7986 Rt. 59, Mt. Alton, PA passed away Friday, December 22, 2023.
Born on February 16, 1935, in Kane, he was a son of the late Vernie S. and Minnie A. (McCool) Black. Tom attended MJ Ryan School.
On September 10, 1955, in Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church with Fr. Kennedy officiating, he married Nancy L. (Schlopy) Black who survives.
Tom worked for Lafayette Township for 44 years and was a Working Supervisor for the last 24 years. During that time Tom was also self-employed, owning Tom Black’s Backhoe Service.
He was a member of St. Bernard Church, and served on the Bradford Area Wage Tax Board.
Daniel L. “Rat” Radaelli, 62, of St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, December 21, 2023.
He was born on March 25, 1961 in St. Marys, a son of the late Ronald and Anna Bella Johnson Radaelli.
Dan was married to the late Pamela Tucker, who preceded him in death in 1992. He was then preceded in death by his longtime fiance, Darlene Thomas.
Dan was a graduate of St. Marys High School, class of 1980. He then attended DeVry Institute of Technology for Electronics. He worked for many years at the family business, Radaelli TV, alongside his dad and brothers.
Mary Armstrong, 85, previously of James City, PA passed away Thursday (Dec. 21) in Ridgway where she was currently residing with her daughter.
Born Oct 2, 1938 in Kane, she is the daughter of the late Melvin and Jenny (Confer) Cook. On Nov. 26, 1955 she married Michael Armstrong, who preceded her in death.
Mrs. Armstrong was a member of New Beginnings Assembly of God and also the Kane Revival Center. Prior to her retirement, she had worked 31 years in housecleaning at the Kane Community Hospital.
David Allen Keach, 72, Bradford, PA passed away peacefully on December 16, 2023 at OGH surrounded by his children. He was born on August 15, 1951.
He was a loving father who served in the Air Force, enjoyed reading, watching the stars, hanging out with friends at Bradford Legion, Riddle House, and had great sense of humor.
Roberta “Bobbi” A. Stephan, (73) of Olean, NY, passed away on December 19, 2023 following a brief illness.
Bobbi was born March 18, 1950, in Olean, NY and raised in Eldred, PA. She was the daughter of the late Fenton II and Carolyne McGonnell. She was formerly married to Phillip Stephan, Sr. of Allegany.
She is a 1968 graduate of Walsh High School and a 1972 graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. Following graduation, she was employed by the Olean YMCA as Women & Girls Director, 1972-1979. Thereafter she was employed by Cattaraugus County BOCES in the Olean School District as an Adaptive Physical Education teacher, retiring in 2008. She was the Olean High School Girls Swim Team coach for many years and later officiated Section 6 High School Swimming & Diving.
Bobbi was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Coudersport, PA
Steven E. Smoker, 48, of Old Portage Road, Emporium, PA died unexpectedly on December 19, 2023.
He was born September 23, 1975, the son of Robert E. and Veronica L. Haight Smoker.
A 1993 graduate of Cameron County High School he was an owner/operator of Smoker Logging Inc. in Emporium. Steven was a Christian and loved being with his children. He also loved the great outdoors: fishing, hiking, and logging, was a skilled craftsman making wooden furniture from trees and was also an antique collector.
Robin A. Steffen, 61, of 1502 Emery Street, Hinsdale, NY passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023 at the Cleveland Clinic.
Robin was born December 11, 1962 in Olean and was the daughter of Frank Lee and Bernadine Ann Emerick Steffen Sr.
Robin was a 1980 graduate of Portville Central School. She worked at Magnano Pharmacy and Olean Tile before becoming an EMT and working for Trans Am for about 10 years before becoming disabled due to a back injury.
Robin enjoyed gardening, canning, traveling, fishing, sewing and cooking.
Paula R. Galmish, 75, of St. Marys, PA passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023, at Penn Highlands DuBois.
She was born on August 11, 1948 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late William and Margaret Prechtel Galmish.
Paula was a member of Queen of the World Church, where she was also a member of the Oblates and Cursillo. She a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, class of 1967 and then attended Mercyhurst University in Erie. She spent some time as a Benedictine Sister, and had a very strong faith. She worked as a Peer Counselor for more than 12 years at the Dickinson Center, where she was a dedicated advocate for mental health services. She greatly enjoyed her cats as well as photography, and could often be found taking pictures of scenery. She will be remembered for her kindness and friendship to all she met.
Clifton Leroy Wilcox, 93, of Frostproof, FL passed away Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Lakeland Hospice House.
He was born September 17, 1930, in Wellsboro, to the late Richard and Gladys Wilcox; he moved to Frostproof from Pennsylvania in 1998.
Clifton was a truck driver for 45 years before retiring, and he served with the United States Army in Korea. He was a member of the South Lake Wales Church of God.
During his younger years, he enjoyed building and flying model airplanes and building model trucks. Clifton enjoyed getting in his golfcart and watching the traffic on Highway 27. He enjoyed traveling and camping with his family.
Vesta Marie Lewis, 89, of Brewerton, New York, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 18, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.
Vesta was born and raised in Bolivar, New York. She was predeceased by her loving husband who died in 1988, Russell Winston Lewis, following 36 years of a blessed and beautiful life together. In addition she was predeceased by a son Russell Winston Lewis, Jr., her parents Elmer and Mary Baldwin Mitchell, a sister, Elma Pangburn and brothers, Lyle, Robert, Claude (“Toad”), and Alan Mitchell.
Donna Rachel Marie Simbeck, 92, of St. Marys, PA died peacefully at her home on December 19, 2023.
She was born August 23, 1931 in Elbon, Pa, the first child of the late Raymond and Margaret Herzing Gahr. On August 7, 1954 in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, she married Richard “Dick” Simbeck who preceded her in death on April 2, 2013.
Donna was a coal miner’s daughter. Her first school experience was in a one-room schoolhouse in Elbon where she was able to skip first grade. After her father was killed in a mining accident, her mother moved the family of 5 to St. Marys to live in her grandparents’ home. Donna attended the St. Marys Parochial school and graduated salutatorian of the Central Catholic High School, class of 1948.
Thomas L. Kline, 77, of Ash Street, St. Marys, PA passed away suddenly at his residence on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
He was born on May 11, 1946 in Ridgway, a son of the late Theodore and Loretta Ruth Kline.
He married Louise O’Hern, who survives. Together they shared more than 57 years of love, laughter, and happiness.
Tom worked as an autobody technician for many years. In his free time, Tom enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as trapping. He also liked going to camp and spending time outdoors. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Stephen E. Finestone, 89, of Wellsboro, PA passed away at home surrounded by family.
He was born January 23, 1923, in Ottawa Canada to Isaac and Ivy Elizabeth (Ashton) Finestone. Stephen served in the US Army, earned his Master of Divinity, and on February 4, 1957, married Celia Bruss with whom he shared 64 years of marriage.
He worked as a pastor, insurance salesman, teacher and social worker. Stephen worshipped at local churches, and was an avid amateur astronomer and ham radio operator.
Ruth A. Wheale Bees, 93, a resident of Watson Memorial Home, Warren, PA, died at her residence, Tuesday evening, December 19, 2023.
She was born in New Castle, PA., on June 26, 1930. Ruth was the daughter of Albert and Susanna Eskew Wheale. She resided in Althom, PA., for 40 years and Warren, PA., for the past 13 years.
Ruth was a 1948 graduate of New Castle High School, New Castle, PA. She along with her husband, owned and operated, a heating & air conditioning company, where she served as bookkeeper. She was employed as a nurse aide and practical nurse at Rouse Home, Youngsville, PA., and retired in 1995, from Blair Corporation, in the returns department.
