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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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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.
Helen M. Salter, 83, of St. Marys, PA passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023, with her loving family by her side following a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born on March 13, 1940 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Merle and Marcella Leightner Herbstritt.
On August 30, 1958, at the St. Marys Church, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Salter, who survives. Together they were blessed more than 65 years of marriage.
Helen was a member of St. Marys Church and retired from St. Marys Carbon after more than 30 years of service.
Brian P. “Fred” Sennett, 65, of Fairview Road, Kersey, PA passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 29, 2023.
He was born on January 17, 1958 in Ridgway, a son of the late George and Lucille Cooper Sennett.
Fred was a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, class of 1976. He retired from Keystone Powdered Metal after nearly 40 years of service. Fred was a member of the Fox Township Firemen’s Club, and years ago had been a volunteer firefighter. In his free time, he loved spending time with his kids and grandkids. He also had a special place in his heart for his dog, Arlo.
Lucille Ann “Lucy” Nelson, of Warren, PA, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, October 31, 2023, after an extended illness, at her residence, with her family at her bedside.
A complete obituary will be announced when available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA.
TUJUNGA, California—-Erika S. Contant, 48, of Tujunga, California, formerly of Genesee, Pa. and Coudersport, Pa., passed away unexpectedly in her home on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
Born on Wednesday, May 7, 1975 in Allentown, Pa., she was a daughter of Gilles S. Contant and Linda J. Landis Contant.
Erika was a graduate of Northern Potter High School, Class of 1993, in Ulysses, Pa. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. Erika was a US Army veteran having served honorably, attaining the rank of Sergeant. While serving her country, Erika was an animal care specialist, a job that she so enjoyed due to her love of animals.
After her military service, Erika was employed in the veterinary field in California. In 2023, Erika attained her Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapy and at the time of her death was working as an assistant therapist in the Physical Therapy field.
Smethport–A memorial service for Kent K. Smith will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 11 AM in the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, with the Rev. Frank Eppley, officiating.
A full obituary was posted previously by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Kenneth E. Carlson, 96, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of Charles Street, St. Marys, PA joined his wife in Heaven on Sunday, October 29, 2023, following a lengthy illness.
He was born on January 25, 1927 in Kane, a son of the late Wallace and Inga “Olive” Alexis Carlson.
On April 29, 1950, in Bradford, PA, he married Dorothy Michaels, who preceded him in death on September 6, 2023. Together they were blessed with more than 73 years of love, laughter, and happiness.
David C. Burton, 73, of 97 Marion Ave. Bradford, PA passed away Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Olean General Hospital.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the VFW, 94 Barbour Street. At 1:30 PM a Celebration of Life will be held with Pastor Richard Young officiating. Burial will be in St. Bernard Mausoleum.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.