Merle E. Dibble 94, of Derrick Rd., Bradford, PA passed away peacefully Tuesday (July 23, 2024) in the Olean General Hospital.

    Born November 17, 1929, in Betula, PA, he was a son of Alice A. Dibble. On April 26, 1958, in Scio, NY, he married Mary Brodie, who died Nov. 28, 2005. 

    Merle was a hard worker, starting off at age 13 when he quit school and worked full time logging and cutting chemical wood with teams of horses, which he loved.   At 18, he worked up Fishing Creek for room and board, at a dairy farm.  Starting in 1952 he worked 18 years in Coudersport for the Damascus Tannery.  Merle finished out his employment with  Ball-Incon Container Co. of Port Allegany, retiring in 1996, after 26 years of nearly perfect service, only missing 2 days.

     Merle was a lifetime resident of the area.  He enjoyed working in his garden and cutting firewood, planting trees, and spending time with family and friends.  Merle loved playing his harmonicas and singing and after retirement he joined a quartet.  Later in life, Merle revisited his passion for oil painting.  Merle loved helping out family and friends in need, and would often neglect his own needs. 

     Surviving are two sons, Mel (Denise) Dibble of Smethport, Michael (Jodi) Dibble of Port Allegany; a daughter, Melody (Ron) French of Port Allegany; nine grandchildren, Ronnie (Tarrin) French, Jason French, Amelia Rose Dibble, Jessica (Jordan) Stehle, Clint Dibble, Melissa Dibble, Mary Dibble, Braedyn Dibble, and Caleb Dibble; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Mary Lu Irons of Kasson, PA.

     He was preceded in death by his mother, Alice; wife Mary of 47 years, and a daughter, Marilyn, three brothers, George Ruby, Oscar Baker and Robert R. Baker; and three sisters, Ruth Bunnell, Pearl Elias, and Helen Manning. 

      A private graveside service for family will be held at 10 am Saturday in Annin Creek Cemetery, Turtlepoint.

      Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany.

      Condolences can be made @www.switzerfuneralhome.com.