Charlotte Lee Sikula, 70, Sorrento, FL; Duke Center, PA Native
Charlotte Lee Sikula, passed away at the age of 70, on Friday, January 27, 2023 peacefully at home after a long battle with liver failure. Her husband Michael, Sister Judy, and brother-in-law John were at her side at the time of her passing.
Charlotte was born in Olean, New York on March 27, 1952. She was the daughter of Howard and Greta (Ault) Yeaples. She was a graduate of Otto-Eldred Jr-Sr High School, Duke Center, PA. During high school years she was a cheerleader, Blazer member, vice-president of her class, member of the Senior Chorus, and participated in Junior and Senior Plays. BTW-She was also voted “Best Looking”.
Charlotte joined the Navy right out of high school. She was in the Navy 3 years where she pursued a nursing career. In the Navy she was HM3 Secretary to Head Naval Regional Medical Center, Secretary to Chief of Division, and Naval Regional Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. She was also Head Corpswave, Dependent female ward and worked special duty on maternity ward, Quonset Point, Rhode Island. She was honorably discharged in 1973.
After the Navy, she obtained a BS from the University of Central Florida. She was in the 1st graduating class in Nursing from the University of Central Florida.
In her 30-year nursing career she worked in various disciplines; operating room nurse, relief charge nurse, general surgery ranging from urology, ENT, thoracic, gynecology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, orthopedics, cardiovascular and laser nurse for laser surgery. She was also the Nursing Manager of a freestanding outpatient surgery center.
Charlotte met her husband, Michael, through a Classified Personal Ad that she ran in the Orlando Sentinel newspaper. Their first date was at Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurant, where she had given him the wrong directions on how to get there (Grrr).
They were married 36 years. They have one son Michael Gerald Sikula and one grandson Lucas Jeremiah Sikula.
Charlotte’s favorite things to do was travel around the country visiting family, attending family reunions, and seeing famous sites like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, etc. She enjoyed watching cooking shows and soap operas…her favorite being “The Young and The Restless”.
She was preceded death by her parents, Howard Fred Yeaples and Greta (Ault) Yeaples, her sister Ellen (Yeaples) Young, brother Howard Fred Yeaples, Jr.; brothers-in-law, Philip Thomas Young and Gary William Silsby, niece Olivia Lee Douglas, and other extended family members.
She leaves behind the following family: husband-Michael Joseph Sikula, son-Michael Gerald Sikula, grandson- Lucas Jeremiah Sikula, sisters-Patti (Yeaples) Silsby, Judy (Yeaples) Mix, Greta (Yeaples) Edminster, brothers-in-law, Jeff Edminster, John Mix, sister-in-law Anita (Varga) Yeaples, and many nieces, nephews, and family members.
There will not be a funeral service held. Charlotte will be cremated. A memorial will follow at the Sikula residence in Sorrento, Florida at a later date.
Collision on I-86 in Town of Angelica
31 January 2023
NEW YORK STATE POLICE
Major Eugene J. Staniszewski
Troop A Commander
PRESS RELEASE
On January 30, 2023 at 9:00 P.M., Troopers out of SP Amity responded to I-86 west bound in the town of Angelica for a vehicle collision involving a tractor trailer.
Investigation determined that a 2009 Kia Optima was traveling west bound on I-86 and lost control. The Kia spun multiple times, striking the guide rails on both sides of the I-86. The Kia came to rest in the left land and was struck by a 2022 Volkswagen tractor trailer traveling west bound.
Both occupants of the Kia were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital for serious injuries. The Volkswagen operator had no injuries.
This is an active investigation.
New HR leader takes helm at UAHS
Upper Allegheny Health System (UAHS), parent company of Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH) announce the official appointment of Lesley Zurek as senior director of human resources.
Lesley steps into the role with over a decade spent in human resources leadership positions. She had spent time working in the gaming industry advancing through the ranks becoming the vice president of human resources at Seneca Resorts and Casinos. She most recently was the regional human resources director for 19 long term nursing care facilities before recently transitioning to UAHS.
“We’re thrilled to have someone with the versatile experience that Lesley has step into the senior human resources director role,” said Jill Owens, MD, president, UAHS, BRMC, OGH. “This position is so important to execute the initiatives dealing with recruitment and retention of our workforce that is comprised of over 1,100 team members. Even with the most recent market adjustments made throughout our organization, there are still a lot of obstacles we need to overcome in regards to our workforce and I think Lesley is the right person to help tackle those barriers,” Owens said.
Lesley acquired her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Columbus, OH and her master’s degree in organizational leadership from Medaille College. She also holds certifications in Professional in Human Resources (PHR), HR Generalist Certificate (SHRM), Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), and Certified Benefits Professional (CBP).
Lesley, a Salamanca High School graduate and Salamanca resident, is also an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation. Outside of work Lesley enjoys crafting, sewing, and machine embroidery along with spending time with her family.
Overnight Crash on Route 6 Near Irons Hollow in Smethport
Smethport Fire Department Inc.
At 0024 hours this morning SFD was dispatched to the area of 16362 Route 6 for a MVA. Car into telephone pole with ejection.
Chief 2 arrived on scene, established command and confirmed 1 patient outside the vehicle and requested flight services which were unable to respond due to weather.
MA-16 arrived on scene and transported victim to the hospital.
Engine 24 also responded. McKeirnan’s Towing removed the vehicle from the scene and PSP investigated. Station 2 personnel returned at aprx 0140 while Station 2 Fire Police remained on scene until telephone pole was removed from the highway. Route 6 was opened for traffic at 0204.
Angelica Fire and ambulance were dispatched for a multi Vehicle crash
ON January 30, at 9:00 pm. Angelica Fire and ambulance were dispatched for a multi Vehicle crash with injuries a tractor trailer hit a passenger vehicle that spun out on I 86 between mile markers 110 and 111. Two Patients are entrapped and Belfast ambulance has also been dispatched to the scene Wellsville als has also been dispatched
GALE LARGEY DOCUMENTARY “THE LESSONS OF SISTER VICTORIA” TO BE SHOWN FREE TO THE PUBLIC THIS COMING WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1 IN WELLSBORO
At 7 p.m. this coming Wednesday, Feb. 1, “The Lessons of Sister Victoria,” a Gale Largey documentary film, will be shown to the public for free in the Grand Community Room at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.
Released in 2014, Largey researched, wrote and produced this one-hour and 57-minute documentary about the influence the Benedictine Sisters of St. Joseph’s Convent had on life in St. Marys, Pennsylvania.
At its peak in the 1950s, there were nearly 150 sisters in the convent. They epitomized their motto “Pray and Work,” teaching students at three parochial grade schools, a high school and a music and art academy. In addition, they administered the local hospital and a home for elderly women.
By January of 2014, only 17 sisters remained and it became necessary to close the convent and move them to other locations.
HAMILTON-GIBSON’S “CATS” WINTER THEATRE ARTS CAMP IN ELKLAND TO END WITH PUBLIC PERFORMANCES ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, FEB. 3 & 4
Thirty-five fourth through tenth graders who live in Northern Tioga School District communities are participating in Hamilton-Gibson’s “CATS” Winter Theatre Arts Camp in Elkland.
The 15-day after school camp began on Jan. 12 in the auditorium at Clark Wood Elementary School at 110 Addison Hill Road in Elkland.
It will end in the auditorium with two Pay-What-You-Can performances for the public at 7 p.m. next Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3 and 4.
“CATS: Young Actors Edition”was a huge leap for us,” said Thomas Putnam, Hamilton-Gibson’s artistic director.
“This one-hour adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical is specially tailored to give a young cast an exciting and rewarding experience,” Putnam said.
American Heart Month themed Walk with a Doc on Feb. 2
Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and the Guidance Center (TGC) are hosting the February Walk with a Doc event on Thursday, February 2. The event will take place at Richard E. McDowell Trail on Campus Drive, starting at 5pm.
The walk is coordinated through a partnership between the Guidance Center and BRMC. This month’s providers that will be leading the walk are Lalchand Goyal, MD and Michael Wilt, PA-C from General Physician, PC.
In honor of National American Heart Month, the cardiology team practicing at BRMC will discuss the importance of heart health. All participants are encouraged to wear red attire. Also, as an added perk to join the walk, anyone that attends the next four walks will be entered to win a $150 Dunham’s Sports Gift Card to get a new pair of walking shoes! The walk is free and open to anyone. If interested, please register at walkwithadoc.org/Ewaiver.
An alternate indoor location has been reserved for the event in the case of inclement winter weather. The location is the University of Pitt at Bradford Fitness Center located at 300 Campus Drive, Bradford, PA 16701. Any changes in the location will be announced on the Walk with a Doc Bradford Facebook Page the day of the event.
Mathew Karl Frederick, 32, of Bradford, PA
Mathew Karl Frederick, 32, of Bradford, PA passed away Friday, January 27, 2023, at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born on August 31, 1990, in San Diego CA, he was the son of Todd Ford (Linda), of Beech Grove IN and Stephanie Cobb Brown (Donald) of Avon IN.
He attended school in Bradford and Indianapolis, IN.
Mathew was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Professional Wrestling fan, and he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family.
Surviving are his parents, brothers Patrick Ford of Avon, Indiana and Hunter Ford of Bradford, grandparents Bill and Sandy Ford of Smethport, Pat and Ceil Cobb of Old Town, FL, great grandmother Lois Anderson of Smethport, longtime girlfriend Tina Gray of Bradford, and many Aunt’s, Uncles and cousins.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, February 4, 2023, from 10am to 11am in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 33 South Avenue, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11am with Rev. Joann Piatko, Rector of St. Joseph Episcopal Church of Port Allegany officiating.
Memorials if desired may be made to the Corydon Township Volunteer Fire Department.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Sigrid Fitzpatrick, 78, of 302 Bolivar Dr., Bradford, PA.
Sigrid Fitzpatrick, 78, of 302 Bolivar Dr., Bradford, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2023, at her residence, with her daughter at her side.
Born February 25, 1944 in Heilbronn, Germany, she was a daughter of the late Bernard and Rosa (Haag) Stemmler.
She attended nursing school in Germany.
On October 5, 1979, in Bradford, she married Eugene F. “Fitz” Fitzpatrick, who passed away August 10, 2021.
Surviving is one daughter, Tanja Fitzpatrick, two sons, Shayne L. Miller, and Richard Theodore Miller, one grandson Buddy Devin Miller, one brother, Kurt Haag, and one nephew, Rudiger Muller.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 42 years, Fitz, one son Ernest “Buddy” Miller, one sister, Doris Muller, and one brother Eduard Haag.
Private graveside services will be held for family at Willow Dale Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Celebration of Life for Sharon L. Swartzfager
A Celebration of Life for Sharon L. Swartzfager will be held at the American Legion; John Berg Post #976 in Crosby, PA on Saturday, February 4 from 1-4 PM. Sharon passed away on Wed. January 25th.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Marion I. Dallenbach, 75, of 65 Rodgar Lane, Bradford, PA.
Marion I. Dallenbach, 75, of 65 Rodgar Lane, Bradford, passed away Friday, January 27, 2023 at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born on August 10, 1947, in East Stroudsburg, she was a daughter of the late Link and Pearl (Woodard) Dowell. She attended Bradford Area High School.
On February 3, 1977, in Bradford, she married Richard D. Dallenbach, who survives.
She dedicated her whole life to caring for her family as a stay at home mother for her children and husband.
Surviving are three daughters, Ann Kephart, of Houtzdale, Christy Macfarlane, of Bradford, and Sharon Fitzsimmons, of Duke Center, four sons Joe (Connie) Kloss, of Bradford, Rick Dallenbach, of Erie, Pete (Wendy) Lyons, of Las Vegas, NV, and Edward Dallenbach, of Bradford, three brothers, Charles Dowell, of Hazelhurst, Jerry Dowell, of Bradford, and Paul Dowell, of Lafayette, seven grandchildren, Luka Dallenbach, Matt Kloss, Andrew Kloss, Addison Toscano, Luciano Toscano, Natale Toscano, Giovanni Toscano,and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Link Jr., Bruce and Boyd Dowell and three grandchildren, Johnny Coldren, Brian Coldren, and Eric Lyons.
Family will receive friends on Friday, February 3, 2023, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 33 South Avenue, followed by funeral services at 3:00 PM with Rev. Fred Zickefoose, Pastor of the Bradford Area Parish, officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Donald “Don” James Karrasch, 80 of 25 Chatham Lane, Bradford,
Donald “Don” James Karrasch, 80 of 25 Chatham Lane, Bradford, passed away peacefully at home with his family around him on Saturday January 28, 2023.
Born on June 4, 1942, in Bradford, he was a son to the late Paul Lasher and Barbara Silfies.
Don was a 1961 graduate of Bradford Area High School. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country until his honorable discharge in 1965. While in the Navy as quartermaster he took the helm of the ship as during a hurricane.He was also awarded a ribbon for participating in the Cuban missile crisis.
On January 22, 1966, he married his high school sweetheart, Peggy (Garthwaite) Karrasch, who survives.
After returning from the service he worked at Corning Glass and Ott & McHenry Drug Store. He worked as a Machinist for Dresser Manufacturing and retired in 2003.
Don enjoyed many outdoor activities and excelled at hunting, fishing, trapping, and also making maple syrup by tapping trees. He enjoyed collecting chocolate glass. He could fix anything and taught both his sons those same valuable skills. He was great at telling stories of his adventure-filled life.
Surviving is his wife Peggy of 57 years, two sons, Chris (Wendy) Karrasch, of Carisle,and Ryan (Jennifer) Karrasch, of Seymour TN, his step mother, Rose Russell Lasher, four sisters Virginia (Allen) Galentine, Sandra (Roland) Hughes, and Mary (Ron) Berry, Charlotte (Don) Aurand, two brothers, James (Sandra) Lasher, and Lester (Tammy) Lasher, four grandchildren, Dan Karrasch, Scott Karrasch, Sean Karrasch and Sara Karrasch.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and several brothers and sisters.
Family will receive friends on Friday February 3, 2023, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 33 South Avenue, at 11:00 AM funeral services will be held with Rev. Fred Zickefoose, Pastor of the Bradford Area Parish, officiating. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA P.O. Box 113, Bradford, PA 16701.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Joseph J. Bennardi, 93, of 15 Bon Air Avenue, Bradford,
Joseph J. Bennardi, 93, of 15 Bon Air Avenue, Bradford, passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023, with his family at his side at UPMC Hamot.
Born June 19, 1929, in Bradford, he was a son of the late John and Grace Trumbino Bennardi. He was a 1947 graduate of Bradford High School.
Joe enlisted in the United States Army on February 13, 1951. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received on June 17, 1952. He was honorably discharged on February 20, 1953.
Upon returning from the military he became employed at Dresser Manufacturing. He retired after 39 years of service.
Joe was a member of St. Bernard Church, Italian Club, American Legion. He enjoyed golf, bowling and throwing horseshoes.
Surviving is his companion of over 35 years, Sandy Edel, two sisters, Clara Costello, of Bradford, and Edith Gobbi, of GA, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Tina Gourley, four brothers, Frank, Ray, Henry, Sam, and two sisters, Linda Apa, and Frances Beers.
Private funeral services were held Monday January 30, 2023 with Fr. Jim Gutting, of St. Bernard Church officiating. Mausoleum Entombment was in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to St. Bernard Church 95 E Corydon Street Bradford, PA 16701.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
