Michael James “Dirt” Rhoades, 68, of Gates Hollow, Bradford, PA
Michael James “Dirt” Rhoades, 68, of Gates Hollow, Bradford, passed away at his home on September 29, 2024 surrounded by family.
Born on October 8, 1955, in Bradford, he was a son of Alberta (Smead) Cobb.
Mike lived in Willow Creek and Bradford throughout his life and was a 1974 graduate of Bradford Area High School.
He worked for Halliburton and Universal Well Services until his diagnosis of Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 1994.
Despite being quadriplegic, Mike was able to live his best life at home. He always had a positive outlook and inspired those around him with his strength and optimism. He was a loving father, grandfather, and husband who will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and love for the simple things in life. He enjoyed spending time with family, gardening, watching the birds, listening to his classic rock, talking with his friends from the oil fields, and enjoying the outdoors sitting under the apple tree. His simple life at home meant the world to him.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Beth Ann (Price) Rhoades, whom he married December 19, 1975, two children: Emily Rhoades (Jeremy Lingenfelter) and Katie Greene (Mike Greene), and two granddaughters Daisy Greene and Violet Greene, and one brother, Bill Good (Beth Soble).
Mike was predeceased by his mother, and four brothers, Stanley Rhoades, David Rhoades, Mark Rhoades, and Bruce Rhoades.
In keeping of the wishes of Mike, there will be no funeral services.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the National MS Society PO Box #91891 Washington, DC, 20090-1891 (In memory of Mike Rhoades, 72 Gates Hollow, Bradford, PA 16701) or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Galeton Weather Report September 2024
September can be classified as a dry month. August, of course, was very wet. Up until the 21st we only received .86″ of rain. NWS reported that September 2024 may be the driest September on record. However, rainfall started to arrive on the 21st . From that date until the 30th we received measurable rain for 8 days measuring 1.52″ .
The one thunderstorm of the month on the 20th contributed 0.72″. Therefore we didn’t break any records for the month. Heavy hail fell just west of Galeton on the night of the 19th along with a heavy electrical storm. Route 6 was covered with hail causing accidents. Hail was still piled along the highway on the 20th
Most morning readings were in the 50’s with afternoon highs in the mid 60’s to mid 70’s. Last year we recorded 3.95″ of rain and this year the total was 2.38″.
I had hoped that the dry conditions would slow down the grass growing but it did not. Then the end of the month rain made the grass grow faster.
There continues to be a lot of lawn mowing activity. Hopefully it will stop soon.
Pine Creek looks good for this time of year. The brilliant Fall foliage colors are holding back.
Henry W. Lush National Weather Service Observer
Eric J. LUCE, 38, of Genesee, PA
Eric J. LUCE, 38, of Genesee, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday September 28, 2024 at home.
Born November 13, 1985, in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville NY, he was the son of Ricky Luce and Kathleen Farley Luce. A 2004 Graduate of Whitesville Central School, he was employed by Air Preheater in Wellsville as a machinist for several years and Morgan AM&T in Coudersport for short time.
Robert C. Gnan Sr., 87, of S. Michael Road., St. Marys, PA.
Robert C. Gnan Sr., 87, of S. Michael Road., passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Magee Hospital in Pittsburgh following a brief illness.
He was born on December 22, 1936 in Saint Marys, PA, a son of the late Joseph and Helen Ott Gnan.
On November 8, 1958, in Sacred Heart Church, he married Donna Wolford, who preceded him in death on January 5, 2017. Together they shared more than 58 years of love, laughter, and marriage.
Bob was a veteran of the United States Army Reserves and was a member of Queen of the World Church. He retired from Powdered Metal Products after more than 46 years of service.
In his free time, he loved going to camp and hunting. He enjoyed working around the house and tinkering with things. Whenever Bob would get a new car, he enjoyed adding all the bells and whistles to customize it the way he wanted. He will be remembered for the love and pride he had for his tractors. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
Michael J. Rhoades, 68, of Gates Hollow, Bradford, PA
Michael J. Rhoades, 68, of Gates Hollow, Bradford, passed away at home on Sunday, September 29, 2024.
Funeral arrangements and the obituary are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Robert C. Ezzolo, 89, of Derrick City, PA
Robert C. Ezzolo, 89, of Derrick City, passed away Friday, September 27, 2024, at the Olean General Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Born January 24, 1935, in Olean, NY, he was a son of the late Joseph and Mary Helen (Dubetsky) Ezzolo.
He was a 1955 graduate of Otto Eldred High School where he was a star football and basketball player.
On May 23, 1959, in Bradford, he married Nancy E. (Merry) Ezzolo who survives.
William Jay Merry, 83, of Bradford, PA.
William Jay Merry, 83, of Bradford, passed away Sunday, September 29, 2024, at The Pavilion at BRMC.
Born January 12, 1941, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Stanley H. and Elsie (Pyle) Merry. He was a 1959 graduate of Bradford High School.
On November 21 1997, in Limestone, he married Marie V. (McManigle) Himes Merry, who preceded him in death on September 23, 2020.
Dr. Dave Bennett, Ridgway Native
Dr. Bennett, known to friends and associates as Dave, passed away in Nazareth, PA, on September 16, 2024, after a long illness. His loving partner of seventeen years, Joanne Ponak, was at his side.
Dave was born and raised in Ridgway, PA. After completing high school, he left to further his education, obtaining a PhD degree in Applied Statistics, all the while pursuing a career and raising a family. Dave’s career started as a Biostatistician with multiple pharmaceutical companies, eventually becoming a successful Executive at Contract Research Organizations (CRO’s).
Phyllis Elaine Kio Gleason, a longtime resident of Austin, PA
Phyllis E. Gleason
Phyllis Elaine Kio Gleason, a longtime resident of Austin, passed away at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, on Saturday, September 28, 2024, after a short illness.
Born on June 11, 1945 in Coudersport, she was the daughter of Bob O. Kio and Vera L. Clinton Kio. On April 29, 1961 in the E.U.B. Church in Prouty, she married William “Bill” Gleason. They celebrated 50 years of marriage before his passing on April 10, 2012.
Alan R. LEWIS, 75, of Rexville, NY
Alan R. LEWIS, 75, of Rexville, NY, died Thursday, September 26, 2024 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville. Born September 26, 1949, in Hornell, he was the son of Robert F. and Doris Rogers Lewis.
A 1968 graduate of Whitesville Central School, he studied forestry and conservation at BOCES from 1966 – 1968. He was employed by Ro-La Farms, Inc. Alan was always there for a good laugh. If anyone ever wanted to go for a ride or take a walk, Alan was the guy to see. He knew all the hidden gems in the area, especially Rock City in Olean. Alan enjoyed shed hunting and collecting rocks.
Billiejo H. LIAS, 64, of Westfield, PA
It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the death of Billiejo H. LIAS, 64, of Westfield, PA, who passed Saturday, September 28, 2024.
Born December 2, 1959, she was the daughter of Leon H. and Donna Lee Haskins Kibbe. On November 28, 1992, in Harrison Valley, she married Sean E. Lias, who predeceased her on August 22, 2015. A 1977 graduate of Northern Potter High School, she was employed by Electri-Cord, Corning Incorporated, and Viant. Billiejo loved planting flowers. Throughout the years, she rescued kittens in need, being a loving Mom to them all. She loved to travel to tropical areas to walk the beaches looking for seashells and having her feet in the sand.
Denise A. “Denny” DEAN, 67, of Galeton, PA
Denise A. “Denny” DEAN, 67, of Galeton, PA, died peacefully Saturday, September 28, 2024 in Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, Towanda Campus.
Born June 11, 1957, in Wellsboro, she was the daughter of Richmond and Evelyn Drake Dean. A graduate of Galeton Area High School, she was employed in the hotel industry and by Hamilton-Gibson Productions in Wellsboro. Denny was a former member of the Galeton Area Chamber of Commerce, served on the Galeton Borough Council, and attended the Niles Valley United Methodist Church. She was honored in 2022 with the creation of the Denny Dean Rose Garden next to the Galeton boro office.
Marie L. “Dolly” Richardson, 86, of Coudersport, PA
Marie L. “Dolly” Richardson “memorial service slated”
COUDERSPORT, PA—Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Marie “Dolly” Richardson at 2pm on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at North Eulalia Baptist Church, 683 State Route 49, Coudersport with Pastor Mike Reeves, officiating.
Dolly passed away on September 1, 2024.
Dolly’s family entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com
Causer to Host Roulette Senior Citizens Expo Oct. 11
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) is inviting area senior citizens, their family members and caregivers to the annual Senior Citizens Expo in Roulette on Friday, Oct. 11.
The free event will be held at the Roulette Fire Hall, 12 River St., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“There are so many programs and services available to support our senior citizens, but it still can be difficult for people to find the help they need,” Causer said. “I encourage area senior citizens and their caregivers to take advantage of this opportunity to find a wealth of information in one convenient location.”
State, county and local exhibitors will be on hand to distribute information and answer questions. Information about health care, insurance, nutrition and exercise, fire safety, financial planning, fraud protection, government services, hunting/fishing, and personal safety will be available. Health screenings will also be offered, and door prize drawings will be held. Lunch will be served at no charge.
Causer noted his offices in Bradford and Coudersport will be closed for the day due to the expo. Residents in need of assistance may contact the Kane office at 814-837-0880 or the Harrisburg office at 717-787-5075.
