Liv Synnøve Lien, 73, previously a resident of Coudersport, PA, passed away unexpectedly in her home in Mandal, Norway, on December 26th. On December 1st, 1973, in Oslo, Norway, she married the love of her life, Helge Lien. They celebrated 50 years of marriage with family and close friends before her passing. 

Liv had several careers including ballet dancer for the Oslo Ballet Company, demolition derby driver, professional ski instructor, bartender at the Crittenden Hotel, esthetician and teacher. 

Liv enjoyed several years in the ski industry. She and Helge built up the cross-country portion of Oregon Hill in Wellsboro for 1 season and managed Denton Hill for 3 seasons. They then developed the cross-country center for Susquehanna Lodge for 4 seasons. After retirement in Norway, they built up a small alpine ski area on the farm that they managed for 10 years. It closed in 2023.

Richard E. Gray, 56, of Route 321 North of Kane, PA passed away Tuesday (Dec. 26) at a second property he owned on Fraley St. in Kane.

Born May 3, 1967, he was the son of the late Larry Bass and Debra Gray.

Rick was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and a lover of animals. He had worked as a roustabout in the oil fields and he was also a member of the Kane Eagles Club AERIE #307. He was a member of both a electricians’ union and a carpenters union in his lifetime.  He was full of life and humor and will be missed.

Joan T. Stromberg, 86, Port Allegany, PA passed peacefully in her home on Saturday, December 30, 2023. 

Joan was born to Reese and Sally Summerson in Port Allegany, PA on August 11, 1937. Joan attended Port Allegany High School. She married the love of her life, Paul L. Stromberg, on February 26, 1954. Together, they built a home, family, and life. They were married for 49 years until he died on September 4, 2003, also at home.

Joan, aka Mom, Grandma, and Aunt Joan, spent most of her days enjoying picturesque views from her kitchen table. She loved visiting with friends and family and having a cup of coffee and a little snack. She was an accomplished artist who was inspired by what she saw and whose brush was moved by her heart. In years long past, she worked at Chapins Store in Port Allegany and later with Jaguar Manufacturing Co. in Smethport.

James L. Hammond, 90, of Kromas Ave., Port Allegany, PA passed away Saturday (Dec. 30, 2023) in UPMC Cole Coudersport.

     Born August 21, 1933, in Troupsburg, NY, he was a son of Ephraim F. and Margariet Burton Hammond.

     James worked for Jack Frost Construction Co, State College, PA, for several years, working in both the office and on construction sites, before his retirement.

Joanne “Jody” Elizabeth Garbic, 77, formerly of Green Valley, AZ and Hickory Road, St. Marys, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at the Casey House in Rockville, MD after a long battle with cancer. 

Jody was born September 8, 1946, in St. Marys, daughter of James and Jane (Fox) Schloder.  She was a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, class of 1964, continued her education at the Christian College in Missouri, and was later employed by the St. Marys Area School District. 

On June 17, 1968, Jody married Peter G. Garbic.  They lovingly raised two sons, Jason and Peter. Jody made many lifelong friends in St. Marys and enjoyed hosting and attending family parties and gatherings.  

Kim E. Proper, 65, of Onofrio Street, Bradford, PA passed away Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Roswell Park Hospital in Buffalo NY.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

James J. “Tubby” Maduri, 75, of Gates Hollow, Bradford, PA passed away, Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Buffalo General Hospital. 

Born May 21, 1948, in Bradford, he was a son of the late James V. and Sadie (Kranzo) Maduri. Jim was raised in the 5th Ward and graduated in 1965 from Bradford High School. 

Tubby was employed as the Produce Manager at Harvest Markets on West Washington Street in the early 70’s. He moved on to cooking and formerly cooked at the Wellsboro Inn, Chateau D’OR and the Willows Restaurant. In the early 80’s he moved to Las Vegas with his brother, but returned to Bradford three year later. He started painting homes and interiors for area families and businesses, specializing in faux painting. During his career he worked with Ira Smades, and later Craig Campbell. He was still painting up until the time of his death.  

Walter V. Salamone, 74, of Coudersport, PA passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family. 

Walter was born on June 29, 1949, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late Albert and Anna (Mario) Salamone. Walter married the former Patricia A. Sommella on May 13, 1972, and they have recently celebrated 51 years of marriage. 

Walter was an Administrative Director for the New York City District Council of Carpenters.  He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War attached to the 3^rd Battalion, 5^th Marines.   Walter was a member of St. Eulalia Catholic Church, American Legion Potter Post 192, and the Black Forest Gun Club.  He enjoyed music, cooking, and driving his Vet. 

In addition to his wife, Patricia, Walter is survived by sons: Paul (Melissa) Salamone of Millstone, NJ; James (Natalie) Salamone of Coudersport; a daughter, Tricia (Richard) Montalbano of Canadensis, PA; a sister, Ann Marie Bacior of Chico, CA; five grandchildren; Vincent, Gabriella, Lorenzo, Salvatore Raymond, and Salvatore James and his pets; Harry, George, and Chloe

Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to Walter’s life from 10am-11am Wednesday January 3, 2024 at St. Eulalia Catholic Church in Coudersport, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11am in the church. 

Our country is in mourning for a veteran died today. 

The family has entrusted Walter’s arrangements to the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East St., Coudersport. To share a memory or condolence visit www.thomasfickinger.com.

William L. “Bill” Black, 87, of Port Allegany, formerly of Emlenton, PA, passed away Saturday (December 30, 2023) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.

He was born April 23, 1936 in Versailles Twp., Allegany County, PA, a son of Thomas Burton Black and Yola LaVerne McCutcheon. On Oct. 19, 1963 in the E.U.B Church, Port Allegany, he married Beverly L. Mantz,  who survives. They were married 60 years.

Bill was a graduate of Port Allegany High School class of 1954. He received a degree from Syracuse University, Alfred State, and Penn State in agriculture science and milk marketing. He worked on the family dairy farm until 1966 when his parents retired to live in Brownsville, TX. He then worked for the former Pierce Glass Co. for 30 years.

Upon his retirement, he grew and sold sweet corn and pumpkins for years. He donated pumpkins over the years to many school classes and organizations for them to do projects with. Bill was very active in church as a lay leader and Sunday School teacher. He and his wife sang together, played the guitar and accordion for many years. He was a member of the former E.U.B. Church of Port Allegany, then upon the closing of the church, he was a member of the Wrights Evangelical Church for 30 years. He surely loved and enjoyed serving his Church and Lord.

Sandra M. “Sandy” (McMullen) Cooper, age 77, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Saturday, December 30, 2023. 

She was born on May 13, 1946 in Wellsboro, PA, a daughter of the late James A. McMullen and Thelma M. (Fish) McMullen and was the wife of the late Gary E. Cooper who passed away in 2003. 

Sandy was an insurance agent with Wilkinson Dunn Company, Wellsboro, PA for over 20 years. 

Frank J. Raffaele Jr, 72, of Warren, PA, died early Monday morning January 1, 2024, in Kinzua Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Warren.

A complete obituary will be published when it’s available. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.