Elizabeth R. “Betty” Finnessy, 100, of Duke Center, PA passed away Thursday (March 2, 2023) following a brief illness.

​Betty was born Feb. 18, 1923, in New Castle, the daughter of Dr. Jay L. and Jessie N. Reed. She married John J. “Jim” Finnessy Jr. on Sept. 11, 1943, at Camp Roberts in Paso Robles, Calif.

​Mrs. Finnessy was a 1941 graduate of New Castle High School. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Grove City College in 1948, following her husband’s return from active duty in World War II. 

While at Grove City College she was a member of Pi Gamma Mu and was elected May Queen by the student body in 1948.

​She was employed by Lawrence Park School District prior to moving to Duke Center in 1958, when her husband, Jim, was hired as principal of Otto-Eldred Jr. Sr. High School.

​Mrs. Finnessy was a member of the United Methodist Church in Duke Center, United Methodist Women Society, Duke Center Garden and Study Club, Bridge Club and Otto-Eldred Sports Boosters.

​Mrs. Finnessy is survived by her four children, Dr. John (Sandi) Finnessy of Colorado Springs, Colo., Mr. Greg (Nancy) Finnessy of Chuluota, Fla., Mrs. Nancy (Griff) Bell of Bennett, Colo. and Mrs. Debra (Victor) Buccella of Hamilton, Ont., Canada; seven grandchildren, Lauren (John) Gentry, Kia (Mike) Olson, Scott (Ivy) Finnessy, Kelly (Preston) Kinney, Jay Bell (Kendra Spanjer), Shannon (Dillon) Louderback and Christopher Buccella; along with eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Esther Reed of New Wilmington and Teri Reed of Fairfield, Calif.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

​She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Jay L. Jessie Reed; husband, Jim in 2000; granddaughter, Kathryn F. Proud in 2005; and brothers, Col. John C. Reed in 2008 and Dr. Robert C. Reed in 2021; sister-in-law, Betty F. Combes in 1993 and brother-in-law Jack H. Combes in 2009.

​Betty was a dedicated, caring and loving wife and mother who supported her family in all their endeavors throughout life with strength and encouragement.

​A memorial service will be held at Castle View Memorial Gardens in New Castle, where a private burial will take place at the convenience of the family. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Duke Center United Methodist Church, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

​Online condolences may be made at www.framefuneralhome.com.

The Finnessy family would like to thank the community for all the love and support of their family through their years of residing in Duke Center.

Raymond D. Himmelreich, 74, of CCC Road, Westline, PA passed away Friday (Mar. 3, 2023) in his home, with family by his side.

Born Nov. 27, 1948, in Reading, PA, he was a son of John W. and Anna Nichlas Himmelreich. On Feb. 23, 1974, in Oley, PA, he married Susan L. Levan, who survives.  They were married 49 years.

Raymond was a graduate of Oley Valley High School, class of 1968.  

He was a veteran, having served with the US Army, during the Vietnam War. 

He was employed with Diesel Service of Reading, PA, as a diesel mechanic, before his retirement. 

Raymond was a resident of the Westline area for 10 years coming from Berk County, PA.

He was a volunteer and board member of the Kinzua Valley Trail Club. Raymond also enjoyed hunting and his wife enjoyed hunting with him. 

Surviving in addition to his wife, Susan, are two sons, Jess D. (Claire) Himmelreich of Reading, PA, Jeremy R. Himmelreich of Fleetwood, PA; a daughter, Jan L. (Ross) Howard of Port Allegany; 4 grandchildren; a brother, Mark Himmelreich of Pennsylvania, two sisters, Mary (Harry) Quinter of Florida, and Cena Himmelreich of Pennsylvania; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, John and George Himmelriech; and two sisters, Barbara Kissinger and Linda Reider.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials can be made to the Kinzua Valley Trail Club, 31 CCC Rd., Village of Westline, Mt. Jewett, PA 16740.

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

Condolences can be made to:  Susan L. Himmelreich, 175 CCC Rd.  Westline, PA. 16740

Mary Lou Hoffman, 94, formerly of Port Allegany, PA passed away Thursday (March 2, 2023) in Sena Kean Manor.

Born March 24, 1928, in Keating Township, PA, she was a daughter of Clarence D. and Hazel I. Burdick Church.

Mary Lou was a lifetime resident of the area and attended both Smethport & Bradford schools, graduating from Bradford High School, class of 1946. 

She had worked for George’s Restaurant, Roulette, as a bookkeeper for Bidwell-Chev Olds, Port Allegany, Carlson’s General Store, Turtlepoint, and with McKean County VNA, as a home health aide, before retiring. 

She was a member of the  former Evangelical United Methodist Church, Port Allegany, where she played the organ & piano and was choir director for several years. She also played piano & organ for several area churches over the years.

She enjoyed knitting, sewing, and embroidery, as well as growing flowers and working puzzles. Most of all, she enjoyed her family, who she knitted slippers and dish cloths whenever needed.

Mary Lou was very sociable and enjoyed visiting with family & friends.

Surviving are two sons, Ralph E. Hoffman of Port Allegany, Royce E. (Diane) Hoffman of Martinez, GA; three daughters, Sharon D. Parrish of Zephyrhills, Fl, Scarlett D. (Lester) Pardoe of Forksville, PA, Eunice R. (Scott) Freer of Cyclone; 15 grandchildren, several great-grand-children, and several great-great grandchildren; a brother, Roy (Dorothy) Church of Chaffee, NY; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, a granddaughter, Amy Hoffman, three brothers: Wayne, Ronald, and Glenn Church; two sisters, Donna Fiedler and Twila Best; and a son-in-law, Phillip Parrish.

Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Wednesday in the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany, where a funeral service will be held Thursday (Mar. 9, 2023) at 11 a.m. with Rev. Allen Young, pastor of the East Smethport United Christian Church, officiating. Burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery, Smethport.

Memorials can be made to the Port Allegany Senior Center.

Condolences can be made Eunice R. Freer,  P.O. Box 113,  Cyclone, PA 16726

Ronald L. Danielson Jr., 58, of 149 Constitution Ave., Bradford, passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at his residence.

Born on February 5, 1965, in Bradford, Ronald L. Danielson Jr. was a son of the late Ronald L. and Ruth E. (Wherry) Danielson Sr.

He graduated from Bradford Area High school and earned an associate degree from Olean Business Institute. Ronald would later go on to work for Zippo and Bradford Forest Products.

Surviving are two sons, Ceegan (Fiancée Elizabeth) Danielson, of Bradford and Tanner (Amy) Danielson, of Bradford, and one brother Timothy (Kathie) Danielson of Portland IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

At the family’s request there will be no visitation. Burial will be in Mt. Nebo Cemetery, in Mt Jewett.

Funeral services are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made at the family’s request to:

Empire Animal Rescue Society – https://www.empirerescue.org/

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

On Monday, February 27, 2023 the Belmont family unexpectedly lost their family patriarch. Kirk Edward Belmont, 77,  passed from this life into the arms of Jesus in his home in Kissimmee, Florida. 

Kirk was born on March 26,1945 in Niagara Falls, N.Y.. He was the eldest son of William and Oakla (Bailey) Belmont. On August 27,1966 in Albany, New York, he married the love of his life, “his blue-eyed angel”, Judy Ann Howard.  Kirk was an amazing man of God who led his family by example.  Every morning he could be found sitting in his favorite chair studying his Bible and praying for each loved one by name. Kirk loved the Lord with his whole heart desiring to share his faith with all he knew. He was an intelligent, kind, giving, gentle, sacrificial, and loving man. Kirk accomplished anything he set his mind to, giving God the glory. He was a jack-of-all trades and thrived on solving problems. 

Kirk earned a mechanical engineering degree from University of Buffalo and an M.B.A. from Rochester Institute of Technology.  In 1967, Kirk began his career working for Bell Aerospace Systems, then Kodak, and then Mobile Chemical where he was employed for the majority of his career. He retired in 2000.

Kirk raised his family in Fairport, New York and then split his retirement years between Fairport and Kissimmee, Florida. He found pleasure in playing pickleball, softball, bowling, and presiding over the New York Club. Spending time with his wife and family was what brought him the most joy. He attended First Orlando Baptist Church in Orlando, Florida and North Ridge in Rochester, New York.

He is survived by his beloved wife Judy Ann Belmont of 56 years, his son Kirk (Valerie) Belmont Jr., daughter Kathleen (Lowell) Olsen, and son Kevin (Sheryl) Belmont. He leaves behind his twelve grandchildren Kirk (Thoko) Belmont, Erika Belmont, Landen (Paige) Olsen, Alexander Belmont, Lathanael Olsen, Kenton (Hannah)  Belmont, Allison Belmont, Abigail Belmont, Leighland Olsen, Brock Belmont, Lynden Olsen, and Kaeden Belmont, and two  great-granddaughters, Kendall Belmont and Amara Belmont.  He is survived by his sister Jane (William) Adams, and sister Barbara (Joe) Pulvino and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother, Douglas Belmont, and one grandchild, Luke Belmont. 

Family and friends may call from 12 noon to 1pm on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street,  Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania, where funeral services will follow at 1pm with Pastor Brad Files, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arm of Hope in Ghana (armofhopeinghana.org), a ministry that reaches children in Accra Ghana, which Kirk faithfully supported for many years.

Kirk’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse. To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Kirk, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Wayne A. Hauber, 77, formerly of 568 Center Street, St. Marys, passed away Monday, March 6, 2023, at Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Beaver, PA.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home.

Pearl B. Hokensen, 82, of 80 Holley Avenue, Bradford, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Olean General Hospital.

Born September 10, 1940, in Portville, NY, she was a daughter of the late Jerome and Sarah (Howard) Swartz. She attended Portville schools.

On January 20, 1978, she married Carl H. Hokensen who preceded her in death on December 15, 1988.

Prior to her marriage she worked at Johnny’s Lunch in Jamestown. She was proudest to say she was a stay-at-home mom for her children and grandchildren.

Pearl was a member of the Bolivar Drive Baptist Church, and a former member of the Marche, VFW, and Italian Clubs.

Surviving are two daughters, Carla (Tim) Scheidemantle, of Butler, and Irene (Christopher) Salonis, of Bradford, one son, William (Michelle) Hokensen, of Bradford, five grandchildren, Will Hokensen, Selina (Josh) Tupper, Robert (David Gill) Work, Johnathon Shroyer, and Angela (Patrick) Beckwith, seven great grandchildren, one sister, Beatrice Holtzapple, of Seven Springs and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one infant daughter, Mary Elizabeth Hokensen, and nine brothers, and sisters.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Bradford Baptist Church, at 7:00 pm a Celebration of Life will be held with the Rev. Dan Mills, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Memorial contributions if desired may be made to the American Lung Association or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Fred Robinson, 87, of Bradford, passed away February 14, 2023.

Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 11:00 am in the Sawyer Evangelical Church with Pastor Homer Williams, officiating.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Douglas “Doug” Dinsmore, 60, of Shanley Hill, Halton, passed away at his home on Sunday, March 5, 2023 following a brief illness.

He was born on April 2, 1962 in St. Marys, a son of the late Dennis and Martha Garnic Dinsmore.

Doug was employed by Keystone Powdered Metals for more than 40 years. He was a member of the St. Marys Beagle Club and the Ridgway Moose. Doug loved the outdoors, and enjoyed living on his 45 acres of land. He had a big heart and loved everyone he met, often greeting them with a hug. If you knew Doug, you knew his door was always open and everyone was welcome. He cherished time spent with his family and friends and he will be finally remembered for his kindness and friendships.

He is survived by one brother, Denis (Joanne) Dinsmore, and by two sisters; Denise (Jim) Wehler, and Debra (Andy) Weinzierl, all of St. Marys, 3 nieces; Suzanna Ehrensberger, Holly Buerk, and Rose Weinzierl, and 1 nephew; Garret Weinzierl.

Funeral Services for Doug Dinsmore will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 10, 2023, at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home with Pastor Ron Burkett, officiating.

Family and friends will be received at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Friday, March 10, 2023, from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com.

Sally J. (Worden) Weber, age 91, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Sunday, March 5, 2023. 

She was born on November 17, 1931 in Rochester, NY, a daughter of the late Charlie and Sarah (Burchel) Brown and was the widow of Ralph Weber.  Sally was a beautician and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

She is survived by two sons: Gerald (Paula) Weber of Shinglehouse, PA, Robert (Nancy) Weber of Coudersport, PA, two daughters: Cynthia (David) Boyce of Wellsboro, PA, Jane (Doug) Wetherbee of Wellsboro, PA, 8 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.  

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.

Jack J. Cunningham, 86, of Knoxville, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at UPMC Wellsboro. Born June 11, 1936, in Piney, W.V., he was the son of the late Leroy Guy and Lillian (Judge) Cunningham.

He graduated in 1953 from Reader High School, Reader, W.V. and married Sharon Carr on April 26, 1958, in Knoxville. They shared (just shy of) 65 years together and raised three wonderful children.

Jack worked for various pipeline and road construction contractors and was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 832 since 1967. He was an avid tinkerer and could fix most anything without ever buying a part.

Jack had a large presence in a very small circle, he had an infectious smile and was always a jokester. In the summer he could be found in his garden or on the porch swing, often discussing life, teaching “the cat came back” or asking “have you had your smackins today” with one of the many neighborhood children.

Most importantly, Jack loved spending time with his family and grandkids.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; his children, Lori (Marty) Hamblin, of Middlebury Center, K. Robert “Bob” (Linda) Cunningham, of Knoxville and Wendy (Ivan) Swartz, of Knoxville; grandchildren, Eric (Amanda) Hamblin, Brett (Stacey) Hamblin, Kyle (Tiffany) Hamblin, Rob (Mandy) Cunningham, Alan Cunningham, Ivan “T.J.” (Lexi) Swartz III and Paige (Dakota) Corwin; great-grandchildren, Trenton, Brock, Blake, Brooke, Emaleigh, Kamdyn, Jackson, Trapper and Waylon Hamblin and Julie and Jack Cunningham; great great grandchildren, Brantley Hamblin and Skylin Johnson; sister-in-law, Barbara Cunningham, of New Martinsville, WV and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by siblings and in-laws, Betty (Bernard) Stormick, Freda (Jim) Surgeon, Pauline (Henry) Crane, Norman (Mary) Cunningham, Robert L. (Mary) Cunningham and Billy L. Cunningham.

Family will receive friends at Kenyon Funeral Home, 222 W. Main St., Westfield on Thursday, March 9 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. A funeral service will be held immediately following at 12 p.m. with Mike Hale officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Austinburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alan B. Carr Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Community Foundation, 104 Lockhart St., Sayre, PA 18840 or www.twintierscf.org or to a charity of choice.

Thomas M. Todd, of Coudersport, passed away on February 27, 2023 at the age of 43.

He was a 1998 graduate of Coudersport High School. During high school, he participated in wrestling and the VoTech program. After his high school years, Thomas obtained a certificate in small engine repair at the Hiram G. Andrews Center in Johnstown, PA. Along with his studies, Thomas enjoyed many new experiences while in Johnstown, such as learning to drive and participating on the Flood City Rollers wheelchair basketball team.

He eventually returned to Coudersport where many people were acquainted with him as a cashier at ACE Hardware for a number of years. Thomas had a gift for knowing the location of every item in the store and was quick to know the answer if a customer asked where something was. After his time at ACE, Thomas spent time volunteering at the Sweden Valley Manor where he enjoyed helping with activities and calling BINGO.

Thomas was born with physical disabilities which created various challenges throughout his life that not many people can begin to understand. He was incredibly independent and impressively creative in finding ways to meet and overcome many obstacles that came his way. While he sometimes got frustrated, and made that well known to those within hearing distance, he also was kind, generous, and very thoughtful towards people, especially those he loved and cared for. He took great pride and satisfaction in choosing and giving the perfect gifts. His family and friends were blessed to have known him and he will be greatly missed by many.

Thomas was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Todd, his biological mother, whom he was never able to meet in this life, and his beloved cat for 16 years, KitKat.

He is survived by his three older sisters, Amy (Mike) Snyder, Beth (Tom) Kerns, and Abby (Pete) Gehris, as well as his nieces and nephews, to whom he was an entertaining and generous uncle. He is also survived by his adoptive father, Tom (Sandy) Todd, four step-siblings, and a number of biological relatives, whom he enjoyed getting acquainted with over the years.

Memorial contributions may be given in his name to Hiram G. Andrews Center, Business Office, Memorial Donation, 727 Goucher Street, Johnstown, PA 15905. A memorial service will be planned in the near future.

Crouse Funeral Home & Cremation Services has been trusted with handling final arrangements. To share a memory or sign an online register, please visit www.crousefuneralhome.com.

David I. “Tiny” WHITESELL, 74, of Hornell, NY, formerly of Almond, died Sunday, March 5, 2023 in Elderwood, Hornell. 

Born October 19, 1948, in Wellsville, he was the son of Irving and T. Edith Latten Whitesell.  He was married to the former Noreen K. Billings, who predeceased him in 1999.  A graduate of Andover High School, he was employed as a farmer and then at Hornell Marion Rohr.  Tiny raised rabbits, pigs, and cows on his mini farm in Rexville.  He enjoyed Country Western music and shows, but most of all spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  

Surviving are:  six children, Dawn (Jerry) Fletcher of Hornell, Jodi (Bernie) Greunke of Hornell, Clarke  (Brandy) Whitesell of FL, Jason (Mary) Whitesell of Rexville, James (Cherie) Whitesell of Andover, Jennifer (Rich) Whitesell of Bath;  ten grandchildren;  five great-grandchildren;  two brothers, Richard Whitesell of Wellsville and G. Ronald (Linda) Whitesell of Andover;  a sister, Darla Williams of Wellsville;  nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by two brothers, Milford C. “Skip” Whitesell and Donnie Joseph Whitesell;  a sister, Thelma “Betty” Patrick;  and a granddaughter, Michelle Whitesell. 

Friends may call at OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY on Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, with funeral services following at 12:00 PM.  Burial will be in Whitesville Rural Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Hornell Humane Society.  The family extends their appreciation for the care given at Elderwood of Hornell.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.