Joseph R. Luchini Jr., 93, of 376 South Kersey Rd, Kersey, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at his residence.

He was born May 10, 1930, in Kersey, son of the late Joseph R. and Catherine Antonelli Luchini Sr.  Joe attended Kersey schools and was a lifelong resident of the area.  He was a proud veteran of the United States Army having served his country during the Korean Conflict.  Joe was a man with a strong work ethic and was a retired employee of Stackpole Corporation where he worked in their Fireproof Division.  For many years he also worked a second job delivering beer for the  J.J. Malone Beer Distributor.

On April 12, 1952, in Camp Breckinridge, KY, Joe married the late Elizabeth A. “Betty” Zernell, who preceded him in death on January 3, 2005.

Joe is survived by two daughters: Carol Rhodaback (Kurt) of Apollo Beach, FL and Ann Luchini of Tallahassee, FL; three sons: Bob Luchini (Brenda) of Kersey, Tom Luchini of Woodstock, MD, and Ken Luchini (Lori) of St Marys; twelve grandchildren: Ashley Kurit (Brad), Brittany Dambly (Jeff), Megan Stuart (Anthony), Beth Penn (Matt), Rick Luchini (Alicia), Zack Mattivi (Becky), Jake Mattivi, Chelsea Shipe (Kody), Joe Luchini, Kristin Lewis, and Alyssa Lewis, Taira Vollmer (Tim); 16 great-grandchildren: Caitlyn, Greyson, and Cooper Kurit, Harrison Dambly, Ryan, Vinnie , and Annabeth Penn, Alivia, Vivian, and Elaina Luchini, Logan, Lyncoln, and Trey Luchini, Maisyn Shipe, and Ollie and Bo Vollmer, along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Joe was preceded in death by a son, Ronald J. Luchini; a grandson, Jeff Luchini; his sister Carolyn Miller; and five brothers: Frank, Louis, John, Vince, and Sam Luchini.  He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

He loved going to his camp where he hunted and enjoyed many family gatherings.  Many will miss stopping by his house, as he sat on his front porch awaiting the opportunity to visit.

He was a member of St Boniface Church, 3^rd Degree Knights of Columbus, and a member of Dagus Mines American Legion.  In his younger years, he was an active member of Fox Twp Lions Club, active in the early years at the Elk County Fair and was named “Fox Township Man of the Year” in 1987.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in the St Boniface Church at a future date to be announced.  Burial will be in the St Boniface Cemetery. Full military honors will be accord by the Fox Township Burial Detail.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Christian Food Bank, PO Box 1033, St Marys, PA or to a favorite charity of one’s choosing.

The Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com

The 2023 recipients of the Lloyd E. Eastman Memorial Award of $500 each are Brielle Budd and Noah Archer.  Their selection was made by administration, teachers and staff at Port Allegany High School as well as coaches and advisors who interact with the students.  The selection was based on the following piece by Bryan Scavnak:  “Some kids are smarter than you, some kids have cooler clothes than you.  Some kids are better at sports than you.  It doesn’t matter…You have your thing, too.  Be the kid who can get along.  Be the kid who is generous.  Be the kid who is happy for other people.  Be the kid who does the right thing.  Be the nice kid.”  

Mr. Eastman was a graduate of Port Allegany High School, Class of 1941.  He began his banking career on his 21st birhtday and retired on his 85th birthday after 64 years of service at the First National Bank of Port Allegany.  He worked his way from teller to President and Chairman of the Board.  He volunteered and served as Treasurer for various organizations including PAHS Band Boosters, S. W Smih Memorial Library, the Port Allegany United Mentodist Church, Economic Development Corporation, Chamber of Commerce and more.  Mr. Eastman served the local Rotary Club as a member with 48 years of perfect attendance and held the offices of President and Treasurer.  A devoted family man, Mr. Eastman and his wife were married for 70 years.  He was the father of four children, grandfather to 11, great-grandfather to 14 and great-great grandfather to three.  Mr. Eastman was a kind and generous person who was happy for the success of others, who did the right thing and was a nice person.  Pictured:  Noah Archer, Alexis Reed, representing the Eastman family and Brielle Budd.  

Millerton Fire Company

Millerton FD and Erway Ambulance were dispatched to a MVA in Jackson Twp. Wednesday evening, for a one vehicle roll over.

Rescue 12-18 responded quickly, first unit on scene reported one injury . Driver was transported by Erway Ambulance. Engine 12-2 was recalled and was not needed on scene.

Please be safe.

Three seniors from high schools in Tioga County were awarded the Upper Pine Creek Trout Tournament Scholarship for Wildlife, Ecology and the Environment on Sunday, May 21 during the 32nd annual tournament.

Presenting the $1,000 scholarships to the students were Pennsylvania Grand Canyon Snowmobile Club Vice President Tom Byrne of Middlebury Center and Board Member Victor Ferree Jr. of Asaph along with Seneca Resources Company, LLC representatives Jim Westbrook, district production foreman, and Wayne Fletcher, environmental health and safety representative. The event took place at the snowmobile clubhouse at 4814 Route 6, 12 miles west of Wellsboro.

“With Seneca Resources partnering with us this year, we were able to award three $1,000 scholarships,” said Snowmobile Club President Jim Baney. Seneca Resources is the exploration and production segment of National Fuel Gas Company.

The snowmobile club has been presenting scholarships to graduating high school seniors every May since the tournament began. The only exception was in 2020 when the tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic. The club awarded two $100 scholarships each year from 1991 to 2007; three $300 scholarships from 2008 to 2018; three $500 scholarships in 2019; six $500 scholarships in 2021; and three $1,000 scholarships in 2022 and this year.  

Each student completed an application for the 2023 scholarship that included writing short essays. The first was on what they see as major wildlife, ecological, and/or environmental issues in their areas. The second was how their chosen career field would allow them to have a positive influence on these issues. “Each student’s answers were very thoughtful and reflected well on them, their education and families,” Baney said.

Janna Quick, a senior at Cowanesque Valley High School in Westfield is the daughter of Jeff and Judy Quick of Chatham Township. This fall, she will attend Penn State University’s University Park campus in State College to earn a degree in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, a four-year program. She then plans to continue her studies for four more years to become a veterinarian. “After I get my veterinary license, I plan to start a large animal practice and eventually expand and have a small animal clinic as well,” she said.

Sara Kennedy, a senior at North Penn-Mansfield High School, is the daughter of Jon and Amanda Kennedy of Roseville in Rutland Township. This fall, she will attend the University Park campus of Penn State University in State College to earn a degree in Animal Science. She plans to become a dairy nutritionist and work on farms with cows and farmers. 

Jackson S. Brion, a senior at North Penn-Liberty High School in Liberty, is the son of Steve and Gwen Brion of Buttonwood in Jackson Township. This fall, he will attend the University Park campus of Penn State University in State College to earn a degree in Forest Ecosystem Management. “I plan on working at Wheeland’s Lumber until I leave for college. “I am looking into furthering my education by looking into the realm of conservation and the preservation of our natural resources and forests along with the wildlife within them.” 

The last guided bird walk at Hills Creek State Park is this Saturday, May 27. It will begin promptly at 8 a.m. and is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Meet at the park office parking lot at 111 Spillway Road, Wellsboro Pa. 16901-9676, off Hills Creek Road in Charleston Township, about seven miles northeast of Wellsboro.

At 8 a.m. sharp, participants will drive their own vehicles to the starting location. 

Children and adults and birders of all levels, first timers to experienced, are welcome to attend. Bring binoculars and cameras and wear subdued clothing and sturdy walking shoes. 

Bob Edkin, environmental education specialist, led the May 20 walk. Ten people, including six members of the Tiadaghton Audubon Society, the local birding group, three campers staying at the park and Edkin saw 42 bird species. Among them was a chestnut-sided warbler.

For updates on birds in the area or helpful tips, email tasmember@yahoo.com or visit tiadaghtonaudubon.blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/TiadaghtonAudubon/. 

For information about Hills Creek State Park, call the park office between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays at 570-724-4246. 

Amber Funk, a junior at Port  Allegany High School, has been selected to represent her school and community at the 2023 Miss McKean County Fair Competition.  Amber is the daughter of Daniel and Jennifer Funk of Turtlepoint.  She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Varsity Club and Prom Committee.  Amber is a member of the Lady Gator Varsity Volleyball Team  and is a member of chorus.  Outside of school she has volunteered at the S. W. Smith Library Dinner Auction,  Rotary Purse Bingo, McKean County SPCA, and a server for many years at the Senior Expo at Pitt Bradford.  The 117th McKean County Fair will be held August 13 – 19, 2023 in Smethport.