“beloved companion, uncle and friend”

Mantachie, Mississippi—William H. “Billy” Allen, 61, of Mantachie, formerly of Shinglehouse, PA passed away unexpectedly in his home with his loving companion by his side, on Thursday, June 1, 2023.

Born on Monday, August 21, 1961 in Rahway, NJ, he was a son of Richard E. “Dick” Sr. and Irene Mesko Allen.

Billy was a graduate of Rahway (NJ) High School.  Billy was employed as a professional truck driver throughout his lifetime and was working for Summit Trucking in Dallas, Texas at the time of his death.  Billy was extremely proud of his 5 million plus miles that he drove during his career…he was working on his 10 million miles.

Billy enjoyed fishing and hunting.  He loved listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd, but his greatest love was spending time with his family.

Left to cherish his memory are his companion, Jeannie Olson of Mantachie; a nephew, Nicholas J. “Nick” (Tabby) Allen of Shinglehouse; a niece, Alexis N. (Brent Stiles) Allen of Shinglehouse; two grandnephews, Troy M. Allen and Theo M. Allen; a grandniece, Stella Rose Stiles; several nieces and nephews in Mississippi; a sister-in-law, Kari A. Allen of Shinglehouse; and a cousin, Guy Allen of Sebring, Florida.

In addition to his parents, Billy was predeceased by a brother, Richard E. “Richie” Allen, Jr.

In keeping with Billy’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral services.  He will be laid to rest in the Allen Family Cemetery alongside his parents and brother.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Billy’s family entrusted his care and cremation arrangements 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, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Barbara A. Draper, 69, passed away peacefully at her home in Lawrenceville, PA on May 30, 2023.  Barbara was born on November 21, 1953 in Corning, NY to Wayne and Martha Doran. In 1971, Barbara married William Huggins in Elkland, PA. They had two children, Harlow and Wendy.  Later, she married Claude Draper and they lost a son at birth. 

Barbara worked for Corning Inc. from the early 70’s and retired on her 55th birthday in 2008. She will be remembered in so many wonderful ways by her family and friends. She had a big heart and was the first to share for those in need. She was never without a cat or dog, mostly both at the same time and often more than one of each! She loved gardening, reading, and having lunch with friends. Most importantly, she was so proud of her grandson Harlow. She loved taking Harlow to swimming lessons, wrestling, baseball practice and games and just spending time with him. She enjoyed watching him grow into a wonderful young man. 

Barbara is survived by her son Harlow Huggins; and grandson, Harlow Little of Lawrenceville, PA; sisters, Nora Arico of Exeter, NH and Maxine (Mickey) Smith of Seabrook, TX; and brother, Philip (Addie) Doran of Painted Post, NY. Nieces, Angela MacKinnon of Maine, Victoria Sfalanga of Miami, FL, Christine Hughes and Tara Villanueva of Seabrook, TX, and Catherine Allen, of Chesapeake, VA. Nephews; Frank Sfalanga Jr. of Ft. Meyers, FL, Philip Sfalanga of Texas, and Joshua Doran of South Elmira, NY; as well as many loving cousins.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, loss of a son at birth and her daughter; Wendy Renee’ Huggins. 

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations in Barbara’s memory to: Paradise Garden Animal Haven, 598 Kent Hill Rd., Woodhull, NY 14898. A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, June 10th at her home. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Kenyon Funeral Home in Elkland, PA.

Theresa (Juliano) Bruzzi, 97, of Coudersport, PA passed away May 31, 2023 at Sweden Valley Manor. 

She was born June 20, 1925 in Warren, PA to August and Angela (Mancuso) Juliano.  She graduated from Warren High School in 1942 and on October 11, 1947, she married Frank A. Bruzzi, who had served with Theresa’s brother August, in the USMC during WWII.

Two days after their wedding, Theresa and Frank opened Bruzzi Cleaners where she worked until her retirement in 1987. 

Theresa was a member of St. Eulalia Catholic Church of Coudersport, a past member of the Sodality Society of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Warren PA, an executive board member of the Potter County Easter Seal Society for handicapped children and adults, member of the Coudersport Golf Course and past president of the Ladies Golf Association, past member of the Potter County Snowmobile Club, member and past president of Office Girls Club, past member Central Grange, Meals on Wheels volunteer, member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas and their Player’s Club and CDA Woman of the Year in 1998, member American Legion Auxiliary, volunteered at Sweden Valley Manor, and she served on Potter County Board of Elections.  In 1962 she received the Brace for Ace award for outstanding volunteer service for the cause of the handicap.

Theresa is survived by her two sons:  Scott D. Bruzzi and Mark T. Bruzzi; two grandchildren:  Frank A. Bruzzi II (Elissa), and Robert J. Bruzzi (Sara); five great-grandchildren:  Ellis Anne, Molly, Chase, Gia, and Adeline (Addie) Mae; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by:  her parents; husband; son:  James A. Bruzzi; grandson:  James A. Bruzzi, Jr.; six brothers:  Thomas I, James, August I, August II, Thomas II, and Arthur; and two sisters:  Julia Decker, and Elizabeth (Bettie) Richardson.

Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to Theresa’s life from 10am-11am Saturday June 10, 2023 at St. Eulalia Catholic Church in Coudersport, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11am in the church.  Burial will be in St. Eulalia Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, family requested memorial contributions in Theresa’s name be made to the Coudersport Area School District general scholarship fund or the Coudersport Area School District Sports Boosters (698 Dwight Street; Coudersport, PA 16915). 

Theresa’s family have entrusted her arrangements to the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 North East Street, Coudersport, PA.  To share a memory or condolence with her family visit www.thomasfickinger.com. 

Theresa received excellent compassionate care and dedicated attention from the staff at Cole Manor and Sweden Valley Manor, and her doctor Mark Shelley, and her family would like to recognize and thank them for their work.

Eugene C. Pondo Jr., age 82, husband of the late Mary M. (Sowizdral), passed away peacefully on May 31, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Gene leaves behind his children Jeanmarie Pondo (Jack), Julia Meachem (Bill), Eugene Pondo lll (Roxanne), John Pondo (Stacy), Joshua Pondo (Marcie). He was the father of the late Judith Sherwood (David).

His legacy will live on in his grandchildren: Jeremy, Thomas, Carman, James, Samantha, Brittany, Christopher, Eugene lV, Kelsey, Mary Elizabeth, Curtis, Michael, Amelia, Marleen, Luke, Zachary, Megan, Nate and Katherine. His great-grandchildren: Laana, Christina, Aubrey, Morgan, Tristan, Logan, Damien, James, Gabby, C.J., Isabella, Carsyn H., Cohen, Emily, Carsyn J., Lilly-Ann and Charley.

He is also survived by his sisters: Barbara Klienguenther and Mary Jane Werkley . Sisters in law: Madeline Mullen (Mike) and Karen Pondo, numerous nieces and nephews and special cousins: Walt and Karen Koneski, Friends: CP, Sue and Donna. He will be missed by his dogs, Belle and Beau.

He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene Sr. and Mary J. (Zygmont), brother Kenneth Pondo and sister Karen Clarke.

Gene touched the hearts of many and will be missed dearly. He was known by some as “The Hillbilly from Philly”, but as a gentleman to all. His quick wit, unique musical interludes and smart rhymes will be remembered fondly. If you were to ever visit Gene, you’d either find him baking his favorite pound cake, at the barn with his “critters” or most likely reclining in his chair watching his favorite westerns shows. He’d offer you a Genny or a shot of brandy and enjoy your company. He was an accomplished Pinochle player and if you were up for a few hands that was an added bonus for him. He was an avid hunter, especially small game hunting- while only on foot.

He served in the U.S. Army- receiving commendations for his superior performance in individual weapons including small arms maintenance as an Armorer of Headquarters and Headquarters Company with 1st Medium Tank Battalion (Patton).

Gene retired from the Philadelphia School District as a Maintenance Foreman for more than 30 years. And that was Gene, a simple guy with a huge heart who knew what he wanted and did it. His family would like to extend thanks to all who provided assistance to Gene and Mary at any time that it was needed.

Family and Friends may call at St. Bibiana’s Catholic Church, Galeton PA on Tuesday June 6th from 10 am – 12pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 pm with Father Joseph Dougherty officiating. The family will have a private burial at a later date. A celebration of life will be in the church hall following mass.

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to: The American Legion or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital- PO Box 3704, Memphis, TN 38101-2132.  Arrangements are in care of Kenyon Funeral Home, Westfield.  www.kenyonfuneralhome.com.