Obituaries – Solomon's Words for the Wise (2024)

Phyllis E. (Dearman) Swanson, 90, passed away peacefully on 6 August 2024 in Lawrence, Kansas with family at her side. She was born on 16 January 1934 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the youngest child of Earl and Maud Dearman. She graduated from Pawtucket East High School in 1951, having skipped a grade, moving ahead by a year. While still in school, she took employment with William H. Haskell Manufacturing and upon graduation, became a full time secretary and payroll manager.

In 1952, she met a young sailor named Bill, and after their marriage in 1953, never left his side. Daughter Laurel was born in 1954 and soon after, they moved back to Bill’s hometown in Kane, Pennsylvania. As a self-proclaimed city girl, she worked hard to adjust to her new home in the forests of northwestern Pennsylvania, including losing her New England accent. After raising their children, Phyllis became a teachers’ aide in the Kane Area School district. She spent nearly 30 years overseeing generations of elementary school children, a job she thoroughly loved.

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William Eugene McCafferty, 90, of 956 Fern Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Friday, August 9, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his family.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

Grace Hamonee Ward, a radiant soul whose kindness touched everyone she met, passed away on August 5, 2024, in Morgantown, West Virginia. Born on July 10, 2003, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to Gregg L Ward and Sherry N. Alger Ward, (her mom and best friend). Grace’s life was a testament to love, care, and selflessness.

Grace graduated in 2021 from Portville Central High School with honors in Portville, NY, and attended West Virginia University. Grace and her mom’s heartwarming and loving bond will last forever and her mom will eternally miss her. She was a makeup artist, liked music, and was a pretty good little plant keeper. She was a fashionista and a good friend.

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Jack W. Hanson, 83, of 1104 West Washington St., Bradford, passed away, August 6, 2024, at the Bradford Manor.

Born on May 7, 1941, in Bradford, he was a son of the late George and Marjorie (Peterson) Hanson. He was a 1960 graduate from Bradford High School.

On June 29, 1963, at the First Presbyterian Church he married Gloria (Bond) Hanson who survives.

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Linda Schwabenbauer, 69, of St. Marys, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at Penn Highlands Dubois following a brief illness.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.

Christina L. Hansen, 52, of Bradford, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.

She was born on October 13, 1971 in Greensburg; a daughter of Gordon Graham of Greensburg and the late Eleanor Muto.

She was a 1990 graduate of the Hempfield High School, Greensburg. In 1994 she earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown and later she earned her Master’s degree in student affairs from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

On May 27, 2017 in the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Bradford, she married Kenneth F. Hansen who survives.

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June Rose Bend, 73, of Coudersport, formerly of Philadelphia, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at the Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport. June was born on June 19, 1951, in Philadelphia, the daughter of the late Peter & Rita (Messick) Bend.

June is survived by sons: Joesph and Joshua Bend, daughters: Shannon Bend and Dawn Marie, a granddaughter, Anastasia, brothers: Gene, Larry, James Bend, nieces: Diane Redcay, Karen Bickel, Angela Morris, Danielle Fernandez, Barbara Bend, Beverly Lavigne, Kim Smolinski, and nephews: Gene Bend, Jr., Joseph Andrews, Phillip Morris, Christopher Bend, Jesse Bend, and Tyler Bend.

At June’s and the family’s request, there will be no visitation or service.

June’s arrangements are in the care of the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East St., Coudersport. To share a memory or condolence visit www.thomasfickinger.com.

Cheryl J. Pistner, 79, of St. Marys, passed away at Pinecrest Manor on August 6, 2024 following an illness of the past three years.

Cheryl was born on March 5, 1945 in Ridgway. She was the daughter of the late Norman and Lavonne (Green) Sennett. On August 29, 1969 she married James J. Pistner who survives. They were married in the chapel at Andrew Kaul Memorial Hospital by Father Cero.

Cheryl grew up in Kersey, PA, and attended grade school at Kersey Elementary School and was a graduate of the St. Marys Area High School. Upon graduation she obtained a business degree in stenography from the Erie Business College. Later she attended Robert Morris College in Pittsburgh and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree as a medical secretary and transcriptionist.

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Betty S. Collins

Betty S. Collins, 93, formerly of Portville, New York passed away Thursday, August 8, 2024 at the Pines Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Olean after a lengthy illness.

Born on September 12, 1930, in Farmersville, she was a daughter of Arthur and Clara Sherwood Burrows. She was married to Harvey Collins who predeceased her in 1994.

Betty was a member of the Portville Baptist Church and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, hand embroidery, and quilting.

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On August 7, at 11:10 pm Kane Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to N. Tionesta Ave. for a structure fire. Update this is a controlled burn

Jack W. Hanson, 83, of Bradford, passed away, August 6, 2024, at the Bradford Manor.

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

Online condolences may be expressed atwww.hollenbeckcahill.com

Adalgisa Maria “Mary” Valentin LOZADA, 70, of Wellsville, NY, passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2024 in her home.

Born September 12, 1953, in the Dominican Republic, her family moved to New York City when Mary was 10 years old. She met the love of her life, Eric W. Lozada, when she was 16.They married on May 29, 1971, in the Bronx. She was employed by the pediatrician in Easton, Dr. Victor Rodriguez, and then the Port Authority. Mary loved spending time with her family and taking care of them all, especially cooking for them. Mary was well loved by many and was always caring for anyone she met. She will be missed, but her memories will be carried on.

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Helen M. MATHEWS, 79, of Ulysses, PA, died Tuesday, August 6, 2024 in her home.

Born December 19, 1944, in Wellsboro, she was the daughter of John J. and Dora H. Davis Shaffer.On July 12, 1968, she married Truman R. Mathews, who predeceased her on June 12, 2004.

A 1962 graduate of Northern Potter High School, she was employed for 40 years by Galeton Production and Truck-Lite in Wellsboro.Helen was a member of the Women of the Moose in Elkland.

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Cheryl J. Pistner, 79, of St. Marys, passed away at Pinecrest Manor on August 6, 2024 following an illness of the past three years.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

George D. Lavella, 91, of Fairview Road, Kersey, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2024 with his loving family by his side.

He was born at the homestead in Coal Hollow on January 21, 1933, a son of the late Victor Lavella, Sr. and Edith Angelo Lavella.

On August 13, 1956, he married the love of his life, Helen Bauer Lavella, who preceded him in death on October 1, 1995. Together they shared nearly 40 years of love, laughter, and marriage.

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Robert H. Butler, age 69, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Monday, August 5, 2024.

He was born on December 29, 1954 in Wellsboro, PA a son of the late Carl Butler and Marie (Hopkins) Dilly. Bob worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator and manager. He loved spending time with his family and being outdoors hunting, shooting and reloading.

Bob is survived by two sons: Rob (Ashley) Butler of Granby, CO, Ryan (Ashley) Butler of Wellsboro, PA, daughter: Heather (Chris) Contrucci of Indiana, PA, brother: Richard Butler of Middlebury Center, PA, sister: Carla (Dave) DiFabio of Pottstown, PA, half brothers: Brian (Cheryl) Dilly, Stan Dilly, both of Wellsboro, PA, half sister: Barb (Paul) Copp of Wellsboro, PA and 8 grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a grandson: Robbie Butler in 2017.

A family graveside service will be held at the Wellsboro Cemetery, Wellsboro, PA with Pastor Kristi A. Webster officiating.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.

Alice B. Beimel, 94, of 215 Benedict Street, St. Marys, died Monday, August 5, 2024 at Pinecrest Manor.

She was born on May 25, 1930, in St. Marys, the daughter of Andrew and Caroline (Hoffman) Mosemiller.
On July 1, 1950, she married the late Richard J. Beimel, who passed away in 2007. They shared 57 years together, and she remained devoted to him through his many years that he spent at the nursing home, faithfully visiting him twice a day.

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Bertha F. “Birdy” Bender, 68, of Coudersport, passed away Thursday August 1, 2024, at UPMC Cole. She was born November 18, 1955, in Reading, PA to Elmer and Mary (Katzin) Hartman, III.

Birdy tended bar at the Mt. Zion Firehall, and enjoyed playing bingo, card games, going to the casino, and fishing. When she was younger, she loved to draw, jump rope, hula hoop and dance.

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Barbara Lynn Sherry, 78,of Evergreen Drive, Ridgway, PA passed away peacefully at her home on August 5th surrounded by her loving family following a brief, very courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

She was born February 26, 1946 in Ridgway, PA to A. Otto & Edythe Anderson Buehler; they both preceded her in death.

On October 18, 1997, she married the half that made her whole, Daniel P. Sherry who preceded her in death on June 28, 2022. What a beautiful reunion this must have been in Heaven.

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Joshua P. Jessup, age 42, of Wellsboro, PA, died unexpectedly on Saturday, August 3, 2024.

He was born on April 9, 1982 in Wellsboro, PA, a son of Tina M. (Johnson) Jessup and the late Patrick W. Jessup. He was married to Kali R. (Mulhollen) Jessup. Josh was the owner of PNT Auto Body, Wellsboro, PA. He loved spending time with his family, had a lifelong passion of basketball, and enjoyed many outdoor activities including fishing, camping, hiking, and kayaking.

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Port Allegany – RichardD.Barber, 63, of Roulette, passed away Thursday (August 1, 2024) at UPMC Williamsport.

Hewas born December 4, 1960 in Port Allegany, thesonofMaynardand Joyce (Schoonover)Barber. On September 14, 2014,in Keating Summit, PA, he married Tina M. Reisinger, who survives.

Mr. Barber was a graduate of Port Allegany High School Class of 1979 and was employed at several locations over the years.His last employement was at Potter Pak in Roulette.

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June 21, 1933 — July 27, 2024

Allegany

Born: Harriet Louise Hamilton, June 21, 1933, in Hinsdale, NY

Died: July 27, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY

Daughter of: Walter and Marguerite Fuller Hamilton, Cuba, NY

Sr. Harriet Hamilton joined the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on February 2, 1955, was received into the Congregation on August 15, 1955 and professed her final vows on August 16, 1962. She joyfully lived the mission and charism of the Franciscan Sisters for 69 years.

Harriet attended Cuba Central Grammar and High School graduating in 1951. She attended St. Bonaventure University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and a minor in Education. Later, she attended Marywood University, Scranton, PA, graduating with a Master of Science Degree in Library Science.

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Cory J. ECK, 41, of Wellsville, NY, died Thursday, August 1, 2024 in his home.

Born February 24, 1983, in Olean, he was the son of Michael T. and Barbara A. Bellamy Eck. A graduate of Scio High School, he was employed by Michael A. Roeske, Land Surveyor.

He also detailed cars and did yard work. Cory enjoyed riding four-wheelers and dirt bikes.

Surviving are:a son, Lennox; two siblings, Christina (Anson) Beckwith of Bolivar and Clayton (Beth) Eck of Wellsville; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Friends may call at OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY onFriday,August9, 2024 from4:00 –6:00PM, with a Memorial Service following at6:00PM. Rev.Carl Kempwill officiate.

Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery, Scio. Cremation was at Olney-Foust Private Crematory. Memorials may be made to ACASA, 3084 Trapping Brook Road, Wellsville, NY 14895 or SPCA serving Allegany County, P.O. Box 181, Belmont, NY 14813.

Online condolences may be expressed atwww.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

James L. Ludwig “Celebration of life slated”

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for James L. “Jim” Ludwig, 89, a longtime resident of Keating Summit, at 2pm on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the family homestead, 2689 Route 607, Keating Summit (Austin). The Rev. Todd Lamer, pastor of Keating Summit Church, will officiate. A luncheon will immediately follow at the Keating Summit Methodist Church.

Jim passed away on July 17, 2024.

Jim’s family entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com

George D. Lavella, 91, of Fairview Road, Kersey, passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at Pinecrest Manor.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Krise Funeral Home, Kersey.

Joseph A. “Joe” “Patsy” Scida, 99, of Powers Avenue, Johnsonburg, passed away Sunday evening, August 4, 2024, at Elk Haven Nursing Home, St. Marys, following a lengthy illness.

He was born in Johnsonburg on January 1, 1925, a son to the late Vincenzo “Jim” and Adeline Papa Scida. On August 7, 1946, in Holy Rosary Church, Johnsonburg, he married Kathleen M. “Kay” Hocking, and she survives.

A lifelong resident of Johnsonburg, Joe was a 1943 graduate of Johnsonburg High School, a member of Holy Rosary Church, VFW, American Legion post 501 and had been a past member of East End Hose Co. and the Prince of Piedmont Club. He loved spending time with is family and grandchildren, tending to his gardens, fishing, canning and enjoying his wine and Italian meats.

Joe was a WWII Navy Vet serving as a LCVP driver at Omaha Beach, transporting soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division of the Us Army or “The Big Red One”, making multiple trips from the LST ship to shore before he was wounded aboard his boat. After he was wounded, healed and rehabilitated, he remained in the Navy in the European Theater until his discharge in 1946.

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Cory J. ECK, 41, of Wellsville, NY, died Thursday, August 1, 2024 in his home.

Born February 24, 1983, in Olean, he was the son of Michael T. and Barbara A. Bellamy Eck. A graduate of Scio High School, he was employed by Michael A. Roeske, Land Surveyor.He also detailed cars and did yard work. Cory enjoyed riding four-wheelers and dirt bikes.

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Kimberley A. Hoak “Celebration of Life slated”

COUDERSPORT, PA—Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Kimberley A. “Kim” Hoak, 69, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at the Coudersport American Legion Post 192, Buffalo Street, Coudersport.

Kim passed away on June 30, 2024.

Kim’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

Diane L. Glintz, of 79 Kincaid St., passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo following a brief illness.

Born March 1945, she was the daughter of Herbert H. and Velma (Smith) Rhoades of Bolivar who preceded her in death in 1986 and 2005 respectively.

Diane married Richard “Pete” Glintz in August 1969. Pete preceded Diane in death in February of 2005. Diane is survived by two sons, Michael Glintz of Morristown, NJ, and Steven Glintz of Alexandria, VA, and a sister, Janice Rhoades of Spencerport, NY.

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Bruce E. DeWalt, 69, of Bradford and winter resident of Kissimmee, FL passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at his home surrounded by family.

Born February 26, 1955, in Spring Valley, IL, he was a son of the late Merlin and Dorothy (Landers) DeWalt. His family relocated to Phoenix AZ when Bruce was very young. He attended schools in Arizona.

On May 9, 1987, he married his wife Diane at Encanto Park in Phoenix.

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