Obituaries by LocationJames Cullen
Jan. 15, 2003
James "Jay" Cullen, age 78, of Dushore, PA, died late Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 15, 2003 at Memorial Hospital in Towanda, following an illness.
A native of New Albany, Bradford County, he was born on Jan. 19, 1924, a son of the late Lawrence and Agnes Leahy Cullen.
Jay graduated in 1941 from New Albany High School. He worked briefly in Berwick before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. During World War II, he served aboard the USS Pasadena (CL-65) and saw action at Palau, Leyte Gulf, Luzon, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Tokyo Plains and other battles in the Western Pacific.
Jay became a career Navy man after the war, serving shipboard and shore duty tours primarily in Pennsylvania, California, Puerto Rico and Cuba. He retired from the Navy in 1964 as an Electronics Technician Senior Chief.
Jay and his family then moved to Dushore where he worked at Schaad’s and Dolly Madison in Dushore; at Sylvania in Towanda and at Procter & Gamble in Mehoopany, where he spent 16 years.
A member of St. Basil’s Parish in Dushore, Jay was active in the American Legion, VFW and Elks Club; coached Little League baseball and drove the Elder bus.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ruth Clare (Walsh) Cullen; his daughters, Ellen and Pat; sons, Leo and Kevin. A third son, Timothy, died in infancy. Survivors also include four brothers, Francis and John of New York State, Lawrence of Florida and Joseph of New Albany; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and infant son, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sister Mary Laurena Cullen, I.H.M. and a twin brother, Patrick, who died in infancy.
Friends and family called on Friday evening, Jan. 17 at the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter St., Dushore, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The American Legion and VFW members passed in review on Friday evening at 7 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Basil’s Church in Dushore, with the Rev. Michael Harris as celebrant.
Interment was in the St. John Neumann Shrine Cemetery , Sugar Ridge in Overton, with full military honors accorded by active duty U.S. Navy personnel, accompanied by the American Legion and VFW post members.
Visitors called on the family at Jay’s home at 108 Carpenter St., Dushore, after the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Bradford-Sullivan County Unit, 1948 East Third St., Williamsport, PA 17701 in Mr. Cullen’s memory.
Nelsie Boardman
Jan. 13, 2003
Nelsie M. Boardman, age 69, of North Orwell (RR1, Rome), PA, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, Jan. 13, 2003. She was born on May 20, 1933 in Pike Township, a daughter of the late Andrew D. "Dick" and Ethlyn (Dimon) Manchester.
Nelsie was a graduate of LeRaysville High School, Class of 1951. She married her best friend, Donald L. Boardman on Aug. 4, 1951 and they established their home and family dairy farm in North Orwell.
She was a dedicated member of the North Orwell Union Church where she served as pianist and choir director, devoted many hours as a Sunday School teacher, served on the Administrative Council and Worship Committee and held many other church offices. Nelsie was known throughout the area for her extensive work in music ministry. An accomplished pianist, she gave piano lessons to many area residents and will be remembered for her unique ability to involve others in the joy of singing.
She was the founder and leader of the Community Singers and conducted their fall concerts throughout Bradford and surrounding counties. In addition, she organized, led and accompanied "The Messengers," a men’s singing group enjoyed by all. She especially enjoyed times spent with her church family and joint church choirs in Ocean Grove, NJ. Nelsie was dedicated to her community and was longtime president of the North Orwell Hall Association and was instrumental in organizing and catering countless fundraising dinners to assist others.
Nelsie is survived by her husband, Donald; her children, Nancy and her husband, Dale Holden of Earlville, NY; Deville and his wife, Susan Boardman of Rome; Linda Gibney of Stateville, NC; Andy and his wife, Missy Boardman of Orwell; Avery and his wife, Erica Boardman of Towanda; Amy and her husband, Mark Rejmer of Athens, GA; a friend, who was like a son to Nelsie, Keith L. and his wife, Joan Chilson of North Orwell; a sister, Madeline Allis of Silver Spring, MD; a sister-in-law, Mabel Manchester of Rome; 29 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.
Nelsie was predeceased by her brothers: Leslie "Bud" Manchester, Ernest L. "Jid" Manchester, Leon D. "Rook" Manchester and a sister-in-law, Muriel Manchester.
Funeral services and a celebration of Nelsie’s life were held on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003 at 11 a.m., at the North Orwell Union Church, with Rev. Jane Bensley and Rev. Robert Martin. officiating.
Those who wish, may kindly consider a memorial contribution to the Windham Ambulance, RR2, Box 63-A, Rome, PA 18837 or to the charity or church of one’s choice in memory of Nelsie.
Caring assistance was provided by the Cooley Family of the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols, NY 13812.
Neva Beebe
Jan. 18, 2003
Neva May Beebe, age 71, of Overton, PA, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2003 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.
Born on May 7, 1931 in Monroe Township, Bradford County, she was a daughter of the late Raymond and Diana Platt Martin.
She was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Overton and was a member of the New Albany VFW Post No. 384 Ladies Auxiliary.
Neva loved flowers and enjoyed time spent gardening.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Henry O. Beebe, at home; a son, Walter D. Beebe and grandson, David of Towanda; a son, Robert C. and wife, Mary Ann Beebe, grandsons, First Lieutenant Robert C., Jr. (Chuck), Matthew R. and Bradley W. Beebe of Rome; a son, Joseph H. Beebe, at home; daughter, Diana M. and husband, Ernest Molino, granddaughter, Erin A., step-grandson, Christopher of South Williamsport; daughter, Linda S. and husband, Jerry Rushak, grandsons, Jerry, Jr. and Jeffrey of Cortland, NY and a brother, Harlow Martin of Middlebrook, MO.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. in St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Overton, with the Rev. Robert W. Martin, her pastor, officiating.
Friends and family called on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Bradford County Memorial Park in Luthers Mills.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, c/o Mrs. Joan Rohe, RR4, Box 4196, Dushore, PA 18614 in Mrs. Beebe’s memory.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Russell P. McHenry Funeral Home, 119 Carpenter St., Dushore.
Leo Lines
Dec. 25, 2002
Leo L. Lines, age 75, of Macedonia, Towanda RR2, PA, passed away on Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2002 at his home, following declining health.
Born April 26, 1927 in LeRaysville, he was the son of the late Earl and Lena Lewis Lines.
Leo enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 23, 1945 and received his honorable discharge from the Navy on June 1, 1946. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Pacific Theatre and was the recipient of the Pacific Theatre Ribbon, the American Theatre Ribbon and the Victory Medal. On June 26, 1950, Leo married the former Marie VanNess in Asylum Township. In early years, Leo was employed by the Vandervort Feed Mills in Wysox and Laceyville and worked as a carpenter on construction in the Towanda area. He was later employed by Sheffield Creamery in Wysox and was a lifelong farmer in Macedonia until his retirement in 1992.
Surviving are his daughter, Barbara L. Nonnemacher, of Wyalusing; his grandson, Kyle L. Nonnemacher of Wyalusing; his granddaughter, Rebecca S. Neiley and her husband, Richard J. Neiley of Hollenback; his brother and sister-in-law, Duane Hoover Lines and Verna Lines of LeRaysville; two sisters, Grace Wickwire of the Bradford County Manor, Troy RR3 and Helen Hammerly of Rome; brothers-in-law, James VanNess of Monroeton, Donald VanNess and his wife, Lulu VanNess of Modesto, CA; several nieces, nephews and many special neighbors and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie VanNess Lines on May 9, 2000; four sisters, Midge Monroe, Maggie McMann, Betty Cragle and Charlotte Stalford; three brothers, Ralph, Robert and Joseph Lines; his son-in-law, Kim Wayne Nonnemacher.
The family received friends on Saturday, Dec. 28 from 3 to 7 at the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, 217 York Ave., Towanda. The funeral service was held on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Barry Ballard, pastor of the Wyalusing Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment
was in the Bradford County Memorial Park, Luthers Mills, with Towanda American Legion Post No. 42 according full military honors.
The family provided their own flowers and requests that memorial contributions be made to Guthrie Hospice, RR1, Box 154, Towanda, PA 18848 or to the Macedonia Cemetery Association, in care of Barbara Nonnemacher, PO Box 5, Wyalusing, PA 18853 or to the Kim Nonnemacher Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Peoples State Bank, PO Box 217, Wyalusing, PA 18853 in Leo L. Lines’s memory.
Bruce Singer
Jan. 14, 2003
Bruce K. Singer, 72, of 22 Mt. Airy Estates, Tunkhannock, PA, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 14, 2003 at the Community Medical Center in Scranton after being suddenly stricken. He and his wife, the former Bertha M. Weaver celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary on Dec. 22.
He was born Nov. 29, 1930 in Ft. Totten, NY, son of the late Frank S. and Martha Root Singer.
He served in the Air Force and was a veteran of Korea and Vietnam, retiring as a staff sergeant in 1969.
He retired from Procter & Gamble, Mehoopany, after 22 years of employment. He was presently employed at the state Department of Transportation photo licensing bureau in Tunkhannock.
Bruce attended the Lemon United Methodist Church. He was a member of the American Legion Post #457, Tunkhannock; VFW Post #3583, Mehoopany; Odd Fellows Lodge 699, Lemon; member and board member, Wyoming County Historical Society and was a recruiter for Trooper Kristal Turner Childs of the Pennsylvania State Police. He was actively involved with the State Police/American Legion sponsored State Police Youth Week, held each June at Scotland School.
Surviving besides his wife are a son, Leo O. Singer, Tunkhannock; a daughter, Ethel L. Singer, Sugar Run; two sisters, Betty Cote, Florida and Bea Hamilton, Chenango Forks, NY and six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Howard.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Jan. 17 at 11 a.m. from Harding-Litwin Funeral Home, 123 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, with Rev. Edwin Simmons of Lemon United Methodist Church, officiating.
Friends may call Thursday (today) from 3 to 7 p.m.
Interment will be in Sunnyside Cemetery , Tunkhannock.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
William Whelan
Jan. 4, 2003
William J. Whelan, age 64, of Doylestown, PA, formerly of Maple Glen, died on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2003 at Doylestown Hospital.
Born and raised in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia, he was the son of the late John T. and Coretta Riley Whelan.
He was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Doylestown and a former member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Maple Glen.
Mr. Whelan was a retired Spanish teacher at Episcopal Academy, where he taught for 28 years.
Mr. Whelan was the recipient of many awards at Episcopal including in June, 1993, the Bishop William White Award, given in recognition of dedicated service to the education and growth of Episcopal Academy students and the Raymond II Keegan coaching service award at Episcopal and he also was responsible for starting the Sunshine Club, which was endowed by the Academy when he retired.
Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Lisa K. Collins Whelan; his daughter, Christina M. Whelan, at home; a sister, Mary Teresa Sweeney of Wynnewood; two brothers, Edward J. Whelan of Blue Bell and Thomas J. Whelan of Bala Cynwyd and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, John T. Whelan.
Relatives and friends attended his funeral on Thursday evening, Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at LaSalle College High School, 8605 Cheltenham Ave., Wyndmoor, PA 19038, where the family received friends from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Interment
was on Friday morning at 11:30 a.m. in St. John Neumann Cemetery , Chalfont.
For those desiring, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hogar Infantil Orphanage, c/o The Augustinians, 3604 Beyer Blvd., San Ysidro, CA 92173 or LaSalle College High School, Wyndmoor. Arrangements were made by Simcox-McIlvaine Funeral Home, Lansdale.
Joseph Pilling
Jan. 12, 2003
Mr. Joseph W. Pilling, age 71, of RR3, Box 17-B, Meshoppen, PA (Shannon Hill), passed away at his home on Sunday evening, Jan. 12, 2003 after a long illness.
Born in Philadelphia on Oct. 17, 1931, he was the son of the late William and Dorothy Stevenson Pilling.
Mr. Pilling was a graduate of the Philadelphia West Catholic High School for Boys, Class of 1949. For 12 years he was a member of the PA National Guard, serving with the 111th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division, as a Master Sergeant, discharged on Dec. 12, 1960. For 23 years, he was a policeman with the Philadelphia Police Department, retiring in 1979 as a Lieutenant.
He was a member of St. Joachim’s Roman Catholic Church and its Holy Name Society of Meshoppen; a past member of the Tunkhannock Barbershoppers Choir and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Retired Police and Fire Association of Philadelphia, League of the Sacred Heart, Men of Malvern and the American Legion of Philadelphia.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, the former Beatrice V. (Ginny) Beecher Pilling of Meshoppen; a daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Rick Alfieri of Tunkhannock; three sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph, Jr. and Regina Pilling of Drexel Hill, Daniel and Tina Pilling and Richard and Lori Pilling, all of Philadelphia; also, seven grandchildren, Lorraine Jackson, Regina Alfieri, Ryan Alfieri, Daniel Pilling, Matthew Alfieri, Joseph Pilling, III and Catherine Pilling.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 9:30 a.m. from the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Meshoppen, with a Mass of Christian Burial at the St. Joachim’s Roman Catholic Church in Meshoppen at 10 a.m., with Father Joseph J. Manarchuck of the church, officiating. Interment
was in the Arlington Cemetery in Drexel Hill at a later date. Family and friends called at the funeral home on Tuesday evening, Jan. 14 from 7 to 9 with a vigil service to be read at 8:30 p.m.
Joseph Ross
Jan. 8, 2002
Joseph James Ross, age 84, of Hillsgrove, PA, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2002 at his home. He was born in Jeanette on June 18, 1918, a son of the late James K. and Nellie Dedcavage Ross. He attended local schools and began working in the Tower City area coal mines.
Joe married the former Mary Ann Yahemsky of Cass Township, Schuylkill County on Sept. 18, 1937. She predeceased him on Aug. 2, 1985.
Joe served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. After the war, he continued in the coal mines until being employed by H. J. Williams Construction Company of York in 1955, where he worked as a mechanic until retiring to Hillsgrove in 1984. Williams was a large company that was involved in large road projects. Joe worked on the original construction of Interstate 81 and also the Blue Mountain tunnel on the PA Turnpike.
In retirement, he was an avid fly fisherman and also built cabinets and furniture for his home.
Surviving are two daughters and a son-in-law, Marianne Ross, Franklintown, Margaret K. Ross and Jacob Spahr, Hillsgrove; sister and brother-in-law, Jennie and Albert Abrachinsky, Pottsville; two grandchildren, Nancy Jean May and Luke Sullivan, both of Dillsburg; a great-grandson, Tim Sullivan, Miami, FL; two nieces and two nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Charles Ross of St. Clair.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Basil’s Catholic Church, with the Rev. Michael B. Harris, pastor, presiding. Interment
was in St. Basil’s Cemetery .
Memorials may be directed to Susquehanna Hospice, 1201 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore.
Doris Hepner
Dec. 20, 1933
Doris Eugene "Gene" Hepner, age 69, of Horseheads, NY passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2002. Doris was born Dec. 20, 1933 in Wyalusing, PA, the daughter of Robert Eugene Hepner and Doris Brown Hepner.
"Gene" was a Reading Specialist with The New York State Department of Corrections at The Elmira Correctional Facility in Elmira, NY. She was an active and devout communicant of St. Mary Our Mother Church in Horseheads. "Gene’ was the president of The Parish Council of St. Mary Our Mother Church from 1994-1998, a member of the Liturgical Committee, a Eucharistic Minister and a lector at Mass.
She was also a member of the Chemung Area Reading Council, League of Women Voters, American University Women, Association of Chemung County Housing Board and the Chemung County Council of Women.
"Gene" was pre-deceased by her father, Robert Eugene Hepner.
"Gene" is survived by her mother, Doris Brown Hepner of Elmira, NY; son and daughter-in-law: Thomas E. and Ruth Tucker of Horseheads, NY; daughters and sons-in-law: Teresa and Max Graves of Lancaster, CA and Mary and James Normand of Aliso Viejo, CA; grandchildren, Kyle Normand, Grant Normand and Katrina Crowley; great-granddaughter, Samantha Crowley; sisters: Jane Krause of New Albany, and Roberta Sweithelm of Rockville Centre, L.I., NY; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of caring friends.
It was "Gene’s" wishes that there be no prior calling hours. Relatives and friends were invited to attend a Memorial Service celebrating "Gene’s" Life on Monday, Dec. 30, 2002 at 11 a.m. in St. Mary Our Mother Church, 816 W. Broad St., Horseheads, NY. The Rev. Christoper E. Linsler officiated. Interment
in Wyalusing Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
"Gene" has requested that she be remembered through memorial contributions to The Chemung Area Reading Council, St. Mary Our Mother Church or The League of Women Voters.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Van Buskirk-Lynch Funeral Home in Horseheads, NY.
Arlene Ellis
Jan. 6, 2003
Arlene Mae Ellis, age 61, of Friendsville, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Jan. 6, 2003 at Binghamton General Hospital. She was born in Johnson City to Rachel J. (Benedict) Johnson and the late Lewis R. Johnson. Her husband of over 40 years, Smokey Ellis, survives.
Arlene graduated from Vestal High School, worked for IBM for many years, loved to do ceramics and took ceramic classes with Julie Lewis for over 15 years. She also loved to swim, read, watch movies and e-mail. Arlene loved her babies, her dogs, Cody, Cindy and Gizmo.
Besides her husband and mother, Arlene is survived by her brothers, sisters and their spouses, Albert Raymond and Donna Johnson, Birchardville, Frank and Tiny Johnson, Friendsville, Dorothy Sperry, Vestal, NY, Linda Collins, Friendsville; a half sister, Joanne Andrie, Bullhead City, AZ; half sister-in-law, Betty Johnson, Sioux City, IA and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides her father, she was also predeceased by an infant son, Danny and a half brother, Bob Johnson.
At Arlene’s request, the family will have a gathering of friends and family at a later date. She will be laid to rest in the family Cemetery at the family’s convenience. Arrangements were made through the Daniel K. Regan Funeral Home.
