Obituaries by LocationDonald J. Starkweather
WELLSBORO - Donald J. Starkweather, 65, of Wellsboro RR 7 died Tuesday, June 6, 2000, at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital. He and his wife, the former M. Marguerite Nickerson, observed their 31st wedding anniversary Jan. 18. He was retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. An Air Force veteran, he served from 1954 to 1958 in the South Pacific. He was of the Methodist faith. Born Jan. 15, 1935, in Blossburg, he was a son of Hugh and Martha Luther Starkweather. Surviving, besides his wife, are a stepson, Terry Morehouse; two stepdaughters, Darlene Swain of Groton, N.Y., and Joanne Vogelsong of Bowling Green, Ohio; two brothers, Wesley of Wellsboro and Thomas of Middlebury Center; two sisters, Alice Grunhagen and Leona “Susie” Hazelton, both of Wellsboro; eight step-grandchildren; and seven stepgreat-grandchildren. He was preceded in death
by a brother, Alvin. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Tussey-Mosher’s, 139 Main St., with the Rev. Fred Hickok officiating. Burial will be in Niles Valley Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today.
Phyllis M. Vanderlin
Phyllis M. Vanderlin, 75, of 1560 Grampian Blvd. died Monday, June 5, 2000, at Williamsport Hospital after a brief illness. Her husband, O. William Vanderlin, died Jan. 7, 1999. She was a member of the Oaks, Williamsport Women’s and Williamsport Country clubs. She was a former member of Daughters of the American Revolution and a member of Olde Hickory Country Club, Fort Myers, Fla. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Born Oct. 30, 1924, in this city, she was a daughter of Benjamin and Mildred Stover Meck. Surviving are three daughters, Peggy V. McClain, Christine Z. Carlucci and Barbara J., all of this city; a son, Richard A. of this city; a sister, Betty Ertel of this city; and seven grandchildren, Robert, Richard and David McClain, Laura and Lynn Yeager, Benjamin Carlucci and Lexus Lomison. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, 102 E. Third St., with her pastor, the Rev. David L. Phillips, officiating. Entombment will be in Wildwood Cemetery. Friends may call at Spitler’s, 733 Broad St., Montoursville, from 7 to 9 tonight.
J. Dale Florey
J. Dale Florey, 81, of 125 10th St., Renovo, PA died Aug. 5, 2001 at the Bucktail Medical Center, S. Renovo. He was born Aug. 17, 1919 in Williamsport, PA, the son of the late Paul L. & Margaret marriage Kathryn E. Klein, who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters, Mrs. Gary (Christina) Campbell, Renovo and Kim Florey & her fiancee, Timothy Rossell of Farwell. Also 3 grandchildren, Jeremy & Matthew Campbell and Gretchen Curran. He was predeceased by a sister, Cleo Mincemoyer in 1981 and a brother, Paul L. Florey, Jr. in 1954. Dale was an outstanding basketball player for the Williamsport Millionaires where he was captain his senior year and played for the “Billies” basketball team in 1947. Mr. Florey was a 1948 graduate of the Lock Haven State Teachers College with a BS Degree in physical education. While at the college he was a member of the swim team and the basketball team. From 1948 until 1970, he was the basketball coach at the former Renovo High School. He retired from teaching at the Bucktail High School in 1980. Following his retirement he was a Park Ranger at the Kettle Creek State Park for 12 1/2 years. Florey was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Service Co. in the 105th Inf. where he was a Tech 5. He was also active in the former Varsity Club where he ran the concession stand and was involved with the Midget League in Renovo. Mr. Florey was a life member of B.P.O.E. 334 and belonged to the Eagles Aeire 516, both in Renovo. Florey enjoyed watching sports of all kinds on TV, especially Penn State sports and enjoyed trips to the Pocono Downs. Memorial services will be held Saturday, Aug. 11, 2001 at the 1st United Methodist Church, Renovo, with Pastor Ann Runnels, his pastor, officiating. Friends will be received at the church from 12 noon until time of services Saturday. The family will provide flowers and suggest memorial contributions to either the Bucktail Medical Center or the Renovo Library. Arrangements entrusted to the Dean K. Wetzler, Jr. Funeral Home, 320 Main St., Mill Hall.
Charles H. Baier
Charles H. Baier, 82, of 705 Woodland Ave., Williamsport, died Friday, Aug. 3, 2001 at home. Born Sept. 10, 1918 in Williamsport, he was a son of Ambrose G. & Clara E. Shuler Baier. He and his wife, the former Helen E. Wells, observed their 57th wedding anniversary Jan. 26. He retired from Hunter & Lomison after 50 years of service. He was a member of Church of the Annunciation and a life member of the Gesang Verein Harmonia. Surviving besides his wife are a son, Stephen W. (Susan L. Fiske) Baier of Emmaus; a daughter, Janet E. (Bruce Flook) Baier-Flook of Williamsport; a brother, Roman Baier of Williamsport; 2 sisters, Emily Eisley, of Williamsport & Eleanor Dincher, of Manchester Twp., N.J.; 3 grandchildren, Jason W. Fiske-Baier, Jessica G. Fiske-Baier & Melissa J. A. Good; 2 great grandchildren, Timothy J. C. Good & Hunter M. B. Good. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ambrose Baier and two sisters, Dorothy Baier and Mary Major. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the church, 702 W. Fourth St., Friday morning at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Michael Zipay, officiating. Graveside services will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery Chapel. Friends may call at Crouse’s, 133 E. 3rd St. from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Friday. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to: National Multiple Sclerosis Society North Central PA Chapter, 175 Pine St., Williamsport, PA or Susquehanna Regional Home Health & Hospice, 1100 Grampian Blvd. 4 South, Williamsport, PA or the charity of your choice.
Genevieve May Cole
Genevieve May Cole, 92, a resident of South Williamsport for many years, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 5, 2001 in the Williamsport Hospital. Born July 29, 1909 in South Williamsport, Genevieve was the daughter of Ellery G. and Ada M. Edler Edkin. She was raised on her family’s homestead, which is now the site of the Little League Baseball, Inc. Complex. Her beloved husband of 59 years, David A. Cole, a retired PRR Engineer, died in 1984. Genevieve’s strong determination and hard work was an inspiration to her family and to her close friends. A lady of many talents and interests, she enjoyed gardening, sewing, baking, reading and nature. She had a special fondness for birds. Mrs. Cole was a former member of the Audabon Society and a life-long member of Messiah Lutheran Church, South Williamsport. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Beverly (Edwin) Booth of Rome, Ga., Mrs. Margaret J. (the late James) Cooney of Williamsport, Mrs. Elizabeth (Sherman) Mittell of South Williamsport; five grandchildren, Miss Cynthia Booth and Mrs. Cheryl Brown, both of Rome, Ga., Mrs. Debbie Heffner of South Williamsport, Dr. David C. (Christine M.) Mittell of McMurray, Pa., and Mrs. Linda Jo Cooney (Fritz) Wasser of Corning, NY; and six great grandchildren. A private funeral service for the family will be held in the Little Chapel of the Good Shepherd of Messiah Lutheran Church, South Williamsport, with the Rev. Robert L. Driesen, her pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Twin Hills Memorial Park, Muncy. Maneval Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family is suggesting that memorial contributions be made to: Messiah Lutheran Church, 324 Howard St., South Williamsport, Pa., 17702. Maneval Funeral Home, “A Life Celebration Home.”
Robert T. Drummond
Robert T. Drummond, 77, of 708 Woodland Ave., Williamsport, died Monday, Aug. 6, 2001 at the home of his son, Thomas R. Drummond in Camp Hill. Born Oct. 2, 1923 in Dayton, he was a son of Wade & Augusta Ayers Drummond. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Ida Margaret “Peg” Drummond. Before his retirement his most recent employment was an owner/operator for Mainliner Motor Express, Omaha, NE. He also owned & managed several businesses during his lifetime, including the former New Terminal Restaurant in Williamsport. An Army veteran of WWII, he served in the Pacific Theater. He was a member of New Covenant United Church of Christ and a lifetime member of The Original Pennsylvania 1000 Yard Benchrest Club Inc. Surviving are a son, Thomas R. of Camp Hill; a brother, Alfred Drummond of Dayton; a sister, Dorthy Walburn of Dubois; and 1 grandchild, Ryan T. of Camp Hill. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Maneval Funeral Home, 500 W. 4th St., with his pastor, the Rev. Bruce R. Druckenmiller, officiating. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 1-2 p.m. Wednesday. The family will provide the flowers. Contributions may be made to Visiting Nurses Association of Central PA, 3315 Derry St., Harrisburg, PA 17111. Maneval Funeral Home, “A Life Celebration Home.”
Rev. Silas G. Gearhart
Rev. Silas G. Gearhart, 81, of Pinnacle Towers, Wellsboro, died Aug. 6, 2001 at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital. He was the husband of Mildred E. Wetzel Gearhart whom he marriage May 29, 1940. He was born March 19, 1920 in Dubois, Clearfield County, the son of the late John P. and Lillian Postawaite Gearhart. He was a graduate of Practical Bible Training College, Johnson City, NY and was Ordained in 1945 in the Ministry in the Indiana County American Baptist Association, Indiana, Pa. Before retiring, he served Community Baptist Churches in the following communities: Fairview, Glen Campbell, Cookport, LaJose, Kennedyville, Dexter, Nanticoke, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Stony Fork. Surviving are his wife; sons & daughters-in-law, John L. & Pat Gearhart, Salem Va., Ronald G. & Beverly Gearhart, Cogan Station, and E. Keith & Vickie Gearhart, Tualatin, Ore.; a sister, Myrtle Kline, Curwensville; 5 grandchildren, Corey Lynn (Michael) Thorne, Robin Lynn (Mike) Loe, Timothy L. Gearhart, Eric L. Gearhart and Jason D. Gearhart; 1 great grandson, Kyle N. Thorne; several nieces & nephews. Friends may call at the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, 139 Main St., Wellsboro, on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2001 from 1-2 p.m. Funeral to follow at 2 p.m. with Dr. Floyd Barackman and Pastor Bradley Prouty, officiating. Burial in West Branch Cemetery. A “Life Celebration Home.”
Melvin Geiser
Melvin Geiser, 82, of Edgewater, FL, a Liberty native, died Sunday, Aug. 5, 2001. Surviving are his wife, Ernestine; 2 sons, Richard Allen Geiser of Wilmington, NC & Stewart John Geiser of Ocala, FL; 2 daughters, Patricia Lea Brooks of Edgewater, FL & Jean Marie Geiser of Bailey, NC; 4 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren. Settle-Wilder Funeral Home, Edgewater, FL, is in charge of arrangements.
William R. Lawton
William R. Lawton, 92, of 626 Fifth Avenue, died Monday, August 6, 2001 in Williamsport Hospital. Born July 2, 1909 in Williamsport, he was a son of William H. and Edith Householder Lawton. Bill retired after 39 years of service with the City of Williamsport Highway Dept. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, the former Helen L. Beal; a daughter, Connie L. Bower at home; grandchildren, Lisa Dunkleberger and Jeffrey Knerr; six great grandchildren; and one step great grandchild. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday from Sanders Mortuary, 821 Diamond St., with the Rev. Kraig L. Faust, of St. John’s United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery. Friends may call at Sanders’ from 7-9 p.m. Thursday.
Mr. Francis L. Moore
Mr. Francis L. Moore, 83, of Emert Lane, Lock Haven, died Sunday evening, Aug. 5, 2001 at his home. Born Dec. 31, 1917 in Sinnemahoning, he was the son Thomas E. Moore and the former Clair Girdon. He was united in marriage July 25, 1936 to the former Mary Gavlock. She preceded him in death on Aug. 30, 1999. He retired from Piper Aircraft after 30 years of service as a welder. For many years he was a member of the McElhattan United Methodist Church. Surviving are 1 daughter, Jeanette Riggle of Avis; 3 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Althea L. Workman and Freda Cummings, both of Lock Haven. Funeral services will be Thursday, Aug. 9, 2001 at 10 a.m. in the Frederick B. Welker Funeral Home, 125 N. Main St., Jersey Shore, with Pastor Heather M. Baker, his pastor, officiating. Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Burial will be in the Linwood Cemetery at McElhattan.
Blaise R. Alexander
Blaise R. Alexander, of Montoursville and Charlotte, N.C., died Thursday, October 4, 2001, in a racing accident.
Arrangements are being handled by Spitler Funeral Home.
The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeastern Pennsylvania, c/o 515 Sandhill Road, Montoursville, PA 17754.
Sister Carol Bender
Sister Carol Bender (formerly Sister Mary Ada) of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, died Thursday, October 4, 2001, at the Marian Convent. Survivors include sisters, Margie Stevens of Orefield, Sue Walters of Hendersonville, NC and a brother, John C. Bender of Hudson, OH. The funeral will be Tuesday with Mass of Christian Burial at the convent, followed by interment at St. Catherine Cemetery in Moscow, PA.
Memorial contributions may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.
