Obituaries

Stephen "Chunk" Kovalyak

Stephen "Chunk" Kovalyak

Sep 9, 2025

Stephen "Chunk" Kovalyak, 59, of Ridgway, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at his residence.

He was born on August 18, 1966, in Ridgway, the son of the late Michael S. and Veronica Cuneo Kovalyak.

He is survived by his fiancé of nearly 26 years, Laura Schlimm, whom Steve's kids lovingly referred to as their "Favorite almost step-mom".

A proud graduate of...

Benedict "Ben" Brendel

Benedict "Ben" Brendel

Sep 5, 2025

Benedict "Ben" B. Brendel, 79, of Ridgway, passed into his eternal rest in Heaven on September 5, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, following a battle with a rare form of blood cancer.

He was born on February 15, 1946, in St. Marys, PA, a son of the late George and Eileen (Hoffman) Brendel.

On September 9, 1967, Ben married...

Benjamin  J. Zappa

Benjamin J. Zappa

Sep 5, 2025

Benjamin J. Zappa of Ridgway, PA died at 12:30 pm on Friday September 5, 2025, at age 85 following a long, debilitating, battle with multiple strokes and musculature weakness. Ben was born on January 13, 1940, in Sharon Pa.

He was the son, and only child, of Edward E. Zappa and Jennie Cantelupe Zappa. Ben married the love of his life Cheryl...

Thomas "Joe" Fitch

Thomas "Joe" Fitch

Sep 2, 2025

Thomas, "Joe" Fitch, 60, of Wilcox, died on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at his residence.

He was born on July 17, 1965, in Ridgway, the son of Georgetta J. Vidmar Bishop and the late Thomas T. (Brenda) Fitch.

Joe was a lifelong resident of Elk County and a proud graduate of Ridgway High School, class of 1983, where he distinguished himself as...

Joshua J. Reynolds

Joshua J. Reynolds

Aug 31, 2025

With profound sadness and immeasurable love, we announce the passing of our beautiful son, grandson, brother, husband, uncle, and friend, Joshua Joseph Reynolds, who left the world far too soon at the age of 36.

Joshua was a proud gay man who lived boldly and authentically, embracing each day with joy, energy, and purpose. He began every morning with a commitment...

Vincent "Pete" Murray

Vincent "Pete" Murray

Aug 29, 2025

Vincent P. "Pete" Murray, 99, of 675 Maurus Street, St. Marys, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025 following a brief illness.

He was born on July 19, 1926 in St. Marys, PA, a son of the late John and Margaret Mertz Murray. Pete recently celebrated his 99th birthday in July.

On October 12, 1957, at Sacred Heart Church, he married Charlotte...

Lillian Krug

Lillian Krug

Aug 24, 2025

Lillian L. Krug, 95, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of Bucktail Road, St. Marys, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025 following a brief illness.

She was born at her home in Weedville on March 6, 1930, a daughter of late Clair and Dorothy Timblin McClintick.

On June 29, 1949, she married the late Hilary G. Krug, who...

Elizabeth "Betty" Peterson

Elizabeth "Betty" Peterson

Aug 23, 2025

Elizabeth "Betty" Peterson, 86, of Ridgway, died on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.

She was born on May 3, 1939, in Ridgway, a daughter of the late Daniel and Bernice Heindl O'Connell.

On May 3, 1958, in Ridgway, she married the late Donald S. Peterson, who preceded her in death on December 31, 2018.

Betty worked as a cashier at...

Donna K. Yetzer

Donna K. Yetzer

Aug 19, 2025

Donna K. Yetzer, 87, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of Pear Road, St. Marys, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, following a brief illness.

She was born on March 3, 1938, in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Louis and Rose Sarginger Krieg.

On September 17, 1960, she married the late Dane Yetzer, who preceded her...

Joseph Gasbarre

Joseph Gasbarre

Aug 17, 2025

Joseph Hugo Gasbarre, 74, of Ridgway, passed away after a brief illness on August 17, 2025. Born in Ridgway, he was the son of the late George P. and Nellie (Mann) Gasbarre.

On August 30, 1975, he married Constance Duell at St. John's Lutheran Church in Johnsonburg. They shared 32 happy years together and raised two children, Joseph (Shannon) and Matthew...

Earl N. Bullers

Earl N. Bullers

Aug 17, 2025

Earl N. Bullers, 75, of Ridgway, died on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at UMPC Presbyterian Hospital.

He was born on March 27, 1950, in Ridgway, a son of the late Earl J. and Theresa M Carvino Bullers.

Earl was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Ridgway High School, class of 1968. Earl dedicated his life to his passion...

Linda Donahue

Linda Donahue

Aug 12, 2025

Linda J. Donahue, 75, of Ridgway, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at her residence.

She was born on July 25, 1950, in Kane, a daughter of the late Woodrow and Margaret Huber Shaffer.

On October 3, 1970, she married James Donahue, who survives.

Linda devoted her life to her family and her faith, being a proud member of Hallton Church of...

John Moran

John Moran

Aug 12, 2025

John T. Moran, 92, of Ridgway, died on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at his residence following a brief illness.

He was born on May 11, 1933, in Kane, the son of the late James A. and Nellie W. Whitaker Moran.

On July 4, 1959, he married the late Margaret Moran, who preceded him in death on February 8, 2011.

John was a lifelong...

Donna L. Blair

Donna L. Blair

Aug 11, 2025

Donna L. Blair, 77, of St. Marys, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, August 11, 2025, following a brief illness.

She was born on October 3, 1947 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Walter and Mary Celin Haberberger.

On August 19, 1967, in Sacred Heart Church, she married Raymond Blair, who survives. Together they shared nearly 58 years...

Cynthia Kathryn Aiello

Cynthia Kathryn Aiello

Aug 10, 2025

Cynthia Kathryn Aiello passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, at home surrounded by the love of all of her family.

Cyndi loved her family so immensely, and her love continued to shine so brightly. It was an honor for her to have her husband, daughters, son in laws, grandchildren, sisters, sisters and brothers in-laws, nieces, nephews, and godchildren in her...

Alice M. Feldbauer

Alice M. Feldbauer

Aug 7, 2025

Alice M. "Bucky" Feldbauer, 84, passed away peacefully at Penn Highlands Dubois on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

She was born on May 23, 1941 in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late Ignatious and Gertrude Fritz Feldbauer.

Alice was a graduate of Central Catholic High School. She retired from Sylvania after more than 48 years of service, and greatly enjoyed the friendships she...

Matthew G. Geer

Matthew G. Geer

Aug 6, 2025

Matthew G. Geer, 38, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in St. Marys, PA.

He was born on April 29, 1987, in Ridgway, PA, a son of Bertil Geer and the late Geraldine Lenze Geer.

On October 25, 2014 in Ridgway, PA, he married Tiera Lombrana Geer, who survives. Together they shared nearly 11 years of love, laughter, and marriage.

Matt was a graduate...

Loretta A. Herzing

Loretta A. Herzing

Aug 4, 2025

Loretta A. Herzing, 86, of Terrace Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 4, 2025 at Pinecrest Manor following a brief illness.

She was born on May 26, 1939 in Ridgway, a daughter of the late Hilding and June Erlanson Anderson.On May 16, 1959, at Queen of the World Church, she married the late John G. Herzing, who preceded...

Robert J. Nero

Robert J. Nero

Aug 2, 2025

Robert J. Nero, 90, of German Settlement, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

He was born on January 25, 1935, in Dagus Mines, a son of the late Louis and Muzzetta Johnston Nero.

On October 22, 1955, he married the late Edna Mae Mitchell, who preceded in him in death on April 23, 2010.

Robert was a man of many interests,...

Robert D. Porter

Robert D. Porter

Aug 1, 2025

Robert D. Porter, 62, of Ridgway, died unexpectedly on Friday, August 1, 2025.

He was born on October 14, 1962, in Johnstown, a son of the late John and Patricia Reynolds Porter.

Bob dedicated 45 years of his life to American Axle, where he was known for his unwavering work ethic and commitment. Upon his retirement in April, he focused on his...