Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Death of Beverly Brozell White

FLBHS Class of 1960

Beverly J. Brozell White, age 81, of Albion, passed away Monday, November 20, 2023. She was born in Erie, on August 28, 1942, a daughter of the late Benjamin and Virginia J. Mosher Kirsch.

Beverly graduated from Fort LeBeouf High School in 1960. She was a lifelong member of the Carriage Hill Wesleyan Church. She enjoyed the casino, BINGO, and was an avid card player. She was very close to her family and pets.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by, husband of 54 years, Charles F. White; her two daughters, Paula Sue White, and Robin White; her two brothers, William J. Brozell, Sr., and Arthur D. Brozell; her two sisters, Patricia Morrison, and Betty Cook; her mother-in-law, Mildred White; and brother-in-law, Joseph Frackowiak.

Survivors include her two daughters, Tonya Miodus (Michael), of Albion, and Kimberly Holmes (Jesse), of Bear Lake, PA; her sister, Geraldine Frackowiak; her seven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions can be made to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center - 2500 West 12th St. Erie, PA 16505.

Monday, October 30, 2023

Death of William David Heard

FLBHS Class of 1967

William David Heard, age 74, of Waterford, passed away peacefully Friday, November 17th, 2023 at home with his wife Karen of 39 years by his side.

Dave was a graduate of Penn State University. He was the third-generation owner of E.L. Heard & Son in Waterford. He viewed his co-workers as family and enjoyed a long career filled with fun, pranks, and getting the job done. His dedication and loyalty to his customers will leave a lasting mark on the Waterford community.

He is survived by his devoted wife Karen and their three children, Krissy and her husband Joe Gilbert, Andy, and Matt; and many loving extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Corinne and his brother Grayson. The loss of his eldest son Robb, who battled cancer, became a pivotal moment in Dave's life. In the face of this challenge, he made a promise to Robb that he would continue to seek salvation through Jesus Christ, finding strength and solace in his faith.

Things Dave loved include: muscle cars, his many German shepherds, coaching little league sports, listening to 60’s music, and the occasional ice cream run.

He will be dearly missed, and his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. Many thanks to special caregiver Stacie and all of those that cared for him through hospice, making his days brighter.

Calling hours were from 3-8 pm on Tuesday, November 21st at Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford. The funeral service was held at Asbury Methodist Church in Waterford on Wednesday, November 22nd at 11:00 am with Pastors Richard Freeman and Gary Darnell officiating. Committal service and burial followed at Waterford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to Mill Village Hope Church, PO Box 146, Mill Village, PA 16427.

Monday, October 30, 2023

Death of William Rodgers (Bill) McCall

FLBHS Class of 1959

William Rodgers (Bill) McCall, 82, passed away on Sunday, October 15th at Westmore Retirement Home in Fort Worth, TX after a courageous battle of 13 years with Parkinson’s Disease and two years with Dementia.

Bill was born in Erie, PA on August 10, 1941 to Robert Campbell McCall and Annie Mae Holland. His family moved to Waterford Township in Pennsylvania, where Bill attended a one room school house for his first five years. He graduated from Fort Le Boeuf High School in 1959 as valedictorian of his class. Bill attended the Behrend campus of Penn State University for a year before moving to the main campus at State College, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. He would also earn a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from SMU in Dallas, after starting his job at General Dynamics in Fort Worth, TX. In 1963, his 38-year career began in the “performance” group with the F-111 program. Over the years, he worked on several projects, including a 9-year stint traveling to the US Air Force bases around the world to brief pilots on the F-16 airplane engines. In 1997, he continued his career with GD/Lockheed Martin where he was stationed in Nagoya, Japan working the F-2 program, eventually retiring in 2001.

Bill’s passion was restoring Graham antique automobiles. He played a primary role in the Graham Owners Club International, serving in many leadership positions over 50 years. He became the club expert on the Bluestreaks (1932-35 Grahams), writing a 300+ page book to aid others in their restoration efforts. He also built a shop/garage to restore his own vehicles and a pole barn to collect parts and cars to be repurposed for himself and others. Throughout the years, he enjoyed watching his two sons play football and his daughter cheer at the Brewer High School football games. In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling with Polly, watching Penn State football on TV and NASCAR races. During his last two years, he fell in love with chair volleyball, playing with other Westmore community members. Bill was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Aledo and served as an elder for many years in the several Presbyterian churches that he attended.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Polly of 62 years, his daughter Erin McCall, his son Vince McCall and wife Julie, his son Rodger McCall and wife Victoria, and two granddaughters Lauren McCall and Chelsea McCall. He is also survived by his brother John McCall and wife Janet of Andover, CT, a sister Margaret Connor and husband James of Winston-Salem, NC, and a sister Linda Fichthorn and husband Ray of Winston-Salem, NC, along with several nieces and nephews.

Throughout the years, Bill and Polly hosted exchanges students from Japan and Finland who are also considered part of the family.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother, Robert C. McCall, Jr.

Polly wishes to send her deepest appreciation to her friends, caregivers & Enhabit Hospice for their assistance and support while she cared for her beloved husband.

A memorial service will be held at the Faith Presbyterian Church (301 Bailey Ranch Road, Aledo, TX 76008) on Saturday, November 4th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, a request is made to donate to either Parkinson’s Foundation or the Graham Owners Club International.

Monday, October 16, 2023

Death of Bill McCall

FLBHS Class of 1959

It is sadness I announce that a friend and great guy, Bill McCall, passed away today after battling Parkinson's for over 10 years.

As soon as funeral arrangements are know I will post them here!

Friday, October 13, 2023

Death of Catherine Rogerson Jagta

FLBHS Class of 1968

Catherine Rogerson Jagta, age 73, died at her home in Waterford on Thursday, October 5, 2023 after a 4-year battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Born in Jamestown, NY on June 14, 1950, she was one of three children of the late Myron and Rachel Hitchcock Rogerson.

Cathy grew up in the Waterford area. She married Ronald L. Jagta on April 28, 1979, and together they made a home in Waterford and raised their family. She was an accountant holding various positions at Elgin Electronics and Zurn Energy.

Cathy lived a full life enjoying her family and friends. She could be called a card-playing fanatic, playing in several card clubs for many years, and, of course, her special morning card games with her granddaughters before school using “grandma rules.” There are so many precious memories with her family and friends, including motorcycle rides with her husband and summer motorcycle vacations with their friends. Cathy also enjoyed their Calsicat Friends Group from Ron's former employer, and her time spent landscaping and working in her gardens around their property. Her memory will forever be cherished by her family.

Family members include her husband Ron, her daughter Kim Shields and husband Dan, and her son Randy Jagta and wife Amanda; her five grandchildren, Maddy, Ryan, Paige, Sidney, and Elliot; two brothers, Willard Rogerson and wife Kathy, and Myron Rogerson and wife Patti; two sister-in-laws, Pati Bartholme and husband Brian, and Cheryl Sherrard and husband Pete; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours were at Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford on Friday, October 13th from 3-7 pm. Private burial will be in Waterford Cemetery.

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Death of Louise McGahen Smith

Fort Leboeuf School District Bus Driver of Bus 21

Louise Smith, age 94, passed away at her longtime home, the family farm, in Summit Township. She passed just short of four months after Hubert, her husband of 75 years was laid to rest.

Louise was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother to her large family. She spent much of her life at the Smith Family farm, also known as Smith's Dairy in Summit Township. Louise was the glue that held her extensive family together. She had a welcome smile to all who visited with her yet was tireless when it came to living. Farm life was busy, and she helped run the dairy. When it came time for haying, she helped make it a family affair. She fed everyone who worked and served the very best sweet tea. Louise was also a long-time, legendary bus driver for Fort LeBoeuf School District – bus 21. All her years driving, she never had one accident. To this day, so many of the community talk about remembering and loving Louise as their bus driver.

Hobbies and social circles were important to Louise. She was an avid bowler alongside her husband Hubert. She played in a couples' card club with eight other couples for 50 + years. Louise also loved and tended to her large garden.

She had experienced great loss in her life- lost her son David in a farming accident, dealt with a barn fire, and later lost a grandson. Despite these things, she continued to love fiercely and worked to keep the family close. Louise was fiercely stubborn and set in her ways- even later in her years. If someone (mostly Hubert) said something she disagreed with, she would sass them and throw up her fists prepared to give them a knuckle sandwich. That McGahen "tough as nails" side was always present.

As her family grew, she enjoyed the many activities of her children, followed by grandchildren (20), then great grandchildren (29). Her favorite sport was wrestling; however, you might not want to sit too close as she could be a little rough with her match-time demeanor. Whether at a high school wrestling match, baseball/softball field, on a cross country course or running track, volleyball court, gymnastics meet, or hockey rink, she could be found cheering on her family members and cutting their statistics out of the paper. Holidays were also so very important to Louise. She enjoyed hosting the entire extended family at her farmhouse, serving her famous monkey bread, doctored mashed potatoes, and countless other delicious comfort foods – made with love by Grandma Smith.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband Hubert, son David, and grandson Robbie.

She leaves behind her children, Paula (Sam Bayle), Rod (Darlene), Darren, Karen (Dave Heard), and Brian (Jenny). Grandchildren Charlie, Nicki, Kim, and Jesse (Paula), RJ, Rosie, Randy, Rachel, and Rylie (Rod), Darren Jr., Sari, Gunnar (Darren), Krissy, Andy, Matt (Karen), Emma, Abby, Lydia, and Kevin (Brian). The majority of her 29 great-grandchildren were fortunate enough to spend time with Louise at her home – sometimes fishing, sometimes just chatting, enjoying her long-lived sense of humor. Louise Smith – tough as nails, sweet as honey.

There will be no calling hours. Close family will attend a gravesite service Tuesday morning at 11am at Waterford Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to FLB Athletic Wall of Fame, Greg Deemer, President, 2380 Dorn Road, Waterford, PA 16441, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Monday, September 25, 2023

Death of William Wallace Metzenbacher

Waterford High School - Class of 1949

William Wallace Metzenbacher, age 92, of Waterford, passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at UPMC Hamot. Born June 4, 1931, Bill was a son of the late William and Frances Ostrzyniec Metzenbacher. He was a Korean War veteran.

Bill married Joyce Kestel Metzenbacher on December 27, 1952. They raised four children, teaching them that integrity and honesty were important, along with faith in God. He was a lifetime deacon at Washington Valley Christian Church. He and Joyce served 39 years as missionaries at Southwest Indian School in Arizona.

Growing up on the family farm, Bill learned to run and repair the farm equipment. He later used those skills at Fry Construction where he worked until his retirement. He loved the outdoors, hunting, tinkering around the farm, and flying small planes after earning his private pilot license.

Preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; a son, Jeffry Metzenbacher; and a grandson, Ryan Harding.

He is survived by one sister, Patricia Nishnick (Pete); and three children: Gary Metzenbacher of Columbus, OH; Cynthia Smith and her husband Steve of Leominster, MA; Julie Ludwig and her husband Robert of Waterford. He also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and dear family friends, including Joanne Lenart, who Bill and Joyce met in 1949.

Calling hours will be at Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8pm. The funeral service will be held there Friday morning at 11:00 am followed by committal service and burial at Waterford Cemetery.

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Death of Dayle Wells

Fort LeBoeuf High School - Class of 1956

I received word from Vera Powell that Joyce Wells called her and informed her that Dayle had passed on Thursday, September 21.

Those wishing to send condolences the following is furnished:

Joyce Wells
5753 Wildwood Drive
Marysville, CA 95901
j_wells@yahoo.com

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Death of Sherman J. Nearhoff

Fort LeBoeuf High School - Class of 1970

Sherman J. Nearhoof, Jr., 71, of Erie, passed away Sunday September 10, 2023. He was born in Erie on January 13, 1952 a son of the late Sherman J. Nearhoof Sr. and Anna Doris Cherry Nearhoof.

Sherman graduated from Ft. LeBoeuf High School and worked for Haysite Reinforced Plastics and PennDot.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Doug and George Nearhoof, and one sister, Belinda Clark.

Survivors include his siblings, Bonnie Laskowski, Jeffery Nearhoof, John Nearhoof (Debbie), Barbara Prindle (Robert), Art Nearhoof (Michele), and David Nearhoof (Leslie); and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services and burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements were made by the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, 16504.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, http://www.cancer.org.

Please visit http://www.SchmidtFuneralHomeErie.com to sign the Book of Memories.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Death of Sue Ann Coffin Plaza

Waterford High School - Class of 1955

Sue Ann Plaza, age 85, of Waterford, passed away quietly in her home on September 17th, 2023 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born in Uniontown, PA on January 10th, 1938 to Fuller Hogsett and Helen Coffin. After graduation from Waterford High School, she attended Church Home Hospital Nursing School in Baltimore, MD and became a registered nurse.

Sue was dedicated to her work as a nurse and cared for people in many settings, including the newborn nursery, Ask-A-Nurse, and the Poison Control Center at Saint Vincent Hospital.

Sue was known for her love of children, animals, antiques, and gardening. She took pride in raising many fine Quarter Horses on her farm.

She is survived by her four children – John Plaza and his wife Ann; Mike Plaza; Maria Smith and her husband Steve; Kathy Johnson and her husband Chuck; her brothers Tom and George Coffin; sister Joan Rhea; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband Andrew Plaza.

Friends may call on the family at Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford on Friday, September 22nd from 6-8 pm.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Because You Care, Inc. Animal Rescue and Pet Adoption Center in McKean, PA.

Friends and family are invited to gather at the family home on Saturday, September 23rd at 1 pm.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the caregivers who, through their loving care, enabled Sue to remain in her home.

To send condolences, visit www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.

Monday, September 11, 2023

Death of Susie Joy Hull Burlingham

Fort LeBoeuf High School - Class of 1962

Susie Joy Hull Burlingham, age 78, of Waterford, PA, passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2023 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.

She was born to the late Rufus and Beatrice (Ormsbee) Hull on November 13, 1944.

Susie was a member of the Cambridge Springs Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses with strong faith in the Bible and the resurrection to come.

She enjoyed gardening, knitting, puzzles, baking, and playing all kinds of games with her family. She will be missed dearly by all that knew her.

Leaving to mourn her loss is her husband of 59 years, Arnold Burlingham; three children, LeRoy Burlingham of Ohio, Chad Burlingham (Cindi) of Waterford, and Kyla Burlingham of Waterford; six grandchildren, Tiffany Cappelli of Ohio, Taneisha Burlingham, Julianna Burlingham, Brad Burlingham, Jacquelyn Burlingham, and Josie Burlingham, all of Waterford PA; two brothers, Milo Hull of Waterford and Bruce Hull of Waterford, and one sister Thelma Carr of Centerville PA. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Denise Burlingham; two brothers, Vernon Hull and Russell Hull, and two sisters, Betty Hull Edwards and Myrtle Hull Jeeter.

Askins Cremation Funeral Services, 8354 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, PA 16509 is assisting with arrangements.

Friday, July 14, 2023

Death of Larry Paul Hanas

Fort LeBoeuf High School - Class of 1977

Larry Paul Hanas, age 63, lifelong resident of Waterford, died Monday, July 10, 2023 after a long illness surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Meadville on July 19, 1959 to the late John W. and Carol J. Krautter Hanas.

Larry graduated from Fort LeBoeuf High School in 1977. He married the love of his life Cheryl A. Szymanowski in 1979. Together they raised two great children, Larry P. Hanas II (wife, Leslie) and Tiffany A. Pettit (husband Jarid), and the four best grandchildren, Larry Hanas III, Laine Hanas, Bryce Pettit, and Aria Pettit.

Larry was a entrepreneur and hard worker that started his first business at age 23. Hanas Fabricating and Welding took him all over the country working on jobs. One of which was building the largest asphalt plant in the Southwest of the U.S. His skills kept him very busy working on these large jobs, but enjoyed the time working with his son. In 2003 he started Your Wish is Granite, which he operated with his family. Being able to work with his family was one of the joys of his life! He continued working until his cancer diagnosis in 2015.

Larry loved to travel with his wife. They were able to enjoy getting away from work together on many trips around the world. He liked to garden, had a sweet tooth, and became quite a baker. He loved baking with his grandkids.

Preceding him in death were his parents, and his brother, John Robert "JR" Hanas. He is further survived by two brothers, Jerome Hanas (wife, Judy) and Andrew Hanas (wife, Mary); his sister-in-law, Kellie Hanas; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends were invited to visiting hours at Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford on Thursday, July 13th from 2-4 and 5-7 pm with a brief service following.

Memorials may be made to the Yolanda Barco Oncology Institute, Meadville, PA or to the family. To send condolences, visit www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.

Thursday, July 06, 2023

Death of William Eugene "Bill" Mitchell

Fort LeBoeuf High School - Class of 1962

William Eugene "Bill" Mitchell Jr., age 78, of Waterford, died Saturday, July 1, 2023 after a long illness. He was a son of the late William Eugene and Ernestine Matilda Stolz Mitchell, born in Waterford on December 9, 1944.

Bill grew up on his family's farm on Union Road in Waterford, and for years operated a logging business and sawmill, a gas well business, and, of course, raised and trained draft horses. He participated in horse-pulling events for many years, and was well-known in the Amish community. Bill had a way with words and was quite a story-teller. He enjoyed dancing and could formerly be found frequenting his "office", Ike and Flo's in Waterford.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Patricia Adams; and is survived by his wife, Tamara Griffiths Mitchell; son, Matthew Mitchell; daughter, Michele Carniewski and her husband Richard, and their sons, Joshua and Jacob; three siblings, Jean Ann Waite of Erie, Robert Keith Mitchell and wife Meloney of Waterford, and James Lynn Mitchell and wife Susan of Knoxville, TN; two step-sons, Larry Campbell Jr. and Rob Campbell; and his last surviving horse, Slew.

Visiting hours will be at Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8pm. To send condolences, visit www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.

Wednesday, July 05, 2023

Debora Ann Harvey, age 66, of Waterford, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on July 1, 2023. Born October 28, 1956, she was the daughter of the late Bruce R. and Mary Ann (Weaver) Hunt. Debbie was a 1974 graduate of Fort LeBoeuf High School. She worked for 16 years at Western Reserve as a Nurse’s Aide, supply technician, and medical records administrator, and for 16 years at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center as a Nurse’s Aide, supply technician, and inventory specialist. She retired May 31, 2018.

Debbie’s hobbies were knitting, crocheting, a variety of crafts, and genealogy. She enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards, and looking for beach glass.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Robert H. Harvey; her daughter Tina M. (Jake) Flook, of Waterford; two stepsons – Jeff (Karen) Harvey and Eric Harvey; grandchildren – Nathan R. Flook, William H. Flook, Meghan Harvey, Taylor Harvey, Cameron Harvey, Jessica Harvey, and Rebecca Harvey; 4 sisters – Jacqueline Hendricks of Greenville, SC, Roberta (Karl) Horvath of Edinboro, Marie “Betsy” Monn of Waterford, and Cynthia Hunt and her fiancé Scott Hilliker of Waterford; 2 brothers – Ronald Hunt of Canadohta Lake, and Dennis (Sharon) Hunt of Lake City; 2 brothers-in-law – Donald Harvey of Summit, PA, and Terry Harvey of Erie; a sister-in-law Barbara Harvey of Harborcreek; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her best friend of 62 years, Barbara (Monroe) Cromwell, and two special cousins – Sharon Miller and Dixie Rasmussen.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant brother William Paul Hunt, brother-in-law Charles Giles, nephew David Giles, great niece Kayla M. Skinner, sister-in-law Sharon Harvey, brother-in-law Gerry Harvey, sister-in-law Cheryl Peterson, great-nephew Jordan Ayala, and a good friend Marge Cline.

Friends may call Wednesday from 6-8 pm at Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford, and on Thursday from 9:00 am until time of the funeral service at 10:00 am. Officiating will be Debbie’s nephew, Pastor Jay Hines. Burial will follow at Waterford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to AseraCare Hospice, 12664 Rt 19 S, Unit 1 (A), Waterford, PA 16441, or to Stancliff Hose Company, PO Box 275, Waterford, PA 16441.