Thursday, November 6, 2025

Death of Rex Diemer



Fort LeBoeuf High School Class of 1970

Rex Diemer, 73, of Summerfield, Florida, formerly of Waterford, Pennsylvania, passed away on October 14, 2025, doing what he loved best…taking care of his yard and home.

Born on June 8, 1952, Rex was the son of Robert and Joan Diemer. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bruce Diemer.

Rex is survived by his wife of 38 years, Annette, lovingly known to him as "This is my George." He also leaves behind his children, Heather (Bobby) Powell, Nicki (Jay) Baughman, and JC (Katie) Sallee; three grandchildren, Jakoby (Abby) Baughman, Isaac Baughman, and Kendall Powell; and two sisters, Rebecca (Bill Beston) Diemer, Meloney (Robert) Mitchell, and a brother Bobby (Amber) Diemer, and many nieces and nephews.

For 40 years, hr worked as a welder and in maintenance at General Electric in Erie, Pennsylvania, where his strong work ethic and quick wit made him well-loved by coworkers.

After retiring, he wasn't one to sit still. He took on a job as a security guard at Stonecrest in Florida, where his personality truly shined. Standing at the gate, he greeted every car with a wave and a grin, welcoming neighbors and visitors alike as if they were old friends. Everyone loved Rex at the gate, he never met a stranger, and his easy banter and kind heart made Stonecrest feel a little more like home for everyone who passed through.

Rex loved his music loud, his cars fast, and his lawn perfect. He was the life of the party, but his heart was always bigger than his mouth. Known for his quick humor and colorful stories, he had a way of making everyone feel welcome, especially if they showed up when the music was playing.

The Calling All Rodders car club in Erie was one of his greatest joys. He poured his heart and soul into his gleaming blue hot rod and his beloved Coronet, spending countless weekends polishing chrome and swapping stories with fellow car lovers. After retiring to Florida, he carried that same open-door spirit south with him. If you heard music playing from his house, you were already invited… no questions asked. The coffee was always hot, the fridge was always full, and laughter was guaranteed.

He loved his family fiercely and shaped the lives of his children through his example of strength, loyalty, and determination. He was protective, devoted, and by his own admission, a bit of a "know-it-all." He was also a loyal "Pinky" fan and a man who left a lasting impression wherever he went.

He also shared a special bond with his good friend Dean, his "vinyl buddy." The two could often be found cruising across Central Florida, reliving their younger days as they hunted for rare collector albums. Through their shared love of classic music, they developed a bond more like brothers than friends, a connection built on laughter, road trips, and the joy of discovering a forgotten tune together.

As one friend put it, "He was quite a character." Those who knew him will remember his booming voice, his generous heart, and his knack for turning an ordinary day into an adventure.

He didn't just brighten days, he made them unpredictable, loud, and full of laughter. His presence had a way of shaking things up in the best possible way. As Rob shared, Rex shaped him into the man he became during his formative years, a testament to the strength, loyalty, and deep influence he carried into every relationship he touched.

His constant companion was his beloved dog, Spencer, who shared his love of the outdoors and their daily routine. Every afternoon at one o'clock sharp, the two could be seen cruising through the neighborhood on their golf cart, Rex behind the wheel, Spencer proudly riding shotgun. It was the highlight of his day, and neighbors often smiled at the sight of the pair making their rounds, checking on friends, and soaking in the Florida sunshine together.

A celebration of his life will be held in Florida, where friends and family can gather to share memories, music, and stories-the way Rex would have wanted.

Thanks to Milo Hull for furnishing Rex's obituary.

Tuesday, October 20, 2025

Death of Joshua Swanson



Fort LeBoeuf High School Class of 1998

Joshua Swanson, age 47, of Edinboro, PA passed away Monday, September 15, 2025, at UPMC Hamot Hospital. He was born in Millcreek, September 3, 1978, to Janet Burdette and the late George Swanson.

Josh was a family man in all ways; he was happiest when he was supporting his children’s sports teams and spending time with them. From coaching Little League, to cheering on everyone, he made friends with all that he met. Josh loved the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates; he enjoyed hunting and spending time in nature.

In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his grandparents, Sarah and Virgil Burdette.

Josh is survived by his partner Betty Moose, by his children Ashley Swanson (Hunter States), Joshua Swanson Jr. (Holly), Eithan Swanson, and Keegan Swanson. He is further survived by his siblings, Robert Swanson (Jamie), Melissa Seabrooke (Gregory), by his grandchildren, Allister, and Leviathan. Josh is also survived by two friends who were like parents to him, Jeffrey Moose Sr., and Laura Baker, as well as his trusty dog, Storm, all of his chickens, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services were private at the convenience of the family and are entrusted to Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. Downtown, 602 W. 10th Street, Erie.

Thanks to Dan Caldwell for furnishing this obituary!

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Death of Dave Pifer



Fort LeBoeuf High School Class of 1959

David “Dave” Pifer

May 26, 1941 – September 28, 2025

David “Dave” Pifer, 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Dave was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, to David E. and Evelyn Pifer. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Peggy; his children Kurt (Lauren), Kristen (Toby), and Kelly (Kevin); and his beloved grandchildren Michael (Natalie), Will, Hannah, Maggie, and Fin. He is also survived by his brother Jay Pifer (Faye); sisters-in-law Joanne Holst (Marvin), Lynda Osborn, Joanne Osborn; brother-in-law Duane Osborn (Suzi); and many nieces and nephews. Dave and Peggy were high school sweethearts, crowned prom king and queen, and married on December 29, 1962. Dave earned his degree in Physical Education from Western New Mexico University and his Master’s Degree from Slippery Rock College in Pennsylvania. In 1964, they moved to Florida, where Dave built a lifelong career as a teacher and coach. He began at Johnson Junior High School in the late 1960s before moving to Palm Bay High School, where he coached football and wrestling and taught Physical Education.

Dave dedicated his summers to serving his community, running a youth recreation program with Peggy at their church for more than 25 years and managing the Fee Avenue Pool. Teaching, coaching, and mentoring young people were at the heart of his life’s work, and he inspired generations of students in Brevard County through athletics, academics, and faith.

Above all, Dave loved his family. He treasured vacations, summers off together, and cheering on his children and grandchildren in all of their activities—from sports to musicals to even pickleball matches on a cruise ship. Football was his lifelong passion, and he was especially proud to watch his grandson Michael play for the U.S. Naval Academy, rarely missing a home game.

After retiring in 2003, Dave and Peggy traveled the world, enjoying cruises and adventures with family and friends. He was blessed with a wide circle of lifelong friends who shared in his joy for travel, sports, fellowship, and service.

Dave lived a full life anchored in faith, family, and community. His presence will be deeply missed but his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched including his kids and grandkids.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 1:00pm:

First United Methodist Church of Melbourne
110 E. New Haven Ave
Melbourne, Florida 32901

Reception to follow immediately after in the Church Welcome Center.

All are welcome!

Monday, September 29, 2025

Death of Dave Pifer



Fort LeBoeuf High School Class of 1959

It is sadness and great regret I report the passing of a dear friend and great man, Dave Pifer!

The following is copied from Facebook:

Dave Pifer, beloved husband of 63+ years to Peggy, amazing father to Kurt (Lauren), Kristen (Toby) and Kelly (Kevin) and Pap Pap to Michael (Natalie), Will, Hannah, Maggie and Fin passed away yesterday peacefully surrounded by his wife and kids.

He has spent most of the last several weeks in the hospital due to COVID pneumonia. We thought early last week he would be coming home from the rehabilitation center where he had been gaining his strength back, but unfortunately the pneumonia came back with a vengeance. He fought so hard for all of us and we were blessed and honored to be able to spend every moment with him since he entered the ICU on Tuesday. Our family rallied around him and there was nothing left unsaid! God is good that we had these days to truly speak and show our love to each other and we know that Dave (daddy) is now with Jesus. We are sad but so thankful for the outpouring of prayers, calls and texts we have received over the last several weeks and will let you know once arrangements to celebrate this incredible man have been made.

Editor's note: As soon as funeral arrangements are known I will post them here?

Monday, September 29, 2025

Death of Paul Fox



Waterford High School Class of 1949

Paul Fox, 94, passed peacefully on Sept. 17, 2025. He was born in Waterford, where he lived until 2022, son of the late Clarence & Nellie Fox.

He enjoyed working in his garage, tinkering with his tractors & taking care of his lawn. But what he enjoyed most was sitting on his front yard swing with his late wife of 67 years, Susie. He missed her dearly since her passing in December 2023.

Paul spent most of his working years at E.L. Heard & Son driving tank truck, starting in 1962, retiring 43 years later in 2005.

He is survived by his children Skeeter, Keith (Michele), Roger (Jackie) and Jean; 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; Brothers Ted & Dick (Eleanor); Sisters Betty & Sally (Sonny).

He is preceded in death by brothers Delbert, Clarence Jr., Wallace, Virgil, Don, Larry & Bob.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, with a burial service at Waterford Cemetery at 4pm, followed by a gathering at Draketown Christian Church.

Thanks to Vera McWilliams Powell for furnishing the above information!

Thursday, September 04, 2025

Death of M. Craig Mitchell



FLBHS Class of 1963

M. Craig Mitchell, age 79, of Waterford passed away at his home on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. He was born on September 19, 1945, to the late J. Stanley Mitchell and Althea (Thompson) Mitchell and was a lifelong resident of Waterford, PA. He was a 1963 graduate of Fort LeBoeuf High School where he was a standout three sport athlete. He was proud to have served as a captain of the undefeated 1962 football team and represent Fort LeBoeuf in the prestigious Save An Eye game, serve as a captain of the 1962-63 wrestling team, and receive All-County Honors in football, wrestling, and baseball. He was also very proud to be inducted into the Fort LeBoeuf Wall of Fame in 2004.

Craig was a proud member of the PA National Guard from 1965-1971. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a past member of the Waterford Boro Zoning Committee, and he was a founding member of the Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society. In his early years, you would often find Craig in full colonial dress during Waterford’s Heritage Days, and he took great pride in sharing that he and friends built the cupola of the original gazebo of Waterford in his basement.

For the majority of his career, Craig was with Russell’s of Waterford as a designer and then as a sales manager before leaving to join Humes Chrysler Jeep Dodge as a salesman.

Craig married his high school sweetheart and the girl next door, Sharon (Bemis) Mitchell, in 1965. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in September.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his two daughters Cindy Mitchell Herpolsheimer and Kristi Mitchell Rathburn; and his five grandchildren Calvin (Gabrielle), Jay, and Kaylie Herpolsheimer; and Marcus and Mitchell Rathburn, who he was proud to have introduced to the sport of golf. His first great-grandchild is due in November. He is further survived by his siblings Diane Mann, Eric Mitchell (Diane), Denise Davis (Steve); Kent Mitchell (Amy), and Scott Mitchell (Brenda); his in-laws Sumner (Pat) Bemis (Georgene), David Bemis (Casey), and Marilyn Bemis; as well as several nieces and nephews; and his loyal and beloved companions Johnnie and Ginger.

Friends called at the Van Matre Funeral Home, Waterford, on Saturday, August 30th, from 11 am to 1 pm with Reverend Tori Heath conducting a service immediately following. Burial followed at Waterford Cemetery East.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fort LeBoeuf Wall of Fame, PO Box 810, Waterford, PA 16441, or to the Waterford Global Methodist Church, PO Box 808, Waterford, PA 16441. To share condolences, visit www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.

Thanks to Valerie Rose and Marlene Kibbe for furnishing the above obituary!

Thursday July 31, 2025

Death of Justin Thomas Puckly



FLBHS Class of 2010

The life of Justin Thomas Puckly was tragically ended on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Though he was just 33 years old, he leaves behind an unforgettable memory for his loving family and many friends.

Justin is the son of Thomas and Tammy Puckly of Waterford, born in Erie on December 19, 1991. He graduated from Fort LeBoeuf High School in 2010 where he played soccer for many years. With his outgoing personality, Justin made friends easily and always enjoyed talking around a campfire. He was a snowboarder, a lover of music, and a hunting companion to his dad and brother. Justin was currently working for Danylko Landscaping, and for years prior had worked for construction and electrical contractors.

With a huge heart, Justin loved his family very much - his parents, Tom and Tammy; his brother, Brandon Puckly of Venango; his maternal grandparents, George and Alice Sekerak of Ellenton, FL; his paternal grandmother, Janet Gray of Lexington, NC; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Larry Pustelak; his paternal grandfathers, Larry Puckly and Larry Gray; and his uncle Jamie Shaw.

Friends called at Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford on Wednesday, July 23rd, from 5-7pm. Visiting hours continued at McLane Church, 12511 Edinboro Road, Edinboro, on Thursday, July 24th, from 11 am until time of the funeral service at 12:00 noon. Rev. Michael Priestap officiated.

Memorial donations may be made to the family or to McLane Church. To send condolences, please visit www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.

Thursday July 31, 2025

Death of Phillip Darrell Owens



FLBHS Class of 1978

On Thursday, July 17, 2025, Philip (Phil) Darrell Owens, of Waterford, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 65. Born March 7, 1960, in Erie, he was the son of the late Darrell N. and Dollyanna McKay Owens.

A 1978 graduate of Fort LeBoeuf High School, Phil is widely remembered by family and friends for his humor, loyalty, and willingness to lend a hand. Over the years, he worked many jobs across the county, including at Pizza Hut, Vantage, Maple Donuts, Bush Industries, and long haul trucking.

He will be greatly missed by his brother Jeffrey Owens (Mary) and all seven of his nieces and nephews: Darrell Owens (Brooke), Danielle Himes (Mike), Devin Owens, Deanna Bricker (Kyle), Dillon Owens (Samantha), Darla Owens, and Donovan Owens (Callee).

Phil loved his many pets over the years, including several dogs, cats, and fish. In his free time, he enjoyed cheering for the Penn State Nittany Lions, New Orleans Saints, and Cleveland sports teams (sometimes begrudgingly). He enjoyed the game of baseball, and always loved playing catch. He was also a fan of racing, and regularly watched both NASCAR and F1. He loved spicy food, Mexican cuisine, and was looking forward to restoring his 1979 Chevy Camaro Z28.

A celebration of his life took place on Sunday, July 27th with viewing from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm at Van Matre Funeral Home, Waterford. A brief service and burial followed at Waterford Cemetery East.

Condolences may be shared at www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.