All Obituaries

John E. Erskine, 81, of Emporium, PA passed away at his residence, Emporium, PA on Thursday, March 23, 2023 morning. He was born February 2, 1942 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late Bernard and Edith Ferguson Erskine. John attended Westend Elementary School in Emporium, until sixth grade, before going to the Sewickley Academy in Sewickley, PA then to Avon Boarding School in Connecticut, then to the Staunton Military Academy in Virginia and finally to Quaker Valley High School in Ambridge,...

Joseph P. Barcellos, 83, of Emporium, PA passed away at Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA on Wednesday morning (March 22, 2023). He was born February 1, 1940 in Santa Clara, California a son of the late Jose and Elsie Marie Menezes Barcellos. On February 26, 1974 in St. John’s Lutheran Church, Emporium, PA he married Jane Saxton, who survives. Joe retired from Cameron County School District where he worked, as a custodian, for over 28 years. He and his wife Jane were foster...

Dennis K. "Keith" Heckman, 67, Emporium, PA  passed away at Penn Highlands Elk, St. Marys, PA on Monday morning (March 20, 2023). He was born March 26, 1955 in Pittsburgh, PA a son of the late Russell and Loretta McBurney Heckman. Keith was a truck driver for over 30 years. While he was in high school he was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corp. He loved working on his truck and woodworking with his father. He enjoyed camping, boating, watching the Pittsburgh Penguins and...

Philip J. Bartoletti, 71, of Emporium, PA passed away at UPMC Cole, Coudersport, PA on Tuesday afternoon (March 14, 2023). He was born June 22, 1951 in Colver, PA a son of the late Illo Louis and Margaret L. (Phillips) Bartoletti. On September 9, 1972 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Nanty Glo, PA, he married Bess Tripp, who survives. Philip graduated from Blacklick Valley High School in Nanty Glo, PA, and then from Penn Tech College in Pittsburgh, where he received an associate...

Larry Lee von Arx, age 75, of Sears Hollow, Austin, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on the morning of Wednesday, March 1, 2023. He was born in Ridgway on May 11, 1947, a son of the late Glen “Jack” and Ida (Bevins) von Arx. On May 19, 1973, he married Mary E. Belsole, who survives. Larry followed many varying career paths throughout his life. He was a certified respiratory therapy technician, earned an associate’s degree in paralegal studies,...

Mary “Mert” Dillon, 66, of Emporium, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at Penn Highlands Elk Hospital on Monday, February 28, 2023 following a brief illness. Mert was born October 21, 1956, in Saint Marys to the late Jack and Anna “Nunny” (Gennocro) Guisto. She graduated from Cameron County High School in the class of 1974, and married Dennis Dillon on May 5, 1990. They made their home on Spring Street in the Emporium Borough. For years, she managed the Crescent...

Pamela R. Callahan, 69, of 201 W. 7th St., Emporium, PA passed away at Penn Highlands DuBois, DuBois, PA on Thursday morning (February 16, 2023). She was born July 6, 1953 in St. Marys, PA a daughter of the late Henry G. and Loretta M. Wollaston Klees. She married David Callahan in the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Emporium, PA.  Pam graduated from Cameron County High School. She worked briefly for the FBI and then in the local service industry, in addition to raising 4 very special...

Dennis M. Johnson, 66, of W. 4th St., Emporium, PA formerly of Driftwood, PA passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Sunday morning (February 12, 2023).    He was born March 15, 1956 in Kane, PA a son of the late Russell and Lillian Gabriel Johnson. Dennis graduated from Kane Area High School and served with the US Army and later with the Army Reserves. He had worked as a certified Harley Davidson mechanic for many years. He was a member and leader of the HOG Chapter...

Brian K. Heitzenrater, 47, of Gardeau Rd., Emporium, PA passed away unexpectedly at UPMC Cole, Coudersport, PA on Monday night (February 6, 2023). He was born August 10, 1975 in Ridgway, PA a son of Priscilla Swesey Heitzenrater, Emporium, PA and the late Jack "Kenny" Heitzenrater. On February 14, 2003 in First Presbyterian Church, Emporium he married Melanie Jones, who survives. Brian graduated from Cameron County High School in the class of 1993. He had worked at GKN, AST,...

Bradley A. Groves, 62, of Clear Creek Rd, Emporium, PA passed away at his residence, Emporium, PA on Monday morning (January 30, 2023). He was born July 7,1960 in Bradford, PA, the son of Beatrice “Bea” VanGorder Groves Rosette Caldwell, Emporium, PA and the late Nathan Groves. He married the late Tamara "Marlee" Zimmer. Brad graduated from Cameron County High School Class of 1978. He was a member of the Emporium Moose Club, PFL Men’s Club in St. Marys and...