A funeral service for Thomas A. VanSlander will be held at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery Chapel, 604 Joseph Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00AM, with Rev. Ignatius Camello, O.S.B. officiating. Full military honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. A reception will follow the service at Dream View Event Center, 535 South Michael Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.

Barbara A. Ritucci, of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of Ridgway passed away at her home on July 13, 2026. Surviving are her children, Jason (Annette) Crichton, Nancy Keller (Ron Bridgemon) and her grandchildren, Felix Crichton and Henry Crichton. She was the sister of Antoinette Kidwell, Lucy Johnson, Rose Marie (Dale) Himes and Patricia (Ed) Porcaro. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins. A service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Krise F

J. Leo Mahoney, age 84, of Ridgway-Johnsonburg Road, Johnsonburg, PA, died unexpectedly, surrounded by his grandchildren, on July 11, 2026. A son of the late William A. and Winifred I. (Conneen) Mahoney, he was born on October 3, 1941 in Johnsonburg. On May 8, 1965 he married Elizabeth “Betty” (Pavlock), who predeceased him on December 27, 2016. Along with his parents and his wife, Leo was predeceased by two children, David and Susan Mahoney; three brothers, Joseph, Gerald

Patricia A. Johnson, 83, of Ridgway, died on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born on November 19, 1942, in Ridgway, the daughter of the late Kenneth and Mary Gerg Foringer. In October 1959, she married James Johnson, who survives. Patricia was a devoted homemaker whose warmth and caring spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. She had a true passion for nurturing those around her, finding joy in crafting, sewing, and knitting,

Perley F. Simmons, 95, of Emporium, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Friday night, July 10, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on October 15, 1930, in Draper, PA, he was the son of the late Perley L. and Nora Gitchell Simmons. On June 23, 1956, he married the love of his life, Pauline Ogden, who survives. Together they shared a remarkable marriage of seventy years, recently celebrating that milestone surrounded by their loving family. Perley was a 19

Heather J. Priest, 45, of Emporium, passed away Tuesday morning, July 7, 2026, at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh. With her loving family by her side. She was Born August 1, 1980, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of Deborah Wilson Priest of Emporium and the late Michael Priest. Heather was a 1999 graduate of Cameron County High School. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Clarion University and later received her master's degree from Ashford

Todd M. Erickson, 49, passed away on July 7, 2026, in St. Marys. He was born on September 25, 1976, in Coudersport, PA, a son of the late Lee Erickson and Rachael (David) Ringer who survives. Throughout his life, Todd was known for his kind heart and friendly personality. He proudly served the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department for many years, dedicating himself to helping and protecting his community. In more recent years, he was employed at Walmart, where he was known for h

Mary J. Herbstritt, 95, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of 629 Virginia Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 9, 2026. She was born March 17, 1931, in Byrnedale, daughter of the late Walter J. and Catherine Maday Snelick. She was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Weedville High School, Class of 1949. Mary worked at several manufacturing firms in the area but her true calling was to care for her family and to watch over nume

Christine J. Sweeney, 82, a resident of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of 646 Vermont Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 9, 2026. She was born January 7, 1944, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Alfred and Alberta Lecker Sorg. She was a lifelong resident of St. Marys, a graduate of Elk County Christian High School and was employed as a Registered Nurse for 57 years at both Ridgway and St. Marys hospitals. Christine also took great pride in her role as Head