Murder at Horatio

ables. It was estimated that the proceeds of the store sale would be about $4,090. The itinerants saw an opportunity.

On Friday evening, March 20, Sutter’s wagon establishment at Clayville was entered, a hole was drilled into the safe, and the door was blown open with powder. There was nothing in the safe. The intruders, using the survival skills of “men of the road,” appropriated some tools from a chest in a house, under construction at the lower end of town, and disappeared into the darkness of the night.

The North House was located on the west side of North Findley Street, north of the Railroad Tracks. It was torn down in 1909 to make way for the Lauderbach Barber Building, which is now occupied by a number of businesses. J.K. North, owner, testified to seeing the defendants at the North House on March 15, 1890, but did not see them on March 20. (photo courtesy of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society)

It was 1890. The industrial revolution was at its peak. The nation was on the cusp of an economic panic. Coal was generating an economic boom in the Punxsutawney area. The rapid development of the community was fueled by a demand for coke for the iron smelting industry along the Lake Erie Shore. There was money to be made. And where there is money, there are those who seek every opportunity to relieve the unsuspecting of their money. In the spring of 1890, a gang of itinerant, unattached men arrived in the Punxsutawney area with the intention of gathering as much money as they could, in as short a time as possible.

The itinerants were systematic in their approach. They used aliases. John Wier, James Lewis, and Robert White introduced themselves to locals in

On Saturday evening, according to Morey Frank, store manager at Horatio, Officer William Smiles, of the Coal and Iron Police at Horatio, stopped and vis-

Punxsutawney as Charlie Wilson, James Lane, and William Burns when they registered at different local hotels in the town. They engaged in casual conversations with local people to learn about opportunities in the area.

The talk in the town in March 1890 was about the week-long sale at Frank Miller’s store in Clayville not far from Horatio Mines. Word on the street was that Sheriff Sutter, who was conducting the sale, had a safe in his wagon shop where he kept his valu-

The National Hotel, 1908. This hotel was built on the site at the intersection of Union and Gilpin Streets in Punxsutawney where the original Forest Hotel, operated by Jacob Burkett, once stood. In 1859, the Forest House was renamed the National Hotel with Robert Bouch as the proprietor. In 1890, it was the oldest hotel in Punxsutawney, and it was where the itinerants involved in the shooting of Officer Smiles stayed. The National Hotel burned Wednesday afternoon August 3, 1898, and was replaced by the New National Hotel, shown in this picture. (photo courtesy of PAHGS) ited with him in the store about 9 p.m. Officer Smiles, who had previously worked at the BerwindWhite Coal Mining Company at Houtzdale, was familiar with the habits of itinerants at the coal mines. Smiles left the store to continue his rounds. Hearing noise, Morey Frank rushed out and found Officer William Smiles, who had been shot. Frank arranged for Smiles to be carried to his residence at his sister’s house and sent for a doctor.

The itinerants again disappear into the dark.

On the morning of March 22, three itinerants were seen coming out of the Horatio School House. They separated, one walking toward Horatio and the other two following the train tracks toward Punxsutawney.

Lewis and White were arrested by Policeman John

A. Colkitt near the cut in the railroad in the Borough of Punxsutawney. Attorney William M. Fairman took them to see William Smiles where they were identified as part of the gang he had encountered. Later that day, Wier was arrested and brought before William Smiles, who identified him as another one of the gang. The three men were taken to a hearing before ’Squire Cooper. Revolvers were found on all of them, and a diamond glass cutter and a package of powder was also found on Wier. The trio was taken to Frampton & Work’s gallery on Monday morning where they were photographed. A circular with the picture of the three itinerants and descriptions of the two who had escaped arrest was distributed to police departments across the state.

FATHER’S

1. To purchase necessary. Must be 18 to enter. Clip and complete coupon and mail to: Father’s Day Giveaway, Punxsutawney Hometown magazine, 129 Aspen Rd, Punxsutawney, PA 15767

2. All entries must be received by Monday, June 12, 2023.

3. One entry will be selected for each participating business through a random drawing from all entries to be held on Wed., June 14, 2023.

5. Participants can only win once per contest.

6. By participating in the contest, all entries are subject to contest rules.

7. One entry per envelope please.

8. Winners will be announced on our Facebook page after May 10 and in the June Hometown magazine.

Punxsutawney

Groundhog at Yoder’s Antique Mall May 28 - June 3

DAILY

Fantasia Fantasy Faces & More, Food Vendors and Crafters, Bounce House & Games (11am - 9:30 pm)

SUNDAY, MAY 28

• Open mic Karaoke, 1-3 p.m.

• A Day Awaits (Christion Band) 6-7:30 p.m.

MONDAY, MAY 29

• Rock & Roll Pet Store, 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

• 7 Mile Run : 6-7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 30

• Rock & Roll Pet Store, 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• Heather Olson and the Silver Eagles Band, 6-7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31

• Almost Mulberry, 6-7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, JUNE 1

• Magic Dennis, 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• Jeff Krick (Elvis Tribute), 6-7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 2

• Magic Dennis, 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• The Wrangler Band, 6-7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

• Magic Dennis, 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• Killin' Time, 6-9:30 p.m. •

Hometown’s Mother’s Day 2023 Giveaway Winners

Christian Book Store

$25 Gift Certificate

Donna Bottenhorn by Eric Bottenhorn

Pizza Town $20 Gift Card

Pemela Lettie by Darrin

London's Country Creamery $10 Gift Certificate

Cindy Reed by Megan Reed

CRW Home Center

$25 Gift Card

Cathy Shannon by Kids/Grandkids

New Anchor Inn $25 Gift Certificate

Susan Jordan by Amberly Heinze

Punxsy Shop ‘n Save $20 Gift Certificate

Kim Carey by Tyler Titus

Roseman's Florist $10 Gift Certificate

Elsie Snyder by Clay Snyder

Grandma's Kitchen $20 Gift Card

Elaine LeVier by Melissa Vanderslice

Punxy Phil’s Cakes & Steaks Restaurant $25 Gift Certificate

Marian Burkett by Sally Burkett

Please call or text 814-952-3668 or hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com if you are a winner who has not been contacted yet.

My Dad’s

Continued from page 8 flapped in the wind when he pushed the lawnmower in straight lines along the side of his property. Always greeting me with a big smile and a wave, my father would take those measured, perfect strides over to my car, where I would make fun of his old sneakers with the canvas tongues cut out and the orange paper “Safety-First” cap that sat crooked on his head.

“Easier to put them on,” he would laugh, taking off his paper hat, scratching his head, and gesturing toward those beat-up, grass-stained shoes.

Dad loved the Pittsburgh Pirates on warm summer nights, sled rides on snowy winter evenings, and burning leaves on crisp fall days. Most of all, my dad loved me. One day, when I was a little girl, my father took me to a get-together that was held at a friend’s summer place on Route 36 – on the way to Indiana. Their stone home was located deep in a forest filled with lofty, dark, green pine trees; a wrought iron fence surrounded the entire property. Clutching my dad’s hand, we walked through a big gate and down a dirt path that led to a small cottage that looked just like the one in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Fascinated, I gazed at the windows; they all had wooden shutters with a blossom-filled flower box under each one. Covered in multicolored field stone and almost completely draped with thick ivy, the house seemed magical to me, and I waited to see if a tiny fairy or a beautiful princess would peek out at me from one of the panes of glass.

To the left of the front of the fairy tale dwelling – there in the lawn – a small puppet theater sat ready to entertain and amuse the children at the party. The problem was – that show scared me for some reason. The puppets jerked their arms and legs as the puppeteer yanked on the strings. They banged into each other or stuck limbs in and out, up and down. Frightened, I clung to my dad’s leg and buried my face in the soft material of his trousers. He just held my hand a little tighter and everything was okay then. Nothing could hurt me as long as my dad was there. These days, dad’s not physically with me anymore. Neither is my mom. Regardless, I kept his old garden shoes and a vintage can of his favorite car wax in our garage. His orange “Safety-First” cap hangs on a peg there too, and I’m always careful to mow in straight rows when I cut the lawn. I’m always on time, I love parades, and I put ketchup on most everything, especially hotdogs at a Pirates game – my dad sure would be proud that I haven’t folded to the popular practice of topping my dog with mustard. I still have his trumpet in its red velvet case, a poignant memento of Dad’s service to his country. I think of my father every time I hear a military march. Here’s to everyone who believes that their dad is a hero, even if he drives an old station wagon and doesn’t fly, even if he sports goofy garden shoes with no laces, and doesn’t wear a superhero cape, even if he’s no Picasso – even if he’s just a regular dad with a pencil and paper who enjoys drawing for his child. Here’s to everyone who thinks their dad is the greatest man in the world – and the smartest one, too. Here’s to everyone still lucky enough to talk with their dads once in a while – or more! Finally, here’s to all heavenly dads – including my own wheelbarrow-pushing dad – who keep watch over us.

Murder at Horatio

Two of the men arrested were transferred to the County Jail at Brookville. The third one would follow later.

Officer William Smiles died on Monday, March 24, 1890, and the charges against the itinerants became one of murder.

The trial for the three itinerants took place on Friday, December 5, 1890. It took the whole morning to select members of the jury who were: David Hartman, Reynoldsville; W.M. Brown, Union

Township; Robert S. Wolf, Washington Township; John Hillis, Winslow; James Cooper, Brockwayville; Peter Mineweaser, Eldred; Philip Mehring, Clayville; Samuel Holt, Snyder; Noah Strouse, Winslow; John Reily, Brookville; Hiram Deemer, Pinecreek; and C.A. Stephenson, Reynoldsville.

The trial commenced that afternoon with Attorney Fairman stating the circumstances and the evidence by which the Commonwealth was bringing the charge of murder.

The information provided to the jury included: a map of Horatio; testimony of Morey D. Frank regarding the event on the night of March 21, which was substantiated by John Garrett and John Richards; testimony of Dr. Hamilton; testimony by hotel operators and others who had seen the itinerants in Punxsutawney and the Horatio vicinity; information provided by the arresting officers; statements by the family of William Smiles; and statements by William Smiles, including his description of approaching the itinerants and asked what they were doing in that vicinity and the altercation that ensued, including the exchange of gunshots and his identification of the individuals on trial as those who shot him. On Saturday, December 6, at 4:30 p.m., the prosecution completed its presentation. The Court recessed until 10 o’clock Monday morning.

On Monday, December 8, the trial continued. The attorneys for the defense recalled several of the Commonwealth’s witnesses and brought in witnesses, whose testimony called into question the type of guns the defendants had in their possession. Each of the three defendants testified that they had left the coke ovens about eight o’clock on March 21, went to the school where a miner’s meeting was being held, and went into the school house after the meeting and stayed there all night. A Mr. Swabb, testifying on behalf of the defendants, stated that William Smiles owned a Smith & Wesson double action hammerless, .38 caliber revolver; that Smiles’s revolver was a five-shooter, that all five chambers were filled before the shooting, and that Smiles had emptied his revolver, also that not more than seven shots were heard.

Although the Commonwealth had a large number of witnesses waiting who could testify to the character of the defendants, the Court chose not to hear them, and evidence was closed Monday afternoon.

On the morning of December 9, 1890, the Court heard final statements by the Commonwealth and the Defense. Judge Wilson’s charge to the jury lasted an hour and a half. At 10:30 a.m. the case went to the jury. At 5 p.m. the jury returned, their verdict: Guilty of Murder in the Second Degree. The men were sent to the Western Penitentiary.

Postscript: In February 1900, Robert White, alias William Burns, and Manayunk Whitney, of Philadelphia, and James Lewis, alias James Lane or Lean, and Shenandoah Jimmy, of Schuylkill County, were released from the Western Penitentiary on February 1, having served sentences of 10 years and 11 months each for the murder of William Smiles. They were immediately rearrested on charges of felonious assault and battery, shooting an officer, and larceny. Wier remained in the penitentiary. The two itinerants who escaped prosecution in Jefferson County were the Kelly Brothers, who in 1890 were convicted of the murder of John Mutcher in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, in 1890.

This article has been prepared by the Coal Memorial Committee of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society. Resources used in preparing his article are from PAHGS, Punxsutawney News @ Newspapers.com., and the Library of Congress. Direct comments to PAHGS, P.O. Box 286, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. A dedication for the 2023 memorial tile additions to the Punxsutawney Area Coal Memorial will take place on Sunday, September 3, 2023. The last chance for including a tile in the 2023 dedication is rapidly approaching – tiles must be purchased by June 30, 2023.. A Coal Memorial tile may honor persons who worked in any aspect of the coal industry, including railroads and ancillary services. Additional information and forms may be found online at www.punxsyhistory.org or may be requested by an email to punxsyhistory@outlook.com, or calling (814) 938-2555 and leaving a message • • •

Kenneth E. Miller of Cloe

May 29, 1945 - April 24, 2023

Ken was an active member of the Cloe United Methodist Church for 42 years, serving as a Sunday School teacher, Lay Speaker, Lay Leader, President of the Church Board and member of the men’s group. Music was an important part of Ken’s life, and he provided music in various ways but was best known for singing in the Kingdom Praise Men’s Quartet at churches, nursing homes, and festivals. Ken was a former member of the Elk Run Fire Department. He worked 35 years for PennDOT as a heavy equipment operator. Ken enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and spending time at his camp. He had a good sense of humor. Most of all Ken loved spending time with his family, the joy of his life.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; a son, Robert (Lorena) Miller; a daughter, Jean (Scott) Rose; a grandson, Ian Robert Rose; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Glendola (Frampton) Miller; three sisters, Velma Kitchen, Hazel Long, and Elsie Marie Miller; and a brother, Ronald Miller. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Virgil C. Buzard of Punxsutawney

April 21, 1946 - April 25, 2023

Virgil was an active member of the Canoe Ridge Church of God, where he enjoyed mowing the grass and taking care of the church. He also was a proud member of the NRA. He was a graduate of Red Bank High School. Virgil worked most of his career at IA Construction and retired from Derry Construction. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting – especially deer and turkey – and watching the Pirates, Penguins, and Steelers. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and visiting with friends. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Judith “Judy” (McCracken) Buzard; a daughter, Kelly Koppenhaver; three grandchildren, Rylie Koppenhaver, and Bailey and Tanner Snyder; one great-grandchild, Cooper DeFelice; a stepson, Christopher (Jennifer) Snyder; a daughter-in-law, Stephanie Snyder; a sister, Lucille (Marlin) Rupp; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents,

Clark and Josephine (Springer) Buzard; a stepson, Martin Earl Snyder; three sisters, Wilma Kriebel, Nancy Oss, and Joanne Vuichoud; and a brother, Donald Buzard. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Donna L. Weaver of Mahaffey

February 26, 1938 - April 27, 2023

Donna worked for Butler Association for the Blind. She was most known for working at the driver’s license center in Punxsutawney for over 20 years. Donna loved puzzles and crocheting, and she was a volunteer for Community Action. She loved spending time with her family, her cats, and taking care of her grandchildren.

She is survived by two daughters, Melanie (Ken) D. Voris and Tracy D. Weaver; two grandchildren, Rebekah E. Voris, DuBois, and Ryan K. Voris, San Rafael, California. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer Milton and Lola I. (Wetzel) Gaston; her husband, Raymond “Jake” Weaver; a sister, Miriam Larsen; and a brother, Lloyd Gaston.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Anna Bell Behrendt of Punxsutawney

August 1, 1931 - April 30, 2023

Anna was a member of Saints Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church. She enjoyed cooking and baking, and she loved her family.

She is survived by a daughter and four sons, Karen (Richard) Ganz, James (Diane), Gary (Debra), Gerald (Becky), and Daniel; seven grandchildren, Allan (Amanda), Chris, Todd, Heather (Andrew) Martin, DJ (Lindsey), Stacey, Nicole (Kyle); 14 great-grandchildren; three great-greatgrandchildren; a brother, Samuel Parise (Carol); and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Anna Marie (Bianco) Parise; husband, James L. Behrendt; a grandson, Dylan Behrendt; three sisters, Rosalie McCullough, Francis McDaniels, and Theresa Spadaro; and three brothers, Thomas, James, and Anthony Parise. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Alice S. Morris of Punxsutawney

August 8, 1926 - April 30, 2023

Alice was a member of the First English Lutheran Church of Punxsutawney and a longtime member of the church’s choir. She was a graduate of the Punxsutawney High School, Class of 1944. After graduation, she worked for the FBI and in the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., from 1944 to 1946. While in Washington, D.C., she witnessed President Roosevelt’s funeral parade. She then married and moved back to Punxsutawney and worked as a telephone operator and then later as a salesperson for Nationwide in Punxsutawney.

Alice was a charter member of the Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild and performed, directed, designed, and served as a seamstress for 40 plays in her lifetime. She thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the Punxsutawney Garden Club.

She is survived by three sons, Danny (Roxanne) Morris, Doug (Helen) Morris, and David (Lesley) Morris; eight grandchildren, Missy (Larry) Rogers, Kelley (Brian) Cooper, Kristin (Jon) Dean, Marla Morris and Scott Gibson, Sarah (Levi) Rogers, Sean (Alyssa) Morris, and Ian (Destinee) Morris; five great-grandchildren, Jayna and Noah Cooper, Holden Gent, Asa Rogers and Maxby Morris; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, William M. Morris, and parents, Ethel (Sickles) and Harry Smith, she was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Chuck Smith, a sister, Mary Lou Cooper, and a granddaughter, Rachel Morris. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com)

William Joseph Jarbeck, II of Punxsutawney

May 21, 1947 - May 1, 2023, at his home

Bill was a Vietnam War Veteran, having served in the U.S. Army as a heavy truck operator.

Bill was a lifelong member of the American Legion, a member of Punxsutawney Elks Lodge #301, which honored him as Elk of the Year 2014-15, the Punxsutawney FOE #1231, and St. Adrian Catholic Church. Bill was a self-employed truck driver, a skilled mechanic, and the owner of Bill’s Auto Service. Bill was a country music lover. When he was younger, he enjoyed hunting with his dad, siblings, and brothers-in-law. He also enjoyed studying and learning about guns, coins, and antiques. He had an endless knowledge of vehicles, especially Lincolns and trucks, but no truck was better than a Dodge! Bill will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered for his wit and one-liners, especially reminding everyone, “What it is, it is.”

He is survived by his daughter, Josie Jarbeck of Erie; his son, William Jarbeck, III; wife, Lori (DeSalve); two grandchildren, Chloe Jarbeck and Taylor Jarbeck; his dear friend Thelma Freedline; and many foster children. He is also survived by his siblings: Frank James Jarbeck (Gloria Pulford), Barbara (Bill) Reis, Patricia (Richard) Brubaker, Robert Jarbeck, Christine Braughler, Rebecca (Roy) Ramirez (Roy), Beatrice (Kenny) Jarbeck-Burk, Bonnie Jarbeck Kline, Jeffrey (Tracy) Jarbeck, Marlene (Troy) Sherwin, and Julie (Don) Jarbeck-Walko, and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was a dog lover and he will be sorely missed by his pups, Shadow and Buddy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William J. Jarbeck, Sr., and Laura Jean Fonner Jarbeck; his wife, Patricia Sweeney Jarbeck; his sister, Wilma Jean Jarbeck; and three brothers, Richard, Douglas and Dennis. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Frederick C. “Fred” Pennington of Rossiter

March 11, 1949 - May 6, 2023

Fred was a 1967 graduate of the Punxsutawney Area High School. On November 29, 1969, he married the love of his life, Arlene Elizabeth Miller. They were happily married for 53 years.

He worked as a mechanic for IA Construction and retired from STA Bus Company. Fred was an avid hunter, gun collector, gunsmith, and classic car enthusiast. He was a lifetime member of the Rossiter Volunteer Fire Company and the NRA. He was also a member of the PA Gun Collectors Association and the Classic Car Club of America.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene E. Pennington; a son, Donnie Pennington; three daughters, Shawna (Stephen) Sterling, Shelly Pennington, and Jenna (Jason) Arnold; nine grandchildren, Bradley Arnold, Joey (Shacha) Carney, Dani Carney, Ali Carney, Andy Carney, Blaze (Josie) Sterling, Angellica (Alexa) Sterling, Zach Aston, and Sydney Aston; eight

Continued from previous page great-grandchildren; a son-in-law, Ed Carney; a brother, Ed (Peggy) Pennington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Henrietta (Stamler) Pennington; a daughter, Brandi Carney; and a brother, Dennis Pennington.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Richard Louis Vizza of Punxsutawney

May 14, 1956 - May 9, 2023

Rick was a member of Saints Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church, where he served as an usher. He was an active member of the Walston Club where he served as past president and was currently on the board of directors. Rick worked for his father at Vizza’s Comet Supermarket. He then became a vendor for Nickles Bakery. Rick retired as an independent operator with Stroehmann Bakeries. He was active in his community, especially the Walston Club, where he would help in fundraising, organizing benefit dinners and golf outings. He was always willing to talk and make new friends whenever he could. A friend to Rick was a friend for life. He was an avid golfer and played whenever he could. He also enjoyed throwing darts, traveling, and experiencing new sights, even going to a few concerts.

First and foremost, Rick loved his family. He loved spending time visiting and hanging out around the fire pit and checking in to just say hello.

He is survived by his fiancée, Amy Hauserman; two daughters, Kassidy (Lee) R. Leitch and Krystal (Joel) R. Vrobel; his sister, Patti (Bill) Uzzo; two nephews, Joel Uzzo and fiancée, Leslie, and Ryan (Danielle) Uzzo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis J. and Mary Louise (Petkash) Vizza. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Frederick “Dale” Aimino of Punxsutawney

January 20, 1938 - May 9, 2023

Dale had a strong faith that he shared with anyone that would listen. He was also sure to tell everyone to “keep the faith” and “keep looking up.” After joining the Marine Corps, he participated in the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, which is a 24-man rifle platoon that performs a unique precision drill exhibition. Dale also was part of the Marine Corps wrestling team that earned him the opportunity to try out for the US Olympic Wrestling Team.

After his honorable discharge from the Marines, he worked for Youngstown Sheet and Tube. He then started selling produce from a small stand. Shortly after, he started Aimino’s Market in 1963. After Aimino’s Market closed in 1987, Dale began selling produce at local auctions. He also started transporting the Amish. Not just locally, but he traveled to Canada, Mexico, and all over the US. This was something that he and his wife greatly enjoyed.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Mary Lou Aimino; four children, Joseph D. (Cyndi) Aimino, Michael T. (Lori) Aimino, Barbara Aimino and David Galka, and Beth Anne (Michael) McKendree; 12 grandchildren, Joshua (Kaila) Aimino, Rick Aimino, Amy Aimino and Zachary Jobe, Sandra (Brandon) Cunkleman, Aislinn Aimino, Domenic Aimino, Madeline Aimino, Grace Aimino, Isabella Aimino, Raphel Aimino, Zachary McKendree and Breanna McKendree; a great-grandson, James Hunter Cunkleman; and his siblings, Dominick Aimino, Betty Erickson, Mary Buterbaugh, and Earl Aimino; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dominick and Helen (Bish) Aimino. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Dorlies Burroughs of Punxsutawney

August 3, 1931 - May 11, 2023

Dorlies had a long career with Raytheon Corporation in Connecticut and later in New Hampshire. She moved to Punxsutawney in 1978 to be close to her family and worked for Rockville, then Equimeter and Invensys. After her retirement she worked for her son-in-law, Dr. Cherian, in his office and was lovingly referred to as “Mrs. B.” by the patients. She enjoyed working until she was 88 years old.

She enjoyed shopping for deals at the mall, baking zucchini bread, taking cruises to faraway places, and hitting the slot machines, but most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Lorraine Cherian, and husband Dr. George Cherian; two granddaughters, Michelle Cherian and husband, Andres Sandell, Jessica Cherian; two grandsons, Dr. Michael Cherian and wife, Brooke Doney-Cherian, and Dr. Jeffery Cherian and Heather Chapman-Cherian; three great-grandchildren, Alexander George Cherian, Samantha Diane Cherian, and Letti Dorlies Cherian.

In addition to her husband, Edward Burroughs, she was preceded in death by her parents, Rudolph and Wilhelmina Klever.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Martha Jean “Marcy” Gearhart of Fruitland Park, Florida formerly of Punxsutawney

December 30, 1940 - May 14, 2023

Marcy was active in the Jefferson County Republican Party. She was a caregiver for over 30 years, caring for people around the area. She enjoyed driving her golf cart and visiting her neighbors in Florida, attending flea markets and yard sales, and playing bingo.

She is survived by four sons, Jerry H. (Olga) Pearce, Carl E. (Mary) Ackerson, Patrick J. Ackerson, and Michael S. (Betsy) Ackerson; eight grandchildren; and numerous greatgrandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lavera (Pierce) Pearce; her husband, Clyde “Skeets” Gearhart, and two brothers, John Pearce and Peter Pearce.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Phyllis B. Bair of Punxsutawney

April 2, 1929 - May 14, 2023

Phyllis was a member of Grace United Methodist Church of Punxsutawney. She enjoyed spending time with her family, crocheting, knitting, doing jigsaw puzzles, and quilting.

She is survived by a son, Terry (Kaye) Bair; son-in-law, Larry Chenoga; three grandchildren, Michele Limerick, Kelly Emerson, and Lisa Wiley; five greatgrandchildren, Audrey, Max, William, Lillian and Henry; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, William G. Bair, and parents, Sarah (Shaffer) and Harry Brocious, she was preceded in death by three children, Pamela Chenoga, Gerald Bair, and Kerry Bair, and seven siblings, Marie, Bernice, Audrey, Richard, Emerson, Delbert, and Howard.

Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com) u

Please visit the websites of the funeral homes listed to view the complete obituary, sign their guestbooks, plant a tree, and offer your condolences. u

If you have a loved one who has passed away and would like to publish the obituary in Punxsutawney Hometown magazine, please contact us at hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com or call (814) 952-3668.