Helen T. Carlsen, 84, of Hallstead, PA went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 3, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her husband of 44 years, Arthur Martin Carlsen; a son, Arthur Thomas Carlsen; an infant grandson, Scott Carlsen; a brother, Frank; three sisters, Kate, Sophie, and Nellie; and many extended family members. She was born in Bridgewater Township to the late George and Mary Brudz Starzec.

She is survived by her children, James and Brenda Carlsen, Hallstead, PA, Ann Marie Carlsen, Maryville, TN, Mary Lou and Todd Zurn, Conklin, NY, and Mark and Lisa Carlsen, Lafayette, IN; daughter-in-law, Donna Carlsen, Spring Hill, FL; grandchildren, Jeff and Emily Carlsen, Melissa and Sean Franz, Heather and Edward Kogut, Amanda and Max Pham, Taylor Carlsen, Christopher Carlsen, Kristine Carlsen, Jordan and Suzanne Carlsen, Tori Zurn, Troy Zurn, Emily Carlsen, Abigail Carlsen; great grandchildren, Katelyn and Kyle Carlsen, Hannah and Mollie Franz, Isabella and Atticus Kogut, Max Jr. and Delilah Pham; two brothers, Edward Starzec and John and Pat Starzec; three sisters-in-law, Ruth Arnold, Gerry Carlsen, and Lois Carlson; a brother-in-law, Edward Olszewski; numerous nieces and nephews; neighbors and very dear friends, Mary and Norm Button.

Helen grew up on the family farm in Montrose filled with faith, family devotion and a strong work ethic. She retired from the Blue Ridge school system in 1993 after 20 years making friends and memories. She was member of St. Lawrence church. She was an accomplished seamstress who loved to make anything from bridesmaid’s dresses for her granddaughters to all types of crafts that she took great pleasure in giving to her family and friends. She loved sports and played basketball during her high school years but especially enjoyed supporting and cheering on her children and later grandchildren’s sporting and special school events. She was an avid bowler and was treasurer for her bowling league for many years. The most important aspect of Helen’s life was the love she shared with her kids and grandkids. She always said she lived for her kids and was devoted in every way to their well-being and happiness, being a positive influence in their daily lives.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at the Tuttle-Yeisley Funeral Home, Inc. and at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated. Interment will be made in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Memorial contributions: Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Clifford Allen Rice, 45 of Prospect St. Oakland, PA passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.

He was predeceased by his parents Frederick G. and Martha (White) Rice Sr. and his sister Deborah Rice Butts.

He is survived by his longtime companion Victoria Bown; four daughters Casey, Angela, Victoria and Cinthia Rice; two Brothers Frederick Rice Jr. of West Virginia, Donald and Sherri Rice of Alabama; one sister Trina Rice Rossi of West Virginia; several nieces and nephews. Also he is survived by his best friends (brothers) since grade school Steven Nalbone, Rob Cohen and Mike Hallisey.

Cliff loved life and everything about it. Always willing to help anyone and never once asking for anything in return. He never knew the words “it can’t be done” if you thought it or asked it Cliff found a way and did it. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Currently Cliff was employed by G and W trucking in New Milford, PA. He had a heart of gold to all that knew him and will be deeply missed by many.

A funeral service was held on Sunday, January 6, 2013, at 4pm at the Hennessey’s Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Ave. Susquehanna, PA, with Rev. Leanne Campbell officiating.

Burial will be in the Tower Hill Cemetery in Tower Hill, Pa.

Arnold E. “Gene” Slocum, 80, of Lake Panasoffkee, FL, went to be with the Lord on December 23, 2012 at the Lane Purcell Hospice House in Sumterville, FL with his devoted companion, Nancy Nash, by his side.

Born in Susquehanna, PA, son of Scott and Sattie Slocum, as one of ten children, and is survived by brother George (Esther) Slocum and sister, Ella Mae (Joseph) Stone. Survivors include son, Douglas (Darlene) Slocum, daughters Carole Slocum, and Victoria (Jack) Katchuck; grandsons Christopher (Brooke) Slocum, Matthew (Kendra) Connolley, great grandchildren Ava and Blake Slocum, stepchildren Harry (Michele) Shafer, Sandra Shafer (Grant) Jones, and April Shafer (David) Johnson. In addition he has eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; many nieces and nephews. Gene was predeceased by his wife, Marion (Shafer) Slocum, brothers Wilbur, Scott, Harry and Walter, sisters Edna, Ruth and Marion.

He was a lifetime member of the United Methodist church and also a member of the VFW and NRA. He enlisted in the US Army in 1949, stationed in Germany. He was employed by the Erie Railroad, General Electric and IBM. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying deer hunting, camping, fishing, and gardening. He was known for his wood and metal crafts, his BBQ chicken, and for having a “hole-in-one” golfing. He was a kind and giving man with a big heart and a great laugh. He treasured his family and friends and set a loving example to be carried down through the generations. Gene was also a valued member of his community and will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of New Milford, PA. on Saturday, January 19th at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First UMC of New Milford, P.O. Box 436, New Milford, PA. 18834.

Angelo Stella, 85, passed away after an illness on Monday evening, December 24, 2012 at his home in Manassas, VA. Angelo was born in the Pennsylvania borough of Susquehanna Depot, the son of the late Pasqual and Maria (Mastroprietro) Stella. He was pre-deceased by his twin brother Louis of Endicott, NY, his brother Mark Joseph of Susquehanna, PA, and his sister Virginia (Stella) Znamirowski of Susquehanna, PA. He is survived by his daughter Judy and son-in-law Pete Nowakowski of Reston, VA; his son S. Todd Stella, daughter-in-law Georgeanna, and grandchildren Lauren and Collin of Herndon, VA; a brother Albert Alexander Mark Stella of Susquehanna, PA; many nephews and nieces; and several relatives in Italy and France.

Angelo served in the Navy on board the U.S.S. Macon during WWII and later in the Marines and Air Force. He began a long and dedicated career in the Federal Civil Service at the Department of State, stationed in Germany. He joined the Department of Commerce and after many years there retired as a senior computer analyst. Angelo was a member of the Italian Cultural Society of Washington, DC; the Order of the Sons of Italy in America; and All Saints Catholic Church of Manassas. His life was marked by love of family and steady, quiet, selfless acts of charity and kindness.

A private memorial service will be held in Susquehanna, PA, at the convenience of family.