John Aldrich Sr., 72, of New Milford, PA entered into rest on June 2, 2014.  He was predeceased by his parents, Sidney and Doris Aldrich, and two brothers, Glen and James. 

John is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Kathy Oakley Aldrich; three children, Tammy and Derrian Sisler, Benson, NC, Wendy and Paul Zapolski, Friendsville, PA, and John S. Aldrich Jr. and Stacie, Hallstead, PA; six grandchildren, Cody, Saige, Joseph, Alexi, Haley, and Ben; siblings, Robert and Freida Aldrich, Gail and Ernest Bodnar, Tom and Rita Aldrich, Jean and Norman Merill; many nieces and nephews; and his companion cat, Turbo.

John was employed as a truck driver for most of his life.  He enjoyed family picnics and holiday gatherings.  He loved hunting, gardening, and watching old Westerns. 

A celebration of his life was held Sunday, June 8, 2014 at the Tuttle-Yeisley Funeral Home, Inc., Hallstead, PA.  Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to True Friends Animal Welfare Center, 16332 PA Rte 706, Montrose, PA 18801.

Joseph R. Keevill, 75, Susuqehanna, PA, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2014 after an extended illness. He was born May 21, 1939 in Philadelphia, PA to Frederick James and Gertrude (McAdams) Keevill. A veteran of the US Navy; he served on the USS Antietam. A graduate of the IBEW as a master electrician, he was also part-time police officer for the Borough of Susquehanna until his retirement in 2002. He was a member of the Endless Mountains Classic Cars Cruisers and the Lions Club.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Gertrude and his brothers Frederick and Robert Keevill. He was also predeceased by his wife Cookie Keevill in 2001.

He is survived by his loving companion of thirteen years, Ann Marie Lee; his sons John (Eileen) Keevill of West Chester, James (Paula) Edwards of Binghamton, NY; and daughter AnnMarie (Chris) Clarke of Sennett, NY. Special “adopted” child Jennifer (Michael) Payne of Susquehanna and the rest of the Lee children. Grandchildren Lindsey (Brendan) Dougherty, Sheena (Greg Rollins) Keevill, Anthony Cartalano, Liam Joseph Keevill, Frederick and James Edwards, and Kaelin Payne. Great-grandchildren include Lillian Baker, Noah Rollins and soon-to-be Baby Dougherty. Special friends Paul (Beverly) Hudzina, David (Carol) Scales, Jane Hunter, June and Felix Bartotto and Joyce Amon, as well as Florida friends where he and Ann spent their winter months.

A genuine and phenomenal thank you to Doctors Bob Patel and Frank Schell and the outstanding and awesome nursing and aides at Barnes Kasson Hospital. Thank you to Helen Stiravage and all the home health care aides who provided exceptional care to Joe.

A memorial service was held at the Hennessey’s Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Ave. Susquehanna, PA, on Sunday, June 8, 2014.

Interment directly followed the memorial service in the St. John’s Cemetery, Susquehanna, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made the American Cancer Society in Joseph’s name.

Michael Protz, Jr., 81, of Hallstead, PA went home to be with the Lord on June 2, 2014 with his beloved wife, Dorothy of 55 years by his side.  He was predeceased by his parents, Michael Sr. and Helen Protz, an infant daughter, Cindy Marie, and two sisters, Helen Irene Protz and Barbara Blyshak.

Mike is survived by his children, Beth Ann and Richard Prewitt, Jr., Amy Lynn and Stephen J. Gresh III, and Michael III and Monica Protz; six grandchildren, Kimberly A. Prewitt, Brian R. Prewitt, Emily C. Protz, Stephen J. Gresh IV, Nicholas M. Protz, and Michael A. Gresh; an uncle, Mitch; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Prior to his retirement, Mike was employed as a mechanical engineer with Link Simulator.  He also owned and operated Hallstead Sporting Goods.  Mike was also a PA Hunter Education Instructor for 45 years.  He served with the US Army during the Korean Conflict.  

Mike was a life member of the NRA, PA Federation of Sportsmen’s Club (PFSC), Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Club, Canawacta Rod and Gun Club, and the Hallstead Rod and Gun Club.  He served as the State President of PFSC, Chairman of NE Division PFSC, Chairman of Susquehanna County PFSC, Ducks Unlimited Susquehanna County Chapter, and NRA Susquehanna County Chapter and President of Susquehanna County Trap League.

Mike’s hobbies included, gun smithing, trap shooting, hunting, fishing, collecting Hudson Cars and model trains.

He was awarded the Defender of Freedom September 2013 from the NRA and in January 2013 the Outstanding Hunter Education Instructor Award from the PA Game Commission.  Mike was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the PFSC in 1988.

A Office of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday, June 7, 2014 at Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church, 360 Clinton Street, Binghamton, NY.  Interment will be made in Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Great Bend/Hallstead Volunteer Ambulance Service, Inc., P.O. Box 793, Great Bend, PA 18821 or Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 207 Locust Street, Montrose, PA 18801.

Viola “Vi” (DiGuilio) Ficarro, 85, Susquehanna, PA, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 05, 2014, just two days before her birthday. Vi is predeceased by her loving husband, Joseph, her parents, Guido and Adelia; sisters, Susan Ippolito, Josephine Thomson, and Sylvia Ramos and her brother Angelo.

Her spirit is carried on by her three children and their families: Joseph (Jay) and wife Jerri, Owego, NY, grandchildren Sarah, Jacob and wife Suzi and her great-grandchildren Aurora and Everleigh, Donna (Kieah) and CJ Burnett, Lansing, NY, Thomas (Tom) and wife Beth, Kennesaw, GA, , grandchildren Samantha and Alexis, brothers Francis, Raymond, Hilary, Henry; sisters, Helen Gilson, Madeline Godino, Nancy Medina and Joann Peterson, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Vi worked at Mattis Manufacturing Inc., and then stayed home to care for her family. She was a lifelong member of St. John’s Parish, its Altar and Rosary Society and prepared meals for several of the priests over the years. She was also an American Legion Post #86 Women’s Auxiliary member helping out at their pancake breakfasts and other charitable events. She loved bingo, nights of playing cards with friends and family, and spending time with her family; especially visits from her grandchildren whom she was very proud of. Friends and family were always made welcome in her home and never left hungry. Famous for her homemade pasta and gnocchi, Vi was also an exceptional baker preparing trays and trays of her beloved Italian cookies at Christmas time. Vi’s humor, sharp wit and desire for fun made her a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

A Mass of Christian burial was offered on Monday, June 9, 2014 at 10 am at St. John’s Church, Susquehanna, PA with Fr. Charles P. Connor and Fr. Cramer officiating. Burial will be in the St. John’s Cemetery, Susquehanna, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Church in Vi’s name.

Amy Lynn Oettinger, 42, of Washington St. Susquehanna, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 7, 2014, at her home.

Amy Lynn was survived by her loving husband of 7 years Charles J. Oettinger; mother Florence Payne; father Joseph F. Malpasse; step-father John Cittadino; one son Storm Anderson; a step-son Jeremy Oettinger; two sisters Dawn Irwin and Amanda Butts; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Amy Lynn loved her husband and family and will be dearly missed by all.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, June 10, 2014, at the Hennessey’s Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Ave. Susquehanna, PA, with Pastor Earl Cottrell officiating.