OBITUARIES

Franklin, PA Obituaries

Local Obituaries for Franklin, PA, Venango County & Surrounding Areas

Dr. Leonard W. Hess

Dr. Leonard W. Hess

Oct 12, 2024

Dr. Leonard W. Hess, 74, of Franklin, passed away on October 12, 2024 at UPMC Hamot in Erie.

He was a beloved husband and father who honorably served his country in the United States Navy.

There will be no services at this time. 

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. 312 West Park St. Franklin, PA 16323. 

Online condolences...

Richard Thomas Beith

Richard Thomas Beith

Oct 11, 2024

Richard Thomas Beith, 77, of Franklin passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024. Rick was a beacon of happiness and optimism to all who knew him. He had a smile that could light up the room, a wry sense of humor, and an ardent desire to serve the community he loved. 

Rick was born in Franklin on May 20, 1947 to...

Diane M. Craft Eckel

Diane M. Craft Eckel

Oct 3, 2024

Diane M. Craft Eckel, 76 of Franklin, passed away Thursday evening, October 3, 2024 surrounded by her family at the Collins House.

Born in Oil City on October 7, 1947 she was the daughter of the late Everett C. and Mable Marie Young Craft.

Diane was a 1965 graduate of Cranberry High School 

She worked for a number of years as manager at...

Gary S. Kiselka, Sr.

Gary S. Kiselka, Sr.

Oct 1, 2024

Gary S. Kiselka, Sr., 71, of Cortland, OH, formerly of Franklin, passed away on October 1, 2024 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Warren, OH. 

The son of Walter J. and Darlene E. Heron Kiselka, Gary was born on February 17, 1953 in Pittsburgh.

Gary was a graduate of Franklin High School. For years, he was known as a mechanic in Venango County...

Esther Emma Sophia Heckler King

Esther Emma Sophia Heckler King

Sep 21, 2024

We are sad to announce that Esther Emma Sophia Heckler King, aged 87, passed away peacefully at her home in Franklin on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Esther was born on August 26, 1937, in Daisytown, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Frank and Hedwig Maslo Heckler. After graduation from California Community High School in 1955, she went on to earn a bachelor's degree...

James Evan Dickson

James Evan Dickson

Sep 17, 2024

James E. Dickson, 78, of Polk, passed away Tuesday, September 17, after an extended illness at UPMC Passavant. 

Born on June 21, 1946, he was the son of the late James R. and Dorothea Louise Anthony Dickson.

James was a 1965 graduate of Franklin High School. 

Soon after completing high school, James was drafted by the US Army in October 1965. While in...

Benjamin Glenn Andrews

Benjamin Glenn Andrews

Sep 15, 2024

Benjamin Glenn Andrews, 64, of Polk, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, September 15, 2024, after an incredibly brave and hard fought battle with cancer. A battle that he faced head-on with endless courage and grace, never once complaining about his situation.

Ben was born in Mercer on Wednesday, January 13, 1960. He was the eldest child and first...

Ralph G. Deeter

Ralph G. Deeter

Sep 10, 2024

Ralph G. Deeter, 78, of Cooperstown, passed away the morning of Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at UPMC Hamot in Erie. 

The son of Gordon and Betty Myers Deeter, Ralph was born on July 3, 1946 in Titusville.

Ralph was a 1965 graduate of Titusville High School. After graduating and working on his trade, Ralph started his career with Pennzoil. He held a...

Emily Jane Allen

Emily Jane Allen

Sep 8, 2024

Emily Jane Allen (née Reed), of Franklin passed away at home surrounded by her family on September 8, 2024, at the age of 85. 

Born on December 4, 1938, she was the daughter of Milton and Dorothy Reed.

She graduated from Franklin High School in 1956. She worked at Chicago Pneumatic Tool before starting her family.

On April 24, 1965, she married her...

Karen Sue Adams

Karen Sue Adams

Sep 6, 2024

Karen Sue Adams, 69, of Cooperstown, passed away at 9:13 A.M. on Friday, September 6, 2024 at The Caring Place in Franklin.

Born in Franklin on September 27, 1954, she is the daughter of Clarence McCool Sr. and the late Sarah Matteson McCool. 

Karen was an avid bingo player and loved her animals. She loved her family and would do anything she...

Mary Lou Lazar

Mary Lou Lazar

Sep 3, 2024

Mary Lou Lazar, 93, of Franklin, passed away the morning of Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at the Collins House.

She was born on April 25, 1931 in Claridge, PA. She was daughter of Charles R. and Claira Bell Hostetler. 

Mary Lou graduated in 1948 from Penn Township High School and from Indiana State Teacher College in 1952.

She was married to her husband,...

Arianna Love Miller

Arianna Love Miller

Sep 1, 2024

Arianna Love "Ari" Miller, 18, of New Castle passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024 in her home. 

The daughter of Aaron Miller and Wendy Wiggins, Ari was born on February 12, 2006 in Seneca.

She was a 2024 high school graduate. 

Ari loved to sing, listen to music, and was a gifted young artist. She always told jokes and made it a...

Susan Marie King

Susan Marie King

Aug 28, 2024

Susan Marie King, 51, of Cranberry, passed away unexpectedly from natural causes at her home on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.

Susan was born in Erie, PA on November 7, 1972. She graduated in 1991 from Cranberry High School. 

Susan was a free, outgoing spirit who enjoyed spending her time surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was a kind soul who loved...

Arthur John Slocum

Arthur John Slocum

Aug 21, 2024

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Arthur John Slocum, of Franklin, on August 21, 2024 at Sugarcreek Care Center.

John was born in Franklin on February 9, 1932 to the late Lucian Lee and Myrna Baker Slocum. He was the fifth of seven children. John was the last surviving member of his family.

He attended elementary school...

JoAnne Marie Valetich

JoAnne Marie Valetich

Aug 12, 2024

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of JoAnne Marie Valetich, who left us on Monday, August 12th, 2024. Born on November 27, 1939, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, daughter of Marija Vestic and Joseph Bacich. 

She was destined to marry her loving husband Spike (Carl Valetich) of 60 years. Their paths first crossed when their mothers met in the...

Larry D. Bell

Larry D. Bell

Aug 6, 2024

With great sadness, our family announces the passing of our beautiful, wise and beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Larry Dean Bell, 83 of Franklin. Larry left this earthly place to be with our Lord Jesus in his heavenly home. 

Born in Nineveh, PA on September 21, 1940 he was the son of the late Franklin D. and Betty June Hartman...

Sheri A. Zerres Steiner

Sheri A. Zerres Steiner

Aug 5, 2024

Sheri A. Zerres Steiner, 56, of Franklin, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2024 at her home. 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park Street, Franklin. 

A private graveside service will be held on Monday at Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens. 

In honor of Sheri's love for all animals, memorial donations can be made to the Venango...

Theodore E. Ditzenberger

Theodore E. Ditzenberger

Jul 30, 2024

Theodore E. Ditzenberger, 74, of Franklin, passed away the morning of Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at UPMC Northwest. 

The son of Robert W. and Frances I. Phillips Ditzenberger, Theodore was born on September 18, 1949 in Franklin. 

After attending Franklin High School, Theodore worked on the railroad for 15 years. He also worked as a gifted self-employed carpenter for most of his...

Richard W. Farrar

Richard W. Farrar

Jul 28, 2024

Richard W. Farrar, 95, of Polk, passed away the evening of July 28, 2024 at the Caring Place. 

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on January 27, 1929.

There will be no services.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.HuffGuthrie.com.

Thomas R. "T.J." Cox Jr.

Thomas R. "T.J." Cox Jr.

Jul 24, 2024

Thomas R. "T.J." Cox Jr., 37, of Franklin, passed away unexpectedly on July 24, 2024 at UPMC Hamot in Erie.

Born in Ventura, CA on October 26, 1986, he was the son of Tom Sr. and Tyla (Corrales) Cox.

He was a graduate of Oil City High School and then New Castle School of Trades.

T.J. was huge on family and helping others...

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Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. is a collection of obituaries for Franklin, PA & throughout Venango County. With services throughout Pennsylvania that are updated regularly. Find local obituaries and join us in celebrating memories and honoring their lives and legacies.