Patricia E. Stone, Age 73, of Ridgebury Township passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center.

Patricia was born September 23, 1947 in Canton, PA daughter of the late Vernon & Lorraine (Bender) Sheets. Following her graduation from high school she obtained her bachelor’s degree in accounting from ECBI. She was married to Dennis P. Stone on June 3, 1967 and enjoyed 53 years together.

She was employed at American Bridge and retired in 2015 from Woodbrook where she worked as their Finance Director. She was a member of the Bentley Creek Wesleyan Church and “L. E. L.” Let Elmira Live who works to improve the quality of life for low income, at risk families residing in and around the Elmira area. In her spare time enjoyed quilting, knitting, gardening and her flowers. She also worked at the Elmira Senior Center and loved to play Dominos with her friends. Patricia was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed by her many family, friends and colleagues.

Surviving are her husband Dennis P. Stone of Ridgebury Township, son and daughter-in-law, Curtis & Kristin Stone of Erin, NY, Amy & Beverly Turner Stone of Rome, PA, granddaughter, Aidyn Stone-Turner of Rome, PA, a brother, Ronald & Pam Sheets of Ojai, California, three sisters, Rebecca Rosenberry of Towanda, PA, Susan & Rick Fritz of Elizabethtown, PA, Anita Jacobus of Hughesville, PA, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 from 2 PM to 4 PM at the Roberts Funeral Home, Inc. 279 Main Street, Wellsburg, NY 14894. Her funeral service will be held following calling hours at 4 PM with her pastor Robert Wuethrich of the Bentley Creek Wesleyan Church officiating. Interment will be when weather permits in Hanlon Hill Cemetery.
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Memorial donations in Patricia’s memory may be made to the Elmira Senior Center Activities Fund, 425 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY 14904 or to the Bentley Creek Wesleyan Church, 13255 Berwick Turnpike, Gillett, PA 16925.

Nancy K. (Chaapel) Preston, 58, of Canton Township, passed away at her residence on Saturday evening, March 13, 2021 with her loving family by her side.

Nancy was born in Blossburg on February 14, 1963 to the late Victor Sr. and Eva (Tillotson) Chaapel. She attended Canton Area Schools and was a graduate of the class of 1981. After High School she attended Williamsport Area Community College where she received a degree in Hair Dressing and Cosmetology. Nancy was a hard worker and most recently employed as a manager of Canton American Legion Post 303 for many years until failing health no longer permitted her to continue.

Nan, as known by many, was very family oriented. She cherished any time with them, especially her grandbabies who were the loves of her life. Nancy was known, every now and then, to instigate a mischievous adventure.  She enjoyed, going on walking hikes, watching wildlife, puzzle books and WWE wrestling on TV. Nan was a talented cook and especially enjoyed preparing for numerous functions and picnics throughout the years.

Surviving are her children; Tonya Dodge Rumsey (Everett Reynolds) and Daniel Dodge (Cassandra Castle) all of Canton, grandchildren; Bubba, Goober, Sissy Roo, Doodle, Zeeman, Maddy, Gannon and Gunner, siblings; Victor (Kathy) Chaapel Jr. of Towanda and Dale (Sherri) Chaapel of Troy, Loretta (Steve) Wilcox of Canton, Bonnie (Roy) Snyder of S. Williamsport, Donna (Randy) Porter of Canton, Cindy Longstreet of Mansfield and Bobbi Jo Chaapel (Mike Dowling) of Zebulan, NC, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins and her beloved canine companion Max.
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A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, Inc., 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton. There will be no visiting hours. Burial will be held in East Canton Cemetery.  In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to help the family with final expenses. Please share memories and condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Charles M Storrs, 87, of Williamsport, formerly of Canton, passed away at his home on Monday,  March 15, 2021, while surrounded by the love of his family. 

Charles Martin was born July 19, 1933 in Canton to the late Lamar and Alice (Bassett) Storrs. He attended Canton Area High School and after school he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  He graduated from Bainbridge MD Navy Training Center in Company 93 as a fireman apprentice. 

Charlie heroically served his time in the US Navy aboard the USS Wisconsin during the Korean War.  Completing his service he returned to Canton and married the former Betsy Palmer in 1955.  Together they shared 21 years and raised 3 children.  During that time he served as a Cub Scout Master, was a member of the Canton Borough Council and the Bradford County Housing Authority.

Charlie was employed by Bellows Valvair Company in Canton for over 18 years.  During that time he took I.C.S. courses and obtained diplomas in Mechanical Drafting and Business Management and Production.  He then was part owner and Vice President of Lemco, Inc., Cogan Station, PA from 1973-1979.  On May 21, 1977 Charles married the former Carola Buchanan and they have shared 43 wonderful years of marriage together.

He was further employed as Manufacturing Manager with Thermacore Door of Williamsport, Plant manager of Heritage Door Company of Philadelphia, Operations Manager of W.B. McGuire Company in Hudson, NY., and Design Engineer and Plant Manager of Envirodor Inc. in Pittsburgh PA.  During his years of employment he was accredited with Patents for Cable Construction Tools.

Charlie had a passion for woodworking and caning chairs.  He was very interested in, and completed his family’s genealogy.  Over the years he wrote and published his Memoirs which has been enjoyed by many family members and friends.  Charlie was a true family man and spending time with them was of utmost importance. He will always be remembered by his many friends and for his great sense of humor.

Surviving Charles are his wife Carola , former wife Betsy,  children; Randy (Helene) Storrs of Trucksville, Richard and the late Beth Storrs of Denham Springs, LA, Darlene ( Randy) Castle of Canton, Angela (Wade) Crimbring of Thrall, TX, Wendy (Mark) Bennett of South Williamsport, and Fred (Bridget) Richter of Canton; Siblings Phyllis (Bill) Beck of Canton, Shirley (Bob) Rathbun of Canton as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
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A memorial service to honor Charlie’s life will be held and announced at a later date.  Arrangements are entrusted to Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, Inc. of Canton, PA.  In lieu of flowers consider a memorial donation in Charlie’s name to Alzheimer’s Foundation or the charity of your choice.  Please share memories and condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.

James “Jake” L. Pardoe, 79, of Forksville passed away Monday, March 15, 2021 at his home.

Born January 14, 1942 in Williamsport. He is a son of the late Nelson Carl and Clara Amy (Hocker) Pardoe.  He married Dottie A. Higley on February 18, 1973 and shared 48 years of marriage.   

Jake graduated from Loyalsock High School in 1960. He received his certification for Lumber Grading from the University of Penn State and was a member of FFA. Jake was a self-employed dairy farmer from 1963 with his brothers Dave and John “Pardoe Bros Century Farm”. He worked at various odd jobs throughout his career and retired from Dairy Farming in 2001. In his spare time, he loved to spend time in his garage “tinkering”, fixing things, and making his own tools for himself and others, as well as hunting and fishing. He would take drives in the country looking for wildlife and taking pictures of clouds. He also enjoyed talking to just about anyone.  

Surviving in addition to his wife, Dottie A. (Higley) Pardoe; is two daughters, Susan L. Pardoe of Shunk, and Kristina M. (Justin) Morgan of Forksville; two sons, Samuel L. Pardoe of Shunk, and Thomas M. (Rhaylene Cooley) Pardoe of Shunk; two sisters, Katherine Leljedal of Towanda and Mary Lou Balzer of Forksville; two grandchildren, Conner Michael Morgan and Porter James Morgan; and two sisters In-law, Marlene Pardoe of Forksville and Ann Pardoe of Williamsport.

In addition to his parents, Jake was preceded in death by four brothers, David, Robert, John, and Carl Pardoe: and a Sister, Helen Pardoe.

Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. 

Jake was a lifelong founding member of Eldredsville Volunteer Fire Co. and in his memory, memorial contributions may be sent to Eldredsville Vol. Fire Co. 402 Rt 4007 Forksville, PA 18616. 

Funeral services have been entrusted to McCarty~Thomas Funeral Home, Dushore. 
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Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to the family at www.mccartythomas.com. 

Wanda M. Murray, 74, wife of Robert “Bill” Murray, life-time resident of West Burlington, Pennsylvania, passed away following her courageous battle with the Covid-19 virus on Friday afternoon, March 19, 2021 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.

The family invites friends to call from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at the Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton. A memorial service to celebrate Wanda’s life will immediately follow at 3 p.m. Please consider wearing masks and social distancing while attending.
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Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mrs. Wanda M. Murray’s name may be directed to a charity of one’s choice. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

Jeannie Smith passed away Feb. 17 2021 in Shanes hospital Gainesville, FL. She was a resident of Starke FL. for 16 years.
Born July 31, 1953 in Williamsport PA. Her parents Walter S. Apker and Shirley Campbell Apker. She married the love of her life Fred Smith of Canton PA in Dec. 1976. She graduated in 1971 at Canton High School. Jeannie and her husband lived in Roaring Branch area for years.

In 1996 they sold their home and went to work for Richie Brothers Auctioneers for a few years and she worked with her husband side by side on heavy equipment. She liked living in her camper trailer. They moved to Delaware and worked there for 7 years. She worked on the job site until she had a heart-attack in 1999. In 2003-2004 she had a serious neck operation.

In 2005 she and her husband decided to move to Florida to retire. But she decided to work at the Wal-Mart store in Starke at the photo lab, a job she enjoyed immensely until her health problems forced her to go on disability. She enjoyed her home. They would go back to Canton area about every 3-4 years and see family, she enjoyed seeing family and friends. She raised Fred’s three sons which she called her own boys. She would tell people they were her boys! She was proud of the way they turned out.

In 2016 she had a very serious foot injury and almost lost her foot. It was the grace of God that her foot was saved. She was very strong in her faith of the lord. In 2017 she had breast cancer but recovered with minor problems. In Oct of 2020 she found she had a very aggressive non-curable cancer. It took her on Feb. 17 2021.

She had a lot of health problems all her life but it didn’t stop her from enjoying life to the fullest. Her and I talked a lot about the end times. She sad that it’ll be great to be with the lord and no more pain. She knew that it would not be long with the type of cancer she had. She passed very peaceably with her husband by her side.

Jeannie was pre-deceased be her daughter Jenni Mari, Sister Josie Lewes and Dion Winter. Surviving are her husband Fred, Fred H. (Lise) of GA. Gerald L. of PA. Eugene (Gigi) of Fl. and sister Debra (Bill) Morgan of PA. She had two very special friends Cindy Moore of Trout Run, and Joan Cavoli of Delaware Burial at the convenience of the family. Any donations in Jeannie’s name be directed to the American Cancer Society.

On Friday, March 5, 2021, Robert M. May passed away peacefully at the age of 81. Robert was affectionately known to most as Mr. Bob or Mr. May within the community that he worked so tirelessly to serve.

Mr. May was born on August 5, 1939 in Granville, Pennsylvania. He moved his family to Palm Beach County, Florida in 1971. He loved Palm Beach County and all of the sunny, warm weather it brought year round. He loved the sunshine, the colorful flowers, and the endless beautiful water views. It is hard to imagine that he was born on a farm and grew up in the back-hills of Pennsylvania since he thrived in the tropical, South Florida setting.

Upon arriving in Florida, Mr. May supported his family by doing private duty home care on Palm Beach Island. He worked daytime hours building the family business while also working overnight shifts caring for his patients. In April of 1974, he purchased his first property to begin housing the elderly. The retirement home business was born. He expanded his vision and continued purchasing properties to house retirees as he and his wife Helen worked endlessly to grow the business. Over the years, the retirement home evolved to serving individuals with mental illness. Mr. May held those with mental difficulties near and dear to his heart. He worked closely with several local agencies and was the go-to contact for the most challenging people to house. He provided them with a safe room to sleep,  three meals each day, and laundry services, all while taking very little money.  His business still operates today and continues to serve the mental health community.

In addition to the group home business, Mr. May continued his entrepreneurial endeavors by expanding his dreams of property ownership. He was driven to succeed at all costs. For many decades, Mr. May acquired housing which came to serve the Palm Beach County residents most in need. He was Mr. Bob to all of them; Mr. Bob who gave them a chance to have a roof over their heads despite having very little money and resources. In some cases, he would even pay for their utilities. This type of stewardship was not an easy venture as it came with long hours, lots of pitfalls, tremendous losses, and an incredible amount of stress which took a toll on his health over the years. That didn’t seem to matter much because Mr. May continued helping the most vulnerable in this way right up until his last breath. It was his way of giving back for the good fortune he had been shown, his way of doing the work of God. The underserved housing and mental health communities looked up to Mr. May in ways not fully understood unless one would be in that situation. He was a good friend and like a father to so many of those he helped.     

Mr. May was preceded in death by his father, Martin May, his beloved mother, Lucy Shoemaker May; sister Benita Hawthorne (Dent Hawthorne); and his sister Marcella Hyde-Smith (John Hyde; Albert Smith).

He is survived by his brother James (Jimmy) Shoemaker; son Bryan L. May (Christine); son Robert L. May (Leisha), son Scott M. May; daughter Valerie E. Morse; and daughter Lisa May Klein (Jeffrey); Grandchildren Nicholas May, Erin May, Miranda May, Robert May Jr., Joel McLellan, Nichole May-Jeanite, Bradlee May, Brandon May, Corey May, Adam Rivera, Megan Klein, Piper Klein, and Cooper Klein; great grandchildren Clayton Mulvaney, Haley May, Leiane May, Bryson May, Amber McLellan, Ryan McLellan, Cailey McLellan, Murielle Jeanite, Amaya Jeanite, Jude Pickett, Ben Rivera, Julien Rivera; niece Linda Hawthorne Henry; nephews Keith Shoemaker and Dwight Shoemaker; great nieces Krista Campbell Roth, Stacey Depew Sickler, and Melissa Abbott.

We always found it fascinating that Bob still kept in contact with his schoolmates in Pennsylvania. He was affectionately known as Bobby to them. He loved writing letters and chatting on the phone for hours on end with his cousins, friends, and classmates.

Mr. May will surely be missed by all he connected with along his journey. He was a mentor to many who longed to appreciate his unique vision and drive to be successful. Countless people have shared that Bob changed the trajectory of their lives by his ability to show them an “out of the box” perspective. He was truly passionate about his work!

Dad, your children will miss you greatly. We appreciate all that you have taught us in life, your solicited and unsolicited advice, your “two cents” as you called it, your examples of how to be successful by being a hard worker and pushing yourself to see the unlimited potential in everything, and certainly your quirky and frugal ways that we have HUNDREDS of stories to remember you by, share, and laugh about. You ingrained in us the love for laughing! We sure did have tons and tons of times where we laughed so hard that we had tears running down our faces. Sometimes, it was in the most inappropriate of places. Thank you for giving us your hearty sense of humor because we ALL have it! You were definitely a driven force, one to be reckoned with, a complex human being, but one that sacrificed so much and never gave up on the dream of having more. Rest peacefully, Dad. We love you.
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Bob’s ashes will be in their final resting place at Windfall Cemetery in Granville Summit, Pennsylvania in the coming months. A church service will be arranged at the Granville Center Church of Christ per his wishes.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Arms of Hope in Lake Worth. 561-619-9107

William D. Girafalco, 73, of Canton, formerly of Towanda, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2021, at his residence.

William was born on February 6, 1948 in Chester, PA, he was a son of the late William J. and Anna E. (Johnson) Girafalco. William, who preferred to be called Bill, enjoyed a happy childhood with his parents and brother, Thomas.  Bill was a member of a large extended Italian family.  He enjoyed visiting them during the warmer months and eating authentic Italian meals with his uncles and cousins at their hunting cabin.

Bill resided in a Futures home for the last 17 years. He is survived by numerous friends and caregivers who will miss him dearly. Bill was well known and loved by those who cared for him for being a gentle soul with an infectious grin. He loved vacationing at the beach, which he did annually.  In the winter he enjoyed traveling and looking at Christmas lights. Bill loved aquariums, birds, and babies. You could always find Bill smiling when he was holding a baby.  In his later years Bill enjoyed relaxing in his recliner, watching birds outside, watching musicals, Mama Mia and The Greatest Showman were his favorites. Bill had two pet parakeets that he also enjoyed spending time with and watching.  Bill was a bright light in this world, everything will be a little darker without him.

A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held 2 p.m. Friday, March 26, 2021 at Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton. Friends are welcome to call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  A private burial will be held in the Lawn Croft Cemetery in Linwood, Pa.
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In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Futures Community Support Services, 23 Main St. Towanda, PA 18848 in Mr. William Girafalco’s loving memory.  Please share condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.