William C. “Bill” Williams Jr.

William C. “Bill” Williams Jr., 65, of Curwensville passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at Penn Highlands Clearfield.

Born June 23, 1957 in Philipsburg he was the son of William C. and Barbara (Merrifield) Williams Sr.  On June 7, 1980 he wed Shelia (Chidboy) of Curwensville.  He was a 1975 Graduate of the Clearfield Area High School, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Bloomsburg University in 1980 and was a 1981 graduate of The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.  In 1982, he obtained his Funeral Directors License from the State of PA. Upon receiving his license, he was employed by the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc. of Curwensville, where he later became supervisor, and for the last 30 plus years has owned and operated the business. He also served as the President of the Pennsylvania State Funeral Directors Association in 1999-2000.  

First and foremost, Bill was a family man that had a love for his community of Curwensville.  On any given evening in the fall, if you looked to the booth above the stands of the football field at Coach Andy Evanko Stadium, you would not only see but hear him as the voice of the Golden Tide. For over 30 years, he devoted his evenings to announcing football games from the midgets and mites from long ago to the Junior High, JV and Varsity games of today.  Whether it be a football game, soccer game or even Powder Puff Football he was there providing play by play commentary on the game. His voice not only echoed over the field in Curwensville, but he also traveled to away games as well to announce the Golden Tide Marching Band.  

Beyond the football field, his voice could also be heard announcing the Clearfield County Fair Parade on the main stage at the Grandstand or announcing the Fiddler’s Contest at Curwensville Days.  He served as President of the Curwensville Merchants Association, the Curwensville Rotary and COG (Curwensville On the Go) which was a combination of the four service organizations within the town. 

As you stroll down State Street during the holiday season you will find beautiful Christmas lights adorning the streets.  For over 40 years he ordered, checked, rewired and replaced the lightbulbs in those lights with the help of the members of the Curwensville Rotary and now the Curwensville Care Group.  Continuing with the holiday spirit, for 38 years he performed in the Curwensville United Methodist Church’s production of The Search for Peace.  Here his beautiful voice echoed as a shepherd, folksinger and member of the men’s choir.  He also served on the SPRC Committee at the Curwensville United Methodist Church.  

As a member of the Curwensville Rotary he exemplified their motto of “Service Above Self” as he gave of his time and talents he not only took care of the Christmas Lights for the club, but he cooked chicken for their annual Chicken BBQ, chaired and presented the Citizen of the Year Award, chaired Rotary’s Spring into Summer Wine Walk, assisted with the blood screening and litter pick up as well as serving as Assistant District Governor for District 7350 and hosted 7 Rotary Exchange students at his home.  For years he helped to setup the Curwensville Days booth for the GFWC Woman’s Club and he assisted the Curwensville BPW by announcing bingo at Curwensville Days to support their club as well.  He was the secretary of the CRDC, secretary of the Curwensville Municipal Authority, a member of the Oak Hill Cemetery Board, a member and Past President of the Curwensville Library Board, a member of the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, a lifetime member of the Curwensville Historical Society as well as a lifetime member of the Rescue Hose & Ladder Fire Company.  As a member of Station 8, he served as the Parade Chairman for the annual Curwensville Days Parade for 25 years.  In 2010, he received the Clearfield Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen of the Year and in 2021 he was named Curwensville’s Citizen of the Year.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Barbara (Merrifield) Williams and his younger sister, Shirley L. (Williams) Gunter. He is survived by his wife, Sheila L. (Chidboy) Williams, along with a daughter Shaina M. Franson, her husband David, and a grandson Liam D. Franson who was his pride and joy, all 3 of Curwensville.  He is also survived by 3 brothers and sisters, Beverly (Bev) Lawhead and her husband William “Bill” of Hyde, Timothy “Tim” Williams and his significant other Kathy Nudge of Osceola Mills, and Heather Williams and her significant other Eldon McClarren of West Decatur as well as nieces and nephews Jessica McDanel, Austin McDanel, Casey Williams, Kylee Millinder, Timothy Williams Jr., and Mark Hess.

Funeral Services for Bill Williams will be held at the Curwensville United Methodist Church on Wednesday December 21, 2022 at 11 AM with Pastor DeAnn Newhouse and Reverend Stephen D. Shields officiating.

Friends will be received at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc. of Curwensville on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM.  A private family viewing will be held prior to the public Funeral Services at 11 AM on Wednesday at the church. Interment will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery of Curwensville.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made in care of the Bill Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund 300 State Street Curwensville, PA 16833, where an account will be set up to fund a scholarship for students from the Curwensville Area School District who participate in “Friday Night Lights”.  Members of the band, football team and cheerleaders will be eligible to receive this scholarship starting in June of 2023. 

Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.chidboyfuneralhome.com.

The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc. of Curwensville is in charge of the arrangements. 


J. Nelson Rigby, Jr.

J. Nelson Rigby, Jr., age 84, a lifelong resident of Media Borough, died December 16, 2022, at home.

Born in Media to the late J. Nelson and Margaret (nee Barkalow) Rigby, Jim or “Nelson” as he was called, graduated from Media 

High School Class of 1956. He then graduated from Temple University in 1959 with a degree in Mortuary science and business.

Nelson served in the National Guard for 6 years.

Jim learned how to fly and entered a partnership with a friend and together they owned a Piper Cherokee, six passenger airplane and later a 42' Post Marine Sport Fishing boat. Jim would sometimes  use the plane as an air hearse for colleagues or families that needed their loved one flown somewhere where there was no commercial service. He attended diesel mechanic school at Delaware County Community College, so he could fix his and other's boat's in a pinch. For many years he fished big game tournament's in Moorehead City, NC. And New Jersey. 

Nelson and his brother Bill, worked together in the family funeral business for over 40 years until health reasons forced their retirements. He was very dedicated to his profession and was known by many local funeral homes for his excellent embalming skills.

Nelson was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the mid 2000's, a disease he fiercely fought. His positive attitude and the daily trips to  Wendy's with his grandchildren, along with the excellent and progressive  care he received at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia were keys to  his longevity. Nelson was a longtime member of Media Rotary and George Bartram-Paul Sand Masonic Lodge.

Nelson was predeceased by his brother Bill Rigby (2020) and sister Lois Earnest(2022).

He is survived by his wife of 58 years Barbara (nee Taraborelli) Rigby, his children, James N.Rigby III (Michelle), Stephen A. Rigby, and Stephanie Vlaminck (Brian) Grandchildren Kylie Rigby Teal (JJ), Ethan Rigby, Owen and Jason Vlaminck, and Sophia Rigby.

Relatives and Friends may call Tuesday December 20, from 1-3, and 5-8 in the J. Nelson Rigby Funeral Home, 1 W. Baltimore Avenue Media. Please dress weather appropriate Services and Interment private Contributions are strongly encouraged to Jefferson Office of  Institutional Advancement Dept. 825434, Po Box 71331, Philadelphia, Pa. 19176, or online at giving.jefferson.edu/ways to give.

Condolences: jnelsonrigbyfh.com 


Thomas F. Dowling III

Thomas F. Dowling III passed away after a brief illness, on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital in Philadelphia at the age of 68.

Born in Philadelphia, the son of the late Joan Marie (Wingert) and Thomas F. Dowling Jr., Tom had been a life long resident of Lower Bucks County and longtime parishioner of Saint Ephrem Parish, Bensalem, where he was involved with the CYO for many years when his children were young.

After 20 years as a postal worker, Tom and his wife, Georgianna, opened Creations Flower Shop in Langhorne. Tom then went through the process of becoming a funeral director serving the families of Lower Bucks County. Most recently, he enjoyed being a security guard at Pennswood Village.

An avid sports fan, Tom especially loved cheering on the Phillies and Flyers. He also enjoyed listening to Irish music, and, in his younger years, Tom enjoyed hunting.

Beloved husband of the late Georgianna (Coville), Tom is the loving father of Jennifer Johnson (Craig), Thomas M. Dowling (Jennifer), Patrick Dowling (Lauren), Bonnie Liberty (Ralph) and Debbie Koehler (Mike).

He is the doting grandfather of Madison, Kaelyn, Alyson, Hailey, Luke, Julia, Emily, Ryan, Leah, Jake and Morgan; and the dear brother of John Dowling (Denise), Joan "Missy" Sacharczyk (Brian) and Timothy Dowling (Michele).

Tom will also be sadly missed by numerous nieces, nephews; his aunt, Sr. Janet Wingert, C.S.R.; and extended family.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Daniel Dowling.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, December 30, 2022 from 9:15 until 11:00 am at Saint Ephrem Church, 5400 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, where his funeral service will be held at 11:00 am. The Rite of Committal will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. 


Glenn G. McMillen

Glenn G. McMillen, of The Woodlands, TX, passed away on December 22, 2022, at the age of 80. He was born in DuBois, PA, to Glenn O. and Rebecca Hartman McMillen. Glenn had an incredibly rich and varied life, …always ready for the next challenge and adventure.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Margaret (Peggy) J. Learn, his two children, Heather M. (Kelly) Blevins and Christian L. (Melissa) McMillen, two grandchildren, Alexandra R. Blevins and Hayden T. Blevins, two step-grandchildren, Chloe Wolf and Sophie Wolf, two sisters, Maxine McGee, wife of the deceased Jack, and Jan Harrold, wife of Douglas.

Glenn was a graduate of Punxsutawney High School, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. During his more than 55 years in Funeral Service, Glenn served in various senior executive positions with various companies and professional organizations. He served as President of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association and later served as President of the National Funeral Directors Association. He was the Vice-President of the Fred F. Groff Funeral Home in Lancaster, PA before joining Service Corporation International and becoming Senior Vice-President of Operations and served as Chairman and CEO of SCI Australia. Glenn was also instrumental in the development of the American Funeral Service Museum in Houston, TX, and served as its first President.

Glenn never considered himself retired, but was constantly thinking of new ventures, leading when he could and mentoring many funeral service personnel who sought out his counsel. His contributions to Funeral Service are many and varied. He will be remembered and greatly missed. 


David O’Connor

Please keep the family and friends of David O’Connor in your hearts and prayers. David was 76 years of age, lived in Donegal, and entered into rest December 28, 2022. He was born February 26, 1946 to John D. O’Connor who he considered his best friend and his beloved mom, Irene O’Toole O’Connor.  He was the beloved husband of the late Deborah Caterino. He is survived by his beloved brothers Stephen A. O’Connor and his wife Gerry, and John D. O’Connor.  David, along with his brothers are third generation Funeral Directors, starting with Stephen A. O’Toole who founded our funeral Home in 1930 in its present location. It was originally on the lower corner of Hazelwood Avenue and Second Ave across from the Meszaros Pharmacy.  The funeral home has always been family owned with David choosing to work with his dad and continue on after his passing under the name of John D. O’Connor and Son until passing the torch to a family friend, Patrick Vereb in July of 2013.  David was a member of St. Stephen Church, community leader, and Past-President to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 15 (The Irish Club on Second Avenue)  Visitation with the family will be Monday evening, January 2, 2022,  6 PM to 8 PM  and Tuesday, January 2, 2022,  2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the Vereb Funeral Home, (formerly O’Connor’s) 5106 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15207  412.521-8116.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday morning 10 AM, at St. Paul Cathedral, 108 N. Dithridge Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. David will rest in the O’Connor family plot in the Calvary Cemetery, Pittsburgh, PA. 


P. David Newhouse

P. David Newhouse passed away on December 30, 2022 surrounded by his loving family, after a long illness. Dave was born on December 20, 1946 in Greensburg, PA to Paul and Lillian Newhouse. He grew up in Herminie, PA and was a 1964 graduate of Greensburg Central Catholic High School. He attended California University of Pennsylvania before being drafted into the United States Army where he served in Baumholder, Germany. Dave was a firm believer that we are all in charge of our own destiny and in working hard and playing harder, both lessons he lived fully and imparted on his children. His route to pursuing his dream of becoming a funeral director was circuitous and not without numerous adventures, detours, and resultant fantastical stories. He graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1976 and owned and operated P. David Newhouse Funeral Home for 33 years.

While funeral directing was his dream, cars were his passion. In the mid 1970’s, Dave worked as a performance mechanic for Yenko Chevrolet in Canonsburg, PA and in various roles on the Yenko Racing pit crew. Over the years he built countless vehicles from scratch, and owned upwards of 200 vehicles over his lifetime with his favorites including a 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury and 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, He took particular joy in building an exact replica of the Captain America motorcycle ridden by Peter Fonda in the film Easy Rider. This bike is now on display in the Woodlands Auto Toy Store at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.

Dave was Past President of the Westmoreland-Indiana-Armstrong County Funeral Directors Association, District Governor of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, 13-year Commander of the American Legion Post 652, member of the Disabled American Veterans, New Alexandria Lions Club, LIfe member of the New Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department, and LIfe member of the Latrobe Harley Owners Group.

Dave and his wife, Barbara, spent many of their empty nest years traveling across the country, from coast to coast and north to south on their Harley Davidson Motorcycles, covering over 500,000 miles on two wheels. More recently, they enjoyed traveling in their motorhome, especially to Sturgis, SD and on family trips to Myrtle Beach, SC and Melbourne Beach, FL.

Dave would have celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with his bride, Barbara Allen Newhouse, on May 5, 2023. He is survived by Barb and their three children, Nicole Newhouse, Psy.D., of Grasonville, MD, Eric Newhouse, M.S., (Sarah), of Bailey, CO, and Adam Newhouse, J.D., of Golden, CO as well as the greatest joys of his life, grandsons Jacob David Zeitlin, Noah Louis Zeitlin and Aaron Michael Zeitlin of Grasonville, MD, and Benjamin Paul Newhouse and his brother, due in February, of Bailey, CO. He is also survived by his brother, Raymond Dennis Newhouse (Susan) of Azle, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Lillian Newhouse, and an infant sister.

Friends and family will be received at P. David Newhouse Funeral Home, 215 Church St., New Alexandria, PA on Monday, January 2, 2023 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm followed by a blessing service by Bishop Larry Kulik. Viewing will continue on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral Mass will be held at St. James Roman Catholic Church, New Alexandria, on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, 9:30 am, officiated by Fr. Tyler Bandura and Deacon William Newhouse. Interment will be at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA, at a later date. Those wishing to make memorial donations in Dave’s memory may consider Pleasant Acres Equine and Feline Rescue Center at 149 Hornock Dr., New Alexandria, PA 15670 or the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation at donate.crazyhorsememorial.org. A firemen's service will be conducted in the funeral home Tuesday at 6:00 pm by New Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department Station No. 77. To send condolences please visit www.NewhouseFuneralHome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of P. David Newhouse, please visit our floral store.