Thursday, September 04, 2025

Death of M. Craig Mitchell



FLBHS Class of 1963

M. Craig Mitchell, age 79, of Waterford passed away at his home on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. He was born on September 19, 1945, to the late J. Stanley Mitchell and Althea (Thompson) Mitchell and was a lifelong resident of Waterford, PA. He was a 1963 graduate of Fort LeBoeuf High School where he was a standout three sport athlete. He was proud to have served as a captain of the undefeated 1962 football team and represent Fort LeBoeuf in the prestigious Save An Eye game, serve as a captain of the 1962-63 wrestling team, and receive All-County Honors in football, wrestling, and baseball. He was also very proud to be inducted into the Fort LeBoeuf Wall of Fame in 2004.

Craig was a proud member of the PA National Guard from 1965-1971. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a past member of the Waterford Boro Zoning Committee, and he was a founding member of the Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society. In his early years, you would often find Craig in full colonial dress during Waterford’s Heritage Days, and he took great pride in sharing that he and friends built the cupola of the original gazebo of Waterford in his basement.

For the majority of his career, Craig was with Russell’s of Waterford as a designer and then as a sales manager before leaving to join Humes Chrysler Jeep Dodge as a salesman.

Craig married his high school sweetheart and the girl next door, Sharon (Bemis) Mitchell, in 1965. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in September.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his two daughters Cindy Mitchell Herpolsheimer and Kristi Mitchell Rathburn; and his five grandchildren Calvin (Gabrielle), Jay, and Kaylie Herpolsheimer; and Marcus and Mitchell Rathburn, who he was proud to have introduced to the sport of golf. His first great-grandchild is due in November. He is further survived by his siblings Diane Mann, Eric Mitchell (Diane), Denise Davis (Steve); Kent Mitchell (Amy), and Scott Mitchell (Brenda); his in-laws Sumner (Pat) Bemis (Georgene), David Bemis (Casey), and Marilyn Bemis; as well as several nieces and nephews; and his loyal and beloved companions Johnnie and Ginger.

Friends called at the Van Matre Funeral Home, Waterford, on Saturday, August 30th, from 11 am to 1 pm with Reverend Tori Heath conducting a service immediately following. Burial followed at Waterford Cemetery East.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fort LeBoeuf Wall of Fame, PO Box 810, Waterford, PA 16441, or to the Waterford Global Methodist Church, PO Box 808, Waterford, PA 16441. To share condolences, visit www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.

Thanks to Valerie Rose and Marlene Kibbe for furnishing the above obituary!

Thursday July 31, 2025

Death of Justin Thomas Puckly



FLBHS Class of 2010

The life of Justin Thomas Puckly was tragically ended on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Though he was just 33 years old, he leaves behind an unforgettable memory for his loving family and many friends.

Justin is the son of Thomas and Tammy Puckly of Waterford, born in Erie on December 19, 1991. He graduated from Fort LeBoeuf High School in 2010 where he played soccer for many years. With his outgoing personality, Justin made friends easily and always enjoyed talking around a campfire. He was a snowboarder, a lover of music, and a hunting companion to his dad and brother. Justin was currently working for Danylko Landscaping, and for years prior had worked for construction and electrical contractors.

With a huge heart, Justin loved his family very much - his parents, Tom and Tammy; his brother, Brandon Puckly of Venango; his maternal grandparents, George and Alice Sekerak of Ellenton, FL; his paternal grandmother, Janet Gray of Lexington, NC; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Larry Pustelak; his paternal grandfathers, Larry Puckly and Larry Gray; and his uncle Jamie Shaw.

Friends called at Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford on Wednesday, July 23rd, from 5-7pm. Visiting hours continued at McLane Church, 12511 Edinboro Road, Edinboro, on Thursday, July 24th, from 11 am until time of the funeral service at 12:00 noon. Rev. Michael Priestap officiated.

Memorial donations may be made to the family or to McLane Church. To send condolences, please visit www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.

Thursday July 31, 2025

Death of Phillip Darrell Owens



FLBHS Class of 1978

On Thursday, July 17, 2025, Philip (Phil) Darrell Owens, of Waterford, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 65. Born March 7, 1960, in Erie, he was the son of the late Darrell N. and Dollyanna McKay Owens.

A 1978 graduate of Fort LeBoeuf High School, Phil is widely remembered by family and friends for his humor, loyalty, and willingness to lend a hand. Over the years, he worked many jobs across the county, including at Pizza Hut, Vantage, Maple Donuts, Bush Industries, and long haul trucking.

He will be greatly missed by his brother Jeffrey Owens (Mary) and all seven of his nieces and nephews: Darrell Owens (Brooke), Danielle Himes (Mike), Devin Owens, Deanna Bricker (Kyle), Dillon Owens (Samantha), Darla Owens, and Donovan Owens (Callee).

Phil loved his many pets over the years, including several dogs, cats, and fish. In his free time, he enjoyed cheering for the Penn State Nittany Lions, New Orleans Saints, and Cleveland sports teams (sometimes begrudgingly). He enjoyed the game of baseball, and always loved playing catch. He was also a fan of racing, and regularly watched both NASCAR and F1. He loved spicy food, Mexican cuisine, and was looking forward to restoring his 1979 Chevy Camaro Z28.

A celebration of his life took place on Sunday, July 27th with viewing from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm at Van Matre Funeral Home, Waterford. A brief service and burial followed at Waterford Cemetery East.

Condolences may be shared at www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.