Emmett D. Stiefel, 73, of Jefferson Street passed away Monday (May 11, 2026) at Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital.

Born Nov. 30, 1952, in Olean, N.Y., he was a son of the late Theodore and Helen Saverline Stiefel. He was a 1971 graduate of Bradford Area High School.

On May 1, 1972, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as an intel analyst until he was honorably discharged on April 30, 1974. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

On Dec. 15, 1979, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, he married Deborah Lynn Randolph Stiefel, who preceded him in death on Feb. 8, 2006.

After the service, Emmett joined W.R. Case Cutlery and worked in the bone room. In 2010 he retired after 36 years at the company.

Emmett enjoyed listening to classic rock, watching television and movies, building model cars and making things out of Legos.

Surviving are his only daughter, Heather (Brandon) Whittemore of Bradford; one grandson, Liam Whittemore; two sisters, Belva Pessia of Mechanicsburg and Karla Applegate of Bradford; one brother, Quentin Stiefel of Spencerport, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Debi, of 27 years, Emmett was preceded in death by one sister, Chastina Stiefel; and two brothers, Truman Stiefel and infant Robert.

Emmett’s family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026, at Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 33 South Ave., where funeral services will immediately follow with the Rev. John Kearns, pastor of Emanuel Lutheran Church, officiating. Following the funeral service, military honors will be accorded in McKean Memorial Park by the U.S. Army and American Legion Post 108 of Bradford Honor Guards.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Deborah “Debi” Randolph Stiefel Memorial Fund at the Bradford Hospital Foundation by calling (814) 362-3200 or by going online at brmc-ogh.org/foundations/brmc/, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are under direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed to his family at hollenbeckcahill.com.