Friday, March 8, 2024

James J. Connor, 86

Wellsville, NY – James J. Connor, 86, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Ocala, Florida with his family at his sideHe was born March 7, 1937, in AndoverNY, the son of the late John A. and Monica R. (Padden) Connor. On April 22, 1961, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville he married Marlene Schettine who survives.

Jim was raised in Andover and was 1955 graduate of Andover High School. He was a veteran of the U. S. Marine Corps, enlisting in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1959. He was a graduate of Alfred State College. He was first employed as a Supervisor at the Rochester Button Company in Wellsville for over 20 years and continued his career as a Window Clerk for the United States Postal Service in Wellsville for 30 years. He was a member of the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post 702, Elks Lodge #1495, Wellsville Moose Lodge # 601, and the Wellsville Rod & Gun Club. 

Jim enjoyed collecting Hot Wheels and reading historical novels. He was a true fan of the Buffalo Bills. He had a great sense of humor and was always ready with a fun story to share. He was happiest when surrounded by family, especially his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildrenSince his retirement he and Marlene enjoyedspending winters in Florida.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Marlene, two daughters, Karen C. (David)Ayoub of Manlius, and Kelley A. Phillips (Steven Morasse) of Vista, CA, a son, James J. Connor Jr. of Ocala, FL, nine grandchildren, Nicole L. Phillips, Megan W. (Matthew) O’Carroll, Hannah R. Phillips, Kileigh G. Phillips (Daniela Larranaga Hetz), David A. Ayoub Jr., Grace A. Ayoub, Gretchen M. Ayoub, Elle K. Connor and James J. Connor III, two great grandchildren, Jordan R. O’Carroll and Faye P. O’Carroll. And numerous other extended family members that he loved wholeheartedly. Nothing was more important than his family

He was predeceased in addition to his parents by, two brothers, John L. Connor and Michael P. Connor, and a sister, Mary Ellen Hart.

A Mass of Christian Burial and a celebration of life is being planned for a later date in Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations to Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Monday, March 4, 2024

Ronald J. Tomah, 94

Wellsville, NY -- Ronald J. Tomah, 94, of Wellsville, NY passed away on March 2, 2024. Ron, fondly known as Tomah and Hawk, was born in 1929 on a reservation in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada. He was a member of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians. Anyone that was close to Ron was surely entertained by his stories of growing up on the reservation. He came from a big family. His grandparents, mother, father, five siblings, aunties, uncles, and cousins created a strong family bond. Although there were some challenging times, their close-knit family was what mattered most. Ron lived by this sentiment his whole life. Family was always very important to him.

The Tomah family left the reservation in 1941 and crossed the border into Maine. They resided in Winthrop, Maine where his dad worked in a textile mill. He enjoyed playing ball in high school and continued with his love of sport throughout his life. He was a die-hard fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Buffalo Bills. Ron could spend an entire day at the Wellsville Country Club, in which he excelled on and off the course. Many will remember the antics surrounding the Indian Open named after Ron.

He married his high school sweetheart, Trudy Hopkinson. Together, with their two young daughters, they moved to Wellsville, NY in 1958. Ron was self-employed as an interior decorator and later worked for John and Doris Rigas. Divorced from Trudy, Ron married Katie Whitney. He was now dad to four other children that he treated as his own. Eventually, Janet Hungerford came into his life and was his partner for over 36 years. She was by his side and was relentless in her love and commitment to do right by him, true to the end.

Ron, an army veteran, and was incredibly proud to become a United States citizen. He flew the American flag every day at his home. He was a life member of the VFW, Elks, Moose, and he was a commander of the American Legion Post #702 in 1972. He was so grateful for the help and support he received from the VA Services. He would often say “I don’t know what I would do without them.”

He is survived by his lifelong partner Janet; daughters Karen Tomah, Kim (Nick) Ramharter; stepchildren Dawn Reniff, Lenny Whitney, Kelly Schmidt; grandchildren Gracey McKenny, Josh (Becky) Ramharter, Kyle Tomah, Makala Gay, Jordan (Cooper) Quenneville; great grandchildren Aksel Tanguay, Charlotte O’Leary, Tate Quenneville, Declan O’Leary; siblings Faye (Don) Whitten, Harry Tomah, and Mona (Merritt) Welch. Ron was predeceased by his sister Audrey, his brother Richard, and his grandson Jesse (Bayard) Tullar.

Friends and family are invited to call on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, to the J.W. Embser Funeral Home, 34 West State Street,from 6-8 pmA memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 7th at 12:oo noon at the Elks club, 77 East Pearl Street,for a celebration of his life. At noon, the American Legion will present the military honors followed by the Elks Veteran Service. There will be a luncheon and a time for sharing. Please consider memorial donations tThe Band of Maliseet Indians Youth Club, 88 Bell Road, Littleton, ME 04730. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com 

So, whenever you think of fiddleheads, or take a swig of Pabst Blue Ribbon, or crave a Tomah Dog give a nod to that sweet, proud Indian guy!

Woliwon (Thank you, Maliseet language)

Monday, February 26, 2024

Jovanna (Joanne) C. Molin, 93

Wellsville, NY – Jovanna (Joanne) C. Molin, 93, of River Road Wellsville, NY passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Highland Park Rehabilitation Center after a brief illness. Born August 31, 1930, she was the daughter of Bort and Mary (Corte Colo) Molin.

Joanne was raised in Wellsville and was a 1950 graduate of Wellsville High School.  She was formerly employed at Alfred State College Food Service, Giant Food Mart, Bolivar Road Rehabilitation, Air Pre-Heater (Alstom) Wellsville, and National Fuel Gas.  She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church and in early days taught CCD (Religious Education) classes. Joanne was also a member of the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, Mercy Associates, and BPOE #1495 (Elks Club).

She was known for her cooking and catering. Thru the years, she catered numerous dinners,weddings, Knights of Columbus monthly dinners, Father Bill Brown Mission Club dinners, for his mission in Peru, and countless pies, cakes, and pasta for friends and family. Joanne was a strong, independent woman with a heart of gold and proud of her Italian heritage. She became the matriarch of the family and had a loving and emotional bond with her many nieces and nephews after her many siblings passed.  In the last few years, her nieces and nephews were of great assistant to her, and she loved her time with them.  

She is survived by a sister, Mary (Gene) Wilson, and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by four sisters, Helena Geracci, Virginia Blasdell, Flora Molin, and Rosa (Rose) Trask; and four brothers, Leo, Florio, Orlando (Peter), and Bruno Molin. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, 6 Maple Avenue in Wellsville. There will be no prior visitation.Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to BPOE Elks Scholarship Fund, the Hart Comfort House. or any charity of the donor’s choice.  To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Smith Haskins, 95

Our mother Barbara Smith Haskins passed away in Spring Hill, FL on February 3, 2024, one month before her 96th birthday. She will be greatly missed by her 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Barbara was devoted to her entire extended family, blessing all with her love, support, and wise counsel.

Barbara was born on March 2, 1928, in Newton Falls, NY to Margaret Gordon Smith and Samuel Smith who had emigrated from Scotland and England respectively. She was the eldest of five children. When she was 16, her family moved to Wellsville, NY. After graduating at age 17 from Wellsville HighSchool, Barbara went to work in Bradford, PA, giving up her scholarship to Nursing School to help support her family when her father became ill. For the rest of her life, she was a guiding force in the lives of her four siblings as well as to her own family of seven.Barbara returned to Wellsville in 1947 to work as bookkeeper in Hamilton’s Shoe Store and in 1948 married David Haskins, to whom she was married for 71 years before his death in February 2020. Their marriage was a loving partnership centered on their five children, in whom they instilled the values of family, respect, gratitude and generosity while embracing the joys of life. Barbara managed thelarge active family, guiding and supporting each child’s individual talents and pursuits. Winters were spent skiing on the slopes of New York and Pennsylvania, and idyllic summers spent swimming, sailing, and waterskiing on Conesus Lake while Barbara drove the ski boat for her 5 kids. For all this and more her children are forever grateful.

Barb and Dave were members of First Methodist Church in Wellsville, and later they joined the Spring Life Methodist Church in Spring Hill, FL. In 1993 they retired to Spring Hill to continue their active lifestyle, living in the Timber Pines Community where they enjoyed golf and made new and lasting friendships. Barbara continued to be the gracious hostess she had always been and family and friends were always welcome in her beautiful home. Travel was an integral part of each year, and family reunions including all the children, spouses, and grandchildren were regularly organized by Barbara and Dave.

Barbara was a devoted caregiver to her husband for the last years of his life as he battled cancer. Her life was spent in the care and nurturing of family and her absence will be felt by all she leaves behind.

Surviving are her children, Nancy Lazar (Jay) of Bethlehem, Pa; Thomas Haskins (Kris) of Richmond, Va; William Haskins (Robin) of Port St. Lucie, Fl; Anne Schettine of Bemus Point, NY and Mark T. Haskins of Wellsville, NY. In addition are her 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Judy Smith of Denton, TX; brother-in-law John Kozlowski of Cortland, NY; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; her brothers George and James Smith; and her sisters Nanette Kozlowski and Erna Richardson.

The family is truly grateful to the wonderful caregivers who were with our mother in her last years.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date in Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations in Barbara’s name to a hospice facility of one’s choosing . To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Alan L. Lewis, 60

Friendship, NY – Alan L. Lewis, 60, of 20 South Street passed away on Monday February 19, 2024, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester with family at his side. He was born June 12, 1963, in Cuba the son of Ronald L. and Marlene A. (Shelley) Lewis. On October 26, 2019, in Belvedere he married Jamie Lynn Kud who survives.

Alan was a 1981 graduate of Belmont High School. He was formerly employed by Acme Electric in Cuba, Current Control Company in Wellsville, and Friendship Diaries. Hewent back to Current Controls where he worked for many years until he recently retired due to ill health. He attended the Belmont First Baptist Church; he loved and owned many Dachshunds and rescued several dogs over the years. He enjoyed gardening, wild birds, woodworking, watching Looney Tunes and Animaniacs.

Surviving in addition to his wife Jamieis a daughter, Michelle Lewis of Pocatello, IDa son, Lee (Leigh) Lewis of Mechanicsville, PA, four grandchildren, Ethan, Shawn, Morgan, and Lucan, his father, Ron Lewis of Belmont, three brothers, Mark Lewis of Belmont, Gary (Joan) Lewis of Mineral SpringsNC, and Ross (Kylene) Lewis of MooreSC, three sisters, Lisa (Erik) Jeske of Sanford, NC, Jennifer (Jeff) Offhaus of Prattville, AL, and Jessica (Dana) Hand of Belmont, an uncle Greg Shelley and his companion Mike Feldbauer of Belmont, the mother of his children, Sue Lewis of Pocatello, ID, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Marlene Lewis, his paternal grandparents, Howard and Burnice Lewis and maternal grandparents, Ross and Inez Shelley.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, February 23, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. The funeral will be Saturday, February 24, at 11:00 am at the Belmont First Baptist ChurchBurial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Mary Louise (Pettnot) Baker, 88

Friendship, NY  Mary Louise (Pettnot) Baker, 88, formerly of 39 E. Main Street passed awaypeacefully on Monday, February 19, 2024, at the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility. She was born April 12, 1935, in Friendship, the daughter of the late John C. and Helen (Mondry)Pettnot. On June 11, 1966, at Sacred Heart R Church in Friendship, she married Charles R. Baker who preceded her in death on August 2, 2011.

Mary was a 1954 graduate of Friendship Central School. She was formerly employed by the Friendship Market Basket, and the Friendship Central School as teacher’s aide in computermathfrom December 9, 1980, until her retirement on June 30, 2003. She was a past treasurer of the Friendship Freedom Fair, an Election Inspector, past member of the Friendship Free Library Board of Directors, a member of the former Sacred Heart RC Church in Friendship, and was a member of Our Lady of the Angels RC Church in Cuba.

She is survived by her twin brother, Francis Pettnot of Belmont, a sister, Barbara Dourie of Wyomingsister-in-law, Grace McCrea of Richburg, brother-in-law, Tom (Marcia) Baker of Olean, countless nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews, as well as several cousins. In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was precededin death by a sister, Teresa Pettnot, sister-in-law, Patricia Pettnotbrother-in-law, James Dourie, and many deceased members of the Baker family.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, February 23, 2024, from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm athe J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home17 Schuyler Street in BelmontA Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 1:00 pm at Holy Family Church in BelmontBurial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Friendship. Please consider memorial donations to the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility Resident Activity Fund, 400 N. Main Street Warsaw, NY 14569. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Ruth Ann McCollough, 71

Alfred, NY – Ruth Ann McCollough, 71, 4791 County Road 12 passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024, at the Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Centerfollowing a long illness. She was born July 28, 1952, in Hornell, the daughter of the late Clinton J. and Beatrice (Stuck) Palmiter. On August 6, 1983, she married Kent McCollough who survives.

Ruth was raised in Hornell and Alfred and was a 1970 graduate of Alfred-Almond High School. She received an associate degree in Food Service from Alfred State College in 1972. She was first employed as the lead cook at Friendship Central School, and later was a cook at Alfred University for 26 years, until she retired due to ill health. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. She loved to play Bingo and taking an occasional trip to the casino. 

She is survived in addition to her husband Kent by three children, Steven (Kolina) Nolan of Bolivar, Collette (Gary) Troutman of Vale, NC, and Erica McCollough of Wellsville, six grandchildren, one great granddaughter, two sisters, Joyce Plaisted of Friendship, and Jayne Palmiter of Alfred, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents by a granddaughter, Miranda Wright.

A private memorial service is being planned for a later dateThe burial will be in Alfred Rural Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to Alfred Ambulance CorpsTo leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.