Saturday, January 30, 2010

J. Michael "Mike" Congdon

Wellsville, NY - J. Michael "Mike" Congdon, 62, of 136 N. Franklin Street died on Friday, January 29, 2010 at Guthrie Hospital in Corning, following a long illness. He was born August 6, 1947 in Elmira the son of the late Joseph and Helen (Striker) Congdon. On June 12, 1971 in Elmira Heights he married the former Rhonda Kendrick who survives.

He was employed by the United States Postal Service for 36 years and was the Postmaster in Wellsville from 1981 until he retired in 2002. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover and the Wellsville Rod & Gun Club.

Surviving in addition to his loving wife of 39 years are two wonderful children, Christine (Todd) Jeffers of Genesee, PA and Timothy (Samantha) Congdon of Wellsville, his pride and joy were his grandsons, Michael Congdon and Christopher & Trevor Jeffers, is also survived by his mother-in-law, Rosemarie Kendrick of Elmira, a sister, Mary Ann (George) Novotny of Elmira, and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a precious granddaughter, Cassandra Congdon.

Friends are invited to call on Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will be Tuesday, February 2nd at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Rev. Sean DiMaria presiding. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover or the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Theodore J. "Ted" Jedinak

Wellsville, NY - Theodore J. "Ted" Jedinak, 82, of 52 Pine Street died Friday, January 29, 2010 at his home following a brief illness. He was born on December 27, 1927 in McKees Rocks, PA the son of Victor and Mary (Pillar) Jedinak. On February 3, 1951 in McKees Rocks, he married the former Alice Lou Beck who survives.

Ted was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force serving with the 19th Air Supply Squadron B-29 Base during WW II from 1945 to 1948. After the war he was first employed as a welder by C. E. Air Preheater Company in Wellsville for three years, and later was a glazier for the Wellsville House of Glass for 31 years. In 1965, Ted passed the New York State Regent's High School equivalency exam. He was a member of the Morrison Hayes Post #702 American Legion in Wellsville, a former member of the Grand Squares, a life member of the Duke Hose Company # 1, and a member of the Immaculate Conception Church. He was very proud to have donated over eight gallons of blood to the American Red Cross. He was a gifted artist who enjoyed woodworking, oil painting, and statue repair. He also enjoyed many years of riding his Harley-Davidson.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a son, Robert (Joanna) Jedinak of Tucson, AZ, two daughters, Rita (Stephen) Jedinak-Sikora of Bradenton, FL, and Judith (Ben) Cornelius of Wellsville, 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Bill Jedinak, a sister, Betty Jedinak Lang, a grandson, Travis Jedinak, and a great granddaughter, Mackenzie Grace Jedinak.

Friends are invited to call Sunday afternoon from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 1st at 1:00 pm in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with Monsignor Vincent Becker as celebrant. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial at the Dyke Street Engine Company. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to any Alzheimer's Association.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Robert A. Graham

Belmont, NY - Robert A. Graham of Trianna Street passed away on Saturday January 23 at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born on August 25, 1917 in the Town of Amity to Eugene and Angie Smith Graham. On March 8, 1947 in Belmont he married the former Jean M. Patrick who predeceased him on December 29, 1989.

Bob was a life long resident of Belmont. He worked for the former Erie Railroad and Joined the U.S. Army in 1943 serving in the Pacific Theater including the Philippines. After the war he went back to the railroad and retired from Conrail in the late 1970's as a trackman. Bob stayed active as the care taker for St. Mary's Cemetery for many years and cleaned offices in Belmont. He was an avid gardener who always had a large vegetable garden behind his home and he liked to hunt, fish and cook. Bob was a life member of the Belmont American Legion Post, a member of the Belmont Rod and Gun Club and had attended St. Phillips Church.

Survivors include: A son Gary (Jalea) Graham of Wellsville; six daughters, Susan (Donald) Neeley of Jacksonville, FL., Patti (Rick) Perkins of Franklinville, Dawn (Terry) Hilliard of Jefferson, OH., Denise (James) Cline of Belmont, Ellen (Greg Winterhaulter) Graham of Belmont and Theresa (Scott) Walsh of Bolivar; a daughter in law, Diane Graham; a sister, Eleanor Ryan of Belmont; 20 grandchildren; several great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews

He was predeceased by a son Calvin Graham and a daughter Sandy Cornell.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday January 28 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont. His funeral service will take place at 11 on Friday in the Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorials may be made to either the Amity Rescue Squad or to the Allegany County SPCA.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Sandra Lunn "Ma Dill" Dillie

Wellsville, NY - Sandra Lunn "Ma Dill" Dillie of McDowell Ave. passed away on Saturday January 23 at the Jones Memorial Hospital after a short battle with cancer. She was born on April 3, 1935 to Ralph Eugene and Barbara York Lunn

Sandy graduated from Wellsville High School and later went to work for the school system. She started as a teacher's aid and went on to secretarial duties and then became attendance supervisor and truant officer for a total of 25 years of service. Sandy was also on the school board for nine years where she had served as president. Sandy developed her business sense as owner and CEO of Dillie Service and Supply Company. She was involved in the community by volunteering as a Cub Scout Den Leader, Jones Memorial Hospital Volunteer, member of the Wellsville Fire Department Auxiliary, Sunday school teacher at the Congregational Church and volleyball statistician for both the girls and the boy's teams at Wellsville High School. She showed her creative talents through various talent endeavors such as costume designer and back stage coordinator at the Wellsville High School plays. Sandy will also be remembered as a sometimes involuntary participant of the Lions Club Minstrel Show. Many knew her for her cooking and baking such as "Grandmother York's Cinnamon Buns" a recipe she mastered at age 13.

Survivors include: two sons, Donald "Buzz" Dillie of Indian Rocks Beach, FL., and Michael "Barney" Dillie of Wellsville; three daughters, Kerry (David) Mette of Waterloo, Lori (Claude) Nieman of New Milford, CT., and Barbara Raybon of Wellsville; 6 grandchildren, Sarah and Karin Dillie; EN 1 Kenneth Dillie Nieman, Timothy and Benjamyn Nieman; and Sean Michael Raybon; 2 sisters, Roxanne (Ron) Flurschutz of Rochester and Kaaren Monroe of Wellsville; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a son Dean Garry Dillie.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday January 28 from 7-9 pm and on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11 am at the First Congregational Church on North Main Street in Wellsville with Rev. Ralph Eastlack presiding. Her burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps or to a scholarship established in Sandy's name for "future teachers" at the Wellsville Central Schools in care of Dennis Dahlgren, 126 West State Street Wellsville, NY. 14895.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Richard "Dick" Hand

Belmont, NY - Richard "Dick" Hand of Greenwich Street passed away on Wednesday January 20, 2010 at his family home. He was born on February 15, 1943 in Wellsville to Ernest and Josephine Speta Hand. On September 18, 1965 he married the former Sonya Seeley who survives.

Dick was a life long resident of Belmont who graduated from Belmont Central School and continued his education by graduating from Purdue University and from RIT with a master's degree. He worked for Sylvania in Williamsville and later was a professor of electrical engineering at Alfred State College retiring from there in 1997 after 25 years of teaching. Dick was a very talented man who could do most anything and do it well. He played the organ, repaired televisions until a few years ago, and gardening was his passion. He will be remembered for his garden at his mother's house along with his potato farm on Beech Hill and his love for animals. He loved to cook and can and never let anything go to waste that he grew or harvested. Dick was a past Belmont Fire Department Chief serving a 3 year term, a member of the Sons of the American Legion, the NRA, the Arbor Day Foundation and attended the Belmont United Methodist Church. He was an active member of the Belmont Masonic Lodge serving as secretary and his other Masonic order memberships include, The Order of the Eastern Star, Scottish Rite Masons, Shriners of North America, Past Masters Association and the Ismailia Cart Korps.

Surviving beside his wife are: a son Mark (Kelly) Hand of Belmont; three daughters, Teresa (Greg) Turner of Peyton, CO., Nicole (Jim) Bryant of Almo, KY. and Sergeant Kristen Hand serving in the U.S. Air Force in England. 5 grandchildren; Emily, Adam and Megan Hand; Ella Bryant and Aspen Turner; a sister, Marlee (Joe) Schmitt of Angelica; several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday January 24 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont. A Masonic Service will be held at 8:30 pm on Sunday in the Funeral Home. His funeral service will be held on Monday at 11 am in the Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Childress presiding. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery and memorials may be made to the Belmont United Methodist Church, Shriners Hospital or to the SPCA.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Charles W. "Wilse" Hebblethwaite Sr.

Belmont, NY - Charles W. "Wilse" Hebblethwaite Sr. of Belmont passed away on Tuesday January 19, 2010 at the Highland Health Care Center in Wellsville. He was born on April 7, 1919 in Geneva to Charles and Louise Randall Hebblethwaite. On September 14, 1946 in Geneva he married the former Eleanor Smith who predeceased him on July 9, 2006.

Charles graduated from Geneva High School and enlisted in the U.S Army Air Corps. When WWII broke out he was recalled to active duty for the duration of the war. He served with the 58th wing, 462 Bomb Group, nick named the Hellbirds, as a bubble gunner in the India Burma Campaign. He left the service 1945 as a technical sergeant and on a GI bill graduated from Cornell University in 1949. He was active in Cornell's Alumni's affairs and was a recruiter for the University. Charles moved to Allegany County as a Cornell Cooperative Agent and retired after 25 years of service. He then worked for the Farm Credit for another 7 years. He was an advocate for the farmers, helping with tax preparations and partnership consultation for farms and agriculture businesses. Charles also raised beef cattle and was an organizer of the Pike Feeder Calf Sale and was active in early chicken BBQs. He was a staunch Republican whose memberships included the 4H, National Grange, Dairymen's League, Beef Cattlemen's Association, Belmont Rotary, County Agents Association, the NRA and a past member of the Belmont American Legion. Charles and his wife Eleanor enjoyed square dancing and winters in Florida with friends first camping and then with an RV group.

Survivors include: four daughters Susan (John) Hausman of Olean, Linda (Jordan) Melick of Denver, CO., Ellen (John) Donovan of Arkport and Nancy Root of Belmont; a daughter in law Dawn Hebblethwaite of Belmont; a brother Robert (Joanne) Hebblethwaite of Jacksonville, FL. And a sister, Thelma (Harold) Densmore of Canandaigua; 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son Charles W. "Chip" Hebblethwaite Jr., a brother Arthur Hebblethwaite, a sister Genieve Hebblethwaite, grandchildren Sara Hausman and Jordy Melick.

Friends are invited to call on Friday January 22 from 12 noon to 2 pm in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont where his funeral service will take place a 2 pm. Rev. Marc Chamberlain with preside with burial in Forest Hills Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials may be made to the Belmont Library or to the SPCA.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Ruth Marie Taylor

Wellsville, NY - Ruth Marie Taylor of 100 Merriam Heights passed away on Saturday January 9, 2010 at the Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born on January 20, 1920 in Bolivar to Fred and Irene Hartman Dannheim. On September 28, 1937 in Wellsville she married Gilbert Taylor Jr. who predeceased her on June 30, 1997.

Ruth was raised in Allentown and graduated from Allentown Union Free School in 1937. During WWII she worked in the munitions plant in Eldred, PA and later became the bookkeeper for Taylor Pipeline. With her husband she had lived in Andover, Addison and San Angelo, TX. moving to Wellsville in 1980. Ruth was a member of the Brookside Wesleyan Church in Wellsville. She was the first resident of Merriam Heights and valued the friendships over the passed 12 years. Ruth was a warm hearted homemaker, mother and grandmother who prided her family.

Survivors include: a son, Ronald (Gloria) Taylor of Wellsville; two daughters Cindy Griffin of Houston, TX., and Connie (David) Williams of Collins; 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews and 2 cousins.

She was predeceased by 2 brothers, William and Ronald Dannheim.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday January 12, 2010 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm in the J.W. Embser Sons F.H. in Wellsville. Her Funeral service will take place on Wednesday at 11 am in the funeral home with Rev. Robin George presiding. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery and memorials may be made to the Brookside Wesleyan Church.

Carolyn M. Gary

Wellsville, NY - Carolyn M. Gary, formerly of First Street, passed away on Saturday January 9, 2010 at the Wellsville Highland Health Care Center. She was born on August 27, 1912 in Whitesville to Fred and Clara Schneider Smith. On February 7, 1962 she married Cleo Gary who predeceased her in October of 1986.

Carolyn was the manager for the former Triangle Shoe Store in Wellsville and was a life member of the Women of the Moose.

Survivors include; a son, James Monroe of Wellsville; daughter in laws, Doris Mingus, Helen Monroe and Kaaren Monroe all of Wellsville; step children, Wayne (Therese) Gary of Wellsville, Sheila Gary of Nevada and Rita (Carl) Lipsius of Florida as well as Several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by 3 sons, Robert Mingus, Lawrence Monroe and Gene Monroe; a step son Dene Gary and her sister Dorothy Spicer.

At Carolyn's request there will be no visitation and a private funeral service will be held in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. Her burial will take place in Whitesville Rural Cemetery.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Ronald J. Good

Wellsville, NY - Ronald J. Good, 71, of 2947 Thomas Road, died Thursday, January 07, 2010 at Jones Memorial Hospital following a two year struggle with cancer. He was born September 9, 1938 in Lebanon, PA the son of Edwin and Dorothy (Twigg) Good. On April 30, 1966 in Wellsville he married Jane Kaye Thomas who survives.

Ron was raised in Lebanon and has resided in Wellsville since 1964. He was a graduate of Lebanon High School; he earned as BS from Mansfield University and a Masters Degree from Alfred University. He was employed as a teacher and administrator in a variety of school districts in Pennsylvania and the southern tier of New York State; retiring in 1999. He played baseball for Mansfield University and was a goalie for the Hershey Bears Hockey team. He was a former President and long time Secretary and Treasurer of the Allegany County Chapter of the New York State Baseball Umpires Association, where he received Tony DeVito Umpire of the Year Award in 2003. He was a founding member of the Wellsville Jaycees; where he received the Bill Brownfield Award; he was a former member of the Wellsville Kiwanis Club and was an avid sports fan.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three sons, Stephen (Danielle) Good of Baiting Hollow, NY, Ronald Good II of Bath and Timothy (Lori) Good of Wellsville. 3 grandchildren, Christina, Alexander and Abigail Good, two sisters, Nancy Pizzica of Philadelphia, PA and Laura Shirey of Lebanon, PA and a special family friend, Dawn Sutherlin of Corning.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will be on Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 2:00 pm in the funeral home with Rev. Ralph Eastlack presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, The David A. Howe Public Library or the Allegany County Office for the Aging.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Lula B. Lynn

Wellsville - Lula B. Lynn of Farnum Street passed away on Tuesday January 5, 2010 at the Wellsville Highland Health Care Center. She was born on April 30, 1925 in Hornell to George and Myrtle Strearns Marvin. In August of 1945 in Alabama she married Elbert Orvis who predeceased her and on April 18, 1971 in Wellsville she married Richard Lynn who also predeceased her.

Lula grew up in Andover and attended Andover Central School and later resided in the Scio Wellsville Area. She had worked for Grant City and was a waitress for the Belmont Hotel, Cross Diner and the Dough Box. Lulu was a life member of the VFW Auxiliary, a member of the Wellsville Senior Citizens Center and a former member of the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Lula loved bingo and enjoyed painting ceramics.

Survivors include: two sons, Raymond (Helen) Orvis and Robert Orvis both of Wellsville; two daughters, Donna Orvis and Penny (Dale) Angood both of Wellsville; 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren; 2 sisters Thelma Marie Foussat and Betty Thomas both of Wellsville as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by three brothers, William Marvin, Paul Reinard and Charles Reinard; two sisters, Crystal Hodgkins and Edna Miles; a grandson John Bartow and a great granddaughter Leigh Angood

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 7, 2010, from 12 noon to 2 pm in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville where her funeral service will take place at 2pm. Rev. Dean Good will preside and burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorials can be made to either the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps or to the David A. Howe Library.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Mary J. Pakozdi

Leroy, NY - Mary J. Pakozdi, 95, of 10 Munson Street passed away on Thursday, December 31, 2009 at the Village Green in Leroy. She was born March 21, 1914 in Perth Amboy, NJ the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Cheuy) Durst. In 1933 she married Dr. Eugene S. Pakozdi who predeceased her on November 28, 1974.

Mary assisted her husband with his chiropractic practice in Wellsville for many years. In 1998 she relocated to the Bergen area to be closer to her family. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville and had volunteered for the Allegany County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

She is survived by three sons, Eugene (Susan) Pakozdi of Las Cruces, NM, Jonathan (Jackie) Pakozdi of Oak View, CA and Richard (Connie) Pakozdi of Burgen, six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Friends are invited to call on Monday from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 1:00 pm Monday in the funeral home with Monsignor Vincent Becker presiding. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to the Allegany County Chapter of the American Red Cross, 112 N. Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895