Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Elizabeth Hennessy “Betty” Searle

Wellsville, NY - Elizabeth Hennessy “Betty” Searle of 249 North Main Street passed away on Monday, March 30, 2015, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on March 4, 1924 in Friendship to James and Catherine Connor Hennessy. On June 1, 1946 at St. Joseph’s Church in Scio she married James E. Searle who predeceased her on August 2, 1997.

Betty graduated from Scio Central School in 1942, from Rochester Business Institute in 1943 and was employed in Wellsville at Worthington Pump and Machinery Company as a secretary during World War II. After the war she became a homemaker, devoted wife and loving mother residing as the “Gatekeeper” of Meadowbrook Court for 61 years. She welcomed all who crossed the bridge and was a mother to many who grew up there.

Her love for works of charity came from her devotion to her Catholic Faith. She volunteered at Jones Memorial Hospital, Immaculate Conception School, she delivered for Meals on Wheels, was a Cub Scout and Brownie Leader, Past President of the Immaculate Conception Altar and Rosary Society and a life time member of Beta Sigma Phi.

Betty was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and local sports supporter. She could often be seen with her friends and family at high school football and basketball games cheering for the Wellsville Lions. She will be missed as a loyal friend and fun traveling companion.

Survivors include 3 daughters, Ann (William) Hendrick, Judith (Doug) Lynch and Jeanne (Kevin) Harris; a son Patrick (Jacqueline Dean) Searle; 3 sisters, Mary Ellen (Richard) Brunell, Cathleen (Frank) Linnecke and Agnes (Thomas) Brush; a brother, Thomas (Mary) Hennessy; a sister in law, Mary Lou Hennessy;10 grandchildren, Bridgette Norton, Andrew, Kathryn, Maureen and Daniel Harris, Kelly Elliot, George Lynch, Ryan, Lauren and Gretchen Searle; 7 great grandchildren, Allison and Grace Norton, Hunter, Kalin and Holden Elliott, Esmae Gardner Harris and Parker Harris; several nieces and nephews:

Betty was predeceased by her parents James and Catherine, her husband James; her brothers James and his wife Mary Ellen, William and his wife Corinne and John Hennessy; a grandson Donald Wilson; nephew Patrick Hennessy and a niece Lennae Beatty.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, April 4, 2015, from 2 to 5 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. A rosary will be recited at 1:30 pm by the Altar and Rosary Society prior to visitation in the Funeral Home. On Monday, April 6, 2015, friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 9:30 to 10:30 am followed by a Prayer Service at 10:30am. A Mass of Christian Burial will then be celebrated at 11am in the Immaculate Conception Church with burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorials in Betty’s name may be made to the Hart Comfort House, Father Brown Mission Club, Immaculate Conception School, Immaculate Conception Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Deborah “Debbie” M. Allen

Wellsville, NY - Deborah “Debbie” M. Allen of the River Road passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, shortly after arrival at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born on June 15, 1952 in Wellsville to Thomas and Audrey Drake Middaugh. On May 24, 2008 in the Allentown United Methodist Church Debbie married her long time companion and best friend Eugene Allen who survives.

Debbie graduated from Belmont Central School in 1970. She was employed as a certified nursing assistant for Jan and Bev’s Home Health Care and later for Southern Tier Home Health. She later became the Activities Director for Manor Hills until her retirement. Debbie was a member of the Allentown Methodist Church who enjoyed gardening, photography, bird watching and spending time with her grandchildren.

Besides her husband Debbie is survived by 3 daughters Lorie (Joe) Ebert, Bev (Jeff Sawczyszyn) VanTreese and Nancy (John) Harrington; 3 sons Ronnie Cline, Eric (Chantel) Cline and Cory (Missy) Allen; 2 sisters Betty (Miguel) Hernandez, and Linda (Paul) Barker; a brother Jerry (Eileen) Middaugh; 22 grandchildren Shayna, Hailee, Sydney, Jacob, Veronica, Liam, Kasey, Kelsey, Danika, Zachary, Kevin, Liana, Jamie, Kylee, Jackson, Toryn, Jacobe, Adam, Lillian, Lauryn, Mehgan and JC; great grandchildren Audrey and Blake; several nieces and nephews.

Debbie was predeceased by her parents Thomas and Audrey and her sister Pricilla Perkins.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, March 27, from 6 to 8 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons funeral Home in Wellsville at which time her funeral service with be held with Reverend Diane Cox presiding. Burial will talk place in Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont and memorials in Debbie’s name may be made to the Autism Society by visiting Autism-Society.org. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Gerald L. “Pee Wee” Keech Sr,

Allentown, NY - Gerald L. “Pee Wee” Keech Sr, age 67, of State Route 417 passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born on June 7, 1947 to Charles and Lena Dorothy Stoddard Keech. He was married to Debra Slocum Keech of Franklinville who survives. 

Pee Wee grew up in Richburg and attended both Richburg and Bolivar Schools. He had worked for the former Friendship Foundry and later for various saw mills in the area. He enjoyed painting pictures, fishing, horses and motor cycles. Pee Wee also enjoyed working on cars and racing stock cars at Drum Raceway in Allentown.

Pee Wee is survived by a son Gerald “Gerry” Keech Jr. of Allentown; a grandson Gerald “J.J.” Keech III of Allentown; a brother Harold (Stephine) Keech of Friendship; 2 sisters Luella Keech Robbins of Bath and Darlene (Mike) Metatos of Angelica; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Charles and Lena Dorothy Stoddard Keech as well as 2 brothers Charles “Junior” Keech and Raymond Keech.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, March 28, from 1 to 3 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville at which time his funeral service will be held. Burial will take place in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Bolivar and memorials in his name may be made to the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Monday, March 23, 2015

Dennis Frederick Wightman

Wellsville, NY - Dennis Frederick Wightman, 66, of 2088 County Road 18 passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at the Buffalo VA Medical Center following a brief Illness. He was born July 21, 1948 in Wellsville the son of the late Frederick and Delphine (Moyer) Wightman.

Dennis was a graduate of Wellsville High School and received an Associate Degree from Alfred State College. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1970 to 1972. He was employed as a Bus Driver for Allegany County Transit. He enjoyed hunting, woodworking, repairing cars, stock car racing and was a NASCAR fan.

Surviving are three daughters, Tracy Elias of Wellsville, Terry Wightman of Rochester, Carrie (Ben) Freeling of Hornell, one son, Sgt. Richard (Mikala) Wightman of Spring Lake, NC, son-in-law and great friend, Leo Elias of Wellsville, three grandchildren, Alex, Arianna and Jayden, two sisters, Ann Clark of Canisteo and Susie Wightman of Wellsville, one aunt, Mae Thompson of Wellsville and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a sister, Judy Austin.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 26th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A memorial service will follow the visitation on Thursday at 3:00 pm in the funeral home with Pastor Richard Helms presiding. Burial, with military honors will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to VA WNY Health Care System; Willow Lodge  9A, 3495 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215 (Memo-Willow Lodge 9A/GPS 1860) To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Eugene G. Nye

Newberry, SC - Eugene G. Nye, 85, passed away March 20, 2015 at Newberry County Memorial Hospital, following a brief illness. He was born November 17, 1929, in Wellsville, the son of the late Lyle E. and Ethel M. (Gardner) Nye. On April 11, 1953, he married Veronica Ludden, who predeceased him on March 11, 2010.

He was a 1947 graduate of Wellsville High School. He served in the US Army for three years. For years he owned and operated Nye "Best Buy" Auto Sales in Wellsville. In later years he was employed by Palmer Airmotive in Wellsville; retiring in 1992. One of his many hobbies over the years was owning and maintaining his 1967 Amphicar. He loved spending time with his family. He was a devoted husband and loving father who also served his community as a member of the Scio Lions Club and the Wellsville American Legion. He was an avid golfer and was a long time member of the Wellsville Country Club.

Surviving are three sons, Rodney (Diane) Nye of Chapin, SC, Daniel (Michele) Nye of Irmo, SC and Gregory (Laura) Nye of Newberry SC, one daughter, Suzanne (Lloyd) Bennett, of Olean, NY, 10 grandchildren, Chad (Ebony) Nye, Amanda Nye, Samantha (Glenn) Phillips, Jesse Nye, Danielle Nye, Tyler Nye, Jay (Alecia) Bennett, Shaun Bennett, Rick Nye, and Alexis Nye, four great-grandchildren, and a brother-in-law, Raymond McClure of St. Petersburg, Florida. He was also predeceased by his sister, Patricia McClure.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 25th at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church, 36 Maple Avenue in Wellsville. Entombment with military honors will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorial suggestions include the Catholic Charities Appeal or the American Cancer Society. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Rudolph “Rudy” Reinprecht

Wellsville, NY - Rudolph “Rudy” Reinprecht, 81, of 3866 Huntington Terrace died Friday, March 20, 2015 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born August 2, 1933 in Olean the son of Anton and Ann (Flicker) Reinprecht.  He graduated from Wellsville Central School in 1952, attended Alfred State College, and graduated from Saint Bonaventure University with a BS degree in Mathematics.

He married the former Beryl Bailey in 1954 who predeceased him in 2005 after more than fifty years of marriage.  They were the parents of three sons:  James (Tina) Reinprecht, MD of Perkasie, PA; Jeffrey (Maria) Reinprecht of Houston, TX and Jon (Laurie) Reinprecht of Watertown, CT.

Rudy served in the United States Army at Langham Camp in England during the Korean Conflict as a Ballistic Meteorologist and maintained a lifelong friendship with those who served with him. He began his professional career in the Engineering Department of Air Preheater in 1956 where he became Manager of Purchasing and Materials.  In 1985 he transferred to Combustion Engineering in Stanford, CT where he worked another twenty years.  At that job he assisted in setting up a centralized purchasing system for the Corporation. 

He was a member of the National Association of Purchasing Managers and a past member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the APCO Management Club.  He was a past member of the David A. Howe Public Library Board and a founding member of the Wellsville Jaycees.  He was a member of the Church of Christ in Oxford, CT and attended the Christian Temple/First Congregational Church in Wellsville.  He was also a member of the American Legion Post 54, Fairfield, CT and a member of the RNC. He was a staunch Republican and expressed himself as such. If there are any Democrats in Heaven, the good Lord will have his hands full!

Rudy expressed the same passion for the Buffalo Bills as he did for politics and had been a fan since 1960.  He also enjoyed traveling, gardening, playing bridge and woodworking.  He built his house in Scio, NY in 1966.  He was never one to sit still.

Surviving in addition to his sons are six granddaughters and a brother, Robert. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law Lura Rouse and Alma (Richard) Harmer along with several nieces and nephews.  In addition, he is survived by his companion Sharon W. Hedrick-Ash and her sons, Colonel Townley Hedrick (Mary Elizabeth) and Huntley Hedrick (Patricia) and her grandchildren.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, March 27th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A service to celebrate Rudy’s life will be Saturday, March 28th at 11:00 am at the Christian Temple/Congregational Church, 289 N. Main Street in Wellsville with Rev. Michael Friday presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to SPCA, Hart Comfort House, Jones Memorial Hospital, David A. Howe Library, Christian Temple/Congregational Church or any charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

William R. Ketchner

Scio, NY - William R. Ketchner, 85, of 4422 River Street passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2015 at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. He was born December 31, 1929 in Wellsville the son of Roland and Carmella (Byrnes) Ketchner. On May 1, 1954 in Wellsville he married Pauline Nickerson who predeceased him on October 21, 1970. On June 24, 1989 in Scio he married Donalda “Donnie” Jordan who predeceased him February 12, 2010.

Bill was a 1947 graduate of Wellsville High School. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. Bill and Pauline owned and operated the Sinclair Gas Station in Wellsville until 1957, when he began his career at C. E. Air Preheater Company in Wellsville; retiring January 1, 1992. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Scio; where he served as a Eucharistic Minister.

He is survived by one son, Timothy (Kim) Ketchner of San Antonio, Texas and their children Jennifer (Mark) Meinke and Ryan (Tana) Ketchner and their grandchildren, Madison Meinke and Beau Ketchner; Donnie’s loving daughters, Sue (Walt) Brown of Ceres and Merri (Tracy) Griffiths of Wellsville, their children, Molly (Rick) Brown, Greg Brown, Clarissa Young, Kyle Young, Nathan Griffiths and Garrett Griffiths and their grandchildren, Tyler and Peyton Swetland. He was predeceased by three brothers, James, John and Richard Ketchner.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, March 23rd from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and Tuesday, March 24th  from 9:30 to 10:15 am at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church in Scio. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to St. Joseph’s Church, The Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps or any charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Nora Colmers Zinner

Wellsville, NY - Nora Colmers Zinner, 100, passed away peacefully in her home on February 18 with her daughter and grandson at her side. Born May 1, 1914, in Vienna, Austria, the daughter of Franz Colmers and Marie Leiner Colmers, Nora whose full name was Eleonore Friederika Klara Elisabeth Gertrud Marie was the goddaughter of her namesake, the exiled Queen (Tsaritsa) Eleonore of Bulgaria.

Nora spent the first eight years of her life in Coburg, Germany, where her father, lovingly known as “Vali,” who had been awarded medals by Tsar Nicholas for his service in the German Red Cross during the Russo-Japanese war, was chief surgeon of the county hospital. She was home schooled with one year spent on the shores of Lake Tegernsee in the Bavarian Alps. By the time she was nine, her family moved to Munich, Germany, where she was enrolled in a private school and then later attended Gymnasium, receiving an accelerated post-secondary education. In 1933, after graduating, she went to England as an exchange student, perfecting her English and learning shorthand. In the fall of 1934, Nora moved to Geneva, Switzerland, where she again was a university exchange student. She once wrote, “I flunked the final, but got 3rd prize in a slalom ski race!” Nora learned stenotyping in Geneva enabling her to secure a part time job working for journalists affiliated with the League of Nations who needed her translations for articles intended for newspapers in the Balkans and Scandinavia. IBM’s CEO, Thomas J. Watson, learning about her work, approached her and asked if she could use the stenotype machine to write German. Without hesitation, she assured him she could and was hired on the spot. While in Geneva, Nora did independent writing and interviewing when not kayaking down the Rhine or skiing at Megève with friends, including Émile Allais, later known as the daring French Olympic champion credited for modern day skiing with skis parallel.

Nora returned to Munich in the fall of 1936 and worked at the Austrian Consulate while waiting for her emigration visa to the United States. She traveled to New York City by boat in May 1937 and with her shorthand and translating skills was hired by an export and import company. In 1938, she married Kurt Zinner, a cardiologist,  bought a Buick for $65 and drove West. The car broke down in Wellsville, New York, where the couple not only found a mechanic but a need for a physician.


Nora gave birth to two children, Peter, born in 1940 and Barbi, born in 1942. When the children were young, Nora’s focus was inside the home, but she nevertheless managed to earn her pilot’s license on a single engine Cessna, started the Wing Scouts as part of the National Girl Scouts for young woman interested in flying, and began an active member of the Hemlock Twig for Jones Memorial Hospital with which she was involved until her death. In addition, Nora joined groups of artists painting still lives and landscapes. Although her parents wouldn’t allow her to go to art school, Nora loved drawing and painting even as a child. Exceptionally talented, she would often credit time spent under the tutelage of Clara Katherine Nelson of Alfred University for enhancing her artistic skills. Nora’s paintings, cherished possessions of her friends and collectors, almost always were awarded ribbons in juried exhibitions, even as recently as last year.

An avid reader since she was a child, Nora worked at David A. Howe Public Library in the 1950s in order to support her family while she attended Alfred University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 1960 and then her Masters in Teaching from Alfred University, acquiring supplemental credits from Middlebury College. Nora was responsible for introducing German classes to Wellsville High School and from 1960 until 1978, taught German and French and even a class in English when called upon. Students not only benefited from Nora’s passion for languages and her love of teaching, but were exposed to her depth of knowledge whether European history, mythology, literature, music or Latin derivatives. A true linguist, she was always a stickler for correct grammar and expected language to be treated with respect. Her love for words brought her great joy even in the last weeks of her life when she would guide her grandson in daily German lessons followed by mutually solving (without internet help) the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle.

Throughout her long life, Nora (known as “Moma” to her family) mentored and inspired many. She was especially fond of teenagers and young people. Recipients of her wisdom would find that her natural curiosity and excitement about life were as valuable as her wise advice. Nora called herself a “political animal.” She voted in every election, never missed a State of the Union address and was a fan of PBS News Hour and the Sunday political roundtables. Because Nora had dreamed of being a journalist herself, she took special pride in her grandson’s wide travels and success as an international journalist and documentary filmmaker. When her daughter, Barbi, was a teenager, Nora would encourage her to venture away from Wellsville to discover “the big world waiting out there.” In recent months, history repeated itself as she encouraged her granddaughter, Tate, to seek new adventures upon graduating from college. Nora was especially proud of her son Peter, delighting in his kindness, thoughtfulness and positive outlook on life despite his challenges. She adored his partner, Joann, and took great comfort in knowing they were so happy.

As an avid skier, Nora joined Wellsville veterans who were part of the 10th Mountain Division as they jury-rigged an old Ford engine to power a rope tow turning the backside of Norton Hill into a ski slope. When Swain Resort opened, she would gather ski gear and head out with Barbi and her friends, many who still credit her with introducing them to skiing. Nora skied into her early 80s and after retirement added golf to the sports she enjoyed. Always interested in languages, Nora hosted Spanish classes in her home and although in her 80s and 90s her ear was sharp and her memory keen. In these later years she also began actively playing bridge, a game her father taught her well over three-quarters of a century earlier. She not only enjoyed the challenge of the game, she loved the company especially during daylong “Marathon” bridge tournaments. Some friends reported she soundly beat them a few days before she died.

Despite her dismay over the current political bickering and horrors of conflicts with their accompanying senseless deaths and destruction, she was overtly optimistic about the world in general, insisting, “Things will get better.”  Although she sometimes would lament that she had “outlived my time,” she checked her email every day and would insist on “Googling” anything she did not know. When hearing about new technology, she would laugh and shake her head in amazement, noting that the science fiction she had loved as a child had become a reality.

 Nora enjoyed living in Wellsville. She remarked often about the beauty of the hillsides changing with each season. When others complained about this past year’s long winter, she would exclaim, “I love the snow!” She was thrilled when the cardinals appeared at her bird feeder and equally excited when she could harvest tomatoes growing on her deck or her favorite sunflowers bloomed in late summer. From the time she was a pilot, Nora was fascinated by the weather. She would keep daily track of barometer readings and temperature fluctuations. By observing cloud formations, she predicted rain and storm fronts more accurately than the weatherman.

When she could, Nora loved to travel, visiting in the last half-century Germany, Yugoslavia, Greece, New Zealand, Australia, Kenya and Panama. Although her interests were indisputably global, her attention was more often than not directed on what was happening in the life of the person with whom she was talking.  Always an attentive listener, she’d welcome newcomers as readily as old friends and her home was filled with people of all ages. Conversations were always rich in content and even if the world’s problems weren’t solved, they were debated.

It was because of her close and loyal friends and her wonderful team of dedicated caregivers that Nora, even as a centenarian, was able to lead an active life, contributing to the community, enjoying social engagements and the cultural offerings that delighted her so much.  Her generous and vibrant spirit, dignified grace, keen perspective and intelligence, empathy and compassion, appreciation of the small things and an unending curiosity and fascination of the unknown have left lasting marks on all who knew her. Her time on this earth, treasured by so many, now serves as a legacy of how to live life to the fullest. Nora embraced Buddhism and believed her energy would live on.

Nora is survived by her son, Peter Zinner and his partner Joann Picone, of Rochester New York, and her daughter, Barbi Reed and her husband, Gary Hornbuckle, of Ketchum, Idaho and Sausalito California; two grandchildren, Reed Lindsay of Ketchum, Idaho and Tate Reed of Flagstaff, Arizona; two nephews, Dr. William F. Colmers of Edmonton, Alberta (wife Eva and children Isabelle and Phillip) and John M. Colmers of Baltimore, Maryland (wife Debra and children Max and Eleanor) and her goddaughter, Margie Gill. Nora was preceded in death by her brother Rudolf A. Colmers, sister Elisabeth “Lisl” Standen, nephew Thomas P. Colmers and her governess “Engi,” Hilda L. Lacher.

During her final hours, Nora asked Barbi and Reed to “thank the town.” She landed in Wellsville by chance, but remained immensely grateful for the tight-knit community of which she became an integral part. Instead of a funeral or memorial service, she wanted people to not shed tears but to celebrate her life with a party. Respecting her wishes, a celebration of Nora’s life will take place at Wellsville Creative Art Center, May 3, at 2:00 PM.

For those who would like to give a gift in her memory, her family respectively requests that you consider the following:
•LDA Life and Learning Services, 1650 South Avenue, Suite 200, Rochester, NY 14620. (Incoming donations will be applied to St. Paul where Nora’s son Peter is a resident.)
•David A. Howe Public Library, 155 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895  (Nora, an avid reader all her life, always had a bookmarked book next to her chair and bed.)
•Genesee Valley Chorus, 53 South St., Belmont, NY 14813 (Nora supported the choir for many years and eagerly anticipated its concerts.)

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Gary G. Briggs

Dateline: Genesee, PA - Gary G. Briggs, Ph.D., 67, of 1405 Genesee-Mills Road, died Monday, March 9, 2015, as a result of a fire at his home. He was born July 10, 1947, in Wellsville, the son of the late William H. and Marguerite (Perry) Briggs. On August 6, 1983, in Genesee, he married Mary (Fuss) Seely, who died with him at home on the same day.

 

Gary graduated from Northern Potter High School and Hamilton College. He received a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Psychology from Duke University in 1974. He was a self-employed contractor in the Allegany and Potter County area. He was a former resident of Whitesville, a former board member of the Whitesville Library and was a trustee of the North Bingham Cemetery Association. 

 

He is survived by a stepson, Jay Seely of Loudonville, NY, special friends, James Danner of Pittsburgh, PA, Basil Worthington and Gene (“Buell”) Baumgarner, one aunt, Fern Frank, one uncle, Chet Perry, the Nelson family and several cousins.

 

Friends are invited to call on Friday, March 20th, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 5:00 pm in the funeral home, with Rev. Greg DeSalvator presiding. Burial will be in North Bingham Cemetery. The family suggest memorial donations be made to the Genesee or Whitesville Public Libraries. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Mary E. (Fuss) Briggs

Genesee, PA - Mary E. (Fuss) Briggs, 70, of 1405 Genesee-Mills Road, died on Monday, March 9, 2015, as a result of a fire at her home. She was born December 4, 1944, in Salamanca, the daughter of the late Carl and Lucille (Smith) Fuss. On August 6, 1983, in Genesee, she married Gary G. Briggs, who died with her at home on the same day.

 

Mary was a 1962 graduate of Little Valley High School. She graduated from Buffalo State College in 1966, with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She completed her graduate work at Suffolk University in Boston, MA, East Caroline University in Greenville, NC, Lamar Tech in Beaumont, TX, Alfred University in Alfred, NY and Mansfield State College in Mansfield, PA. 

 

She taught science at the Sweet Home and Wellsville School Districts before beginning her career at Whitesville Central School; where she taught for 35 years, retiring in 2002.  

 

She is survived by one son, Jay Seely of Loudonville, NY two sisters, Anne Stevens of Little Valley and Donna Monaghan of Albany, five nephews and one niece. She was predeceased, in addition to her parents and husband, by a brother, David Fuss.

 

Friends are invited to call on Friday, March 20th, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 5:00 pm in the funeral home, with Rev. Greg DeSalvator presiding. The family suggest memorial donations be made to Al-Anon or AA. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Beverly J. McGillivray

Belmont, NY - Beverly J. McGillivray, 74, of 5273 State Route 19 north, died Tuesday, March, 10, 2015 peacefully at home. She had previously survived a long battle with cancer as well as cardiac disease. She was born on January 25, 1941, in Westfield, NY; the daughter of the late Thomas and Corrine (Barnhart) Freeman.                                             

She was a graduate of Andover High School and married the love of her life on July 2, 1960. Together they had 5 children and remained lifelong friends. She spent her time as a loving mother and homemaker. Later in her life she spent many years waitressing at well known establishments including the Dill Pickle, Clancy's, The Brass Balloon, Family Pizza, The Beef House, Spiros, and the Texas Hot. After no longer waitressing she continued to frequent many of these establishments where her beautiful smile and bright blue eyes were known and loved. Many of her Grandchildren remember her "home cooked meals" at the Texas Hot. The one time of the year that you could find her in the kitchen however, was at Christmas time when she would make her coveted peanut butter fudge and distribute it as gifts. Her face would light up as she took most pride in spending time with her children, many grandchildren, and later great grandchildren, affectionately known as "GG". She was an animal lover and was constantly followed around by her faithful companions Koda and Molly. She was a faithful member of the Gospel Fellowship Church in Belmont and found peace in time spent in worship and prayer.

In addition to the love of her life, Dennis C. McGillivray Sr. she is survived by her 5 children, Dawn (Rick) Middaugh, Dennis (Amria) McGillivray Jr., Lynn (Steve) Biancuzzo, Patricia (Lance) Dodge, and Kelly (Dennis) Karns; twenty Four grandchildren, Shannon (Kyle) Lyon, Jennifer, Sarah, and Adam (Natalie) Middaugh, James, Marc, and Samuel Stewart, Bethany (Jerrod) Corbett, Hannah, Daniel, and Dennis McGillivray III, Andrea (Jeremy) Niece, Alyssa and Vinson Biancuzzo, Corinna, Keighle, Zachary, Brandy and Stephanie Cole, Megan, Myah, Ethan and Trevor Burt, and Kaitlyn Karns; sixteen great-grandchildren, one brother, Thomas (Deana) Freeman, one sister,  Lois (George) Stroble and several nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by one brother, Peter Meads and two sisters, Alice Meads and Rose Marie Freeman.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, March 14th from 3:00 to 4:00 pm at the Gospel Fellowship Church on Hood Road in Belmont. The funeral will follow visitation at 4:00 pm in church with Pastor Patrick Lyons presiding. A reception will follow the funeral at the Amity Rescue Squad for friends to gather and celebrate her memory. Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfunerhome.com.

Monday, March 9, 2015

Claude J. Baker


Belmont, NY - Claude J. Baker, 83, of 5072 State Route 244 passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2015 shortly after arrival at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. He was born February 18, 1932 in Belmont the son of Clyde and Onolee (Harris) Baker. On June 6, 1964 in Stannards he married Elaine Dickerson who survives.


Claude was a veteran of the U. S. Navy during the Korean War; serving at Panama Canal. He was formerly employed at Genesee Valley Nurseries in Belmont for 16 years and later was a self employed general contractor in Belmont area. He attended the Belmont First Baptist Church.

Surviving in addition to his wife are five daughters, Kimeysue (Michael) Starr of Scottsville, Kathy Baker of Angelica, Karen (Joseph) Chapman of Great Bend, Karrie (Shawn) O’Brien of Fairport and Kristine (Matthew) Ryder of Macedon, two sons, Karlton (Angie) Baker of Portville and Kalen Baker of Belmont, 19 grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 12, 2014 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. A memorial service and burial is being planned for a later date. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Amity Rescue Squad. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.    

Friday, March 6, 2015

Martin Louis "Marty" Wesche

Grand Island, Florida - Martin Louis "Marty" Wesche, 67, of Grand Island, passed away Monday, March 2, 2015. He was born in Wellsville, New York and moved to Grand Island in 2009 from the Ithaca area, New York.

Marty was a founding member of the Petrolia Volunteer Fire Department, a member of Carpenters Union Local 66 and the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. He enjoyed gardening, remodeling homes and building furniture. He passed a great sense of humor, incredible work ethic and an outgoing personality to his children. His first order of priority was his family and will be greatly missed. 
                                                                                                                                                           He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Marilynn S. (Allen) Wesche; one son, Jeffrey M. (Lisa) Wesche of Ithaca, NY; one daughter, Colleen Pearl Wesche Reilly (Josh Jones) of Newfield, NY; 5 grandchildren, Erika Wesche, Emma Wesche, Scotia (Levi) Scott, Francis Reilly, and Daniel Reilly; two great-grandchildren, Kiera and Leah Scott, three brothers, Arthur (Diane) Wesche of  Henrietta, Roger Wesche of Wellsville, Harold (Nena) Wesche of Wellsville; five brothers-in-law, Stephen, Dwight, James, Kevin and Gregory Allen; two sisters-in-law, Marcella Culbert and Agnes Allen; and several nieces & nephews.
                                                                                                                                                          
Friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm and Wednesday from 10:00 to 10:30 am at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation, 1501 N.W. 9th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.  

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Virginia Fay Wagner

Cuba, NY - Virginia Fay Wagner, 71, of 5 Chapel Street passed away on Monday, March 02, 2015 at the home of her son in Wellsville, with her family at her side. She was born July 5, 1943 in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Lawrence S. and Aileen (Fay) Button. On March 9, 1969 in Wellsville she married George E. Wagner who survives.

Virginia was a former resident of Wellsville and a 1962 graduate of Wellsville High School. She was a former member of the Immaculate Conception Church and an active member of the Immaculate Conception Parish Fun Fair Committee. She was also a very active with the Boy Scouts of America for many years. On February 17, 1973 Virginia and George renewed their wedding vows at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville.

A devoted wife and mother; Virginia is survived in addition to her husband by one son, Joseph M. Wagner of Wellsville, two granddaughters, Chelsea Rochelle Wagner and Ella Katherine Hill, one brother, James A. (Lori) Button of Wellsville, one niece, two nephews, one great niece and two great nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm and Friday from 10:00 to 10:30 am at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 6, 2015 at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute or St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Monday, March 2, 2015

Howard L. Rosema

Penn Yan, NY - Howard L. Rosema, 66, of 1482 Route 14A passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 shortly after arrival at Soldiers & Sailors Hospital in Penn Yan. He was born September 20, 1948 in Geneva, Illinois, the son of Howard W. and Rosa L. (Mick) Rosema.

Howard was a graduate of Broadmoor Senior High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He joined the U. S. Navy on September 21, 1967 and served as a ship’s cook with Attack Squadron Sixty Six until his discharge on July 1, 1971. He then served with the U. S. Naval Reserve until May 17, 1973. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Navy Unit Commendation Medal for his military service. Howard was a former resident of Manor Hills in Wellsville and will be remembered for Peaceful and loving personality. Howard enjoyed traveling and playing his guitar.   

A graveside service is being planned for a later date at Bath National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Manor Hills Activities Fund or the Penn Yan United Methodist Church % Pastor Jeff Childs. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.