Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Matthew J. Wagoner, 42

Wellsville, NY - Matthew J. Wagoner, 42, of Bolivar Road, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born March 2, 1982, in Corning, the son of the late Edward and Joyce (Broughton) Wagoner. On August 4, 2012, in Wellsville, he married Roxanne Brundage, who survives.

Matt attended school in Olympia, WA, and in Wellsville. Once he entered the workforce, he was employed by several local businesses such as A-Plus, Northern Lights, and Current Controls for over 10 years; he found his career at Great Lakes Cheese in Cuba. Outside of work, he was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, camping, and collecting and using firearms. He loved heavy metal, especially Slayer, Machine Head, and Amon Amarath, and played guitar in two local bands, Years in the Woods and Traxippi. Additionally, he was a fan of his Nissan Truck, and Norse history, especially the Vikings. Most of all, he was a self-described ‘unique character’ who loved his family and joking around with them, including his dogs Chief and Loki.

In addition to his wife of 12 years, Roxanne, he is survived by: two children, Darren Dickerson of Wellsville, and  Katelyn (Tyler McPhilomy) Dickerson of Cuba; a biological brother, Josh (Christina Chapman) Wagoner of Scio; a brother-from-another-mother, Greg Robinson of Andover; brothers-in-law, Paul Brundage of Niagara Falls, and John Brundage Jr. of Belmont; an aunt, Jean Potter of Canisteo; a niece, Maddy Wagoner; a nephew, Dominik Wagoner; as well as several cousins. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a brother, Doug Broughton.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date, in the spring, at his home. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com . 

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Robert (Bob) F. Decker , 66

Belmont, NY – Robert F. Decker (affectionately known as Bob), 66, of Belmont, NY, passed away at Strong Memorial Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer. His loving wife Gena was by his side. He was born on September 24, 1958, in Hornell, NY to parents Robert H. Decker and Lois (Gary) Decker.

Bob’s early childhood was spent in Almond, NY with his sister Connie where they made life-long friends and accidentally set the hill on fire.  They soon moved to Wellsville, NY, where he would graduate from Wellsville Central School in 1976. He was a member of the high school basketball team, earning the nickname “Killer” from his teammates.  After graduation, he attended SUNY Morrisville for Environmental Science, completing his schooling in 1979. He went on to work at the Wellsville Wastewater Treatment plant from 1981-2002.

 In 1999, the stars aligned when Bob did his first musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, and met his soul mate, Gena (Simon) Decker.  They were married on November 25, 2000, where they joined their families together; Gena gaining two amazing stepchildren, Katie and Jordan Decker, and Bob adopting Azure (McCumiskey) as his own.  Soon after, they moved to their forever home on the hill in Belmont.  Bob was so proud of the home that he built for his family.  Bob went back to school in 2002 at Alfred University where he earned his master’s degree in School Psychology. In 2009, Bob joined the Allegany Limestone Central School family working as their psychologist in middle and high school. While there, he made a positive impact on countless students, teachers, and staff who admired him for his calm and grounding presence. Even after reluctantly retiring in 2021 he remained close with his ALCS family, meeting for breakfast, shared love of music, and occasional golf outings. In his last outing with friends, he and his golf partner finally won.

 

Bob was best known for his musical talent. He and Gena hosted Open Mic Night at two places that became very near and dear to their hearts; Black Eyed Susan in Angelica and The Palmer Opera House in Cuba. The duo played at farmers markets, and many other venues throughout Allegany County. They were also members of the band Sound Foundation. In his lifetime, Bob learned to play the mandolin, banjo, ukulele, bass, and the drums. His love, however, was the acoustic guitar. He loved James Taylor, and was proud to have learned Frozen Man, a song that he considered to be difficult to learn, but you would never know from watching him play. 

 

Bob was a man with many interests. He found solace in running, even completing two marathons. He took up yoga with Gena and enjoyed hunting, hiking in the woods, and desired to be a better fisherman. Bob was an amazing cook and soup was his specialty. “Always start with an onion” he would say. He never met a dog that he didn't like. Every dog he owned held a special place in his heart, especially his most recent pup, Winston Pug. Every July found Bob and Gena dancing at The Great Blue Heron Music Festival.  Bob enjoyed the simple life on the hill, and found comfort splitting wood, working on the tractor, gardening, and sitting around a campfire with his guitar and family. 

 

Bob made friends easily with everyone he met. People were drawn to his gentle, calming presence and grounding energy. He maintained 50 plus year friendships, gathering for stories, laughs, drinks, and music. Those friendships meant so much to Bob. His impact on those close to him was made evident with the countless phone calls, cards, impromptu musical gatherings, and visits in his last few weeks.

 

The most important thing to Bob was his family. He had a special relationship with all of his children, each having unique memories, inside jokes, and a deep love for their dad. Bob had three grandchildren Gramm (10), Quinn (6), and Faye (2) who loved their Papa dearly. He loved to host his family for birthdays, holidays, or “just for fun” dinners where he ensured everyone was fed and cared for. Bob’s greatest love in life was his wife of 24 years, Gena. The two shared a love of just being together, but often filled their time with hiking, gardening, music, and grandbabies. 

 

Bob is survived by: his wife Gena (Simon) Decker, his three children, Katie Decker, Jordan Decker, and Azure (Ashton) McCumiskey; his sister Connie (Cort) Dunham, nieces and nephews: Dan, Dara, and Deena, Uncle Roger (Shirley) Gary, his sister-in-law Erin Simon, brother-in-law, Chris Mortimer, and niece Kaisa Simon; in-laws Naysim and Jae Simon, and three grandchildren: Gramm, Quinn, and Faye McCumiskey; as well as many, many close friends that he considered to be like family.  He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Lois Decker.

 

Friends and family are invited to call on Friday December 13, 2024, from 4 to 7 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, NY, 34 West State Street. A funeral service will be held on Saturday December 14, 2024, at 11:00 am in the Funeral Home. Following the service, ALL are welcome to celebrate Bob’s life, share memories, food and drink, and enjoy time together, at The Palmer Opera House, 12 West Main Street, in Cuba, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Palmer Opera House, the SPCA, or your charity or small business of choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Thomas and Lorena Condon, graveside service

Wellsville, NY – The friends and family of Thomas and Lorena Condon are invited to a graveside service on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, beginning at 11:00 am at Yorks Corners Cemetery. Thomas passed away on April 24, 2002, and Lorena passed on October 30, 2024. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Robert Cole, Service Anouncement

Wellsville, NY – The friends of Robert Cole are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 1 – 3 pm at the Wellsville Elks Club, 77 East Pearl Street. Bob passed on Tuesday May 21, 2024. To read the complete obituary, or to leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .

Jacqueline A. Merrick, 73

Belmont, NY – Jacqueline A. Merrick, 73, of Farr Road, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Strong Memorial Hospital with her family by her side. She was born September 11, 1951, in Warsaw, the daughter of Vinton and Jean (Yavicoli) Nourse. On August 26, 1972, in Arcade, she married Cyril “Skip” Merrick, who survives.

Jackie was a long-time resident of Belmont. She graduated from Arcade Central School. Shefound her career with Allegany County, starting in the County Clerk’s office in 1992. In 2003she became Assistant Director of the Veterans Services Agency, where she was passionate about helping Veterans and their families. She retired in 2015. In retirement she continued her community involvement as a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, the Genesee Valley Chorus, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 702, and supported Skip’s involvement with the Patriot Guard Riders. She enjoyed cooking and baking for family and friends and was an avid Yankees and Buffalo Bills Fan (watching the Bills win over the Chiefs this past Sunday with her family). She had a deep love for animals, especially the numerous cats and dogs she loved over the years and took joy in watching and feeding the birds in her backyard. She led an active lifestyle, participating in aerobics and multiple 5Ks in retirement, but most of all she cherished her daily walks, often around Amity Lake with her dear friends. Above all she will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, and grandmother.

In addition to her husband of 52 years, Skip, she is survived by: her mother, Jean Nourse of St. Paul, MN; children, David (Rosanna) Merrick of Cape Coral, Fl and Julie (Adam) Frolish of Warren, NJ; a grandson, Dominick Merrick of Cape Coral, FL; four brothers, Gregory (Marcie) Nourse, Gary (Angela) Nourse, Dennis (Micki) Nourse, and Mark (Nicky) Nourse; as well as several nieces and nephews and close friends. She was predeceased by her father, Vinton Nourse. 

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 4 to 7 pm to the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11 am at Immaculate Conception of Wellsville, 36 Maple Avenue. Burial will be in Bath National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the American Legion Post 702 Scholarship, 23 Jefferson Street, Wellsville, NY 14895; or to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5540 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Garrett W. Scott, 76

Wellsville, NY – Garrett W. Scott, 76, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the Wellsville Manor Care Center, Wellsville, NY.  Garrett was born May 24, 1948, in Olean, the son of the late Garrett Paul and Virginia (Vossler) Scott.

At the request of the family there are no services planned at this time. A private burial will be arranged at a future date. Arrangements are under the direction of the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, Inc. in Wellsville, NY.

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Daniel Hart, 46

Wellsville, NY – Daniel Hart, 46, of Hanover Hill Road, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Strong Memorial Hospital with family by his side. He was born September 12, 1978, in Wellsville, the son of Francis David and Lucille (Smith) Hart. 

Dan was raised in Wellsville and was a 1996 graduate of Wellsville High School. He continued his education at Alfred State College, earning his associates degree. He was formerly employed by Harts Meat Market, Dresser Rand as a machinist, and the in the Maintenance Department for Allegany County. 

He is survived by: his mother, Lucille; siblings, Eileen (Tim) Shea, Patrick (Julie) Hart, Kathryn (Patrick) Dempsey, John (Virginia) Hart, Sarah Swisher, and Josephine Hart and her husband Brent Bailey, all of Wellsville; brother-in-law, Craig (Nora) Burdick of Wellsville; life-long friend Eddie Gee of Wellsville; beloved dogs Doc and Tuco; as well as several niecesnephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by: his father, Dave; brother, Michael Hart; sister, Bridget Hart Burdick; brother-in-law, Butch Swisher; and niece, Rachel Swisher

Friends are invited to call on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 5 to 8 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 11 am in Immaculate Conception Church of Wellsville, 36 Maple Avenue. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to: The David A. Howe Public Library, 155 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895; or to the Allegany County Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .