Thursday, April 23, 2009

Helen H. McCarty - Professor, Arts Advocate

Wellsville, NY - Helen H. McCarty, a emeritus professor at Alfred State College, died April 20, 2009 at John F. Keever Jr. Solace Center in Asheville, NC.

Mrs. McCarty began her teaching career as an instructor at the SUNY College of Technology at Alfred in 1965, becoming the first women full professor in the English Department retiring in 1990. Helen taught speech and public speaking. Emeritus Professor McCarty returned as an adjunct professor from 1994-96 in the same department. She served as advisor to SICA (Students Involved in Community Action) and Ergo, the college literary magazine. Helen was the guiding influence in bringing the first and many subsequent issues of Ergo to publication. She was the organizer of the first Alfred State Poetry Readings and Literary Teas. She served on the College Promotion Committee and Gallery and Dormitory Art Committee. During her tenure at Alfred State College, she was a strong advocate of the arts, arranging numerous exhibits and other activities to promote arts at the campus.

She received a bachelor’s degree from the Pennsylvania State University and master’s degrees from the State University of New York at Geneseo and Syracuse University, where she also completed coursework towards doctoral degree.

She was a parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. She had an appreciation and talent for cultivating flowers, her favorite was the Vermilion Geranium. She created “One of a Kind” wreaths for friends and often contributed them for local fundraisers. Her community service included the Wellsville Restoration Board, Tree Workshop, Allegany Association for the Handicapped, Elderberry Transportation Committee and Allegany County Art Committee.

Helen was born in Calgary, Canada the daughter of Frank and Beatrice (Diveney) Hogan and moved to Bolivar, NY as young girl. She resided in Wellsville for most of her life. Her husband, Dr. Frederick H. McCarty, died in 1965. She was predeceased by her sisters Molly and Kathleen.

She is survived by their four children, Sheila McCarty of Asheville, NC, Brian (Faith) McCarty of Philadelphia, PA, Fred (Sharon Moyer) McCarty of San Jose, CA and Kevin (Kathryn) McCarty of Arlington, VA, and Marty O’Connor (“the other son”), three grandchildren, Patrick, Shane & Kate McCarty, two nephews, John Masten of Williamsport, Pa, Tom Masten of Penfield, NY, and a niece, Susan Guilfoyle, of Dowell, MD, a cousin Connie McCormick of Pittsburgh, PA & their families and many lifelong friends.

Friends are invited to call on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 and Saturday from 9:00 to 10:30 am in the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with Rev. Patrick O’Keefe as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bolivar.

Memorial suggestions include the Arts and Music programs at the Immaculate Conception School in Wellsville or the Whitesville Central School; where she taught after she retired from Alfred.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Mildred “Millie” Potter

Scio - Mildred “Millie” Potter of the Knights Creek Road passed away on Sunday April 19, 2009 at the Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born on September 25, 1922 in Scio to Albert and Hilda [Dornow] Herke. On January 20, 1945 in Hastings, Nebraska she married John E. Potter who predeceased her on January 2, 2003.

Millie was a life long resident of Scio where she operated her own beauty salon for many years. She later went to work at Alfred State College and retired from there in 1980. Millie was a member of the First Trinity Lutheran Church and its Dorcas Guild. She received great enjoyment from her family and enjoyed quilting and camping. Along with her husband she delivered meals on wheels.

Survivors include: 2 sons, Donald [Jean] Potter of Canisteo and Gary [Shelia] Potter of Arcade; 2 daughters, Nancy Haberer of Wellsville and Shelia[Robert] Linnecke of Scio; 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; a brother Ralph [Marilyn] Herke of Lima and a sister Maxine [Gene] Latham of Philips Creek; several nieces and nephews

She was predeceased by 2 brothers, Earl and Howard Herke; 2 sisters, Marian Linza and Eleanor Chapman

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday April 22 at the J.W.Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville from 12 noon to 2 pm at which time a funeral service will take place with Rev. Robert Morris and Rev. Dick Helms presiding. Burial will take place in Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont and memorials may be made to the First Trinity Lutheran Church in Wellsville.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Warren E. Davidson Sr.


Belfast - Warren E. Davidson Sr. of West Hughs Street passed away on Thursday April 16 at the Buffalo Veterans Hospital. He was born on July 25, 1922 in Almond to George W. and Sara [Van Ness] Davidson.

Warren was a veteran of the US Army serving during WWII and he retired from the foundry in Friendship. Warren loved his family and enjoyed traveling to see them. He enjoyed demolition derbies and watching his grandson’s race at the Freedom Race Track.

Survivors include: 2 daughters, Rose Ely and Susan Stuck; a son Warren[Kelley]Davison [no d in children’s names] ; 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Anna Stuck; a son Lawrence Davison; a daughter Sarah Davison and 10 brothers and sisters

Friends may call on Monday from 12 noon to 2 pm in the J.W.Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville at which time a funeral service will take place. Rev. Robert Morris will preside, burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery with military honors and any memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Priscilla M. Fitch

Wellsville, NY - Priscilla M. Fitch, 56, of 36 Williams Avenue died on Sunday, April 12, 2009 at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell following a long illness. She was born November 29, 1952 in Wellsville the daughter of Paul and Bertha (Baker) Marye. On August 19, 2001 in Wellsville she married Richard M. Fitch who survives.

Priscilla was raised in Wellsville until her family moved to Gold, PA in 1966. She graduated from Northern Potter High School and from Alfred State College in 1988 where she earned an associate degree in Nursing. She was formerly employed as a registered nurse at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell and Highland Healthcare Center in Wellsville. She was a member of the Chenunda Creek Fellowship Church and served as the newsletter editor for the Wellsville Area Small Plane Society. She enjoyed arts & crafts and was a Game Boy Collector. She was a loving mother who was involved and supported all her children’s activities including, Odyssey of the Mind, Scouting, Andover Marching Band and a variety of sports.

Surviving in addition to her husband is one son, William Dickerson of Wellsville, two daughters, Heather Dickerson of West Seneca and Heidi (Robert) White of Angelica, one grandson, Jacob White, two brothers, Stanley Marye of Binghamton and Thomas Marye of Roanoke, VA, one sister, Polly Swerdlin of Houston, TX and several nieces & nephews.

She was predeceased by a son, Philip Dickerson in 2001, a granddaughter, Haley Dickerson in 1995 and two brothers, David and John Marye.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will be Thursday, April 16th at 2:00 pm in the funeral Home with John Lapp presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville. Memorial suggestions include Gil’s Hills or the SPCA Serving Allegany County.

Edward C. Mastandrea

Wellsville, NY - Edward C. Mastandrea, 83, of 160 Seneca Street died peacefully with his family at his side on Friday, April 10, 2009 at the Wellsville Highland Healthcare Center. He was born January 8, 1926 in Buffalo, NY the son of Joseph and Catherine Ricigliano Mastandrea.

Ed was raised in Buffalo and moved to Wellsville in 1963. He was a veteran of WW II serving in the U.S.M.C. with Pappy Boyington’s Blacksheep Squadron in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He was first employed as a bartender at Dugans in Buffalo; he later helped build the Southern Tier Expressway with the Honkn-Konkn Construction Company. He completed his career as an expediter for Turbodyne Corporation in Wellsville from 1974 to his retirement in 1985.

He is survived by a daughter, Alycia C. (Andrew) Parker of Virginia Beach, VA, a son, Edward K. (Lorie) Mastandrea of Genesee, PA, four grandchildren, Amanda, Sammantha, Chelsea and Andrew, 1 great granddaughter, Raeghan, six brothers, Andy, Michael, Frank, Donald, Anthony and John Mastandrea three sisters, Marie Siegel, Sr. Angela Marie and Virginia Schaffstall and several nieces & nephews. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by four brothers, Joseph, Frederick, Vincent and Victor Mastandrea.

A graveside side service will be planned for a later date. Memorial suggestions include the Morrison-Hayes Post 702 American Legion, 23 Jefferson Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. Arrangements are under the direction of the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Larry S. Brant

Wellsville, NY - Larry S. Brant, 49, of 220 S. Brooklyn Avenue died on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at home. He was born on August 17, 1959 in Ontario, Canada the son of Stewart and Ina (Leween) Brant.

Larry was a graduate of the North Tonawanda High School. He was formerly employed as an auto body technician for Elsenheimer Chevrolet in Hornell and Mallery’s Auto Body in Olean.
He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Wellsville and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Larry and his wife Doreen were recipients of a Habitat for Humanity home and appreciated the loving support of the Habitat family, especially Jim and Donna Leonard of Wellsville.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Doreen (Shaver) Brant, three Children, Billy Brant and Melissa Brant both of Wellsville and Michael (Danielle) Brant of Friendship, two grandsons, Ethan and Ean Brant, his parents of Shannonville, Ontario, a brother, Vincent (Esther) Brant of Shannonville, three sisters, Theresa Brant and Kathy Brant both of Deseronto, Ontario and Sandy Neil of North Tonawanda, several nieces & nephews, two brothers-in law, Gary (Julie) Shaver of Wellsville and Kevin Shaver of Gilbert, AZ, a sister-in-law, Becky (Rick) Biggins of Atlanta, GA, a special family friend, Bob (Sabine) Eberhardt of North Tonawanda and many supportive friends, including Dave Pieczynski of Alma. He was predeceased by his father and mother-in-law, Herbert and Shirley Shaver.

A private memorial service will be planned for a later date. Burial will be in Shannonville, Ontario on the Tyendinaga Reserve. Arrangements are under the direction of the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. Memorial are suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Church, 470 N. Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895

Friday, April 10, 2009

Jack M. Petrie

Wellsville, NY - Jack M. Petrie, 88, of 3462 North Drive died unexpectedly on Thursday, April 9, 2009 shortly after arrival at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born on February 17, 1921 in Roulette, PA the son of Harold E. and Hazel G. (Metz) Petrie. On December 24, 1943 in Coudersport, PA he married Marguerite Bruzzi who survives.


Jack was a graduate of Roulette High School and has resided in Wellsville since 1957. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during WW II serving in the European Theater of Operation. He was formerly employed as electrician for the Roulette Chemical Works and later for C. E. Air Preheater Company in Wellsville, he retired in 1983. He was a member of the R. W. Grand Lodge, F & AM of Pennsylvania and the Coudersport Consistory. He was a former Midget League Football Referee, he enjoyed stamp collecting, golfing, boating and was an avid reader.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 65 years is a brother, Donald (Janice) Petrie of Charlotte, NC and several nieces & nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday from 9:30 to 11:00 am at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11:30 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with Rev. Patrick O’Keefe as celebrant. Memorial suggestions include the Immaculate Conception Church, 6 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895 or the David A. Howe Public Library, 155 N. Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895

George W. Sheffield

Belmont, NY - George W. Sheffield, 75, of 4149 Cooley Hill Road died on Thursday, April 9, 2009 shortly after arrival at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. He was born January 16, 1934 in Brockport; one of 17 children born to George and Mary (Donahue) Sheffield. On November 1, 1952 in Spencerport he married Mary A. Garrah who predeceased him on August 11, 2008.

George was employed as a supervisor for the Village of Hilton Department of Public Works. He retired in 1989 and moved to Belmont. He was a member of Holy Family Church in Belmont and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He is survived by 4 sons, Paul (Sandy) Sheffield of Greece, George (Debra) Sheffield of Rochester, Charles Sheffield of Belmont and Timothy (Colleen) Sheffield of Spencerport, eight grandchildren, eight brothers, four Sisters and several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Penny Jo Borland on February 1, 2008.

Friends are invited to call on Monday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm and Tuesday from 9-9:30 am at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 am in the Holy Family Church; 5 Milton St. in Belmont with Rev. Jerome Dissek as celebrant. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Belmont. Memorial suggestions include, the Genesee Valley Christian Food Pantry, 4996 Hood Road, Belmont, NY 14813.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Dorothy M. Stonham

Wellsville - Dorothy M. Stonham of Pine Street, formerly of the Coyle Hill in Scio, passed away on Saturday April 4 at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born on August 21, 1921 in Eldred, PA. to George and Minnie Main. On October 27, 1944 she married Robert Stonham who predeceased her on November 15, 1996.

Dorothy was a long time resident of the Wellsville area who moved to a retirement home she and her husband built on Coyle Hill Road and moved back to Wellsville in 2002. Dorothy worked for the former Wellsville Nursing Home and for Shorts Service Station. She was active in the Wellsville PTA, Civil Defense, the Red Cross and the Girl Scouts. Dorothy enjoyed traveling to Ohio see her grandchildren and later to see her great grand daughters. She was a member of the Christian Temple Church in Wellsville and the Scio Sun Shine Club.

Survivors include a daughter Sandra Stevens of North Field, Ohio: a grandson David Stevens of Philadelphia, PA.; a granddaughter Deirdre {Scott} Schraff of Avon, Ohio and great grand daughters Liana and Arielle.

Dorothy was predeceased by a brother Roland and an infant sister.

Friends may call on Tuesday April 7 from 6-8 pm in the J.W.Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville where a funeral service will take place on Wednesday at 11 am. Ralph Eastlack will preside at the service and burial will be in Stannards Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Jones Memorial Hospital Building Fund, Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. or to the Allegany County SPCA.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Steven G. Cretekos

Wellsville - Steven G. Cretekos of Early Street passed away on Saturday April 4 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA. Friends are invited to call on Monday April 6 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday at 10:30 am in St. John’s Episcopal Church in Wellsville. A complete obituary will be in the next edition