Larry E. “Pops” Cummings

Wellsville, NY - Larry E. “Pops” Cummings of the Stannards Road passed away peacefully at home on Friday October 23, 2009. He was born on November 5, 1950 in Cuba to Norman and M. Louise Beckwith Cummings.

Larry was a long time truck driver for DG Livergood Trucking in Belmont. He was a member of the Wellsville Moose Lodge and the Chosen Few M.C. in Wellsville. Larry had a life long love of horses including pulling and logging with them. He enjoyed motorcycles and the friends he made with them, Larry will be remembered by his friends as someone who was always willing to help.

Survivors include: His mom, M. Louise Beckwith of Wellsville; two sons, David Cummings of Crossville, TN. and Dennis Cummings of Wellsville; a daughter, Vicki (Calvin) Curry of Hunt; five grandchildren and a great granddaughter; a brother Terry (Gloria) Cummings of Dansville; a sister, Vickie (Max) Freeman of Wellsville; several nieces and nephews; many good friends as well as his long time best friend Chris Finnemore.

He was predeceased by his dad, Norman and a granddaughter, Cassie Cummings.

Friends are invited to a memorial service on Thursday November 5, 2009 in the J.W.Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville at a time to be announced. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Calvin E. “Cal” Ferguson

Wellsville, NY - Calvin E. “Cal” Ferguson of the Bolivar Road passed away on Thursday October 22, 2009 at ECMC in Buffalo. He was born on February 4, 1925 in Flemington, PA to Earl and Hazel Grubb Ferguson. On June 22, 1946 in Flemington he was married to Louise Miller who survives him.

Cal graduated from Lock Haven High School and from 1942 to 1945 he served in the US Army. He later graduated from the Williamsport Technical Institute in Williamsport, PA and retired from Dresser Rand after 41 years as a Service Engineer. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of the Rochester Consistory, Ismailia Shrine Temple of Buffalo and a member of the Allegany County Shrine Club. Cal was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a former member of the Wellsville Country Club. He was involved in starting the Wellsville Midget Football League and coaching it, coached Little League Baseball and was active in the Boy Scouts. Cal was a handy man who believed that anything could be fixed.

Surviving besides his wife are a son, Stephen (Judy) Ferguson of Rochester; two grandsons, Jeffrey (Tish) Ferguson of Churchville and Justin Ferguson of San Diego, CA; two great granddaughters, Makayla and Brianna Ferguson; a brother, James Ferguson of Jersey Shore, PA and a sister Mary Jane Kerstetter of Lock Haven, PA.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday October 25 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm in the J.W.Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. A funeral service will be held on Monday in the funeral home at 11am with Rev. Jerry Ward presiding. Memorials may be made to the Allegany County SPCA.

Elaine A. Nye

Wellsville, NY - Elaine A. Nye, 64, of 3495 North Drive passed away on Monday, October 19, 2009 at Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital in Buffalo after suffering a stroke on October 15th. She was born on January 15, 1945 in Warren, PA the daughter of Clayton and Mildred (Carlson) Armstrong. On August 6, 1966 in Warren she married Robert G. Nye III who predeceased her on October 9, 2002.

Elaine was raised in Star Brick, PA and was a graduate of Warren High School. She received a BS from Edinboro State College and a Masters in Math Education from SUNY Buffalo in 1971.

She formerly taught for the Kenmore, Iroquois and Wellsville School Districts. She was currently an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Alfred State College. At Alfred she served on several committees and was nominated for the Freshman Advocate Award, the Chancellors Award for Excellence in Teaching and was named to Who’s Who in American Colleges in 1998 and 2003. She was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Wellsville; where she served on a variety of committees including co-chairman of the Harvest Dinner. She will be remembered for her love of playing Bridge and her knitting.

She is survived buy two sons, David M. Nye of Atlanta, GA and John R. (Shawnna) Nye of Liverpool, NY, one daughter, Stacy (James) Coles of Buffalo and was affectionately known as Nana to her three grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Kelcei Coles and Finley Nye. She is also survived by two brothers, Gerald Armstrong of Indiana and Jack Armstrong of California as well as several nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Marilyn Ramsdell.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday 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 on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 11:00 am at the First Congregational Church, 289 N. Main Street in Wellsville with Rev. Victor Metevier and Rev. William Jones presiding. Burial will be in Stannards Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations to the David A. Howe Public Library, the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Wellsville First Congregational Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Gerald Dennis O’Connor

Wellsville, NY - Gerald Dennis O’Connor, 64, of 19 Pine Street passed away on Monday, October 19, 2009 at Jones Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. He was born June 12, 1945 in Wellsville the son of John G. and Lydia (Rahr) O’Connor.

Dennis was a long time resident of Wellsville having graduated from the Immaculate Conception School in 1961 and Wellsville High School in 1963. He later graduated from OBI and started a career in banking at First Lincoln Bank in Rochester. He returned to Wellsville and worked for the former First Trust Union Bank. Dennis was with the bank through its several transitions and when it became Fleet Bank, he was transferred to East Aurora. He later was employed by Tops Friendly Markets in Wellsville and for past ten years he worked for the Wellsville Daily Reporter and retired in June of this year. He was a member of the Wellsville Elks Lodge # 1495 and was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed numerous trips to the NASCAR races at Watkins Glen and was a long time Bills and Yankees fan. He enjoyed playing euchre and music, especially Rod Stewart. Dennis was very proud of his Irish Heritage and loved Wellsville history. He appreciated the tradition of small town banking where a hand shake meant something and he took the time to get to know you and your family.

Survivors include: a son Erin (Cassandra) O’Connor of Fort Collins, CO, a daughter, Mary (Richard) Iantorno of Wellsville; five grandchildren whom he loved very much; a brother, James (Pat) O’Connor of Grove, OK, two nephews and his special companion, Margaret Abbott of Wellsville.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, October 22 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 1:00 pm at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with Monsignor Vincent Becker as Celebrant. Burial will in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wellsville. The family suggests memorial donations to the American Cancer Society.

Christopher Charles Presutti

Belmont, NY - Christopher Charles Presutti passed away September 30, 2009, at the age of 49. He was born in Hornell, NY, on August 16, 1960. Christopher attended schools in Belmont and Hornell, NY, and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies at Bradford College, Bradford, Massachusetts in 1981. At Harvard University he continued graduate studies in International Relations, and also worked on various political campaigns of the day, including those of presidential candidate Michael Dukakis and the late Senator Ted Kennedy, for whom he participated as a speech-writer.

Christopher then pursued his second passion, international cuisine, at Cambridge Culinary Academy. After earning a reputation as a promising young chef in Boston and Washington DC, he proceeded to practice in commercial and private settings in the US, Europe and the Mideast. An Executive Chef opportunity in Moscow, Russia would be Christopher’s first foray into the intercontinental lifestyle he was to pursue. Later, in St Petersburg, Russia he held Executive Chef positions at two of the most fashionable establishments of that city. Most recently he served clients residing in New York, Saudi, Arabia, Paris, and Monaco.

Christopher never stopped learning. He was an avid reader, and the nearest library was always his best friend. His creativity and talents touched many; his humor and larger-than-life persona will be missed by friends and colleagues both at home and abroad.

Christopher is pre-deceased by his father, Charles V. Presutti and brother, Matthew. He is survived by his mother, Linda B. (Presutti) Foreman of Jacksonville, Fl, brother Kevin, Belmont, NY, sister Melanie, Rochester, NY, grandmother Marie Adams, Jacksonville, FL, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial has been offered by the Reverend Jerome Dissek at Holy Family Catholic Church, Belmont, NY, followed by interment at St Mary’s Cemetery, Belmont, NY. The family appreciates the prayers of family and friends.

Helen Marie Brundage

Wellsville, NY - Helen Marie Brundage, 89, of 689 Trapping Brook Road died on Monday, October 12, 2009 at the Highland Healthcare Center in Wellsville. She was born July 9, 1920 in Scio, the daughter of Glenn and Freelove (Stonham) Brown. On May 23, 1950 in Coudersport, PA she married Basil L. Brundage who predeceased her on June 30, 1967.

Helen is survived by a step son, Michael F. Brundage of Jacksonville, FL, three sisters, Dorothy Stoll of Scio, Hazel Ingalls of Wellsville and Carole (James) Meyer of Rochester, a dear friend, Larry Congdon of Cuba, step mother, Rose Brown of Friendship, two half sisters, Glenda (Bill) McKelvey of Belfast and Bonnie (Paul) Stark of Olean, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Richard O. Brown and a sister, Margaret Sweet.

A memorial service will be planned at the convenience of the family and there will be no prior visitation. Burial will be in Knights Creek Cemetery in Scio. Memorial suggestions include the American Cancer Society, 1400 Winton Road, Rochester, NY 14609-5831 or the American Lung Association, 1595 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14620-3635. Arrangements are under the direction of the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville.

Judy L. Hurd

Belmont, NY - Judy L. Hurd, 55, of 25 Willard Street died unexpectedly on Monday, October 12, 2009 shortly after arrival at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. She was born July 2, 1954 in Wellsville, the daughter of Kenneth A. and Nancy (Lehman) Kiefer. On July 16, 1983 in Wellsville she married Louis E. Hurd who survives.

Judy was raised in Wellsville and formerly resided in Addison IL for 16 years. In 1999 she and her husband became the proprietors of LJ’s Kwik Stop in Allentown. In 2006 Judy was first elected and was currently serving as the Town Clerk for the Town of Amity. She was a member of the Herbert-Delong Post 808 American Legion Auxiliary and bowled with the Tuesday Night Ladies League at Community Lanes in Belmont for the past eight years.

Surviving in addition to her husband are three daughters, Tammy (Robert) Scharet of Ocala, FL, Terrina (Richard) Santiago of Aurora, IL and Monique Brownell of Wellsville, one son, Gary E. Brownell Jr. of Belmont, a stepson, Jerome (Andrea) Hurd of Painesville, Ohio, a stepdaughter, Sonya Hurd of Erie, PA, eleven grandchildren, two brothers, Rickey (Marge) Kiefer of Roachdale, IN and Kevin (Debbie) Kiefer of Schererville, IN, a sister, Tracy Potter of Belmont, her father, Kenneth (Irene) Kiefer of Beaver, PA as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, October 15th from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 8:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. A memorial service will follow visitation at 8:00 pm Thursday in the funeral home with Deacon Frank Pasquale presiding. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont. Memorial suggestions include the Herbert-Delong Post 808 American Legion Auxiliary in Belmont, the Amity Rescue Squad or the American Cancer Society.

Eugene J. “Gene” Latham

Belmont, NY - Eugene J. “Gene” Latham, 79, of 5890 Easton Road died on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at Highland Hospital in Rochester with his family at his side. He was born on July 28, 1930 in Churchville, NY the son of Gerald and Marian (Shamp) Latham. On July 26, 1952 in Wellsville he married Maxine B. Herke who survives.

Gene was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the U. S. Navy from 1950 to 1954. He was formerly employed at Acme Electric in Cuba and operated the family farm in Belmont for over 48 years. He was a member of the American Legion, Post # 1168 in Friendship.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 57 years are two sons, Ronald (Tammy) Latham and James (Anne) Latham both of Belmont, three daughters, Carol (Keith) Smith of Hornell, Sharon (Dan) Keib of Wellsville and Karen Latham of California, ten grandchildren, two great grandchildren, one brother, Paul Latham of Camarilla, CA, one aunt and several nieces & nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, October 9, 2009 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. The funeral will follow visitation at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Rev. Jerry Ward presiding. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery in Scio. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Home Care & Hospice or a charity of donor’s choice.

Marvin J. Ratzel

Belmont, NY - Marvin J. Ratzel, 42, of 5520 State Route 19 died on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 in Belmont following a brief illness. He was born July 6, 1967 in Olean, the son of Thomas and Olive (Clark) Ratzel. He was a former resident of Brockway, PA, Olean, Friendship and Cuba, and for the past 11 years resided in Belmont. He was a graduate of Olean High School and was employed for many at Cline’s Tent Rental in Belmont. He enjoyed playing pool, throwing darts and spending time at the Cline’s Pond in Belmont.

He is survived by one son, Anthony Ratzel of Cuba, three sisters, Debra (Frank) Bilby, Sara (Otto Carpenter) Dimpfl and Stacey Ratzel all of Wellsville, four brothers, Thomas Ratzel Jr. of Brockway, PA, Edward (Leigh) Willover of Portville, Wilbur (Bev) Ratzel of Brockway, PA and Robert (Lisa) Dimpfl Jr. of Brant, NY, his stepmother, Barbara Dimpfl of Wellsville, a close friend, Aaron Cline of Belmont and several, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by an infant brother, Glenn Ratzel.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, October 9, 2009 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A memorial service will follow visitation at 4:00 pm in the funeral Home with Rev. Diane Cox presiding. Memorial suggestions include the Activities Department of Manor Hills, 4192 B. Bolivar Road, Wellsville, NY 14895.

Naomi H. Ruel

Weston Mills, NY - Naomi H. Ruel, 72, of 1519 Olean-Portville Road died on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at Buffalo General Hospital following a brief illness. She was born March 5, 1937 in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Donald T. and Alta J. (Taylor) Scott. On June 29, 1968 in West Springfield, MA she married Henry Ruel who predeceased her on June 25, 2000.

Naomi resided in West Springfield for 32 years and the Olean area for 16 years. She attended Bolivar Central School. She was employed in the restaurant management business for a number of years and at Every Women’s Opportunity in Olean until her recent illness. She enjoyed staying busy around her house, gardening and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed traveling, with Quebec being a favorite destination. She loved to read, especially books about the Kennedy family and politics. She kept up on current events and fashions, and was an avid sports fan who loved the Washington Redskins, the Boston Celtic’s and NASCAR.

She is survived by three sons, Greg (Kathy) Cone of Shinglehouse, PA, Scott Davis of Southwick, MA and Dave (Roxanne Peterson) Davis of Shinglehouse, three daughters, Pam (David) Myers and Paula Willoughby both of Shinglehouse and Joy (Dave) Simone of West Springfield, MA, fourteen grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, one brother, Donald (Cindy) Scott of Portville, three sisters, Carole (Ed) Lundy of Oswayo, PA, Barb (Wilson) Vincent of Shinglehouse and Jane (Paul) Efimetz of Wellsville and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Richard M. Scott.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 2:00 pm in the funeral home with her grandson, Cody Wood presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville. Memorial suggestions include the American Heart Association.

Peter J. Ingavo

Wellsville, NY - Peter J. Ingavo, 80, of 4192 Bolivar Road died on Friday, October 2, 2009 at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born on February 2, 1929 in Brocton, NY the son of John and Theresa (Scardina) Ingavo. Pete was a graduate of Dunkirk High School and a veteran of the Korean War. He owned and operated Pete’s Barber Shop in Fredonia for many years. He was a former member of Holy Trinity Church in Dunkirk and after moving to Wellsville in the 80’s became a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville; where he served as a Eucharistic Minister.

He is survived by one sister, Lenora Michalak of Wellsville, a nephew, Norbert (Lori) Michalak of Scio, two great nephews, Andrew Michalak and Steven (Kelly) Michalak both of Wellsville and several cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church, 36 Maple Avenue in Wellsville, with Monsignor Vincent Becker as Celebrant. There will be no prior visitation. Burial, with military honors, will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wellsville. Memorial suggestions include the Immaculate Conception Memorial Fund, 6 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895 Arrangements are under the direction of the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville.

Hilda L. Fulton

Wellsville, NY - Hilda L. Fulton, 93, died on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at her Daughter’s home on Larchwood Drive. She was born July 19, 1916 in Portville, the daughter of Conrad and Selma (Swanson) Linn. She was raised in the Portville-Olean area and had resided in West Palm Beach, Florida for 47 years.

Hilda received an Associate Degree in Business at age 65 and was formerly employed as a bookkeeper at Overseas Industries of West Palm Beach. She was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Palm Beach; where she volunteered at the church thrift store and worked with a Braille Bible group. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the White Shrine in Olean and West Palm Beach for over 50 years.

She is survived by two daughters, Jeanne Swartz of Shippenville, PA and Wilda (Norm) Miller of Wellsville, twelve grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren and one great-great-great grandson, two sisters, Beatrice Husband and Tena Wiles both of Portville, one brother, Conrad Linn of Portville and several nieces and nephews. Hilda will be sadly missed by a great grandson, Devin Bryner. She was predeceased by two husbands, William R. Scott and George L. Fulton, one daughter, Jo Ann Rhem, one brother, Carl Linn and four sisters, Ruth Carlson, Edith Martin, Jennie Follett and Mabel Songster.

Friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 2:00 pm at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Wellsville with Pastor Carl Knitter presiding. Memorial suggestions include the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 4229 Fassett Lane, Wellsville, NY 14895 or a charity of the Donor’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville.