Brian E. Finn

Wellsville, NY - Brian E. Finn, 56, of 3006 Madison Hill Road died on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a brief illness. He was born March 26, 1954 in Wellsville the son of Leo E. and Marjorie (Ludden) Finn.

Brian was raised in Wellsville and was a 1972 graduate of Wellsville High School. He was employed through the Buffalo Laborers Union Local 210. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post # 702 and the Genesee Valley Flintknappers Association. He was a guest instructor on flintknapping at the State University of New York at New Paltz and gave flintknapping demonstrations on Huguenot Street in New Paltz. He was a woodcarver, a stone carver and was very artistic.

He is survived by his wife, Maggie Lynch-Finn, a son, Wiley T. Finn of Wellsville, a daughter, Caitlin M. Finn of Highland, NY, his mother, Marjorie Finn of Wellsville, two sisters, Theresa (Dan) Kunis of Fort Collins, CO and Barbara (Roger) Ramsey of Wellsville, a brother, Timothy Finn of Portland, OR, a niece, Gena Kunis as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his father Leo Finn in 1991.

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. in Wellsville. The funeral will be on Friday, April 2nd at 10:30 am in the funeral home with Monsignor Vincent Becker presiding. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donation be made to the David A. Howe Public Library, 155 N. Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.

Edward J. "Butch" Pickreign Jr.

Andover, NY - Edward J. "Butch" Pickreign Jr., 61, of 3542 County Road 20 died on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center…. He was born November 23, 1948 in Syracuse the son of the late Edward J. and Flora May (Knapp) Pickreign Sr. On August 18, 1977 in Syracuse he married Patricia Lester who survives.

Butch resided most of his life in Syracuse and recently moved to Andover to be near his family. He was a graduate of Liverpool High School and was a veteran of the U. S. Army from 1967 to 1971. He was wounded during his second tour in Viet Nam and received the Purple Heart. He was employed as a school bus driver for the Syracuse area ARC and was a member of the Viet Nam Veterans Association in Syracuse.

Surviving in addition to his wife is one son, Thomas (Jodi) English of Wellsville, two daughters, Donna English of Fredonia and Kim Smith and her fiancé Shawn Rogers of Andover, 11 grandchildren, four brothers, William, Robert, Thomas and Elmer Wilbur and one sister, Mary Jane Wilbur all of Syracuse as well as several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Barbara Wilbur.

Friends are invited to call on Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm and Tuesday from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 2:00 pm in the funeral home with Pastor Dick Helms presiding. Burial with military honors will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Paul B. Decker

Wellsville, NY - Paul B. Decker, 82, of 39 E. Fassett Street passed away on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born March 25, 1927 at home on his family farm in Arcade, NY; he was the eighth of nine children. He was a 1945 graduate of Arcade High School; he then enlisted in the U. S. Army and served as a military policeman with the occupational forces in Italy. On May 12, 1962 at St. Ignatius Church in Hornell he married Kathleen O'Brien who survives.

Paul became a licensed beautician after attending Robert's School of Beauty Culture in Rochester. He owned and operated "The Glamour Spot" in Wellsville from 1951 to 2006. He enjoyed singing with the Apollo Club and the Genesee Valley Chorus. He also enjoyed making home improvements, dancing and playing cards with his friends. He was the Commissioner of the Wellsville Parks & Recreation Department during the flood of 1972 and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church.

Surviving in addition to his wife are six children, Dr. Martin (Amy) Decker of Meadville, PA, Maria (Doug) Rog and Libby (Mike) Carteret both of Poquoson, VA, Kert (Amy) Decker of Alfred, Katrina (Kevin) Pohlman of East Amherst, and Brian Decker of Wellsville, 11 grandchildren, two brothers, John and Joseph Decker and three sisters, Helen Torge, Alice Joyce and Josie Canfield as well as several nieces & nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday 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. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 27th at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with Monsignor Vincent Becker as celebrant. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorials in his name may be made to the Allegany County Office for the Aging or the Immaculate Conception Church.

Mary Lou Snyder

Scio, NY - Mrs. Mary Lou Snyder, born on October 13, 1925, passed away this past Saturday, March 20, 2010. She was a local school nurse teacher at Wellsville Central School for over 40 years. Her RN degree was earned at Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Buffalo. Later, her Bachelor of Science was completed at the University of Buffalo and her Masters in Education at Alfred University. Mrs. Snyder was named Outstanding Secondary Educator for 1974 and she was a life long member of the order of the Eastern Star.

In 1947 she married Paul Snyder, of Scio, who predeceased her on March 12, 1981. She leaves behind a daughter, Barbara Snyder of Wantagh, NY.

A memorial service will be planned for the summer of 2010. Burial in Fairlawn Cemetery in Scio will be private and there will be no prior visitation. Contributions may be made in her memory to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. of Belmont.

Ronald A. Denning Sr.

Bolivar, NY - Ronald A. Denning Sr., 72, of 421 Main Street died at home on Friday, March 12, 2010 with his family at his side. He was born July 16, 1937 in Wellsville, the son of the late Richard and Helen (Barrett) Denning.

He was formerly employed by Plants & Goodwin of Shinglehouse, PA, Monroe Tree Surgeons of Rochester, Sullivan & Murray of Olean, Thornton Tire of Little Genesee, Lynch Paving of Wellsville, Birds Eye Cannery of Avon, the Maple Tree Inn of Birdsell, Lykes Pasco of Dade City, FL and was co-owner of Weston Mills Tire.

He is survived by seven children, Deborah (David) Jones of Angelica, Veronica Denning of Bolivar, Ruth Veley of Zephyrhills, FL, Penny (Coy Burdick) Denning of Bolivar, Wanda Halsaver of Cuba, Ronald (Tam Davis) Denning Jr. of Bolivar and Andy (Annie) Denning of Zephyrhills, FL, 4 step children, Kathie Denning of Wellsville and John (Karyn) Denning of Richburg, David (Dawn) Denning of Belmont and Leo (Debbie) Denning of Weston Mills, 30 grandchildren, 46 Great Grandchildren, two brothers, Richard (Ethel) Denning of Belfast and Raymond (Sharon) Denning of Andover, three sisters, Carol Ayers of Bolivar and Sandy Lewis of Bolivar and Patty Graves of Wayne as well as several nieces & nephews.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Gerry Denning, his second wife, Brenda Denning, his step father who raised him, Leo Mix, a grandson, Christopher Blossom, two brothers, Bob and Toby Denning, an infant sister, Barbara Denning and a step daughter, Cindy Tucker.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, March 16th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 3:00 pm in the funeral home with Pastor Joseph Smith presiding. Burial will be in Yorks Corners Cemetery. A reception will follow the funeral at the Richburg Firemen's Clubhouse. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Richburg Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary.

Veronica G. Nye

Wellsville, NY - Veronica G. Nye, 78, of 3280 Riverside Drive died on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at the Wellsville Highland Healthcare Center. She was born November 6, 1931 in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Francis and Mary (McNeill) Ludden. On April 11, 1953 in Wellsville she married Eugene G. Nye who survives.

"Ronie" was a 1949 graduate of Wellsville High School and a former long time resident of Scio. She was a 25 year employee of Dresser-Rand Corporation in Wellsville, a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville and a former member of the Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary; Hemlock Twig. She will always be remembered as a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother.

Surviving in addition to her husband are three sons, Rodney (Diane) Nye of Chapin, SC, Daniel (Michele) Nye of Wellsville and Gregory Nye of Lake Murray, SC, one daughter, Suzanne (Lloyd) Bennett of Olean, ten grandchildren, Chad, Amanda, Samantha, Richard, Jesse, Alexis, Danielle, and Tyler Nye and Jay and Shaun Bennett and one great granddaughter, Camryn Phillips. She was predeceased by a brother, James "Lee" Ludden in 2003.

Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 15th at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with Monsignor Vincent Becker as Celebrant. There will be no prior visitation. Entombment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorial suggestions include the Catholic Charities Appeal or the American Cancer Society.

Thelma H. "Toni" Margeson

Wellsville, NY - Thelma H. "Toni" Margeson formerly of South Broad Street passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at the Wellsville Highland Health Care Center. She was born on August 30, 1915 in Wellsville to Archie and Allie (Roberts) Payne. On May 21, 1935 she married Jessie Margeson who predeceased her in 1998.

Toni and Jessie lived in Wellsville until the 1950's when they moved to Buffalo and came back to Wellsville after retirement in the early 1980's. She was a life long member of the Wellsville Fireman's Auxiliary, a former member of the Women of the Moose and had worked at the former Modern Laundry. She will be remembered as Grandma Yum Yum to many as she enjoyed making candy for the holidays and celebrations. Toni enjoyed crafts and bowling but mostly enjoyed her grandchildren and her many cats.

Survivors include: two sons, Terry (Ann) Margeson of Wellsville and Robert (Shirley) Margeson of Cheektowaga; 9 grandchildren: Stephen (Debra) Margeson, Linda (Tony) Guido, Robert (Laura) Margeson, Susan Margeson, Mary (Dean) Piscitelli, Kevin (Lisa) Margeson, Keith Margeson, Kim (Ken) Lees and Kirsten (David) Fryling; 15 great grandchildren; a sister in law Virginia Payne as well as several nieces and nephews.

Toni was predeceased by: 3 brothers, Lawrence Payne, Vaughn Payne and Dale Payne

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, March 14, from 2 to 5 pm in the J. W. Embser Sons of Wellsville. Her funeral service will take place at 5 pm following calling hours. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery and memorials may be made to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps or to the Highland Health Care Activities Center.

Doris M. Haxton

Wellsville - Doris M. Haxton of 179 Madison Street passed away at home on Saturday March 6, 2010. She was born on August 26, 1928 in Belmont to Charles and Eva (Deice) Clapp. She married Ralph Haxton in Wellsville who predeceased her.

Doris started work at the Texas Hot restaurant in Wellsville. She later became the head cashier at the former Loblaws and retired as head cashier from the former Super Duper.

Survivors include: a daughter Anne (David) Cline of Wellsville; a sister, Mary Moore of Colorado; a brother, John Clapp of Webster; 4 grandchildren, Charlene (Floyd) Guthrie with 2 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; Paul (Rebecca) Mosher with 3 great grandchildren; Rod (Goldie) Cline with 5 great grandchildren and Lisa Cline; several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews.

There will be now prior visitation and a memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville.

Judith M. Kosciewicz

Wellsville, NY - Judith M. Kosciewicz of 203 E. Pearl Street passed away on Thursday March 4, 2010. She was born in Dunkirk, the daughter of Robert and Marjorie (Golubski) McCaig. On July 29, 1962 in Niagara Falls, NY she married Robert R. Kosciewicz who predeceased her on November 12, 2008.

She is survived by 3 children, Peter Kosciewicz and his wife, Katherine Munro of Garnet Valley, PA, R. Christopher Kosciewicz and his wife, Cynthia Gary of Rochester and Barbara Kosciewicz and her husband Paul van Helmond of Pottstown, PA, nine grandchildren, Sarah, Matthew, Andrew, Emily, Erin and Michael Kosciewicz and Abe, Owen and Adam van Helmond; 3 sisters, Joan (Jim) Lyons of Dunkirk, Jean ( Lou) Galofaro of Webster and Jackie (Mark) Sackett of Silver Creek and a brother in law Francis (Mary) Kosciewicz.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, March 7, 2010, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. Her funeral will take place on Monday at 11 am at the St. John's Episcopal Church in Wellsville with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial suggestions include the Rotary Club of Wellsville; Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 391, Wellsville, NY 14895, St. John's Episcopal Church, 12 Genesee Street, Wellsville, NY 14895 or the David A. Howe Public Library, 155 N. Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.

Mary Lou Jackson

Scio, NY - Mary Lou Jackson 65, of the Wolfspring Road passed away on Monday (March 1, 2010) at Jones Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was born on December 8, 1944 in Honeoye Falls to Edward and Louise (Blair) Knutowicz. On July 14, 1961 in Webster she married Leslie E. Jackson who survives.

Mary was employed in the health care industry in Wellsville for many years. She enjoyed reading and was an avid bingo player.

Surviving besides her loving husband of 48 years: six children, a son Leslie (Lori) Jackson Jr. of Wellsville; five daughters, Lisa Jackson of Wellsville, Denise Jackson of Bolivar, Patti Lananger of Richburg, Teresa Langworthy of Shinglehouse, PA. and Mary Jo Buchanan of Bolivar; 16 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; a brother Bernard (Terri) Knutowicz of Brockport; several nieces and nephews; her loving dog Milo and a close family friend Melissa Gough.

She was predeceased by her parents and a brother James Knutowicz.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday March 4 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. Mary's Funeral Service will be held on Friday at 2 pm in the Funeral Home with Rev. Glen Layfield presiding. Memorials in Mary's name may be given to the charity of the donor's choice.