Wilford Allen "Bud" Hulbert

Wellsville, NY - Wilford Allen "Bud" Hulbert, 92, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, December 31, 2010 at the Jewish Home of Rochester, NY. Mr. Hulbert, a Coudersport, PA native, was the son of Allen and Ada (Seavey) Hulbert. He attended Coudersport PA schools, graduating from Lewisville Vocational High School in 1936. He married the love of his life, Yetta D. Yahn in 1940. He was employed by Brownhill and Kramer, Inc. of Coudersport prior to the war. He was a WW-II Veteran, serving as a Top-Turret Gunner in a B-24 Bomber with the 15th U.S. Army Air Force in the European Theatre of Operation; where he flew 50 combat missions. Mr. Hulbert holds five Battle Stars for Air Combat, three Oak Leaf Clusters and a Presidential Unit Citation.

"Bud" and Yetta moved from Coudersport PA to Wellsville, NY in 1956 and owned and operated Wellsville's Western Auto Store for many years. In addition, Bud enjoyed 25 years of driving school bus for Wellsville Central Schools and delivering "Meals on Wheels" for several years. After retirement, he and Yetta embraced being "snow-birds"; travelling to Yuma, AZ and back each year, where they were members of a senior's motorcycle club known as the "Over the Hill Gang". Mr. Hulbert was a past member of the Coudersport Odd Fellows, Coudersport Eulalia Lodge #342, Coudersport Consistory, American Legion and the Wellsville First United Methodist Church.

Mr. Hulbert was predeceased by his wife, Yetta, a son, Thomas Erwin Hulbert and daughter-in-law, Marelie Widniekiewicz Hulbert. He is survived by two sons, Richard Hulbert of Virginia Beach and George (Edie) Hulbert of Rochester, one daughter, Delia (Jeff) Rhodes of Rochester, six grandchildren Sonja (Chuck) Loss, Richard A. Hulbert, Matthew (Anna) Rhodes and Elizabeth Rhodes, Eric Sauers and Renee (Brian) Lindberg, six great grandchildren, Courtney and Sylvia Conner, Blake Hulbert, Ethan, Evelyn and Elijah Rhodes and one great-great grandson, Joshua Allen Mc Andrews.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday 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 Monday, January 3, 2011 at 2:00 PM in the Wellsville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jerry Ward presiding. Burial will be in Eulalia Cemetery in Coudersport. Memorial donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the Wellsville United Methodist Church. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Lena D. Brooks

Wellsville, NY - Lena D. Brooks, age 94, formerly of Belmont, NY, passed away Sunday, December 26, 2010 at the Wellsville Manor, Wellsville, NY.

Mrs. Brooks was born on October 26, 1916 to Roland J. & Mary Ruby (McEntee) Bigelow. Married August 4, 1937, at St. Phillips Episcopal Church in Belmont, NY to Paul A. Brooks.

Mrs. Brooks graduated from Belmont High School. After many years of being a mother and homemaker, she graduated from cosmetology school in Olean, NY. She worked as a beautician on Schuyler Street, Belmont, before opening a salon in her home on Willard Street, which she operated for many years. Mrs. Brooks was an active member of St. Philips Episcopal Church throughout her life serving on many committees. She and her husband enjoyed playing bridge and in their earlier years were known to drive many miles to attend dances and dance contests. She was a devoted and much loved grandmother.

She is survived by three grandchildren Drew (Tracy) Brooks of Canandaigua, NY, Darcie (David) Hendrix of North Grafton, MA, Darren (Margaret) Brooks of Fairport, NY; seven great-grandchildren, Samantha Hendrix, Trevor Hendrix, Eleanor Brooks, Zachary Brooks, Victoria Brooks, Ethan Paul Brooks, and Corinna Brooks; two sisters, Pauline (Ronald) Miller of Belmont, and Thelma Pierson of Avon Park, FL.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Paul A. Brooks, her son Alvin C. Brooks, three sisters, Bernice Benjamin, Evelyn Sizer, Josephine Seely, and her brother John C. Bigelow.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 2 PM in the St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Belmont. The Rev. Cole Gruberth will officiate with Burial in the Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Phillips Episcopal Church, Belmont, NY.

Arrangements are under the direction of the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont. To leave on line condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Arthur Aldo Moscardini

Wellsville, NY - Arthur Aldo Moscardini passed away on Saturday, December 25, 2010, at the Highland Health Care Center. He was born on March 10, 1915 in Meredith, NH. To Adelmo and Rosa Lugliani Moscardini. On November 21, 1940 in Genesee, PA. he married Hyla Hurd who predeceased him on November 4, 1992.

Art was a long time resident of East Dyke Street in Wellsville. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1937 and moved to Wellsville to work for the former Moore Steam Turbine as a mechanical engineer. Later, Art went to work for Air Preheater and retired from there in the early 1970s after many years of service. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville, the oldest member of the Wellsville Elks Lodge, a member of the former Apollo Club, the Air Preheater Survivors Club, The Thelma Rogers Genealogical and Historical Society and he volunteered at the Senior Citizens Center. Art was an avid gardener who enjoyed hunting, skiing, ice skating and bowling.

Survivors include: a daughter, Gayle (John) Childs of Amity Lake; a son Robert (Francine) Moscardini of Arizona; 4 grandchildren, Maresa, Michael, Jason and Heather; 4 great grandchildren, Haley, Zachary, Jacob and Kaler; 7 nieces and nephews and a long time special friend Rita Taylor of Wellsville.

He was predeceased by a brother Leo Moscardini and a sister Doris Moscardini.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, December 29, 2010, at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. On Thursday a prayer service will be held at 10:30 am in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 am in the Immaculate Conception Church. Monsignor Vincent Becker will be celebrant and burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorials may be made to either the Thelma Rogers Genealogical and Historical Society or to The David A. Howe Library. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Homer J. Cline

Belmont, NY - Homer J. Cline of State Route 244 passed away on Friday, December 24, 2010, at the Highland Health Care Center in Wellsville after a long and courageous battle with both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. He was born on January 4, 1933 in the Town of Wirt to Emmitt and Gladys Ward Cline. In Belmont on July 22, 1955 he married Barbara Shelley who survives.

Homer left Belmont High School to join the US Army in 1953 and served until 1955. He returned to Belmont and for many years he was a welder for Acme Electric. Homer later worked for the Town of Amity from where he retired in 1994 after 23 years of service and was well known as the Town of Amity Dog Control Officer. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church, enjoyed hunting and spending time with his family. Homer will be best remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Surviving besides his wife: a son Darryl (Lauri) Cline of Blackcreek; 2 daughters, Delnore (Michael) Case of Scio and Dawn (Ray Palmer) Hebblethwaite of Belmont; 7 grandchildren, Jill and Eric Case, Cara and Adam Hebblethwaite, Arieanna Palmer, Keith and Kevin Cline; a brother, Oliver (Doris) Cline of Belmont; 2 sisters, Lucile Bliven of Belmont and Bethel (Lloyd) McKee of Salunga, PA. as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by 2 brothers, Norman and Keith Cline and a son in law Chip Hebblethwaite.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont. Homer's funeral will be in the Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 29, 2010, at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials in Homer's name may be made to either the Highland Health Care Activities Center or to the First Baptist Church of Belmont. To leave on line condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Marlene (Wightman) Bledsoe

Wellsville, NY - Surrounded by her loving family, Marlene (Wightman) Bledsoe, 58, Wellsville, passed away, December 22, 2010, after a brave battle with uterine cancer.

Marlene was born February 3, 1952, in Wellsville, daughter of the late Walter Wightman and surviving Adelaide (McClure) Wightman. She was a 1970 graduate of Wellsville Central High School and a 1973 graduate of Alfred State College.

On April 1, 1972 she was married to Carlton L. Bledsoe, in Wellsville. In addition to raising two beautiful daughters, she worked as a floral designer at Tracie's Flower Shop before opening her own business, The Flower Garden Gift Shop, in 1991.

Marlene was a member of First Trinity Lutheran Church in Wellsville, where she was involved in the altar guild and many other church activities. She was a member of the Wellsville Music Boosters, becoming a surrogate "Mom" to many marching band members. Marlene was active in the Wellsville High School Alumni Association and Wellsville Lioness Club, holding many offices. While her daughters were young, she acted as a Girl Scout leader and was the Director of the area Girl Scout Camp for many years. Marlene had many loves, including spending time with family, gardening, knitting, quilting and bird watching.

In addition to her mother and husband, she is survived by: her two daughters Amanda Bledsoe, Wellsville, and Tara (Kyle Bittinger) Bledsoe, Philadelphia, PA; two granddaughters, Lauren Bledsoe and Nora Bledsoe Bittinger; a sister, Nancy (Jim) Thomas; a brother, Mark Wightman; an aunt, Mae Thompson; and many brothers and sisters in-law, and nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, Inc., 34 W. State St. in Wellsville. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday (Dec. 28, 2010) in the Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Robert Morris presiding. Burial will be in the Stannards Cemetary. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or any charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Clarence H. "Clancy" Benz

Wellsville, NY - Clarence H. "Clancy" Benz, born Feb. 18, 1930, in Orchard Park, son of Edward and Emma (Thiel) Benz, died Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010.

A 1947 graduate of Orchard Park High School, he served in the U. S. Army from 1953-1955, which included time in Japan in the Signal Corps. He worked for Bell Telephone Company starting in 1955 until his retirement from Verizon in 1992.

He was married on May 4, 1968 to his beloved wife Mary (Walsh), who survives. He is also survived by four sons, William (Andrea) Benz of Buffalo; Joseph (Roxanne) Benz of Durham, NC; Robert (Kimberly) Benz of Corning and Martin (Cristin) Benz of Chaffee, two brothers, Howard Benz of Hamburg; Gerald (Margaret) Benz of Lancaster; three, sisters Evelyn Benz of Williamsville; Dorothy (Bernard) Perl of Varysburg and Alice (Richard) Graffeo of West Seneca; sisters-in-law Alice Benz of Hamburg; Shirley Benz of Hamburg; Patricia Walsh of Tucson, Az.; Jane Walsh of Wellsville. Grandchildren Haley, Gianna, Lilian, Terrence, Nathan, Emma Benz and Thomas Rogers as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

He was predeceased by brothers Raymond of Orchard Park; Lee of Hamburg; and Norbert of West Seneca; sister-in-law Doris Benz of Hamburg; brothers-in-law James Walsh of Tucson, Az., and Robert Walsh of Wellsville.

Clancy grew up on his family farm and enjoyed farm work throughout his life. He loved the Immaculate Conception Fun Fair and worked at it before, during and after for 30 years, enjoying every minute. He also enjoyed watching high school and grade school athletics. Clancy volunteered with Meals on Wheels and Mercy Associates.

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. in Wellsville. The Rosary will be recited on Tuesday at 3:45 pm in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with Monsignor Vincent Becker as celebrant. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wellsville. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Immaculate Conception School or the charity of donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Charles L. "Charlie" Strope Jr.

Belmont, NY - Charles L. "Charlie" Strope Jr., 85, of 4 Erie Street passed away on Thursday, December, 16, 2010 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center following a brief illness. He was born February 7, 1925 in Lockwood, NY the son of the late Charles and Helen (Kelley) Strope. On March 3, 1950 in Waverly, NY he married Shirley Morton who survives.

Charlie had been a resident of Belmont for 46 years. He was a 1942 graduate of Van Etten High School and attended Ames College during his military career. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving from June of 1943 to April of 1946 aboard the USS Harry Lee APA-10 in the Pacific Theater of Operation. He was employed as a Customer Engineer for IBM in Elmira and Buffalo for 30 years, retiring in 1985. Following retirement, he repaired typewriters for several years at the Allegany County Courthouse.

He was and active member of the American Legion for 64 years, most recently with the Herbert W. Delong Post 808 in Belmont, where he was a Past Commander and had served as the Adjutant for over 20 years. He was the County Commander in 1976 and the Chef De Gare for Allegany County 40-8. He was a member of the VFW in Sayre, PA, Wellsville Moose Lodge # 601 and the Wellsville Elks Lodge # 1495. He was a former member of the Belmont Conservation Club and the Cayuta Hose Company in Waverly, NY until 1963.

Surviving in addition to his wife are five children, Sharon Strope of Canisteo, Pat Whitney of Wellsville, Cubby (Charles III) Strope of Belmont, Ron Strope of Marysville, Ohio and Karen (Larry) Green of Wellsville, 12 grandchildren, 16 Great Grandchildren, several step grandchildren and great grandchildren, three sisters, Barbara Dalton of Penn Yan, Virginia Warner of Elmira and Shirley McGee of Candor, as well as several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Donald, Robert and Jack Strope.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday 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. The funeral will be Monday, December 20, 2010 at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Deacon Frank Pasquale presiding. Military honors will follow at the funeral home and burial will be in Lockwood Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations are suggested to The American Legion Post 808 in Belmont or any charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Michael L. Patrick

Wellsville, NY - Michael L. Patrick passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2010, at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. He was born on February 1, 1967 in Wellsville to James and Jean Hanchett Patrick.

Michael, former resident of Andover, graduated from Andover Central High School and had worked for his father at the former Patrick's Collision in Wellsville. Michael, along with his mom, attended many activities at the Manor including bingo and church. It was because of his mother's love and devotion along with the caring staff that he was able to make Wellsville Manor his home for over 20 years.

Survivors include: a brother, Robert Patrick of Dade City, FL.; long time friend and companion to his mother, Clint Bundy of Andover; several cousins including: Sue Thomas of Wellsville, John (Jan) Fleischman of Wellsville and Sharon (Jerry) Falleta of Groton.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, December 18, 2010, at 2 pm in the activities room at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. Ruth Meacham will preside and memorials may be made to the Wellsville Manor Activities Center. Arrangements are under the direction of the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Donald Stephen LaForge

Wellsville, NY - Donald Stephen LaForge, a long-time resident of Stannards, NY passed away on Thursday, December 9th 2010, after a brief illness.

Born November 5th, 1926 in Nile, NY, Don was the first born to Fanny May (Rogers) LaForge and John Robert LaForge. On July 4th 1947 he married Gloria Maxson.

Don graduated from Wellsville High School in 1945, and was a proud member of the undefeated Wellsville High School Lions football team in 1943. Don entered the Air Force in January of 1945, serving as a Navigator in

Squadron A-9.

Following WWII, Don returned to Wellsville, working at Sinclair Refining, but soon after went to work in the local automotive business, working at Hancock and Tomlinson, Hackett's Cadillac, Schmidt's and Pfunter's. Don volunteered as Assistant Scout Master for Willing Troop #7 for 10 years, and treasured his time with his scouts. Don served as a long-time councilman for the Town of Willing, as well as deputy supervisor.

In retirement, Don managed the Wellsville Office for the Aging Nutritional Site. A proud member and historian for Morrison B. Hayes American Legion, he was also a coordinator for the Alumni Association for a number of years. Don was also a past president and secretary of the Exchange Club, as well as the Wellsville Rod and Gun Club. He was active with the Thelma Rogers Historical Society, having served as president and vice president. His passion for local history and genealogy delighted us all. Don was also a devoted member of the Stannards Methodist Church.

He is pre-deceased by his parents, brother Victor LaForge, sister Janet Allen, daughter Rebecca Dawn Razey, and in-laws Lou Vossler, Kenneth Maxson, Alice Allen, and James "Bubby" Maxson.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria, daughter Roxie(Fred) Roliczek, sons Robert (Ronna) and Donald Jr. "Tink" (Joanne), and son-in-law Mark Razey. His family includes 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren whom he gave memories of Easter egg hunts, watermelon seed-spitting contests, camping, roasting marshmallows, and mountain pies.

Visiting hours are Monday December 13th from 2-4 pm and 7-9pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home. The funeral will be Tuesday December 14th at 11am at the Stannards United Methodist Church. Donations can be made in his honor to the Stannards United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be left online at www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Mary Neugent

Wellsville, NY - Mary Neugent, a long time resident of O'Connor Street, passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2010, at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. She was born on January 3, 1918 in Wellsville to Timothy and Mabel Bowker O'Leary. On November 13, 1947 in Wellsville she married John B. "Jack" Neugent who predeceased her in 2006.

Mary graduated from Wellsville High School and from 1945 until 1948 she worked for Worthington in Wellsville. She was a proud volunteer for the Red Cross during WW II and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. Mary loved being a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Survivors include: a daughter, Nancy (Gary) Mattison of Wellsville; a son Thomas J. (Cathy) Neugent of Wellsville; 7 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mary was predeceased by: 2 brothers, Maynard Ewart and Richard O'Leary.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, December 10, 2010, from 6 to 8 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11 am in the Funeral Home with Monsignor Vincent Becker presiding. Her burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery and memorials may be made to either the American Red Cross or to the American Legion Post 702 Scholarship fund. To leave on line condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

John C. Dudar

Scio, NY - John C. Dudar, 86, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, December, 4, 2010. He was a self employed lumberman since his discharge from the U. S. Army Air Forces in 1945. He was also an oil producer for 25 years.

John is survived by his wife, Claire, three daughters, Deborah Hill of Conway, NH, Monique Bachelor of Keene, NH and Helen Dudar of Trenton, NJ as well as a niece, Penelope Wendelkin of Texas and a nephew, James Glass of New Jersey.

There will be no prior visitation and a memorial service will be at the convenience of the family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Joyce L. Larson

Wellsville, NY - Joyce L. Larson, 83, of 133 Hills Street died on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center following a brief illness. She was born September 1, 1927 in Dansville, the daughter of Thomas and Ruth (Ferchland) Forsythe. On November 23, 1957 in Jamestown she married Vernon F. Larson who survives.

Joyce was a graduate of Dansville High School; received a BA in English and Drama from Keuka College and her Masters from Alfred University. She taught English, Speech and Dramatics at Wellsville High School for 36 years, retiring in 1990. She directed the first musical in Allegany County; Victor Herbert's "The Red Mill" and directed over 72 plays and musicals during her career. She was a life member of the New York State Retired Teachers Association, Past President of the Wellsville Retired Teachers Association, Past President of the Allegany County Retired Teachers Association and Past Historian and Medical Coordinator of the New York State Retired Teachers' Association, Central Western Zone. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society and a member of the Andover Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder and Clerk of the Session.

Surviving in addition in addition to her husband, are two sons, John F. Larson of Atlanta , GA and Richard C. (Julie) Larson of Raleigh, NC, the apple of her eye, her granddaughter, Anna Larson, a sister, Suzanne (Frank) Leicht of Penfield, a brother, Donald (Carolyn) Forsythe of Penn Valley, CA, as well as several nieces and one nephew.

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., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The Funeral will be Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Rev. Dean R. Bembower presiding. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery in Jamestown. Memorial donations are suggested to any charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Edward R. Redding

Bolivar, NY - Edward R. Redding, 51, of 58 ½ Wellsville Street died unexpectedly on Monday, November 29, 2010 at home. He was born February 7, 1959 in North Hornell, the son of the late Earl and Iola (Hepworth) Redding Sr. Ed was a graduate of Franklinville High School. He collected Indian relics and arrowheads and enjoyed camping. He will sadly missed by his neighbors.

He is survived by four brothers, Robert Haskell of Fillmore, Raymond Van Etten of Kill Buck, Dean Redding of Salamanca and Gordon Redding of North Carolina, five sisters, Beverly Van Etten, Hope (Roger) Bachman and Sandy Cornelius, all of Florida, Sally Williams of Texas and Iola Crawford of Albion, as well as several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Earl Redding and Stanley Van Etten and five sisters, Anna Marie Brooks, Geraldine Denning, Brenda Denning, Rosemary Dennis and Mary Louise Van Etten.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, December 6, 2010 from 12 noon to 1:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A memorial service will follow visitation at 1:00 pm in the funeral home with Pastor William M. Sylor presiding.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Bolivar Ambulance Squad. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.