Edna W. Lehman

Wellsville, NY - Edna W. Lehman, 83, of 27 Clark Street died on Thursday, January 27, 2011 at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville following a brief illness. She was born March 11, 1927 in Wellsville the daughter of the late William F. and Louise (Zeh) Brandes. On September 8, 1951 in Wellsville she married George E. Lehman who predeceased her on February 14, 1999.

Edna was a 1944 graduate of Wellsville High School and was first employed in the medical office of Dr. E. F. Comstock and Dr. Irwin Felsen, before joining the staff at Jones Memorial Hospital as an Admitting Clerk, where she continued until her retirement on September 1, 1984.

Edna was an active member of First Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wellsville, where she served as Secretary of the Memorial Committee, Treasurer of the Day Care and was a member of the Dorcas Guild, Ladies Aid and Senior Citizens. She was also Chairman of the Altar Guild for many years, and she and her husband were long time advisors for the Youth Group. She volunteered at the David A. Howe Public Library, Home Care & Hospice and was a Life Member of the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary.

Edna and George enjoyed traveling, especially their trip to Alaska. She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, latch work and sitting on her back deck with friends, looking over her rose gardens.

She is survived by a sister, C. June Helmer of Wellsville, a brother, Kenneth Brandes of Hamburg, a nephew, David W. Helmer Sr., a great-nephew, David "DJ" Helmer Jr., two great-nieces, Nikki Helmer and Allison Culbertson and several cousins. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Gilbert Helmer in 1999 and a sister-in-law, Barbara Brandes in 2004.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 490 N. Main Street in Wellsville. A memorial service will follow visitation at 11:00 am Tuesday in Church with Rev. Larry Gerdes presiding. The congregation will be invited to a luncheon in the fellowship hall following the service. Burial will be Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville at a later date. Memorial donations are suggested to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church or the David A. Howe Public Library. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Leo T. Geracci

Wellsville, NY - Leo T. Geracci, 56, of 2241 River Road died unexpectedly on Monday, January 24, 2011 at home. He was born July 8, 1953 in Wellsville the son of the late Patrick and Helen (Molin) Geracci. He was a graduate of Hollywood High School in Hollywood, Florida and the University of Florida at Gainesville.

Leo was formerly employed at C. E. Air Preheater Company in Wellsville and was currently employed as an Engineering Technician for the Allegany County Department of Public Works. He enjoyed reading, fishing and U. S. History.

He is survived by two sons, Aaron Geracci of Wellsville and Nicholas Geracci of Largo, FL, a sister, Rose (Steve) Teachman of Olean, a brother, Mark (Connie) Emery of Bolivar, a special aunt, Joanne Molin of Wellsville, as well as several other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends are invited to a Memorial Mass on Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with Monsignor Vincent Becker as celebrant. There will be no prior visitation. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wellsville. Memorial donations are suggested to the Immaculate Conception Memorial Fund or the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Richard E. "Dick" Dinger

Wellsville, NY - Richard E. "Dick" Dinger of 262 East Dyke Street passed away at home on Friday, January 21, 2011. He was born on March 12, 1940 in Hornell to Glenn and Odessa Baldwin Dinger. On August 22, 1970 he married Diane Merrifield who predeceased him on October 18, 1996.

Dick graduated from Hornell High School in 1960. He was a bartender and doorman for the V.F.W. in Wellsville and for other clubs in the surrounding area. Dick also drove a bus for Laidlaw in Olean and was well know as an avid bingo player.

Survivors include: 2 daughters, Karen (Ronnie) Painter of Wellsville and Marsha Dinger of Citrus Springs, FL.; a son Larry (Judy) Dinger of Canaseraga; 9 grandchildren, several cousins and his companion, Georganna Payne.

Besides his wife Dick was predeceased by his parents and a brother.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 27, 2011, from 6-8 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. His Funeral Service will be held at the convenience of the family and memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Lenora T. (Presutti) Vacante

Rochester, NY - Lenora T. (Presutti) Vacante passed away peacefully on January 11, 2011 at age 95. She was mother to Robert (Judy) Vacante, Susan (Bill) Fay, Barbara (Tom) Fussell, and Debra (Michael) Drew. Also surviving are her sister Julie Congelli and brother Peter (Rosamonde) Presutti. She was Gram to Rob, Lara, and Kate and great-grandmother to Caroline and Elizabeth. She was Aunt Lenora to many, many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents Frank C. and Nancy DeFlower Presutti, she was preceded in death by her husband Samuel Vacante; brothers Joseph, Louis, Amedeo, E. Joseph, Charles & Leonard, and sisters Yvonne, Elvira, and Genevieve.

She was loved by her friends at Bausch & Lomb Co. in Rochester where she worked until age 79. Her greatest joy was spending time with her large family and friends.

Family and Friends may call on Friday, January 14, 2011 from 4pm to 8pm at J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Belmont on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Belmont.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Pulminary Care Unit or the Sussman Palliative Care Unit at the University of Rochester Medical Center at Strong Memorial Hospital.

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

Fred Carpenter

Wellsville, NY - Fred Carpenter of 8 Cumming Circle passed away on Friday, January 7, 2011, at the Wellsville Manor Health Care Center. He was the son of Anthony and Barbara Zegarski.

A funeral service for Fred will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, at the J.W Embser Sons Funeral Home at 10 am with Deacon Frank Pasquale Presiding.

Frances L. Hills

Belmont, NY - Frances L. Hills a former resident of Friendship and Belmont passed away, Friday January 7, 2011, at the Chemung County Nursing Facility. She was born on June 24, 1909 in the Town of Willing to Francis and Lillian Fortner Hilligas. On November 14, 1935 in Wellsboro, PA., she married Marshall Hills who predeceased her on February 1, 1963.

Frances owned and operated "Fran's Beauty Shop" from her home in Friendship from 1963 to 1997 at which time she moved to Belmont. At one time she worked for Daystrum Manufacturing in Friendship and she enjoyed playing bridge, sewing, crocheting, knitting and puzzles.

Survivors include: 2 sons, Ronald (Vivian) Hills of Horseheads and Dean (Ramona) Hills of Live Oak, FL.; a daughter, Cheryl (Charles) Wiser of Scio; 9 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren; a sister Rhea Murray of Belmont and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by 2 brothers, Vince and Thomas Hilligas and 2 sisters, Pearl and Evelyn Hilligas as well as a niece Carolyn Feldbauer.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, January 10, 2011, at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont from 12 noon to 2 pm. Her funeral service will be held at the conclusion of the calling hours in the funeral home. Burial will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Edith Jane (Neu) Colligan

Wellsville, NY - Edith Jane (Neu) Colligan passed away on January 5, 2011, at Jones Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness. Edith was born in Wellsville on March 24, 1933, to the late Raymond W. and Grace A. (Gordon) Neu. She was a graduate of Wellsville High School Class of 1950. On August 16, 1952; she married John F. "Jack" Colligan.

Edith was associated with the former Public Loan Company, the Allegany Rehabilitation Associates, and the medical office of Dr. Hassan until her retirement.

Edith is survived by a son, Timothy (Suzanne) Colligan of Wellsville, a grandson Christopher (Natalie) Ricci of Clermont, Fl; and a granddaughter Erin (Jeremy) Dahlgren, of Wellsville. In addition, she is survived by a sister Elaine (Dean) Congdon of Cuba, a brother Gordon ( Betty) Neu of Tacoma WA, a brother Stanley (Diane) Neu of Manlius, and great-grandchildren Christopher and Nicholas Ricci of Florida and Brooklyn and Wheeler Dahlgren of Wellsville; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Edith was pre-deceased by a daughter, Denise (Colligan) Ricci in 1979, and a grandson Shane T. Colligan in 2003 as well as a brother Richard "Dick" (Shirley) Neu of Michigan in 2005.

At Edith's request, there will be no visitation and a grave-side service will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the J.W. Embser & Sons Funeral Home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the David A. Howe Public Library, or to the charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Matthew J. Martinelli

Andover, NY - Matthew J. Martinelli, 24, of 2526 County Road 22 passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 03, 2011 at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. He was born January 15, 1986 in Blacksburg, VA the son of Steven J. and Joyce A. (Furey) Martinelli. He was a 2005 graduate of Wellsville High School and was attending St. Bonaventure University. He was employed by Allegany ARC in Wellsville.

He is survived by his Father and step mother, Steven and Mary Martinelli of Andover, his mother, Joyce A. Furey of Olean, two brothers, Steven R. Blaske of Olean and Vincent Ryan Martinelli of Andover, two sisters, Crystal (Jeff) Kloss of Bradford, PA and Ashley Furey of Olean, a step-sister, Nikki Pensyl and a step-brother, Richard Pensyl both of Whitesville his paternal grandparents, John and Margaret Martinelli of Olean, his maternal grandparents, John and Peggy Furey of Olean as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and 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. On Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 9:00 am a prayer will be offered in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated Saturday at 11:00 am in the St. Bonaventure University Chapel with Rev. F. Patrick Melfi as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers are suggested to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital. You are also invited to bring a single Christmas ornament that will be used to decorate a Christmas tree in memory of Matthew during the annual Downtown Wellsville Christmas celebration. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Lelia N. LeMaire

Wellsville, NY - Lelia N. LeMaire, 87, of 100 Johnson Street died on Saturday, January 1, 2011 at her home. She was born January 28, 1923 in Genesee, PA the daughter of the late Earl and Katherine (Ransom) Robbins. On March 9, 1961 in Niagara Falls, NY she married James LeMaire who predeceased her on December 17, 1985.

Lelia graduated from Wellsville High School in 1944 and moved to Niagara Falls, where she attended a business institute. During WW II, she was employed by Bell Aircraft. After her marriage she moved to Piercefield, NY and worked at the Tupper Lake Veneer Corporation from May 7, 1970 until her retirement on June 30, 1987. In 1990 she returned to Wellsville to be near her family.

She is survived by a sister, Ada Craig and a brother, Earl Robbins both of Wellsville as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by a brother, Harlan Robbins and sisters, Katherine Gusky, Marjorie Gleason, Ella Capparulo, Freda Armstrong, her twin, Celia Hall, Wyonna Feig and Emma Slawson

Friends are invited to the funeral on Friday, January 7, 2011 at 1:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville with Monsignor Vincent Becker presiding. Interment will follow in North Bingham Cemetery. Memorial suggestions include any charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

David F. Gardner

Wellsville, NY - David F. Gardner, 84, of 11 Meadowbrook Court passed away on Sunday, January 2, 2011 at the Highland Health Care Center in Wellsville. He was born on August 24, 1926 in Buffalo, the son of the late Charles and Florence (Albee) Gardner. On April 25, 1953 in Wellsville he married the former Joan Embser who survives.

Dave was a graduate of Amherst High School and was a combat veteran of the US Navy during WW II and the Korean Conflict. He served aboard the USS St. Paul in the Pacific Theater of Operation and personally witnessed the formal surrender of the Japan at the end of the war. He was a graduate of Alfred State Agricultural and Technical College and Simons School of Embalming in Syracuse. He was first employed as a landscape contractor and owned operated Meadowbrook Nursery in Wellsville. He began his career as a funeral director with J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in 1960 and retired as president in 1993. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, a life member of the Emerald Hook and Ladder Company, a member of the American Legion Post 702, a 45 year member of the Wellsville Lions Club; where he received the Robert J. Uplinger Award for distinguished service and was a Melvin Jones Fellow. He served on the Citizens Tree Board and several other civic and business organizations. He enjoyed all aspects of horticulture and gardening, cross country skiing, sailing, cooking and bird watching and was a railroad enthusiast.

He is survived in addition to his wife by five sons, Charles (Penny) Gardner of Livonia, Timothy (Heidi) Gardner of Orchard Park, Daniel (Carol) Gardner of Wellsville, Walter (Lisa) Gardner of Wellsville and Brien Gardner of Victor, two daughters, Kate (Brooks) Chandler of Girdwood, AK and Anne (Fred) Collins of Corning, 19 grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by a brother, William Gardner.

Friends are invited to call on today 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., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with Monsignor Vincent Becker as celebrant. Interment, with military honors will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to any charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.