Ruth H. Barber

Scio, NY - Ruth H. Barber, 81, of 3536 Riverside Drive died Friday, December 30, 2011 at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. She was born April 21, 1930 in Rochester the daughter of Frederick Edward and Constance (Henry) Peeler. On September 8, 1950 in Conesus she married Hugh F. Barber who predeceased her on March 31, 1997.

She is survived by eight daughters, Vicki (Dennis) Rumfelt of Scio, Carol (Gene) Abbey of Scio, Sally (Martin) Parkhurst of Scio, Cindy Mulvaney of Rochester, Stacy (Delmas) Tenney of Andover, Kelly (Greg) Bole of Hubert, NC, Laura Bratcher of Dansville and Susan Gardner of Victor, one son, Alan (Leslie) Barber of Andover, 27 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, three brothers, Roger Kornbau, Joseph Kornbau and Peter Kern, one sister, Linda Sargent of Rochester as well several nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Betty McPherren and a brother, LaVerne Peeler.

Friends are invited to call Tuesday, January 3, 2012 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 Wednesday at 11:00 am at the Andover First Baptist Church with Pastor Frank Troutman presiding. Burial will be in Knights Creek Cemetery in Scio. Memorial donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project.org or the Jones Memorial Hospital Memorial Fund. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Esther M. "Peggy

Wellsville, NY - Esther M. "Peggy" Costello, 82, of 2776 Brimmer Brook Road died on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Jones Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. She was born December 23, 1929 in Wellsville the daughter of Charles and Marcella (Gibbons) Tait. On February 9, 1946 in Wellsville she married Robert W. Costello who predeceased her June 17, 1999.

Peggy was a lifelong resident of Wellsville and attended Wellsville High School. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed reading and loved her dogs.

She is survived by two sons, Robert M. (Betty) Costello of Wellsville, William A. Costello of Columbus, Ohio, five daughters, Sandra J. Carlin of Rushford, Carolyn A. Costello of Charleston, SC, Donna J. Baker of Pennfield, Barbara J. (Gary) Jordan and Cynthia L. Costello both of Wellsville, 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and several nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by one brother, Richard Tait and two sisters, Florence Schrlau and Louise Cole.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, January 2, 2012 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm and Tuesday from 10:00 to 10:30 am at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with Rev. Thomas Roman as celebrant. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorial Donations may be made to the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

John J. Robarts

Wellsville, NY - John J. Robarts, 79, of 85 Early Street died at home on Wednesday, December 28, 2011surrounded by his family. He was born May 10, 1932 in Wellsville the son of the late Harrison Ross and Gay (Holder) Robarts. On August 19, 1978 at the Christian Temple in Wellsville he married Martha Kemp who survives.

John was a graduate of Wellsville High School and attended Alfred University. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army during the Korean War; attaining the rank of Sergeant 1st Class. He was employed at the former Empire Gas Company, Cannon's Clothing Store and Wellsville Realty. He later purchased Wellsville Realty and after a name change, he operated Robarts Realty for many years until his recent retirement. For many years he was also employed as a gas station attendant and sold tickets at Tuller Field for the Pony League baseball games. He was a former high school basketball referee and a member a member of the I.A.A.B.O. Board of Basketball Officials. He was a past president of the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce, former director of the Wellsville United Fund and had served on the Wellsville Water and Light Board. He was a member of the Elks Lodge # 1495, the Morrison Hayes Post 702 American Legion, Frank B. Church Post # 2530 VFW and the Western Steuben-Allegany Association of Realtors.

Surviving in addition to his wife, is a son, Ross (Brenda) Robarts of Wellsville, a daughter, Barbara Ceglia of Houston, TX, four step-children, Elizabeth (Damon) Lawrence, Cathy (Chris) Weinman, Kenneth Kemp and Daniel Kemp, five grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, a sister, Roxanne Harris of Glen Mills, PA, his former wife Bette Robarts of Wellsville as well as several several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two half -brothers, Gene Robarts and Harrison "Bud" Robarts.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, January 2, 2012 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A memorial service will follow visitation on Monday at 7:30 pm in the Funeral Home with Rev. Ralph Eastlack presiding. Interment with Military honors will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the David A. Howe Public Library. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Patricia K. Reisman

Wellsville, NY - Patricia K. Reisman of Fords Brook South Branch went to be with her Lord on Thursday, December 23, at home surrounded by her family. She was born on May 19, 1932 in Wellsville to Alvin W. and Mildred Dodson Edwards. On May 31, 1952 she married James K. Reisman who predeceased her on May 23, 1993.

Patricia resided in Wellsville and Elm Valley all her life and graduated from Wellsville High School in 1949. She was employed by Grants, Grand City and then K-Mart for over 40 years. She was an avid horsewoman who was a member of the Southern Tier Horse Riders Club and she also participated in the Ridge Walk as an aid station attendant. Patricia was a member of the York's Corners Mennonite Church where she had taught Sunday School for 10 years and was involved with many of the Churches children's activities.

Survivors include: 2 daughters, Janet K. (John Fleischman) Reisman of Wellsville and Jaclyn (Robert) Cummins of Friendship; 2 sons, Jim K. (LuAnne) Reisman Jr. of Jasper and Jeffrey (Marie) Reisman of Kendall; 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; her faithful companion, Andy; 8 sisters in law, Darla Edwards of Wellsville, Patricia Hulse of Harrisonburg, VA., Alecia Branson of Summerville, SC., Mary (Donald) Waters of Whitesville, Florence (Richard) Dodson of Scio, Barbara Reisman of Wellsville, Barbara Reisman of Bradenton, FL. and Joyce Streyle of Scotts Bluff, NE; several nieces and nephews; a special friend Gloria Meiss of Scio.

She was predeceased by a brother Theodore Edwards, a granddaughter Amanda Mae Irish as well as several brothers and sisters in law.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at the York's Corners Mennonite Church from 10 to 12 noon and then from 1 to 2 pm. Her funeral service will be held at 2pm in the church with Pastor Gene Miller presiding. Burial will be in the Hillside Cemetery in Andover and memorials may be made to either the York's Corner's Mennonite Church or to: Help the Healing, in care of Bud Dodson, 1024 White Hill Road, Bolivar, New York, 14715. To leave on line condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Stephan Paradzsik

Wellsville, NY - Stephan Paradzsik of Early Street passed away in Rochester on Thursday, December 22, 2001. He was born on December 8, 1924 in Siklos, Hungary to Andres and Teresa Madenszioler Paradzsik. On October 10, 1945 he married Hilda Gast who predeceased him September 23, 1992. He later married Elaine Butts who predeceased him on March 4, 2005.

Stephan worked for Worthington and retired from the then Dresser Rand as a supervisor. He was a long time member of the First Congregational Church in Wellsville and a life member and Past Governor of the Moose Lodge # 601 in Wellsville. Stephan was a Past Priest of Wellsville RAM # 143, a member of the Wellsville, Andover, Alfred and Coudersport F&AM. He was a 32 degree Mason, a member of the Ismailia Shrine of Buffalo and the Allegany Shriners Cart Corp. He was a New York State F&AM Grand Steward and a past Commander of the Knights Templar.

Survivors include: a daughter, Trudy (Larry) DeMarte of Rochester; 2 grandsons, Eric (Jodi) DeMarte and David DeMarte and his fiancée Jessica Piercon; 2 great grandsons, Jake and Zach; a sister, Ilonka Sipos of Siklos, Hungary ; a brother, Laslo Paradzsik of Queensland, Australia.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, December 26, from 6-8 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. His funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11 am in the funeral home with Rev. Bill Jones presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery and memorials may be made to either the National Kidney Foundation or the American Cancer Society. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

Cecil J. Pierce

Belmont, NY - Cecil J. Pierce of 160 Seneca Street passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2011, at Highland Park in Wellsville. He was born on August 23, 1918 in the Town of Alfred to Edson and Lelia Saunders Pierce. In January of 1938 he married Lucy Quant who predeceased him on September 7, 1980. In 1981 he married Irene Mosher who survives.

Cecil was a long time resident of the area. He graduated from Alfred High School and served in the US Army during WWII. Cecil was proud that he had participated in the Battle of the Bulge where he earned a bronze star. After the war he worked for the former Worthington in Wellsville and retired from there ( Dresser) after 39 years of years of service. Cecil was an avid hunter who especially enjoyed raccoon hunting. His memberships include both the Friendship and Belmont American Legions and a 65 year member of the IAM local 1580 of Wellsville.

Survivors include: 2 sons, Keith (Veronica) Pierce of Valatie and Kenneth (Cynthia) Pierce of Belmont; 4 daughters, Sharon Foster of Olean, Cecilia (Albert Wilmart) Peterson of Birdsall, Lelia (David Voit) Hadsell of West Seneca and Lynn (Dennis) Nunn of Allentown; 21 grandchildren, 22 great Grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Ethelyn Eason of New Hudson, FL. and Lillian Taylor of Harrisonburg, VA.; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, Theodore; 3 brothers, Lyle, Eldon and Kenneth Pierce; 2 sisters, Florence Beeton and Mary Tucker.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, December 27, from 11 am to 1 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont. His funeral service will follow at 1 pm in the funeral home. Pastor Dick Helms will preside with burial in Forest Hills Cemetery. Memorials in Cecil's name may be made to the American Legion Post 808 in Belmont. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Patricia Elaine Winterhalter

Belmont, NY - Patricia Elaine Winterhalter, a former resident of Belmont, of Rochester passed away on Wednesday (Dec. 7, 2011) at the University of Rochester Medical Center after a short illness.

She was born on Sept. 8, 1925, in Port Allegany, Pa., to Irvin and Alice Yaw Acre. Patricia was predeceased by her husbands, Dean Thornton and Ernest Winterhalter, who died in 2007 after 33 years of marriage.

Patricia was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Belmont and was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 808 of Belmont before moving to Rochester in 2007.

Patricia is survived by three children, Phillip Thornton of Batavia, Connie Gross of Rochester, and David (Joanne) Thornton of Varysburg. She is also survived by a sister, Phyllis Cala of Jamestown as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a son, Steven Thornton; two brothers, Howard Acre and Robert; and two sisters, Serobab Belardo and Shirley McLeod.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday (Dec. 11, 2011), from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, Inc., in Belmont. Her funeral service will be a private family service on Monday with Deacon Frank Pasquale presiding, with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Pauline E. Miller

Belmont, NY - Pauline E. Miller, 97, of 77 South Street passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at Highland Park in Wellsville. She was born November 3, 1914 in Belmont, the daughter of Roland and Ruby (Macintie) Bigelow. In 1938 she married William I. Travis who predeceased her on August 12, 1985. On February 13, 1988 in Belmont she married Ronald Miller who survives.

Pauline was a member of the M. Eva Williams Chapter # 192 Order of the Eastern Star in Belmont, Rebekah Lodge # 367 in Belmont and St. Philips Episcopal Church in Belmont.

Surviving in addition to her husband is a sister, Thelma Pierson of Florida, a sister-in-law, Betty Bigelow of Bath, a special nephew, Thomas (Jean) Colegrove of Wellsville, a beloved niece, Shirley Lyon-Bentley of Wellsville as well as several other nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by four sisters, Josphine Seeley, Bernice Benjamin, Evelyn Sizer and Lena Brooks, and one brother, John Bigelow.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, December, 9, 2011 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm at St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Belmont. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow in church at 2:00 pm with Rev. Cole Gruberth presiding. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont. Memorials may be made to St. Philip's Church or the Belmont Free Library. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Donald S. Rice Jr.

Wellsville, NY - Donald S. Rice Jr. of 68 Pine Street passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born on October 12, 1971 in Hornell to Donald and Barbara Miller Rice Sr. On May 20, 2000 in Hornell he married Jennifer Whitesell who survives.

Donald was a former resident of Hornell. He graduated from High School in Hornell and worked for Allie Van Lines in Rochester. He was a wonderful husband and enjoyed being with his friends.

Surviving besides his wife are a son, Ryan James Lewis of Romulus; his mother Barbara Miller of Hornell; a brother, Damion Rice of Wayland; 2 sisters, Rae Rice of Hornell and Angela Jackson of Hornell; several half brother and sisters; several nieces and nephews.

Donald was predeceased by his Father Donald Sr.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday, December 9, 2011, at 2 pm in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, in Wellsville with Pastor Dick Helms officiating. Memorials in Donald's name may be given to the charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Robert E. Fagan

Belmont, NY - Robert E. Fagan of 5 Wells Lane passed away on Monday, December 5, 2011, at the Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. He was born on June 3, 1926 in Buffalo to Herbert and Agnes Fredricey Fagan. He was married to Idalean Morford who predeceased him on October 23, 2006.

Robert was a former resident of Buffalo and Arcade who moved to Belmont five years ago. He was a machine operator for Bethlehem Steel in Lackawanna where he worked for 28 years. While Robert resided in Buffalo he was a member of the Buffalo Special Police. He enjoyed big band music and collected 78 rpm records of that era.

Survivors include: a son, Robert K. (Andrea) Fagan of Shongo; 5 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

Robert was predeceased by: a brother William; 3 sisters, Hazel, Betty and Viola.

Friends are invited to a memorial service to be held on Friday, December 9, 2011, at 11 am at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville with Rev. Lewis Mericle presiding. Memorials in Robert's name may be made to the Allegany County SPCA. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Georgia M. (Lewis) Sherman

Wellsville, NY - Georgia M. (Lewis) Sherman, 80, of 191 Rauber Street passed away Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at Wellsville Manor Care Center with her family at her side. She was born October 8, 1931 in Whitesville the daughter of Leon and Florence (Gould) Lewis. On October 15, 1949 in Stannards she married Herbert "Gerry" Sherman who predeceased her on July 1, 2010.

Georgia attended Wellsville High School. She sold Avon products and worked with her husband as a secretary at H. G. Sherman Tax Consulting in Wellsville for many years. She enjoyed playing golf and antiquing, and will be remembered for her flower gardens. She was a member of the Hallsport Christian Church.

She is survived by two sons, Terry (Nancy) Sherman of Glendale, AZ and Ronald (Kathy) Sherman of Wellsville, a granddaughter, Jenna Sherman of Glendale, AZ, a grandson, Greg Sherman of Old Town, FL as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Donald Lewis and a sister, Onalee Pakis.

Friends are invited to call Friday, December 2, 2011 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 Saturday at 2:00 pm in the funeral home with Pastor Richard Bendelewski presiding. Interment will be in Stannards Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the David A. Howe Public Library or the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Corinne S. Hennessy

Albany, NY - Corinne S. Hennessy, 84, passed Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at Teresian House Center in the comfort of her children. Corinne was born in Salamanca, NY, the daughter of the late Ruth Callan Schwalb and Edward Schwalb.

Corinne graduated from Wellsville High School in 1945 and Sisters of Charity School of Nursing as a registered nurse in 1948. She married William C. Hennessy in 1951 and relocated to Albany in 1959. Active in development of Christ the King parish and school in Westmere NY, Corinne also worked for the Veterans Administration Hospital in Albany and was a torchbearer during the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. She was an accomplished quilter and enjoyed making quilts for her grandchildren. While residing in Green Valley, Arizona, she received numerous awards for her needlepoint creations. Corinne and Bill retired to Bolton Landing NY and devoted much of their time and energy to Blessed Sacrament Church.

Corinne was predeceased by her devoted husband of 50 years, William C. Hennessy; loving mother of Edward Hennessy and his wife, Sandra of Hockessin, DE, Sheila Michaels and her husband, John of Bolton Landing, Susan Hennessy and her husband, Mark Hopper of Guilderland, Patricia Hennessy of Guilderland, William Connor Hennessy Jr. and his wife, Carol of New Scotland, and Elizabeth Bennison and her husband, Patrick of Guilderland; dedicated sister to the late Donna Caterino, Miami, FL, Mary Ann Mason of Palmyra, VA, Judy Fisher of Charlotte, NC, and Eleanor Schwalb of Wellsville; grandmother of Patrick Hennessy, Amy Meyer, Ann Hennessy; Luke, Thomas and Katherine Michaels; Brendan and Caralyn Perlee and Jacqueline Brassard; Timothy and William Kemp; Daniel, Meghan and Shannon Bennison; Casey, Michael, Connor and Mary Hennessy; also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call Saturday, December 3, 2011from 9:00 to 10:30 am at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with Rev Sean DiMaria as celebrant. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers those who wish may send donations to Peter G. Young Foundation, 40 Eagle Street, Albany, NY 12207 or the Teresian House, 200 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12203. To leave the family a special message on their guest book, obtain a prayer card or directions, or share a photo or E-card with them, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com.