Robert V. Broughton

Wellsville, NY - Robert V. Broughton 85, of Wellsville NY passed away peacefully on Monday, March 12, 2012 at the Jones Memorial Hospital after having lived a long and very full life.

Robert was born September 11th, 1926 in Wellsville, the son of the late George and Ruth Broughton.

He is survived by two daughters, Bonnie (Richard) Ives of Wellsville, and Barbara (Mark) Tolbert of Horseheads, two sons Bruce (Anne) Broughton of Painted Post and William (Audrey) Broughton of Wellsville, a Grand-daughter, Rebecca Tolbert (Craig) Player of Inwood NY, a Great Grand-daughter, Hailey E. Player, a Grandson, Richard (Kristin) Ives, two step grand daughters, three step great grandchildren, two sisters, Eva Sinsebox of Henrietta and Margaret Green of Wellsville and a brother, Ronald Broughton of Wellsville.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Beulah, his brother James, two sisters Alice McGillivray and Velma Demming and a grandson, Jeremy Ives.

Robert spent his childhood in Almond and Birdsall NY, later moving to Wellsville where he attended high school until the age of 17 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on a Liberty Ship during WWII in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign.

After serving his country Robert found employment on the Great lakes, working his way up to Wheelsman, piloting freighters throughout the lakes and the Welland canal. On July 4th 1953 he married Beulah H. Sick in the old Trinity Lutheran Church in Wellsville.

For a time Robert and Beulah owned and operated a tour boat, the Anna III on the Lower Niagara River where they once accompanied Florence Chadwick, a world renown long distance swimmer, on her Lake Ontario crossing attempt.

After selling the tour boat business Robert & Beulah moved to Horseheads NY where Robert worked for the next twenty years in construction as a Union Lather working on many projects locally including the Jones Memorial Hospital and Wellsville Schools. Robert and a friend, Gene Conners; bought some machines and put together a small machine shop in Horseheads where they made and sold various tools related to their trade. Robert applied for and was granted a U.S. patent for a unique automotive lug wrench. Robert loved big projects. He finished one partially built house in Horseheads where they raised their four children, built a large stone home on the same property and later built a home in Wellsville where he and Beulah lived until they passed away. In 1977 they bought the Wellsville Dry Cleaners on Fassett Street in Wellsville which they operated until their retirement.

In retirement Robert enjoyed amateur photography and made frequent trips to Letchworth State Park and other points along the Genesee River. Many of his photos found their way into homes and businesses' around town including Tops Market and his favorite eating spot, The Texas Hot, where several still hang. Robert was a member of the Creative Writers of the Southern Tier and wrote several short stories which he later compiled into his book, "The Dumbest Kid in the 3rd Grade".

Robert will be remembered for his ambition, his humor and his quick wit which always made him the life of the party. He loved his wife and his family and will be missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Jones Memorial Hospital, the Wellsville Ambulance Corps and especially the Veteran's Association for all their support over the last few years.

Family and friends may call Thursday March 15th from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, Wellsville NY with funeral services to be held at 11:00 on Friday, March 16th, Rev. Ralph Eastlack, officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, memorials may be made to either the Hart Comfort House or the Allegany Count