Jan Kraska

Wellsville, NY - Jan Kraska, age 95, of 161 Maple Ave. passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. He was born on April 22, 1917 in Debnica, Poland to Albert and Ludwika Sobak Kraska. On April 8, 1950 in Germany he married Freida Kramer who predeceased him.

Jan was born and raised in Poland and at beginning of WWII he spent 3 years in a Nazi forced labor camp. After the war until 1947 he was a guard with the occupation forces and later worked in a brewery in Germany. In 1956 he and Freida immigrated to the United States where they settled in Wellsville. Jan worked at CE Air Preheater in Wellsville from where he retired in 1982. Jan was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church where he was an usher. He was also a member of the Olean Assembly 4th degree Knights of Columbus, Pulaski Club of Olean, Moose Lodge of Wellsville, 50 year member of the Emerald Hook and Ladder of Wellsville and the St Vincent DePaul Society of Buffalo. Jan had been an associated member of both the V F &W and the American Legion in Wellsville and enjoyed dancing and playing euchre.

Survivors include: a daughter, Christal L. Kraska; a son Jan T. Kraska; a sister Julia Turek of Poland; several nieces and nephews including his niece Maria Cholewicka; a long time friend and companion Susie Allen of Wellsville. Jan had been predeceased by a brother and 2 sisters.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, March 17, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. On Monday friends are invited to attend a prayer service in the funeral home at 10:30 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 am in the Immaculate Conception Church. Father Thomas Roman will be the celebrant and burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorials in Jan's name may be made the Immaculate Conception Church. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

Arnold C. Coy

Wellsville, NY - Arnold C. Coy, 68, of 600 Scott Avenue passed away on Monday, March 11, 2013 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester with his family at his side. He was born July 17, 1944 in Sabinsville, PA the son of Walter and Edna (Walden) Coy. On February 16, 1965 in Chesterfield, SC he married Helen Armstrong who survives. 

Arnold was a long time employee of C. E. Air Preheater Company in Wellsville; retiring in 1990. He was an avid gardener, enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking and took great pride in his grandchildren.  

Surviving in addition to his wife are four children, Matthew (Consuelo) Coy, Caroline Stirk, and Angela (William) Cunningham all of Wellsville and Billie (Mike) Howell of Genesee, PA, 10 loving grandchildren, two sisters, Junietta Sheridan and Sharon (Les) Balch both of Wellsville, one brother, Richard Coy of Arizona, several nieces & nephews and his loyal canine companion "Odie"  

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, (March 14, 2013) from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A graveside service will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations be made to Ronald McDonald House, 333 Westmoreland Drive, Rochester, NY 14620. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Joyce Elaine Gach

Phoenix, AZ - Joyce Elaine Gach, 80, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2013 at home in Phoenix, following a lengthy illness. She was born May 28, 1932 in Hornell the daughter of the late Richard and Leta (Green) Moore. On December 13, 1958 in Almond she married Francis X. Gach and traveled with him during his military service, finally settling in Wellsville, NY in 1965; Francis predeceased her on March 22, 1996.

Joyce was a graduate of Hornell High School as well as St. James School of Nursing. She was employed at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville where she spent the majority of her career as head nurse on the 3rd Floor. She was always very proud of her career and always spoke highly of all those she worked with. Joyce and her husband retired to Lexington, TN where they lived until his death, whereupon she returned to New York. Joyce has lived in Phoenix, AZ over the last several years with her eldest daughter and her family. 

She is survived by her daughters Robin (Jon) Davenport of Phoenix, AZ, Shelley (Terry) Brown of Wellsville and Heidi (Scott) Kotla of Fairport. She is also survived by her 6 loving grandchildren, Gretchen, Erin and Hannah Brown, Adam and Sam Davenport and Abby Kotla, as well as several nieces & nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her husband by a sister, Jacqueline Martello and a brother James Moore. 

 Friends are invited to call on Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. Her funeral will be Friday, March 15, 2013 at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Rev. John Cornelius presiding. Burial will follow at Alfred Rural Cemetery. All are invited to celebrate Joyce's life and share your memories at a luncheon to be served at the Beef Haus, 176 N. Main Street in Wellsville, following the burial. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in her name. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Tammi Linn Zajicek

Belmont, NY - Tammi Linn Zajicek, 35, of 25 Whitney Avenue passed away Thursday, March 7, 2013 at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville surrounded by her loving family. She was born December 2, 1977 in Wellsville the daughter of Joseph and Charlotte (Hall) Zajicek. 

Tammi was a graduate of Belmont High School. She was an honorary member of the Amity Rescue Squad Auxiliary and an avid doll collector.

She is survived in addition to her parents by four brothers, Joseph (Christine) Zajicek of Wellsville, Robert (Sherry) Zajicek of Cuba, Thomas (Christine) Zajicek of Big Flats and Donald (Kimberly) Zajicek of Belmont, several nieces & nephews and great nieces & nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, March 11, 2013 from 12 noon to 2:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Belmont. The funeral will follow visitation at 2:00 pm in the funeral home with Deacon Frank Pasquale presiding. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Amity Rescue Squad Auxiliary. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Clifford R. "Duke" Ackley

Wellsville, NY - Clifford R. "Duke" Ackley of 12 Herman Ave. passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at the Highland Health Care Center. He was born on August 12, 1923 in Olean to Clifford F. and Anna M. Blaske Ackley. On July 19, 1947 in Olean he married Ruth DeGolier who predeceased him on February 20, 2004.

Duke graduated from Olean High School and in 1942 he entered the US Navy. He served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater until 1946 on the USS Manatee. During the war his ship participated in many engagements including the battle of Leyte Gulf, the battle of Surigao Straight, the battle of Samar and the battle of Cape Engano all while supporting Third Fleet Operations. Duke was later called to serve during the Korean War on the USS Macon.

In 1954 Duke bought Wellsville Roofing and Sheet Metal and he operated that until December of 2012. He was on the Allegany County Planning Board for over 30 years and he built the Allegany County bicentennial time capsule. Duke also used his talents to rebuild the former Citizens Bank clock that now proudly stands next to the municipal building. He served his community as a member of the Village of Wellsville Board during the flood of 1972. He was an Allegany County Republican Committeeman, attended the inauguration of President Richard Nixon, and he received the Ronald Regan service award from the Allegany County Republican Party in 2010. 

Duke's memberships include the Elks Lodge #1495 of Wellsville, American Legion Post #702 of Wellsville, 65 year member of Enchanted Mountain Masonic Lodge #252 of Olean and He joined the Wellsville Lions Club in 1956 and has remained active all these years. Duke participated for many decades in the Lions Club Minstrel Show and will be remembered as the man behind the curtain. Duke was a life member of the Lions Club and had served as president in 1974. During his term as president the club was district champions of the District Governor's Contest. He received the Melvin Jones Award and was Lion of the Year. Duke was also a member of the First Trinity Lutheran Church in Wellsville.

Survivors include: His daughter Linda (Barry) Gridley of Wellsville; 3 grandchildren, Bernie Gridley of Chattanooga, TN., Chelsea Gridley of Gaithersburg, MD., and Mathew Gridley of Wellington, FL.; 2 nieces Doris Alger and Nancy (Larry) Trank.

He was predeceased by his daughter Peggy, his wife Ruth and a sister Jane Herrmann. 

Friends are invited to call on Friday, March 8, from 2-4 and 7-9 at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville and on Saturday from 2-3pm in the Trinity Lutheran Church at which time a service will be held. Pastor Robert Morris will preside and burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. The Lions Club service will be held at 6:45 pm on Friday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to either the First Trinity Lutheran Church memorial fund or to the Trinity Christian Day Care. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Brenda A. Fagan

Wellsville, NY - A Mass of Christian Burial for Brenda A. Fagan, who passed away on February 18, 2013, will be celebrated on Friday, March 8, at 11 am in the Immaculate Conception Church. Friends are invited to call at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home from 9:30 to 10:30am  on Friday prior to the Mass.

Henry Joseph "Hank" Siemaszko

Wellsville, NY - Henry Joseph "Hank" Siemaszko, of 71 School Street, passed to his Lords loving arms on Sunday, March 3, 2013 after a long battle from complications related to his service disabilities. Born October 4, 1925 in Buffalo Henry was the son of Adam Siemaszko and Victoria Turton of Salamanca. Henry proudly served his country with the 101st and 82nd Airborne landing in Belgium on D-Day at age 18 and fighting his way to Germany before being severely wounded. Henry was awarded the Purple Heart. After an extended recovery from extensive gunshot wounds, he returned home and married Evelyn Scoville of Andrews Settlement, PA. who predeceased him. Henry was employed by Worthington Turbine in Wellsville following the war and retired in 1986. Henry married Barbara Vossler on October 12, 1996 who survives. Henry had a green thumb and enjoyed his vegetable and flower gardens. He was a life member of the VFW and the American Legion.

Henry is survived by 2 sisters Helen Sipel of Tucson, AZ. and Frances Sherwood of Greensboro, NC., his wife Barbara, daughters Jacquline Cyphert and husband Gerald of Wasilla, AK. And Susan Yale and husband Skip of Sebastian, FL., a son Anthony Siemaszko and wife Barbara of Fredonia; stepsons Thomas Vossler and wife Barbara of Gettysburg, PA. and John Vossler and wife Martha of Wellsville; 4 grandchildren, Gerald Cyphert III of Palmer, AK., Justin Siemaszko of Washington D.C., Benjamin of Ashburn, VA. And Adam Siemaszko of New York City; step grandchildren Andrew Vossler of Wellsville and Kurt Vossler of Boston, MA., Michael Moran of  Denver, CO. and Matt Moran and wife Jessica of St. Louis, MS.; seven great grandchildren, Corvus and Stellan Cyphert of Palmer, AK. and Alex, Hailey and Paige of St. Louis, MS., Logan and Gabriel (Gabby) of Wellsville.

A memorial service and celebration of life are planned for August with the time and dates to be announced at a later time. Memorial contributions may be made in Henry's name to the Veteran's of Foreign War in Wellsville, the American Legion in Wellsville of to St. Judes. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Jeff A. Hotchkiss

Wellsville, NY - Jeff A. Hotchkiss, age 48, of South Broad Street passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2013, at the Olean General Hospital, He was born on November 7, 1964 in Geneva, Nebraska to Richard L. and DeAnn I. Cordes Hotchkiss.

Jeff lived most of his life in Allegany County and had worked in the construction and farming business. He was a long time member of the Sons of the American Legion Post# 808 in Belmont. He was an avid fisherman and looked forward to the annual Wellsville Lions Trout Derby and spending time with his friends.

He is survived by his son Cody Hotchkiss of Perry; 2 sisters, Renee Nichols of Spokane, WA. and Lisa Shephard and spouse of Twentynine Palms, CA; 3 nephews, Chad, Tyler and Joshua; a niece Jasmine.

Jeff was predeceased by his mother, DeAnn I. Gridley and his father Richard L. Hotchkiss.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, March 8, 2013, at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville from 6pm to 7pm at which time a service will be held with the Sons of the American Legion Post #808 presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sons of the American Legion Post # 808, 29 Schuyler Street, Belmont, New York. 14813. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

David W. Campbell

Wellsville, NY - David W. Campbell, age 70, of Bristol Street in Cuba passed away on Thursday, February 28, 2013, at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. He was born on January 6, 1943 in Wellsville to Lee and Roberta Pendleton Campbell. On June 20, 1981 in Wellsville he married Patricia "Pat" Haley who survives.

David was a long time resident of Wellsville who was a self employed handyman. He loved the outdoors especially walking in the woods and along the Genesee River.

Surviving besides his wife of Cuba are a daughter, Robyn (Leon Greek) McKelvey of Cuba; 4 grandchildren, Cheyenne, Sharyssa, Dakota and Noah; a brother, Richard (Pat) Campbell of Batavia; a sister, Donna Campbell of Rochester; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

David was predeceased by his parents; a sister Bonnie Campbell and his long time best friend Clair Martin.

There will be no calling hours or funeral and memorials may be made to the Blind Association Allegany County, 18 Jefferson Street, Wellsville, New York, 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.