Thursday, August 29, 2013

Eugene "Gene" Foster

Whitesville, NY -L. Eugene "Gene" Foster of Whitesville passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at the Alcore Health Services in Horseheads. He was born on June 3, 1932 in the Foster Homestead to Archie R. and Fannie Clark Foster. On October 13, 1956 in West Field Pennsylvania he married Shirley Haskins who survives.

Gene was a lifelong resident of the Whitesville area who graduated from Whitesville Central High School in 1949. He grew up on the family farm and later ran his own dairy farm on the McCurdy Road. Gene had been a volunteer driver for meals on wheels, a member of the North Hill Rod and Gun Club, the Grange, Cooperative Extension and was a board member of the Farms Home Administration. Gene loved country music and along with his band, the Western Wildcats, played country music at many of the local venues. He will be remembered as an avid Whitesville Blue Jay Sports fan that enjoyed watching the games. Gene was loved by family, friends and community for his sense of humor, storytelling, banjo playing and collections of assorted farm implements and auction treasures.

Surviving beside his wife Shirley include a daughter, Jane Foster of Shongo; a son Douglas Foster of Shinglehouse, PA.; 3 granddaughters, Tiffany (Eric) Miller, Elizabeth Kellogg and Catherine Kellogg; 2 great grandsons, Preston and Anderson; 2 sisters, Vivian Bassett of Alfred and Dorotha Harris of Whitesville; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
  
Gene was predeceased by his parents; an infant daughter; 3 sisters, Fannie McGill, Francelia McGraw and Loie Odell; 2 brothers, William and Archie "Ed" Foster.

Friends are invited to attend a graveside memorial service in the Whitesville Cemetery on Wednesday, September 4, at 1 pm with Rev. Christian Mattison presiding. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. To leave on line condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Kim E. Decker Sr.

Belmont, NY - Kim E. Decker Sr., age 58, of the Plum Bottom Road passed away on Monday, August 26, at the Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. He was born on February 2, 1955 in Hornell to David W. and Claire Jean Colburn Decker. On August 27, 1988 in Olean he married Helen Raymond who survives.

Kim was a lifelong resident of this area and graduated from Alfred State College with an Associates of Applied Science Degree. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1974 until 1978. For eleven years he worked at Morrison Knudsen in Hornell and later he owned and operated his own over the road trucking company. Kim enjoyed photography, the out of doors including hunting, fishing, camping and was an avid book reader. He was a member of the Allegany County Vietnam Veterans Organization.

Surviving besides his wife: 2 sons, Kim E. Decker II of Hornell and David I. Decker of Belmont; 2 daughters, Brandy Decker of Florida and Heather H. Decker of Belmont; a granddaughter, Raven; 2 brothers, David W. (Barbara) Decker II of Addison and Hoang Decker of Syracuse; a sister, Trang Powell Decker of Nyack; his step mother, Hanh Vo Thi Decker of Wellsville; a sister in law, Rebecca Decker of Wellsville; his first wife, Tammy Randall as well as several nieces and nephews.
  
Kim was predeceased by his brother Vo Vann Decker.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, August 30, from 1 to 2 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont. A funeral service will be held following at 2 pm with his brother David W. Decker II presiding. Memorials may be made to the Allegany County Veterans Organization. To leave on line condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Gilda Beverly (Elliott) Wennin

Genesee, PA - Gilda Beverly (Elliott) Wennin passed away Friday, August 23, 2013 surrounded by her family after bravely dealing with cancer. The memory of her beauty, grace and love could never be dimmed by any disease. Gilda is survived by her loving husband, Paul, her children, Randy, Linda, Cindy, Kevin; grandchildren, Jarod, Randy, Phillip, Lawrence and Savannah; great-grandchildren, Ryder, Shelby, Lily, Jake and Rose. Also her sisters Gloria Hoppe and Dorothy Jackson as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gilda lived a life of many endeavors, a shining light of her time. Mother to many with the deepest of love that extended to all those around her. All could feel her warmth and uncommon strength. Like a lighthouse, her beauty has drawn people around her to see the sights and her beacon guided the way for their enhancement. Never turning from what is right, Gilda stood as so few could for so many. She now joins her parents Addie and Owen, and her two brothers Gene and John.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, August 27, from 7-9 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, Inc., at 34 West State St. Wellsville, NY. The funeral will be Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Pastor Stan Scoville presiding. Burial will be in Genesee Cemetery. 

Gilda, Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Wife, Friend will be forever loved, missed but never forgotten. May she live on in all our hearts and her wisdom carry on in generations to come. Heaven now has a grand lady and a firecracker. With the deepest love, Gilda's family. 

The family suggests memorial donations to the Fountain of Life Church, 2101 Old National Pike, Washington, PA 15301- 724-239-2974.To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Glenn W. Criss (Graveside Service)

Belmont, NY - A graveside service with military honors for Glenn W. Criss will be Sunday, August 25, 2013 at 2:00 pm in Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont with Deacon Frank Pasquale presiding. Mr. Criss passed away November 26, 2012. To read the complete obituary or to leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Daniel Guy Denner

Wellsville, NY - Daniel Guy Denner passed away peacefully on August 12, 2013 at home with his family by his side.

He was born in Painesville, Ohio on December 8, 1954 to Barbara Jane Patterson and Richard Thomas Denner. Daniel married Mary Lois Harris on May 5, 1984 in Wellsville where they came to raise their family. Over the years Dan became a visible community member through his scholastic and athletic efforts. He is survived by his wife Mary Lois, Sons Kevin and Ian: parents, two brothers David (Therese) Denner and Andrew (Linda) Denner and many nieces and nephews from Painesville. His Wellsville family includes Daniel C. Harris Jr. and family and Kevin O. (Jeanne) Harris and family; A sister in law Patricia Ann (John) Kuzma of Las Vegas NV., and her sons Timothy and Jonathan McCann.

After graduating from Riverside High School in Painesville and Kent State University, where he earned his Masters in Physical Education Administration, Dan became a racquetball professional teaching at many health clubs in the Cleveland area.

Moving to Wellsville in 1986, Dan worked for the Harris Supply Company for several years before achieving his true goal in physical education/ health and coaching at Whitesville Central School as well a teacher/ principal of the summer school program for Allegany County BOCES until his passing.

During his career in Whitesville Dan was extremely proud of every student athlete and their achievements in the many sports programs in which he was involved as a coach and athletic director. He will also be remembered as a dedicated classroom professional helping each student to achieve their personal best. Dan loved football and enjoyed working with the Wellsville football program for many years. He will be greatly missed but remembered by his loving family, many friends and colleagues.

Friends will be received on Friday, August 16, from 9:30 am to 11 am at the Immaculate Conception Church with a Memorial Mass to be celebrated at 11 am with Father Sean DiMaria. Burial will take place in Sacred Heart Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials may be made the SPCA; or the Hart Comfort House; or the Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave. Rochester, NY. 14642, or to the donor's choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.