Paul J. Blitz

Avon Park, Florida - Paul J. Blitz, age 81, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2014, peacefully in his winter home in Avon Park, Florida. He was born on October 19, 1932, the son of the late Valentine and Florence Blitz. In 1957 he married the love of his life Rita Kames who survives.

Paul was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the US Army. He was a long time resident of Wellsville who owned and operated the House of Glass from 1968 until his retirement. Paul's memberships include the Immaculate Conception Church, the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702, the Frank B. Church VFW Post #2530, the Wellsville Lions Club, where he was a past president, and a life member of the Grant Duke Hose Company all of Wellsville. Paul was an avid golfer, a devoted father and a true gentleman who loved spending summers on the farm in Kennedy, New York.

In addition to his devoted wife Rita of 57 years Paul is survived by 3 sons, Ken(Carrie) Blitz of Kennedy, Steve(Beth) Blitz of Lakeland, FL. and Stuart(Kim)Blitz of Wellsville; a daughter, Karen Lehman of Wellsville; 9 grandchildren, Jessica Blitz of Charleston, NC., Christopher Blitz of Washington, DC, Emily (Daniel) Paez of Houston, TX., Eric (Amanda) Blitz, Shawn (Melissa) Blitz, Lisa (John) Sacher, Amber Blitz all of Florida, Matthew (Heidi) Lehman of North Carolina and Melissa Lehman of Olean; 7 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Carl Blitz of Michigan and Robert (Sherry) Blitz of Arizona; 2 sisters, Delores Searcy and Mary Jackson both of Elmira; several nieces and nephews; a sister in law, Lucy Kames and the Kames family of Elmira.

A memorial service was held in Avon Park, Florida. A Memorial Mass with full military honors will be held in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville at a later date. Memorials in Paul's name may be given to either the Hart Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY.  14895 or to the Hospice Homecare, 118 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY.  14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Patricia B. Van Tyne

Wellsville, NY - Patricia B. Van Tyne, 87, died Monday, February 24, 2014 at Jones Memorial Hospital, following a brief illness.

She was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 30, 1926, the daughter of Harry H. and Ada S. Boyd. She graduated from Schurz High School in Chicago and then went to Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri. She married Arthur M. Van Tyne on July 13, 1946 in Chicago and they would have celebrated their 68 year anniversary this year.

After marriage, they moved to Syracuse while Art received his undergrad degree. Art was hired by Shell Oil Co. and he and Pat lived in Ft. Collins, CO; Jackson, MS; Houston, TX and Baton Rouge, LA. In 1957, they moved back to Syracuse while Art worked on his graduate degree. Pat, while a mother of 3 children, became President of the Syracuse University Dames, an organization of more than 400 wives of families of WWII veterans. Subsequently, they moved to Wellsville where Art headed up the New York State Oil and Gas Research Office. It was here that they settled down and found a real home.

Pat became the Executive Director of the Allegany Co. Homemaker Home Health Aides in 1969 where she worked for the next 8 years. During this time, she managed the Meals on Wheels program in Wellsville. Following this, she worked as a librarian assistant at the David A. Howe Library until 1984 when she became the Office Manager for Van Tyne Consulting for the next 22 years.

Pat was the Pledge Secretary for 33 years for St. John's Episcopal Church in Wellsville where she was a parishioner for 55 years and a member of St. Anne's Guild. She was also a member of the Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Monday Club and several bridge clubs. Pat was an avid sports fan and a lifelong supporter of the Chicago Cubs.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Arthur M. Van Tyne, her 4 children, Judith Van Tyne of Manhattan, NY; Cynthia (Stephen) Ford, of Lakewood, NY; Mark (Lonnie) Van Tyne of Canton, OH; and Peter Van Tyne of Andover, NY; 6 grandchildren, Christopher (Xochitl) Kairalla of Brooklyn, NY;  Daun (Bryan) Curry of Manhattan, NY;  MaryAnne Van Tyne of Los Angeles, CA;  Stephen Ford of Lakewood, NY;  Lauren and Brad Van Tyne of Canton, OH; 2 great-grandchildren, Lyla Curry and Dylan Kairalla; sister-in-law Evelyn Morrison of Syracuse, NY; niece Cheri (Randy) Shaw of Clayton, NY; grand-nephew Michael Shaw of Clayton, NY and niece Patti Morrison (Tim Hennessy) of Wellsville, NY.

Friend will be received at the Embser Funeral Home in Wellsville, NY on Friday, February 28, 2014 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church in Wellsville, NY.

Memorials may be made to Jones Memorial Hospital, St. John's Episcopal Church, David A. Howe Library, Allegany Co. SPCA or a charity of one's choice.

To Leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Richard F. Handrahan

 

Wellsville, NY - Richard F. Handrahan, 92, of 12 Johnson Street, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 17, 2014 shortly after arrival at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born February 20, 1921 in Canandaigua the only son of the late Charles and Sophia (Fellows) Handrahan. On April 16, 1947 he married Alberta Sherwood who predeceased him on May 27, 2001.

Richard worked long hours at his brother's "filling station" growing up. In his senior year his history teacher met him at the gas station to give him his final exam so he could assure his entrance to Dartmouth College. He attended the school for a short while but never felt like he belonged. On Jan 12 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He was a Tech /Sgt. and flew bombing missions in the Balkans, North Apennines, Rhineland, Rome-Arno and Southern France. Richard was honorably discharged in September of 1945. He was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal by the Honorary Counsel of France last year in a ceremony in his honor at the American Legion in Wellsville, NY. Richard spent his life as a car salesman. He was most proud of being made Buick Sales Master while employed at Hetzel-Dean Motors in Wellsville, where had resided since 1947. He was a member of the Elks Lodge # 1495, the Frank B. Church Post  2530 VFW and the Morrison Hayes Post 702 American Legion.

Surviving are two daughters, Suzi (Bill) Dean of Florida and Mary Jane Allen of Texas, eight grandchildren, Candra Dean and Shannan Dean-Long both of Florida, Aurelia Cavanaugh, Jon Bolero, and Eric Bolero all of Texas, Michael Handrahan and Patrick Handrahan both of Arizona, and Allison Thatch of California, twenty great grandchildren, crossword buddy, Bill Elliott, "personal assistant" Laura Kintner and a town full of caring people. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by a son, Michael in July of 2005.

The family is planning a memorial service to be scheduled at later date. Donations can be made in his name to the American Legion Post 702 in Wellsville, the Allegany County Office for the Aging, the New York Special Olympics, or the Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

"GO St. LOUIS CARDINALS!"

Russell F. Hebert

Franklinville, NY - Russell F. Hebert, 81, of 8703 State Route 16 passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 17, 2014 at Absolut of Salamanca. He was born July 11, 1932 in Woonsocket, RI the son of the late Charles and Ethel (Fuller) Hebert. On February 26, 2000 in Bushnell, FL he married Nellieann Geer who survives.

Russell was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the U. S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He later served in the U. S. Air Force Reserves as a carpenter at the Selfridge Air Force and National Guard Base in Michigan; retiring July 11, 1992. He was then employed by Waste- Management in Flint, Michigan from 1992 to 1998. He was a member of the Allegany American Legion Post 892, the Disabled American Veterans; Chapter 105 and was a licensed amateur radio operator.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 14 years is a step son, Douglas Meeboer of Franklinville, a stepdaughter, Mary Ellen Porter of Ridge Manor, FL, a son, Charles Hebert of Michigan, a stepdaughter, Ginger Gibson of Houston, TX, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a step granddaughter, a adopted granddaughter, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by a son, Phillip Hebert, a daughter, Val Smith, and a brother, Edward Hebert.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, February 22, 2014 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A graveside service with military honors will be planned for a later date in Stannards Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donation be made to the Franklinville Volunteer Fire Department. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Jean E. Gambino

Belmont, NY - Jean E. Gambino, age 82, of the old State Road passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2014, at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. She was born in Perry on  April 15, 1931 to Harold and Ruth Gillespie O'Keefe. On October 5, 1966 in Genesee, Pennsylvania she married Peter Gambino who survives.

Jean was a long time resident of Belmont who graduated from Belmont Central High School.

She retired from A.C.E.S. where she worked on the Alfred State College Campus and was a member of the St Philips Episcopal Church in Belmont. Jean was dedicated to her family, easy to like and liked everyone she met. She loved her family and was involved with their activities and enjoyed working with the family garlic business.

Surviving besides her husband Peter are 3 sons, John (Ellen) Donovan of Arkport, Daniel (Katherine) Gambino of Maryland and Peter (Nichole) Gambino of Belmont; 3 daughters, Roberta (Ted) Seeley of Belmont, Susan (James) Rosenberger of Belmont and Mary Frances (Douglas Eakins) Gambino of Florida; 19 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jean was predeceased a daughter and son in law, Elisabeth (James) Kud; her brother Phillip O'Keefe; a grandson and a great grandson.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, February 20, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont. Her funeral service with be held on Friday at 11 am in the St. Philips Episcopal Church in Belmont with Reverend Carol Stewart presiding. Burial will take place in Forest Hills Cemetery and memorials may be made to either the Amity Rescue Squad or to the Allegany County Episcopal Ministry. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Ruth O. (Denning) Veley

Zephyrhills, Florida - Ruth O. (Denning) Veley, 53, formerly of Bolivar, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2014 in Florida, with her children at her side. She was born November 26, 1960 in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Ronald and Geraldine (Van Etten) Denning Sr.

She was a former employee of Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and was a stay at home mom for many years. She believed that her purpose on earth was to leave everyone with a smile.

She is survived by two children, Laura Veley of Zephyrhills and Lester (Jessica) Veley of Dade City, FL, four grandchildren, Aaliyah, Nadialee Veley of Zephyrhills and Katie and Leland Veley of Dade City, four sisters, Deborah (David) Jones of Angelica, Veronica (Dave Tullar) Denning of Scio, Penny (Coy Burdick) Denning of Bolivar, and Wanda Halsaver of Cuba, two brothers, Ronald (Tam Davis) of Bolivar and Andy (Annie) Denning of Zephyrhills, one step sister, Kathie Denning of Knoxville, PA, four step brothers, John (Karyn) Denning of Vestal, David (Dawn) Denning of Belmont, Leo (Debbie) Denning of Weston Mills and Jack (Bonnie) Denning of Olean, as well as several nieces & nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents, by her former husband, Leland Veley, her step mother, Brenda Denning and a step sister, Cindy (Denning) Tucker 

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, February 23, 2014 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A memorial service will follow visitation at 3:00 pm in the funeral home with Pastor Richard Helms presiding. Burial will be in Yorks Corners Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations be made to Heritage Aflame Ministry. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Janet W. Browning

Cape Coral, FL - Janet W. Browning of Rochester, NY, died Sunday, February 2, 2014 after a brief illness in Cape Coral, Florida where she was visiting her children. She was born in Wellsville, NY on November 4, 1919 and lived there nearly all of her life. She was the daughter of John and Beatrice Williams. 

She graduated from Wellsville High School at the age of 16. She married William Browning Sr. on August 31, 1940 in Wellsville, NY. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY Geneseo and taught kindergarten at the Scio Central School in Scio, NY for 26 years. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Wellsville since 1947, a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority since 1943, and a member and past president of the Monday Club. She was a lifetime member of the National Education Association. Janet was an avid bridge player. After retirement, she and her husband owned and operated Browning Antiques and Collectibles in Wellsville and participated in antique shows around the country. She and her husband also traveled extensively in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean as well as in the US and Canada. 

Janet loved people and nurtured close relationships with her own family and with her many friends who became "family" to her. She enjoyed discussions about politics, religion, and current events. She had an inquiring mind; she wanted to understand why things were the way they were. She left behind a stack of birthday cards with notes ready to be sent to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends. Although her eyesight and hearing failed in her later years, she was not stopped by these afflictions.  She devoured books on tape and arranged numerous social events at her apartment making certain that everyone was included. She exhibited dignity, courage, grace, strength, intelligence, warmth, empathy and humor throughout her life including her final days. She will be missed by so many people. She was an inspiration to everyone.  

She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years: William (Bud) W. Browning Sr. of Wellsville, New York; great grandson Joshua Davis of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania; sister June Lee of Houston, Texas.

She is survived by William (Barbara) Browning Jr. of Cape Coral, Florida; Kay (Stephen) Jacobstein of Rochester, New York; Pamela (Gary) Kimmet of Rochester, New York; grandchildren: Heather Regan of Austin Texas; Stacy (Barclay) Davis of Glenmoore, Pennsylvania; Tasha (Scott) Buser of Pleasanton, California; William (Alexandra Podwalny) Browning III of Austin, Texas; Amanda (Michael) Miller of Syracuse, New York; Nicholas (Elizabeth) Paul of Winnetka, Illinois; Christopher (Lisa) Paul of Scarsdale, New York; Adam Paul of Los Angeles, California; Darcy (Paul) Koreen of Mississauga, Ontario Canada; Ryan (Leah) Kimmet of Danbury, Connecticut; nineteen great grandchildren; sister, Patricia McQueen of Rochester, New York; brother, John (Joan) Williams of Stuart, Florida as well as several nieces and nephews.

A private family interment was held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville, NY. A celebration of her life will be scheduled in Wellsville, NY during Memorial Day weekend 2014.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: 

First Congregational Church 

289 N Main Street 

Wellsville, NY 14895

Or

Cancer Wellness Connections

240 Kilbourn Road

Rochester, NY 14618

Or

Horizons Student Enrichment Program at Harley

1981 Clover Street

Rochester, NY 14618

Aurelia W. Jandrew

Allentown, NY - Aurelia W. Jandrew, 82, of 5881 Phillips Hill Road passed away at home on Sunday, February 2, 2014 surrounded by her family. She was born June 10, 1931 in Allentown, the daughter of the late Ward and Rachel (Swarthout) Withey. On September 5, 1951 in Allentown she married Ernest "Earl" Jandrew who survives.

Aurelia attended the Allentown School and was formerly employed at the Allentown Post Office, Millie's Diner, the Allentown Elementary School, Scio Central School and BOCES in Belmont. She was a member of the Allentown Methodist Church, the Allentown Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary; and was a Girl Scout Leader for over 50 years. She sang with various music groups, including the Melody Belles. She enjoyed traveling with church groups and the senior citizens.

Surviving in addition to her husband of 62 years, are two daughters, Dawn (Brian) Petrie of Mount Pleasant, NC, Joy (Edward) Fuller of Allentown and one son, Brian Jandrew of Allentown, eight grandchildren, Hope (Marcus) King, Jill (Mike) Dube, Marc (Frances Eng) Petrie, Margo (Brad) Hills, Ross Jandrew, Kara (James) Robbins, Kali (Brandon Geffers) Fuller and Andrew Fuller, three step grandchildren, Anthony (Lisa) Fuller, Sonya Middaugh, and Billy Peelman, eight great- grandchildren, Addison and Chelsea King, Zachary Dube, Aliyah and Emily Hills, Ethan and Connor Robbins, and Kaydon  Geffers, nine step great-grandchildren, Breanna, Cameron, Dillian and Addison Middaugh, Trinity, Christian, Savannah, Dominik and Conrad Fuller, one sister, Wilma Taggart of Wellsville, five sisters-in-law, Jean Howry of Clinton, IL, Joanne Grover of Lakewood, Donna (Gary) Fanton of Holley, Helen (Bill) Hutchinson of Scio and Karen Jandrew of Bolivar, as well as several nieces & nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents by four brothers-in-law, Richard Grover, Dale Jandrew, Bruce Taggart Sr. and Darwin Howry.

At Aurelia's request, there will be no visitation or service. Burial will be in Richburg Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Allentown Methodist Church, P. O. Box 273, Allentown, NY 14707 To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.