Barbara Aquinas Lynch McCormick

Andover, NY - Barbara Aquinas Lynch McCormick, age 83, of 70 Chestnut Street passed thru the Gates of Heaven on Thursday January 29, 2015. She was born on December 11, 1931at St. James Hospital in Hornell to Charles C. and Catherine Lynch Lynch. On May 16 1953 in Andover Aquinas married Francis E. "Frank" McCormick who predeceased her on November 7, 2005.

While her given name was Barbara, she was known to all as Aquinas. Aquinas was named after the Nun who stayed to help deliver her so long ago. Aquinas graduated from Andover Central High School in 1950 and then attended a beauty school in Buffalo while living with the Nuns. On a blind date in North Java she met Frank and where married at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover. For a short time Aquinas worked as a beautician in Andover and later for the State of New York as a Crop Surveyor. She had been a lifelong member of the Blessed Sacrament Church and a proud member of the Democratic Party who enjoyed election season. Aquinas loved to read, solve puzzles and tell a good story or two.

Survivors include a daughter Charlene [Keith Crossman] McCormick of Fresno, CA.; 2 sons Shawn [Beth] McCormick of Boston, MA., and Terrance [Anne] McCormick of Andover; a daughter in law Bonnie McCormick of Andover; 6 grandchildren; 1 great grandson; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Aquinas was predeceased by her parents; her husband Frank; her son James "Jamie" McCormick on February 14, 2010. Aquinas was the youngest child and was predeceased by all of her 11 siblings. They are Charles, Norbert, James, Rita, Mary, Catherine, Martina, Kevin, Geraldine and the twins Henry and Anna.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, February 5, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. On Friday at 9:30 am a prayer service will be held in the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to Celebrated at 11 am at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover. Burial will take place on the family farm and memorials may be made to either the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville, the Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover or to the Andover Free Library. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Thomas Coast Ball

Wellsville, NY - Thomas Coast Ball, 64, of Wellsville passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2015. He was born December 5, 1950 in Wellsville, the son of the late Richard C. and Patricia (Temple) Ball.

Thomas was a 1968 graduate of Wellsville High School; he attended Oklahoma State University and served in the U.S. Army between 1971-‘77. He worked on the Alyeska Pipeline and as an air traffic controller on Alaska’s North Slope. Tom found his position as cook/manager of the soup kitchen at the Immaculate Conception Church in Fairbanks between 1991-1995 to be very rewarding. Between 1996 – 2004, he owned Park’s Highway Express, a seasonal shuttle service for tourists between Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali State Park. He was a former resident of Fairbanks, AK and Seattle, WA. Tom returned to Wellsville in 2007 and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church.

He is survived by four siblings, R. Michael (April) Ball of Placerville, CA, Dr. Barbara E. (Edward) Teter of Elma, NY, Stephen T. (Joan) Ball of Wellsville, and Teresa A. (Ron) Vida of Wellington NV, 9 nieces & nephews and will be fondly remembered by several great nieces & nephews. His friends, Aultman Cook of Seattle, WA, Margaret Kerton, Albert Kerton and Amy Wilcox of Wellsville were also considered family to our cherished brother. He was predeceased by a beloved nephew, James Michael Taylor. Tom was happiest when friends and family were gathered in his dining room, waiting for yet another of his fantastic home-cooked meals.

Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Mass for Tom and his mother Patricia, who passed away on December 25, 2014, on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church in Scio with Rev. Dennis Mancuso as Celebrant. Memorials may be made to the Immaculate Conception Church, Attn: Beautification Fund, 17 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895 or The American Legion, c/o Brent Roberts, 23 Jefferson St, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

John Charles “Papa John” Osterhout Sr.

Belmont, NY - John Charles “Papa John” Osterhout Sr., 72, of 5741 Lyons Road passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Jones Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born December 5, 1942 in Wellsville the son of the late Henry and Elizabeth (McManus) Osterhout.  On May 25, 1971 in Angelica he married Debra Scott who survives.

John was formerly employed at Turner & McNerney Pipeline until his retirement in 1996. He loved watching the Buffalo Bills, family holiday gatherings, making his famous “Papa’s Mashed Potatoes”, farming with his tractor, reading, cookouts and parties at “The Beer Lodge”, taking care of his dogs, spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and helping anyone in need.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two children, John (Tami) Osterhout Jr. of Belmont and Dawn (Tyler Avnet) Davis of Coolidge, AZ, six grandchildren, Timothy (Carrie) Osterhout, Katelyn (Dustin) Osterhout, Elaini Davis. Maggie Davis, Sarah Morrison, and Tori Fanton, two great grandchildren, Brayden Cooper and Karson Osterhout, one sister, Ellen (Maurice) Middaugh of Belmont, two brothers, Tom (Jean) Osterhout of Brocton and Mike (Diane) Osterhout of Cuba, several nieces & nephews including two special nieces, Debbie Flores and Megan Murray and many good friends including, Damon Davis, Angela Lewis, Pete Gambino and Bill and Audrey Newman. He was predeceased in addition to parents by his father and mother-in-law, Walter and Janice Scott and a sister, Margaret “Peggy” Osterhout.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont, NY. The funeral will be Thursday at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Deacon Frank Pasquale presiding. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Amity Rescue Squad or the Belmont Volunteer Fire Department. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Naomi E. Burr

Wellsville, NY - Naomi E. Burr, 34, formerly of 329 Scott Avenue passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2015. She was born July 19, 1980 in Clarksville, TN the daughter of Bruce and Marla (Gleason) Burr.

Naomi was raised in Wellsville and attended Wellsville Central School. She was formerly employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Highland Park Healthcare Center in Wellsville and later in Gilbert, Arizona. She attended the Wellsville First United Methodist Church; she loved to sing and had a good sense of humor.

She is survived by her mother, Marla Burr Tronetti of Stone Mountain, GA, her father, Bruce Burr of Chuckey, TN, one son, Mikal Burr, one daughter Chloe` Burr, two sisters, Tracy Payne Ruprich of Naperville, IL and Nicole Duffy Tesoriero of Southlake, TX, one brother, Andrew Burr of Wellsville, paternal grandfather, Bruce Burr Sr. of Wellsville, paternal grandmother, Jane Burr of Wellsville as well as several, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.  

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 22, 2015 from 12 noon to 1:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 1:00 pm in the funeral home with Rev. Greg DeSalvator presiding. Burial will be in Burrville Cemetery in the Town of Caneadea. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Hugh W. Elliott

Wellsville, NY - Hugh W. Elliott, age 75, of Crescent Drive passed away at home on Sunday, January 18, surrounded by his family. He was born in Wellsville on September 18, 1939 to Howard and Erma Fortner Elliott. On October 14, 1972 in Wellsville he married Judy Dunshie who survives.

After High School graduation Hugh got a part time job at Air Preheater and in the fall enrolled at Clarkson College in New York State "Great North Country". Hugh was not ready for college as he was at first expelled and later was told he could go back but on social and scholastic probation. He was able to get permanent work at Air Preheater as a clerk microfilming drawings, working in the file room and card file and was later promoted to draftsman. During this time Hugh sold tickets at the Tullar Field for a dollar an hour, tended bar and chased woman. After a few years he took advantage of free night classes at Alfred State College and in 4 years completed his associate degree in Mechanical Technology. He then enrolled in Alfred University in a night school program and spent the next 5 years earning a BA in Business Management. Hugh was very involved in the Wellsville Fast Pitch Softball League. He ran a team under the names of Shamrock Inn, Muldoon's and Jolly Dee's. He played until he was 50, having played in all 5 decades, when the slow pitch league started finishing as Tim Shea's Plumbing and Heating. After many years Hugh finally ran down his life partner, Judy and he was married at age 33. They bought the house on Crescent Drive so that it was close to work for both him and for Judy who worked there also. In 1961 Hugh joined the Loyal Oder of Moose, Wellsville Lodge #601 and became Lodge Governor in 1964 at age 25. He enjoyed being Governor but began playing rummy and poker at the American legion until he was asked to be the Jr. Past Governor for Larry Monroe. He ended up serving as governor again for the years 1983-1984 and 1984 to 1985. In 1987 Hugh was the recipient of the Pilgrim Degree of Merit at Moose Heart the highest degree in the Moose Organization. After nearly 47 years he retired for Air Preheater in February of 2005 having served as Checker, Drafting Squad Leader, and Manager of Drafting and for the final 15 years as an in house salesman for aftermarket sales. Hugh would have stayed longer but after turning down early retirement in 2004 he was given half of another man's work load so retiring at age 65 and 4 months was then an easy decision.

Hugh was a still active in the Moose Lodge and maintained memberships in the American Legion and the Elks Lodge. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include; his wife Judy; daughters Holly {Zac} Yousey of Greece and Morgan [Demetrice Baker] Elliott of Atlanta, GA.; 2 granddaughters Catlin and Mackenzie of Greece ; a brother Eugene Elliott of Orlando, FL. and an aunt Beverly Payne of Massachusetts; an uncle David Thomas of Alma and several cousins.

Friends are invited to attend a Moose Service at 2 pm on Sunday January 25, 2015 at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. Memorials in Hugh's name may be made to either the Moose Hart School Building Fund or to the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome .com.

Jonathan J.T. Slawson

Wellsville, NY - Jonathan J.T. Slawson, age 19, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday January 17. He was born in Wellsville on August 30, 1995 to Michael and Kimberly Conley Slawson.

Jon was a lifelong resident of Wellsville from where he graduated from High School in 

2014. He enlisted in the US Navy and was entering in May of this year. He had played football and had worked for the last three years at Highland Park. Jon loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and especially camping as he fondly recalled time spent in the Adirondack Mountains. Jon also enjoyed art, nature, people and designing and making clothing for his friend Megan. He had attended the Genesis Bible Church and later he attended the First United Methodist Church. He will be remembered as being smart, positive, independent and that he cared for his family and friends especially Megan Mack. 

Jon is survived by his parents Mike and Kim; his older brother Michael Slawson; paternal grandmother Jody Miles and paternal grandfather Clair Slawson; several aunts, uncles and cousins including Zoie who was close to his heart and his dog Blake.

Jon was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Joseph Conley and Diane Quant.

Friends are invited to call from 12 noon to 2 pm on Friday, January 23, at the First United Methodist Church on Maple Avenue in Wellsville. His funeral service will follow at 2 pm in the Church with Reverend Greg DeSalvator with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made to either the Jonathan J.T. Slawson Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Kimberly Zimmerman, 47 South Highland Avenue in Wellsville or The Hart Comfort House in Wellsville. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Richard R. Kinder

Wellsville, NY - Richard R. Kinder, 75, of 84 E. Pearl Street passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at Jones Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. He was born on July 25, 1939 in Wellsville the son of the late Kiehl M. and Winifred (Rapalee) Kinder.

Richard was a 1957 graduate of Wellsville High School. He owned & operated of the former Kinder’s Gulf Service Station in Wellsville. He later was employed at Kodak in Rochester and was a welder for Empire South West in Mesa, Arizona for many years. He returned to Wellsville in 2003 and was a member of the Wellsville Rod & Gun Club. He enjoyed car shows and working on classic cars.

He is survived by his wife Kathleen (Litzburg) Kinder, three sons, Tom Kinder of Tucson, AZ, Michael Kinder of Tampa, FL and Chad Kinder of Wellsville, one brother, Robert Kinder of Wellsville, and several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by a brother, Jack Kinder and his first wife, Gretchen (Clemons) Jones.

Friends & family are invited to call on Wednesday, January 14, 2014 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A time of remembrance will follow visitation at 6:00 pm in the funeral Home. The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, The American Cancer Society or the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit embserfuneralhome.com.

Patricia Anne (Temple) Ball

Wellsville, NY - Patricia Anne (Temple) Ball, 86, of 289 E. Dyke Street passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2014 at Jones Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. She was born April 11, 1928 in Kenmore the daughter of the late Ralph E. and Esther (Volk) Temple. In August of 1946 she married Richard C. Ball who predeceased her on January 26, 2004.

Patricia formerly resided in Kenmore and Jamestown prior to her family moving to Andover in 1938 and was a 1946 graduate of Andover High School. She was employed as a dental assistant for Charles S. Gibson DDS from 1965 to 1970 and was the sales manager at Kerton Florist & Greenhouse from 1975 to 1990; a job she truly loved. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church.

She was survived by five children, R. Michael (April) Ball of Placerville, CA, Thomas C. Ball of Wellsville, Dr. Barbara E. (Edward) Teter of Elma, Stephen T. (Joan) Ball of Wellsville, and Teresa A. (Ron) Vida of Wellington NV, 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, a sister, Phyllis “Essie” Backus of Manassas, VA, 10 nieces & nephews, a sister-in-law and good friend, Margaret Ball of Wellsville, and special friends, Margaret Kerton and Albert Kerton of Wellsville. She was predeceased by a beloved grandson, James Michael Taylor, a sister, Barbara Temple Barnett and a brother and sister-in-law, Arthur and Connie Temple.

Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Mass for Patricia and her son Tom who passed away on January 28, 2015, on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church in Scio with Rev. Dennis Mancuso as Celebrant. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Andover. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Mark K. Hadsell

Scio, NY - Mark K. Hadsell, 61, of Scio passed away at home on Tuesday, January 6, 2014 surrounded by his family. He was born December 18, 1953 in Niagara Falls the son of the late Earl E. and Eleanor (Rowles) Hadsell. On June 27, 1987 he married the love of his life, Jacqueline Shipley who survives.

Mark was formerly employed at Carborundum in Niagara Falls, Prestress Inc. in Lockport, CDI in Lockport, Kenmore Builders, and was a driver for Morningstar Concrete Company. Mark loved to hunt and was a diehard Buffalo Bills fan. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren and taking them on vacation to Mexico. His dream came true; when in 1999 he had the opportunity to move to the Southern tier and buy JC’s in Belmont. He spent many summers as a child with his grandparents, aunts and uncles in the southern tier and loved the people there. In his younger years, he made several mission trips to Arizona to work with the Navajo Indians. He fought cancer the same way he lived; with a smile and always felt blessed by God.  

Surviving in addition to his wife of 27 years, are three children, Kevin Hadsell of Freedom, PA, Adrienne (Gary) Ordway of Belmont and Mark K. Hadsell of Florida, 11 grandchildren, two loving sisters, Starr Hadsell of Lockport and Merryann (Paul) Pavlock of Middleport, two brothers, Ron (Deb) Irwin of Lockport, and Earl W. Hadsell of Arizona, his beloved stepmother, Shirley Hadsell of Lyndonville, three step brothers, Richard and Scott Harris both of Florida, and Jon Harris of Fort Benning, GA, several nieces & nephews and his best friend, Mike Crowe of Belmont. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by a grandson, Mark K. Hadsell III and one brother Ty Hadsell.

Friends and family are invited to gather at JC’s, 31 Schuyler Street in Belmont on Saturday, January 17, 2015 beginning at 1:00 pm to celebrate Mark’s life. The family requests that memorial donations be made to Allegany County Cancer Services. A memorial bike run will be planned for a later date to help children with cancer in Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.