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.