Edward L. Allen

Andover, NY - Edward L. Allen, 73, of 172 State Route 417, passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at home following a lingering illness. He was born July 3, 1943 in Wellsville, the son of the late Edward E. and Alice M. (Main) Allen. On December 13, 1969 in Whitesville he married Virginia Young who survives.

Ed was raised in Wellsville and was a 1962 graduate of Wellsville High School. He was a veteran of the Viet Nam War, serving with the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1967. He was a 37 year employee of Dresser-Rand Corporation in Wellsville and retired as a Navy Inspector in 2002. He was an avid sportsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap and skeet. 

Surviving in addition to his wife are three sons, Edward L. Allen II and his wife who reside in Germany, William F. Allen of Lancaster, PA and Christopher R. Allen and his wife Jana of Louisville, KY, three grandchildren, Kevin, Jessica and Ian, one brother, Eugene Allen of Wellsville, one sister, Audine Reynolds of Lancaster, PA, as well as several nieces & nephews and great nieces & nephews.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Friday, July 29th from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will be Saturday, at 1:00 pm in the funeral home with Pastor Richard Helms presiding. Burial, with full military honors will follow in Genesee Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to The Wounded Warrior Project. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Joanne B. Mason

Belmont, NY - Joanne B. Mason, 84, of 5121 State Route 244, passed away on July 18, 2016 at Highland Park Healthcare Center following a long illness. She was born March 28, 1932 in Belmont, the daughter of the late Lyle and Helen (Cartwright) Benjamin. On December 21, 1957 in Binghamton, she married S. Douglas Mason who predeceased her on January 30, 2004.

Joanne was a 1949 graduate of Belmont Central School, and went on to pursue a degree in elementary education from Baptist Bible Seminary and later received a master’s degree from State University of New York at Cortland. She taught school in the Binghamton area, where she met and married Doug. The couple relocated to Merritt Island, Florida, where Joanne taught at the Mila Elementary School for over 40 years, retiring in 1997. She was often remembered as their favorite teacher by several of her students. Joanne moved back to Belmont in the fall of 2006. She enjoyed music, playing the piano and organ, and she especially enjoyed her beloved dogs. She was an active member of the Belmont First Baptist Church.

She is survived by a brother, Richard L. Benjamin, a sister-in-law, Shirley Benjamin, a sister, Bernita Comstock, all of Belmont, and several nieces & nephews and their families.

She was predeceased in addition to her husband and parents by three sisters, Esther Hammond, Phyllis Benjamin and Elaine Jewell, one brother, Harold “Keith” Benjamin, two brothers-in-law, Kenneth Hammond and George Jewell and one sister-in-law, Betty Benjamin.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Monday, July 25th at 3:00 pm at the Belmont First Baptist Church. A meal will follow the service. Burial will be in the Kattelville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

James Michael Hennessy

Wellsville, NY - James Michael Hennessy, 62, of Rowlett, TX, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2016 following a long illness. He was born February 28, 1954, in Wellsville, NY, the eldest (and bossiest) son of James M. and Mary Ellen (Driscoll) Hennessy.

                                                                                                              After growing tired of the frigid western New York winters, Jim moved south to Rowlett, TX. For several years he worked as a hospital administrator where he put his assertive nature and loud voice to good use. Later in life, he greatly helped his wife by managing her medical practice. He was a wonderful and caring father, always making sure to watch after his daughter so that he would never miss an opportunity to embarrass her in front of her friends. Jim was an avid reader of non-fiction and enjoyed annoying his wife and daughter with his repeated viewings of World War II programs on the History Channel. Despite his brash personality, Jim was a very caring soul. He was always the first one to lend a hand, offer a ride, or cook a meal when needed. His thoughtfulness will be greatly missed.

James is survived by his wife: Suzanne Smith of Rowlett, TX; daughter: Kathryn Hennessy of Irving, TX; brothers: Joseph (Laurie) Hennessy, Timothy (Patti) Hennessy and Michael (Ann Marie) Hennessy all of Wellsville, and Daniel (Kathleen) Hennessy of Jamestown, NY, as well as various nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, and aunts. He was preceded in death by his parents and Brother, Patrick Hennessy.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Saturday, July 9, 2016 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, 36 Maple Avenue in Wellsville. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am Saturday, following the visitation. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Immaculate Conception School or the Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Leslie Joseph White

Wellsville, NY - Leslie Joseph White, age 59, of 230 North Main Street passed away on Friday July 1, 2016 at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born on January 12, 1957 at Mercy Hospital in Orchard Parkto Leon and Freda Goodwin White.

Leslie had been a former resident of Texas, where he worked in the oil fields, and North Carolina before returning to Wellsville. He enjoyed socializing with his friends over coffee and riding in Cars.

Leslie is survived by his significant other, Joy Sawdey of Wellsville; several children and grandchildren of North Carolina; his biological father, Leon White Sr. of Eldred, PA., 2 sisters, Linda Yaras of Emporium, PA., and Della Mulvey of Wellsville; several nieces and nephews.

Leslie was predeceased his mother Freda and his step father Daniel Mulvey; 3 sisters, Luella, Lucy and Lila White; 2 brothers, Leon White Jr and Fred White.

A private burial will take place in Austin, Pennsylvania at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Leslie’s name may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.