Theresa T. Biancuzzo

Belmont, NY - Theresa T. Biancuzzo, 82, of 22 Norton Street passed away on Friday, September 30, 2016 at the Hart Comfort House. She was born January 26, 1934 in Belmont, the daughter of the late Carlo and Violet (Lewis) Biancuzzo.

Theresa was a 1952 graduate of Belmont Central School. She graduated from St. James Mercy Hospital, School of Nursing in 1956. She attended Syracuse University while working at the University Hospital. She moved to Olean in 1959 and began her 27 year career as Nursing Supervisor at St. Francis Hospital, retiring in 1986. 

   

She is survived by three sisters, Roseanna Tait, Josephine Biancuzzo and Felecia Biancuzzo all of Belmont, a sister-in-law, Deborah Biancuzzo of Wellsville, three nephews, Stephen (Lynn) Biancuzzo, Daniel Biancuzzo and Andrew (Adriane) Biancuzzo, one niece, Cathy (KJ) Spinks, six great nieces and nephews, Toby (Emily) Spinks, Joshua Spinks, Andrea (Jeremy) Niece, Alyssa (Brent) Cox, Vinny Biancuzzo and Parker Biancuzzo, two great-great nephews, Brayton Niece and Fynn Niece and one great-great niece, Haylee Spinks. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, John Biancuzzo, a sister-in-law, Andrea Biancuzzo and a brother-in-law, Larry Tait. 

Friends are invited to call at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont on Monday, October 3rd from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and Tuesday, October 4th from 10:00 to 11:00 am. The funeral will follow visitation Tuesday at 11:00 am in the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House, the SPCA Serving Allegany County, the Amity Rescue Squad or the Belmont Volunteer Fire Department. To leave online condolences, please visit embserfuneralhome.com.  

Norbert J. Michalak Sr.,

Bath, NY - Norbert J. Michalak Sr., 84, who resided at the VA Medical Center in Bath, NY, passed away on Monday, September 26, 2016 at the VA Medical Center in Buffalo, NY. He was born December 24, 1931 in Dunkirk, NY, the son of the late John and Emily (Sypniewski) Michalak. On June 27, 1953 at Holy Trinity Church in Dunkirk he married Lenora Theresa Ingavo who survives.

Norbert formerly resided in Dunkirk where he attended St. Hedwig’s Church. He was a graduate of Dunkirk High School and attended Roberts School of Barbering in Buffalo. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy and served as a Seaman Apprentice. He was employed as a Technical Clerk at the American Locomotive Company. He also worked at his father’s barber shop on Doughty Street in Dunkirk. 

Surviving in addition to his wife of Wellsville, is one son, Norbert (Lori) Michalak of Scio, three grandchildren, Andrew, Steven and Kelly Michalak. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by a daughter, Cynthia Michalak and a brother, Leonard Michalak. 

The funeral service will be private and burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Immaculate Conception Church, 17 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit embserfuneralhome.com. 

Jack W. Dufrin

Wellsville, NY - Jack W. Dufrin, 86, formerly of 1887 Stannards Road passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at the Veterans Memorial Hospital in Madison Wisconsin. He was born on June 4, 1930 in Garden City, Kansas the son of Ernest M. and Ruth H. (Dunham) Dufrin. On May 27, 1972 at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland he married Ruth V. Vaske who predeceased him on December 1, 2001.

Jack was a 1948 graduate of Canon City High School in Canon City Colorado. He was a 27 year veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Korean War from 1951 to 1952 and in the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1971. He retired from the military in 1974 as CWO2 QM Food Advisor and Instructor. Jack enjoyed working with his hands and was a self-taught woodworker

He is survived by two daughters, Ruthmari (Thomas) Andersen of Stoughton, WI., and JuneAn (Kevin) Lanigan of Portola Valley, CA, two stepdaughters, Dawn (John) Briggs of Baltimore, MD and Terri (Peter) Maslona of Scio, a stepson, Colby Smith of Aberdeen, MD, 4 grandchildren, Joshua (Greta) Andersen, Ashley (Nathan) Hessenthaler, Mackenzie Lanigan and Caitlyn Lanigan; 3 step grandchildren, Gabriella Brainard, Bobby (Patricia) Brainard and Hope (Richard) Wisniewski; 4 great grandchildren and 15 step great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

  

Jack was also predeceased by his parents and his brother William.

Friends are invited to visit the family on Saturday, October 1, 2016 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at noon in the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. To leave online condolences, please visit embserfuneralhom.com.

Charles Francis Costello

Wellsville, NY and Lake Wales, Florida - Charles Francis Costello, 76, passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2016 at home in Wellsville surrounded by his family. He was born January 14, 1940 in Stannards the son of the late Fredrick and Anna C. (Regan) Costello. On December 1, 1962 in Genesee, PA he married Marjorie Perkins who survives.

Charles retired after 40 years of employment at Air-Preheater Company in Wellsville and continued to consult for the company for an additional 10 years. He loved spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, traveling and gardening. He will be most remembered by his family and friends for his tireless work ethic, sense of humor and his quick wit. He was a life member of the Emerald Hook and Ladder and a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales FL.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a son, Charles (Lynne) Costello of Wellsville and their children, Meghan (Patrick) Fealey, Sarah Costello, and Kevin (Jordan) Costello, a son, Daniel (Julie) Costello of Wellsville and their children, Erica (Steve) Richardson and Taylor Costello, a son, Tim (Kelly) Costello of Wellsville and their children, Quincy, Emily and Cody Costello, a daughter, Tammy (Mark) Emery of Whitesville and their children, Bill and Onalee Emery, a daughter, Anna (Larry) Hallett of Millinocket, ME and their children, Ryan, Regan, Daniel and Olivia Hallett, a daughter, Stephanie (Bryan) Decker of Clarence, NY and their children, Cayden, and Haylee Decker, two sisters, Marie (Tom) House of Towanda, PA and Betty Lewis of Wellsville, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Paul Costello.

A private Memorial Mass was celebrated on Monday, September 26, 2016 at Sacred Heart Church in Genesee, PA, with Rev. Joseph Dougherty as Celebrant. In keeping with Charles’s wishes his body was donated to the University of Rochester. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery at a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Charles Costello Scholarship Fund, % Marjorie Costello, 1537 State Route 19 South, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit embserfuneralhome.com.

Mary Ellen Patricia Barber Craft

Wellsville, NY - Mary Ellen Patricia Barber Craft, 50, of Wellsville, NY, died Saturday, September 17, 2016 in Jones Memorial Hospital after a lengthy battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Born July 26, 1966, in Wellsville, NY, she was the daughter of the late William C. Barber and Theresa Smith Barber. She was a 1984 graduate of Northern Potter High School and later obtained her teaching degree from the State University of New York at Oneonta. She was a science teacher for the Adirondack Central School District in Booneville, NY. Mary Ellen later was a substitute teacher for Wellsville Central School and had worked for the David A. Howe Library before retiring due to her illness.

On July 26, 2008, she married Ward R. Craft, who survives.

Mary Ellen was a true animal lover and cared for many pets throughout her life, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinnea pigs, and alpacas. 

She was an avid NY Jets fan that loved reading, jogging and hunting in her younger years.

Surviving besides her husband, Ward, are a son, Derek Folts of Albany, NY; her mother, Theresa Barber of Genesee, PA; a brother, William (Corinne) Barber of New York, NY; a sister, Kathleen Barber of Albany, NY; a stepdaughter, Crystal Craft of Lubbock, TX; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. In addition to her dad, William, an infant daughter, Darcy Folts, predeceased her.

Friends may call Friday, September 23, 2016 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at the J.W. Embser Funeral Home, Wellsville, NY. A graveside service will be celebrated 11:00 AM Saturday with the Father Joseph Dougherty in Andrews Settlement Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to either the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www. nationalmssociety.org or Teacher's Pet Rescue at 19 Blackberry Lane, Coudersport, PA.  16915. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneral home.com

George W. Reuther

Wellsville, NY - George W. Reuther of 160 Seneca Street passed away on Friday, September 9, 2016, at the Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born on August 2, 1928 in Buffalo to George A. and Margaret Porsch Reuther.

George was raised in Buffalo and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy from 1946 until 1950 serving on both the USS Columbus and the USS Portsmouth. In 1950 he began working for the New York Central Railroad from where he retired from in 1988. George moved to Tucson Arizona after he retired and lived there until 2015 when he moved to Wellsville to be near his daughter. While in Tucson he enjoyed the company of Tina Milbrandt for 22 years. He enjoyed bowling at the Cactus Bowl in Tucson where taught youth bowling on Saturday Mornings. George enjoyed the company of his dog China, his faithful companion and soulmate. George will be remembered as a wonderful, loving and funny man.

George is survived by his 3 daughters, Claudia Reuther of Jamestown, Michele (Steve) Pettenati of Wellsville and Amy (Danielle) Reuther-Keis; a sister, Helen (Carl) Koepplle of Cheektowaga; 9 grandchildren, Ben, Amanda, Christopher, Zachary, Nathan, Shawn, Wendy, Michael and Shemere; 2 great grandchildren, Eleyna and Kalista; Tina’s children, Carol (Dan) Hunt, Sandy (John) VanEvery and Micki (Larry) Totten who took care of him for 15 years; several nieces , nephews and step grandchildren.

George was predeceased parents; his siblings, Betty, John, Marge, Loretta, Donald, Pete and Jimmy; his longtime companion Tina and a niece Renee’.

There will be no public funeral services and a burial will be held in Holy Cross Cemetery in Lackawanna at a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

Dolores Ann Kinne

Dansville, NY - Dolores Ann Kinne, age 77, formerly of West Avenue, passed away on September 7, 2016 at the Highland Health Care Center in Wellsville. She was born on May 4, 1939 in Bath to Charles and Beatrice Davidson Gayhart. She was married to John Chase who predeceased her and later Donald Kinne who all predeceased her.

Dolores loved music and enjoyed word search puzzles. She is survived by a son Michael (Ellie) Chase; 2 daughters, Nancy Helser and Bonnie Nephew; a step son John Chase; 4 stepdaughters, Dorothy (Donald) Gayhart, Betty Sage, Shirley Greenhagen and Mary Gayhart ;several grandchildren and great grandchildren; 5 brothers, Clifton (Gladys) Gayhart, Thomas (Edwina) Gayhart, Paul Gayhart, Billy Gayhart and Donald (Dorothy) Gayhart; several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husbands Dolores was predeceased by a daughter, Grace Collalto; a step daughter, Linda Graves and a stepson Larry Chase.

Keeping with Dolores’s wishes there will be no services and burial will take place in the Arkport Heritage Hill Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations in her name to either the American Cancer Society or the Livingston County SPCA. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Rita C. Childs

Scio, NY - Rita C. Childs, 90, formerly of the Vandermark Road passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville. She was born on April 27, 1926 in Wellsville to the late Henry and Mary Carmel (Smith) Rahr. On September 26, 1946 in Wellsville she married William Harold Childs how predeceased her on December 8, 2005.

Rita graduated from the Immaculate Conception School in 1943 and in 1945 she graduated from Wellsville Central High School in 1945. She was a longtime resident of Scio who had moved to Bangor, Maine and returned to this area in 2014 to live in Wellsville. She had retired from Jones Memorial Hospital in 1986 and had previously worked at W.T. Grants, Loblaws and Super Duper all in Wellsville. Rita was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church of Belmont, the Third Order of St. Francis, the Alter and Rosary Society, and the Father Brown Mission Club where she made rosaries. Rita was a Girl Scout Leader who enjoyed camping and bowling.

Rita is survived by a son, William H. (Kathryn Eaton) Childs of Bangor, ME. And a daughter Carla Orosz of Wellsville. She has 10 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; a brother, Richard Rahr of Scio, a sister-in-law, Dorothy Browning Rahr of Wellsville and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Rita was predeceased two daughters, Carla Ann Childs and Deborah Cunningham, a granddaughter, Catherine Cunningham, two sisters, Marion Moir, and Elizabeth Earl, a brother, Carl H. Rahr Sr., a sister-in-law, Donna Rahr, and two brothers-in-law, Dr. Thomas Moir and Robert Earl.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, September 12, from 2-4 and 7-9 at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville with the rosary to be said at 3:45 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Tuesday in the Holy Family Catholic Church of Belmont. Burial will take place in Sacred Heart Cemetery and please consider memorial donations to either the Hart Comfort House or to the Father Brown Mission Club c/o Immaculate Conception Church, Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY.  14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Clara L. Howard

Belmont, NY - Clara L. Howard, 72, of 4269 State Route 19 South passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2016 at home following a long illness. She was born on May 13, 1944 in the Town of Wirt, the daughter of the late Ira and Sarah (Warner) Hosmer. On October 15, 2005 in Scio, she married Everett “Gene” Howard who survives.

Clara was raised in Bolivar and attended Bolivar Central School. She cleaned for several doctors in the Wellsville area and for Steuben Trust Company in Andover. She also helped many families with child care when the parents went on vacation. After moving to Arizona in 1991, she was employed at Dillard’s Department Store and then became a press operator for G.W. Plastics, where she was later promoted to supervisor of the cleaning department. She returned to Wellsville in 2004 and worked as a homecare health provider. In Retirement she enjoyed meeting her friends for coffee.  

Surviving in addition to her husband is one daughter, Sara (Neel) Geshwind of Scio, five grandchildren, Katlyn, Tylor, Nathan, Sara Theresa and Aretha Shaver, four great grandchildren, Cloey and Caleb Middaugh, Nevaeh Fayth Shaver and Sontiago Gamez, four step children, Tim, Tony, Tom, and Tina Howard, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and five brothers and sisters, she was predeceased by two sons, James Ira Shaver on August 25, 2015 and Scott Shaver on September 13, 2009.

Friends are invited to call at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The funeral will follow visitation at 1:00 pm in the funeral home. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Bolivar. Following the burial everyone is invited to Hamar’s Pub in Wellsville for a benefit dinner. Please consider memorial donations to Homecare & Hospice or the Scio Volunteer Fire Department. To leave online condolences, please visit embserfuneralhome.com.  

Virginia T. Vincent

Allentown, NY - Virginia T. Vincent, 91, passed away on Friday, August 26, 2016 at the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville. She was born March 26, 1925 in Olean, the daughter of the late Louis and Ethel (Said) Tucker. On August 23, 1950 in Bolivar she married Francis D. Vincent who predeceased her on October 24, 2003. 

Virginia was raised in Olean and was a 1943 graduate of Olean High School. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Albany State Teachers College in 1947 and continued her education at St. Bonaventure University and SUNY Geneseo. She began her teaching career as a math and science teacher at the Allentown Union School. She later became a special education teacher through Allegany County BOCES in Allentown, Belmont and Scio; retiring in 1986. She was a member of the Allentown United Methodist Church. Throughout her life Virginia held memberships in several organizations committed to education including, the New York State Retired Teachers Association, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Allegany County Teachers Association, the Allegany Arc, Board of Directors and the Special Olympics. She was a devoted teacher whose former students continued to enrich her life.

Family was Virginia’s greatest joy. She is survived by three daughters, Paula (Gregory) Swier of Olean, Diana (John) Embser of Wellsville, and Donna (Marvin) Butts of Allentown, eight grandchildren, Sarah (David) Manzo,  Emily (Jason) Lane, Victoria “Tori” Swier, Vincent, Jenevera, Raymond, James and Sadie Embser, seven great-grandchildren, Creigh, Avin, Virginia and Kallen Manzo, Lilyana and Miles Lane and arriving soon, Aubriel Lane, a sister-in-law, Carletta Tucker of Orlando, Florida and several beloved nieces & nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Tucker, and two sisters, Josephine (Gus) Sinesiou and Genevieve (Durwood) Brennan. 

A private graveside service and interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations to the Allentown United Methodist Church, the Hart Comfort House, the David A. Howe Public Library or any charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences, please visit embserfuneralhome.com.