Walter Leo Coyle

Wellsville, NY - Walter Leo Coyle, age 86, of 95 South Brooklyn Avenue passed away on Friday, December 29, 2017, at the Hart Comfort House. He was born on April 29, 1930 in Wellsville to Leo and Miriam Byrnes Coyle. On November 15, 1955 in Buffalo he married Virginia Cumpston who survives.

Walter was a graduate of the Immaculate Conception School and from Wellsville High School in 1947. He had worked on his family’s farm and in the oil fields in Allentown and served in the US Army during the Korean War. Walter then moved to Buffalo and took a job at the Chevy Plant in Tonawanda. In 1959 he moved back to Wellsville to work for Dresser Rand from where he retired in 1992. He was a faithful member of the Immaculate Conception Church of Wellsville, Life Member of the American Legion Post 702 of Wellsville, and was a former member of the VFW Post # 2530 of Wellsville. Walter enjoyed hunting and visiting with his friends.

Survivors include, his wife Virginia, a daughter, Susan (Steven) Mayne of Wendell, NC.; a son, Michael (Jamie) Coyle of Andover; grandchildren, Michael Kell, Sarah (Matt) Marlow, and Shannon Mayne of North Carolina, Patrick Coyle, and  Spencer Coyle of Andover, Courtney (Whitney) Cornell of Virginia; a sister, Margaret Evans of Wellsville; several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, January 5, 2018 from 10 am till 11 am in the Immaculate Conception Church with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11 am. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery at a later date and memorials in Walter’s name may be made to the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

N. Thomas “Tom” Barnes

Wellsville, NY - N. Thomas “Tom” Barnes, age 82, of 2 Meadow Brook Court passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. He was born in Wellsville on October 16, 1935 to Norton and Allena Jones Barnes.

Tom was a lifelong resident of the Wellsville area who attended school in Petrolia and graduated from Wellsville High School in 1955. While in High School, Tom learned his lifelong trade of meat cutting at the former Scoville and Browns in Wellsville. After the closing of Scoville and Browns he became a meat cutter for White Hawk Meats in Eldred, Pennsylvania. Tom continued cutting meat while working full time at Air Preheater from where he retired as a Crane Follower. In his younger days Tom participated in amateur boxing, weight lifting, and he liked staying in shape. He enjoyed shooting pool with his good friend Jim Brown and pitching horse shoes in many area leagues. Tom had attended Church at the First Trinity Lutheran Church located in Wellsville.

Survivors include, a son Jeffrey (Anne) Barnes of Bolivar; a daughter Cheryl (Eric Wohlers) Miles of Great Valley;4 grandchildren, Jennifer Barnes, Heather Barnes, Courtney Barnes and Scott Miles; 4 great grandchildren, Koleston, Jordan, Addison, and Charlotte; an aunt, Rena Cowles; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; his step mom, Rowena Barnes; a brother, Jon Barnes; 3 sisters, Betty Jean Lynch, Phyllis Rosell, and Beverly Hillibrin; a step brother, Bob Hinckley; a step sister, Sheila Rothschild.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, January 6, 2018, from 12 noon to 2 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. His funeral service will be held on Saturday at the conclusion of Calling Hours with Reverend Larry Allen presiding. Burial will take place in Knights Creek Cemetery and Memorials in Toms name may be made to either the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville or to the American Cancer Society. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Charles I. Lananger Jr.

Richburg, NY - Charles I. Lananger Jr., 75, of 2613 Harland-Ames Road passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, at home following a lingering illness. He was born on March 25, 1942 in Coudersport, PA, the son of the late Charles and Ethel “Mary” (Champlin) Lananger Sr. 

Charlie was formerly employed at Mapes Woodworking in Wellsville, Damascus Tannery and the Quaker State in Coudersport. He also worked as a security guard for Pinkerton Burns Security, he was a constable in Oswayo, PA, and the dog warden for the Town of Willing in New York. He was a former caretaker of the Eulalia Cemetery in Coudersport, and for the past 17 years, he was the caretaker of Stannards Cemetery in New York.

He was a member, past president and member of the New Building Committee for the Willing Volunteer Fire Department.

He is survived by his loving companion, Helen “Fredia” (Bundy) Rankin of Richburg, four children, David Lananger of Cuba, Eric Lananger of Richburg, Joyce Lananger of Bolivar and Charles (Melissa) Lananger of Bradford, PA, nine grandchildren, 14 Great grandchildren, five siblings, Jean Stives of Bolivar, Tom (Mary) Lananger of Richburg, Patricia (Dave) Button of Bolivar, Joyce (Oscar) Gaines of Bolivar and Steve (Donna) Lananger of Little Genesee, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 28, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A graveside service will be conducted on Friday, December 29th at 11:00 am in the Homer Cemetery, Inez, PA. Please consider memorial donations to the Willing Volunteer Fire Department. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Donald E. Heysham

Olean, NY - Donald E. Heysham, 73 of 502 Third Avenue, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 15, 2017 at home. He was born on October 5, 1944 in Wellsville, the son of the late Robert and Margaret (Rogers) Heysham. In 1997 he married to Debbie Knipple who predeceased him in 2010.

Donald attended Wellsville Central School. He was employed by various business in the Olean area for many years. He enjoyed making furniture and carpentry work. 

He is survived by two children, Tammy Marie (Matthew) Vanscoter of Port Allegany, PA and Donald Leo Heysham of Florida, three step-children, Shannon J. Barth of Olean, Michael O. Knipple of Olean and Patrick S. Knipple of Atlanta, Georgia, several grandchildren, two brothers, Robert Heysham of Limestone and James (Mary) Heysham of Olean, two sisters, Donna (Neil) Culhane of Middlebury, Connecticut, and Jane Price of Wellsville, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents and wife, by two sisters, Shirley Heysham and Dorothy Crawford and a nephew, Robin Heysham. 

A private graveside service was conducted Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at Yorks Corners Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany or Cattaraugus Counties. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.   

Adelaide S. Gardner

Wellsville, NY - Adelaide S. Gardner, age 94, of 2 Scott Avenue passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 in Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born on October 18, 1923 in Friendship to Richard and Maybelle Templeton Stockman. On June 28, 1941 she married James Gardner in Friendship who predeceased her July 28, 2002.

Adelaide was a long time resident of Wellsville who graduated from Friendship Central High School. During WWII she worked at Acme Electric in Cuba making transistors for the war effort. Together with her husband Jim they ran Gardner Fire Equipment in Wellsville and she became active in the VFW Auxiliary, Woman of the Moose, and The Order of the Eastern Star. She later became involved with community fund raising for several charities including the Red Cross, the Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society. She had several hobbies through the years and was always learning and looking for a challenge. At first it was pottery, she had her own wheel and kiln built next to the house. She then enjoyed photography with her own dark room in the basement, next it was candy making and cake decorating. Adelaide’s true passion was horses. A hobby she shared with her husband and their daughter Kim. Many hours where spent grooming the horses getting them ready for the weekend trips in the motor home to the horse shows. Adelaide also enjoyed horse racing, her quarter horse ‘Gal’ raced at Tioga Downs. She also enjoyed attending her granddaughters sporting events, affectionately called “grandma” by many of the girls.

Survivors include, her 3 sons, James [Linda] Gardner of State College, PA., Jon [Ann] Gardner of Wellsville, and Gene [Trina] Gardner of Green Valley, AZ.; a daughter, Kim [Bob] Noller of Little Genesee; 15 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and 6 brothers and sisters.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, December 18, 2017 from 6 to 8 pm in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. Her funeral service will be on Tuesday at 11 am in the funeral home. Memorials in Adelaide’s name may be made to the Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery and to leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Ronald L. “Ron” Lundberg

Olean, NY - Ronald L. “Ron” Lundberg, age 92, of 161 South 25th Street passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at Olean General Hospital. He was born on January 3, 1925 in Flint, MI. to Lawrence and Lelia Wortley Lundberg. On June 19, 1954 in the Bronx, NY. He married Gloria Orlando who survives.

Ron was a former resident of Belmont who had moved there in 1980 from Philadelphia, PA. He served in the US Army Air Corps during WWII and had taught at the Fieldston School in the Bronx and later at the Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia PA. Even though he lacked higher education he used his creativeness and talents to become a well-respected teacher. Ron was a renaissance man. From 1972 until 1980 he designed and built his own home that was completely off the grid by using wind and solar power. He was member of the North East Solar Energy Association (NESEA) and opened his home to anyone interested in his designs including many students from Alfred. He was a member of the Wellsville Art Association, participated in Allegany Artisans Tour, and assisted in the Art Department at Alfred University. For a time he had worked for STEL in Belmont, and was a member of the Concerned Citizens of Allegany County that participated in the bump the dump campaign.

Survivors include his wife Gloria of 63 years are; 2 sons, Christopher Lundberg of Bellows Falls, VT. And Timothy Lundberg of Franklinville; 2 daughters, Elizabeth Lundberg of Newell, WV. And Melissa (Steve) Willey of Franklinville; 2 grandchildren, John and Kathryn Willey; several nieces and nephews.

Ron was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Carol Ash.

There will be no prior visitation or services with a Celebration of Life to be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Lois Jean Reynolds

Scio, NY - Lois Jean Reynolds, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at the Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She was born on April 8, 1934 in Buffalo to George and Blanche Manning Dunning.

Lois was a long time resident of Belmont who graduated from Belmont Central School and Alfred State College. She worked for the local Draft Board in Belmont and with her husband owned Pine Hill Homes and built many area homes. Lois was a Bookkeeper for many area businesses including the Angelica Hotel, the Belvidere Truck Stop, and the Allegany Grill. She involved herself in politics, serving as Deputy Clerk for the Village of Belmont, Supervisor of the Town of Angelica, and Supervisor of the Town of Amity. Lois will be remembered as a woman dedicated to her family and to the community. 

Survivors include her adopted children, Tammy (Tim) Schram of Scio; 2 sons, Chris Reynolds of Newburgh, and Roger Reynolds of Charlottesville, VA.; 6 grandchildren, Michael (Naomi) Jones, Jessica Jones, Tyler (Sara) Carlin, Amanda (Zach) Hamer, Ciara Reynolds, and Colm Reynolds; 2 great grandchildren, Whitney Young, and Cooper Carlin;

Lois was predeceased by her parents, George and Blanche Dunning.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, December 15, 2017, at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont from 12 noon to 2pm with funeral service to follow at 2 pm. Reverend Dennis Munro will preside over the service with burial in Fairlawn Cemetery in Scio. Memorials in Lois’s name may be given to the SPCA. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

William F. “Bill” Culbert

Scio, NY - William F. “Bill” Culbert, age 80, of 3860 Cottage Bridge Road passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. He was born on October 3, 1937 in Wellsville to Joseph and Clara Felton Culbert. On June 19, 1965 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover he married Ruth Padden who survives.

Bill was a lifelong resident of Scio where he graduated from High School in 1956 and later was a veteran of the US Army. He was a 35 year employee of Dresser Rand retiring in 1999. He was a dedicated member of St. Joseph’ Church where he served as Eucharistic Minister and greeter. In 2002, in Buffalo, he received the Lay Award of St. Joseph. When St. Joseph’s Church became an Oratory he joined the Holy Family Catholic Church in Belmont. He was a member of the IAM Local 1580 in Wellsville and enjoyed 25 years of smiles from children and adults while playing Santa Clause. Bill had a passion for sports and dedicated many years to youth sports by organizing, coaching, and officiating. He started many teams and leagues including Scio youth baseball, softball, soccer, flag football, and the Scio Sports Booster Club. For many years he officiated High School soccer, softball, and baseball and was elected into the Allegany County Sports Hall of Fame.

Survivors include: Ruth, his wife of 52 years; 2 daughters, Tina Culbert of Rochester, and Stacey (Jeff) Erdmann of Whitesville; a son William J. (Daisy) Culbert of South Fork, PA.; 5 grandchildren, Jacob and Jessica Erdmann, Brandon, Corey, and Danielle Culbert; A sister, Nancy Norton of Whitesville; a brother, Joseph Culbert Jr. of California; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Mary Lou Grossman; 2 brothers, Dennis and Robert Colbert.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 14, 2017, at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. On Friday and Prayer Service will be held in the funeral home at 10:15 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 am at St. Joseph’s Church on Cottage Bridge Road in Scio. Burial with military honors will he be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery and memorials in his name may be made to the Scio Memorial Library or to the charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Michael Layne Robbins

Belmont, NY - Michael Layne Robbins, 64, of 5467 County Road 48, passed away on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, following a brief illness. He was born February 17, 1953 in Olean, the son of Robert and Bernice (Graham) Robbins. 

Michael was a 1971 graduate of Belmont Central School. He was employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse and in 1987 he married Suzanne Gould. He served with the U.S. Army from 1987 to 1991. He returned to Belmont in 2007 and was employed as a Certified Nurse Assistant for Southern Tier Home Health Services, Inc., a job he loved and was very good at. He enjoyed playing the drums for local bands.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Tamara Desmarais of Wellsville, his Mother, Bernice Robbins of Belmont, two daughters, Angela M. Hickey and Andraya R. Hickey both of Macedon, one granddaughter, Anna Hickey-Corsivo, three brothers, David (Janet) Robbins of Katy, TX, Steven (Mi Cha) Robbins of Hanover, MD and Gary Robbins of Scio, as well as six nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father “Bob” in 2007. 

As per Michael’s request, there will be no prior visitation or funeral. Please consider memorial donations to the Amity Rescue Squad. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Arlene A. LaLonde

Belmont, NY - Arlene A. LaLonde, 70, of 15 Noble Street, passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville, with her family at her side. She was born on April 8, 1947 in Dansville, the daughter of Marion and Margaret (Pfuntner) Spencer. On October 6, 1990 in Belmont she married Robert L. LaLonde who predeceased her on October, 29, 2010.

Arlene was a graduate of Mount Morris High School and attended St. James Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Hornell. She began her career as a registered nurse at Park Ridge Hospital in Rochester, and after moving to Belmont in the early 1980’s she continued nursing at Cuba Memorial Hospital for over 30 years; retiring in June of 2017. Her love for Jesus was expressed by her active membership at the Gospel Fellowship Church in Belmont. She enjoyed walking, gardening, and bird watching. She had a great love for her grandchildren, and hosted an annual tea party for granddaughters. 

She is survived by six children, Shawn (Eugene) Seibert of West Grove, PA, Sal Aquila of Belmont, Margie LaLonde and her husband Doug Bramel of Scarsdale, NY, Katie (Jim) Vanorskie of Milford, PA, Tad Aquila of St. Petersburg, FL, and Annie (Chris) Keir of Belmont, 14 grandchildren, Sarah, Micah, Enoch, Emera, Elden, Madeline, Claire, Kayla, Felicia, Jimmy, Mason, Grace, Nora, and Robert, two brothers, Alfred (Penny) Spencer of Poplar Bluff, MO, and, Richard (Anna) Spencer of Mount Morris, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, December 9, 2017 from 9:00 to 11:00 am at the Gospel Fellowship Church, 4996 Hood Road in Belmont. The funeral will follow visitation at 11:00 am Saturday in Church with Pastor Patrick Lyons presiding. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Comfort House of Allegany County, online or at 141 E. State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit embserfuneralhome.com.

Oliver L. Cline

Belmont, NY - Oliver L. Cline, age 88, of the Baker Valley Road passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 one day short of his 89th birthday at the Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. He was born on December 6, 1928 in the Town of Ward to Emmitt and Gladys Ward Cline. On May 3, 1952 in Angelica he married Doris Harloff who survives.

Oliver was a lifelong farmer. He was first a dairy farmer and when he sold his herd he wanted to keep busy so he raised beef cattle and later sheep. He was a lifelong hunter who was a hardworking man with a great sense of humor.

Survivors include his wife Doris; a son Kenneth (Kathy) Cline of Belmont; a daughter, Stella (Bob) Dewey of Belmont; a sister, Bethel McKee of Pennsylvania; 3 grandchildren, Craig (Erin) Cline of Scio, Karen (Phil) Gallmann of Angelica, and Heather (Ken Muto) Dewey of Big Flats; 4 great grandchildren, Alex and Lillian Cline, and Cory and Sophie Bolzan; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by 3 brothers, Norman, Keith, and Homer Cline and a sister, Lucille Bliven.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 7, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont. A funeral service will be held on Friday in the funeral home at 11am with Deacon Frank Pasquale presiding with burial in Fairlawn Cemetery in Scio. Memorial contributions in Oliver’s name may be made to the Amity Rescue Squad. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Curtis A. “Curt” Loper Sr.

Wellsville, NY - Curtis A. “Curt” Loper Sr., age 64, of the Baldwin Road passed away on Friday, December 1, 2017, surrounded by his family at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He was born on March 23, 1953 in Hornell to Donald and Beverlee Hargraves Loper Sr. On June 16, 1973 he married Dawnne Wyant who survives.

Curt graduated from Canisteo Central High School in 1971 and from Alfred State College in 1973, where he played baseball, with an associate’s degree as an electrician. He worked for Carpet Town, Acker’s Quaker State, and for Air Preheater (ARVOS) from where he retired from in 2016 after 30 years of service. At the time of his death he was the President of the Wellsville Rod and Gun Club and enjoyed organizing the annual “Camp Shoot”. Curt was also a member of the Wellsville Elks Club, as was a member of the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department, Genesee Hose Company, where he was a fire policeman. He volunteered for the Wellsville Midget League Football, Little League Baseball, and was the manager of the Southern Tier Lady Lighting Fast Pitch Travel team for 6 years where he met many lifelong friends. In his younger days he played men’s fast pitch softball for the Past Time Bar and for Arnoys and Dye. He had umpired high school baseball, and was a long time member of the Wellsville High School Football Chain Gang. Curt enjoyed family cook outs and playing cards, golfing, fishing, and his love of the outdoor and the camaraderie with his hunting pals was his passion. Curt was a lifelong New York Yankees fan who had idolized Thurman Munson. In the last 3 years, in particular, were special to him as the love for his grandchildren grew and it was a wonderful thing to watch.

Surviving besides his wife, Dawnne are a son, Curtis A. “CJ” (Ashley) Loper of Wellsville; a daughter, Lindsay Loper of Olean; grandchildren, Miles and Averiella Loper; 3 brother inlaws as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He had been predeceased by his parents, Donald and Beverlee Loper Sr., and his brother, Donald Loper Jr.

At Curt’s request there will be no calling hours. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at the Wellsville Elks Lodge starting at 1 pm. Please consider memorials in His name to the Wellsville Rod and Gun Club, or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, or to Wellsville Little League Baseball. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

John A. Burgess

Andover, NY - John A. Burgess, age 73, passed away on Thursday November 30, 2017, at the University Of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester. He was born on February 15, 1944 in Brooklyn to Joseph and Vera Zidzik Burgess. On October 13, 1961 in Wellsville John married Mary Butler who predeceased him on March 30, 2017.

John was former resident of West Bingham, PA., and Port Orange, FL. He was a long time mechanic who had owned and operated Burgess Quaker State in Genesee, Burgess Garage in West Bingham, and after moving back to the area from Florida worked for Pfuntners in Wellsville. In his spare time John, along with his friends, built and raced stock cars at Drum Raceway, Woodhall Raceway, and at Bradford Raceway. John also enjoyed tinkering with electronics and had owned John Burgess Satellite Systems. He enjoyed NASCAR, birdwatching, grilling outside, watching basketball, and watching Fox News to keep current on world events.

John is survived by a son, Andy Burgess of San Francisco, a daughter, Patty Empson; 2 granddaughters, who he helped raise, Natasha (Jarod) Ott, and Jennifer (Jacob) Kurk Sr.; 2 great grandchildren, Jacob Kurk Jr. and Destiny Empson

As per John’s wishes there will be no prior calling hours or services. Please consider memorial donations in John’s name to the Andover Volunteer Ambulance Corps. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneral home.com.