Janine M. Preston

Belfast, NY - Janine M. Preston, age 66, of Belfast, NY, passed away unexpectedly on January 27, 2018. She was born in Cuba, New York, on October 4, 1951, to James “Red” and Marie (McMahon) Allen. 

Janine graduated from Friendship Central School as salutatorian of her class in 1969. She was owner/manager at Preston Truck Sales before furthering her education. Janine graduated from Jamestown Community College, earning Associate’s degrees in Nursing and Social Sciences. She began her career as a registered nurse at Cuba Memorial Hospital and then worked at Hillside Children’s Center, supervising the medical care of foster children. After retirement, she served as the director of the Belfast Public Library, providing enriching and popular programs to both youth and adult patrons. Janine also served on the Belfast Central School Board for 15 years and was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. 

Throughout the years, Janine baked and decorated amazing cakes for special occasions from birthdays to weddings and enjoyed hosting gatherings. She loved taking care of her family. Janine enjoyed traveling, having visited Ireland, France, Italy, Romania, Australia, the Bahamas, Alaska, Hawaii, and many other destinations. She was an avid patron of local theater and shared this appreciation with her family. She also painted, crafted, gardened, and played the guitar. Her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren adored her for her patience and fun-loving spirit. 

Janine is survived by her children, Mark (Lisa) Preston of Rochester, Brian (Amanda) Preston of Belfast, Sarah (Derek) Decker of Fillmore, and Michael (Patty) Preston of Belfast; grandchildren, Grace, Serena (Damien Dahill), Collin, Benjamin, Alexis, Brynn, Lydia, Henry, Ella, and Norah; siblings, Thomas (Kay) Allen of Wellsville, Timothy (Terry, deceased) Allen of Belfast, Susan (Ron) Trail of Bath, Anne (David) Cummins of North Carolina, and Raymond Allen of Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving is her aunt, Ellen Dorsett of Wisconsin, who was very special to Janine.  She was predeceased by her parents, Marie and James, and sisters, Pamela and Catherine.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, February 2nd from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Belfast on Saturday, February 3rd at 11 a.m.  Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Belmont. Memorials in her honor may be made to the Belfast Public Library Board, P.O. Box 455, Belfast, NY, 14711.

Janine was beloved for her generosity, humor, kindness, and dedication to the community. She graciously nurtured her friends, family, and young people and was a gentle, loving presence to all . To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

John L. Smith

Bolivar, NY - John L. Smith, age 73, of Bolivar passed away on Sunday January 28, at the Wellsville Manor Care Center in Wellsville. He was born on April 13, 1944 in Chicago Illinois. John was a former resident of Buffalo and Wellsville and in the past year he resided in Bolivar. He served in the US Marine Corps and was a member of the Wellsville Family Church. John is survived by a daughter, Karen Brior of Seneca Falls; a special friend, Kelly Shaner of Wellsville, and his church family. Friends are invited to attend a memorial celebration at the Wellsville Family Church, 3151 Wightman Road, Wellsville, New York, on Saturday February 3 at 10 am. Memorials in John’s name made be made to the SPCA serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Ralph E Bryant,

Wellsville, NY - Ralph E Bryant, 90, of 5407 Bolivar Road went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 27, 2018 surrounded by his loving family at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born on June 24, 1927 in Bradford, PA, the son of the late LeRoy and Henrietta (Crandall) Bryant. On May 9, 1948 in Limestone he married Elizabeth McGee who survives.

He was employed by Dresser Clark of Bradford, PA for 43 years.  He loved the Lord and served Him with his whole heart. He also loved spending time with his family.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three sons, Ralph (Sherrie) Bryant of Salem, IN, Michael (Vicki) Bryant of Wellsville, and Timothy Bryant of Rew, PA, seven grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, one sister Marian Lindemuth of Bradford, PA, one brother Daniel Bryant of Limestone, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two brothers, Edwin and Phillip Bryant and one sister, Lorraine Smith.  

A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to Highland Park Healthcare Center. To leave online condolences, please visit embserfuneralhome.com.

Sharon R. Miller

Wellsville, NY - Sharon R. Miller, age 73, of Sarasota Florida and Wellsville passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA. She was born on May 5, 1944 in Ellensburg, WA. To Raymond and Hallie (Grubb) Bailey. In 1967 she married Richard Miller, who survives, in Valley Forge, PA.

Sharon shared time between her home in Sarasota and her daughter’s home in Wellsville. She graduated from North Syracuse High School and received a BS Degree in Pharmacy from the Albany College of Pharmacy. She enjoyed being with her family, knitting, reading, and cooking.

She is survived by her husband, Richard; 2 daughters, Leslie (Alan) Barber of Andover, and Debra Miller of Wellsville; her grandchildren, Ryan and Morgan Barber; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents; a brother, Robert D. Bailey; a sister, Diana Lee Drabo.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, January 29, from 5 to 7 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY. Please consider memorial donations to the First Congregational UCC Church, 1031 South Euclid Avenue, Sarasota Florida 34237 or to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Bruce R. Schoenthal

Wellsville, NY - Bruce R. Schoenthal, 79, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, January 20, 2018. He was born February 27, 1938. He is survived by his wife Andrea Schoenthal, a son, Philip A Schoenthal, a daughter, Dawn M. Schoenthal, her husband, Steven B. Foehner, a sister-in-law, Johna Lozinsky, and his faithful kitty, “Companion” Please consider a memorial donation to your local SPCA, in remembrance of Bruce.

Carol A. Burlingame

Wellsville, NY - Carol A. Burlingame, 81, of 4192 A Bolivar Road passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born on August 6, 1936 in Bellmore, NY, the daughter of the late Arthur Thomas and Barbara Rita (Schultz) Linnemann. On June 13, 1964 in Bellmore she married Donald C. Burlingame who predeceased her on October 31, 2007.  

Carol was employed as a sales clerk for various department stores on Long Island. She served with the U.S. Army in 1959 and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church. She volunteered at ARA and PWI in Wellsville.

She is survived by three sons, Donald Arthur (Carol) Burlingame of Norfolk, VA, Patrick Michael Burlingame of Troy, OH, and Robert David (Angie) Burlingame of Middletown, Ohio, three daughters, Donna Marie (Jeffrey) Wackwitz Sr. of Hinsdale, Deborah Ann Burlingame of Olean, and Linda Ann Hilbun of Purvis, MS, nine grandchildren, Jeffrey Wackwitz Jr, Denise Wackwitz, Michelle (Joe) Ginnery, Amy Wackwitz, Victoria Makayla Harris, Lily and Emma Burlingame, and Andrea and Cole Hilbun, 11 great- grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her husband by an infant son, David Michael Burlingame in 1965, and two sisters, Phyllis Marie Linnemann, and Jean Mary Corbell. 

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 25, 2018 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 26th at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to Allegany County Cancer Services, the Wellsville VFW, or the Father Brown Mission Club. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Nancy P. Baldwin

Richburg, NY - Nancy P. Baldwin, 59, of 109 Ackerman Street passed away at home on Friday, January 19, 2018 surrounded by her family. She was born on July 20, 1958 in Alfred Station, the daughter of the late William C. and Loretta (Aldrich) Brownell. On June 2, 2001 she married John L. Baldwin who predeceased her on August 28, 2014.

Nancy was employed as a bartender for the Morrison Hayes Post 702 American Legion in Wellsville for several years. She enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family.

She is survived by three children, Mindy (Eric) Hooper of Farmersville, Amanda (George) Wagner of Tonawanda, and Nick (Danielle) Baldwin of Little Genesee, six grandchildren, Derrick, Nakayla, T`ea, Denae. Dominick, and Nadia, two sisters, Connie (Jay) Zeager of Cuba, and Billie Jo Brownell of Bolivar, one aunt, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased in addition to her husband, by one sisters, Kay Fisk and one brother, Fred Baumgarten. 

Friends are invited to a graveside service on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Richburg Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Bolivar Fire Hall. Please consider memorial donations to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Jean T. Cavanaugh

Wellsville, NY - Jean T. Cavanaugh, 71, a lifelong resident of 201 Maple Avenue, passed away on January 14, 2018, at the Wellsville Manor Care Center following an extended Illness. She was born on January 3, 1947, along with her twin sister Jane in Watertown, NY. They were the adopted daughters of the late Ralph and Irene (LeBar) Cavanaugh.

Jean was confirmed at the Immaculate Conception Church, and graduated from Immaculate Conception School. She was a 1964 graduate of Wellsville High School, and attended Olean Business Institute. She was a proud employee of L. C. Whitford Company, where she served as an executive secretary for over 40 years. She loved and cared for animals, and never turned away an abandoned kitten. She enjoyed the outdoors, bowling, camping at Breezy Point, cookouts on her porch with friends, and was always ready to help someone in need,

She was predeceased in addition to her parents, by her twin sister, Jane C. Mosher.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, January 26, 2018 from 12 noon to 1:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A memorial service will follow visitation at 1:00 pm in the funeral home. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Delbert L. Payne

Wellsville, NY - Delbert L. Payne, age 68, of the Stannards Road passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. He was born on May 18, 1949 in Wellsville to Burdette and Beatrice (White) Payne. On October 24, 1970 in Whitesville he married the former Nancy Jones who survives.

Delbert graduated from Whitesville Central High School in 1967. He served in the U.S. Army from 1967 until 1974 with 18 months in Vietnam. Delbert was a general contractor and later became the head custodian for Whitesville Central School. He had survived a double lung transplant for 12 years, 7 years longer than expected. He had been a member of the Whitesville Volunteer Fire Department, Whitesville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and was a former member of the VFW and the American Legion. Delbert enjoyed working with hands, watching NASCAR, and the Buffalo Bills.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy; 3 sons, Sonny (Melissa) Payne of Spokane, WA., Thomas (Lindsey) Payne of Kentucky, and Benjamin (Rita) Payne of Whitesville; a daughter, Lisa (Larry) Hurler of West Field, PA.; 13 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Martin (Crystal) Payne of Texas, and Leon (Betty) Payne of Harrison Valley, PA.; 2 sisters, Cindy (Marvin) DeVaughn of Maryland, and Sharon (Jerry) Givens of Wellsville; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In keeping with Delbert’s wishes there will be no calling hours or service. Please consider memorial contributions in his name be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Betty Ellen Etter

Wellsville, NY - Betty Ellen Etter, 84, of 12 Cummings Circle passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at Jones Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. She was born on October 2, 1933 in Amityville, NY, the daughter of the late Paul and Muriel (Smith) Ketcham. Betty was first married to Frederick C. Culbertson who predeceased her on October 14, 1986. On November 9, 1988, while living in Florida she married Jack Etter who predeceased her in 2003. 

She was raised in Amityville, and graduated from Geneseo State Teachers College in 1955. She taught kindergarten and speech at Keshequa Central School District in Nunda, NY. She resided in West Sparta for many years before moving to Florida in 1988. She has resided in Wellsville since 2013.

She is survived by two sons, Gerald (Robin) Culbertson of Dade City, Florida and Jeffrey (June) Culbertson of Scio, five grandchildren, Jill (Craig) Vossler of Wellsville, Jaci Culbertson of Crossville, TN, Jeffrey (Allison) Culbertson, Joel Culbertson, and Josiah Culbertson all of Wellsville, seven great grandchildren, Izabel Culbertson, Morgan Culbertson, Rowan Vossler, Max Vossler, Patience Culbertson, Jeffrey Culbertson, and Haylee Peet, a brother, Paul (Carol) Ketcham of Amityville, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents and husbands by two great-granddaughters, Emma Peck and Olivia Vossler.  

At Betty’s request, there will be no prior visitation or service. Please consider memorial donations to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Richard A. Lentz

Wellsville, NY - Richard A. Lentz, 77, of 37 Williams Avenue passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2018, at the Hart Comfort House following a brief illness. He was born on December 10, 1940 in York, PA, the son of Abraham N. and Mildred (Herman) Lentz. On November 5, 1960 in Corpus Christi, TX he married Sharon L. Pohl who predeceased him on June 1, 1998.

Richard was a graduate of York High School and was veteran of the U. S. Navy, from 1958 to 1967, serving aboard the USS. Saratoga. He moved to Wellsville in 1967 and was employed as a Manufacturing Engineer for Dresser-Rand Corporation. He was a member of the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, and the Wellsville Music Boosters. Richard enjoyed riding his scooter around town and for coffee in the morning at the Texas Hot.

He is survived by two sons, Gary W. (Meg) Lentz of Marietta, GA., and Ross A. (Yuan) Lentz of Wellsville; 3 grandchildren, Zach, Anna, and Emily Lentz; one sister, Amelita (Lee) Cunningham of York, PA.; a longtime companion and special friend, Nina Buchanan; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Sharon, and his parents, Abraham and Mildred.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, January 20, 2018, from 12 noon to 1 pm in the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 4229 Fassett Lane in Wellsville. His funeral service will be held the conclusion of calling, at 1 pm, with Pastor Carl Knitter presiding. Internment, with military honors, will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church or to the Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences, please visit www.emberfuneralhome.com.

Rita Insley

Wellsville, NY - Rita Insley, 84, of 354 South Main Street passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 13, 2018, surrounded by her family. She was born May 22, 1933 in Geneva, NY the daughter of Lester and Gertrude (Nilan) McGuire. On November 29, 1958 in Geneva she married A. Donald Insley who predeceased her on May 19, 2002.

Rita was a 1951 graduate of DeSales High School in Geneva and a 1955 graduate of the St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester. She was employed as an RN at St. Mary’s Hospital until she and Don moved to Morrisville in 1964. They moved to Wellsville in 1970 and she was a mother at home until she started her career as a Public Health Nurse in 1979, she retired in 1999. She was an avid sports fan who enjoyed attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. She also enjoyed knitting, reading, playing Bridge and bingo. She was a women of faith who served as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteered at ICS.

She is survived by nine children, Diane Insley of San Marcos, Texas, Deb Insley of Wellsville, Karen (Bob) Carson of Canandaigua, Katie (Bob) Toney and Bob (Tracy) Insley, both of Wellsville, Doug (Amy) Insley of Rochester, Jim (Karen) Insley of Lime Lake, Jean (Jack) Sutherland and Tim (Krista) Insley both of Rochester, 23 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, two brothers-in-law, Fred (Paige) Insley of Colorado Spring, CO and Ollie (Sally) Insley of Mount Morris and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by a grandson Bryce Insley on January 24, 2001, a brother, Les, and two sisters, Mary Martha and Franny.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, January 16th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 17th at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House, the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester or the Immaculate Conception School. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Joyce D. Reynolds

Bradford, NY - Joyce D. Reynolds, 76, of 3300 Taylor Road passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Arnot-Ogden Medical Center in Elmira following a long illness. She embraced life with laughter and a smile. She was born December 31, 1941 in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Norman and Neva (Whitney) Fanton. July 31, 1987 in Scio she married David B. Reynolds who survives. 

Joyce was a 1960 graduate of Wellsville Central School and attended Mansfield University.

She gave private art lessons while living in Wellsville. She was an active member of the Tyrone United Methodist Church and was a long time member of the Wellsville First United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Wellsville Art Association, the Genesee Valley Chorus, a life member of the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department Axillary, and founded the Allegany County Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. 

  

Surviving in addition to her husband, are three daughters, Felicia Jackson and her husband Ken of Fairbanks, AK, Katrina Savitcheff and her companion, Stephen Vossler of Wellsville, and Marla Nesbit-Greenman of Wellsville, nine grandchildren, Niko Greenman, Jarred Jackson, Tesla Greenman, Jaremy Jackson, Dominik Savitcheff, Trent Jackson, Dakotah Savitcheff, Terra Greenman and Marissa Murphy, one great granddaughter, Kiara Greenman, her mother-in-law, Ona Reynolds of Wellsville, three sisters-in-law, Donna Pilette and her husband Guy, Patty Munson and her husband Scott and Ruth Smith and her husband Steve, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased in addition to her parents by her step-father, Harold Horton.

There will a celebration of life on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Wellsville First United Methodist Church. A second celebration will be on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Tyrone United Methodist Church. Internment will be in Stannards Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to the Tyrone United Methodist Church, the Wellsville First United Methodist or the Falck Cancer Center in Elmira, NY. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Norma W. Stuck

Wellsville, NY - Norma W. Stuck, age 78, formerly of 85 Johnson Street, died on Sunday January 7, 2018 at Wellsville Manor Care Center following a long illness of C.O.P.D.

 She was born on December 19, 1939 in Fillmore at the former Genesee Country Hospital located in the Township of Hume. She was born the daughter of Gordon and Violet (Hale) Stuck. Starting from when she was a baby she was raised by Herman and Florence Waters of Belmont.

She attended Belmont Central School. Norma lived in Belmont most of her life. She never drove a car, but that did not stop her from getting to where she wanted to go. She could be seen walking or riding her bicycle all over town for many years. She never had children, but was a wonderful fun aunt to many of her nieces and great nieces who joined her on her many walks about town. She liked to go to the park or wading or swimming in the mighty Genesee River.

While living in Belmont she worked for a time as a house keeper at the Highland Nursing Home. She also was a housekeeper and child care provider for several families in Belmont. She attended the Episcopal Church in Belmont and also enjoyed attending a local home Bible study.

She was faithful to Florence Waters at the end of Florence’s life, Norma was there to care for her as Florence had for Norma during her childhood. After this, Norma moved to the big city of Wellsville. She said she had “no wheels” and wanted to be able to get to K-Mart, The Modern Diner, and the Texas Hot. She did not want to depend on anyone else.

Norma enjoyed living in Wellsville. She made many friends at the apartment complex where she lived for many years. They enjoyed playing cards, bingo, and each other’s company. She had a cat most of her life and missed Garfield terribly when she had to leave her apartment.

Surviving are many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents and foster parents; brothers Leo Stuck, Howard Stuck, and William (Bill) Stuck; sisters Millicent (Milly) King and Anna Stuck.

Norma made an anatomical gift of her body to the University of Buffalo. Following Norma’s wishes there will be no visitation of services. Burial will be at a later date at Forest Hills Cemetery, Belmont. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Memory of Norma are encouraged to donate to the SPCA 1374 State Route 19 South, PO Box 381, Wellsville, NY. 14895, or a charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Rafaela A. McQueen

Wellsville, NY - Rafaela A. McQueen, 87, of 2847 Prospect Drive passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Highland Park Healthcare Center following a long illness. She was born on September 19, 1930 in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, the daughter of Ramon and Mariana (Arroyo) Perez. On July 9, 1954 in the romantic city of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, she married Raymond M. McQueen, who she met while he was serving with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Rafaela was raised in Puerto Rico and moved to Wellsville with Ray in 1958. She was a stay at home mom while Cindy was young and was employed at the Brooklyn School Cafeteria for 27 years, where she was loved by the students, faculty and staff. She retired as the cafeteria manager in 1996. She was a former member of the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. She was a devoted wife and mother and will remembered as “Nana” to her beloved grandchildren. After retirement, she and Ray spent the summers in Watkins Glen for 20 years. She loved Seneca Lake and her many friends in the Watkins Glen area. They celebrated their 25th anniversary in Hawaii, and enjoyed their many vacations in Puerto Rico.

She is survived by her husband Raymond, two daughters, Ana (Jorge) Ramos of Carolina, Puerto Rico, and Cindy (Rand) Rocchio of Wellsville, four grandsons, Georgie (Yadira) Ramos of Dover, DE, Joksan Ramos of Condado, Puerto Rico, Calvin Rocchio of Berkley, CA, and Mario Rocchio of Rochester, NY, two great granddaughters, Yadiana and Yanialis of Dover, DE, several half brothers and sisters residing in Puerto Rico, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is being planned for the summer and will announced at a later date.   

Please consider memorial donations to the Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Fund, %The American Red Cross, 786 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Robert H. Moran

Wellsville, NY - Robert H. Moran, age 89, formerly of Highland Avenue passed away on Wednesday January 3, 2018 at Olean General Hospital following a brief illness. He was born on October 7, 1928 in Wellsville, the son of late Robert T. and Anna (Casey) Moran. On February 11, 1956 he married Loraine D. Gleason who survives.

Robert was a lifetime resident of Wellsville who attended the Immaculate Conception School for 10 years and graduated from Wellsville High School in 1947. He began working at Worthington in 1947 as a stock clerk. Robert joined the US Army in 1950, proudly served until 1952 as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Following the service He went back to work for Worthington and retiring from Dresser Rand in 1993 after 45 years of service. He was a lifetime member of the Immaculate Conception Church where was involved in the Christian Family Movement and was a lector for many years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #702 of Wellsville and was an active member of the Scio Lions Club where he served as treasurer for many years. He also volunteered his time as a chaperone for the Fresh Air Fund and later he delivered for Meals on Wheels. Robert was a dedicated and loyal blood donor for the American Red Cross donating a life-time total of 20 gallons. He and his wife, Loraine, loved to square dance and for many years they were members of the Grand Square Dance Club. Robert enjoyed reading, working with stained glass, treasure hunting/metal detecting, and roller skating. Robert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and will be fondly remembered by his family as a hardworking, benevolent man who cherished time spent in the presence of family and friends. He will be greatly missed!

In addition to his wife, Loraine, survivors include, a son, Sean (Sandi) Moran of Oswego; 3 daughters, Robin (Gary) Ahrens of Olean, Tammy (Robert) Christman of Wellsville, and Kelly (Jesse) Case of Wellsville; 8 grandchildren, Robert (Jen) Ahrens, Kelsey (Matt) Quattrone, Michaela Moran, Liam Moran, Leah Christman, Bridget Christman, Samuel Case, and Simon Case; 4 great grandchildren, Maddox Guay, Ryker Quattrone, Colin Ahrens, and Donovan Ahrens; a brother and sister in-law, David and Barbara Gleason of Conroe, TX.; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, John M. Moran, and a grandson, Lee Ahrens.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, January 8, 2018, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. A prayer service will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 am in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 am in the Immaculate Conception Church. Burial with full military honors will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery and memorials in his name may be made to the Immaculate Conception School or to the Hart Comfort House of Allegany County. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Margaret “Gail” Embser

Raleigh, NC - Margaret “Gail” Embser, 74, of 4203 Sunscape Lane, Raleigh, NC passed away on Monday, January 1, 2018 at the North Carolina Heart and Vascular Hospital in Raleigh, NC following a brief illness. She was born June 26, 1943 in Wellsville, NY, the daughter of the late Richard J. and Louise M. (Dunn) Embser. 

Gail was a 1961 graduate of Wellsville High School and graduated from Harcum College. As a young wife she worked as an administrative assistant to support her husband and herself as he pursued his college degree.  As her family grew, she was a dedicated homemaker and full time mom.  Becoming a single mother, she worked hard to nurture and provide for her children as an administrative assistant for groups where her organizational skills were of great benefit and she had a chance to make a positive impact on the community, including UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, NC, Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Durham, NC, and finally at Borden Tolley Real Estate and Appraisal in Durham, NC where she worked until her retirement.

She enjoyed being active in the community, serving in various organizations such as Welcome Wagon and the Jaynecees.  She enjoyed activities such as bridge, golf, racquetball, and skiing, but most of all loved to entertain her wide circle of friends.

She was a fiercely devoted mother and grandmother who considered her family the light of her life.  She was always there to cheer on and celebrate her family’s triumphs and was always available when her love and advice was most needed.  She was a member of The Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi in Raleigh, NC.  

She is survived by three children, Lance (Tresa) Pickup, Shannon (Jimmy) Leonida, Danielle (John) Quiocho all of Raleigh, NC, six beloved grandchildren, Alec and Collin Pickup, Kieron and Kennedy Leonida and Cooper and Maximilian Quiocho, two sisters, Linda (George) Lewis of Salem, NY, and Susan Embser of Durham, NC, one brother, John (Diana) Embser of Wellsville, a brother-in-law, Mark Wattenberg of Wellsville, as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and many friends, including Earl Rhoads of Raleigh, NC. She was predeceased in addition to her parents, by a sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Embser and her former husband Dana Pickup. 

Friends are invited to call on Friday, January 5, 2018, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 6, 2018, at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church, 36 Maple Avenue in Wellsville. Inurnment will be in the Memorial Garden Columbarium at the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi in Raleigh, NC. Please consider memorial donations to the American Heart Association.  To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.