Jo A. Hlavaty

Wellsville, NY - Jo A. Hlavaty, 75, of 3435 Center Drive passed away on Sunday, June 24, 2018, at home. She was born October 8, 1942, in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Robert “Bob” S. and Ruth L. (Hackett) Mulvey. On July 23, 1966, in Genesee, Pennsylvania, she married George E. Hlavaty, who predeceased her on May 28, 2003.

Jo started her primary education at the Martin Street School in Wellsville, and was a 1961 graduate of the Coudersport Area Schools. She graduated from Mansfield University in 1965. She taught for the Wellsville Central School District for 32 years, summer-school for Bolivar-Richburg, and Sunday School for the Hardstands United Methodist Church. She was named the Wellsville PTA “Teacher of the Year.” She was a member of the Wellsville Teacher's Association, the Catherine Schuyler Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, American Association of University Women, and the Stannards Methodist Church. She enjoyed both American and Irish history, and genealogy. 

She is survived by one daughter Jennifer M. (Sean) McNally of Alexandria, Virginia, and one grandson, Patrick McNally. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by five uncles: Robert, Harry, Clair, Gerald, and Carlus Hackett, and two aunts: Marjorie (Therold) Furman and Mayfred (Reuben) Russell.  

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, June 30, 2018, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 2:00 pm in the funeral home. Burial will be in Sacred Hearts Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the David A. Howe Public Library, or the Willing Volunteer Fire Department. To leave online condolences, please visit wwwww.embersfuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth Davie Burner Dickerson

SPRING HILL, FL -  Elizabeth Davie Burner Dickerson, 96, of Spring Hill, died peacefully on Saturday, December 9, 2017. She was born June 6, 1921 to Paul and Beatrice (Smith) Davie in Wellsville, NY where she lived into her seventies until she retired in Florida.

Elizabeth was a long time businesswoman in Wellsville, owning Davie's Department Store. Davies was founded by her grandfather, Charles Eugene Davie and was originally located in Bolivar. Later it moved to Wellsville, where it was owned by her father, Paul Davie, and later by Elizabeth. As a women and children's clothing merchant, she was active in the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce. She was a member of the Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Holly Twig and Professional Business Women's Club. She was also a member of the Disciples of Christ Church. She enjoyed bridge and oil painting but especially enjoyed china painting. In her later life she took up counted cross-stitch, producing over two dozen masterpieces. She enjoyed traveling, visiting five continents and many states in her lifetime.

She is survived by her daughter, Connie Burner Henry, three granddaughters, Laura (Elbert) Nieves, Rebecca Henry and Kristin Henry, and a great granddaughter Lily Nieves. She is also survived by three step children, Brian (Ninetta) Dickerson, Barbara Petraznik (Gary Edwards), and David (Patrice) Dickerson, and several step grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, her first husband, Alvin Burner, her second husband Chester Dickerson, her sisters, Ruth (George) Smith, Eleanor (William) Yerrick, and a step daughter Christine Dickerson (Paul Turner).

Friends are invited to a memorial service on Monday, July 2, 2018 at 10:00 am in the Grace United Church, 289 N. Main Street in Wellsville, NY, with Rev. Carol Stewart presiding. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Rachel C. Gorham

Wellsville, NY - Rachel C. Gorham, age 62, of 152 Pine Street passed away at home on June 17, 2018. She was born on June 5, 1956 in Olean to Fordyce and Nell Mertins Gorham.

Rachel graduated from Wellsville Central High School in 1974 and later earned a nursing degree. She was a member of the Allegany County Episcopal Church attending at St. John's in Wellsville. She was a veracious reader who enjoyed the David A. Howe Library. She enjoyed writing and to keep in touch became a pen pal to many of her friends and family.

Survivors include: her daughter, Emerald Meadow Murphy of Lafayette, Co.; her beloved dog, Festus; a brother, Charles Gorham; 3 sisters, Anne Williams, Sheila Gorham, and Elsie McEnroe; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Rachel was predeceased by her parents and her sister Lucinda Gorham.

In lieu of a funeral service Rachel wanted her family and friends to visit a local SPCA or a local library to celebrate her memory. Memorial donations may be made to either the David A. Howe Library or to the SPCA. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

Donna L. Moore

Wellsville, NY - Donna L. Moore, age 83, of Sunset Drive passed away on Monday, June 18, 2018, at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. She was born in Warsaw on April 1, 1935 to Chester and Nellie Yencer Weaver. On November 10, 1990 she married William Moore who survives.

Donna was a long time resident of Wellsville who graduated from Wellsville Central High School and Bryant and Stratton Business School. She worked for the Wellsville Central School System as a secretary and had retired as the Secretary to the Elementary Principal. Donna enjoyed being at home and spending time with family and special friends.

Survivors include her husband William of Wellsville; a son Robert “Tyke” Matta of Wellsville; a daughter, Lisa (Robert Orr)  Der Cola of Brighton; 2 grand daughters, Heather (Shane)  Vogel of Wellsville and Rachel Der Cola of Brighton; 2 great grandchildren, Tyler and Reagen Vogel; a sister, Sharon Hedrick-Ash of Wellsville; 2 nephews, Col. Townley (Mary Elizabeth)  Hedrick of Fort Benning, GA., and Huntley (Patty)  Hedrick of Pittsford.

Donna was predeceased by her parents.

In keeping with Donna's wish her service will be a private burial in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorials in Donna's name may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences please visit  www.embserfuneralhome.com

Jeffrey T. Thompson

Wellsville, NY - Jeffrey T. Thompson, 89, of 17 E. Hanover Street passed away on Monday, June 18, 2018 at Jones Memorial Hospital, with his family at his side. He was born on February 11, 1929 in Lodi, NY the son of the late Ray and Elsie (Berry) Thompson. On October 3, 1953 in Wellsville he married I. Joyce Taylor who predeceased him on January 12, 2012. In July of 2015 he reconnected with his 1st high school love, Margaret Buchholz, who was his companion until the end.  

Jeff was raised in Seneca Falls and moved to Wellsville in his late teens. He was a 1947 graduate of Wellsville High School. He served with the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952. He was formerly employed at the Modern Diner, and Capital Plastics in Wellsville, the U.S. Postal Service in Wellsville, and the New York State Department of Transportation; retiring in 1996. He was also a bartender for the VFW, Penn Valley, the Shamrock Inn, the Cameo Restaurant, and private parties for the Harris family. He was a member of the Morrison Hayes Post 702 American Legion. He was a Drill Team member, and Past Captain of the McEwen Hose Company No. 4. He enjoyed coffee with the guys every morning at the Modern Diner, and coffee with the guys at Berger King every afternoon.

He is survived by two daughters, Ellen (Karl) Perkins of Andover, and Valerie Wells of Alden, four grandchildren, Trevor Perkins of Corning, Erica, Todd Jeffrey, and Vivica Wells all of Alden, two great grandsons, Kale Perkins, who he shared a birthday with, and Chase Perkins both of Corning. 

Friends are invited to call on Friday, June 22, 2018 form 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 1:00 pm in the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Wilmont Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Eleanor Theresa Rice

Windsor, Colorado - Eleanor Theresa Rice, 92, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2018 following a long illness.

She was born October 16, 1925 in Mattapan, MA the daughter of the late Paul R. and Mary M. (Moran) Murphy. On April 22, 1946 in Belmont she married Harry J. “Bud” Rice who predeceased her on January 22, 2008.

Eleanor was raised in the South Boston area, and formerly resided in Belmont and Avon Park, Florida. She was formerly employed at a Howard Johnsons Restaurant as a hostess, and was asked on a date by JFK. (Thank goodness she refused.) She later worked for Allegany County BOCES, with special needs children. She enjoyed bowling, playing golf, where she scored a “Hole in One,” and was an avid bingo player.  She was a member of the Herbert Delong Post 808 American Legion Auxiliary, St. Mary's Altar Society, and the Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Lilac Twig. She loved dressing up for Halloween, and won many contests. She wrote and sang many skits while in Avon Park, and loved painting water colors.  

She is survived by, four children, Pauline Rice of Massachusetts, Michele (Edward) Fleishman, and  Michael Rice both of Colorado, and Mark (Elizabeth) Rice of Angelica, 13 grandchildren, Darcie (David) Hendrix, Drew (Tracy) Brooks, Darren (Margaret) Brooks Frederick (Emily) George III, Jennifer Lemos, Julie (Kirby) Loeck, Shane (Stacy) Rice, Carisa (Paul) Lane, Jamie (Terry) Gaylor, Shelby, Alex, Logan, and Liviya Rice, 17 great-grandchildren, Samantha and Trevor Hendrix, Elle, Zach, and Tori Brooks, Ethan, Corinna, and Quentin Brooks, Jacob and Lucas Gallegos and Maya Lemos, Delaney Loeck, Grace and Jeremy Rice, Brenna and Emma Lane, and Raegan Gaylor, a sister-in-law, Mildred (John) Barbaro, of Lancaster, a former daughter-in-law, Robin Bowser of Olean, 22 nieces and nephews, including Carol Jenison of Wellsville, as well as several great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two sisters, June Driscoll, and Pauline Roeder and a brother, John Quinn.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, June 22, 2018 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 23, at 11:00 am at Holy Family Church in Belmont. Burial will be is St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to your local Alzheimer's Association. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Bruce Roy Schoenthal,

Wellsville, NY - Bruce Roy Schoenthal, 79, died Saturday, January 20, 2018 at his home in Wellsville, NY. He was born February 27, 1938, the son of Lester and Adella Schoenthal of Wyoming, NY. He received his bachelors from Alfred University. During his sophomore year at Alfred, he became a member of the Christian Ministry of the National Parks. He was a resident minister, at the Chapel In The Valley in Yosemite National Park, for three summers. After graduating from Alfred University, he attended Wesley Theological Seminary. Bruce severed as assistant pastor at the Sargent Memorial Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C.. He was also a youth mentor to inner city D.C. youth and worked with Martin Luther King Jr. during this time. 

He next served in the U.S. Army and was trained as a laboratory technologist. He worked as an Army medical instructor and lecturer. In 1964, Bruce worked at Buffalo General Hospital as a technologist. He met Andrea there and was her instructor of medical technology. They married September 3, 1966. Bruce next served as a head resident in Bartlet Hall at Alfred University. He worked as an assistant instructor while he was a graduate student there. 

Bruce later worked at St. James Hospital in Hornell, NY. Next, he was a junior high school science teacher, and gave lectures at Scio Central Schools in Scio, NY. He then worked more than forty years as a laboratory technologist at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, NY. He retired there and served as a volunteer at Jones. Bruce zealously enjoyed taking his various watercraft out on area waterways. He shared his avid interest in local history and nature with family members, friends, and co-workers. He also shared his culinary talents with all. Bruce had a fabulous sense of humor and loved playing practical jokes. 

He is survived by his wife Andrea M.  (Lozinsky) Schoenthal, son Philip A. Schoenthal, daughter Dawn M. (Steven B. Foehner) Schoenthal, sister Sandra J. (Robert J.) Safford, and sister-in-law Johna M. Lozinsky. Please remember Bruce by donating to your local animal shelter. 

To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

David W. Karl

BELMONT - David W. Karl, of 4 McNinch Lane, Belmont, passed away Wednesday (June 6, 2018) at the Olean General Hospital, after a brief illness.

Born September 18, 1935 in Olean, he was the son of Bernard and Katherine Driscoll Karl. He later moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he met the love of his life, Audrey Serafini, who survives.

David was a graduate of Allegany High School and a star basketball and football player. He received his Bachelors degree from SUNY Brockport and played soccer on a National Championship team. After college, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving from 1958-1962. David went on to receive his Master's in Education from St. Bonaventure University.

He was the Athletic Director for Richburg Central School for three years, and then for twenty-five years for Friendship Central School, where he coached basketball and soccer. He was the head women's soccer coach for St. Bonaventure University for six years. He moved to San Diego, CA, to enjoy his retirement for twenty years, and recently moved back to Belmont to be closer to his family. David enjoyed golfing, fishing, gardening, sports, but most of all he loved spending time with his family and his dogs.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two sons, Bryan (Kristen) Karl of Belmont and Timothy (Michael Grundleger) Karl of Rome, Italy; one sister, Anne Pittman of Allegany; and his two dogs, Shadow and Baby.

He was predeceased by one sister, Kay Pittman. Friends will be received at the J.W. Embser Funeral Home, 19 Schuyler Street, Belmont on Sunday from 2-5 p.m., for a memorial visitation. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Memorials if desired may be made to the Allegany County SPCA, 1374 NY-19, Wellsville, NY 14895.

Mary Gridley Van Arsdale

Bennington, VT - Mary Gridley Van Arsdale, 77, a resident of Bennington, VT passed away peacefully on Monday May 28, 2018 at the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation. She was born November 3, 1941, the daughter of  Lt. Col. Robert Reid and Leeta Marie (Packer) Gridley at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C.

She graduated from Wellsville, NY High School in 1959 and attended Elmira College for two years before graduating from Penn State University in 1963 with a B.A. Degree. Her early career in New York City was spent in Human Resource Management at Remington Rand, which later became the Sperry Rand Corporation. She returned to graduate school in 1972 and received a Masters’ Degree from Columbia University, Teachers College. She then worked in Human Resource Management at the United States Life Insurance Company in Manhattan. In 1963 Mary was recruited by an avant-guard boutique advertising company known as Carl Ally, Inc. it was to become a top- rated agency, changing its name to Ally and Gargano, Inc. and eventually Smith, Barney, Harris, Uppam Marketing Corporation of America in Manhattan.

In 1973, Ms. Van Arsdale married Malcolm G. Van Arsdale III at the Central Presbyterian Church in New York City. She soon retired to become the mother of her only child, Malcolm IV and became a watercolorist and business consultant. She was an active artist in the Ridgewood, NJ area from 1973 to 1978 having studied part time at the Art’s Student League in New York City. In this new career she authored “A Guide to Family Financial Counseling: Credit, Debt and Money Management (Dow Jones-Irwin 1982) and co-authored “Financial Planning for Bankers” (American Bankers Association, 1985). She spoke and lectured nationally on family finance. She also worked part time for the firm Van Kline and Davenport.

In 1985 she divorced and moved to Bennington, VT starting a new career in admissions at Southern Vermont College. She started as Assistant Director of the Adult Program and then Acting Director of Admissions and finally Director of Admissions in 1990. She was Director of Admission at the International College of Hospitality Management in Washington, CT. This Swiss school is part of a seven college worldwide network. This new college eventually joined with Johnson and Wales College of Rhode Island. In 1995 she became Director of Admissions at Rosemont College in Philadelphia, PA and retired in 2009 from the Admissions Director at Cornell University, School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

She was a very active committee member at the colleges where she worked and equally active in associated professional organizations. She was a member of the Catamount Rotary Club of Bennington and a board member at the Old Castle Theatre Company. She enjoyed gardening, arm chair politics, art, painting and restoring old houses. She also enjoyed clothes, having always wished to be a fashion designer and most of all spending time with her friends.

Survivors include a son, Malcolm G. “Mac” Van Arsdale IV and his wife Jillian Van Arsdale(Gauthier) of Bennington. A grandson, Malcolm G. Van Arsdale V. A sister, Karen Gridley and her husband Wolfgang Ronnefeldt; a brother John Robert Gridley and his wife Anne, Three nieces and one nephew and their families.

A memorial service to celebrate Mary's life will be Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Grace United Church, 289 North Main Street in Wellsville, NY, with Rev. Carol Stewart presiding. The burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery, Ulysses, PA. Please consider memorial donations to any charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.  

Clifford T. Goodliff

Wellsville, NY - Clifford T. Goodliff, 83, of 251 North Main Street passed away on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at Sweden Valley Manor in Coudersport, PA. He was born February 16, 1935 in Wellsville, the son of the late Richard and Edith (Snyder) Goodliff.

Cliff was a graduate of Wellsville High School, and served with the U.S. Coast Guard for four years. He was an employee of the United States Postal Service in Wellsville for 35 years, retiring in 1998. He was a member, Past Governor, and bartender for the Wellsville Moose Lodge #601, a member of the Morrison Hayes Post 702 American Legion, and the McEwen Hose Company #4. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, and visiting with friends at the Modern Diner and Castaways Restaurant. 

He is survived by two daughters, Cindy Goodliff and Lisa Goodliff both of Wellsville, and one son, Richard (Chrissy) Goodliff II of Romulus, one grandson, Mario, one sister, Janet (Dave) Duffy of North Carolina, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by in addition to his parents by a sister and brother-in-law, Bonita and Paul Gavitt.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, June 9, 2018 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. Burial with military honors will follow the visitation at   Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations, to the Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences, please visit wwww.embserfuneralhome.com.

Wesley L. Cline

Belmont, NY - Wesley L. Cline, 80, of 5494 State Route 19 N passed away at home on Monday, June 4, 2018 with his family at his side. He was born September 18, 1937 in Cuba, the son of the late Victor G. and Gertrude (Gross) Cline. 

Wes was a graduate of Belmont High School, and served with U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War era. He was a Auctioneer in the Belmont area for most of his life. He was a member of the  Belmont Lodge 474 & Boliver-Macedonia Lodge 258 F & AM for over 50 years, the Ismailia Temple in Buffalo, the Morrison Hayes Post 808 American Legion in Belmont, and was a life member of the Belmont Volunteer Fire Department. 

He is survived by three sons: Dana W. (Michele) Cline of Fort Myers, Florida; Jason V. (Tajma) Cline of Victor, New York; and Aaron W. (Charity) Cline of Belmont; 10 grandchildren: Alexis Cline. Joshua Cline, Kaleb Cline, Nicholas Cline, Emma Chilson-Cline, Christopher Chilson-Cline, Jacob Chilson-Cline, Amar Atwood, Brandon Cline, and Devin Cline.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, June 8, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. The funeral will be Saturday, June 9, at 11:00 am in the funeral home. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to Home Care & Hospice. To leave online condolences. Please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Ashley Lynn Gelser

Belmont, NY - Ashley Lynn Gelser, age 32, of the Hills Road passed away unexpectedly on Friday, June 1, 2018 at home. She was born to the proud parents Kenneth L. and Tammy L. Middaugh Gelser in Wellsville on December 1, 1985.

Ashley graduated from Genesee Valley School in 2004 and attended Alfred University where she played softball. She worked various jobs in the area and most recently for Alfred University at the equestrian center where she found comfort with all her homies. She was in her element and most at peace when she was enjoying her love of hunting, fishing, farming, hiking,4 wheeling, softball, watching musicals ,or singing. Ashley had a huge heart and an infectious smile and laugh. She also had a knack for forming special connections with her cousins and all the little people in her family. They all loved her, admired her, and looked up to her. It took courage to grow and become who she really was even when it was not easy or popular. Ashley did things her way!

She is survived by her parents Kenneth (Marsha Storms)  of Belmont and Tammy (Dick Young)  of Scio; 2 sisters, Heather (Alex Deboard)  of New Mexico and Courtney of Oregon; her grandmothers, Barb Taylor of Wellsville and Marleah Ritter of Wellsville; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends.

She was predeceased by her grandfathers, Orlo S. Gelser, George Ritter, and Maurice W. Middaugh; her aunt, Cindy Jeffereds; her uncle Ronald Gelser; and her fur baby, Duke.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, from 1 until 4 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont. A service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 4 pm in the funeral home with Reverend John Francisco presiding. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family for expenses or to the Allegany County SPCA. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

James E. Gee

Whitesville,  NY  - James E. Gee, 82, of 905 Wildman Avenue passed away at home Thursday, May 31, 2018 following a brief illness. He was born September 3, 1935 in Wellsville the son of the late Douglas J. and Beatrice (Greenan) Gee. On May 20, 1961 in Whitesville, he married Marian Hallett who survives. 

Jim graduated from the Immaculate Conception School and was a 1954 graduate of Wellsville High School. He served with the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958. He earned a degree in Diesel Mechanics from Penn Tech in Williamsport, PA. He was employed as an industrial electrician at Dresser-Rand Corporation in Wellsville for 33 years, retiring in 1998. He loved stock car racing and pitching horseshoes. He was a  member of the National Horseshoe Pitching Association, a former member of the Whitesville Central School Board of Education, and the St. John of the Cross Church Parish Council in Whitesville.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three children, Eugene L. (Kim) Gee of Mooresville, IN. Mary K. Gee of Wellsville, and Alicia A. (Dan Steadman) Gee of Whitesville, 11 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, three brothers, Douglas W. (Anita) Gee of Wellsville, Gerry (Gail) Gee of Akron, and Roger (Debra) Gee of Wellsville, a sister-in-law, Ann Gee of Wellsville, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by a son, John D. Gee and a brother, Robert J. Gee.

Friends are invited to a memorial service on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville, with military honors to follow. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Whitesville. Please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.