Virginia Foster Bassett

Alfred, NY - Virginia Foster Bassett, 101, passed away peacefully at Jones Memorial Hospital on September 23, 2018 after a brief illness. 

Virginia resided at Manor Hills Assisted Living Facility in Wellsville, NY for the past three years. Previously, she made her home on West University Street in Alfred, NY for eighty-three years, having lived on both sides of the same street from her teenage years into her late nineties.  

Born on March 14, 1917 in Shongo, NY to Archie and Fannie Clark Foster, Virginia was one of eight children. On April 4, 1946, she married Leon Bassett who predeceased her in 1973. 

Virginia met her husband while working as a telephone operator in her early career. She was later employed by Alfred University College of Ceramics and by Olive Watson, founder of Honey Pot Candy in Alfred.  Virginia purchased the business and moved the operation to 41 West University Street in Alfred in 1977. She created hand-dipped confections with the aid of her sister, Francelia McGraw. Honey Pot Chocolates remains a thriving business under the direction of Connie McGraw, Virginia's niece. 

Virginia was very community minded and enjoyed fellowship at the Seventh Day Baptist Church in Alfred. She was a loyal member of the Republican Party in Allegany County.  Both local and national causes benefited from Virginia's generous contributions of time and funds. Virginia was an avid reader, a fan of local history, and baked the only truly great molasses cookies that ever existed. 

Her parents, her siblings, William Foster, Dorotha Harris, Archie Edward Foster, Fannie McGill, Francelia McGraw, Loie Odell, Eugene Foster, their spouses, and a nephew, Dale Foster, all predeceased her. 

Virginia is survived by twelve nieces and nephews, several great-nieces and great-nephews and their offspring. Several cousins also survive. 

Strong-willed and incredibly resilient, Virginia will be missed for her generosity, sharp wit and endless resolve.  

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the Seventh Day Baptist Church on Church St. in Alfred, NY.  Rev. Christian Mattison will officiate.  Burial will be in Alfred Rural Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alfred/Alfred Station Community Chest at P.O. Box 603 in Alfred, NY 14802. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Raymond H. Wetherby

Belmont, NY - Raymond H. Wetherby, 88, of 6005 Feathers Creek Road passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Olean General Hospital following a brief illness. He was born on September 25, 1929 in Ischua, the son of Charles and Phoebe (Clayson) Wetherby. On November 8, 1985 in Frewsburg he married Delores G. Jordan who survives.

Raymond was a veteran of the Korean War, serving with U. S. Army from 1951 to 1953. He was employed by the former I.W. Miller & Son of Olean as a truck driver for 19 years, and more recently by Abbott Welding Supply Inc. as a driver and pumper; retiring on March 31, 1993. 

Surviving in addition to his wife Delores, are three sons, Dayrl “Buz” Wetherby of Hinsdale, Gary “Tim” Wetherby, and Randy Wetherby both of Ischua, three daughters, Rebecca “Becky” Wetherby of Ischua, Lisa K. Perry of Linestone, and Theresa R. Benjamin of Virginia, three step daughters, Virginia Cox of Little Genesee, Penny A. Shipman, and Cindy L. Jordan both of Belmont, three stepsons, Ricky D. Jordan, Gary L. Jordan, and Teddy E. Jordan all of Belmont, several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, one sister, Geraldine Baham of Gainsville, FL, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Kendall N. Wetherby, two brothers, Kendall Wetherby, and Harold “Dean” Wetherby, and two sisters, Fannie Morgan, and Gwen Germain.

At Ray's request there will be no visitation or funeral. Burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery in Smethport, PA at a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Angelica Ambulance Squad. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Jean E. Tracy

Belmont, NY - Jean E. Tracy, 92, of 36½ Schuyler Street passed away on Friday, September 21, 2018 at the Sweden Valley Manor in Coudersport, Pennsylvania. She was born on March 15, 1926 in Warsaw the daughter of the late Ralph and Ethel (Kelly) Halstead. On August 18, 1945, on her parents lawn, she married Roger W. Tracy who predeceased her on February 21, 1990.

Jean graduated from Warsaw Central School, and went to Rochester, where she became a “Bomb Girl” making bombs for the war effort. It was there she met her future husband Roger. She later was employed as a cafeteria monitor at Belmont Central School, and eventually became the general manager of the cafeteria. She enjoyed being around all the school children, especially her grandchildren. She also enjoyed camping with her family, cooking, dancing, and loved to entertain for family gatherings. Of course her greatest joy was her family, and she was always there whenever they needed her.

Surviving are two children, Pamela (Bradley) Cooper of Belmont, and Steven (Susan) Tracy of Aberdeen, NC, 10 grandchildren, Jason (Laura) Cooper of Burlington, VT, Norai (Mark) Pisano of West Henrietta, Gwendolyn Cooper of Belmont, Alycia Tracy of Olean, Amanda (Ian) Burt of Clayton, Abagail (Josh) Grump of Riviera Beach, FL, Kristina (Ken) Male of Caneadea, Michael (Julia) Deming of Aberdeen, NC, Bryan (Beth) Deming of Cuba, and Casey Deming of Queen Creek, AZ, 14 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and her loving companion, Howard Nelson of Smethport, PA. She was predeceased in addition to her parents by a sister, Marie Walker, two nieces, and one nephew. 

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 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 Thursday, September 27 at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Rev. Carol Stewart presiding. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Association or any charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Benson W. “Bill” Heller

Belmont, NY - Benson W. “Bill” Heller, 68, of 1 Park Place passed away on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville following a brief illness. He was born on February 9, 1950 in North Hornell the son of the late Benson M. and Feroll E. “Fay” (Bowen) Heller.

Bill was a graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School, and attended Alfred State College. He was employed at the Central Dining Hall at Alfred State College and later by ACES at Alfred for 30 years. He was a long time resident of Almond, and moved to Belmont in 2004. Bill was always willing to help a friend in need. He loved music of all kinds, and gave generously to many organizations. He will be missed by his family and many friends, and will be remembered for his laugh, and his nickname, “Rockin Bill”.

He is survived by two sisters, Georgia A. (Arthur) Roberts Sr. of Avoca, and Rosemarie B. Heller of Belmont, two nephews, Arthur Lee (Kelly) Roberts Jr., and Eric A.(Tina) Roberts, five great nephews, two great-great nephews, and one great-great niece. He was predeceased in addition to his parents, by a niece, Megan K. Sciotti.

A memorial service is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House, 141 E. State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Barbara L. Roeske

Wellsville, NY - Barbara L. Roeske, 76, of 170 Stevens Street passed away at home on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 following a long illness. She was born on January 20, 1942 in Oswayo, PA, the daughter of the late Joseph and Dorris (Halladay) Burrows. On August 18, 1973 in Wellsville she married Frances “Ed” Roeske who predeceased her on August 3, 2012.

Barbara was raised in the Wellsville area and was first employed at the age of 16 by Galten Productions in Pennsylvania and later for Jan and Bev's Home Care, Inc. in Wellsville for 25 years, retiring in 2004.  She was a caring, loving, devoted, and beautiful wife and mother. 

She is survived by seven children, Pamela Cook, and her companion, Charlie Cooper of Poughkeepsie, Terry Dickerson and his companion, Tina Bruto of Bolivar, and Tracy Gerken of Esparto, CA, Cassie (Bill) Stodart of Gettysburg, PA, Matt Burkett of Ulysses, PA, Lance Roeske of Montanna, and Amy Nelson of Colorado, 12 grandchildren, Nicole, Ryan, James, Christopher, Amber, Cassandra, Melanie, Lance, Sawyer, Leif, Deirdre, and Brendan, nine great-grandchildren, Adrionna, Joey, Jimmy, Piper, Sammy, Callan, Ethan, Isabella, and Easton, five sisters, Arlene (Judd) Carlin, April Dailey, Judy (Neil) Storm,  Diane Beardsley, Cindy Burrows, and one brother, Dennis (Betty) Burrows, her beloved canine companion, Molly, and several nieces and nephews, including a very special niece, Maria Harris. She was predeceased in addition to her husband and parents, by a son, Doug Dickerson, a grandson, Jeff Cook, and a stepdaughter, Jenifer Grant, as well as several brothers and sisters.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, September 24, 2018 from  2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm, and Tuesday, September 25, from 12 noon to 1:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation on Tuesday at 1:00 pm in the funeral home with Kathie Timpano presiding. Burial will be in Hallsport Union Cemetery. Please consider  memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit embserfuneralhome.com.

George J. DeBarbieri

Wellsville, NY - George J. DeBarbieri, 91, of 3432 North Drive passed away on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 13, 1927 in Wellsville the son of the late George J. and Helen (Fox) DeBarbieri Sr. On May 30, 1953 in Wellsville he married Jeanette Fanton who survives.

George attended Wellsville High School, and served with the Merchant Marines. He was first employed at the Sinclair Refinery, and the DeBarbieri Sporting Goods Store in Wellsville. He was later employed by Worthington Corporation in Wellsville for 37 years; retiring in 1989. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, he enjoyed meeting his friends for coffee at McDonald's, and was an avid golfer. 

Surviving in addition to his wife is a son, Michael (Susan) DeBarbieri of Portville, a daughter, Laurie A. DeBarbieri of Naples, Florida,  three grandchildren,  Amy (Michael) Pope, Joseph (Kate) DeBarbieri, and John DeBarbieri, five great-grandchildren, Matthew, Ellie, and Charlotte Pope, and Samuel and Maxwell DeBarbieri, one sister, Marguerite D. Graves of Pittsford, a sister-in-law, Marilyn Lampman of Tulsa, OK, as well as several several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by a sister, Letitia Parron, two brothers, Louis, and Richard DeBarbieri, and two brothers-in-law, Harry Graves, and George Lampman. 

Friends are invited to a Memorial Mass on  Friday, October 12, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House or any charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Bonnie J. Neal

Wellsville, NY - Bonnie J. Neal, age 86, of Rauber Street passed away at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, September 11, 2018. She was born on October 6, 1931 in Oil City, Pennsylvania to Charles and Frieda Wheeling Blackman. On October 11, 1952 in Wellsville she married Richard “Dick” Neal who predeceased her on August 15, 2008.

Bonnie was a long time resident of Wellsville who attended Wellsville Central Schools. She had worked as a waitress for over 60 years at the Penn Valley, Wellsville Country Club , and for the Beef Haus. She also worked for Wellsville Central School for 30 plus years in the Middle School and Elementary School cafeterias retiring at the age of 84 in 2016. Bonnie also helped her husband in operating Neal's Photography in Wellsville. For Bonnie family came first. She enjoyed outings with her girl friends, coffee hour with her niece Kandy, traveling, Yankees Baseball, walking, dancing, and roller skating. She had been a volunteer for Red Cross including yearly trips to the Bath VA. Hospital, a volunteer for Jones Memorial Hospital and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Wellsville.

Survivors include a daughter, Lisa Keegan of Rodman; 3 sons, Charles (Suzanne Spicer)  Neal of Wellsville, Douglas Neal of Wellsville, and Thomas (Debbie Ireland)  Neal of Fort Ann; 7 grand children, Holli (Ben)  Polselli, Kristi (Alvin Leith)  Neal, Craig (Cursti)  Neal, Spencer Neal, Connor Neal, Kerri Keegan, and Mitchell Keegan; 3 great grandchildren, Nora, Rowan, and Logen; a sister, Mildred (Morris)  Lowrey of Pleasanton, CA.; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Richard, a son in law, Chip Keegan; 3 sisters, Anna Burchfield, Charlotte Ennis, and Dixie Duston.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, September 14, from 6 until 9 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. A funeral service will take place on Saturday in the Funeral Home at 11 am. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery and memorials in Bonnie's memory may be made to the Jones Memorial Hospital, 191 North Main Street, Wellsville, New York  14895.   To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Charles H. Smith

Belmont, NY - Charles H. Smith, 78, of 9 Willard Street passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at the Highland Park Healthcare Center in Wellsville, NY following a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.  He was born May 19, 1940 in Hobart, NY the son of  Eugene and Margaret (Rampe) Smith.

“Charlie” graduated from South Kortright Central High School in 1958.  He received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education from Oneonta State College in 1962, and a Master of Science Degree from Albany State College. He later received his administration degree from Albany State College.

He started his teaching career at Andes Central School in 1962 and after many years of teaching and coaching he became the principal there; a position he held until 1985.  He then moved to Belmont, New York where he was the Business Manager for Belmont Central School and later became the Superintendent of Schools. He retired in 1997 when the Angelica and Belmont schools merged.  He was in education for 35 years as a coach, teacher, principal and administrator.

Charlie was the Kortright town supervisor for several years and was the secretary of the Delaware County Republican committee.  He was very proud to have attended the inauguration of Ronald Reagan in both 1980 and 1984. In 2005, he was inducted into the Delaware County League Hall of Fame. Charlie served as the President of the Delaware County League from 1979-1985. While he lived in Delaware County, he was a member of the Bloomville Grange and the  Andes Grange, and received a 60 year pin from the Cuba Grange.

He received many awards and was recognized for his service to his communities. After his retirement, he volunteered with the Allegany County Office for  the Aging Tax program; something that he enjoyed very much. In 2000, he received  the AARP Tax Counselor of the Year. He attended  the Scio United Methodist Church, and was an active member of the Belmont Rotary Club, and received the Rotary Community Service Award, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow in 1999 and 2004. He was actively involved in the Allegany County Republican Committee and many other local, town and village political groups. 

Charlie was inducted into the Allegany County Hall of Fame in 2005.  He was also inducted into the Genesee Valley Hall of Fame in 2008. While in Belmont, he served on the Section V Executive Committee from 1988-1996. He was the treasurer of the Belmont Youth Board from 1985-2005. In 2010 he was awarded the Ronald Reagan Award. In 2013 he was the Belmont Betterment’s Association Outstanding Citizen of the year.  He was also recognized for having 15 years of service with the Allegany County Umpires Association.

His passion for his favorite sports teams; the Cleveland Browns, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers, was never something that he hid and he was a proud fan for many years of all three teams. He avidly followed his three sons through their high school and college basketball careers.

“Charlie” is survived by his wife Maureen (Egan) Smith of Belmont; a daughter Colleen (Jeff) Koprevich of Owego; three sons, Gene of Rochester; Len (Michele) of Elmira; and Sean (Erin) of Rochester, four grandchildren whom he adored, and loved to have around, Kyle Koprevich, Connor, Brenna, and Anya Smith. He is also survived by a cousin, Joyce (Bert) Roberts of Amherst, New York.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, September 13, 2018 from 3:00 to 8:00 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. On Friday,September 14, friends may call from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the McArthur Funeral Home in Delhi, NY. Burial will be at the Riverside Cemetery in Bloomville, NY. Please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House, 141 E. State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895 or the Belmont Betterment Association in Belmont, NY

Donna M. Abbott

Belmont, NY - Donna M. Abbott, age 89, formerly of Belmont, New York entered heaven’s gates on Thursday September 6, 2018 at Elderwood @ Hornell surrounded by her family.

Donna was born on July 26, 1929 at her family home in Belvidere/ Angelica, New York to Henry D. Baker and Mae M. (Robbins) Baker. She attended and graduated the Belmont Central School.  On December 16, 1950 at The Presbyterian Church in Belmont, Donna married the love of her life, Robert A. Abbott, who predeceased her on January 7, 2003.

Together Mr. and Mrs. Abbott raised three children; Daughter Sharon (Steve) Cartwright, who predeceased her on February 11, 2016; A son, Robert (Susie) Abbott and Daughter, Kim (David) Waters who survive. Besides having six Grandchildren: Michaela, Bobbie Jo, James, Jody, Gabrielle, & Kyle, Mrs. Abbott had eight Great-Grandchild

ren whom she adored. She was also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Donna’s family was her greatest joy.  The love and pride that she had for them was unmistakable. 

She was a longtime resident of Belmont and was active within the community.  Donna was happy to be a member of The United Methodist Church, The Belmont Fireman’s Auxiliary, The Amity Rescue Squad Auxiliary, and The Bowling League. 

Donna worked for some time at Motorola and as a Home Health Aide, but her calling and passion was being a homemaker.  She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She loved her friends, neighbors, and acquaintances.  While living on Greenwich Street Donna was the place that the kids went to for "Fluffer Nutter" sandwiches.  Donna’s front door was the place that neighborhood children loved to hang their May baskets expecting a chase and kiss from her. Mrs. Abbott opened her heart and her home to many. Several people will remember Donna riding her scooter to and from her destinations, and joy riding with friends. 

During her recent years while residing in Hornell, some of Mrs. Abbott’s caregivers became her extended family.  She could always be found somewhere hugging staff, visitors, and friends; Always smiling, always complimenting others, and always giving her best wishes to all that she approached.

Even though spending time with those that she loved was her desire, Donna enjoyed attending church services, bowling, reading, playing cards/games, music and classic movies.

In addition to her Parents, Husband, and Daughter, Donna was predeceased by Brothers, Chester Baker, Leonard Baker, Victor Whitney, Kenneth Whitney, Sister Georgia Lincoln and a Niece

Friends are invited to call on Friday September 14, 2018 from 7pm-9pm and Saturday from 10am-11am.  at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont.  The funeral will be held on Saturday September 15th at 11am.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to the donor’s choice.

A private burial will take place at The Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

William "Bill" Crandall Greene Jr.

Belmont, NY - William Crandall Greene Jr., 87, of 20 Willets Avenue passed away on Monday, September 3, 2018 at the Highland Park Healthcare Center in Wellsville, following a long illness. He was born June 14, 1931 in Wellsville, the son of the late William and Elizabeth (Shourds) Greene Sr. 

Bill graduated from Belmont High School in 1949, Alfred State College in 1955, and Geneseo State College 1972. He was employed at Letchworth State Park, and for 13 years was the Allegany County Historian. For 20 years he wrote a weekly article for the Wellsville Daily Reporter, called “Genesee Reflections.” He co-wrote the Letchworth State Park Guidebook with his brother-in-law, William Hood, and later worked for Green Thumb. He loved to camp, and enjoyed genealogy, astronomy, painting, and making pottery. He also enjoyed making models of houses, local buildings, and boats. He was a member of the former United Church of Belmont, the Grange, and the County Historians Association. He was a former member and scout leader with the Boys Scouts of America,  he drove for Allegany County Medical Transport for 10 years. For many years, he portrayed Hamilton Ward at the Allegany County Fair, and he was a Ham Radio Operator, with the call letters; WA2JHD

He is survived by a brother, Robert John (Elestia) Greene of Acworth, GA, many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and a Goddaughter, Betty McCarthy of Belmont. He was predeceased in addition to his parents, by a two sisters, Barbara (William) Hood, and Betty (Lloyd) Brown, and a niece, Sharon Pham.

Friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 3:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Everett E. Rossman

Belmont, NY - Everett E. Rossman, 89, of 5000 State Route 19, passed away on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at home with his family at his side. He was born January 31, 1929 in Belmont, the son of the late Walter and Edith (Eymer) Rossman. On November 23, 1947 in Belmont he married Marian Brown who predeceased him on October 19, 2015. 

Everett was a lifelong resident of Belmont. He was first employed on local dairy farms, he delivered milk, and worked in advertising for local retail businesses. He later worked at Wheel Puller in Scio, the New York State Department of Conservation, and for 39 years he was a machinist at Worthington Corporation ~ Dresser-Rand in Wellsville.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and rebuilding Hit-and-miss engines. 

He is survived by two daughter, Debra (Tracy) Slaughter, and Dawn (Jeff) Stuck, both of Belmont, two grandchildren, Jeff (Crystal) Bogle and Brianne Bogle, three great-grandchildren, Kiri, Elijah, and Lillian Bogle, a brother, Lawrence Rossman of Bolivar, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by a brother, Richard Rossman.

A private funeral is being planned for a later date. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont. Please consider memorial donations to the Amity Rescue Squad. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.