Jerome H. Larson

Wellsville, NY - Jerome H. Larson, 64, of Pleasant Street, passed away on July 23, 2019 in Buffalo General Hospital. He was born in Milwaukee, WI, on March 14, 1955, to the late Laverne and Ethel (Stamm) Larson. 

He is survived by: two daughters, seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many friends.  

Arrangements are under the care of J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, and there will be no services. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

John M. Johnson Sr.

Wellsville, NY - John M. Johnson Sr.,  age 60, of  North Broad Street, passed away on Monday, July 29,2019, at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He was born on December 9, 1958, in Dansville, to George “Hum” and the late Joyce (Mastin) Johnson.  

John was a 1978 graduate of Scio Central High School, and later from Alfred State Vocational School for Building Trades. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church of Wellsville, an avid fisherman, hunter, and camper, and musician. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially at cookouts. John will be remembered as a local musician who played in many of his family's country and classic rock bands. 

 John is survived by: his father, George “Hum” Johnson of Wellsville; a son, John Johnson II of Wellsville; two daughters, Amelia (Jason) Workman and Crystal Johnson, both of Andover; 9 grandchildren; 2 brothers, Jeffery Johnson and Jason (Lisa)  Johnson both of Wellsville; a sister, Jean (Scott)  Hamar of Oceanside, CA.; several nieces, nephews and cousins;

John was predeceased by his mother Joyce, his first wife Dawn and a sister Julie.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, August 2, 2019, from 2-4 and 7-9 at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. A Prayer service will be held on Saturday in the Funeral Home at 9:30 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 am in the Immaculate Conception Church. Burial will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery and memorials in John's name may be given to the charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Marion Bricker

Genesee, PA - Marion Bricker, 100, passed away on December 13, 2017. She was a long time resident of Genesee, where she maintained a farm with her daughter Elizabeth Anne. For the last 45 years they also had a dual residence in Northridge, California. 

Marion was predeceased by: her husband, William; her son, John William; her daughter, Elizabeth Anne; and brothers, August “Gus” and Angelo. She is survived by: her sister, Josephine Basile, and eight nieces and nephews. 

She will be remembered on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at the 9:00 am Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Genesee. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Kinney, PA. Please consider memorial donations to the Sacred Heart Church in Genesee. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com 

Elizabeth Anne Bricker

Genesee, PA - Elizabeth Anne Bricker, 78, passed away on September 19, 2017. She was a long time resident of Genesee, where she maintained a farm with her mother Marion Bricker. For the last 45 years, they also maintained a dual residence in Northridge, California. Elizabeth received her primary education in Genesee. After High School, Elizabeth attended Immaculata University where she received her Bachelor's degree, she then pursued her law degree from Fordham University. In California, Elizabeth was an attorney for the Veteran's Administration in Los Angeles. 

She predeceased by: her father, William; her brother, John William; and uncles, August “Gus” and Angelo. She is survived by: her aunt Josephine Basile, and eight cousins. 

She will be remembered on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at the 9:00 am Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Genesee. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Kinney, PA. Please consider memorial donations to the Sacred Heart Church in Genesee. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Mark E. Transki

Alfred Station, NY - Mark E. Transki, 66, of 192 Alfred Station Road, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at the Highland Park Healthcare Center following a one year battle with cancer.  He was born June 27, 1953 in Wellsville, the son of the late Victor G. and Anna Marie (Fay) Transki.

Mark was a 1971 graduate of Wellsville High School. He was employed in the maintenance department at Highland Park Healthcare Center in Wellsville for 42 years; retiring as head of the department in 2018. His co-workers were friends who saw him as honest, hardworking, and knowledgeable, with a dry sense of humor. Mark wondered at the beauty of nature all his life, and enjoyed hiking and camping, He was an accomplished musician who played lead guitar and vocals for several bands in the 70's and 80's. He was a member of the former Genesee Hose Company No. 5

 He is survived by two sons, Joseph Transki of Columbus, Ohio and Brian (Jamie) Transki of Zanesville, Ohio, two granddaughters, Ariana and Teegan Transki.  two brothers, Victor G. (Barbara) Transki Jr. of Arlington, TX, and John F. Transki of Chicago, IL, one sister, Linda Anne (Jon) Ebeling of Wellsville, a nephew, Jeffrey Transki, three nieces, Jillian (Darren) Kight, Jennifer Rowe, and Susan (Dan Helveston) Ebeling, and four great nephews, Matthew and Benjamin Helveston, and Max and Kellen Rowe. 

A  memorial service is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Activities Department of the Highland Park Healthcare Center, 160 Seneca Street, Wellsville, NY 14895, or the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Doris L. Cronk

Belmont, NY - Doris L. Cronk, 97, formerly of South Street, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2019, at St. John's Home in Rochester. She was born May 15, 1922 in Belmont the daughter of the late Herbert and Mavis (Powers) Leilous. On August 31, 1940, in Friendship she married William B. Cronk, who predeceased her on August 31, 1990. 

Doris was a graduate of Belmont High School and attended Geneseo State Teachers College. She began her career building airplanes during WWII. She was the bookkeeper for her husband's service station in Belmont, a self-employed beautician for many years, and later was employed by the Allegany County Office for the Aging until retirement. She enjoyed traveling, knitting, crocheting, and crafts.

She is survived by two sons, William (Cecily) Cronk, and Herbert (Sandra) Cronk both of Rochester; one daughter, Amy (David) Johnston of Hilton, a daughter-in-law, Barbara Cronk of Belmont; 8 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son Robert Cronk, her twin sister Dorothy Sortore and her granddaughter Lori Sanborn.

Friends are invited to a graveside service on Saturday, July 27th at 1:00 pm at Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont with Rev. Marion Sortore presiding.  Please consider memorial donations to The Amity Rescue Squad, Belmont, NY. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Thomas E. Skye

Wellsville, NY - Thomas E. Skye, 78 of 80 Johnson Street died on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 shortly after arrival at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born February 6, 1941 in Buffalo the son of the late Edwin and Viola (Jones) Skye. 

In his younger years, Thomas operated a Karate school in Buffalo, and was formerly employed by the New York State Department of Transportation in Niagara County. He was a proud member of the Seneca Nation and was a member of the Kingsman Motorcycle Club of Lockport. He was a familiar sight around Wellsville, riding his bike and enjoying a meal at the Creative Arts Center, where a sandwich is named in his honor. He had many friends everywhere he went, and his neighbors the Colony Park Apartment were his second family.

He is survived by a loving daughter, Kristie Skye of Portageville, his former wife and friend, Scarlett Skye of  Portageville, two nieces, Margaret (Bruce) King of Santa Fe, NM and Denise Webster of Buffalo, and a nephew, Wesley (Sandy) Warrior of  Perrysburg. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by two sisters, Nancy and Elizabeth.

There will be no public memorial service, please raise a glass in remembrance of Skye! His cremains will be laid to rest on the Tonawanda Reservation. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Donald D. Aldrich

Wellsville, NY - Donald D. Aldrich, 56, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2019. He was born in Wellsville on June 14, 1963 to the late Donald and Sandra Aldrich. 

In his younger years he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was honored with the Silver Beaver Award. After his schooling he enlisted in the U.S. Air force  and obtained the rank of Master Sergeant prior to retirement. Outside of his career, he continued on with the scouts and was a Troop leader for many years. Donald was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Cincinnati Reds. 

He is survived by two children,  Adriana and Sarah; and two siblings, Susan and Dennis. 

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service Thursday, July 18, 2019 at 11:00am in the Brookside Wesleyan Church, 3469 Andover Road, Wellsville NY, with the Reverend Robin George presiding. Burial will be in the North Bingham Cemetery.

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

Lois Julia Baldwin

Wellsville, NY - Lois Julia Baldwin, 82, of 3112 North Hill Road died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at home. She was born July 25, 1936 in Wellsville the daughter of the late Harley H. and Dora B. (Travis) Baldwin. On July 1, 1955 in Wellsville she married Harold L. Reisman who predeceased her on August 4, 1963. 

Lois was a 1954 graduate of Wellsville High School. She attended St. Bonaventure University and Alfred State College. She was employed as a secretary for over 50 years, retiring in 2002 from New York State DDSO in Geneseo. 

She is survived by a daughter Tammy (Bill) Conrad of Perkinsville, a son, Thad A. (Tonya) Lorshbaugh of Wellsville, a sister, Donna (James) Mulholland of Wellsville, four beloved grandchildren, Matthew and Kurt Doty, and Jacob and Amy Lorshbaugh, four great grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Brooke and Homer Doty and Elijah Currier, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents and husband by a son Daniel T. Reisman, five siblings, Anna Baldwin, Robert Baldwin, Reba Hurd, Regina Simms and her twin, Lewis Baldwin, and three granddaughters, Abbey, Alix, and Erin Lorshbaugh.

Friends are invited to a graveside service on Sunday, July 21, 2019 at 2:00 pm in Woodlawn Cemetery, 276 South Main Street in Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations to the David A. Howe Public Library or to any charity of your choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Henry “John” Reuning IV

Wellsville, NY - Henry “John” Reuning IV, 72, of 27 School Street passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2019 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira. He was born February 4, 1947 in Wellsville,  the son of  H. John “Jack” and Louella (Weirich) Reuning.

John was a 1966 graduate of Wellsville High School, and during his high school years, he worked at Reuning's Bakery in Wellsville; a family business that continued from 1890 to 1966. He attended the Rochester Business Institute, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was formerly employed by the Wellsville Daily Reporter, Worthington Corporation, the Wellsville Bake Shop, the Sears Catalog Store in Wellsville, and was a Steward for the Wellsville Elks Lodge for many years. In addition, he was a bus driver for the Wellsville Central School System, a bartender for the Wellsville Moose Lodge, a Certified NYS Escort Driver, and for 10 years, he drove an 18 wheeler for Covered Wagon Train of Hornell. Two childhood dreams were accomplished during his lifetime, driving an 18 wheeler and flying an airplane.

John was a 50 year member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Wellsville Elks Lodge 1495, a 50 years member of the Morrison-Hayes Post 702, American Legion, a member of the Wellsville Moose Lodge 601, and a member of the former First Congregational Church in Wellsville. John was a Big Band enthusiast, and had the pleasure of meeting Ray Eberle, who sang for the Glen Miller Orchestra.

He is survived by his mother, Louella Reuning of Wellsville and several cousins.

Friends are invited to a memorial service on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at 7:00 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Wellsville Elks Lodge Scholarship Fund, the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the SPCA Serving Allegany County, or any charity of the donor's choice. To leave on-line condolences, please visit embserfuneralhome.com.

Raymond W. Kailbourn

Wellsville, NY - Raymond W. Kailbourn, 96, died on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, in Wellsville. He was born on July 1, 1923, in Huntley, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Daniel and Blanche (Logue) Kailbourn. On October 21, 1978 in Alexandria, Virginia he was wed to Colleen Stevens who predeceased him on March 29, 2018.

Raymond is survived by a daughter Linda (John) Cook of Wellsville, three sons, Thomas (Roxane) Kailbourn, of Wellsville; Mark (Dee) Kailbourn, of Pineville, Missouri, and Brent Kailbourn, Portland, Oregon; a stepson Paul (Karen) Stevens, Arkport; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents, and his wife Colleen; by three sisters, Vivian Ostos, Grace Buettner, and Katherine Rose; and four brothers, Carl Kailbourne, Erland Kailbourne, Donald Kailbourne, and Lloyd Kailbourne. Raymond had many close friends and was especially grateful for the friendship and kindnesses of Lois and Joe Spinelli.

Raymond lived most of his life in the Wellsville area. After graduating from Wellsville High School, he worked at the Curtiss-Wright Aircraft plant in Buffalo in the early 1940s. During World War II, he served for 40 months in the U.S. Army Air Forces, ultimately servicing engines for fighter planes at Base Air Depot 2, at Warton, England. Following the war, he was a building contractor by trade, constructing and remodeling scores of houses in the Wellsville area and in Boise, Idaho, for almost 50 years. Late in his career, he and his son-in-law John Cook were partners in K & C Builders for a decade. After retiring from contracting, he worked to make affordable housing available to citizens of Allegany County, both as an employee of Andover Historic Preservation and as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. Throughout his life, he loved reading, fishing, camping, painting, wood carving, traveling, and spending time with his children, family, and friends.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, July 5, 2019 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Grace United Church, 289 North Main Street, Wellsville; The funeral will follow visitation at 11:00 am in church with his son, Rev. Mark Kailbourn presiding. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Donations in memory of Raymond W. Kailbourn may be made to the David A. Howe Public Library, The Allegany County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, or to the Hart Comfort House of Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Nancy Marie Raykovitz Counterman

Wellsville, NY - Nancy Marie Raykovitz Counterman, loving Mother, Wife, and Friend passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, June 30th 2019 at the age of 62.  Born November 13, 1956 and raised in Wellsville NY, she is the Daughter of Betty and the late Frank Raykovitz.  

Nancy leaves behind her husband of 32 years, Wayne whom she fell madly in love with at first sight, and sons David and Damon who were her pride and joy.  

In addition she is survived by her Mother, Betty (Silkman) Raykovitz, sister and best friend Sally (William) Acker; 5 Brothers: Jim, Frank (Candy), Dan (Heather), Tony (Mary Jo), and Chris (Marion);  Sister-in-Laws Carolyn (Robert) Mahone, Allison Raykovitz, and Judy Counterman; Brothers-in-law Paul (Barbara) Counterman, Ray Counterman, and Craig Counterman; all of her nieces and nephews and their babies, whom she cared for very deeply and loved to hug on.  

Growing up, Nancy attended the Wellsville Immaculate Conception School and then went on to Wellsville High School graduating with the Class of 1975,  forming many lifelong bonds along the way.  She later went on to earn an associates degree in computer programming/accounting from Alfred State, all while raising her first child Damon at the same time.  Being a single mother Nancy did everything in her power to make it work and provide for her family.   Over the years she has worked for numerous accounting offices all over Allegany County, including Jim Maxwells and the County Clerks office in Belmont. In December of 1987 Nancy married the love of her life Wayne and in 1990 stopped working for a number of years in order to give birth to her 2nd son David (and spend more time raising her family which meant the world to her).  After a number of years she went back to work with Chisholms Tax Service’s in Wellsville where she worked for about 15 years; serving her final day last Tuesday, as the hard-working dedicated worker that she was.  It wasn’t just a job for her it was a duty, not as a paid employee but as a hometown friend, though she had many clients, to her it was more than just a job or a paycheck.  She loved the people she worked with and for and would go above and beyond to get the job done and, done right!

From start to finish Nancy was a family woman.  She met and fell in Love with Wayne around 1981, and knew from the moment she met him that he was the one that she wanted to be the father of her son, and husband to grow a family with.  Her relentless pursuit paid off and she never looked back.  This was the man that made all her dreams come true and she loved him dearly for close to 40 years.   

More than ever Nancy loved her two boys Damon and David, and took much pride in watching their achievements.  She never missed an event and was always their number one fan, whether on the field, on the court, or on the stage; if her boys were playing she was there and they didn’t have to look to know.   More times than not she left the event without a voice because she loved to cheer on the team and rally the troops.  “KSA, Lets Go Lions, Good Work Boys” were just a few of her favorite cheers. 

Nancy loved people, talking, and had a great big beautiful illuminating smile!  If you had a story, she had the time.  Throughout her life she formed many special bonds(Queee!),  Anyone who met her was a friend for life.  She was the type of person that would hang out and talk to anyone about anything for extended lengths of time just to talk. With her outgoing personality its no surprise that aside from family she had hundreds of close friends that she cared for deeply.  Her 2nd home was seasonal camping, with 17 years at Highbanks Campgrounds and the previous 14 years at Homestead Campgrounds where she earned her nickname “The NightCrawler.” She loved socializing and standing next to a nice fire, getting her legs warmed up.  She knew all the campers by name. She really enjoyed her time with her friends, and especially loved watching the kids play.  

 Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, July 3, from 6 until 8 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. A service for Nancy will be held at the conclusion of calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society; or by enjoying your time with friends, warming up next to a fire, talking for hours, while spreading love to the people around you. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.