Donald Towner Higgins

Wellsville, NY - Donald Towner Higgins, 86, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2019 at Jones Memorial Hospital after a long illness.

Mr. Higgins was born on September 16, 1933 in Wellsville to Howard and Arline (Towner) Higgins.  He graduated from Wellsville High School in 1951.  On May 28, 1955 he married Georgianna Geary who survives him.

Donald is also survived by his three children, Daniel of Dallas, TX, Brian (Noreen) of Cape May Court House, NJ and Shelia Higgins (Richard) Gerrie of Macedon, NY;  four grandchildren Timothy (Sara) Higgins of San Francisco, CA, their two sons Stradbroke and Teague, Meaghan Higgins (Brian) Imszennik of Warrington, PA, their son Daniel, Patrick Gerrie of Buffalo, NY and Christopher Gerrie of Cleveland, OH;  sister-in-law Mary Geary McMullen of Winter Park, FL and brother-in-law Frank Geary of Denver, CO.

Donald worked his entire career of 44 years at the Air Preheater Company.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church.  His hobby was woodworking.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, October 4, 2019 from 3 pm to 6 pm and on Saturday from 11am to 12 noon at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY. The funeral will follow visitation Saturday at noon in the Funeral Home.

The family requests no flowers.  Donations may be made in Donald’s memory to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA  90401, or to the David A. Howe Library, 155 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY  14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Edward H. Wyckoff Jr.

Bolivar, NY - Edward H. Wyckoff Jr., 62, of 102 Friendship Street passed away on Monday, September 23, 2019 at home following a long illness. He was born December 7, 1956 in Wellsville the son of  Edward H. and Esther (Jackson) Wyckoff Sr. On May 23, 1981 in Alma he married Karen Evingham who survives.

Ed was raised in Petrolia and attended Scio Central School. He was employed for many years by the Village of Wellsville. He was a life member of the Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department, and the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He enjoyed Go-Kart racing at Allegany Memorial Raceway in Allentown, hunting, fishing, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, softball, and playing Santa for his family members.

He is survived in addition to his wife by a son, Daniel (Angie) Wyckoff of Corning, a daughter, Laceanne Wyckoff of Bolivar, two grandchildren, Kayla and Cooper Wyckoff, and a grandchild  on the way, his mother, Esther Moultrup of Scio, three sisters, Betty (Rick) Moultrup of Allentown, Patricia (Robert) Stannard of Scio, and Virginia Elliott of Wellsville, a brother, Jason (Ashley) Moultrup of Belfast, a brother-in-law, Bruce Guinnip of Scio, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his father, by a sister, Dorothy Guinnip, his step-father, Norman Moultrup, and his devoted canine companion, Oddball.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, September, 29, 2019 from 1 to 3 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 3:00 pm in the funeral home with Glen Layfield presiding. Please consider memorial donations to the Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department, 460 Main Street, Bolivar, NY 14715. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Arlouine L. Strassner

Wellsville, NY - Arlouine L. Strassner, age 100, of 296 Scott Avenue passed away on Friday, September 20, 2019, at Wellsville Manor Care Center. She was born on June 22, 1919, the daughter of German Immigrants, Henry and Rose Weihonig Liesegang.

Arlouine worked for many years in the Dietary Department of Jones Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed playing bingo and was a former member of the Wellsville Business and Professional Women's Club. She was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church and a former member of the Alter and Rosary Society.

Survivors include three nephews, Dale “Skip” (Barb)  Payne of  Largo, FL., David “Babe” Payne of Wellsville and Doug (Holly)  Payne of Brockport; several great nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her Parents, her brother Walter Liesegang, her beloved sister Virginia “Ginny” Payne, 2 nephews Daniel and Gary Payne and a great nephew David Payne.

Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to celebrated at 10 am on Wednesday, September 25, 2019, in the Immaculate Conception Church. Burial will take place in Sacred Heart Cemetery and memorials may be made to the Immaculate Conception School. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Oscar L. Buchholz

Wellsville, NY - Oscar L. Buchholz, age 82, of the Hallsport Road passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2019, in his home surrounded by his family. He was born on January 17, 1937 at home in the Town of Willing to the late Harry and Florence Fanton Buchholz. On June 7, 1958 in Bergholz he married Dianne Stenzel who survives.

Oscar was a former resident of the North Tonawanda area who returned here in 1999 after his retirement from Stone Container after 43 years of service. Along with his friend, Kenny Curry, he shoveled snow at Air Preheater, made maple syrup and cut fire wood. Oscar enjoyed deer season and his many trips from North Tonawanda to his camp in Hallsport that he and Dianne eventually made their retirement home.. He was a member of the Whitesville Rod and Gun Club and will be remembered for his love of his family and his willingness to help anyone who needed it.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years and 3 months, Dianne; 3 daughters, Corinne (Ralph)  Maday of South Carolina, Brigette (James)  Grawe of North Tonawanda, and Donna (Duane)  Moderacki of North Tonawanda; 6 grandchildren, Adam, James, Jennifer, Jamie, Jozef and Brett; 11 great grand children, Olivia, Addison, Kendal, Carter, Ryan, Ella, Samuel, Brigette, Sophia, Leah and Allie; a brother, Pete (Liz)  Buchholz of Wellsville; 2 sisters, Jane (Archie)  Kernan of Lindley and Joyce (Larry)  Arbogast of Bolivar; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Oscar was predeceased by his parents and 7 brothers, Jim, Alwin, Erwin, Earl, Mark, Richard and Virgil.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, September 26, from 11 to 1 pm in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, New York. A funeral service will take place at the conclusion of calling hours at 1 pm in the funeral home. Burial will take place in the Stannards Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials in Oscar's name may be made to your local SPCA. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Steven C. Allen

 Alfred Station, NY - On Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Steven C. Allen, of Alfred Station was called home to be with his Heavenly Father after a long battle with illness, he was only 66 years old.

Born in Wellsville on February 4th, 1953 to the late Lawrence ”Mike” and Barbara (Barnes)  Allen. Baptized at John's Episcopal in Wellsville, where he served as an alter boy. Steve was also a founder of LAB, LAB rules!! A 1972 graduate of Wellsville High School, and a  1974 graduate of Alfred State College with an associates degree in Applied Electronics. On the 17th of July 1976 he married the love of his life, Nan Hennard, at the Christian Temple in Wellsville. During and after college he worked his way up to partner with his late mentor, EJ Brown, at Jericho Audio. In 1982, after the death of his mentor, and while he Nan were expecting their son, Sean, he partnered with college friends to open The Sound Track of Alfred. After 9 years the decision was made to close the Sound Track, and started Early Security and Electronics, working closely with his wife and then with his son. After closing the store, Steve went to work at Dresser Rand in multiple capacities in the Wellsville and Olean offices until he retired early do to his ill health.

As a life long Boy Scout and Scout leader, Steve earned many awards and accolades, and helped many young men to earn their Eagle Scout award, including his son, Sean. He worked tirelessly as a district commissioner to train leaders in the Boy Scouts to better the scouting program in our rural area. As a Mason, among other offices, Steve served as master of the University Lodge in Almond, the District Deputy Grand Master, the Commander of, the now closed, Knights Templar DeMolay Commandry in Hornell. Through Steve's service to God and his community his legacy will live on for many generations to come.

Steve is survived by: the love of his life, best friend, and wife of 43 wonderful years Nan; His son, whom he was so proud, Sean (Stacy)  Allen of Scio; many “adopted” sons and daughters; his two dogs Fargo and Lucas; his two brothers James (Mary Ann)  Allen of Pennsylvania and David (Debbie)  Allen of Florida; and 8 nieces.

The family will receive visitors at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville on Tuesday, September 24th at 4 pm with Masonic and Christian services to follow at 6 pm. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for memorials in Steve's name to the New York State Vapor Association (www.nysva.org) ,  or to Elk Lick Scout Reserve general maintenance fund, Allegany Highlands Council, 50 Hough Hill Road, Falconer, NY.  14733. To leave on line condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Norman L. Davis

Webster, NY - Norman L. Davis, 85, of 355 Spinnaker Lane passed away on Friday, September 13, 2019 at Highland Park Healthcare Center in Wellsville, NY. He was born February 23, 1934 in Wellsville the son of the late Harold and Olive (Headley) Davis. On June 7, 1962, he married Jung Ja Choi who predeceased him on August 23, 2011.

Norman was raised in Wellsville and was a graduate of Wellsville Central School.  He was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the U. S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956. He graduated from Alfred University with a Master Degree in Psychology. He was employed as psychologist for the Gananda Central School District, retiring July 1, 1996.   Norman was part of the Rochester, NY poetry scene and helped Pure Kona open mike, which began in 1993.  He was the main constituent of Haz Mat Review, a publication of local and national poets.  

He will be missed by many.

He is survived by a daughter, Lorraine Davis of Webster, two sons, Foster Davis of Webster, and Walter Davis of San Francisco, CA, and a granddaughter, Hana Kleppe.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, September 19, 2019, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. Burial will be in Stannards Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the National Kidney Foundation.  To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Terry E. Wright

Wellsville, NY - Terry E. Wright, 76, of 37½ Pleasant Street passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2019 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira. He was born April 26, 1943 in Galeton, PA the son of the late Sylvester (Ai) and Eva (Putman) Wright. 

Terry was raised in Galeton and was a 1961 graduate of Galeton High School. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy serving from 1961 to 1974. He was employed as a contractor and machinist for various companies in the area including Victory Steel in Angelica where he was a CNC Operator for 20 years, retiring in 2002. He was a member of the Morison Hayes Post 702 American Legion, and the Frank B. Church Post 2530 VFW. 

He is survived by five children, Randy (Deb) Wright of Wellsville, Kim (Carl) Fanton of Wellsville, Tracey Williams of Fort Walton Beach, FL, Lisa (Foster) Latner of Wellsville, and Jeff Wright of Wellsville, 10 grandchildren, Cory, Tyler, Seth, Regina, Miranda, Mitchell, Mari-Kae. Tyler, Amber, and Jordan, 12 great grandchildren, a sister, June Foreman of Wellsville, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was pre deceased in addition to his parents by a grandson, Carl Fanton Jr., a son-in-law, Mark Williams, a brother, John Wright, and the love of his life, Karen.

Known for his humorous and animated story telling, Terry was known to be the life of every party. He loved reading, fishing, and enjoying cold ones while listening to and singing to the oldies.

Friends are invited to a reception on Tuesday, September, 17, from 3:00 to 11:00 pm at the home of Lisa and Foster Latner, 4323 Bolivar Road in Wellsville. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to his children to cover the cost of funeral expenses. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Kimberly Marie (Field) Sharp

Glendale, AZ - Kimberly Marie (Field) Sharp, 43, of 8344 N. 67th Avenue passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 9, 2019 at home. She was born July 22, 1976 in Wellsville the daughter of Dennis B. and Luanne (Ross) Field. 

Kimberly was raised in Scio and was a 1994 graduate of Scio Central School. She resided in the Scio area until 2007, when she moved to Florida. She moved to Arizona in 2009 and was a Certified Nursing Assistant for a number of facilities. At the time of her death, she was employed by Scottsdale Eye Surgery Center.

She is survived by her father of Bolivar, three sons, David M. Rahr of Alma, Graysen A. Sharp, and Kaden R. Sharp of Goodyear, AZ, her former husband, Jeremy Sharp of Goodyear, AZ, two sisters, Angela Field, and Pamela Field, both of Scio, a brother, Raymond Field of Scio, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her mother, by her paternal grandparents, Maurice and Kay Field, and her maternal grandparents, Richard and Bertha Jones.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 from 2-4 and 7-8 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A time of sharing memories and service will follow visitation on Tuesday at 8:00 pm. Please consider memorial donations to Dennis Field, 5785 McKee Road, Bolivar, NY 14715, to help cover the transportation cost associated with bringing Kim home.  To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

James Lloyd Swarthout

  

Wellsville, NY - James Lloyd Swarthout, 89, most recently of Yarmouth, Maine, on September 4, 2019 of natural causes. Jim was a life-long resident of Wellsville, NY until 2016 when he moved to Maine to be closer to family members.

Jim was born on September 24, 1929 in Scio, NY, son of Lloyd and Margaret (Link) Swarthout. He graduated from Allentown High School in 1948, and worked the oil fields of Allentown with his father and did road construction and roofing prior to being drafted into the Army. Jim was a proud Army veteran who served for 2 years during the Korean War – 1 year on the front lines with the US Army Signal Corp-Communications, attached to the 9th Corp. In addition, he enlisted in the Wellsville Army Reserve for 2 years in the 1970’s with the 98th Division.

After returning from his enlistment, he married the love of his life, Wilma (Whitney) Swarthout. Together they lovingly built a home on Fairview Ave in Wellsville and throughout their 59 years of marriage, welcomed many family, friends and neighbors there. Jim was a proud family man through and through, as well as a hands-on carpenter/mechanic/machinist/jack-of-all-trades.  He helped build or rebuild many homes of family members and friends in the Wellsville area.

After returning to Wellsville from his Army service he went to work for Air Preheater Company - first in Maintenance then as a Drill Press Operator.  He retired in 1991 with over 42 years of employment. Jim was also a volunteer of the McEwen Hose Company for 62 years, having joined in February 1954. True to his character, he always wanted to help others and was able to accomplish that desire by serving the people of Wellsville.  Some of the offices he held in the fire department were Chairman of the 100th Anniversary Committee, McEwen Company President as well as Captain of the McEwen’s.

Jim is survived by his only child, Wendy (Swarthout) Barrett and son-in-law Jeff. He was predeceased by his wife, Wilma, as well as his parents, sisters June (Swarthout) Gensamer and Doris (Swarthout) Mallory and brothers-in-law Floyd Mallory and Richard Gensamer. His sisters-in-law Gayle (Whitney) Schober and Reba (Whitney) (Frosini) Vassello and brother-in-law Jim Schober as well as many nieces and nephews and other extended family members will miss his gentle and calm demeanor, willingness to attend any social gathering or party and his infectious chuckle.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, September 13, 2019 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at J.W. Embser Funeral Home in Wellsville.  Funeral will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 11 am at the funeral home and will conclude with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery immediately following. In lieu of flowers, Jim and his family request that donations be made to the Wellsville Fire Department or the Allegany County SPCA in Belmont. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Constance “Connie” Garvey

Orlando, FL - Constance “Connie” Garvey, 82, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born June 8, 1937 in Wellsville, NY to the late Bernard and Agnes (Casey) Gibbs. Connie was a 1955 graduate of Wellsville High School. On June 23, 1956 in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville she married William H. Garvey Jr. who predeceased her on July 31, 2019.

Connie is survived by her daughters Cynthia (Michael) Nicoloff of Orlando, FL; Diana (Michael) Jackson of Sebastian, FL and Sheila (Mark) Brandes of Titusville, FL, two  grandchildren, Casey (Christopher) Poulos of Orlando, FL and Chad (Cristina) Nicoloff of Smyrna, Ga; four great-grandchildren Addison and Nicholas Poulos and Noah and Emma Kate Nicoloff, as well as several nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased  by her brothers, Bernard and Robert Gibbs and her sisters, Joanne Daniels and Patricia Graves,

She was an avid bridge player, golfer and a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority in both New York and Florida. In 1985, she and Bill moved to Orlando, Florida to be closer to their immediate family. In Orlando, Connie worked for the Orange County Clerk of Courts, Mental Health Division, retiring in 2000. 

Connie loved her grandchildren and following in her mom’s tradition loved being called Nanny. She enjoyed spending time with family and celebrated the holidays with special events for every gathering.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, September 6, 2019 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the  Immaculate Conception Church, 36 Maple Avenue in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in church at 11:00am following visitation. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org.  To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Onilee M. Bunnell

Belmont, NY - Onilee M. Bunnell, age 99, of Greenwich Street passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2019 at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born on April 21, 1920 in Howard to the late Bert and Ada Bernice Lyke Miller. On April 11, 1940 in Portsmouth , Virginia she married Carl A. Bunnell who predeceased her on October 3, 1997.

Onilee was a dedicated mother who took care of her family. She attended the First Baptist Church of Belmont and loved animals especially her cats.

Survivors include her son Dennis Bunnell of Belmont; a daughter, Evelyn Bunnell of Belmont; a grand daughter, Anna (Rich)  Claypool of Bolivar; 3 great grand children, Jillian, BriAna and Dakota; a great great grandson, Seth;  her sister, Esther Linneman; several nieces and nephews.

Onilee was predeceased by her parents, her husband and her brother, Orville Miller.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, September 5, 2019, from 11 am until 1 pm in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont. The funeral service will take place at the conclusion of the calling hours at 1 pm in the funeral home. Memorials in Onilee's name may be made to either the Home Care and Hospice or to the First Baptist Church of Belmont. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Ruth J. Ritter

Wellsville, NY - Ruth J. Ritter passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 1, 2019, at home with her family by her side, after 87 active & loving years. She was born March 20, 1932 in Harrison Valley, Pennsylvania the daughter of the late Arling and Icyes (Sappenfield) Judd. On June 5, 1954 she married Russell R. Ritter who predeceased her on June 8, 1986.

Ruth was raised in Harrison Valley, and graduated from the Harrison Valley High School. She graduated from Mansfield University with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught at the Wellsville Central School for 36 years retiring in 1988. She was a member and organist at the Hallsport Christian Church, a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Ulysses Chapter # 95. She was an avid league bowler in Wellsville for many years, and was a former volunteer at Jones Memorial Hospital. She very much enjoyed and will be missed by her many friends at the Jones Memorial Hospital Cardiac Rehab.

She is survived by three sons, Kent (Jerri) Ritter of Wellsville, Kurt (Lois) Ritter of Knoxville, IA, and Kris (Ann) Ritter of North Bingham, PA, five grandchildren, Amber, Kyle, William, Sam, and Tyler four great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and special friends, Selina, Todd, Griffin, Sophie, and Connor Majewski. She was predeceased in addition to her parents and husband, by two brothers, Raymond, and Fred Judd.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, September 6, from 7-9 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville, and on Saturday, September 7, from 12 noon to 1 pm at the Hallsport Christian Church. A memorial service will follow visitation Saturday at 1 pm in Church with Pastor Michael Brady presiding. Burial will be in Hallsport Union Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Hallsport Christian Church, or Jones Memorial Hospital. To leave online condolences, Please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.