David Duke Haskins

SPRING HILL, FL - David Duke Haskins, age 95 of the Timber Pines Community passed away at the Trinity Medical Center, Sunday Feb 23, 2020. David was born the son of Bayard & Victoria Haskins on April 1, 1924 in Wellsville NY. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Barbara Smith Haskins, a loving wife and devoted and timeless caregiver for the many years Dave courageously battled cancer.

Also surviving are the couple’s five children; Nancy (Jay) Lazar of Bethlehem Pa., Thomas (Kristina) Haskins of Richmond Va., William (Robin) Haskins of Port St. Lucie, Fl., Anne Schettine of Bemus Point, NY, and Mark T. Haskins of Wellsville, NY, as well as 11 Grandchildren, 8 Great Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Dave was predeceased by his parents and a brother Daniel Haskins, a sister Mary Atkinson and his Aunt, Bertha K. Haskins.

A Wellsville high school graduate, Dave then attended Columbia University before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving in Europe as a P-51 Mustang fighter pilot.  A mighty plane for a mighty guy. Dave’s many accomplishments and achievements include; working closely with his family in the Oil Industry and held many positions at the Ebenezer Oil Co. Inc., including serving as an Officer and Director. Dave also served as an Officer and Director of the New York State Oil Producers Association, was a member of the Penn Grade Crude Association, a Director of the First Trust Company Bank, a Trustee of the David A. Howe Library and an elected Allegany County Legislator. He was also a past member of the Wellsville Lions Club where he entertained many Wellsville residents as an “End Man” in the Lions Variety Shows.

In his final days, Dave, the widely respected and loved “April Fool” even brought smiles to the faces of his nurses who stated that despite his age, infirmity and cancer he still made them smile.

Dave was a devoted family man and will be sadly missed by his wife, children and grandchildren. CAVU – Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited!

Friends may visit the family Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Brewer & Sons Funeral Home, Spring Hill Chapel from 2:00 to 3:00 with a memorial service to follow at the Chapel. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville, NY, at a later date.

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

Allen G. Wood

Wellsville - Allen G. Wood, age 85, formerly of Friendship passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at the  Wellsville Manor Care Center. He was the son of the late Leon F. and Mildred L. (Regan) Wood.

Allen was a Veteran of the United States Air Force serving from 1953 until 1956 and was employed for many years by Redwing Trucking Company. Allen was an avid outdoorsman who had membership in the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the NRA, the National Wild Turkey Federation and was a life member of the Scio Rod and Gun Club.

Allen is survived by a son, Allen Wood and several friends including Bill Hadsell of Friendship.

He was predceased by his parents and a his sister, Elma May.

A Celebration of Allen's Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the the direction of J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home. To leave on line condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Marietta C. “Ria” Hurlburt

Wellsville, NY - Marietta C. “Ria” Hurlburt of the Bolivar Road passed away on Friday February 21, 2020 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. She was born on June 20, 1928 to the late Andrew and Edna Courtright in Westfield, PA. She was married to Lloyd Hurlbert who predeceased her on April 28,1992.

Marietta graduated from Westfield High School and had been a resident of Harrison Valley, PA. . She had worked for a variety store in Westfield and sang in the choir at the Methodist Church.

She is survived by several inlaws, nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Thursday February 27, 2020 at 10 am in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, New York. The Reverend Ron Isaman will preside and burial will take place in Champlin Cemetery, Westfield PA. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Cornelia McGinnis, 100

New York City, NY - Cornelia McGinnis, 100, was born April 9, 1919, to Martin B. and Elizabeth (Johnson) McGinnis at the Eleven Mile, PA, the youngest of three daughters.  Winters were difficult in the country and, during that time, Cornelia and her sisters moved into town, Genesee, PA, with family and friends, to attend school, graduating at fifteen.  Education was important and all three sisters graduated from college in the 1930s.  In addition to Genesee High School, Cornelia graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  She pursued graduate studies at Syracuse, Columbia, and New York University.

Cornelia never married, which enabled her to focus over 100% of her energy on her professional life, which included Vice-President, Marvin Schluger, Inc., (a major supplier of precious jewelry to Tiffany, Cartier, and Neiman-Marcus) from which she retired in 1993;  Vice-President, The Diner’s Club,  both in New York City; and President/Owner, John Robert Powers Modeling School, and was a manager of the Arthur Murray Dancing School, both of Washington, DC.

However, there was always time for her true passion – acting and the Theater.  She studied under Wynn Handman, a well-known Acting Instructor and Director.  She was a member of The Snarks, Ltd., a social club, with a tradition of over 110 years in aspects of the theater---acting and production. Cornelia appeared in The Snarks productions and in Off-Off Broadway. She was featured in Life Magazine as she attended the 1953 Eisenhower Inauguration. In New York, she was a communicant at St. John the Evangelist Church.

She celebrated her 100th birthday last April surrounded by family and friends, long-time and new.  The walls were decorated with photos of her over the years.  Everyone was anticipating a Second Act for her 101st, but, sadly, she passed away in the early hours of February 21, 2020.    

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Mary McGinnis (Leo) Carroll, Wellsville, NY, Catherine L. McGinnis (Charles) Rockett, San Antonio, TX; nephews Robert Rockett and Joseph Rockett, San Antonio, TX.  She is survived by 4 nephews: Paul (Kathleen) Rockett, Sugar Land, TX; Patrick (Stephanie) Rockett, San Antonio, TX; Michael (Christine) Rockett, Santa Cruz, CA; and Charles Rockett, CA;  one niece, Marlee Carroll, Leawood, KS; and several great and great, great nieces and nephews, and her Goddaughter, Georgiana Weddington.

Cornelia’s family is honoring her request that her Final Act be without fanfare or visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 29, 2020, at the Immaculate Conception Church, 6 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY.  Interment will follow, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved parents at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wellsville, NY.

The family wishes to thank special friends:  Paula Peterson; John Tusa; Jerome Camiola; Catherine Butler, and Sheila Larbi.  Our hearts extend to her dear friend and weekly Rummikub challenger, Coco StClement; and close caretakers, Edith Amparo and Karrell Rumble, who all took shifts to ensure someone who cared about her was with her until the end, so she didn’t have to pass alone. Please consider memorial donations to any charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Richard “Dick” L. Brunell

Wellsville, NY - Richard “Dick” L. Brunell, age 94, of Hill Street passed away at home surrounded by his family on Friday, February 20, 2020. On June 30, 1925 in Allegany he was born to the late Howard and Neva Drake Brunell. In April of 1949 he married the former Mary Ellen Hennessy who survives.

Dick graduated from Bolivar Central High School in 1942 and later had attended classes at St. Bonaventure. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the US Navy during WWII and served on the USS Saratoga as a Radio Gunner in a TBM-3D Avenger. His Advenger had been tasked as a spotter for navel gun fire on Iwo Jima. As they flew off the Saratoga deck the ship was hit and sunk by Japanese kamikazes. His damaged Advenger eventually landed successfully on the Escort Carrier USS Bismark Sea and shortly after landing that ship was hit and sunk by a kamikaze. Forced to abandon ship Dick survived the night in the ocean and was picked up in the morning by the Destroyer Escort Edmonds. Dick was a 25 year employee of Air Preheater from where he retired.He was a member of the American Legion Post #702 and the Immaculate Conception Church both of Wellsville.He was a former member of the Wellsville Lions Club and was one of the founders of the annual Intertube Regatta. Dick enjoyed golfing and was a past member of the Wellsville Country Club.

He is survived by his wife Mary Ellen of 71 years; four daughters, Cathi (Roger Keener) Beatty, Christie (Daniel) Greene, Cindy (Mark) Armitage and Caren Brunell; four grandchildren, Jeffrey (Diana) Greene, Patrick Greene,Jacinda (Ledon) Green and Chelsea (Matthew) Mayer; eight great grandchildren; a brother, Howard (Janice) Brunell; four sisters, Betty Bender, Sally (Doug) Fancher, Kay (Hugh) Billhimer and Nancy Noble; in addition many loving nieces and nephews.

He was predeceded by his sister Jean Vossler.

There will be no prior visitation and a private memorial Mass will be held at a later date followed by burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials in Dick's name may be made to the Immaculate Conception Church or to the donor's choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Gerald D. Peet

Wellsville, NY - Gerald D. Peet, 78, of 3543 Fordsbrook Road, passed away at home on Monday, February 17, 2020. He was born June 23, 1941 in Buffalo, the son of the late Leo F. and Mary Kathryn “Kay” (Puffinburger) Peet. On February 9, 1973 in Belmont he married Margaret L. “Peg” Gordon who survives.

“Jerry” was raised in Wellsville, and was a 1959 graduate of Wellsville High School; where he excelled in track and football. He was an alumni of Paul Smith College. He was first employed by Leo Peet Contracting, and later owned and operated Gerald D. Peet Contractor from 1982 to 2016. Jerry enjoyed, and took great pride in his maconary work, as expressed by his many statified customers over the years. He also had great respect for his employees and many of them expressed their appreciation as they stopped to visit with him over the years. He was a member of the Wellsville Elks Lodge 1495, the Wellsville Lions Club, the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce, the Sons of the American Legion Squardernt 702, and a charter member of the Wellsville Jaycees. He was active with the Wellsville Fishing Derby from it's inception and the Lions Club Variety Show for many years. 

Surviving in addtion to his wife, Peg are two sons, Jeffrey (Venus Nickerson) Peet, of Wellsville, Bradley (Elizabeth Christopher) Peet of North Chili, a step-daughter, Paula (Robert) Wilson of Temple, TX, a sister, Linda (James) Karns, of Wellsville; a brother, James (Dalaine) Peet, of Wellsville; 2 sisters-in-law, Elke Peet, and Tracy (Bob) Insley, of Wellsville; 6 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews, and his beloved Shih-tuz, Buddy, who died February 12th. He was predecased in addition to his parents by a brother, John Peet.  

The family would like to extend special thanks to the Visisting Nurses Association, especially  Mindy Cross and Ginny Hart, his many caring neighbors, and his granddaughter, Jessica Ordiway, and her family.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, February 20, 2020 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will be Friday, February 21, at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Rev. Joseph Dougherty presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Wellsville Lions Club Charities, P.O. Box 576, Wellsville, NY 14895, or to the Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Maxine Simons

Wellsville, NY - Maxine Simons, age 88, of South Main Street passed away on Saturday February 15, 2020 in Wilmington, NC. She was born on January 25, 1932 in Erie, PA. to the late Max and Evalina Brown Filler. On July 22, 1950 she married Willam "Bill" Simons who predeceased her on September 17, 1993.

Maxine was a life long resident of the area who graduated from Andover Central High School. She was a stay at home mom who was involved in her husband's agricultural enterprises. In addition to raising six children they raised chickens, corn, beans and cabbage. Eventually they started Simons (known to the family as The Stand)on South Main Street where they sold fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers.To this day The Stand is still in operation as Bob's Market where Maxine could still be found helping out. She was a member of the former Wellsville Lioness Club and currently was a member of the Grace United Church of Wellsville. Maxine will be remembered as a loving and supportive mother and grandmother who was always happy with a positive outlook on everything.

Survivors include a long time companion, Bob Dunham; 2 sons, David (Beth) Simons of Orchard Park and Gary( Kristin) Simons of Dunwoody, GA.; 3 daughters, Carol (Bernie) Markwica of Elba, Joyce (Jim) Crittenden of Henrietta and Gail (Jeff) Swarthout of Penfield. 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, James,Steve, Tim, Joe, Kim, Emily, Derek, Britney, Michael and Anna; 9 great grandchildren; a brother, Carl Schoonover; 2 sisters, Barbara Velasquez and Corinne Tucker; several nieces and nephews; Bob's family, Yvonne, Ann, Laura, Bill, Rob and David; 16 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, her step father Carl Schoonover, 2 sons, James and Donnie and a daughter in law, Amy.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, February 21, 2020 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11 am in the Grace United Church of Wellsville with Reverand Diane Cox Presiding with burial in Forest Hills Cemetery. Memorial donation's in  her name may be made to the Donald Simons Memorial Scholarship,Alfred State College Development Fund, Alfred State College, Alfred, NY 14802 or to the Grace United Church of Wellsville. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

George F. Dunbar

Wellsville, NY - George F. Dunbar, 87, formerly of 4601 Bolivar Road, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at the Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. He was born November 12, 1932 in Brattleboro, VT, the son of the late Herbert H. and Lulu (Slicer) Dunbar. 

George moved to Wellsville from Connecticut in 1987 with the Ingersoll Rand. He was employed as an Export Coordinator for new and aftermarket units for Dresser-Rand Corporation in Wellsville, retiring in 1995. He was an avid gardener and a wonderful cook.

George was educated at the University of Vermont. He was a concert pianist, professional soloist and choir member. In February of 1955 as a member of the famed Center Concert Choir from the U. S. Navel Training Station, in Bainbridge, Maryland, he sang for President and Mrs. Eisenhower. He also appeared on several television programs from New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, including Ed Sullivan's “Toast of the Town”. He sang in various churches including the Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City, St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, and various churches in Connecticut. He was a member of the Simsbury Light Opera Company, the Solo Choir in Connecticut, and sang for the Hartford Festival of Music at Lincoln Center. He taught at the Hartford School of Music and the Hartford Conservatory of Music.

He is survived by one brother, Herbert H. Dunbar of West Glover, VT; and one sister: Shirley D. (Byron “Pete”) Moyer of Middletown Spring, VT; 12 nieces and nephews; and several great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by a brother, Wayne Dunbar

A private service is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to any  charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Woodrow “Woody” Bilby Jr.

Wellsville, NY - Woodrow “Woody” Bilby Jr., 62, of 80 East Dyke Street passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Buffalo General Hospital. He was born May 2, 1957 in Wellsville the son of the late Woodrow and Helen (Dixon) Bilby. 

Woody was employed at the Casella Landfill for over 20 years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping. He loved spending time with his family and friends, working on vehicles, collecting antiques, and John Deere Tractors, and was an avid 49ers fan.

Surviving are his five children, Candy, Tonya, David, Amanda, and Chendelle, eight grandchildren, Maddie, Haizen, Jasmine, Brooke, Joseph, Briana, Kendra, and Madison, Chendelle's fiance' Jim, Jim's children, Izzy and Abby, and one on the way, siblings, Robert (Tammy) Bilby, Lonnie (Nikki) Bilby, Clyde Bilby, Jack Bilby, Floyd (Donna) Bilby, Fred Bilby, Frank (Debra) Bilby, Lena Bilby, and Mable (Bruce) Weber, a sister-in-law, Joyce Bilby, a life long friend, Bobby Hogan, and several nieces and nephews, including, Jason, and a great nephew, JJ. 

He was predeceased in addition to his parents, by two brothers, John Bilby, and William “Bill” Bilby. a sister-in-law, Sandy Bilby, and a nephew, Robert Bilby Jr.  

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, February 22, 2020 from 12 noon until 2:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A reception and benefit will follow visitation at 2:00 pm at the VFW in Wellsville. Please bring a dish to pass. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Berniece (Kottwitz) Foley

Belfast, NY - Berniece (Kottwitz) Foley, a lifelong resident of Belfast, NY, passed away February 5, 2020 at Wellsville Manor at the age of 89. She and Francis W. Foley married in 1949 and a year later they started their family which grew to six children. 

Berniece, Frank and family moved to their dream home on South Main Street where the acres of pine trees they planted are still standing. They instilled a sense of responsibility and hard work in their children by having them care for farm animals and pets and doing the chores that came with them. Berniece was always busy cooking, cleaning, and canning, raising their family, planting flower beds and tending to their beautiful lawn; but she found time to take the kids down to the river bordering their property to swim and fish – she always caught the biggest fish. She and her husband traveled often during his retirement, her favorite places to visit were Letchworth State Park and Cape Cod. She attended Crafty Belles with her dear lady friends and the United Methodist Church with her lifelong friend, Monica Arnold.

As her children grew and left home she continued to keep busy with a variety of jobs around the area including waitressing at The Irish Kitchen; clerking at Magnano’s Pharmacy, the U.S. Postal Service, 1st Trust Union Bank in Belfast; Cafeteria Manager at Belfast Central School, serving as the Belfast Town Clerk, an election inspector, a School Board member and did clerical work at The Wellsville Country Club.

Berniece is survived by her children, Ronald Foley and wife Suzanne of Wellsville, NY; Thomas Foley of Aurora, CO; Joseph Foley of Belfast, NY; Alice Bergstrom and husband Kevin of Grand Junction, CO; Timothy Foley and wife Laura of Marion, NY; and Ann Tobias and husband, John of Hornell, NY. Her grandchildren, Becky, Shane, Carisa, Cory, Keara, Jaclin, Paige, Leah and Mitchell. Great-grandchildren, Grace, Jackson, Jeremy, Brenna, Liam, Emma and Murphy. Sister-in-law Joan Kottwitz and several nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Irvin and Mary Jane Kottwitz, her husband Francis Foley, sister Lois Gee, brothers Walter and Herman Daniel Kottwitz.

There will be private burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Belfast. Memorial Service and visitation will be held at a later date under the direction of JW Embser Sons Funeral Home of Belmont, NY.

In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to donate to the Belfast Volunteer Fire Department. Online condolences may be made at www.embserfuneralhome.com.