Beryl Deegan Davis MacDuff

Wellsville, NY - Beryl Deegan Davis MacDuff formerly of Wellsville and Atlanta, GA. Passed away on Thursday May 21, 2020 at Cuba Memorial Hospital. She was born on July 23, 1924 in Sherwsbury, England to the former Douglas W. and Ethel Farriday Deegan. In 1943, in England, she married Darrel E. Davis and in 1969 she married Edward J. MacDuff both have predeceased her.

Beryl, a WWII war bride, graduated from Nursing School in London, England during the War. In 1945 she and her son, Darrell Davis Jr., sailed on the Queen Mary from England to Ellis Island to join her husband and became a US  Citizen. She worked at the former Citizens National Bank and the Air Preheater in Wellsville. She was certified by Cornell University as a Master Gardener, a member of the Wellsville Country Club and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church of Wellsville. Beryl volunteered for several organizations in Wellsville and has graciously donated her body to the University of Buffalo School of Medicine.

She is survived by a son, Darrell E. (Ruth) Davis Jr.; two daughters, Deirdre M. Roeske and Debra D. (Francis “Buzz”) Psathas; a niece, Nicki Carlson Siegenthaur; step daughters, Patty MacDuff and Susan (Kevin) Brown; 8 grandchildren, Darrell (Crystal) Davis III, Kelly (Chad) Cumpston, Thea Psathas, Pasha (Mark) Ackley, Kayle Psathas, Adam (Sarah) Brown, Collin (Christy) Brown, Sean (Melissa) Burlingame; 13 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild; 16 great nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Audary Deegan Georgadies; a great grand daughter, Chelsea E. Bierman; Step children, James and Lynn MacDuff; 2 sons in law, Edward J. Madden and Randy “Rocket” Roeske.

A Memorial Mass will be planned and announced at a later date. Please consider memorial donations in her name to either the Cuba Memorial Hospital or to the Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Richard E. “Dick” DeLap. Service notice

Whitesville, NY - Richard E. “Dick” DeLap: A Mass of Christian Burial for Dick DeLap will be celebrated on Friday, May 29, 2020 at 9:30 am at Sacred Heart Church in Genesee, PA. A graveside service with military honors will follow on Friday at 11:00 am in Whitesville Rural Cemetery.To read the entire obituary or to leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

James W. Armstrong, Graveside service

Wellsville, NY - James W. Armstrong: The friends and family of James W. Armstrong are invited to a graveside service on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 2:00 pm in Yorks Corners Cemetery. To read the complete obituary or leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Frederick Ray Bayless

Wellsville, NY - Frederick Ray Bayless, 74, of 196 E. Dyke Street passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Jones Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. He was born June 15, 1945 in Elizabethtown, NY the son of the late Frederick William and Dorothy Vernon (Bowen) Bayless.

Fred attended the Alfred-Almond Central School and completed his studies in West Seneca. He was associated with Allegany Arc for over 50 years and will be sadly missed by the many staff members and friends he worked with over the years. He was a life member of the Almond Community Church, a fan of the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and the New York Yankees. He enjoyed politics and had definite opinions. He wished he were President. He was also a history buff, and especially enjoyed discussing the Civil War. He had many fond caregivers at Allegany Arc who enjoyed sharing his interests with him.

He is survived by an aunt, Jean Bayless of California and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.    

                                                                                                                                                                 The visitation will be private. Friends and family are invited to a graveside service on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 11:00 am at Woodlawn Cemetery in Almond, NY. Please consider memorial donations to Allegany Arc, 50 Farnum Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Mary W. Kozesnik

Stannards, NY - Mary W. Kozesnik, age 75, of the Stannards Road passed away on Sunday May 17 in her home. She was born on February 23, 1945 in Scotland. She married William Kozesnik who predeceased her.

Mary worked in the shipyards in Scotland where she met and married Richard who was serving in the US Navy. They eventually moved to Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and later settled in New York. Mary had worked several jobs including a cashier at Giant Food Mart. She enjoyed being home and working in her yard.

She is survived by a son, Scott Kozesnik of Stannards and a daughter, Marion (Quinn) Hanchett  of Coudersport, PA.; three grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, a sister and a brother.

Honoring Mary’s wishes there will be no services. Please consider any memorials in her name to the charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Joanne Gifford Allen

Wellsville, NY - Joanne Gifford Allen, age 84, of Rauber Street passed away on Wednesday May 13, 2020 at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born on July 11, 1935 in Clifton Springs to the late John Williamson and Ina Blanche (Peck) Gifford’

Joanne was raised in Phelps and was a 1953 graduate of Phelps Central School. In June of 1955 she graduated from SUNY Agriculture and Technical College at Alfred with an Associates Degree. In 2000 she earned a Baccalaureate Degree from Empire State College in Community Health. She was employed as an Executive Secretary for the Wellsville Central School District, for 40 years, retiring in 2005. Joanne was a census taker for the U.S. Census Bureau for 10 years until the Spring of 2018. She was an active woman who was a member of many organizations including the Wellsville First United Methodist Church, Allegany County Democratic Committee, Alfred State Alumni Association, Allegany County Art Association and the Allegany County Historical Society.

She is survived by her four sons, Curtis R. (Diana) Allen of Andover, Thomas J. (Teresa) Allen of Marietta, OH., Douglas G. (Renee) Allen of Rochester and David W. Allen of Cedar Park, TX; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two sisters, Alice G. (Robert) Dowd of Rochester and Rebecca G. (Alan) Bennett of Montrose, PA.; a brother, John C. "Jack" (Jo) Gifford of Phelps as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be invited to a memorial service to be held at a later date at the Wellsville First United Methodist Church. Burial will be held in Resthaven Cemetery in Phelps. Please consider memorial donations to the charity of the donor's choice.To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

John “Jack” O’Hara, Jr.

Calabash, SC - John “Jack” O’Hara, Jr., 68, a former Wellsville resident, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2020 at his home in Calabash, NC, surrounded by his loved ones.  Jack was born on December 8, 1951, in Wellsville, the son of the late John and Bonnie (Weihonig) O’Hara. 

Jack was a graduate of Wellsville High School. He worked as a painter with his father, and later for the Conrail and Norfolk and Southern Railroad for over 30 years.  He enjoyed riding his Harley, his snowmobile and watching NASCAR. He was a member of the Wellsville Elks Lodge 1495 for over 40 years. 

He is survived by his wife Olive, three daughters, Wendy Gorham, Jennifer (William) Thornbloom and Sarah (Tony) Horswill, three stepdaughters, Lisa (Chris) Shwier, Tina (Brian) Harris and Barb (Mike) Straight, as well as many grandchildren.

Jack was predeceased in addition to his parents, by a sister, Deborah O’Hara, and his dog Stone.  

 A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, in Wellsville. Those wishing to make a donation in Jack’s memory might consider the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mbserfuneralhome.com. 

Josephine “Jo” Davis Keyser

Wellsville, NY - Josephine “Jo” Davis Keyser of the Andover Road passed away on Monday May 11, 2020 after a brief stay at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. She was born on December 17, 1934 In Woodhall to the late George W. and Dorothy Campbell Bonham.

Jo was a longtime resident of the Wellsville area. She was predeceased by her three husbands, Lester Aldrich, Walter J. Davis and Fredrick Keyser. Jo attended a one room schoolhouse in Woodhall and later earned her GED. She worked most of her life starting as a farmer’s wife, later as a waitress at the Texas Café’ in Hornell, then becoming owner operator of the Coffee Pot in Wellsville until she and Walter sold it to Jim Close. Jo then ran Rex’s Office Supply in Wellsville and last she was the Morning Bartender at PJ’s Pub also of Wellsville. She was a member of the Wellsville VFW Post #2530 Auxiliary. She loved to dance, was an avid reader and sewed beautiful clothing for her family.

Survivors include 2 sons, James (Diane) Aldrich of Windsor and Martin Aldrich of Wellsville; 3 daughters, Roberta Prahler of Lockport, Jo Anne (Mark Mattison) Fenske of Wellsville and Ginnie Davis of Wellsville; a son in law James Bundschuh 11 grandchildren, Jamie Lynn Prahler, James Aldrich Jr., Jessica Padua, Sara Letso, Amanda Aldrich Payne, Donald Fenske, Dorothy Fenske, Brian Fenske, Justin Davis, Dylan Davis and Tessa Bundschuh; two sisters, Betty (Carl) Neu of Hammondsport and Barbara McFall of Corning and a special companion Sparky.

She was predeceased by a daughter, Julia Davis-Bundschuh; three sisters, Virginia DeLap, Ellen Burrell and Meriam Clark; a granddaughter, Donna Jo Prahler.

A memorial service will be held at a later date with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville. Memorials in Jo’s name may be made to either the SPCA or to any veteran’s organization. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

William L. Schrader

Alma, NY - William L. Schrader, 72, of 5777 County Road 18, passed away at home with his family at his side on Sunday, May 10, 2020 following a 10 month battle with cancer. He was born April 20, 1948 in Hornell, the son of the late Bernard and Florence (Mingus) Schrader. On August 5, 1983 in Wellsville he married Susan Adams who survives.

Bill was raised in the Wellsville area. He was proud member of the U. S. Marine Corps from 1967 to 1970, and served in Vietnam from 1968 through 1969. He was a member of the Marine Corps Reserves from 1970 to 1973. He was first employed as a logger, then worked for Tom James and JJ Power Tong. He later worked for Joyce Western Corporation, and Otis Eastern Services for 33 years as a mechanic, retiring in 2014. He was a member of the Morrison Hayes Post 702 American Legion, a founding member of the Allegany County Vietnam Veterans Organization, and was a member of the Marine Corps League. 

Bill was the oldest of five brothers, growing up in the 50's. He was self taught, and could fix anything, especially cars. He was a leek digger, horseshoe thrower, and bonfire builder. A man of few words, but when he spoke you listened. He was old school, made of true grit and “our hero”! He was a proud, humble and devoted family man who loved his dogs, and touched many lives. He often visited the Bath VA on holidays and especially on Christmas morning to wish Merry Christmas to all the veterans.  

Surviving in addition to his wife Sue are four children, Jenny (Luis) Greene, Sarah Greene, William “Cody” (Mackenzie) Schrader, and Travis Schrader, nine grandchildren, Ashley (Johnny) Carlin, Abby (Nolan) Hill, Troy Johnson, Alliya Jackson, Jaden Jackson, Spencer Schrader, Parker Black, Emma Schrader, and Brantley Schrader, two great grandchildren, Octavia, and Collin, a brother, James Schrader, several nieces and nephews, two good friends, Trey Tullar, and Gerry Babchak, and two beloved dogs, Austin and Brewster.  He was predeceased in addition to his parents by four brothers, Kim, Ken, Bernard “Doug” and Gordy Schrader. 

A “Celebration of Life” with military honors will be planned for a later date on the veterans land. Please consider memorial donations to the Bath VA or the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

James W. Armstrong

Wellsville, NY - James W. Armstrong, 68, of 160 Seneca Street, passed away Monday, May 11, 2020 shortly after arrival at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born July 7, 1951, in Wellsville, the son of the late Robert and Marjorie (Ross) Armstrong. He formerly resided at 108 Farnum Street and was raised by Don and Anna Armstrong.

Jim was a 1972 graduate of Wellsville High School. He was formerly employed by Dresser-Rand Corporation in Wellsville, the Wellsville Police Department, and  the Allegany County Sheriff's Department.

He was a former member of the Wellsville F&AM Lodge #230, and the Wellsville Ambulance Corps. He was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, and a social member of the Wellsville VFW Post #2530.

He is survived by two  sons, James “Matthew” Armstrong, and Brian Donald Armstrong both of Wellsville, a stepson, Ryan Tripp of Rochester, a grandson, two sisters, Marjorie (Alan) Little of Wellsville and Joyce Derx of Andover; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents, and step-parents, by three brothers, Roger, Brian, and Donald Armstrong, and a sister, Dolores Armstrong.

A private graveside service and burial will be in the York's Corners Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps or the Activities Department of Highland Park Healthcare Center. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.  

Donna Jean Horton

Whitesville, NY - Donna Jean Horton, 82, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2020 at Jones Memorial Hospital following brief illness. She was born March 31, 1938 in Wellsville the daughter of the late Gerald L. and Marie M. (Newland)

Canfield. On July 16, 1966 in Wellsville she married Rodney L. Horton who survives.

Donna was a 1956 Graduate of Wellsville High School, and a graduate of the Continental School of Beauty in Olean. She was formerly employed by the Herbert Cooper Company in Genesee, PA, K-Mart in Wellsville, the Wellsville Manor Care Center, as a nurses aide, and a home health aide. She loved to collect cookbooks, and cook, and baking was her passion.

Surviving in addition to her husband Rodney, are two daughters, Kelly (Joseph) Griffith, and Patti Ball, two grandsons, Lance (Katie) Conley, and Eric C. Conley, a great grandson, Jason M. Conley, two sisters, June (Melvin) Brandes, and Connie (Clair) Armison, two brothers-in-law, Roger Horton and Max Armison, as well as three nieces, and six nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents by two sisters, Joyce A. Canfield, and Bettty A. Armison, a sister-in-law, Joanne Horton, a nephew, Mark Horton, and a son-in-law, who recently died, Daniel Ball.

A private funeral is being planned with Rev. Timothy Armstrong presiding. Burial will be in Whitesville Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Association. To leave online condolence, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Jennie J. Wendt

Rome NY - Jennie J. Wendt, 93, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at Jones Memorial Hospital inWellsville, NY following a brief illness. She was born April 5, 1927 on the farm in Rome, NY, the daughter of the late John and Helen (Murczkiewicz) Kicinski. On Oct 11, 1947 in Rome, she married John Ernest Wendt who predeceased her on November 16, 2011.

Jennie has resided at Manor Hills in Wellsville for the past three years. Before that she lived in Greenway for 68 years. She was a 1944 graduate of Westmoreland High School. She was a secretary for various businesses before accepting a position in the business office of the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School. She later became the secretary for the Guidance Department for many years. She was a member of the Home Bureau, the ELCA Women, and was active with St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Verona, and Ascension Lutheran Church in Rome. She and Jack enjoyed traveling the USA in their camper, and attending her husband's veterans reunions.

She is survived by four children, Carol Stewart and her husband Buz of Wellsville, Brian Wendt and his wife, Ellen Woodbury of Loveland, CO, David Wendt of Walnut Creek, CA, and Barbara Gordon-Wendt and her husband Frank of Ewa Beach, HI, six grandchildren, Lisa (Tom) Kurilovitch, Kristin Clower, Mike Harris, Pam (Will) Barrett, Dominique Wendt, and Jessica Wendt, seven great grandchildren, Alex and Danielle Clower, Katya and Jake Kurilovitch, Billy and Louis Barrett, and Sully Mesler, and a beloved niece and nephew, Patricia Bartlett and Edward Labayewski. She was predeceased in addition to her parents and husband by a brother, Michael Labayewski and a sister, Helen Hitt.

The family would like to express their gratitude to all those who helped Jennie through the years, especially her niece and nephew Patricia(Willis) Bartlett and Edward(Linda) Labayewski, her special caregiver, Amy Witzigman, her caring neighbors, Dean and Sherri Hilts and all the staff at Manor Hills.

A memorial service at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Verona will be planned at a later date. Burial will be in St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Verona. Please consider memorial donations to either St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 4897 Old Oneida Road, Verona, NY 13478, or Manor Hills, 4192B Bolivar Road, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

James J. Corcoran

Wellsville, NY - James J. Corcoran IV, 57, of 135 North Franklin Street died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, May 5, 2020.  Jim was born on November 17, 1962 in Wellsville the son of the late Edward J. and Roberta (Bartlett) Corcoran.

Jim was a 1980 graduate of the Wellsville High School. His dogs, music, and friends fed his passions. He was never happier than when fishing from the banks of the Genesee, dogs at his side, or working through a new piece on his guitars, dogs at his feet.

Surviving are two sisters: Roberta (Joseph) Corcoran-Andrasik of Fredonia and Kathleen (KC) Corcoran of Everett, WA.;  four nephews Jason, Steven, Levi, Alex; and a niece Lorie (Missy); and his beloved pets, Riggs and Claire. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Edward, and a sister, Teresa.

At his request there will be no services. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

John Frederic Cole

Wellsville, NY - John Frederic Cole, 86, of Manor Hills, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2020, shortly after arrival at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born August 6, 1933 in Pittsburgh, PA the son of  the late Lester Carl and Edith (Zeitler) Cole. On December 6, 1958 in Wellsville, he married the former Nitia McCracken who survives.

John was a 1951 graduate Wellsville High School and graduated from Alfred State College in 1955. He was a member of the US Army Reserves from 1953 through 1988, retiring at the rank of Sgt. Major. He enjoyed summers during his high school years working with friends on the Erie Railroad, and summers during his college years working at the Sinclair Refinery. He was employed by Meadowbrook Nursery, Air Preheater Company for 42 years, retiring in 1998. s

He was a member of the Wellsville First United Methodist Church, a 60 year member and past president of the Wellsville Lions Club, a member of the Wellsville Rod & Gun Club, the Wellsville Elks Lodge No. 1495, the Morrison Hayes Post 702 American Legion, and served on the Willing Town Board for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, and loved spending time with friends, family and grandchildren.

Surviving in addition to his wife Nitia is a daughter, Julie Ann Cole of Westminster, CO; two sons: J. Jeffrey (Leanne) Cole of  Townsend, TN; and Jeremy J. (Mary Kate) Cole of Wellsville, five grandchildren, Holly Maxwell, Liz, Molly, and Sarah Cole, and Jack Cole, a brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Nancy Stevens, and several beloved nieces and nephews including, Frank and Richard Ferry, James and Janice Stevens, and Amy Gowdy. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a sister, Suzanne Ferry and a grandson Jay Thomas Maxwell, two nephews, Bill Ferry and Jay Stevens, and a brother-in-law, Francis McCracken.

A private graveside service with military honors will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. A memorial service will be planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Wellsville Lions Club, the David A. Howe Public Library, or the Wellsville First United Methodist Church. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Jerome Joseph Hart

Wellsville, NY - Jerome Joseph Hart, 55, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at the Hart Comfort House following a hard fought three year battle with stage IV colon cancer. He was born February 9, 1965 in Wellsville, the son of the late Gerald Charles and Mary Ellen (Connor) Hart. On September 24, 1988 in Wellsville he married Nancy Anderson, who survives.

Jerome was a graduate of the Immaculate Conception School and a 1983 graduate of Wellsville High School. He graduated from Niagara University in May of 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology.  He was a member of the New York National Guard, 442nd  Aviation Black Heart Unit. He also served nine years in the United States Army Reserve, 98th Division, attaining the rank of Captain. He was a part-time dispatcher for the Wellsville Police Department prior to entering the New York State Police in 1988, where he retired as a BCI Investigator in 2009.  His previous assignments were in “B” Troop, SP Gouveneur; “A” Troop, SP Falconer, SP Wellsville, and SP Amity. Jerome was involved from an early age in the operations of Hart Memorials.  He became the owner in 2004 and continued to operate the business until his death. In addition, he co-owned “From The Hart” an Irish Imports and Gifts business in downtown Wellsville.

Jerome was a member, usher, and grounds chairman, of the Immaculate Conception Parish. He served on the Immaculate Conception School Board, taught Physical Education and Health at ICS in the spring of 1992, and was a recess monitor for 20 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 919, and the Olean Assembly 721, Fourth Degree, Knights of Columbus. He was an active member of the Emerald Hook & Ladder Company # 3, for 35 years. He served as Fire Chief of the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department from 2005 to 2007, and President of the Wellsville Fire Board. He was a Life Member of the Volunteer Firemen's Association of Allegany County and the Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firemen.

He was also a member of the Morrison Hayes Post 702, American Legion; Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 702; American Legion Riders; Frank B. Church Post 2530, VFW; Allegany County Voiture 1006, 40/8; charter member and past president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, member of the Wellsville Elks Lodge 1495; Wellsville Moose Lodge 601; social member of the Greenwood American Legion Post 1425; member and past chairman of the Allegany County American Red Cross Board, life member of the Wellsville Rod & Gun Club, member of the Oswayo Valley, Andover, Whitesville, and Genesee Rod & Gun Clubs; the HM Hunting Club, St. Mary's Cemetery Association (Kinney, PA); Sacred Heart Cemetery Board, member and Past President of the Wellsville Rotary Club; American Association of State Troopers; and the Allegany Mountains Chapter of Former New York State Troopers.

Jerome was a beef farmer from 1991 to 2012. He was a strong supporter of the Hart Comfort  House, and many other charities. He loved hunting, fishing, the great outdoors, a good pig roast, time spent with family and friends, a hearty laugh, and a good joke.

In addition to his wife, Nancy, Jerome is survived by a son, Jerome J. Hart II, a daughter Elizabeth Ann Hart, five sisters, Ellen (Bob) Wartella, Oneida, NY, Kathleen (Pat) Godfrey, Lake Ridge, VA, Nora (Craig) Burdick and Gabrielle (Rich) Ewell of Wellsville; Margaret (Mark) Reuter, Denver, CO, and four brothers: Thomas (Cindy) Hart of Pittsburgh, PA, Colin Hart of Fredonia, NY; Jonathan  (Dawn) Hart of Grand Island NY; and Joseph (Christy) Hart of Wellsville, a sister and brother-in-law, Denise and John Richardson of Boalsburg, PA, as well as several beloved nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by his father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Marjorie Anderson.  

The New York State Police and the Emerald Hook & Ladder Company #3 will pay tribute to Jerome as they lead the funeral procession along Main Street in Wellsville on Saturday, May 9, 2020, beginning at 1:00 pm. A private graveside service with military honors will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. A time of visitation and a Mass of Christian Burial will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House, the Immaculate Conception School, or the Emerald Hook and Ladder Company #3. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.