Raymond Martin McQueen, 86

Wellsville, NY - Raymond Martin McQueen, 86, resident of Manor Hills, passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Highland Park Health Care Center after a two month battle with Covid. He was born on August 29, 1934 in Scio, the son (and only child of) Martin and Genevieve McQueen. 

Ray grew up in Scio, and attended Scio Central School. While in school he played soccer and basketball. After graduating, in January of 1953, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he was stationed at Ramey Air Force Base in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. That was where he met his future wife, Rafaela and step-daughter Ana. They were married in the beautiful and romantic city of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. While stationed in Puerto Rice, they had a daughter – Cindy. Ray continued to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard until October of 1961. 

After his honorable discharge, Ray and his family relocated to Scio, and then moved to Wellsville. Ray temporarily drove trucks for Benjamin Smith until he began his career with the Wellsville Police Department in 1961. In May of 1972, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve and was assigned to be the local U.S. Navy Recruiter for the Wellsville area, where he recruited several young men. In 1984 he reenlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard out of Hornell Armory and served for six years. In the Summer of 1986, he retired from Wellsville P.D. after twenty-five years of service where had been known and loved by many. After his retirement, Ray then went to work as a courier for Fleet Bank, and served as a parking attendant for Jones Memorial Hospital. 

Once Rafaela retired, they began spending summers at Clute Park on Seneca Lake in Watkins Glen, NY. They spent over twenty summers there enjoying the company of their family and many friends. Their grandsons recall many of their childhood memories with “Nana” and “Papa” in Watkins Glen. Their deck was also the spot to gather for morning coffee and a laugh or two to start the day. Ray had a great sense of humor and was always good for a joke. The couple also spent some winter months in Puerto Rico where they enjoyed many happy times with family and friends. 

Ray was a member of the American Legion, and of the Elks in Wellsville and Watkins Glen. In earlier years he had been a member of Duke Hose Co. He loved turkey and deer hunting and also loved fishing at Sandy Pond on Lake Ontario. He was a true Bills and Sabres fan; he also loved baseball and enjoyed routing for any team that was playing the Yankees! Ray and Rafaela loved watching their grandsons, Calvin and Mario, play hockey for the Olean Arrows and never missed a game as the boys' biggest fans. 

Ray is survived by: two daughters, Cindy (Rand) Rocchio of Wellsville, and Ana (Jorge) Ramos of Carolina, Puerto Rico; four grandsons, Georgie (Yadira) Ramos of Dover, DE, Joksan Ramos of Condado, Puerto Rico, Calvin Rocchio of Berkeley, CA, and Mario Rocchio of Rochester, NY; two great-grandaughters, Yadiana and Yanialis of Dover, DE; and several cousins. Ray will remain in our hearts as a very devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. 

A memorial service is not being planned at this time due to Covid restrictions and the distance of family, although one may be announced at a future date. Please consider memorial donations to the Bath V.A. Voluntary Services. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Tammy Thomas

Lockport NY - Tammy Thomas, formally of Lockport New York, passed away December 17th 2020. 

She was a 1986 graduate of Newfane High School. After moving to Birmingham, Alabama she obtained her paramedic license from University of Alabama and worked as a paramedic, dispatcher, and also a field instructor for the EMT program. She later earned her nursing degree from Jefferson State College. Tammy is survived by her parents James and Doris Thomas, husband Dennis Long, brother Richard, and sister Barbara; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces and nephews.

Tammy’s natural gift as a health care worker was evident as early as high school while working at the Odd Fellow Rebekah Nursing home where she would visit with residents outside of her shifts, and even had been known to bring residents home for the holidays if they did not have family close by. She shined as a paramedic with her ability to remain calm and calm others in emergency situations. Her co-workers remember her not just as a great paramedic but a dedicated team leader and instructor. Later as a nurse she was recognized as being conscientious in serving her patients with dignity, respect, and true compassion and was the source of strength not just for her patients, but for their families. She will be truly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Direct Relief Fund to support COVID front line health care workers. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Rheba Lamar Vincent Rigas, 91

Wellsville, NY - Rheba Lamar Vincent Rigas, 91, passed away peacefully at home on Christmas day, 2020.

She was born on July 3, 1929, the daughter of Hugh and Leona (Coyle) Vincent.

Rheba attended Saint Elizabeth’s Motherhouse Private School in Allegheny New York and graduated from Wellsville High School in 1947 where she made many friends.  Rheba enjoyed working at Bell Telephone in Wellsville until she married.  

On November 25, 1951, Rheba married Constantine (Gus) Rigas in Wellsville and together they raised five children.  In addition, she selflessly cared for many of her aging relatives and was always looking out for others.  Rheba had a heart of gold and made sure that her children’s friends were always welcomed into their home.   

In 1981, Rheba and Gus moved to Florida and opened the Green Onion Restaurant.  Rheba was an avid golfer and belonged to the Wellsville, Imperial, Quail Creek, and Naples Country Clubs.  As a member of those clubs, Rheba organized many social gatherings and events and made many lifelong friends. She also enjoyed supporting Gus, who was the Chairman of the Allegany County Democratic Committee, by hosting parties for many local, regional and national democratic candidates.  She most enjoyed hosting get-togethers for her family and friends, especially during the holidays.  Rheba had a very special bond with her “bridge club gang” and their families, creating remarkable lifelong memories.

Rheba was an active volunteer throughout her life and started Meals-On-Wheels in Allegany County.   She meticulously maintained four properties, two in New York and two in Florida.  Rheba loved doing yardwork and spent countless hours weeding and planting flowers.  She always remembered special occasions, birthdays, and anniversaries of her family and many friends. 

Rheba is pre-deceased by her parents, her husband Gus, her sisters-in-law Mary Hastas and Doris Rigas, brothers-in-law James Hastas and William Pallas, and her daughter-in-law Aileen Rigas.

Rheba was very proud of and loved to talk about her very large family, especially since she was raised an only child.  She is survived by her two step-sisters, Sandra (Sid) Cleveland and Marilyn (Louie) Gordon, step-brother Roger Vincent, brother-in-law John J. Rigas, sister-in-law Katherine R. Pallas, and children, son James R. Rigas, daughter Diana R. (Steven) Pease, son John C. (Cheryl) Rigas, daughter Katherine C. (Philip) Chin, and son Christopher C. (Elizabeth) Rigas, and grandsons Andrew, James, Timothy, Alexander, William, Jamie, Paul and Nial, granddaughters Jennifer, Liz, Kerry, Sara, Erica, Katie, Anne, Eleni and Dina, and great-grandchildren Travis, Andrew, Kelsey, Mia, Shirlyn, Felicity, Lexi, Hendrick, Shiree, Natalie, Adam, Angela, Luke, Ellington, Brayson, Theo, Maddox and Sophie.

There will be a private burial service at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Scio.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wellsville Central School Gus Rigas Scholarship Fund, to be presented each year to a Wellsville High School graduate.To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Eugene E. Cedruly, 91

Wellsville, NY - Eugene E. Cedruly, 91, passed away on Monday, December 21, 2020 at Unity Hospital in Rochester, NY. He was born on January 16, 1929 in Harrisburg, PA the son of the late Harry Ernesto and Eva (Spina) Cedruly. On December 30, 1950, in Wellsville, he married Norma Crowner who survives. 

Gene was a 1946 graduate of Orchard Park High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served his country in Korea. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree, and with a Master’s degree from Alfred University. He was employed by the Hornell City School District as a science teacher and guidance counselor for 31 years, retiring in 1991. 

In addition to his wife Norma, he is survived by: a brother, Raymond Cedruly of Rochester, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Regina Ann in 1978. 

A private graveside service and burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorial Donations may be made to the Immaculate Conception Church, 17 Maple Avenue Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Timothy R. Walsh, 62

Wellsville, NY - Timothy R. Walsh died on Monday, December 21, 2020 with family by his side. He was a Wellsville native born on September 22, 1958; the son to Jane and Robert Walsh who have predeceased him.

Tim was devoted to his career in law enforcement for 42 years, starting out as a dispatcher with the Wellsville PD and then becoming a patrolman in Alfred. He transferred back to the Wellsville PD to move up the ranks, serve on the Southern Tier Drug Task Force and retired as the Chief of Police for the Village of Wellsville and as the Chief of Police for the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad.

He attended Immaculate Conception School and was a graduate of Wellsville High School, Class of 1977. He was a proud member of the infamous 1976 Varsity Football “Goose Egg” Team where he played the position of bench-warmer. His high school career was also topped off with the lead role in the Senior Play “The Man Who Came to Dinner”.

Tim volunteered for many organizations: he was a member of the Emerald Hook & Ladder Company, receiving the Allegany County Fireman of the Year for Heroism award twice; Immaculate Conception Church lector and funeral planner; member and PER of the Elks Lodge #1495; Ancient Order of Hibernians charter member; Meals on Wheels delivery and Honor Flight Rochester. 

He enjoyed all things railroad, traveling, Manhattans, cooking and most importantly being with family and friends in any capacity.

He is survived by his wife Margaret, sons Robert, Michael, and Bryan; brother Shaun (Elaine), nephews Patrick and Kevin; sister Mary Kate Cole (Jeremy), nieces Elizabeth, Molly, and Sarah; father-in-law James Hart and Mother-in-Law Mary Hart; Brothers-in-Law Timothy Hart (Amy), Brian Hart (Kimberly), nephews James and Brendan; Sisters-in-Law Suellen Hart and Judy Hart; Aunt Mary Benz; several first and second cousins and granddog Milo.

Friends are invited to call Saturday, December 26th 2:00-4:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 27th 2:00-4:00 p.m. at J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street, Wellsville. Due to COVID-19, a private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated later. Friends are asked to join his family at a graveside ceremony on Monday, December 28th at 12:15 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Church, 17 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895, or the Emerald Hook & Ladder Company, 40 S. Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Daniel J. Kemp, 62

Albany, NY - Daniel J. Kemp, 62, of Albany, NY, passed away suddenly on December 17, 2020. Dan was born on May 17, 1958 in Hornell, NY and was raised in Wellsville, NY. He graduated from Wellsville High School, Corning Community College, and Buffalo State, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He served as a police officer in Wellsville, a corrections officer at Danbury CT Federal Correctional Institution, and as a U.S. Marshall. After Dan left law enforcement, he co-founded the real estate firm of Kemp and Gallagher in Albany, NY, and later had successful careers in sales and property management. 

“Danny” will be fondly remembered as a man that loved to laugh, with a personality as big as his smile. It was absolute and infectious. Dan was a kind and gentle person, who loved to tell funny stories – of which, he had many! Whether he was reflecting on time spent with family and friends (particularly in Wellsville and on Loon Lake) or making new memories in the moment, Dan held a distinctly special way of connecting with people.

More than anything else, he spent his time talking – to anyone who’d listen – about his two sons, Tim & Bill, whom he loved fiercely. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his boys, especially during the holidays. He most notably spent that time discussing his (alleged) scratch handicap, his most recent take on the Buffalo Bills and without fail, how “unbelievably proud” he was of each of them. 

Dan was predeceased by his father, Kenneth D. “Bud” Kemp; stepfather, John Robarts; brother-in-law, Damon Lawrence; sister-in-law, Karen Kemp. He is survived by his children, Timothy Kemp; William (Rachel) Kemp. He is also survived by his mother, Martha Robarts. Dan is survived by his siblings, Ken Kemp; Liz Lawrence; Cathy (Chris) Weinman. He also leaves behind the many members of the “Goober Club,” including nieces Sadie Dexter, Abby Lawrence, and Jehna Kemp; nephews Brandon Lawrence and Matt Kemp.

Dan will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville, NY in the spring of 2021, which will be arranged by Embser’s Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers or donations, his family asks those reading to reach out to your family, friends, or even a lost connection, simply to say hello. During a time where so many are searching for hope or joy, a phone call or letter may be exactly what they need. 

Cheers, Danny. You will be forever in our hearts. To leave online condolences, please visit  www.embserfuneralhome.com.

David R. Williams, 81

Wellsville, NY - David R. Williams, 81, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital with his family by his side. He was born in Wellsville, NY, on October 8, 1939 the son of the late Roger and Gertrude (Yeager) Williams. On August 22, 1959 he married his High School Sweetheart Janet Root, who survives.

David was a graduate of Allentown School. Through the years, he owned and operated Williams Lumber Company, Wellsville Travel Service Inc., Williams Inn, Williams Wines & Spirits, and Big Guy's Party Store. While a longtime resident of Riverview Heights, he and Janet also spent many of their winters in Sebring, FL and, Summers in the cottage they built at Rushford Lake. Wherever they happened to be, all the neighborhoods knew their little dog, Buddy (who misses his and David's daily walk). David believed in the Wellsville Community, supporting local businesses and was fondly known as “Big Guy” by so many. He was the coach of the Wellsville Little League Baseball Exchange team for sixteen years, a member of the Exchange Club, a member of the Wellsville Travel Service Tuesday night bowling team for years, a member of the Wellsville Country Club and Highland's Ridge Country Club where he proudly got a hole-in-one twice! David loved watching most sports, but perhaps was the biggest fan of the Boston Red Sox, when he wasn't busy rooting for the Buffalo Bills, or utilizing his season tickets for the Bonnie's Basketball season. David will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him for those fun times of laughter, a night of cards, a rousing verse of God Bless America, or just a visit with a kind and gentle man who loved his wife, family, and friends. 

David is survived by: his wife of sixty one years, Janet; four children, Bradley Williams, Connie (Tom) Green, Cindy (Keith) Slep, and Christine (Paul) Clark; seventeen grandchildren (of which he was very proud), Melissa, Heather, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Danielle, Ashley, David, Robbie, Nicholas, Jessica, Cailtlin, Kara, Jordan, Madison, Ashton, Paige, and Bryson. He adored little kids, all of whom seemed to sense something special and instantly warmed up to him, including numerous great grandchildren. David is also survived by his sister, Grace Young; and many brother and sister in-laws, nieces, and nephews. In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by: a sister, Judith Williams; and a nephew, James Young.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 17, 2020 from 4-7pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville (34 West State Street). A private family service will be held on Friday at 11am but will be available to the public via live stream on the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Facebook page, with a burial to follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorials in David's name may be made to the Wellsville Little League and the ASPCA. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Roger Neely, 67

Wellsville, NY - Roger Neely, 67, of Wellsville, NY, passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2020, at home after a brief illness. He was born in Wellsville, on January 10, 1953 the son of the late Richard and Velma (Gleason) Neely.

Roger graduated from Wellsville High School, and SUNY Alfred. He served his country proudly and honorably in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. A long-time resident of Wellsville, he was a member of the B.P.O.E Lodge 1495, American Legion Post 702, and a past Captain of the McEwen Hose Company. Roger worked for several local area businesses and retired from Lowe's in Hornell, NY. He will be remembered as a loving family member, loyal friend, and a kind and helpful soul, with a great sense of humor.

He is survived by: a son, Kevin Neely of Maine; siblings, Jerry (Linda) Neely of San Antonio, TX, and Lynne (Kevin) Burke of Mount Dora, FL; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased, in addition to his parents, by: a sister, Karen Harkenrider of Wellsville.

At this time, a memorial service, with full military honors, is being planned for a later date. Memorials in Roger's name should be made to the Wellsville Elks Lodge Scholarship Fund, American Legion Post 702, or the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Karen Stocking, 76

Wellsville, NY - Karen Stocking, age 76, of  Rail Road Avenue passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at the Highland Health Care Center. She was born on January 15, 1944 in Wellsville to the late Frank B. and Pansy Keech Stocking.

Karen was a life long resident of this area who had graduated from Andover Central High School. She loved the United States and honored our veterans by being a life member and past president of the Frank B. Church VFW Post 2530 Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed collecting bells with her mom and her “favorite” sister Helen; she also enjoyed a good joke and a good laugh. Karen loved her family, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include: a son, Dana (Debi) Stocking of Woodbury, TN.; 2 daughters, Darla Stocking of West Schuyler and Hope (James Lynch) McPharlin of Brighton, MI.; 3 grandchildren, Ashley (Mathew) Jacobs , Chandler Dannheim, and Jacob Dannheim; a great grandson, Mason Jacobs;  a brother Lester Stocking; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Karen was predeceased by: her parents, 2 brothers Richard and Ronald Stocking, and her sister Helen Foster.

There will be no prior services and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Please consider memorial contributions in Karen's name to be given to the Frank B. Church Post 2530 Ladies Auxiliary. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Gertrude H. Stuck, 95

Wellsville, NY -  Gertrude H. Stuck, 95, a resident of Manor Hills, passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Jones Memorial Hospital from Covid. She was born March 30, 1925 in Wellsville, the daughter of the late DuWayne and Vera (Terwilliger) Wilson. On September 6, 1947 in Wellsville she married Theron Stuck who predeceased her on June 27, 1994.

Gertrude was a graduate of Wellsville High School, and was a veteran of WW II serving with the U. S. Coast Guard. She was formerly employed at Loblaws and the Giant Food Mart. She was a long time member of the Christian Temple, and currently a member of Grace United Church. She was a member of the Morrison Hayes Post 702, American Legion, the Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Jones Memorial Hospital Evergreen Twig, and volunteered at the Wellsville Community Center. Her greatest joy was serving others.

She is survived by a daughter, Gayle (Mark) Dorrett of Friendship, three grandsons, Jeremy (Leah) Stuck of Belmont, Eric (Ashley) Stuck of Wellsville, and Matthew (Aubrey) Dorrett of Parish, NY, nine great-grandchildren, a sister Shirley Arington of North Olmsted, Ohio, a daughter-in-law, Kay McCulloch of Wellsville as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents by a son, Glenn “Skip” Stuck, a grandson, Bryan Dorrett, two sisters, Ruby Palmer, and Vera Grillo, and six brothers, William, Chester, Charles, DuWayne, James, and Jack Wilson.

Gertrude's family deeply appreciates the staff at Manor Hills; for the wonderful care they gave her over the past seven years. 

A celebration of her life will be planned for a later date. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont, Please consider memorial donations to any charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit embserfuneralhome.com.

Roy W. Hackett, 64

Wellsville, NY - Roy W. Hackett, 64 of 2692 Beech Hill Road passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born May 26, 1956 in Wellsville, the son of Thomas and Elaine (Fanton) Hackett.

Roy was raised in the Yorks Corners area and attended Wellsville Central School. He was a long time employee of Buffalo Crushed Stone in Alfred. He enjoyed hunting, shooting, and flying drones.

He is survived by two daughters, Danielle Hackett of Bath, and Emily Hackett of Wellsville, three grandsons, Xavier Baroody, Brayden Ballengee, and Gunner Hodge, three brothers, Rick, Randy, Timothy Hackett, several nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Randy Billings. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Hackett and Elaine Smith, an infant daughter, and a granddaughter, Kambrian Phillips.

Following NYS Covid guidelines; friends are invited to call on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. On Wednesday, December 9, there will be a public graveside service at 11:00 am in Yorks Corners Cemetery with Rev. Eugene Miller presiding. Please consider memorial donations to the Willing Volunteer Fire Department. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Catherine Ellen Callaro, age 79

Wellsville, NY - Catherine Ellen Callaro, age 79, of Seneca Street passed away on Friday, November 27, at the Wellsville Highland Health Care Center. She was born on July 13, 1941 in Hemlock to the late William and Dorothy Carpenter.

Catherine was a former resident of Lakeville who moved to Wellsville to be near her family. She was devoted to her her daughter, Karyn and enjoyed crocheting, Sudoku and word search.

Survivors include two sons, Randy T. Bratcher of Belmont and Eric J. Bratcher of Dansville; 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, her daughter Karyn and her brothers Leon, Freddie, and Charlie Harder; her sister Mary Harder.

There will a private service and burial in the Harder Family Cemetery in Hemlock at a later date. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.