Thursday, February 25, 2021

Beverly J. Brown, 82

Scio, NY - Beverly J. Brown, 82, of 3921 County Road 10, passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Jones Memorial Hospital with her family at her side. She was born on April 27, 1938 in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Ernest and Agnes (Ost) Jackson. 

Beverly was raised in Scio and attended Allentown Union School. She found her career in waitressing and was formerly employed  at the Texas Hot, Modern Diner, and Castaways, retiring in 2008. Outside of working, she very much enjoyed bowling, bingo, and scratch off tickets. 

She is survived by: two children, Vicky (Brad) Shields of Scio, and Timothy Brown of Wellsville; four grandchildren, Cody (Lacee) Shields, Kaylynn Brown, Jacob Brown, and Renee Brown; three great-grandchildren, Ryker, Jax, and Tripp Shields; four siblings, Esther Moultrup of Scio, Sandra (Will) Duell of Shinglehouse, Linda Rix of of Scio, and Ronald (Sue) Jackson of Delevan; as well as several nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased in addition to her parents by four sisters, Ernestine Haynes, Cora Kinnicutt, Audrey Jackson, and Betty Jackson, two brothers, Ernest Jackson Jr., and Robert Jackson, two grandchildren, Curtis Shields, and Angel Brown, and one great-grand(daughter), Raegyn Shields.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, February 27, 2021 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will follow at 4pm with Minister in Charge, Glen Layfield, presiding. Please consider memorial donations to the Scio Volunteer Fire Department or the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.  

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Laura E. Osborn, 78

Whitesville, NY - Laura E. Osborn, 78, of 477 Main Street passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021 at Jones Memorial Hospital following a unexpected illness. She was born July 19, 1942, in New Berlin, NY the daughter of the late John and Margaret (Harschbarger) Barnett. On June 23, 1989 in Indiana she married Virgil Osborn who predeceased her July 22, 2014.

Laura was raised in Wellsville and was a graduate of Wellsville High School. She enjoyed all things crafting, as well as Word Search, Dot to Dot, coloring, and brownies.

She is survived by a brother, John “Jack” (Sharon) Barnett of Andover, a sister, Betty (Phil) Runkle of Olean, beloved nieces and nephew, Alissa (Pat) Barnett and Corinne Barnett, Bethany, and John, great nieces and nephew, Brooke, Britney, Skylar, and Darien.

A memorial service is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit embserfuneralhome.com.


Friday, February 12, 2021

Terrance “Terry” E. Schmelzer, 71

Belmont, NY - Terrance “Terry” E. Schmelzer, 71, of 40 Milton Street passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at home following a long illness. He was born August 19, 1949 in Hume, NY, the son of the late Edward and Dorothy A. (Strittmather) Schmelzer. In 1975 he married Gail Guilfoil in Arlington Heights, IL, with whom he had two sons; on May 17, 1993, he married Patricia Austin in Las Vegas, NV, and became the stepfather to three beloved daughters.

Terry was a 1967 graduate of Belmont Central School, and Murray State University in Kentucky. He received his Master's degree from Southeast Missouri State University. He was first employed as an accountant for the Wellsville Flood Project in 1973. He was a Physical Education and Health teacher in New Madrid, MO, and later taught at Belmont Central School. In 1985, he became a Probation Officer for the Allegany County Probation Department, where he was instrumental in developing the Electronic Home Monitoring Program. He retired in 2006.

He was involved in the Belmont Youth Sports Leagues, a member and past President of the Belmont Rotary Club, and a member and past President of the Belmont Central School Board, where he served during the merger of Belmont and Angelica schools into Genesee Valley Central School. He was a member of the Belmont Village Board and served as Mayor of Belmont for 19 years. He was an active member of Holy Family Church and the Allegany County Republican Party, from whom he received the Reagan Award in 2019. He played in the Wellsville Slow Pitch Softball League, the Poor Farmers’ Poker Club, and the Belmont Fantasy Football Leagues. He enjoyed golfing and traveling, winter vacations in Florida, and his time at the family home on Rushford Lake. He also enjoyed collecting and displaying his rock collection. He was an avid Buffalo Bills, San Francisco Giants, and St. Bonaventure Bonnies fan.

He is survived in addition to his wife, Patricia, by: two sons, Blair (Meghan) Schmelzer of Rochester, NY, and Lt. Colonel Bryan (Gopy) Schmelzer, serving in the United States Air Force, Las Vegas, NV; three stepdaughters, Alycia Tracy of Olean, NY, Amanda (Ian) Burt of Clayton, NY, and Abby (Josh) Grump of Jupiter, FL; six grandchildren, Lena, Rohan and Ellery Schmelzer, Olivia and Owen Burt, and Jackson Grump; two uncles, Albert (Peg) Strittmather of Belmont, NY, and Leo (Donna) Strittmather of Vermilion, OH; as well as several cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Timothy Schmelzer, in 2005. 

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Holy Family Church, Belmont. There will be no prior visitation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Belmont Volunteer Fire Department or the Belmont Free Library. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Sally Jayne Murray, 61

Scio, NY - Sally Jayne Murray, 61, of Wadsworth Hill Road, passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at home surrounded by family. She was born in Hornell on June 7, 1959 the daughter of the late James K. and Lorena (Eaton) Rahr. On November 3, 1978 in Friendship she married her husband of forty-two years, Garold “Jerry” E. Murray, who survives. 

Jayne was a 1978 graduate of Belmont Central School. She was first employed at the Red Fox  in Scio. In 1990 she began working at “The Store” in Scio as a deli and sales clerk, until January 16, 2021, when she stopped working due to ill health. She was a member of the Scio Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. She collected wind chimes, and loved her dogs, and spending time with her family. Jayne's family would like to extend a special thank to Samantha Billings, and her son, Brian “Monkey” Hess for all their help with Jayne during her illness.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by: two sons, Gary Murray, and Christopher Murray both of Scio; a step-daughter, Laura Young of Wellsville; five grandchildren, Carley Young, Broderick Young, Ashley (Steve) Kear, Megan Murray, and Leah Murray; four great grandchildren, Abbie Lanphier, Alexis Kear, Madison Kear, and Easton Kear; as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by: a sister, Patti Smith, and two brothers, Dale W. Smith, and Terry Smith.

Friends are invited to call, (following NYS Covid protocol), on Saturday, February 13, 2021 from 2pm – 4pm and 7pm – 9pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, in Wellsville (34 West State Street). The funeral will be private. Please consider memorial donations to SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Sunday, February 7, 2021

Ruth Eleanor Merrick, 89

Wellsville, NY - Ruth Eleanor Merrick, 89, of 3050 Andover Road, Wellsville, NY, passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2021, at home, surrounded by family following a long fight with cancer. She was born on March 3, 1931 in Rexville, the daughter of the late Maynard and Olive (Amidon) Allen. 

Ruth came to Wellsville from Rexville when she was eight years old.  On October 25, 1947, she married Lee Merrick Jr. who survives. She was employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse by Jones Memorial Hospital, and later in Orlando, Florida (where she and Lee resided for fifteen years). She was a knowledgeable and avid gardener, and loved her cats, dogs, birds and fish. 

In addition to her husband Lee, Ruth is survived by: four children, William Merrick of Wellsville, Sandra Merrick of Wellsville, Carol (Joseph) Schweigart of Bolivar, and Lisa (Paul) Rowe of Wellsville; eleven grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; a brother, Charles (Susan) Allen of Lima, NY; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by: twelve brothers and sisters. 

A memorial service is being planned for a later date. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Saturday, February 6, 2021

Michael J. Moland

Wellsville, NY - It is with great sadness that the family of Michael J. Moland announces his passing on Friday, February 5, 2021. He was born in Wellsville, NY, and was a graduate of Wellsville High School, Alfred State College, and Houghton College. He was a veteran of the United States Army, and in his leisure-time enjoyed hunting and racing cars. A dedicated volunteer firefighter and respected past chief, he served with the Alma, Wellsville, and Willing Fire Departments. He spent his career of over forty years at Dresser-Rand/Siemans in a variety of positions and retired in 2019 as manager of Global Quality Processes. 

Forever remembered by his wife of 46 years, Kathy Paris Moland; daughter, Mendy (Jason) Varga; son, Michael; brothers: Don (Nancy) Moland and John (Jill) Moland; sister Dorothy (Larry) Murphy; seven grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Milo Moland  and Genevieve Moland Greene.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from12 noon until 1 pm in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. A memorial service will follow at 1:30 pm in Woodlawn Cemetery of Wellsville with full military honors. 

The family wishes to thank the members of the Wellsville Ambulance Corps for their expertise and dedication to the community. 

Donations in his name may be made to Wellsville Ambulance Corps, 37 South Main Street, Wellsville, NY, 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.


Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Frank Lyle Snyder, 93

 Jack of all Trades, Master of Most

BATH, NY – Town of Alfred native Frank Lyle Snyder, 93, of McGibney Road, Belmont,breathed his last breath Friday, Jan. 22, 2021 at the Bath V.A. Hospital, following a long life well lived.

Born Dec. 2, 1927 on Rock Hill south of Alfred, current site of the Alfred University Equestrian Center, oldest son of Earnest M. and Ferne (Jacox) Snyder, he grew up on Edgewood Farm on Randolph Road, which his parents purchased in 1930. There, he watched in horror as fire destroyed the family home and barn in 1931. He witnessed his father rebuild it all, only to see the barn destroyed by fire again in 1939.

He first attended Alfred Grade School, then the new Alfred-Almond Central School beginning in 1940, where he graduated with the Class of 1945. While farm work limited his involvement in fall and spring sports at A-A, he did excel on the basketball court during winter months. A free throw shooting whiz, he won the Allegany County Free Throw Shooting Contest in both 1945 and 1946, making 22 of 25, and 24 of 25, respectively. After A-A lost by a single point in the 1945 Section V Class B championship game, Coach Paul Powers persuaded Frank to take post-graduate classes and play another season of basketball in 1945-46, which he did, helping the Eagles win their first Section V championship.

Frank attended his first Alfred University football game with his father in September 1937, coinciding with Alex Yunevich’s coaching debut, and was hooked for life. One can count on one hand the number of home games he missed over nine decades.

He served with the U.S. Army for 13 months in 1946-47, stationed in Manila, Philippines, where among 5,000 troops, he was offered first dibs on his assignment and chose to run the post exchange, together with his A-A classmate Dave Ferry. “Born lucky,” he became “blessed” on Feb. 15, 1948 when he married Jean Marie Palmer, aka “The Tinkertown Charmer,” also a 1945 A-A grad, and daughter of Fred and Doris (Potter) Palmer. They first resided in a house he and his brothers helped his father build near the family farm on Randolph Road.

Frank worked with his father on Edgewood Farm until November 1948 when he rented Sunny Cove Farm from Alva Fitz Randolph, where he milked a Holstein dairy. He purchased the farm in 1950. The original farmhouse, deemed beyond repair, was replaced in 1953 with a prefabricated ranch house. There, Frank and Jean made their home with two daughters, soon thereafter adding two sons.

When milk prices dropped and the dairy farm proved unsustainable, Frank gradually sold off his Holstein herd and in 1958 purchased the Ford Gum vending machine franchise from John Gorton. He continued to make hay, pastured 65 head of beef cattle and boarded horses during the next 17 years. He sold the gumball vending business in 1975.

Early in their marriage, through the ministry of Rev. Hurley S. Warren, Frank professed faith in Jesus Christ, was baptized and joined the Alfred Seventh Day Baptist Church, where he served as trustee, church president, and deacon.

A jack of all trades and master of most, in addition to farming and selling gumballs, Frank at one time installed phones for the local telephone company, served as a nighttime security guard at the College of Ceramics, was a substitute rural route mail carrier, operated the Main Street Gulf service station, served as an Alfred Town Assessor, and together with brothers Ken and Nelson purchased and developed real estate as Alfred Community Enterprises.

After purchasing his grandfather Clarence Jacox’s farm on Jericho Hill, Frank built what is now known as Snyder Road, where he sold building lots on the hillside overlooking Alfred.

Together with his son Jerry, in 1978 he reestablished Sunny Cove Farm as a dairy farm.

Upon Jerry’s marriage to Dotty Hotaling in 1983, Frank and Jean sold the farm to them and relocated to a farm on McGibney Road in the Town of Ward, which they bought from Frank’s brother, Ken. There, he remodeled the farmhouse, and, after selling the dairy in 1984, continued to harvest hay and cash crops. He later sold the farm to Chuck Deichmann, maintaining life use of the home, where he was primary caregiver of his wife during her five-year decline and subsequent passing in March 2007 due to Alzheimer’s.

A music lover, he marveled at the talent of Alfred University student instrumentalists, seldom missing a performance.

While inheriting his father’s stellar work ethic, Frank was not all work and no play. When the work was done, the play began. Basketball, volleyball, softball, ping pong, bowling, camping, swimming… there was little he didn’t enjoy. He was a real competitor in any game of cards, a trait that he passed to his offspring. For many years, he played pinochle with his pals (John Jacox, Bill Stopper, Herm Sicker, etal) at the Alfred fire hall and, later in life, was a regular with Alan Burdick’s poker posse. An avid bowler, he was a regular league bowler on the Squirrel’s Nest Motel team in the Tuesday 6:45 League at the former Tech Lanes in Alfred, also traveling with a Hornell area tournament team.

He also loved to travel. In 1966, after purchasing a commercial van for his gumball business, he led the family on a three-week camping adventure to California, visiting numerous friends and relatives along the way. He and Jean enjoyed travels to Europe, Canada, the Caribbean, New England, Florida and more. Later, he returned to the Philippines for a visit together with his daughter Susan.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was predeceased by his brother Kenneth Snyder and twin grandsons.

Survivors include two daughters, Susan Meacham and Barbara Welch; and two sons, Gerald Snyder (Dotty) and David Snyder (Beverly), all residing in the Alfred area; two brothers, Harold Snyder (Beverley), Nelson Snyder (Amanda); and two sisters, Kay Chapman of Alfred Station and Dorothy Goodridge (Lyn) of Dover, NH; a brother-in-law, Jim Palmer (Faith) and sister-in-law, Sue Palmer, all of Avon Park, Florida; 19 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

At Frank’s request, there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements were under the direction of J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, Inc. in Wellsville. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Ernest “Earl” Jandrew, 88

Allentown, NY - Ernest “Earl” Jandrew, 88, of Phillips Hill Road, passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2021 at home surrounded by family. He was born on March 9, 1932, in Shinglehouse, PA the son of the late William H. and Argie (Calhoun) Jandrew. On September 5, 1951, in the Allentown Methodist Church he married his wife of sixty-two years, Aurelia Withey, who predeceased him on February 2, 2014. 

He served in the Korean War with the United States Marines Corps from 1951 -1954. From 1969 to 1990 he was employed by the Big N Department Store, and later for Ames Department Store, retiring in 2011. He also worked alongside his dad William Jandrew and Bud Glass in the family logging business. He was an avid hunter, and fisherman. He also enjoyed woodworking and making crafts for his family and loved spending time with his grandchildren. 

He is survived by three children, Dawn (Brian) Petrie of Mount Pleasant, NC, Brian Jandrew of Allentown, and Joy Fuller of Allentown; 11 grandchildren, Kara (James) Robbins, Kali (Brandon) Geffers, Andrew (Brittany) Fuller, Hope (Marcus) King, Jill (Mike) Dube, Marc (Frances) Petrie, Margo (Brad) Hills, Ross (DaiQ'uan Stephens) Jandrew, William (Malibu) Peelman, Anthony (Lisa) Fuller, and Sonya (Philip) McCormick; twenty-seven great grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; three sisters, Donna (Gary) Fanton of Holley, NY, Joanne Grover of Friendship, and Helen (Bill) Hutchinson of Scio; a sister-in-law Karen Jandrew of Bolivar, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by: a brother, Dale Jandrew; a sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Darwin Howry, a son-in-law, Edward Fuller; a brother-in-law, Richard Grover 

At Earl's request, there will be no services. Burial will be in Richburg Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Allentown Volunteer Fire Department. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Monday, February 1, 2021

Donna M. “Lil' Gramma” Swarthout, 84

Wellsville, NY - Donna M. “Lil' Gramma” Swarthout, 84 of 457 County Road 18, passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Jones Memorial Hospital following a lingering illness. She was born February 5, 1936 in Olean, the daughter of the late Roland and Emma “Luella” (Hann) Kemp.

Donna was raised in Shinglehouse, PA and graduated from Shinglehouse High School. She was formerly employed at Trapping Brook House, Jolly D's, and Argentieri Brothers for many years. She loved dancing, shopping, playing bingo, making ceramics, playing cards, and spending time with friends and family.

She is survived by a daughter, Tammy Fields of Wellsville, a son, Timothy Swarthout of Buffalo, seven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, a great-great-granddaughter, a sister, Sharon Waydelis of Brockport, a brother, Randy (Sue) Kemp of Wellsville, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents, by a brother, Roland “Tunk” Kemp Jr. and her long time companion, Myron Burdick.

Family and friends are invited to call, following NYS Covid protocol, on Friday, February, 5, 2021 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street, in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 1:00 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Association. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.