Dr. Walter (Wladyslaw) A. Orlowski, 84

Scio, NY - Dr. Walter (Wladyslaw) A. Orlowski, age 84, of Scio, NY, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2021 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a brief illness. He was born June 27, 1937 in Huta Pieniacka, Poland, the son of the late Jadwiga and Franciszek Orlowski.  

Walter and his family were deported to the Soviet Gulag in Siberia in February 1940 after Soviet forces raided his family’s village. There they suffered starvation, disease, extreme cold, and many other horrors. Miraculously, Walter, his sister Janina, and his parents all survived. As war refugees, the family journeyed southward from Siberia, then lived in Iran, Lebanon, and England. They immigrated to the US in 1951 and lived in New York City. Walter attended Seward Park High School, the City College of New York, and earned a D.D.S. from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and a Ph.D. in Oral Pathology from the University of Rochester. 

As a practicing oral pathologist and professor of dentistry, Walter taught and worked at three universities in the greater NYC area, culminating at NYU School of Dentistry. He dedicated his efforts in academia to teaching, research, and clinical work (directing the dental clinic and biopsy lab).

Walter met his wife, Barbara Kruze (Kruszynski) at a Polish cultural club in Rochester and married on December 17, 1966. He valued family, heritage, friendship, education, and nature. He was overjoyed at the arrival of his seven children and five grandchildren. Walter expressed his love for his family through action, always ready to help no matter how big or challenging the task, from carpentry to cooking. 

A natural orator and storyteller, Walter especially enjoyed a lively debate, always with a twinkle in his eyes. Family dinners were times to expound on history, politics, science, and family stories. A rebellious spirit he believed it was healthy to challenge authority at times and promoted the value of thinking independently. Walter kept his witty sense of humor to the very end, cracking jokes with a mischievous grin.

Walter had compassion for all animals great and small, and enjoyed his many rescues including cats, dogs and birds. In his later years, he fostered multiple farm animals such as horses, mules, and cows through the SPCA Serving Allegany County. 

Walter’s love and appreciation for his cultural heritage and history never waned. His personal mission was to ensure that the horror and trauma of war not be forgotten.  In his retirement Walter presented twenty three lectures titled “Survival in a Godless Land”—which detailed the experiences of his family and the horrors of World War II.

In addition to his wife Barbara, surviving are six children, Katherine (Andrew) Hubbard, Francis Orlowski, Krystyna Orlowski (Brian Harte), Marya (Jason) Fancey, Eva Orlowski (Sandor Kekesi), Thaddeus Orlowski (Jessica Schwartz), his grandchildren Viviane Harte, Lucas Harte, Henry Harte, Jason Orlowski, and Christopher Manfredo, his sister Janina Danilow and her children Elizabeth and Anthony, as well as additional nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased, in addition to his parents, by a son, Joseph Franck Orlowski.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be private. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Scio. A public memorial service is being planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Walter’s name be directed to SPCA Serving Allegany County or The Kresy-Siberia Foundation (a non-profit dedicated to researching, remembering and recognizing the Polish citizens deported, enslaved and killed during World War II; https://kresy-siberia.org/). To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Patricia J. (Middaugh) McGillivray, 66

Belfast, NY - Patricia J. (Middaugh) McGillivray, 66, of Belfast, NY went peacefully home to God on July 27,2021 at UR Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. 

Pat was born on January 26, 1955 to Frederick and Glenda (Brown) Middaugh and raised in Andover, NY where she graduated with the Class of 72. 

Patricia enjoyed more than anything her time with her grandchildren and baking. Her infamous, soft sugar cookies, which she hand-decorated for everyone in the family, will be sorely missed. She baked for her church and loved her church community. Pat hosted legendary feasts on holidays where everyone got their favorite dish, including her renowned Beef on Weck. Pat created amazing cakes for hundreds of people at no charge for countless occasions. 

Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Rushford Lake, and the sunny beaches of Florida were a sanctuary for Patricia. She was always at peace near water and found joy boating, swimming, or simply sitting near it. 

Pat held many jobs including nurse, private-school teacher, and perhaps most notably, her administrative duties for the National Red Cross in Washington, DC.  She enjoyed keeping up with the latest styles and never missed an opportunity to share what was on her mind.  Despite having a chronic illness that she battled for decades, she fought with courage and resilience to spend time being a grandmother and that is the job held most dear to her heart. It is as a loving and generous grandma that she will most be remembered. 

Patricia was met in heaven by her parents and grandson, Riley Powell. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Dennis; children, Raymond (Lisa) and Rebecca; along with grandchildren, Seth, Ian, Mason, Isabella, Sage, Samantha, Marianna, and Rosalina; and her siblings, Rick (Dawn), Marcieanne (Wayne), Scott (Vicky), and Linda (David), countless nieces and nephews, and her dear feline companion, Pudder. 

A private service will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery for immediate family and close friends. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Anne Bornand Walchli, 93

Wellsville, NY - Anne Bornand Walchli, 93, passed away at home on July 17, 2021 after a brief illness. Anne Stephens Bornand was born October 14, 1927 in Westfield, New York, the daughter of Jeanette Stephens Cochrane and Max Arnold Bornand.

Mrs. Walchli graduated from Westfield Academy and High School in 1945. During high school she played clarinet in the school band, the cello in the orchestra, and accompanied both the boys and girls choirs on the piano. In addition, she was the substitute organist for the Presbyterian Church in Westfield. She also was a member of the National Honor Society and served as Class President her junior year and Class Vice-President her sophomore and senior years. Mrs. Walchli attended Elmira College and graduated in 1949 with a degree in math and music. Her senior piano recital was Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. After graduating from college, Mrs. Walchli taught geometry and algebra at Wellsville High School from 1949 to 1951.

On August 4, 1951, Mrs. Walchli married John William Walchli at her home in Westfield, New York. As a loving and enthusiastic mom, Mrs. Walchli baked hundreds of cookies and cupcakes for her children’s classes, helped with math homework and played the piano when music was needed in classes or with high school musicals. She loved to knit and produced mittens and sweaters with intricate patterns. She supported Warm the Children and when the program ended would knit scarfs and send them to the elementary school with warm clothing. She loved winter sports. Every Saturday in the winter she would wake everyone at the crack of dawn and start loading skis and poles in the car. When her children were small, she would build an ice-skating rink in the back yard.

Mrs. Walchli is survived by her children Barbara (Larry Seay), John Jr. (Lisa Clark) and Jim, and her grandsons Kyle (Brianna) and John Richard. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Phyllis Bornand and Lou Ann Walchli and a number of nieces and nephews. Mrs. Walchli was predeceased by her parents, her husband John Sr., daughter Elizabeth (Betsy) and sister Jan Tarleton, brother Jim Bornand and brother-in-law Edward Walchli.

Mrs. Walchli has been a member of the First United Methodist Church in Wellsville since 1951 and taught Sunday school and vacation bible school for a number of years. Mrs. Walchli was active in Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, serving as a troop leader for both organizations. Mrs. Walchli was also a member of the Wellsville, NY branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) where she served in several officer positions.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wellsville High School (Elizabeth Walchli Scholarship Fund),126 W. State Street, Wellsville, New York 14895 or to a charity close to your heart. Friends may call at J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville Thursday August 5 between 4:30 and 7 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday August 6 at 10:30 am at the First United Methodist Church in Wellsville with the Rev. Craig Buelow and Rev. Donald Weaver presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Thomas W. Forness, Service Announcement

Wellsville, NY - The friends and family of Thomas W. Forness are invited to celebrate his life on Sunday, August 1, 2021, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post 702, 23 Jefferson Street in Wellsville. 

Tom passed away on Monday, July 19, 2021. To leave online condolences, or read the complete obituary, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Robert “Ozzy” Ordway, 59

Andover, NY - Robert “Ozzy” Ordway, 59, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. He was born in Wellsville's Jones Memorial Hospital on November 21, 1961 the son of Franklin and Ida Ordway. 

He was a life-long Wellsville area resident (including Alma and Andover). He held many jobs in the area, the two longest were at Bells grocery store and Hornell TV Cable. Other short-term jobs were at Save-a-Lot, Alfred Cable TV System, maintenance for an area motel, and some landscaping work. 

As a young person, he could be seen driving his sports car with the ragtop down and the radio loud. He loved working on cars or being in the outdoors. Whenever possible, he would be fishing, hunting, or camping with family. At home, you would find him in the pool or barbecuing dinner on the porch year round. Friends were drawn to his hospitality and sense of humor. 

Bob was predeceased by a brother, two sisters, and his father. He is survived by his mother, Ida Ordway of Andover, his sister Linda Sootheran of Andover, his son James Ordway of Alma & Wellsville, four grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. 

There will be no visitation hours or funeral service. His cremains will be scattered in the woods where he was the happiest. Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Barbara Ann Bastian, 80

Wellsville, NY - Barbara Ann Bastian, 80, formerly of 135 N. Brooklyn Avenue, Wellsville, passed away on Saturday (Jun. 25, 2021) in Huachuca City, Arizona, following a brief illness. She passed peacefully at home with her family at her side. She was born January 12, 1941, in Niagara Falls, the daughter of the late Wilbur F. and Esther H. (LaRock) Ganzhorn. On Feb. 16, 1963, in Niagara Falls, she married Edward L. Bastian, who preceded her in 2013.

Barb was a graduate of St. Mary's School for the Deaf in Buffalo and also a graduate of Roberts Cosmetology School. She was a member of the Buffalo Club for the Deaf for 40 years, and a homemaker.

Surviving her are two sons, Terrance A. (Helen S.) Bastian of Huachuca City, Arizona, and William E. (Nancy J.) Bastian of Wellsville, as well as eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Patrica M. (Edward L.) Walker of Lewiston, NY. She was predeceased by, in addition to her parents and husband, her brother Barry A. (Sharon L.) Ganzhorn of Caledonia, NY.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday (Oct. 9, 2021) at 3:00 p.m. for a graveside service in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wellsville. The family suggests memorial donations to the Emerald Hook & Ladder Company #3. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Charles E. Anderson. 49

Bronx, NY - Charles E. Anderson of Bronx, NY, passed away at home on Monday, May 31, 2021. He was 49 years old. Charles was born on March 7, 1972 at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY. He was the son of Catherine (LoCicero) and the late Russell R. Anderson.

Charles is survived by his mother, Catherine LoCicero Anderson of Wellsville, NY,  brothers: John R. Anderson of Wellsville & Tyler, TX, Michael (Antoinette) Anderson of Hoboken, NJ, nephew Brendan (Jordan Washburn) Anderson and their children, Ryder, Oaklee and Everlee of Scio, NY, nephew and Godson Nick Anderson of Los Angeles, CA, and niece Rayanna Anderson of Los Angeles, CA & Wellsville, NY, his beloved Aunt Barbara Judd and Uncle Joe and Aunt Clare LoCicero and several dear cousins.

Charles was predeceased by his father, Russell Anderson, his Uncle Malcolm Judd and was named after his grandfather, Salvatore Charlie LoCicero.

After graduation from Rush-Henrietta and Monroe Community College in Rochester, where he played lacrosse, Charles worked for Xerox with his father, who designed copy machines and the first Xerox fax machine.

Charles then moved to Atlanta where he lived downtown and worked in the Buckhead Finance department in the Buckhead Finance District, creating various computer networks and information technology (IT) with Medaphis.

From 1999 to 2001, he was part of a team for IFG that prepared networks in New York City to stay online during Y2K, a position he stayed with after 2000 to make sure nothing failed.

He was certified by Bill Gates on original Microsoft engineering systems and became a network administrator for Interwoven and an IT manager at ConsumerPowerline. During the pandemic, Charles was hospitalized twice, but continued to work in the New Jersey hospital system installing servers and setting up once-internal servers to allow doctors to work and see patients remotely until the time of his death.

Charles was a volunteer firefighter for the Duke Hose Fire Company in Wellsville. His hobbies included building computers, skateboarding, running the Boilermaker 15k, Marvel and DC comics and the action movies, helping others at Volunteers of America, watching Syracuse sports, the Yankees and Buffalo Bills and traveling to see his niece and nephews play sports or music.

An outdoor memorial service for all friends and family will be held on Saturday, July 24 at noon at the Anderson home on 540 North Main Street in Wellsville, NY, 14895 with a celebration of life immediately following.

A family burial will take place in Perinton, NY, where he will be laid to rest with his father. A memorial service will be held in Atlanta in August.

Online condolences can be sent to Catherine Anderson at rande@aol.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Volunteers of America in Charles' name on their website (www.voa-gny.org).

Thomas W. Forness, 82

Wellsville, NY - Thomas W. Forness, 82, of Proctor Road, passed away on Monday, July 19, 2021 at Highland Park Rehab and Nursing Center after a long illness. He was born in Olean on September 12, 1938 the son of the late Leo E. and Marie (Hassett) Forness. On October 17, 1959 in Portville he married his wife of sixty-one years, the former Marilyn K. Smith, who survives.

Tom was raised in Allegany and was a  1956 graduate of Allegany Central Schools, where he was inducted into their Sports Hall of Fame. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army and served from 1956 – 1964. He was first employed by Wirthmore Feed Co, until he started his career with the Wellsville Police Department, as a Patrolman from 1971 – 1989, and a Dispatcher from 1970 until 2000. Additionally he was an Agent for the Prudential Insurance Company in Wellsville for 25 years. Tom later worked for Arnoys & Dye, and Carquest until February of 2020. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, the Dyke Street Engine Co. #2, and the Wellsville Country Club - where he was an avid golfer. He was a lifelong fan of all sports, from the local high school level to the professionals, especially the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees. 

He is survived by: his wife, Marilyn; three children, Christopher J. (Jamie) Forness of Wellsville, Kelly Goodridge of Wellsville, and Lisa Forness of Whitesville; a daughter-in-law, Kim Forness of Troy, Ohio; twelve grandchildren, Katelyn (Cory) Waters, Joshua (Courtney Buentello) Hanchett, Matthew Forness, Megan (Kade Hanchett) Goodridge, Courtney (C.J. Knight) Ainsworth, Kendra (Jerrod Gullett) Forness, Thomas W. Forness II, Gabrielle Forness, Grace Forness, Serena Ainsworth, Brennan Forness, and Camron Lyons; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Edward Forness and Ray Forness; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his Father Leo, his mother, Marie Rose, a son, Patrick Forness; a granddaughter, Jessica Hanchett; two sisters, Patricia Wilber, and Ann Pezzimenti 

A private graveside service with military honors will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. A public celebration is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House, Allegany County Cancer Services, or the Dyke Street Engine Co. # 2. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Joanne C. Brandes, service announcement

Wellsville, NY

Joanne C. Brandes - The friends and family of Joanne Brandes are invited to celebrate her life at a memorial service on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 10:00 am in the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 4229 Fassett Lane in Wellsville. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.  

Joanne passed away on November 21, 2020. To leave online condolences, or to read the complete obituary please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

Jerome J. Hart, Service Announcement

Wellsville, NY - Jerome J. Hart

The friends and family of Jerome Hart are invited to celebrate his life on Friday, August 6, 2021, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post 702, 23 Jefferson Street in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 7, at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church, 36 Maple Avenue in Wellsville. 

Jerome passed away on May 2, 2020. To leave online condolences, or read the complete obituary, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Eileen Marie Kane, 64

Scio, NY: Eileen Marie Kane, 64, of 3821 Dry Brook Road passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville with her family at her side. She was born September 11, 1956 in Wellsville, the daughter of the late George M. and Betty Jean (Barnes) Lynch. On December 14, 1974  in Belmont she married Dale “Tex” Kane who survives. 

Eileen was raised in Wellsville, and became a Certified Nursing Assistant. She was formerly employed at Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville Manor, Manor Hills, where she was a member of the original staff, the Allegany County Office for the Aging, and most recently as a cafeteria staff member at Wellsville Central School. She was a member of the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post 702 Auxiliary, a former member of the Frank B. Church VFW Post 2530 Auxiliary, and volunteered for a variety of community services activities. 

Surviving in addition to her husband are three children, Nancy Jean Kane of Orlando, FL, Jonathon F. Kane of Wellsville, and Tracey (Jim) Carlson of Las Vegas, Nevada, seven grandchildren, Kayson, Kaleb, Bradley, Jacquelyn, Krysta, Triston, and Lelynn, a great-granddaughter, Vivian, seven siblings, Rose Mary Bennett, Terry (Reita) Lynch, Robert Lynch, Doug (Judy) Lynch, Monica Lynch, Jeanine (Art) Neuman, and Mary (Mike) Fisk, a brother-in-law, Donny Kane, as well as several nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank Liz and the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps crew, John Waide, Doctor Yasin, nurses Christine and Annette, as well as the ICU Staff at Jones Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, July 15, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 16, at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church, Wellsville. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to Allegany County Cancer Services. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Luther D. Washer, 65

Allentown, NY - Luther D. Washer, 65, of 6173 Drum Road, passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at home with his family at his side. He was born March 14, 1956 in Wellsville the son of  Wilfred and Etta Ann (Chapman) Washer Jr. On September 14, 1979 in Hamburg he married Sharon B. Kuebler, who survives. 

Lue was raised in Allentown, and was a 1974 graduate of Scio Central School. He was formerly employed at Friendship Dairies, Stroehmann Bakeries, co-owner and operator of Washer & Washer Contracting; and most recently a heavy equipment operator for the Town of Alma, retiring in 2017. He was a member of the Bolivar Country Club, Sons of the American Legion Squadron #702, Bolivar F & AM Lodge #258, and the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, tinkering, and most of all spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was a good friend to many. 

In addition to his wife Sharon, he is survived by: a daughter, Bethany (Troy) Geisel of Allentown; three grandchildren, Gabriel, Briar Lue, and Sawyer; his mother, Etta Ann Chapman, two brothers Wilfred “Michael” (Becky) Washer of Jamestown, and Joseph E. Washer of Leicester; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by: his son, Dustin Lue Washer in 1997; his father, Junior Washer; and stepmother, Betty Jean Washer.  

Friends are invited to call on Friday, July 9, 2021 from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. There will be a graveside service on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 10:00 am in Fairlawn Cemetery, Scio. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to The Dustin Washer Scholarship Fund, %ALCO, 2859 Lindy Lane, Wellsville, NY, 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Christopher Emerson, Service Announcement

Wellsville, NY: Christopher E. Emerson 

The friends of Christopher Emerson are invited to attend a graveside memorial service in his memory this Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 11:00 am in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville. A luncheon will be held afterwards at the Wellsville VFW Frank B. Church Post 2530. Chris passed away on January 3, 2021. To read the complete obituary or to leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Marjorie L. Finn- Service Announcement

Wellsville, NY: Marjorie L. Finn

The friends of Marjorie L. Finn are invited to attend a Mass in her memory on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 9:45 am in the Immaculate Conception Church, 36 Maple Avenue in Wellsville. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 am in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Marjorie died April 9, 2020, to read the complete obituary or leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Lois S. Flurschutz, 95

Wellsville, NY - Lois S. Flurschutz, 95, of Fassett Lane, entered into eternal rest Saturday, July 3 , 2021, at Jones Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. She was born January 23, 1926, the daughter of the late Milford C. and Lydia (Fleischman) Sweet. On November 15, 1946 at First Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, she married her high school sweetheart, Edward Flurschutz, who survives. 

Following graduation from Wellsville High School (Class of 1943), Lois was employed by Empire Gas and Fuel Company. After raising a family, she worked at David A. Howe Library where she enjoyed interacting with the public. 

She was a life member of Trinity Lutheran Church and its Dorcas Guild and Ladies Aid Society. She was involved in many other areas of church life including Sunday school, choir, and wherever help was needed. Lois also expressed her faith in compassion and kindness to others: caring for family members, visiting shut-ins and delivering books to them, and volunteering for Jones Memorial Hospital, Meals on Wheels, and the American Cancer Society. She enjoyed reading, cooking, crocheting and craft projects, and working on the NY Times crossword. Above all, Lois will be fondly remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and “Gigi,” with an endearing smile for all. 

In addition to her husband, Edward, she is survived by a daughter, Kay (Michael) McCulloch of Wellsville; two sons, John (Carol) Flurschutz and Dan (Cindy) Flurschutz of Wellsville; seven grandchildren, Eric (Ashley) Stuck; Kate (Sam) Weir, Sarah (Josh) Van Dyke, Tim (Jessie) Flurschutz; and Greg (Logan) Flurschutz, Kyle Flurschutz, and Ian Flurschutz; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Gladys Sweet, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son-in law, Glenn “Skip” Stuck; an infant granddaughter, Stacie Flurschutz; and her brothers, Robert C. Sweet and Paul M. Sweet, all of Wellsville.

Friends are invited to call from 10:30 am to 12 pm on Tuesday, July 6 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wellsville. A funeral service will follow at 12 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Eric Ash Sr. presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. If desired, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 470 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895 or David A. Howe Public Library, 155 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.