Sonya M. Hand, 78

Belmont,Y - Sonya M. Hand, 78, of Greenwich Street, passed away at home on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 surrounded by family. She was born in Elmira, NY on April 21, 1943 the daughter of the late Theodore Louis Seeley and Lillian Dorothy Hunsinger. On September 18, 1965 in Belmont, she married her husband of forty-four years, Richard L. Hand, who predeceased her on January 20, 2010.

After moving to Belmont at the age of six, Sonya became a lifetime resident of the Belmont area. She was a 1961 graduate of Belmont Central High School. Starting while she was in school, Sonya was a lifelong child-care provider, caring for many children in Belmont and from surrounding villages.  As a young adult, her first employment was at the Texas Hot in Wellsville. After she married, Sonya became the bartender at the Belmont American Legion for over thirty plus years until she retired in 2015.

She enjoyed golfing, bowling, card games, traveling, cooking and canning for her family and friends. Sonya was a competitive card player; she ran the Belmont Legion Euchre Tournament for many years. She loved to travel, especially to visit her children wherever they happened to live. Sonya liked to stay active and was recognized by the YMCA for self-improvement and encouragement. In 2011 she was awarded “The Most Improved Home” by the Belmont Betterment Association. She was community-minded and was a life member of the Belmont American Legion Post 808 Auxiliary, the Belmont Fire Department Auxiliary, The Order of the Eastern Star, Wellsville Elks Lodge 1495, and the Wellsville Moose Lodge. She will be remembered as a devoted and loving mother who also adored her cats, Zoe and Lilly.

She is survived by: four children, Mark J. (Kelly) Hand of Belmont, Teresa M. (Greg) Turner of Colorado Spring, CO, Nicole L. Hand-Bryant (James Bryant) of Murray, KY, and Kristen E. Hand of Belmont; seven grandchildren, Emily J. Hand, Adam M. (Jessie) Hand, Megan N. Hand, Aspen N. Turner, Ella E. Bryant, Colin J. Bryant, and Xxander R. Hand; one great-granddaughter, Haylee C. Spinks; a brother, Theodore L. (Roberta) Seeley of Belmont; a sister-in-law, Marlee Schmitt of Angelica; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by: her loving step-mother, Arlouine Seeley, who raised her; and her granddaughter, Manhattan G. Hand.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, October 4, 2021 from 11 am - 1 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont (17 Schuyler Street). Her funeral service will follow visitation at 1 PM with the Reverend John Francisco presiding; the American Legion Auxiliary Service will take place between visitation and the funeral. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to: The American Cancer society, Home and Hospice Care, Amity Rescue Squad, or The American Legion Post 808 Auxiliary Scholarship Fund. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

James Leroy Cline (Barney), 66

Belmont, NY - James Leroy Cline (Barney) went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Born January 2, 1955 in Cuba, NY to Norman Cline and Mabel Powell. James grew up in Belmont and since he was old enough to hold a wrench helped his Dad in the family business - Cline’s Garage and Salvage Yard.

A 1973 graduate of Belmont Central School, James married his high school sweetheart, Denise Marie Graham on July 10, 1976; they were happily married until his passing. James and Denise had two children David N. (Lyndsey) Cline of Belmont and Deanna J. (Jessie) Langworthy of Eldred, PA. Grandchildren James Baker, Skylar Langworthy, Jordan Cline, Steven Langworthy, Craigy Langworthy and Ella Cline. Great grandchildren Sadie Baker, Lena Langworthy, Haden Weimer and Amelia Langworthy. Nephew Shane Graham of Ohio and seventeen other nieces and nephews.

He was employed with Dresser-Rand from 1974 as a Machinist, Custodian, Naval Parts Inspector, and member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) until his retirement in 2012. James was an avid collector of beer cans, oil cans, antique toys, cars, trucks, and bullets. He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, was a self taught musician - playing the drums and guitar, and a huge Moody Blues and ELO fan.

James was predeceased by his best friend, Ginger the family dog. James had a big heart and touched a lot of people’s lives. James didn't want a funeral. He wanted a Celebration of Life Gathering, that will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021 from 3-6 PM at the American Legion Post 808 of Belmont, NY. James will be laid to rest at Fairlawn Cemetery in Scio. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Margaret Louise “Peg” Viglietta, 65

Wellsville, NY – Margaret Louise “Peg” Viglietta, 65, of 179 E. Dyke Street passed away on Monday, September 20, 2021 at Strong Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. She was born on December 26, 1955 in Olean, the daughter of the late Ellery and Marjorie (Rounds) Songster. On July 26, 1974 in Franklinville she married Danny A. Viglietta, who survives. 

Peg was raised in Franklinville and graduated from Ten Broect Academy and Franklinville Central High School. She has resided in: Franklinville; Austin, Texas; The Dalles, Oregon; and in 1980 she and Danny moved to Wellsville. She was formerly employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant, at the Cattaraugus County Nursing Home in Machias, and Wellsville Manor. She worked as a waitress in Texas and Oregon. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. She enjoyed collecting antique glassware, canning, gardening, bird watching, and making crafts. She loved to cook, travel, host large parties, family gatherings, and spending time with her grandchildren. 

Surviving in addition to her husband are: two children, Nicholas (Stephanie) Viglietta of Wellsville, and Dena Viglietta of Hornell; five grandchildren, Alyssa, Lauren, Kylie, Anthony, and Maggie; seven siblings, Patrick Songster, Barbara (David) Kottwitz, Judith Smith, Thomas (Sue) Songster, Mary Jane (Terry) Bogert, Jerry (Gretchen) Songster, Susan Weaver & her companion, Ted Chatterley; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased, in addition to her parents, by: a sister-in-law, Leila Songster; and a brother-in-law, Sam Weaver. 

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, September 25, 2021 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 West State Street, in Wellsville. A celebration of life will follow at the Wellsville Rod & Gun Club on Weidrick Road. Please consider memorial donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Nancy Jean Cooley Witter, 81

Wellsville, NY - Nancy Jean Cooley Witter of 3668 East State Street went to be with her Lord on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Mrs. Witter was born July 25, 1940 in Olean, NY to Harold and Doris (Green) Cooley. On May 31, 1958, she married Lester Neal Witter in Shinglehouse, PA. Lester preceded her in death after 44 years of marriage.

After raising her 7 children, Nancy attended the BOCES nursing program. As an LPN, she had a passion for caring for others and enjoyed a long career as a hospice nurse. Her loving personality and huge heart earned her many friends who will miss her greatly. She hosted friends daily for playing board games and simple fellowship. Among many interests, Nancy loved music and dancing. She was as talented as she was enthusiastic. She played several musical instruments. Though she played keyboard, piano, and organ, her favorite instrument seemed to be the accordion.  

Mrs. Witter was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Doris Cooley, her husband, Lester Witter, a brother, Grant Cooley, a daughter, Judy Witter Lehman, a daughter-in-law, Donna Marsh Witter, and a son, Daniel Witter. She is survived by a sister, Tina Baldwin, sons Earl (Joanne) Witter, David Witter, Tim Witter, Mike (Penny) Witter, and a daughter, Donna Witter (Ray) Lawrence. She was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren of whom she was extremely proud.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend a celebration of Nancy’s life on Thursday, September 23rd from 6-8 PM at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 24th at 1 PM at Crosstown Alliance Church, 450 N. Highland Avenue in Wellsville, with Reverend Ken Chroniger presiding. Following the service, Nancy will be laid to rest with her late husband Lester in the Stannards Cemetery. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Senta D. Streeter, 88

Wellsville, NY - Senta D. Streeter, 88, of Wheeler Place died Friday, September 10, 2021 following a brief illness. Mrs. Streeter was born March 1, 1933 in Mt. Kisco to Stephen and Marguerite (Brocking) Dombrowsky. On October 13, 1962, in Port Henry, she married Alpheus R. Streeter, who predeceased her on October 27, 2012.

She was a 1950 regents degree graduate of Pleasantville High School in Pleasantville, N.Y. In 1954, she received her Bachelor of Education degree from SUNY Cortland, and she received her Master of Science degree in elementary administration and supervision from Columbia University in 1960.

Mrs. Streeter taught 5th and 6th Grade and was assistant principal at the Westmere Elementary School District in Guilderland from 1954-1960. In 1960, she became elementary supervisor for BOCES in Essex County. Alpheus and Senta lived and worked in Jamestown for two years before moving to Wellsville in 1965. 

In 1969 and 1970, Mrs. Streeter served as a substitute teacher for the Wellsville Central School District and was a member of the Wellsville Central School Board of Education from 1972-1980. During the 1975-1976 school board term, Mrs. Streeter became the first woman to serve as school board president. From 1975-1976, she served as president of the Allegany County School Boards Association and was a three-year member of the New York State School Board’s Legislative Network representing Allegany County. She was employed by Allegany County from 1972 until her retirement in December 1997 as senior youth counselor, running all youth employment training programs and teaching the on-the-road GED program for high school dropouts, aiding them in earning their high school equivalency diplomas. 

Mrs. Streeter was involved in several professional and civic organizations, including the New York State School Board Association, the Educational Advisory Committee for the 39th Congressional District, Kappa Delta Phi, Ladies of Kiwanis, Alfred State College Association of Women, the New York State Association of Continuing Community Education, the Allegany County Youth Board, the New York State Division for Youth Employment Advisory Council, Literacy Volunteers of Allegany County, and she served on the Board of Directors of Literacy Volunteers of America, New York State. Mrs. Streeter was a member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church in White Plains and later joined Trinity Lutheran Church in Wellsville. 

Senta enjoyed playing bridge, travel, and golf. She liked to cook, bake pies, cookies and the occasional wedding cake for friends and family. Her family and close friends were her fulfillment. 

Mrs. Streeter is survived by her six sons: John Streeter, of Hornell; Todd Streeter, of Spencerport; twin sons Darryle (Maria) Streeter, of Batavia, and Douglas (Teresa) Streeter of Rochester; Patrick Streeter of Kentucky; and Kyle (Melanie) Streeter of Wellsville; as well as her niece and goddaughter, Donna (Alfred) Perreca of Stoney Point; her nephew, Stephen Dombrowsky of Spring Valley; 14 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. 

Friends are invited to call on Friday, September 24, 2021 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. On Saturday, September 25, there will be visitation from 11:00 am until 12 noon at the First Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, 470 N. Main Street in Wellsville. The funeral will follow on Saturday at noon in Church with Rev. Dr. Eric D. Ash, Sr. presiding. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Trinity Lutheran Church, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. 

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

H. Mason Sorensen, 76

Wellsville, NY - H. Mason Sorensen, 76, of Wellsville, NY, entered his eternal reward in his home, surrounded by his family on Thursday, September 16th, 2021. Mason, the son of Herbert V. Sorensen and C. Helen Mason, was born in 1945 in Seattle Washington and is predeceased by his son, Aaron Sorensen. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Joan, and his children, David (wife Christina), Anna, Stephen “Beave” (wife Ashley), and Daniel (wife Sheila); his sisters Jean Gronewald and Ane Chandler (husband Dale); and grandchildren, Kayla Sorensen, Seth Brisky, Jaykob Brisky and Dorothy Sorensen, along with 11 nieces and nephews. 

Mason married Joan in Cleveland in 1975 and for 46 years she was the love of his life, his inspiration, his rock, and, in his final days, his caretaker. Mason and Joan made their commitment to the Lord at a Billy Graham Crusade in 1976 at the Kingdome in Seattle.

In 1984, God called Mason and Joan to work with Teen Challenge in Washington, DC, where he was the Assistant Director and Director of Ministries from 1984-87. Mason then moved to Wellsville, where he was the senior pastor at the Wellsville Full Gospel Church for 28 years. Mason loved the people of Allegany County and was a fixture in the stands, audience, and sidelines and his booming voice could be heard after a great pitch, shot, dig, kill, or whenever a chord was struck. He passed on to his children a love of travel, geography, history, and reading, but most of all a love for all of God’s creatures, great and small. 

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 am on Thursday, September 23rd   with calling hours on Wednesday, September 22 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Wellsville Full Gospel Church. His service will be also available via live stream on the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Facebook page. Flowers and condolences may be sent to the Wellsville Full Gospel Church, 2221 Hanover Hill Rd, Wellsville, NY 14895. Mason will be interned at Woodlawn Cemetery and donations in memoriam may be sent to Rehema Home, Samaritan’s Purse, and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Janice W. Gustafson, 94

Wellsville, NY - Janice W. Gustafson, 94, of 32 Brooklyn Heights went to be with her Lord and Savior, on  Monday, September 13, 2021 shortly after arrival at River Hospital in Alexandra Bay, NY. She passed in the Thousand Islands an area she loved throughout her life. She was born December 7, 1926 in Perth Amboy, NJ, the daughter of the late Ray F. and Agnes I. (Lunn) Wilcox. On April 8, 1949 in Wellsville she married Carl O. Gustafson who predeceased her on October 18, 1991.

Janice was raised in Wellsville and was a 1945 graduate of Wellsville High School. She was first employed as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone, in Wellsville and Miami, Florida, for nine years. She was also a waitress for many years at the Fassett House and Longvue Restaurant, and loved all the people she served. In 1967 she and Carl purchased the Riverview Motel in Alexandria  Bay, a summer business they operated until 1978. For many years Janice worked for Wellsville Central School, holding a variety of positions as a cafeteria employee, retiring in 1982. At that point she joyfully began to care for her grandchildren and the children of several other local families, and was a loving grandmother figure to many. 

Janice was happiest when she was with her family. She enjoyed meeting new people, discussing current events, playing cards, sunsets, traveling, especially to Florida with Karen, and to the 1000 Islands with Kim and Cathy. She also loved the many events and celebrations of her large extended family. She was an active member of the Wellsville First United Methodist Church, serving in a variety of ministries, and a former member of the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary.  

She is survived by three daughters, Karen (Norman) King of Bradenton, Fl, Cathy (John) Lewis of Wellsville, and Kimberly (John) Rees of Batavia,  a special “son” Michael (Ruth) Stanton, eight grandchildren, John (Mary Beth) King, Gregory (Lois) Lewis, Adam (Ai) King, Hilary (Matthew) Jones, Emily King Willard, Kelli (James) McClurg, Courtney (Michael) Marsh, and David Rees, 16 Great Grandchildren, four siblings, Edythe DeMarco, David, (Clair) Wilcox, Carole (Tony) Nero, and Rodger Wilcox and his companion, Lucy Andre, as well as several beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents by three brothers, Bruce, Herman, and Ray Wilcox.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, September 19, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville; and on Monday, September  20, from 12 noon until 1:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church, 79 Madison Street in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 1:00 pm Monday in Church with Rev. Dr. Roy Miller presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Children Section of the David A. Howe Public Library, 155 N. Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895, or to any charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Richard Maurice Petri

Bellevue, Washington - Richard Maurice Petri: Dick was born in Kenmore, NY to William Peter Petri, (building contractor and finish carpenter) and Merriam Stone Petri, (a school principal). During the Great Depression, they relocated to Wellsville, NY and purchased “The Home Diner”. Dick could often be found peeling potatoes and helping out when he was not in school.

Dick enjoyed his years in middle school – high school and could be found most days walking to and from with his best friends, Tubby and Steve. He especially had fun in school as the center of the undefeated 1943 WHS football team! After he graduated he held a few local jobs. He was a projector operator at the local theater, a butcher, and a dump truck driver, before enlisting in the Navy during WWII where he was stationed in Casablanca. He did construction for the mine sweepers, shore-side.

 After his discharge, he was an executive for IBM, taking on the challenge to live and work in Europe for 10 years; then several other cities throughout the US. He relocated to Seattle, where he owned and operated an apartment complex. He also worked for Johnson Controls as an executive project manager for a large job like the Kingdome in Seattle.

Dick was very active his entire life and his interests, diverse. He could be found collecting coins and stamps to golfing, dancing, playing bridge, international cruising, and world-wide travel. He was always most elated to share these adventures with his wife Delores, by his side. He adored her! Besides being a snappy dresser, he’s been an amazing husband, step-father, grandfather, and uncle!

All residing in the Seattle Washington area, Dick is survived by his wife, Delores Frink-Petri having spent 47 years together; two step-daughters Kathryn Marie Ferleman and Julie Ann (Glen) McBarron. Grandchildren: Daniel Clark, Andrew Ferleman, Jennifer Kolowinski, and Emily McBarron. He is survived by several nieces and nephews; Michelle (Dan) Petri-Goldman of Timonium, MD; William (Mary Ann) Petri of Charlottesville, VA; Elizabeth (Rob) Petri Henske of Cambridge, MA; Steven Richard (Sarah) Petri of FL; Kevin (Ginny) LaForge of Wellsville, NY; William Richard (Alisha) LaForge, of Belmont, NY and several great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law William Arthur and Ann Emmons Petri; his sister and brother-in-law June (Petri) and F. Stanley LaForge.

Dick took great pride in his military service and has supported numerous Veteran organizations throughout his lifetime. If you choose to make a memorial donation, please consider donating to your local VA Association.

To celebrate Dick’s life, a military graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021, 1:00 PM at the Woodlawn Cemetery, South Main Street, Wellsville, NY. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

David C. Graves, Service Announcement

Wellsville, NY - The friends and family of David C. Graves are invited to a memorial graveside service with the United States Air Force and the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702 present to conduct full military honors. The service will be on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 10:00 AM in Mount Hope Cemetery, Moss Brooke Road, Friendship, NY. Dave passed away on November 12, 2020. To read the full obituary, or to leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Anna W. Hand, 77

Wellsville, NY - Anna W. Hand, 77, of 100 Johnson Street, passed away at home on Saturday, September 11, 2021, hoping to greeted by Elvis Presley at the heavenly gates. She was born on June 20, 1944 in Elkland, PA the daughter of  the late Doanld and Mary (Jeffers) Hand. 

Ann was a housewife, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a dedicated fan of Elvis for many years, and loved listening to classic country music. She enjoyed going to the VFW in Wellsville, where she made many friends listening to the live music shows. She also enjoyed reading, spending time with family and friends, and had a passion for line dancing.

She is survived by: three daughters, Branda Davenport of Genesee, PA, Tammy Outman of Wellsville, and Christina (Ken) Fenstermacher of New Cumberland, PA; three sons, Harold Outman Jr. of Genesee PA, Johnny Outman of Smethport, PA, and Christopher Outman of Etters, PA; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, and her best friends, Dale Burgess, and Joanne Wardner.

 She was predeceased in addition to her parents by her step-father, Herb Sullenburger, two grandchildren, Jason and Elizabeth, three brothers, Harold, Keith, and Gene Hand, a sister, Joyce Maine, and her companion, Bill Dickinson.

As per Anna's wishes, there will be no visitation or service. Please consider memorial donation to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, or the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.