Etta A. Chapman, 83

Allentown, NY - Etta A. Chapman, 83, of 6152 Drum Road passed away on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center following a brief illness. She was born May 11, 1938 in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Mitchell Ethlan and Elnora (Stevens) Chapman.

Etta was raised in Allentown and attended the Allentown Union School. She was formerly employed by Klein Cutlery in Bolivar, Motorola, Inc, in Arcade, the Fassett House, and Howard’s Restaurant in Wellsville. She was and avid reader, loved gardening, and was a NASCAR and Buffalo Bills fan. She was a member of the Bolivar American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 772.

She is survived by two sons, Wilfred “Mike” (Becky) Washer of Ellington, NY, and Joseph E. Washer of Leicester, NY, a daughter-in-law, Sharon Washer of Allentown, six grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter; a brother. Mitchell “Duane” (Peggy) Chapman of Allentown, special friends, Wanda and Dan Pease, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, Luther D. Washer on July 6, 2021, a grandson, Dustin Washer in 1997, two brothers, Leonard “Sonny” Chapman, and Dennis “Ferg” Chapman, a sister, Gwen Cox, and her former husband, Wilfred W. “Jr” Washer.

A private graveside service is being planned for a later date in Fairlawn Cemetery, Scio. Please consider memorial donations to the Dustin Washer Scholarship Fund % ALCO 2850 Lindy Lane, Wellsville, NY 14895 or the Disabled American Veterans, dav.org or 130 S. Elmwood Ave Ste 620, Buffalo, NY, 14202. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

David Lavern Palmiter, 77

Wellsville, NY - David Lavern Palmiter, 77, of 3483 Center Drive, passed away on December 26, 2021 at Strong Memorial Hospital following a brief battle with cancer. He was born on March 22, 1944 in Wellsville, the son of the late Lavern Willis and Betty (White) Palmiter. On June 26, 1965 in Bellaire, Ohio he married his wife of 56 years, Sandra Kay Phillips, who survives. 

David was a 1962 graduate of Wellsville High School. He continued his education at West Liberty State College in West Virginia, from where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in June of 1966. He then attended Alfred University where he earned his first Masters Degree in Education in June of 1973, and a second Masters Degree in Education from St. Bonaventure University in May of 1975. He began teaching at Whitesville Central School in the fall of 1966. He was a beloved high school social studies teacher for 30 years. He retired and was called back to serve as chair of the special education committee for 10 years. He retired once more but was again called back to be a substitute teacher for another 13 years in the same school that he loved very much until his final retirement due to ill health. He positively influenced generations of students at Whitesville Central. 

Outside of his career, he was a member of The Masonic Lodge for 47 years, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for 42 years – for whom he was chief commissioner of appeals beginning in 2011. In his youth, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout on September 22, 1958. 

In addition to his wife, Sandra, he is survived by: three children, Judith (Bruce Rutter) Miller of Gray, ME, Melinda (Patrick) Toomey of West Seneca, and Robert Palmiter of Winder, GA; five grandchildren, Elaine, Avery, Abigail, Owen, and Anderson; two brothers, Michael (April) Palmiter of Ramona, CA and Dennis (Susan) Palmiter of South Lyons, MI; and many nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of life is being planned and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to The Hart Comfort House, 141 E. State Street, Wellsville. Burial will be in Stannards Cemetery. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Nancy Koegel, 64

West Clarksville, NY - Nancy Koegel, 64, West Clarksville, formerly of Scio, died at Millard Fillmore Hospital on Tuesday, 28 December 2021. She was born 18 December 1957 in North Hornell to James D. Koegel, Jr. and Maria Ferraris Koegel. She had two brothers, James Koegel and Timothy Koegel who survive as well as nieces Vianna Koegel, Donata Koegel, and nephew Lucas Koegel.

Nancy retired from Allegany County where she was a dedicated employee who worked in several different departments. She served the public well and put the interests of her clientele first. There have been many probationers who thanked her for her “straight talk” and helping them to get his or her head on straight. When dealing with people, Nancy was compassionate and kind and exemplified the concepts of tough love and the Golden Rule. She always tried her hardest to accomplish what people asked of her.

It has been noted that Nancy was strong willed, individualistic, and independent. She believed that good rules should be followed and not so good rules should be challenged. She attended the NYS Trooper Academy.

Nancy was not only compassionate with people, but with animals as well. She loved her cats and dogs and more recently her ducks. She made many contributions to charitable organizations many of which were animal oriented.

It was indeed the fortunate individual or family or office that received one of Nancy’s cakes, pies, cheesecakes, cookies, candies, or other desserts. Perhaps the most well-known was her superlative “Death by Chocolate” cake. She operated a bakery for a few years in Alfred. Truly, baking was her gift.

In addition to cats, dogs, and ducks, Nancy was good friends with the earth. Her ability to garden and get unusual plants to grow was equaled by her landscaping using ponds, trees, and rocks. Her yard was always well-tended.

Nancy will be missed for her sincerity, generosity, kindness, and the many amazing spectacular baked goods and edible creations which she perfected. There is a hole in our stomachs as well as our hearts as we say “till we meet again” Nancy.

Friends are invited to call at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State St., Wellsville,  NY,  on Monday,  January 3, 2022 from 10:00-11:00am, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 am.  Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County. On-line condolences may be left at www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Julia A. Smith, 88

Wellsville, NY – Julia A. Smith, 88, of 31 Howard Street passed away on Friday, December 24, 2021 at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. She was born in Carlisle, PA on July 7, 1933 the daughter of the late Benjamin and Ada (Booze) Nesbitt. On December 15, 1953 in Wellsville she married her husband of sixty-eight years, Philip Smith, who survives.

She was raised in Wellsville, and was a 1951 graduate of Wellsville High School. Upon graduating she entered the work force and was employed in several capacities such as, an operator for Bell Telephone in Wellsville, ESL educator for Wellsville Central Schools, and Head supervisor of Maintenance at the Colony Apartments for many years. Outside of her employment she was very involved with the community, especially as, a volunteer for Roswell Park Cancer Institute, assisting her husband with organizing New York State Police Benefit events, and the Girl Scouts of Western New York for many years as a troop leader. She also loved to read and spend time with her cat.

In addition to her husband, Phil, she is survived by: five children, William (Joan) Smith of Hollywood, FL, Carol Behr of Hilton, NY, Michael (Marcy) Smith of Wellsville, Lori (Rich) Cavagna-Daniels of Wellsville, and Grace Smith of Wellsville; 10 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and several nieces a nephews. She was predeceased, in addition to her parents, by: an infant son, Daniel Smith; a brother, Richard Nesbitt; and a son-in-law, Gerald Behr. 

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 4 – 6 pm to the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, Wellsville. The funeral will be on Friday, December 31, at 1:00 pm in the funeral home. Please consider memorial donations to Roswell Park Cancer Institute. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Vickie L. O’Connor, 69

Wellsville, NY – Vickie L. O’Connor, 69, of 139 S. Broad Street, passed away at home on Saturday, December 25, 2021. She was born in Wellsville on June 25, 1952. On July 10, 1971 in Wellsville she married her husband of fifty years, Patrick J. O’Connor, who survives. 

She was raised in Wellsville, and was a 1970 graduate of Wellsville High School. Upon graduation she entered the workforce and was previously employed by Alfred State College. Outside of work, she was an accomplished artist, avid gardener, animal lover (especially to her black lab Midnight), and enjoyed reading. Most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with her family. 

In addition to her husband, Pat, she is survived by: two children, Heather (Scott) Nicholas of Long Island, and Chris (Teresa) O’Connor of Wellsville; five grandchildren, Keenen, Talia, & Iris O’Connor and Connor & Alyse Nicholas; step-mother, Nancy Williams of Wellsville; a sister, Ginny (John) Hart of Wellsville; two brothers, James (Tom Burl) Ewart of Albany, and Michael (Lynn) Ewart of Emerald Isle, North Carolina; two sisters-in-law, Diane (Glenn) Aldrich of Penfield, and Rita O’Connor of Wellsville; several nieces and nephews, Brad (Jessica) O’Connor, Kelly (Rod) Winans, Megan (Nick) Freeman, Kevin Aldrich, Ricky Aldrich, and Jay Aldrich; and a beloved care giver, Sharon Nye. She was predeceased by: her father, James Edward Ewart; paternal grandparents, Maynard & Mae Ewart; an uncle, Donald Ewart; and a brother-in-law, Mike O’Connor. 

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, Wellsville. A Celebration of life will follow at 8 PM. A graveside service in Stannards Cemetery is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the David A. Howe Public Library, the SPCA Serving Allegany County and the Emerald Hook & Ladder Fire Company. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Susan “Susie” M. (Bliven) Abbott

Sylvania PA—Susan “Susie” M. (Bliven) Abbott passed away on Sunday, December 19, 2021, after a courageous battle with Covid in Geisinger Hospital, Danville, PA. She was born on March 9, 1958, to the late Paul and Lucille (Cline) Bliven.

Susie graduated from Belmont Central School in 1976. On June 25, 1977, she married her soulmate and best friend, Robert “Bob” Abbott II who survives. Together they raised two daughters, Bobbie (Ray) Klein and Jody (Mike) Taylor in the home they built themselves in Belmont NY. After raising her family, Susie retired from her position as Payroll Clerk at the Allegany County Court House and she and her husband followed their dream of being their own boss and became the owners of B&S Convenience in Sylvania, PA.

Susie’s favorite past time was always spending as much time she could with her family and watching her grand-babies grow. She loved being on their land in Belmont to enjoy the outdoors. She always looked forward to bonfires and rides on the trails.

Along with her husband and daughters, she is survived by three brothers, Shawn (Lynn) Bliven, Dennis (Donna) Bliven, and Lintz (Karen) Bliven, sister-in-law Kim (David) Waters, brother-in-law Steve (Marlene) Cartwright, her grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased  in addition to her parents, by her father and mother-in-law, Bob and Donna Abbott, and sister-in-law Sharon Cartwright.

It was Susan’s request that her family plan a private celebration of her life in the spring. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Lorraine E. Caldwell, 70

Wellsville, NY—Lorraine E. Caldwell, 70, of 2375 Stannards Road passed away on Friday, December 17, 2021 at Jones Memorial Hospital following a very brief illness. She was born May 11, 1951 in Caneadea, the daughter of the late James and Margaret (Stanley) Truax. On May 16, 1974 in Byron, NY she married Robert C. Caldwell III, who survives.

Lorraine was raised on Beech Hill, and was a 1970 graduate of Wellsville High School. She was formerly employed by Short’s Deli, K-Mart, Debbie’s Hallmark, and Save-A-Lot.  She was a member of the Wellsville Moose Lodge #601, and the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702. She enjoyed riding side by side’s, spending weekends at their camp, watching soap operas, and loved spending time with her friends, extended family, and grandchildren. 

Surviving in addition to her husband, is a son, Rob (Nicole) Caldwell of Wellsville, and a daughter, Tami (Jim Mix) Caldwell of Hornell, five grandchildren, Gage Caldwell, Crystal (Blake) Lawrence, Jade McCarthy, Eric McCarthy, and Connor Mix, a sister, Francis (Arthur) Storey, four brothers, Ernest Truax, Milford (Pam) Truax, Duane (Shirley) Truax, and Winston (Barb) Truax, three sisters-in-law, Rozlyn Truax, Dorothy Truax, and Kate Truax, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents, by three brothers, James, Theron, and Ralph Truax, and a sister-in-law, Mary Truax.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, December, 21, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will be on Wednesday, December 22, at 11:00 am in the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com    

Olive “Oddie” Elaine Klang-O’Hara, age 78

Tega Cay SC/Wellsville, NY - Mrs. Olive “Oddie” Elaine Klang-O’Hara, age 78, passed away Thursday, November 25, 2021, at Piedmont Medical Center. She was surrounded by her daughters at the time of her passing.  Olive was born on April 22, 1943 in Andover, NY the daughter of the late Grant and Louise (Caffery) Fuller. 

She graduated from Andover High School in 1962. On December 1, 1962, she married the late William “Artie” Klang at the Presyberian Church in Andover, NY. Together, they raised 3 daughters in Wellsville, NY. Oddie lived in Wellsville for the majority of her life. She was a homemaker and worked in retail sales and was most known for her many years at Hamilton’s Shoe Store.

Olive loved the Lord, Jesus Christ. She was a member of the Christian Temple for many years and attended Barefoot Church in Myrtle Beach. Olive’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by her 3 daughters and sons-in-laws, 8 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. Daughter Lisa (Chris) Schwier and their children Christopher, Kelsey, and Cameron and grandchildren, Lanie Schwier, Chander Schwier, and Olive Tyler. Daughter Tina (Brian) Harris and their children, Jason (Jessica) Harris, Justin Harris, Jenna Harris and grandchildren Chelsea and Carson Harris. Daughter Barb (Mike) Strait and their children Tenley and MJ Strait. She had one surviving sister, Bonnie Johnson and children Kerrie and Jason, her best friend, Bonnie Baldwin; her nieces and nephews, Stacey, Rick, Jeff, Shelly, Mike, and Dee Dee Smith, Joyce Fuller, as well as two step daughters Jennifer and Sarah O’Hara and many cherished lifelong friends.

She married the late John “Jack” O’Hara in 2004 and they later moved to Calabash, NC where they spent many years. Olive then lived with her daughter and son-in-law Barb and Mike Strait and their family for the past year and a half in Tega Cay, SC.

Olive was one of the most compassionate and kind human-beings on earth. She always smiled at everyone, and had the patience of a saint. She loved to dance, especially line-dancing, but her family was the most important thing in the world to her.

A celebration of life is planned for Memorial Day weekend in Wellsville, NY with a location to be determined soon. Friends and family will be notified of the plans very soon as her immediate family knows how special she was to so many. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Robert N. Burdick Sr. 87

Belmont, NY — Robert N. Burdick Sr. 87, of 5 Wells Lane, passed away at home on Thursday, December 16, 2021, with his family at his side. He was born July 4, 1934 in Angelica the son of the late E. Burdette and Frances L. (Kemp) Burdick. On December 12, 1953 in the Belmont First Baptist Church, he married the former Carol Ann Peterson, who predeceased him on March 6, 1997. 

Bob was raised in Alfred and was a 1953 graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United State Marine Corps, and served from 1954 to 1956. He lived in many towns until settling on the Vandermark Road in Scio in the summer 1975; he remained on the Vandermark until October of 1997 when he moved to West Virginia. He married Phyllis Beatty in September of 1998, she predeceased him on March 5, 2018, he then moved back to Allegany County and settled in Belmont. 

He was a jack of all trades. In his fifty-seven years of working he was employed as a factory worker, a farmer, truck driver, Highway Superintendent for the Town of Ward, Security Guard for Burns Security at Dresser Rand in Wellsville, and finally an employee at Walmart until his retirement. Bob loved working on crafts during his retirement, especially latch hook projects. He attended the Alfred-Almond Bible Church; and he loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by: three sons, Raymond D. (Mary Ellen) Burdick of Belmont, Robert N. (Donna) Burdick Jr. of Fayetteville, NC, and Bryan H. (Joanne) Burdick of Belmont; two daughters, Rhonda E. (Roy) Bryan of Richlands, NC and Marcy J. (Doug) Crawford of Belmont; five step-children, Bonnie, Brenda, Kenneth, Douglas & Jeffery; twelve grandchildren, Nicole (Scott) Leo, Corina Greer, Shannon Burdick, Amanda (David) Marshburn, Hannah Burdick, Veronica Davis, Sarah Burdick, Jessica (Bruce) Kear, William (Laura) Hancock, Aaron (Shirlena) Burdick, Bryan Burdick Jr., and Elijah Burdick; fifteen great-grandchildren, Reagan & Riley Greer, Addison & Kennedy Marshburn, Kylee Ann , Bryan, & Jacob Kear, Salia & Adam Burdick, Bryce, Zachary & Damon Davis, Ryan Leo, and Toby & Alex Hancock; a brothers-in-law, Bill Retorick; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, and wives, he was predeceased by: a daughter, Robyn C. Burdick; a daughter-in-law, Diane K. Burdick; two grandsons, Dustin J. Burdick & Wayne R. Hancock; two brothers, Frank & Raymond Burdick; a sister, Jeanette Retorick; four brothers-in-law, Carl Peterson, Herbert Harrington, James Bassinger; and Donald Peterson; and five sisters-in law, June Harrington, Sally Bassinger, Marilyn Peterson, Joanne Burdick, and Janice Burdick.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, December 20, 2021 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, Inc. in Belmont (17 Schuyler St.). The funeral will follow at 6:30 pm with Pastor Ken Shutt presiding. Burial will be in Alfred Rural Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Allegany County Cancer Services, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Alfred-Almond Bible Church, or any charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Edward Daniel Linnecke Jr. 30

Scio, NY - , of 3420 Riverside Drive died on Monday, December 13, 2021 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born February 18, 1991 in Olean, the son of Edward Sr. and Hortensia (Rodriquez) Linnecke.

Ed was raised in Belmont and was a 2009 graduate of Genesee Valley High School. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Houghton College, and a Jurisprudence Doctorate from William & Mary Law School in Virginia. Throughout his life, and especially within the last year, he battled with his mental health. Despite his struggles he was still a kind soul who accomplished many things. In high school he played Tennis, Soccer, and Basketball (in which he was awarded MVP), participated in the music programs, and was very interested in photography. He was briefly employed by the ACLU in Portland, Oregon; and then by the Spectator in Hornell. He was a man of faith, RIP. 

He is survived by: his mother, Hortensia Linnecke; a sister, Mary Lou (Larry) Linnecke-Blocho of Belfast; nephews, Larry Blocho, Reiley (Brooke) Blocho, Ethan Blocho, and Andrew Blocho; grandparents, Frank and Cathleen Linnecke of Scio; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Edward D. Linnecke Sr. on November 3, 2021. 

A private graveside service is being planned at St. Joseph’s Cemetery of Scio. Please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Victoria Ann Cooney, 79

Wellsville, NY - Victoria Ann Cooney, 79, of Meriam Heights, passed away on Sunday, December 12, 2021 in Garden Gates Nursing Home of Cheektowaga. She was born on February 6, 1942 in Buffalo, New York, the daughter of the late Charles and Alice (McAlier) Hunt.

Vicky was a graduate of Riverside High School and General School of Nursing, both of Buffalo. Once she made her way to Belmont, she resided there for the rest of her life. She was the owner/cook of the Coffee Mill restaurant for thirty-nine years, serving Belmont and the surrounding communities. She was a member of the Belmont Legion Auxiliary, Wellsville Moose Lodge, Wellsville VFW Auxiliary, and the Cuba AMVETS.

She is survived by: a son, Jeffrey Lapp of Talladega, AL; grandchildren, Sarah Lapp and Kelsey Ousley; great-grandchildren, Gabe and Tucker Ousley; sister, Sally Scholes of Belmont; niece, Allison Martin; and nephew, Sam Hess. She was predeceased by her parents.

At this time, following the wishes of the family, there are no services planned. The family asks that in lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to Amity Rescue Squad or Belmont American Legion Auxiliary. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Shirley A. Whitesell, 71

Wellsville, NY—Shirley A. Whitesell, 71, of 1995 Schrader Road went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, December 11, 2021. She was born December 13, 1949 in Olean, the daughter of the late Joseph and Rose (Burrows) O’Brien. On March 30, 1990 in Stannards she married Richard “Dick” Whitesell who survives.

Shirley attended school in Allegany, NY. In 1968 she moved to Wellsville, married Ron Nye, and started her family. She was formerly employed at Big N, and K-Mart in Wellsville. She then worked as a Direct Support Professional for Allegany Arc. She was a former member of the Hallsport Christian Church for many years. She enjoyed crocheting, ceramics, scrapbooking, collecting angles, and loved her dogs.

Surviving in addition to her husband, are two sons, Ronald Nye Jr., and Thomas (Jill) Nye, both of Wellsville, three stepsons, Richard (Kathy) Whitesell of Wellsville, Steven (Doris) Whitesell, and Paul Whitesell, both of Florida, two grandsons, Jacob and Brandon, several step grandchildren, and a brother, Joe (Mary) O’Brien of Olean. 

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 16, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. Citing Covid concerns, the funeral will be private. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to Behold Israel https://beholdisrael.org/donate/

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

Ronald L. Freeman, 82

Ward, NY - Ronald L. Freeman, 82, of 2161 Baker Road, passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 in the Hornell Gardens Nursing Home, after a brief illness. He was born in Wellsville on January 7, 1939 the son of the late Louis O. and Velma (Davis) Freeman. On August 23, 1958 in Andover he married the former June Burch, who survives.

Ron was a 1957 graduate of Wellsville High School. While in school he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve, with which he would serve from 1956 – 1964. He began his farming career on his grandfather’s dairy farm on Fords Brook Road (North Branch) in Wellsville. In 1966 he bought his farm on Baker Road in the Town of Ward which he operated until 1982. While farming, he was also employed in several capacities, including: ACES at Alfred State College, The Feed Mill in Belmont, the Oil Leases for Otis-Eastern Corp., a driver for Allegany ARC, and as a bus driver for Wellsville Central Schools (where he was especially loved by the Wellsville Marching Lions) retiring in 2002. In 1982, he and his son Terrance, purchased their own oil leases on Noble Road in Belmont, and Davis Hill Road in Scio. Beyond his careers, he was involved with several organizations and events including: the FFA, which he first joined during High School; the leader of 4H, starting in 1966 until his death; Former vice president and long time member of the Allegany County Fair Board; member of the Wellsville Moose Lodge #601; member of the Chautauqua Moose-Legion #73; member of the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702; the first in New York State to offer a Snowmobile Safety Course (est. 1971); coaching for the Alfred-Almond Little League; a member of the First Trinity Lutheran Church of Wellsville; former president and founding member of the Jericho Hill Snowmobile Club; and life-long member of the Grange. His life was highlighted by his zeal and dedication to volunteering.

In addition to his wife of sixty-three years, June, he is survived by: two sons, Ricky (Angela) Freeman of Wellsville, and Terrence (Anna Mae) Freeman of Alma; three daughters, Yvonne (Gary) Davis of Friendship, Zelda (Larry) Watson of Andover, and Yvette Freeman of Andover; thirteen grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; a niece, and several cousins. He was predeceased by: his parents; three sisters, Shirley Hamilton, Cleo Ruby Anderson, and Bonita Freeman; a brother, Douglas Freeman; and a daughter-in-law, Twila Freeman.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, December 10, 2021 from 7-9 PM and Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 2 -4 PM at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville (34 West State Street). A memorial service will follow on Saturday at 4 PM in the funeral home with Deacon Frank Pasquale presiding. Please consider memorial donations to the Almond Grange, 799 Sibleys Road, Alfred Station, NY, 14803. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Laura Ann Franklin-Willson

Elmira, NY - Laura Ann Franklin-Willson, 35, of 1055 College Avenue, died on Friday, December 3, 2021 at the Arnot-Ogden Medical Center following a brief illness. She was born May 21, 1986, in Wellsville, the daughter of Walter L. and Constance A. (Lawrence) Franklin. 

Laura attended school in both Wellsville and Hornell. She was formerly employed by Ashley Home Furniture in Olean, and the Men’s Warehouse in Horseheads. She was a former attendee of the Full Gospel Church in Wellsville. She enjoyed the latest fashion trends, shopping, and was a born salesperson. 

She is survived by: a daughter, Justine Willson of Belmont; a son, Arlo Klein of Elmira; her fiance` Tim Edwards of Elmira; her mother, Constance A. (Paul) DeCarolis of  Lancaster; three brothers, Kenny Franklin of Wellsville, and Darren (Nichole) Franklin of Hornell; and Scott (Jennifer) Wojtaszczyk of Sandusky, three sisters, Carol Franklin of Eldred, PA, Michele (Christopher) Franklin-France of Hornell; and Anne Marie (David) Gross of Grand Island; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her father, Walter Franklin. 

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 9, 2021, from 12 noon to 2PM at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville, NY (34 West State Street). The funeral will follow visitation at 2:00 PM in the funeral home. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Allen N. Mohilewsky, 74

Belmont, NY - Allen N. Mohilewsky, 74 of 15 Willets Avenue passed away on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 following a brief illness. He was born June 6, 1947 in Buffalo the son of the late Nathan and Velma (Beck) Mohilewsky. On January 25, 1969 in Friendship he married Carole A. Reed who survives. 

Allen was a 1965 graduate of Friendship High School, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the State University of New York at Fredonia. He was employed as a substitute teacher until he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force in 1970. He attended Navigator Training School in California, and served as a navigator on C-130's at Forbes AFB in Topeka, KS, the Philippines, and Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. He served with the U. S. Air Force Reserve in Niagara Falls form 1977 until he retired with the rank of Major in 1990. Allen loved serving his country, and flew literally around the world. He initiated a “Baby Lift” flying babies from Viet Nam to the Phillipines, and was a member of the All Air Force Softball Team.

Al and Carole owned and operated the G. LaRue Sears Insurance Agency Inc. in Belmont from 1986 until 2007. He also operated Al's Trees and Wreaths for several years. He was a former member of the Belmont First United Methodist Church, and a member of the Cuba First Baptist Church. He was an active parent of the Immaculate Conception School in Wellsville, serving as chairman of the Monte Carlo Night, and was active with Archbishop Walsh High School, where he served as the Girls Soccer coach for four years. He was a charter member of the Keynote Chorus in Portville, an umpire for High School Baseball, he played in the Wellsville Softball League, and loved to play golf.

Surviving in addition to his wife Carole, is a daughter, Robin N. Mohilewsky of Tampa, Fl, two granddaughters, Anastasia Rose and Arianna Reed Mohilewsky, two aunts, Belva Burch of Oswego, and Esther Hakes of Williamsport, PA, and several cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Reed N. Mohilewsky on June 11, 2014.

Friends are invited to a “Time of Remembrance” on Sunday, December 5, 2021, beginning at 2:00 pm at the Cuba First Baptist Church. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington DC, Please consider memorial donations to the Cuba First Baptist Church, 17 South Street, Cuba, NY 14727. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.