Friday, December 30, 2022

Rita Adams Sick, 95

Wellsville, NY – Rita Adams Sick, 95, of Wellsville, died Monday, December 12, 2022 at the Hart Comfort House with her family at her side. Born November 26, 1927 in Mount Kisco, NY, she was the daughter of the late Clinton and Eleanor (Hubbard) Adams. In Rita’s early childhood years, she and her family resided in Ridgefield, CT, where her father was employed as the head poultryman on the country estate of the Buckley family. In 1935, during the height of the Great Depression, her family moved to Genesee, PA and began dairy farming. The next decade of Rita’s life involved the endless hard work of life on a dairy farm initially without electricity or indoor plumbing, and later, all the sacrifices required for the American war effort during World War II. This life experience shaped her values of thrift, practicality, and a strong work ethic without complaint that endured for the remainder of her life. Rita graduated from the Genesee school in 1945 as valedictorian of her graduating class and went proudly off to Waynesburg College that fall at age 17. She received her Bachelors degree in 1949, graduating Magna Cum Laude. During the summers and school breaks she worked at the Chapman Burroughs store in Genesee to pay her own way through college. The summer following her college graduation, she lived with her aunt in New York City and worked as a hostess at the iconic Hotel New Yorker on 8 th Avenue, where she became a devoted, life- long fan of the New York Yankees.

 Rita’s teaching career occurred by happenstance. She wanted to attend law school and viewed elementary teaching as a temporary way to finance that goal. She quickly fell in love with being a teacher and made it her career. Her first teaching job as Miss Adams was in Whitesville in 1950. She also taught a year at Andover before accepting a job offer from Wellsville Central School. She moved to Wellsville in 1952, where she met her future husband Robert Sick. Rita completed her Master’s of Science degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Geneseo in 1953. Bob and Rita were married July 1, 1955 at Trinity Lutheran Church. In 1960 they moved to the family farm on North Hill. Despite vowing to never live on a farm again, Rita found herself again living in the country. She and Bob spent many enjoyable years raising their family on the farm. North Hill was the site of innumerable family reunions and holiday celebrations over the years and was the favorite place to visit of all the nieces and nephews and eventually, grandchildren. Many wonderful memories were made on the farm by her children and their cousins and friends. Rita loved hosting family events and the holiday table was always full of her homemade pies, cakes and cookies. Rita was an avid gardener, nature lover, and bird watcher. She could identify any tree, bird, or wildflower. She spent countless hours tending her magnificent flower beds, both at her home on North Hill and later her house on Central Place, and got great enjoyment making them a thing of beauty for passersby to enjoy.

 

Rita retired in 1984 after 31 years of teaching in the Wellsville Central School district. Her committed devotion to teaching and her student’s education and learning was the centerpiece of her life. After they both retired, she and Bob enjoyed “snow birding” in Ocala, Florida for many years, where they made many dear friends. In her later years, Rita gave up traveling and enjoyed participating in many local groups including the Red Hat ladies, the quilting group, and her beloved exercise classes. She was an especially avid reader and kept current on world news and politics up until her final days. Rita was a proud member of the Catherine Schuyler chapter of the NSDAR and was a life member of the National Education Association and the Delta Kappa

Gamma.

 

Rita was a woman of deep Christian faith and a longtime member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Wellsville

 

Rita was predeceased by her husband Bob on October 13, 2009, after 54 years of marriage. In addition to her parents, Clinton and Eleanor Adams of Genesee, she was also predeceased by three of her siblings, Clinton Adams of Rochester, Arlene Lang of Ithaca and Dick Adams of Washington.

 

Rita is survived by her two children: her son, David (Marsha) Sick, and her daughter, Cynthia (Kevin) Schreiner, all of Wellsville; her granddaughter, Lindsey Sick (Kenneth Borda) of Elizabeth City, NJ; three grandsons, Brendan Schreiner (Hallie Brewer) of Portland, Oregon, Benjamin (Katrin) Weyland of Heidelberg, Germany, and Shawn (Melissa) Schreiner of Arnold, Maryland; and a great-grandson, Tim Weyland of Heidelberg. She is additionally survived by her brother, Gordon (Joanne) Adams of Genesee, PA, a sister-in-law, Doris Adams of Milton, Washington, and a large extended family including numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, and many dear friends.

 

Rita’s family would like to thank all the many wonderful medical providers and caregivers who made Rita’s last years enjoyable, especially the staff at Manor Hills, who made it possible for her to be active, independent, and feisty as ever, right up to the last weeks of her life.

 

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, January 6th, 2023, from 2 – 4 and 7 to 9 PM at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 11 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 470 N. Main St, Wellsville, NY 14895. Please consider memorial donations to: The Hart Comfort House,141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895; Trinity Lutheran Church, 470 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895; or the David A Howe Library, 155 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

David E. Kotch, 75

Wellsville, NY – David E. Kotch, 75, of 4192-A Bolivar Road passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2022 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. He was born August 16, 1947 in Jamestown, the son of the late George and Marguerite (Robbins) Kotch. 

Dave was raised in Jamestown, and attended Jamestown and Frewsburg High Schools. He was a member of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary, the Immaculate Conception Church, New Horizons, and the Allegany Rehabilitation Associates in Wellsville. Dave was a man of great faith, and will be missed by his many friends in Wellsville.

He is survived by a sister, Merry (Donald) Pangborn of Jamestown, a sister-in-law, Bonnie Kotch of Frewsburg, NY as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased in addition to his parents, by a sister, Carol Ann Kotch in 1943, and a brother, Dennis Kotch in 2016.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 29, 2022, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, 36 Maple Avenue in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Thursday, following visitation. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery in Lakewood, NY. Please consider memorial donations to the Immaculate Conception Church. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Monday, December 26, 2022

Norma Bartlett, 77

Wellsville, NY – Norma Bartlett, 77, of Hillcrest Drive, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 24, 2022, in her home. She was born in Wellsville on November 16, 1945, the daughter of the late Felix and Marie (Cristini) Biancuzzo. On July 17, 1965, she married her husband of 57 years, James E. Bartlett, who survives.

 Norma attended the Eastman School of Music as a voice major in 1963. She earned her Associate’s degree from Alfred State College, her Bachelor’s degree in music education from Houghton College (graduating in 1989), and her Master’s degree in music from the State University of New York at Fredonia in 1994, where she was a member of Phi Beta Cappa. While earning her Master’s she was the music teacher for Bolivar-Richburg Central School from 1992 to 2009. Once retiring from Bolivar-Richburg she was the music teacher for Immaculate Conception School from 2010 to 2019.

 

Beyond teaching, she was also an All-State Vocal Adjudicator for the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) for over 20 years. For over ten years she was the organist and choir director at Holy Family Catholic Church in Belmont until her death. She also offered private voice lessons to dozens of aspiring young musicians in Allegany County through out her exceptional musical career. But most of all in 1975 she became a charter member of the Genesee Valley Chorus, which was founded to celebrate the bicentennial. She has been its director for over a decade. Her family, former students, choir members, and friends in the community will remember Norma for her exceptional soprano voice and musical talent was well as her vivacious personality. 

 

In addition to her loving husband, Jim, she is survived by: two children, David L. (Andrea) Bartlett of West Henrietta, NY and Karen Bartlett-Morse of Auburn, NY; two sisters, Ann McKay of Rochester, NY and Marie (David) Vaklyes of Reston, VA; and several nieces and nephews.

 

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 29, 2022, from 2 – 4 PM at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 30, 2022, at 11 AM at Holy Family Church, 5 Milton Street, Belmont, NY 14813. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Belmont. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Genesee Valley Chorus in care of President Dana Ross, 5196 State Route 244  Belmont, NY 14813.  To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Saturday, December 24, 2022

Joan D. Lynch, 89

Wellsville, NY  Joan D. Lynch, 89, of Stannards Road, passed away on Friday, December 23, 2022 at Highland Park in Wellsville. She was born in Wellsville on July 14, 1933 the daughter of the late Elmer and Doris (Latten) Dickerson. In Andover, she married Matthew Lynch, who predeceased her on March 18, 2002. 

Joan was a 1951 graduate of Wellsville High School. She found her Secretarial Career inthe Wellsville School System and was dutifully employed for 43 years, retiring in 1996. Within her 43-year tenure she saw several generations grow up at the Brooklyn Street School and then at the new school on Fair Street. Beyond her career she loved to travel with Matthew, boating, and camping. Later in life she enjoyed being at home with her family close by. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. She was a joy to all who knew her and treated everyone as her own, perfectly summed up by her senior yearbook, “A dear little miss with a dear little smile, A keen sense of humor, a neat little style”.

 

She is survived by: a son, Brian (Kelly) Lynch of Stannards; four grandchildren, Megan (Matthew) Billings of Stannards, Cory Lynch of Stannards, Tonya Lynch of Mendon, and Kelsey Lynch of Stannards; two great-grandsons, Deegan Waters and David Lynch; two sisters, Elaine Baker of Belmont, and Delores Radford of Inverness, FL. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a son, David Lynch. 

 

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 from 2 -4 & 7-9 PM at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 1 PM. at Immaculate Conception Church, 36 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895 Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery of Andover. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Friday, December 23, 2022

Amy Kay Palmer, 80

Wellsville, NY -- Amy Kay Palmer died Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022 at Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville, NY. She was born July 23, 1942 in Cuba, N.Y., the daughter of the late Jay S. and Dorothy (Allen) Schwab. She was raised in Friendship, graduated from Friendship Central School in 1960, and went on to attend Arnot Ogden School of Nursing in Elmira, earning a NY State Registered Professional Nursing License in 1963. She married Jon C. Palmer on Aug. 31, 1963 in Friendship, N.Y. while he was serving in the Air Force. When they returned to the area, they settled at a farmstead on Hanover Hill in Wellsville, where they raised their family.

 

Jon died in December 1999. Amy was also predeceased by her parents, a brother, Jay Allen (Pete) Schwab, and two sisters Linda Barnett and Diane Creech. She is survived by her children, Joann (Julio) Gracia of Falls Church, VA and Jerome (Pamala) Palmer of Scio, NY; a sister, Tina (Dan) Yanke in Inverness, FL, and two brothers, Richard (Theresa) Schwab of Ligonier, PA, and James (Sandy) Schwab of Summerville, SC. Also, eight grandchildren: Jonathan, Michael and Jason Gracia; Hayley and Paige Palmer, and Tosha Sheridan, Shayna (Eric) Murray, and Autumn (Adam) Dixon, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and several great-grandchildren.

 

Amy began her nursing career as an RN at Jones Memorial Hospital, moving on to local doctor's offices. She became safety director/occupational health nurse at Air Preheater in Wellsville. That led to launching On-Site Health and Safety Services Inc. with her husband in 1989, where she served as president until her retirement in 2008.

 

She held numerous memberships and certifications in her field of occupational health and safety – as a hearing conservationist, occupational health nurse, OSHA site worker protection specialist and as an industrial hygienist. She belonged to the Allegany County Nurses Association, American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, and served as president of the Allegany NY Association of Occupational Health Nurses.

 

Amy and Jon enjoyed many wonderful years on their beloved Hanover Hill homestead where, depending upon the season, they could be found tapping maple trees, hosting countless gatherings of family and friends, pressing apples, and tending their Christmas tree plantation. Amy was a terrific cook, a great baker and a super homemaker. She was keeper of the family recipes and could whip up a delicious carrot cake, blueberry buckle or strawberry shortcake on short notice.

 

The Palmers hosted pig roasts, clam bakes, and barbecues by the score. Their home became a magnet for family gatherings year-round, from summer campouts (especially during Wellsville Balloon Rally weekends), to hunting and ice-skating parties and Christmas gatherings. Many hours were spent coaching the younger generation on the finer points of kneading homemade bread, cooking frog legs at midnight, and getting pine pitch out of their hair. She took her role seriously when assisting her husband and partner in crime by distracting the nieces and nephews while Jon primed the marshmallow tree for discovery by wide-eyed youngsters.

 

Her appetite for adventure was fed with trips to Alaska, Japan, and numerous New York to Florida trips punctuated with stops at any beach with a sunset. All friends were greeted with a hug, and most strangers were as well. As her once legendary driving skills began to diminish, she found herself staying closer to home, and later in life basset hounds, beagles and grandchildren were on her preferred company list (not necessarily in that order). Amy knew her Lord, and went gracefully with Joann, Jerry and Pam at her side.

There will be no visitation. A private graveside service for family was held Friday, December 23, 2022. A memorial service will be held at a later date when Amy’s favorite flowers – tulips and daffodils – begin to bloom. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Lois Ann Feller, 91

Wellsville, NY – Lois Ann Feller, 91, a resident of Manor Hills, passed away on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at Jones Memorial Hospital with family at her side. She was born January 6, 1931 in Dalton, NY the daughter of Joseph and Olive (Barker) Cox. She was the third of 14 children. Lois was raised in Nunda and was a 1949 graduate of Keshequa High School.

On July 24, 1954 in Nunda, she married Richard H. Feller who predeceased her on October 13, 2014. She and Dick moved to Wellsville in 1955, and built a house at 70 S. Franklin Street. She was formerly employed at Olean-American Tile and AVX in Olean, and worked part time at the Boaster in Wellsville. She enjoyed sewing, shopping, traveling, reading, and listening to Country music. She and Dick were members of the Grand Squares, a popular square dance group in Wellsville. Her family was her pride and joy. She rarely missed a family event or activity that her grandchildren were a part of. She made it a priority to visit as many of her siblings as possible. She was the strongest, most caring person and would do anything for anyone.

Lois is survived by her Twin daughters, Jackie Feller, and her companion, Antoin Reeves of Rochester, and Judy Kear of Wellsville, six grandchildren, Amanda (Martin) Hilfiker, Arron (Laura) Holland, Karie (Eric) DeWaters, Jaime McLaughlin, Bruce (Jessi) Kear, and Stephen (Ashley) Kear, 18 great-grandchildren, eight siblings, Eva (Hugh) Barbour, Eleanor (Chuck) Lamonte, Phil (Avis) Cox, Virginia Lucier, Betty Jean Bunt, Donald (Marge) Cox, Roger (Sandy) Cox, and Barbara (Gary) Beardsley, a brother-in-law, Paul (Marion) Vandruff, a sister-in-law, Rose Cox as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased in addition to her parents and husband, by an infant daughter, Jaenne Ann Feller, a sister, Mary Jane VanDruff, sisters-in-laws, Barb Cox, Joyce Cox, and Joan Cox, four brothers, Ronald, Jack, Ralph, and Joe Cox, and three brothers-in-law, Harry Lucier, George Dunn, and Larry Bunt.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, December 17, 2022 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 with Pastor Calvin Densmore presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

William E. Wonderling, 85

William E. Wonderling, 85, of 120 Trapping Brook Road passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. He is survived by his wife, Deanna, three sons, William (Jill) Wonderling of Wellsville, Marc (Rebbecca) Wonderling of Louisa, VA, and Rick (Heather) Wonderling of Wellsville, two daughters, Debbie McAndrew of Ocala, FL, and Jacquelynn (David) Faulkner of Hertford, NC, 14 Grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Dean Wonderling. Following his wishes, there will be no visitation or memorial service. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Rita A. Sick, 95, Death notice

Wellsville, NY – Rita A. Sick, 95, of Manor Hills, passed away on Monday, December 12, 2022 at the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville. Friends are invited to call on Friday, January 6, 2023 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, January 7, at 11:00 am in the First Trinity Lutheran Church, 470 N. Main Street in Wellsville. A complete obituary will be published at a later date. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Beverly K. Gibbs, 74

Wellsville, NY – Beverly K. Gibbs, 74, passed peacefully on December 11, 2022, at Highland Hospital in Rochester, after a month-long battle with renal failure. She was born September 7, 1948 in Buffalo the daughter of the late John and Louise (Stoker) Kirsits. On July 8, 1972 she married Timothy “Tim” Gibbs, and they were able to celebrate 50 years together this past summer. 

Bev graduated from Kensington High School, and from the University of Buffalo School of Pharmacy. She worked for many years as a hospital pharmacist, as well as in retail pharmacies, and also consulted in several local Nursing Facilities. She enjoyed many things in her life, such as raising her many golden retrievers. She loved many (perhaps too many) cats over the last several decades. She liked caring for plants and feeding the birds. She was a great fan of the Bills, Sabres, and Yankees and enjoyed her Tai Chi friends. 

She was able to travel to Europe, Jamaica, Cancun, California, and Vermont. She enjoyed many concerts, good movies, sporting events, cooking, and time with family and friends. Her great passion was duplicate bridge. A fine player in her own right, she directed many tournaments in places like Olean, Bradford, and Hornell, and really enjoyed her many bridge friends. 
In addition to her husband, Tim, she is survived by: her son, Jon (Megan) Gibbs; grandchildren, Harper Davis, Olyvia Davis, Mason Gibbs, and Elias Gibbs, all of Arkport; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her brother, John Kirsits of East Amherst. 
A Celebration of Bev’s Life will be announced at a future date. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA serving Allegany County, 5440 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Monday, December 12, 2022

Donna Jean Schleigh, 72

Willing, NY – Donna Jean Schleigh, 72, of Roeske Road, passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at home surrounded by her family. She was born on April 16, 1950 in Philadelphia, PA the daughter of the late Joseph and Agnes Reeves. In Elkton, MD on December 30, 1970 she married her husband of 52 years, Thomas “Tom” Schleigh, who survives. 

Many years ago, Tom discovered the Wellsville area as he was delivering a shipment to North Main Lumber, taking Tom’s word – and leaving behind a career opportunity in Morrisville’s Plastic Industry – Donna left North Philadelphia, and moved to Wellsville with Tom because they believed it would be a good place to live. Once getting to the area, she was employed by Elliott’s Bakery and then A&M Bowling Alley, working in the Kitchen and Bar; most of all she enjoyed taking care of her family and home. 

In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by: a daughter, Kelli (Rich) Rogalski of Fredonia; a son, Douglas (Joseph Lang) Schleigh of Philadelphia; two grandchildren, Brenna (Sam) Schleigh-Nelson of Westfield, NY and Shawn Rogalski of Fredonia; a brother, Joseph (Kathy) Reeves of Balm, FL; and several nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to a memorial service on Friday, December 16, 2022 at 2 pm in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street, with Deacon David Harvey presiding. Please consider memorial donations to a charity of your choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Clair Eugene Heysham, 78

Hilton, NY – Clair Eugene Heysham, 78, of Hilton, passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born on February 3, 1944 in Wellsville, the son of the late Harold and Doris (Stillman) Heysham. 

Heysh” was a 1963 graduate of Wellsville High School. Upon graduating, he enlisted with the United State Air Force. After his honorable discharge in 1968, he worked for Kodak, in Rochester for many years before moving his career to Harris Seed in Chili, NY. He was a former member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Wellsville. He very much enjoyed attending the Wellsville Balloon Rally each year; however, he tended to keep mostly to himself. 

He is survived by: three nieces, Michele Whitesides, Cindy Ray, and Lorrie Smith, as well as several great-nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Nancy Greene. 
Friends will be invited to a Graveside Service with full military honors at a later date with Reverend Dr. Eric Ash Sr. presiding. Please consider memorial donations to a charity of your choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Thursday, December 8, 2022

William George Hendrick, 86.

Wellsville, NY – William George Hendrick, 86, died peacefully surrounded with prayer at the Hart House of Wellsville on Sunday, November 22, 2022. He was born in Rochester the son of the late Basil and Ruth Hendrick and Isabel Pécor. In 1982 he married his wife of 40 years, Ann Searle, who survives. 

He was a lifelong resident of Wellsville and a devoted community leader. He graduated from Wellsville High School Class of 1955. Bill joined the US Army, serving in Korea from 1957 to 1959 with Honorable Discharge. Upon returning from the service, Bill was employed at Loblaws Grocery Store and Dresser Rand before purchasing the Arco Gas Station on the corner of State and Main Street in Wellsville. He converted it to the first Convenience Gas Store in the area. Owned and operated for 26 years, Bill was awarded “Store of the Year” for the North East Division of Area AM PM convenience stores in 1981 and was elected and served on the Sunoco Company Dealer Advisory Board in Philadelphia, PA for two years and elected Chairman of this board in his second year of his term, prior to selling Hendrick’s A Plus in 1996. In addition, he founded “Annie’s Ice” and Hendrick’s Plowing Businesses. Bill worked at Fassett Lane Home Building Center for a number of years as well as a salesman for Kubota Tractor Sales. 

Bill was a life member of the Emerald Hook and Ladder Fire Company. He was a member for many years of the Wellsville Lions club, serving as a past President. He was elected and served 20 consecutive years a dedicated Village Trustee. As a member of the elks club of Wellsville, Bill contributed to many of their charitable events and was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. Bill will be best remembered by many as a Servant leader to the community of Wellsville. Whether it was his known or unknown acts of kindness, Bill took great pride in just helping others. He was a member of the Wellsville country club for several years, enjoying the game of golf with many friends and family. He was a skilled carpenter and enjoyed many years of building and sharing his craftsmanship. He really enjoyed gardening every year and always shared the reap with neighbors and family. Bill was an avid fan of the NY Yankees and Buffalo Bills. 

Surviving, in addition to his loving wife, Ann, are: children, Lori, Linda, Jim, Brian, and Bridgette; grandchildren; brothers and sisters in law, Jeanne and Kevin Harris, Judy and Doug Lynch, and Patrick and Jacqueline Searle; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Basil and Ruth, he was predeceased by: a son, Donald; a brother, James B. Hendrick; and his parents-in-law, James and Elizabeth Searle. He was blessed with a loving family, many many close friends and neighbors who will always remember him for his recollection of years gone by of people, places, and events of the Wellsville area and his giving spirit of friendship to all. 

Ann wishes to express sincere gratitude of the compassionate and continuous care of Bill during the last two years of his struggling health, especially to Dr. Picco and Nurses, and to all the Healthcare Teams during the hospitalizations at Jones Memorial Hospital. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11 am in the Immaculate Conception Church of Wellsville, 36 Maple Avenue. Per Bill’s wishes, please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House, the Elks Club Scholarship Fund, and the Immaculate Conception School “Tuition Angels” Fund. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Friday, December 2, 2022

Nancy H. Petrichick, 83,

Belmont, NY – Nancy H. Petrichick, 83, of Willets Avenue passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at home surrounded by her family. She was born on September 24, 1939, in Buffalo, the daughter of, the late Lawrence E. and Mary (Hengerer) Hawkins. On September 5, 1958, in Hamburg, she married Gary M. Petrichick, who predeceased her on September 25, 2022. 

Nancy attended gradschool in both Buffalo and Olean, however she was a 1957 graduate of Hamburg High School graduating with a Regents Diploma. She continued her education at Alfred State College, graduating in 1977 with her associates; she then attended Alfred University graduating in 1980 Cum Laude with her Bachelors in Biology. Upon graduation, she began her banking career, first in First Trust Union (Fleet) Bank’s Trust Department, in 1984 she transferred to Key Trust Bank in Olean, where she worked as a Trust Officer and AVP until 1993. Upon retiring from banking, she was self-employed and ran Amity Accounting, providing trust and estate accounting services to area attorneys and accountants. 
In 1969 she and Gary had moved to Belmont, where she was very active in the community and surrounding areas. She was a past member of: the village of Blasdell Planning Board, the Allegany county Republican Women, Wellsville’s branch of the American Association of University Women (for whom she was president in 1973), the Olean Area Industrial Management Council (serving as president from 1993-1994), the Kiwanis Club of Olean, the C&O Canal Association, and the Belmont American Legion Post #808 Auxiliary. Outside of her career and dedication, she was a wonderful mother and grandmother. 
She is survived by: five children, Kevin (Cari) Petrichick of Rochester, Glenn Petrichick of Henderson, NV, Seth Petrichick of Belmont, Kirsten (Dean) Salyer of Angelica, and Roy (Tracy) Petrichick of Pittsfordten grandchildren, Sarah Petrichick, Evan Petrichick, Jett Brewer, Elise Petrichick, Emma Petrichick, Adam (Marah) Salyer, Alan (Antonio Menchaca) Salyer, Jared Petrichick, Riley Petrichick, and Thomas Petrichick; one great-granddaughter, Kira Salyer; a brother, Arthur Hawkins; a sister, Wendy Ryan; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a brother-in-law, William Ryan. 
Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life for both Nancy and Gary Petrichick on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at the Herbert W. DeLong American Legion Post 808 of Belmont. Please consider memorial donations to a charity of your choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Monday, November 28, 2022

Jason Thomas Lane, 47

Allentown, NY – Jason Thomas Lane, 47, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 26, 2022, while visiting family in Allentown. He was born August 17, 1975 in Tucson, Arizona the son of Charles T. and Rose M. (Vigil) Lane. On August 10, 2008, in Ridley, PA he married Emily Virginia Butts who survives.

Jason was raised in Tucson, and was a 1993 graduate of Amphi High School. He received a Bachelors Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the Northern Arizona University, and a Masters Degree in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix. While in Flagstaff he worked as a manager at Busters Restaurant. After moving to Philadelphia in 2005, he was employed as the Assistant Manager of Food Service for Philadelphia University and Arcadia University. Later he became Site Operations Technician and Enterprise Operating Center Manager for TierPoint - Valley Forge, PA. Since 2020 he has been a Systems Administrator for La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA. He also served his community as Minority Inspector of Election for Delaware County, PA.

Jason was a family man and loved spending time with his wife, kids, and dogs. He loved to cook, fish, camp, and go canoeing. Jason was a die-hard Eagles fan and will be missed whenfriends and loved ones celebrate the Eagles victory in the Superbowl. 
Surviving, in addition to his wife Emily, are three children, Lilyana R. Lane, Milo T. Lane, and Aubriel D. Lane, his mother, Rose M. Lane of Tucson, AZ, a sister, Monica Lane-Bundrant of Tucson, AZ, father and mother-in-law, Marvin and Donna Butts of Allentown, brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Sarah Manzo of Allentown, five beloved nieces and nephews, Aiden Bundrant, Creigh, Avin, Nia, and  Kallen Manzo, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and his loving canine companions, Steve and Shongo.
Friends are invited to call Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 2-3 PM at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville, NY. The funeral will follow visitation at 3 PM in the Funeral Home. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 State Route 19, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Friday, November 25, 2022

Leila F. Slocum, 89

Eldred, PA – Leila F. Slocum, 89, formerly of 63 Evens Road passed away peacefully on  Thursday, November 24, 2022 at Sweden Valley Manor in Coudersport, PA. She was born September 27, 1933 in Bolivar the daughter of the late George and Marjorie (Marsh) Fanton. In 1955 she married Douglas Slocum, who predeceased her on March 28, 1990.

Leila was a 1952 graduate of Bolivar High School. She was employed at the Little Genesee Library and taught Quilting Classes, (which were her passion) for several years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 97, in Portville.  
She is survived by two sons, William (Rhonda) Slocum of Wellsville, and Edward Slocum of Johnson City, TN, two daughters, Mary (Steve) Langworthy of Eldred, and Carolyn (James) Shields of Shinglehouse, PA, eight grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by an infant brother, Buster Fanton, and a sister, Ruth Kenyon. 
Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 from 12 noon to 2 PM at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will follow at 2 PM in the funeral home with Rev. Marilyn Hale presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations to the Little Genesee Library, or the ALS Association. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Mary Jane Wells, 89

Belmont, NY – Mary Jane Wells, 89, of County Route 31A, passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at the home of her daughter in Hammondsport. She was born February 9, 1933 in Pike Township, PA the daughter of the late James and Emma (Cochran) Empson. On August 18, 1947 in Carrollton, KY she married her husband of fifty-years, Norman Wells Jr., who predeceased her January 13, 1998. 

Mary was a life long resident of Allegany County. She attended both Scio and Greenwood Schools. She was previously employed by Westinghouse in Bath, and later as a Home Health Aid for many years, retiring in 1995. She was a member of the Scio Senior Sunshine Club, the Belmont First Baptist Church, and she loved travel. 
She is survived by: four daughters, Cheryl (Mike Hunt) Scott of Friendship, Karen (Don) Beckwith of Angelica, Kathy (Jim) Miller of Hornell, and Karol (Jay) Palmer of Hammondsport; three sons, Marvin Wells of Scio,  and Martin (Linzie) Wells of Friendship, and Jerry (Janice) Wells of Belmont, 14 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, a very special friend, Betty Nichols of North Chili. In addition to her parents and husband she was predeceased by: a son, Mark Wells; and two sisters, Nancy Empson and Virginia Brownell.
Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Thursday, December 1, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Belmont, 17 Schuyler Street. A celebration will follow visitation Thursday, at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Phil Brown presiding. Burial will be in Oramel Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Belmont First Baptist Church. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Friday, November 18, 2022

Richard L. Livergood, 90

Belmont, NY – Richard L. Livergood, 90, of County Road 48, passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Cuba Memorial Hospital. He was born in Belmont on March 30, 1932 the son of the late Clifford and Gertrude (Mattison) Livergood. On December 9, 1954 in Friendship, he married his wife of 59 years, Helen Sherwood, who predeceased him on March 1, 2014. 

Dick was raised in the Belmont-Friendship area. He found his career at Dresser-Rand Corporation in Olean, as a Crane Operator. He was a member of the Knight’s Creek Evangelical Methodist Church. He enjoyed wood crafts. 

He is survived by: three children, Lorrie (Charles) Hickey of Cincinnati, OH, Rebecca (Jeffrey) Voss of Fillmore, and David Livergood of Cincinnati, OH; Six Grandchildren; Seven Great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by: a son, Brian Livergood; five siblings, Lawrence Livergood, Barbara Cummins, Ruth Tuttle, Jack Livergood, and Paul Livergood. 
Family and Friends are invited to attend a Graveside service on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 2 PM in Forest Hills Cemetery of Belmont, with Reverend Carl Kemp presiding. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 NY-19 , Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Roger L. Ramsey, 63

Wellsville, NY – Roger L. Ramsey, 63, of 234 Stevens Street passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born May 4, 1959 in Wellsville the son of Mona E. (Kenyon) Ramsey. On July 11, 1997 in Wellsville he married Barbara A. Finn who Survives. 

Roger was a 1977 graduate of Scio Central School, where he served as class president for all four years. He began his career at age 16, working at Radio Shack, and K-Mart in Wellsville. In 1981 he moved to Colorado and was employed by Storage Technology in Louisville, CO for 20 years. In 1990 he moved to the east coast, and continued with Storage Technology. In 2004 he moved back to Wellsville and opened the Computer Clinic. He received a patent for “Skystream” which allowed remote internet access at community functions, In Colorado he was a weather watcher for the Mountain States Weather Service. While in Burlington, VT he volunteered at the local access TV station, operating the cameras, lighting, and sound. He provided free internet access to the organizers and balloonist at the Great Wellsville Balloon Rally for many years.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a sister, Deborah L. Ramsey of Wellsville, a brother, Bruce L. Ramsey of New Jersey, a beloved uncle, Leo Kenyon, several nieces and nephews including, Jacob R. Seaver, Anjelica Ramsey, Gena Bailey, Caitie Whalen, and Wiley Finn, sisters-in-law, Theresa (Dan) Kunis, and Maggie Finn, a brother-in-law, Tim Finn, treasured friends, Ross Seaver, Bobbi Wilber, and April House, and his adored cat, Jones. He was predeceased in addition to his mother by his in-laws, Leo and Margie Finn, and a brother-in-law, Brian Finn.

A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, or the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Monday, November 14, 2022

Dr. George Thompson Lewis, 85

Salem, NY – Dr. George Thompson Lewis was the only child of Carl Arthur Kenyon Lewis and Ruth Noble Gage Lewis.  He was born on July 28, 1937, in Ithaca, New York, where his father was with Cornell.  During World War II, George’s family moved to their old family property overlooking Canandaigua Lake, where he attended the Middlesex Valley School, graduating in 1955 as Salutatorian.  George then earned a Bachelor of Science at Alfred University, where he continued on to receive his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Solid State Materials Science in 1964.  In 1965, George married the former Linda Embser of Wellsville, New York, whom he met in college.  They were married for 57 years and had 4 children and 8 grandchildren.

At Alfred University, Dr. Lewis was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, graduating as First Lieutenant and later retiring as an U.S. Army Captain.  After graduation, Dr. Lewis was posted to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Houston, Texas.  At NASA, he was Manager of the Microelectronic Applications Division where he worked on both the Gemini and the Apollo Space Missions within a group charged with the development of the handheld video camera and the backpack communication system used in the First Moon Landing.  After NASA, Dr. Lewis accepted a position as Technical Assistant to the IBM Director of Manufacturing Research.  Within a year, he was posted to Paris, France, where he was the Manager of Components Technology for IBM Europe.  George and Linda remained in France for a number of years, traveling widely.

Returning to the United States, Dr. Lewis became Manager of Future Manufacturing Systems in the IBM Systems Products Division and, in 1978, he became Program Manager of Product Engineering for IBM Europe, Middle East, and Africa.  In 1983, as part of the Systems Research Institute, he was granted an IBM Manufacturing Sabbatical Program, pursuing independent research and study with a concentration in Advanced Process Control Applications.  The program led to the establishment of a post-graduate field of study in Process Control at the IBM Manufacturing Technology Institute, where he became a Senior Consultant, designing a program that involved major American and European universities.  Dr. Lewis was the 1984 recipient of the United States Senate Productivity Award.

In 1986, Dr. Lewis was posted to the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Bangkok, Thailand, as Director of the Regional Computer Center, where senior professionals and graduate students from all over Asia came for specialized training in advanced technologies.  While at AIT, he spent an entire day with the beloved King of Thailand, and met weekly with his daughter, the Princess of Thailand.  When the position ended, the family, along with Linda’s sister, Susan Embser, traveled home overland from Thailand as much as was possible through India, Nepal, Kashmir, Hong Kong, Japan, Siberia, and the former Soviet Union all through the Ural Mountains to the Gulf of Finland, Belarus, Poland, East Germany, and West Germany, arriving back in the United States just in time for the start of the school year.

In 1991, Dr. Lewis accepted the position of U.S. Senior Technical Advisor to Dr. Bacharuddin Jusuf (BJ) Habibie, the Republic of Indonesia’s State Minister of Research and Technology.  Dr. Habibie subsequently became President of Indonesia in 1998, afterwhich Dr. Lewis accepted a position as Managing Director of the Hughes International Corporation for Indonesia.  At the end of 1998, after several tumultuous months in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis of 1997 and the May 1998 Indonesian Riots and Revolution, the family returned to the United States to Saratoga Springs, New York, where they had a summer home.  In retirement, Dr. Lewis became a Technology Consultant and International Tax Advisor, working with H&R Block in Saratoga County.  When the children were mostly finished with college and graduate school, George and his wife, Linda, retired to Salem, New York, where they purchased the Historic Audubon House where they have lived ever since.

George was a wonderful husband and an immensely proud, loving, and supportive father to all of his children and children-in-law.  His son, Thomas Dunn Lewis, is married to Jennifer Castro Anderson of Washington, D.C.  Tom is an Administrator with Georgetown University and Jen is an Attorney.  They are the parents of Thomas Joseph and Adelaide.  George’s second son, Michael-George Lewis, is married to Ai Muraoka of Hiroshima, Japan, and they have three sons, Amane, Seia, and Kensei.  Michael teaches at a charter school in Rhode Island and at a college in Massachusetts.  Daughter Caitlain Devereaux Lewis is married to Thomas Joseph Clary from just across the street in Salem, New York.  They are the parents of twins, Vera and Louise, and Baby Agnes.  Caitlain is an Attorney and Tom is a CPA.  The youngest, Courtenay Dunn Lewis, is married to Shawn Flanagan whom she met when they were both Ph.D. students in Neurobiology at the University of Connecticut.

All of his life, George was interested in Music, Photography, and Automobiles, and was even a Licensed Commercial Hot Air Balloon Pilot.  George made many friends all over the world over the course of his life, all of whom he valued greatly.  He was an eminently decent man.  He was a gentleman.

Calling Hours in Salem, New York, will be held at the McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home on Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The Funeral will be held in Wellsville, New York, with Calling Hours at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home on Monday, November 21, 2022, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  A Requiem Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville, New York, on Tuesday, November 22, at 1:00 p.m.