Monday, February 28, 2022

Daniel Maurice “Dan” Greene, 89

Wellsville, NY – Daniel Maurice “Dan” Greene, 89, of Lee Place, passed away on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. He was born January 11, 1933 in Hornell the son of the late Roswell and Irena (Woodworth) Greene.

Dan was raised in Alfred Station, graduated from Alfred-Almond Central School and attended Alfred State College, until Uncle Sam had a change of plans for him.  He served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War.  He returned to the area and established D & J Body Shop in Wellsville in 1957.  From that day forward, Dan spent his life helping whoever walked through the door. Whether it was a customer or an employee, his arms were always open. If you were fortunate enough to meet him, you were blessed with his kindness. Dan’s wings were wide enough for all that needed his help or guidance. He was also a 28 year member of the Wellsville Lions Club.

He is survived by his wife Paula, daughters Amy, Linda, Lisa, and Jodi, sons Scott and Brad Watson, as well as several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Dan cherished and adored his entire family from his first child to his youngest great-grandchild and everyone in between. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by a son, Daniel Maurice Greene, Jr.

As per Dan’s wishes, a celebration of his life is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Richard M. “Rick” Fitch Jr., 72

Hallsport, NY – Richard M. “Rick” Fitch Jr., 72, of Hallsport Road, passed away on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at Erie County Medical Center. He was born in Wellsville on June 21, 1949 the son of the late Richard Sr. and Inez (Hahn) Fitch. On August 19, 2001 in Wellsville he married Pariscilla Marye, who predeceased him on April 12, 2009. 

Rick was a graduate of Wellsville High School. After graduation, he enlisted with the United States Navy, with whom he served from 1970 to 1976. He also attended and graduated from Alfred State Agricultural and Technical College with his Associate’s degree. He was a longtime employee of the Cable Company Industry, he retired in 2001 from being Adelphia’s Warehouse Manager. Outside of work, he was a member of the Wellsville Area Small Plane Society (WASPs). He enjoyed spending time with his four grandchildren, who knew him as “Granddad”. He himself, was a kid at heart and liked to build models, especially shi ps. He also appreciated hunting, fishing, and collecting arrow heads along the Genesee River. 

He is survived by: two daughters, Heidi (Robert) White of Angelica, and Heather (James) Bonanno of Buffalo; a son, William Dickerson of Rochester; four grandchildren, Jacob White, Faith White, Leo Bonanno, and Sophia Bonanno; a sister, Faith (Gary) Smith of Addison, a brother, Steven Fitch of Olean; and several nieces and nephews, especially Christie Rounsville. In addition to his parents, and wife, he was predeceased by: A son, Phil Dickerson; and a granddaughter, Haley Dickerson. 

A private family graveside service with full military honors is being planned. Friends will be invited to a memorial service at a later date. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.


Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Leslie C. Morris, 70

Richburg, NY - Leslie C. Morris, 70 of 220 Reed Street passed away on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born July 1, 1951 in Wellsville the son of the late Lloyd and Laura (Armstrong) Morris.

Leslie attended school in Richburg. He was formerly employed at Friendship Dairies, and worked at various jobs as a mechanic and a self employed electrician for many years. He was also a Jack of all trades, and enjoyed helping others with a variety of repair projects. 

He is survived by three sons, Toby Morris of Bolivar, Todd (Lisa) Morris of Bolivar and Troy Morris of Wellsville, a daughter Theresa Morris, four grandchildren, Tyler, Mason, Isabelle, and Cole, two brothers, Bruce (Marge) Chandler of Scio, Ed Morris of Hinsdale, a sister, June (Jim) Eaton of Wellsville, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased in addition to his parents by two sisters, Pauline Otto, and Mari Petrillo, and two brothers, George Morris and Allen Morris, a daughter-in-law, Melissa Morris, and a grandson, Garrett Morris.

A private celebration of life is being planned for a later date. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.


Friday, February 11, 2022

Justin David Seeley, 42

Belmont, NY – Justin David Seeley, 42, left this world on Saturday, February 5, 2022 to be in the arms of Jesus after a long and hard fought battle in the Ventilator Rehab Center at Elderwood in Williamsville. He was born in Cuba, on December 20, 1979 the son of Theodore and Roberta (Donovan) Seeley. 

He leaves behind: his parents of 42-years, Theodore and Roberta Seeley of Belmont; his siblings, Deborah (James) Marble of Wellsville, Marcia (LeRoy) Nupp of Bolivar, and Theodore (Amber Slocum) Seeley of Allentown; a nephew, Andrew Morse of Manitee, CA; and several Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. 

He will be visiting: his maternal grandparents, Peter and Jean Gambino and William Donovan; paternal grandparents, Theodore and Arlouine Seeley; as well as his Aunt Beth and Uncle James Kud; Sonya and Richard Hand; and his cousins, Noah, Mason, and Manhatten. 

Per Justin’s request there will be no funeral At the family’s convenience there will be a graveside service. A celebration of his life gathering will be  announced at a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Terry P. Loucks, 66

Wellsville, NY - Terry P. Loucks, 66, of 47 North Brooklyn Avenue, passed away at home on Thursday, February 10, 2022.  Terry was born in Wellsville on April 16, 1955, the son of the late Lester and Betty (Morton) Loucks. On October 25, 1980, in Wellsville, he married the former Laura Dunham, who survives.

Terry was a 1973 graduate of the Wellsville High School; he went to SUNY Geneseo and earned a Bachelors of Education in 1978 and started his teaching career in the Wellsville Middle School, teaching 6th grade Science and Social Studies.  He later went on to become the Dean of Students until his retirement.

Terry took great pride in serving four years as a Wellsville Village Trustee, following his father’s footsteps. Terry took the lead of his father, joining the Wellsville Lions Cub in 1984.  He was named the Lion of the Year in 1994 and in 2002. He served as President from 2000-2001 and District Governor from 2008-2009.  He also served as Treasurer from 2014 until his death.  Terry was awarded the Robert J. Uplinger Award and the Melvin Jones Award which is the highest honor bestowed to a Lion.

For 29 years, Terry was involved with the Wellsville Lions Trout Derby. He was very influential in bringing the derby to Island Park along with one of his best friends, Jody Torrey.  He also participated in the Lion Minstrel Show, as an End-man. He enjoyed his yearly trips to Camp Badger with Bruce Hand.  He was also a member of the Wellsville Elks Lodge No.1495.  He was also involved in coaching his son’s Wellsville Minor League baseball team where they won the League Championship. Terry, along with his brother Doug, have been season ticket holders of the Buffalo Bills for 14 years.

Terry took great pride in his family. Surviving in addition to his wife Laura of 41 years, are two daughters, Kristen Loucks, and Liz (Chris Clark) Loucks; and a son Bradley (Jessica Preston) Loucks.  Terry’s pride and joy were his grandchildren  David, Adriene, Claytin, Kendyl, Carly, Stephen, Landon, Katie, Derek, and Emma; and Goddaughter Meagan.  He is also survived by three brothers Doug (Dianne) Loucks, Chris Loucks, and Brian (Libby) Loucks; a sister Pamela (Pat) McNey; father-in-law Robert Dunham; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by: a brother David, as well as a sister-in-law Sue and mother-in-law Ruby Dunham.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, February 19, 2022, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, Wellsville. Memorial Services provided by, Wellsville Elks Lodge, and the Wellsville Lions Club will follow in the funeral home at 1 PM. Please consider memorial donations to the Wellsville Lions Charities Inc. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.


Charlotte Isabelle Coleman Cooney, 85

Whitesville, NY - Charlotte Isabelle Coleman Cooney was born January 15, 1937 and passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2022. Isabelle was born in her parents’ home in Wileyville, NY and was the only daughter of Thomas and Ruth (McAllister) Coleman. In 1963, at St Mary’s Church in Rexville, NY Isabelle married James Patrick “Pat” Cooney who survives.

Isabelle graduated from Whitesville Central School as the salutatorian of the class of 1954. While in school she was active in various clubs and played basketball. She graduated from Hornell Business School and relocated to Rochester NY to work at Eastman Kodak Inc. Later returning home to work at Worthington Corporation.

Isabelle settled in Whitesville, NY to raise her family. She worked at Fitzpatrick Poultry and was the School Tax Collector. She was skilled at hanging wallpaper and painting and was sought out for her work. Over the years, she helped update many homes in Whitesville. She later attended classes at Alfred State College and worked for the Allegany County Health Department for 15 years, retiring in 2003. Isabelle was a devout Catholic who started and ended her day with prayers and enjoyed reading daily devotions. She was member of the St. John of the Cross parish and later attended Sacred Heart Church. She was a past member of the Independence Emergency Squad, the Pine Twig of the Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Secret Pal Club, was a Den Leader for Cub Scouts, and a 4H Leader.

In addition to caring for her children, she enjoyed gardening, knitting, sewing, westerns, and country music. Isabelle was very involved in her children’s education and school activities. She attended every sporting event, concert, school play, became a member of the Parent Advisory Panel and the Parent Teachers Advisory Committee and was active in fundraising. She always made the best items for school bake sales including her popular individual apple pies and fudge. Isabelle was known for her strong work ethic, generosity, kindness, morals, and unselfishness. She was proud of her children and grandchildren. She cherished spending time with family, loved holiday gatherings and always made everyone feel loved.

Isabelle is survived by sons, Ronald (Candy) Cooney of Ulysses, PA, John (Mary Siano) Cooney of Manorville, NY, Dennis (Alison Miyamoto) Cooney of Fullerton, CA; daughters Peggy Cunningham of New Port Richey, FL and Patricia Cooney of Belmont, NY. Grandchildren Colby, Colt, Colin, Katy, Kaley, and Claire, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Two brothers, Thomas Hugh Coleman of Greenwood, NY and Kenneth (Gerry) Coleman of Mechanicsburg, PA and sister-in-law Jean Coleman of Rexville, NY.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Kelly Cooney, grandson Kenneth Cunningham, brothers Francis and Leo Coleman, sisters-in-law Nancy and Annie and nephews Frankie, Leo, and Thomas Coleman. 

Friends are invited to call on Friday February 18th from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State St., in Wellsville, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday February 19th at 9:30am, at the Sacred Heart Church in Genesee, PA with the Rev. Joseph Dougherty presiding. Burial will be in the Whitesville Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Independence Emergency Squad or the Whitesville Fire Department. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.


Monday, February 7, 2022

Arline Penrose McGee Canfield, 83

Wellsville, NY – Arline Penrose McGee Canfield, 83, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. She was born on July 8, 1938 in Silver Creek, NY the daughter of the late Joseph E. and Lena (Vara) McGee. On August 22, 1959 she married her beloved husband of over 62 years, Dr. Kenneth L. Canfield, who survives. 

Penny attended The State University of New York at Fredonia and taught remedial reading at Wellsville Central Schools for 24 years. A life-long Episcopalian, Penny was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church and St. Anne’s Guild. She was a past trustee of David A. Howe Library and a 10-year volunteer member at the Hart Comfort House of Wellsville. 

In addition to her husband, she is survived by: two loving children, Karen (David K.) Canfield Maskens of Fairport, NY, and David Paul Canfield of East Aurora, NY; one cherished grandson, Jack Canfield Maskens of Fairport; a sister, Julia E. Mohart of Hilton, NY; and several nieces and nephews. 

As per Penny’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A celebration of life and memorial communion service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church of Wellsville at a later date at the family’s convenience. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the David A. Howe Public Library, The Hart Comfort House, or the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 


Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Lila A. Johnson, 90

Belmont, NY – Lila A. Johnson, 90, of Trianna Street, passed away on Monday, January 31, 2022 at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wellsville. She was born in Shortsville, PA on September 9, 1931 the daughter of the late Walter and Mildred (Short) Southworth. On January 28, 1952 in Corry, PA she married Edward Johnson, who survives. 

Lila was a 1949 graduate Knoxville High School of Knoxville, PA. Before moving to Allegany County she also resided in Loucks Mills, PA. She had a 25 year career in the Allegany County Office For The Aging, from where she retired from being the Site Manager in 2015. She loved her job as Site Manager and the many people she served. She was awarded the Citizen of the Year title by the Rotary Club, which she valued and appreciated. Outside of work, Lila loved her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed doing crafts with her granddaughters, and teaching them how to make an amazing pie. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Belmont. 

In addition to her husband of seventy years, Edward, she is survived by: four sons, Kevin Johnson of Galeton, Marc (Anita Dickerson) Johnson of Wellsville, David Johnson of Webster, and Kent (Sheri Jordon) Johnson of Tavares, FL; eleven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Hockanmyn and Norma Rossman. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by: a granddaughter, Melissa Johnson; five brothers, Jim Southworth, Lyle Southworth, Harold Southworth, Douglas Southworth, and Bob Southworth; and two sisters, Virginia Southworth, and Lorena Coats. 

As per Lila’s request, her funeral and burial will be private with Reverend Dan Kenyon presiding. Burial will be in Forest Hills. At a later date, a celebration of Lila’s life will be held at the First Baptist Church of Belmont. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the First Baptist Church. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.


Katherine L. Winchell, 80

Wellsville, NY – Katherine L. Winchell, 80, of Nelson Avenue, passed away on Monday, January 31, 2022 at Wellsville Manor. She was born in Wellsville on January 18, 1942 the daughter of the late William and Elsie (Fontaine) Manion. In 1968 in Scio, she married Roger Winchell, who predeceased her in 1997. 

Kathy was a life-long resident of Wellsville, who was a 1960 Wellsville High School Graduate. Upon graduation, she worked full-time for Donald Cummings Law Office, and later for Embser-Woltag Law Firm, retiring in 2013 after a fifty-three year career. She was a member of the former Christian Temple Church and the Wellsville Fireman’s Auxiliary. Her family was her life, she loved them deeply – especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

She is survived by: three children, Jon (Cindy) Winchell, Jamie (Michelle) Winchell, and Jerry Winchell; five grandchildren, Katelyn (Cory) Waters, Coty (Kelsea) Winchell, Matthew Winchell, Taylor Winchell, and Dylan Winchell; three great-grandchildren, Leah Waters, Carson Waters, and Hazel “Charlee” Winchell; a sister, Lois Stevens of Tennessee; and a grand-niece, Hannah Stevens of Tennessee. 

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, February 5, 2022 from 11 am – 1 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville, 34 West State Street. Her funeral will follow at 1 PM in the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House, 141 E. State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.