Michael Maisonet, 40

Wellsville, NY - Michael Maisonet, 40, of Wellsville, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 18, 2022 due to complications of an intestinal disease that he battled for the last twelve years. He was born in Secaucus, NJ, on June 17, 1982 the son of Jose and J. Tammy (Alkema) Maisonet. In December 2001 he met the love of his life, Jennifer Brundage, who survives. 

Michael was raised in New Jersey, specifically in the Lodi and Paterson areas. Although, he lived in Western New York for the majority of his adult life, he always considered Jersey his home and visited as often as he could. 

Michael had many varied interests. He loved music, anything from Johnny Cash to Eminem, and would break out in song and dance at any given moment. He was a history buff that loved touring important historical sites such as Fort Niagara, the USS Intrepid, and Ellis Island. He was a sports enthusiast (NY Yankees of course!) and even admittedly became a Buffalo Bills fan. He loved to socialize, the stories of his mishaps, and “un-luck” of the Irish, providing countless hours of laughter and entertainment. He was most content when he could bring a smile to someone’s face. 

Above all else, Michael’s family and loved-ones were his priority. With his wife, Jennifer, he raised two daughters. He was a loving husband and protective father, but greater yet was the love and pride he had for his five grandchildren. He was a devoted son and son-in-law, a doting nephew, a wonderful brother, and loyal friend. His bond with his older brother was unmistakable, they tackled many of life’s battles side-by-side. He was inwardly proud of his only sister, though he outwardly antagonized her. His younger brothers were his pride and joy. He taught them how to drive, how to flirt, and how to shoot targets. He was the cool brother that brought all the nicest hand-me-downs, gave the best haircuts, and often kept secrets (many of which he has taken with him to the grave). 

In addition to his wife, Jennifer of Wellsville, he is survived by: daughters, Elizabeth Hint of Belfast, NY, and SkyAnne Carpenter of Wellsville; five grandchildren, Emmett Cole, Norva Cole, Kolson Burdick, JaeLynn Michael, and Matthew Michael; his father, Jose Maisonet Sr. of Olean, NY; his mother, and step-father, Tammy (Shephard Carmichael) Maisonet of Wellsville; six siblings, Jose Maisonet Jr., Dylan Maisonet, ShyAnn Perez, Brandon Carmichael, Anthony Carmichael, and Jacob Carmichael; an aunt, Nancy Rivera of Bronx, NY; and father-in-law, William Brundage of Wellsville. He was predeceased by: his paternal grandmother, Delila Maisonet; maternal grandparents, Peter and Joan (Delaney) Alkema; an aunt, Pamela “Bobbie” Louis; an uncle, Luis Maisonet; and mother-in-law, Linda Brundage. 

A private graveside service is being held at the convenience of the family. Please consider memorial donations towards the family to offset burial expenses, RE: Maisonet, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895, or to a charity of choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Julie K. Elias, 67

Wellsville, NY – Julie K. Elias, 67, of Trapping Brook Road, passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2022 with family by her side. She was at Jones Memorial Hospital on April 9, 1955 the daughter of the late Francis A. Sr. and Dorothy M. (Cornwell) Coyle. On March 21, 1975 she married Gerald L. Elias, who predeceased her on July 29, 2006. 

Julie was a 1974 graduate of Wellsville High School. She was a dedicated home maker who raised her four sons. Beginning in 2003, she was employed at the Cattaragus-Allegany BOCES as a one on one teacher’s aide, retiring in 2015. She was a very active and beloved member of the Hallsport Christian Church. 

She is survived by: fiance, Kevin Pier; four sons, Brandy Elias, Dusty Elias, and Darcy Elias, all of Wellsville, and Jeremy Elias of Alfred; three grandchildren, Breena Elias, Corbin Elias, and River Elias, all of Wellsville; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by: three brothers, Francis A. Coyle Jr., Roger Coyle, and Gary Coyle; and a sister, Janet Sturdevant. 

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 11 am in the Hallsport Christian Church, 2182 Stout Road, Wellsville, with Reverend Michael Brady presiding. Burial will be in Stannards Cemetery. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Cynthia Wenslow, 59

Alfred, NY – Monday, May 23, 2022 at 4:59 PM, the greatly beloved Cynthia Wenslow, 59 years old, breathed her last. She was peaceful, relieved of the pain, and bathed in the love of her beloved family. It was in the same hospital where she was born. Her family recalls, “The medical staff was crying as much as we were; we all knew how this was going to end, but that doesn’t help when it does. The recent time we’ve had with her was a miracle – the particular cancer which took her away from us is so virulent that average time from onset of symptoms to death is about a week. She was so strong and so determined that we managed to get over three months of life together after the diagnosis. Not anything close to what we wanted, but nonetheless a blessing.”

Robert Heinlein’s famous quote is apropos:

“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly.” 

Cynthia could do all those things and more – she could literally create community, bathe others in a magical radiated love and calm, and bring out happiness and contentment in everyone around her. She had a unique talent of disarming people and putting them at ease: “People tell me everything.” And they did. And she always kept their confidences. She was a diverse, talented, and eclectic person with loves and interests that included American Indian history, British murder mysteries, Great Pyrs, pizza, baking, herbs, tomatoes, ravens, palindromes, and signs and portent.

Cynthia had a deep reverence for nature, and also had a deep spiritual connection with nature. To her, Nature, in all of its magnificence and mayhem, was an expression of God and the cosmos. Cynthia had a knack for finding tree spirits in the wild, and would continually communicate with plant spirits and the animals that would cross her path. Her love for nature was nearly matched by her disdain for injustice, intolerance, cilantro, pineapple on pizza, mayonnaise, and small talk.

She will always be remembered for her boundless kindness for others, her ability to do anything she set her mind to, and her ability to see the good in others, even (perhaps especially) when they didn’t see it themselves. She had the gift of believing in everyone more than they believed in themselves, and she had the power to unlock their potential.

Her daughter, Elizabeth Walsh, remembers, “When I was a child she first introduced me to meditation through Quaker meeting. She showed me the importance of quietude, for it is in the silence that your soul speaks. I was in my early teens when she introduced me to Qigong as a form of energy working. She taught me about the power of the mind to overcome physical challenges and how to align your body and mind.” It is this alignment that kept her going through the cancer battle that, by all accounts, should have taken her from us long before it did.

In her professional life, she was a paramedic/EMT, a COO, a CFO, an accomplished musician and visual artist, a photographer, a skilled coder and developer, a published poet, and a teacher. She could wire a house, run finances, bake bread, sew clothing, grow and can vegetables, dig gardens, save lives. “I’m not unfocused, I’m multifaceted.”

Her husband, Stuart Yaniger, recounts, “In our real life, I was a restless and itinerant person, which suits my profession. But we came to a point where we wanted to stop moving, find a place that suited us, and live our life the way we built it, very self-contained and centered on each other, in a wonderful and supportive community. And we found it, back in Alfred where she started. We knew that we’d live the rest of our life here, and in the end we did. Cynthia figured out how to pull it off and she made it happen with sheer will and determination.”

Cynthia is survived by her loving husband, Stuart Yaniger and daughter Elizabeth Walsh, both of Alfred, NY, her son Joseph Gray of Salamanca, NY, her second mother Virginia Wenslow, brothers Richard Wenslow and Frank Wenslow and Eric Adams and sister Valerie Steadman of Wellsville, NY, brother Michael Wenslow of Los Angeles, CA, and sister Amy Wenslow of Pasadena, CA. Her parents, James and Anne Wenslow, sister Susan Wenslow, and brother Dale Adams preceded her in death.

She wanted you to know that her last words were, “I have information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of Hillary Clinton.”

Cynthia’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Terra Cotta Coffee House beginning at 1pm on July 30th 2022. It is open to the public. All are welcome to attend. Food and drinks will be provided. Please consider memorial donations to the Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508, or to the Alfred Fire Department, 4 South Main Street, Alfred, NY 14802. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Anthony “Tony” Lagoda, 80

Wellsville, NY – Anthony “Tony” Lagoda, 80, of Jones Street, passed away on Monday, July 18, 2022 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Wilkesbarre, PA on November 14, 1941 the son of the late Anthony and Josephine (Tomchalc) Lagoda. On September 15, 1964 in Buffalo he married his wife of 57 years, Judith Shaw, who survives. 

Tony was a longtime resident of Wellsville. He honorably served with the United State Air Force from 1960 to 1966. Tony moved to Wellsville due to his employment with Dresser-Rand, for whom he loyally worked his entire career (where he began in 1964), he retired as project manager in 2010. He was an active member of the Immaculate conception Church, where he was part of the Holy Name Society, served as a Lector, and was member of the Bereavement Committee; he was also a Past Exalted Ruler of the Wellsville Elks Lodge 1495, and a member of the Andover Lions Club. 

In addition to his wife, Judith, he is survived by: a son, Mark E. (Rebecca) Lagoda of Bridgton, ME; grandchildren, Ruby & Blue Lagoda; a brother-in-law, Tom Wisniewski; a sister-in-law Kathleen Butler; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Ted; and a sister, Christine Wisniewski. 

Friends are invited on Friday, July 22, 2022 at 10:30 AM to the Immaculate Conception Church for a Mass of Christian Burial with Father Robert Agbo 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.

Robert E. Gordon, 77

Richburg, NY – Robert E. Gordon, 77, of 175 Griffith Street, passed away on Friday, July 15, 2022, at the Highland Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Wellsville.  Robert was born in Wayland, NY on August 9, 1944, the son of the late Edwin and Dorothea (Baley) Gordon.

Bob was a life-time member of the New York State Fireman’s Association and the a life member of the Bolivar Fire Department.  He worked as a carpenter in Bolivar for many years. He loved to collect trains and visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Malcom Davison.

Bob is survived by five sons Robert Gordon of South Dakota and William (Barbie) Gordon of Richburg, Larry (Cindy) Gordon of Castile, Eric Gordon of Cuba, Andrew (Krystal) of South Dakota; three daughters Melissa (Mike) Tilton of Olean, Susan (Danny) White of Bath, and Angelic (Matt) Jeitz of South Dakota;  a brother Jack Gordon of Florida, as well as 25 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.  In addition to his parents, Edwin and Dorothea, he was predeceased by a son Michael Gordon and a brother Jim Gordon. 

A private graveside service is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

David Earl Cline, 79

Wellsville, NY – David Earl Cline, 79,  passed away on Monday, July 11, 2022; after a few months of declining health, David died peacefully, at home, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Wellsville in 1942, to father Oristus “Rit” Cline and mother Florence “Flossie” Munger-Cline. David’s family was often entertained with detailed stories of his youth growing up in a small town. It was amazing what he could remember and he’d get a twinkle in his eye as he talked about the stories that made him laugh.

After graduating from Wellsville High School, David enlisted in the Navy and was trained to be an aviation electrician. Deployed to Newfoundland, he was attached to a squadron as a flight electrician that flew the DEW Line (Distant Early Warning Line). Here they monitored a series of radar stations across the arctic from Alaska through Canada over Greenland to Iceland.

Dresser-Rand hired David shortly after his discharge from the Navy where he got a job working as a sheet metal-smith, welder, layout person, and electrician. Over the years he specialized in the electrical field and repaired computer-controlled and conventional machines, oversaw the installation and repair of the computer network and phone systems, plus general maintenance of the facility. He retired in 2005, after 42 years of employment.

One of his favorite hobbies was woodworking. There wasn’t a project he wasn’t willing to tackle and was always making special gifts for those he loved or appreciated. He was a member of the Wellsville Rod and Gun Club and was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to ‘watch and learn’. He would tell his kids: “There is always something to be learned from each day if you just slow down and watch.” He could often be found in one of his favorite parking spots around town to see what gifts nature gave him that day.

David is survived by a daughter Lisa (Michael) Lindsay and a son, Daniel Cline; a brother, Dale Cline; granddaughters Amanda (Michael) Sandlin, Lauren and Megan Lindsay, Heather (Alex) Whitt; great-grandchildren Erin Tuttle and Elijah, Evangeline, and Anastasia Whitt; nieces Tracey Loughlin-Young, Heather Pettit; and nephew Jeff Cline. He is predeceased by his parents and a sister, Diana Sandle.

A private graveside service with military honors in Stannards Cemetery, is being planned for a later date.

A special thank you to Jeannie Mead for her kindness and conversation during her daily visits of Meals-on-Wheels; and to Sara and Donna with our local Hospice agency for their weekly visits and compassionate support during his final weeks. Memorial donations in David’s memory can be made to the Genesee River Wilds or the Wellsville Rod & Gun Club. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Frederick T. Burrell, 82

Rotonda FL - Frederick T. Burrell, 82, of Rotonda West, FL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 10, 2022, surrounded by his family at the Tidewell Hospice House in Port Charlotte, FL. Fred was born July 22, 1939, in Port Allegany, PA the son of the late Clyde and Louise (Lunn) Burrell.  

Fred graduated from Northern Potter High School and earned a BBA Degree from St. Bonaventure in 1970. He continued his studies at Syracuse University and receiving a MBA in 1974.

Fred was an Engineering Systems Manager at CE Air Preheater in Wellsville from 1957-1983. In 1983, he transferred to CE Elgin Electronics in Erie, PA. In 1989 he founded Burrell Enterprises in McKean, PA, and maintained an active role in the company into retirement. Fred served his community as President of the Wellsville Little League, he was a member of the Wellsville Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps, and performed in the Wellsville Lions Minstrel Show. He was a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee, for the Town of Wellsville, and served on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Village of Wellsville.

On June 14, 1958 he married his first love Agnes Kish who predeceased him on May 12, 1976. On June 18, 1977, he married Nila (Toni) Marshall who predeceased him on May 25, 2017.

He is survived by a daughter, Tammy (Scott) Cooper of Englewood, FL, three sons, Scott (Regina) Burrell of Rotonda West, FL, Terry (Kathy) Burrell of Weeki Wachee, FL, and Kevin (Terri) Burrell of Waterford, PA, three step children, Voni (Bob) Walker of Wellsville, Jill (Roger) Peterson of Wellsville, and Mick (Michele) Marshall of Bradford, PA, three brothers, Gary Burrell, Stanley Burrell, and Russell Burrell, a sister, Marilyn “Dollie” Thompson, 22 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his companion, Wendy Windus who was his caregiver during this difficult time.

Fred lived an extraordinary life filled with so much love from friends and family. He enjoyed traveling throughout the US with his Cavapoo, Sophie, taking countless photos, and enjoying his retirement in sunny Florida.

A time of visitation and funeral in Florida was held on Saturday, July 16, 2022. A funeral and visitation in Wellsville is being planned and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Christian P. Robinson, 44

Wellsville, NY - Christian P. Robinson, 44, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2022 in Wellsville. He was born July 7, 1978 in Warsaw, NY, the son of Brian K. and Susan M. (Deschler) Robinson.

Chris was a 1996 graduate of Warsaw High School, and attended Niagara University. He was formerly employed at the Kwik Fill in Wellsville for many years. Chris loved to read,  and spent many hours at the library. He was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his friends.

Surviving in addition to his parents are two brothers, Aaron (Jennifer) Robinson, and Andrew Robinson, a sister, Brieanna (Sam) Sarcia, as well as five nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation, burial with his grandparents will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House or the David A. Howe Public Library. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Bruce R. Lombard, 75

Ft. Myers, FL – Bruce R. Lombard, 75, passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 in Fort Myers, Florida. He was born May 10, 1946 in Windsor, VT the son of the late Robert and Dorothy Lombard.

Bruce was a 1964 graduate of Windsor High School, he was a talented athlete who played football, basketball, and baseball for Windsor High. He went on to play basketball, baseball, and golf for the University of Vermont. He taught math and coached at Wellsville High School for over 32 years. Bruce enjoyed a special retirement full of travel, golf, tennis, singing in community shows, and loving his grandchildren.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 54 years Marley (Martin) Lombard, a daughter, Lori (John) Lombard Collinger of Indiana, PA, a son, Bruce M. Lombard of State College, PA, two grandchildren, Mark and Natalie Collinger, a sister Nancy (Spencer) Baker of Burlington, VT and 6 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents, by a brother, Richard Lombard. 

A celebration of life was held in Indiana, Pennsylvania. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Becky Lyn Beebe, 40

Wellsville, NY – Becky Lyn Beebe, 40, of 133 N. Highland Avenue, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital. She was born October 3, 1981 in Wellsville the daughter of Earl D. and Jeanette (Densmore) Stonemetz. 

Becky was a 2000 graduate of Wellsville High School. She began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Highland Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and Wellsville Manor Care Center for many years. Most recently she was employed by Saputo Inc. of Friendship. She was a member of the Morrison Hayes American Legion Auxiliary Unit #702, and the Frank B. Church Post #2530 VFW Auxiliary. 

In addition to her parents, Earl and Jeanette, she is survived by: four children, Blakelyann Stonemetz, Zoey Beebe, Zack Beebe, and Bryce Wood; three brothers, Wayne (Stacy Roberts) Stonemetz, Drew Stonemetz and his fiance, Lillian Beach, and Brock (Niki) Stonemetz; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by an infant sister, Whitney Stonemetz. 

Friends are invited to call on Friday, July 15, 2022 from 11 am to 1 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will follow at 1:00 pm in the funeral home. Burial will be in Hallsport Cemetery. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Sandra J. Carlin, 76

Rushford, NY – Sandra J. Carlin, 76, of 9894 Cream Ridge Road passed away on Friday, July 1, 2022 at home with family by her side. She was born June 19, 1946 in Wellsville the daughter of the late Robert W. and Esther M. (Tait) Costello. 

Sandra was a 1964 graduate of Wellsville High School. She was formerly employed at the Texas Hot and the Pit Stop in Wellsville, Olean General Hospital, and Adelphia Communications. She was a member of the Wellsville Moose Lodge #601. She enjoyed watching the Yankees, the Buffalo Bills, soap operas, westerns, and going to the Casino. She loved her dog Sheba, her cat Sheba, and was an avid reader. 

She is survived by her long time companion, Daniel J. Metzler, a son, Todd Carlin of Daytona, FL, a daughter, Tracy Aldrich of Sylva, NC, four grandchildren, Madison and Mackenzie Carlin, and Adam and Courtney Aldrich, two brothers, Robert M. (Betty) Costello of Wellsville, and William A. Costello of Columbus, OH; four sisters, Carolyn A. Costello of Charleston, SC, Donna J. Baker of Penfield, Barbara J. Jordan, and Cynthia L. Costello, both of Wellsville, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Gary K. Jordan; and a nephew, Chad M. Jordan.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00  pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville, 34 W. State Street. The funeral will be Thursday, July 7, at 11:00 am in the funeral home. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County.. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Debra Lynn House, 63

Lebanon, TN – Debra Lynn House, 63, passed away on June 29, 2022. She was born May 17, 1959 in Wellsville, NY the daughter of the late James and Margaret (McNeill) House.

Deb enjoyed singing, traveling, and being with her family. As an accomplished singer, she sang at the Vatican, Notre Dame in Paris, and for Pope Benedict. She also sang with her church choir in Florida. She was a member of the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Community and worked in Medical Sales. She is survived by siblings: Candy MacTavish, Fred House, and Teresa (Kevin) Graham; a brother-in-law: Ed Vossler; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents, by a sister Lorraine Vossler, a brother-in-law Darryl MacTavish, and a niece Heather MacTavish.

Friends are invited to a graveside service on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 11:00 am in Yorks Corners Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider Memorial Donations to the Hart Comfort House, 141 E. State Street, Wellsville NY 14895 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Mary M. Fagan, Announcement

Wellsville, NY - Friends are invited to a graveside service for Mary M. Fagan at 11am, on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wellsville. Mary passed away on November 1, 2021. To view the complete obituary or leave on-line condolences, please see www.embserfuneralhome.com.