Gary M. Petrichick, 84

Belmont, NY – Gary M. Petrichick, 84, of 36 Willets Avenue passed away Sunday, September 25, 2022 at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. He was born December 17, 1937 in Lackawanna the son of the late Michael and Edna (Newell) Petrichick. On September 5, 1958 in Hamburg he married Nancy R. Hawkins who survives. 

Gary was raised in Hamburg, he was a graduate of Hamburg High School, and attended Syracuse University. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army from 1956 to 1957, and again from 1961 to 1962, and was honorably discharged from the United States Army Reserves on May 31, 1964.

He was a Planning Draftsman, Assistant Planner and Planner for the Erie County Department of Planning, in Buffalo from 1960 to 1969. He was the Director of the Allegany County Department of Planning in Belmont from 1969 to 1977. He also served as the Principal Planner for the Southern Tier Central Regional Planning & Development Board in Corning from 1978 to 1992. He concluded his career as the Village of Belmont Zoning Enforcement Officer.

He was a former Director & Chairman of the American Red Cross in Blasdell, Advisor to the Explorer Post 548 BSA in Blasdell, member of the Town of Hamburg Republican Committee, Chairman of the Village of Blasdell Planning Board, Secretary of the Town of Hamburg Development Committee, Chairman of the Town of Hamburg Planning Board, Vice President of the Belmont PTA, Director the Amity Youth Council, President of the New York State Planners Association from 1974 & 1975, member of the Pittsburgh, Shawmut & Northern Railroad Historical Society, a member of the Village of Belmont Planning Board, Past President and Director of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Association, Adjutant and Past Sergeant at Arms for the Belmont American Legion Post 808, member of the American Bowling Congress, the Olean Bowling Association, and Secretary of the Belmont Tuesday Night Men's Bowling League. 

He is survived in addition to his wife Nancy, by: four sons, Kevin Petrichick and his wife Cari, of Rochester, Glenn Petrichick of Henderson, NV, Seth Petrichick of Belmont, and Roy Petrichick and his wife Tracy, of Pittsford, NY; a daughter, Kirsten Salyer, and her husband, Dean, of Angelica; ten grandchildren, Sarah Petrichick, Evan Petrichick, Elise Petrichick, Emma Petrichick, Adam Salyer, and his wife, Marah Salyer, Alan Salyer, and his husband Antonio Miguel Menchaca, Jared Petrichick, Riley Petrichick, Thomas Petrichick, and Jett Brewer; and a great granddaughter, Kira Salyer. 

A celebration with military honors is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the American Legion Post 808, or the Amity Rescue Squad. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Roger D. Raney, 65

Wellsville, NY – Roger D. Raney, 65, of 5563 Bolivar Road passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at Olean General Hospital. He was born July 25, 1957 in Fresno, CA the son of the late Homer and Thelma (Neal) Raney. 

Roger worked many years as a mechanic in and around the Wellsville area. He thoroughly enjoyed fishing, and spending time with his children and grandchildren (He was very proud of his “Pa Pa” status). He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. 

He is survived by: his wife, Ann Raney; children, Jessica (Nikkie) Raney, Jayme Raney, Jennifer Raney, Roger Raney II; their mother, Anisa Raney; stepchildren, Melissa (Tony) Carlin, Nicholas (Amanda) Loomis, Brandon (Kirsten) Loomis; and several grandchildren. 

A memorial service is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Katherine J. Vaughn, 89

Wellsville, NY – Katherine J. Vaughn, 89, of 3052 Madison Hill Road, passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born in Jacksonville, FL. on September 9, 1933 the daughter of the late Frederick and Pauline (Wimberly) Buttner Sr. On March 16, 1956 in Jacksonville, FL she married Ralph E. Vaughn Sr. who survives. 

Katherine was raised in Florida and was a graduate of Jacksonville High School. After graduation she was employed by the Kress Department Store in Florida. Ralph and Katherine lived in Hawaii while Ralph finished his tour with the U. S. Navy. In 1959, upon his discharge, they moved to Wellsville, and settled on Madison Hill. In 1964 they bought a farm and resided on the Sprague Road in Scio, until recently, when they moved back to Madison Hill. When the children were of School age, Katherine was hired by the  Alfred-Almond Central School and was the cafeteria cashier for many years. She was a member of the Wellsville Burton Chapter #129 Order of the Eastern Star, and attended the Alfred-Almond Bible Church. 

In addition to her husband of 67 years, she is survived by, a son Ralph E. Vaughn Jr., two grandchildren, Derek Vaughn, of Wellsville, and Britni Vaughn of Rochester; 2 brothers, Frederick Buttner and Luther Irwin, both of Jacksonville, FL, a sister, Joyce Murillo of Valdosta, GA; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by: a daughter, Sharon Joy Vaughn; and a sister, June Buttner. 

A private graveside service and burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to Home Care and Hospice, 194 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Bruce D. Guinnip, 73

Scio, NY – Bruce D. Guinnip, 73, of 5936 Fish Road died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. He was born September 27, 1948 in Wellsville, the son of the late Glenn and Norma (Lanphear) Guinnip. On August 20, 1977 in Scio he married Dorothy “Dotsie” Wyckoff who predeceased him on November 20, 2014. 

Bruce was raised in Scio, and was a 1968 graduate of Scio Central School. He attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, before joining the U. S. Army where he served from August 25,1969 to April 6, 1972. He was formerly employed by Friendship Dairies, Worthington Corporation, and for over 25 years as a machinist for Air-Preheater Company, retiring in 2011. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan, enjoyed hunting and loved spending time with his grandchildren. 

He is survived by: two daughters, Tara J. Guinnip of Scio, and Sandy M. (Daniel) Friday of Ontario, NY; two grandchildren, Evan Friday and Taylor-Grace Friday; three sisters, Lou Ann (Gerry) Slocum of Scio, Karen Jandrew of Alma, and Pam Giles of Rochester;  and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by: two brothers, Dale Guinnip and Richard Guinnip; and a sister, Linda Edwards. 

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 from 3 – 5 PM at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, in Wellsville. The funeral with military honors will follow at 5 PM with Glen Layfield presiding. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery of Scio. Please consider memorial donations to Hearts for ALS, PO Box 10593, Rochester, NY 14610. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Donald B. Andrews, 75

Wellsville, NY - Donald B. Andrews, 75, of 6635 Phillips Hill Rd. Bolivar NY, passed away on Sept 13th at home after a lengthy illness with ALS. Don was able to be cared for at home for the 7-8 yrs of his illness. Donald was born on March 12, 1947, at Jones Memorial Hospital to John and Loula Burrows Andrews.

He attended Wellsville Central Schools through 6th grade and then went to Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, Fl returning to Wellsville NY to graduate high school as a Senior. A day after graduation he enlisted in the US Air Force along with 3 others in his High school class. Don served for four years in the service. He was in Air Traffic Control and Maintenance during his service time. 

His work history has been many varied jobs with Eastman Kodak in Rochester NY. and then returned to Wellsville to work as a bartender, Cameo Restaurant Food and Bar Manager.

At that time he married his wife of 54 years, Cheryl Gardner Andrews, on Christmas Eve 1969 at her parents home.

Continuing his education he enrolled at Alfred State College and majored in Business and Hotel/Motel Management, graduated and the attended Alfred Tech to receive a degree in Plumbing, Electrical and Heating.

Don worked in the plumbing business and owned a Roto Rooter franchise for a time. In 1978 Don, Cheryl and their son Andrew moved to St. Petersburg, FL and Don worked in Motel Management on St. Pete Beach. Several years later he worked for the USPS as a letter carrier in Tampa Florida for 25 years until retirement. He then moved back to Wellsville to be nearer to his family and help care for his sister Yvonne and her husband Gerald Merritt.

Don is survived by his wife Cheryl and son Andrew. All of Don’s immediate family are deceased including his father, mother, sister and special Aunt Carrie Burrows. He is predeceased by his mother and father in law Marie and Robert Gardner and brother-in-law Brian Gardner. Surviving also are siblings-in-law, Sandra LaCrone, Robert H. Gardner (Jacci); Mary Gardner Ruch (Jim); Stephen Gardner; Donald Gardner and many nieces, nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church October 21 at noon, memorials if desired can be sent to Hearts for ALS P.O. Box 10593 Rochester NY 14610 or St. Johns Episcopal Church 12 East Genesee St. Wellsville NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

Eleanor R. Schwalb, 88

Wellsville, NY – Eleanor R. Schwalb, 88, of 33 Wheeler Place, passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville. She was born on April 16, 1934 in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Edward & Margaret Ruth (Callan) Schwalb. 

Eleanor was a graduate of the Immaculate Conception School and a 1953 graduate of Wellsville High School. She was employed by Fleet Bank in Wellsville for 16 years, retiring in 1989. 

Her interests included gardening, crafts, and genealogy. She was a supporter of the SPCA Serving Allegany County and an active participant in the Painted Hills Genealogy Society. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, the Mercy Associates, and the Legion of Mary. 

She is survived by two sisters, Mary Ann Mason of Palmyra, VA, and Judith Fisher of Charlotte, NC; son, Michael Joseph Dawson, two grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents, by three sisters, Margaret Ann Schwalb, Corinne S. Hennessy, Donna M. Caterino, and close friend Donald Weber. 

Friends are invited to a graveside service on Monday, October 3, 2022 at 12:00 noon, in Sacred Heart Cemetery, 276 S. Main Street in Wellsville. A memorial Mass and celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Immaculate Conception Church, Immaculate Conception School, the SPCA Serving Allegany County or the Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Nathan D. McMurray, 34

Wellsville, NY – Nathan D. McMurray, 34, of 3285 Riverside Drive passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 20, 2022. He was born September 21, 1987 in Wellsville.

Nate was a 2005 graduate of Wellsville High School. He was an avid fisherman, he loved working in his wood shop, kayaking with his friends, spending time with his cats, Marley and Axel, and was the life of the party!

He is survived by his high school sweetheart, and fiancé Tesla Greenman, his mother, Mary E. McMurray, three sisters, Rhiannon (Robert) Babbitt, Christy Samick, and Sharon Nye all of Wellsville, several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, September 26, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations to the Wellsville Lions Club “Trout Derby” or the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Warren A. “Buck” Buchholz, 70

Alma, NY – Warren A. “Buck” Buchholz, 70, of Alma, passed away on Wednesday, September 14th, 2022. He was the loving husband and soulmate to his wife Brenda Becker-Buchholz for 37 years. They had two children, Dukayne T., Sophia K, her son Jace A. Warren has another son Christopher A/ Bridget and family. 

He was a 1970 High School graduate. He served in the US Army 101st airborne form 1970 – 1979, where he had a career at Boeing Helicopter. After his service, he worked several jobs. Outside of his employment, he enjoyed ‘hanging with his buddies’ at the VFW (where he was trustee), spending time at Brian’s Garage with several other friends, and watching old movies with Trey. He spent a lot of time in nature watching birds and stayed up-to-date on current events. He also loved his four ‘pooches’. 

In addition to his wife, Brenda, he is survived by his children, grandchildren, and many friends and families. 

Following Warren’s wishes, services will be private; his family is planning a luncheon for a later date. Burial will be in Bath National Cemetery. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Edith M. Miller, 100

Wellsville, NY – Edith M. Miller, 100, of Hanchett Road, passed away on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 peacefully in her home. She was born in Wellsville, on December 23, 1921 the daughter of the late Floyd M. and Addie (Finch) Miller.

Eddie was born and raised in Wellsville, living on Chamberlin Street her entire life. She was a homemaker, who was nanny for many Wellsville families; during WWII she worked for Corning Glass. Beyond her employment, she was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for 70 years, and loved to travel with the Senior Citizens.

She is survived by, her caregivers, Darlene and George Kump of Wellsville, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by longtime friend Gerald Wheel.

Respecting Edith’s wishes, services will be private. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery of Andover. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Daniel R. Howe

Whitesville, NY – It is with great sadness that the family of Daniel R. Howe announces his passing, on Friday, September 9, 2022 at the age of 72 years old. He was born on August 30, 1950 in Corning, NY the son of Frank and Arlene (Held) Howe. He grew up in Painted Post, NY and in 1968 he graduated from Corning-Painted Post West High. He attended the University of Cincinnati and was a graduate from Corning Community College. He also graduated from the Police Academy at Montour Falls.

He began his career in law enforcement in 1971 working part time in Hammondsport and Painted Post. Taking a full time position in Andover as the Chief of Police from 1972 to 1976. From there he went to the Wellsville Police Department and served until his retirement in 2007. Dan worked concurrently in the Town of Independence from 1989 to 2007. In 2008 he served as the Justice for the Town of Independence until his passing. He and his family were proud of the 50 years he served as a public servant in law enforcement, giving back to his community.

As a youth he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, under the guidance of his father. He was a member of the Painted Post Presbyterian Church, the Whitesville Rod and Gun Club and the New York State Magistrates Association.

Dan was a jack-of-all trades, he could fix anything and lived by the motto, “read, study, visualize and perform.” He enjoyed many things including: country music, attending concerts, NASCAR races and camping with family and friends. He especially enjoyed many, many happy years at Keuka Lake at the Howe family cottage. His greatest joy in life was being “Buddy” to his children and grandchildren. 

Surviving is his wife of 44 years, Kimberly Rounds Howe and their three sons, BJ Howe and wife Heidi and their children, daughter Charley and son Jacob, of Cuba, Casey Howe and his wife Deborah, and their sons, Pacey and Ryder, of Whitesville, Gregory Howe and his wife Jaime, and their children, son Wyatt and daughter Maggie, of Wellsville, and a daughter Kearsten Howe and her husband Jeremy Ball, and their daughters Delainey and Kerrigan of Sanborn. Two sisters Sharon and her husband Jack DuCharme and Sharlotte and her husband Thomas Way, a brother, David Howe and his wife Cindy D’Angelo, a brother-in-law, Gregory Rounds and his wife Vicki, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased in addition to his parents by his step mother, Barbara Blair Howe of Keuka Lake, his father and mother-in-law Wilbur and Norma Rounds of Whitesville and a grandson, Frankie Ball.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, September 16 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 PM and Saturday September 17, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Whitesville. The funeral will follow visitation Saturday, at 1:00 PM with Tammy Wise presiding. Burial will be in Whitesville Rural Cemetery with a dinner to follow. The family has established a scholarship fund for a local student pursuing an education in law enforcement. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Daniel R Howe Memorial Scholarship Fund at Community Bank. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Vernon F. Larson, 105

Wellsville, NY – Vernon F. Larson, 105, of 133 Hills Street passed away peacefully at home, on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 with his sons at his side. He was born February 9, 1917 in Jamestown, NY the son of the late Magnus F. and Edith C. (Lawson) Larson. On November 23, 1957, in Jamestown, he married the former Joyce L. Forsythe who predeceased him on December 4, 2010.

Vern attended the Kansas City Art Institute from 1938 to 1941 studying under Thomas Hart Benton. He later attended Syracuse University from 1946 to 1947. He served as a Captain, CE, AVS in the Army Air Force from 1942 to 1946 in the Pacific Theater of Operations during WWII. He also served in the 940th Engr. AVN, Camouflage Battalion.; 2nd Army Air Force as a Base Intelligence Officer, then in the 1345th AAF Base Unit, Bengal Wing, India-China Division, ATC. Vern received an American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, 3 Campaign Stars including the India-Burma, Central Burma, and the China Offensive. Vern was a beloved art teacher at Wellsville High School from 1947, until his retirement in 1979. He also served as Scoutmaster for Troop 35/735 in Wellsville for many years.

He is survived by two sons: John F. Larson of Atlanta, Georgia and Richard C. (Julie) Larson of Raleigh, NC; a granddaughter, Anna J. Larson of Raleigh, NC; several nieces and one nephew. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his infant son, James Thomas Larson.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, September 19, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will be Tuesday, September 20, at 11:00 am in the funeral home, followed by full military honors. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Jamestown. Please consider memorial donations to the Allegany County Office for the Aging-Meals on Wheels, The SPCA Serving Allegany County, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

M. Kathleen “Kathy” Decker, 87

Wellsville, NY - M. Kathleen “Kathy” Decker, 87, of 39 East Fassett Street passed away Sunday evening September 4, 2022 at the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville. Kathy was born March 16, 1935 in Corning, NY the daughter of  Richard A. and Kathryn R. (Kieff) O’Brien of Greenwood, NY

Kathy was a 1953 graduate of Greenwood High School and went on to St. James Mercy School of Nursing graduating in 1956, and Syracuse University to attain her Bachelors in Nursing in 1960, later achieving her Masters Degree from Alfred University in 1981. Kathy loved nursing and teaching nursing. After working at Upstate Medical in Syracuse Kathleen moved back to Hornell to work as a Supervisor and Instructor for St James Mercy Hospital. It was while working there she met her loving husband Paul B. Decker a Beautician in Wellsville. They married on May 12, 1962 at St Ignatius Church in Hornell.

She continued to work as a nurse full time while starting her family with Paul, and then began her illustrious career at Alfred State College School of Nursing in 1970. She trained over a thousand nursing students during her 23-year tenure. After retiring from Alfred she continued to fulfill her desire to help others, working part-time for Dr. Felsen, the Wellsville Medical Transport Services, and per diem at Jones Memorial ICU.

Kathy was a wonderful mother of 6 children, “Her greatest pride and joy, all giving something to society”; Dr. Martin Decker of Meadville PA, his wife  Amy and three children, Maria Rog of Poquoson VA, her husband Doug and two children, Libby Carteret of Yorktown VA, her husband Mike and one Child, Kert Decker of Alfred, Katrina Pohlman of East Amherst and three children, and Brian Decker of Greenwood. She was a loving sister to Richard O’Brien of Ohio, Kevin O’Brien of Greenwood, Kerry O’Brien of Greenwood, and a very special sister Laurie O’Brien of Naples NY. Kathy was blessed with 12 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was an active parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church as a lector, a coordinator for several major fundraisers, and a member of the Parish Council. Kathy was an avid gardener with her beautiful flower beds and vegetable gardens. She loved playing bridge with friends, and spending time at her summerhouse in the country.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, September 9 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at J. W. Embser and Sons Funeral Home Inc, 34 W. State St. Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 10 at 11:00 am in Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House or Immaculate Conception Church. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Lynn C. Nunn

Allentown, NY -Lynn C. Nunn of Allentown passed away on Saturday September 3, 2022 at the Comfort House of Allegany County. She was the daughter of the late Cecil and Lucy Quant Pierce. In October of 1972 she married Dennis Nunn who survives.

Lynn is also survived by 2 sons, Kevin (Katie) Nunn and Kiel (Becky) Nunn;7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 3 sisters, 2 brothers and many nieces and nephews. She will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be truly missed by all.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday September 7, 2022 from 12 noon until 2 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. The funeral service will take place at 2 pm following calling hours. Burial will take place in Bath National Cemetery and memorials in her name may be made to the Allegany County Comfort House, 161 East State Street, Wellsville, NY.  14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.