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.

Margaret W. Strittmather, 84

Belmont, NY – Margaret W. Strittmather, 84, of Belmont died Saturday, November 12, 2022, surrounded by loving family. She was born on September 5, 1938 in Corning, NY to Clarence and Genevieve (Smith) Whalen.

Peggy was a graduate of Belfast Central School and Hornell Business School.  She retired from the Allegany County Courthouse as Deputy County Clerk after 37 years of service.  She was a member of the Daughters of the Union Veterans of the Civil War (DOUV) and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and was an active member of St Mary’s Church in Belmont. Peggy cared deeply for her family and was a great friend to all who knew her. 

Peggy is survived by: her husband, of 62 years, Al, sister Cecilia (David) Hahn, brother Stephen (Linda) Whalen, brother and sister-in-law, Lee and Donna Strittmather, several nieces, nephews, and special friends. She was predeceased by one brother, Joseph (Peg) Whalen. 

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 from 4 -7 PM at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont, 17 Schuyler Street. A Mass of Christian burial will follow on Wednesday, November 16, at 11 AM in Holy Family Catholic Church, 5 Milton Street, Belmont. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Amity Rescue, PO Box 62, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences please visitwww.embserfuneralhome.com.


Friday, November 11, 2022

Veronica S. Williamson-Malek, 88.

Warsaw, NY – Veronica S. Williamson-Malek, 88, passed away on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at the Eastside Living and Rehab Center. She was born in Whitesville, on July 12, 1934, the daughter of the late Vaughn David and Genevieve Lela (Dumbleton) Smith. On June 15, 1993 in Tallahassee, FL she married Matthew S. Malek, who predeceased her on November 15, 2017. 

Ronnie” was raised on a dairy farm in Rexville. She attended Greenwood Central School, from where she graduated as Valedictorian. She continued her education at Alfred Agricultural & Technology College, from where she graduated with an Associate’s Degree. In 1958 she married John Carter Williamson, with whom she had her son Vaughn Carter. After leaving New York, she lived in both Tallahassee and Crystal River, both of Florida. She found her career working for the Florida Department of Transportation as a secretary, retiring in 1988. Ronnie was a wife, a great mother and friend, conversationist, gardener, life-long secretary, and cancer survivor. She was an avid writer and an award-winning amateur photographer. 

She is survived by: her son, Carter Williamson and his wife Laura, of Chattahoochee Hills, GA; a stepson, Samuel Malek and his wife Mary, of Crystal River, FL; five grandchildren, Shelby Williamson, Sawyer Williamson, Taylor Screws, Garrett Screws, and Molly Malek; a sister, Gail Kay Rogers of Portageville, NY; and two nephews, Mike and Jason Rogers. She was predeceased by her parents and husband. 

Services are being planned for a later date. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery of Bolivar. 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.

Barbara D. Reeder, 96

Wellsville, NY – Barbara D. Reeder, 96, of Highland Park passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2022. She was born in Schenectady, NY on October 25, 1926 the daughter of the late Kenneth E. and Pearl Myrtle (Sager) DeLong. On September 2, 1950 she married her husband of 67 years, William D. Reeder, who predeceased her on October 19, 2017. 

Barbara was a long time resident (50+ years) of the Rochester area. She was an avid reader, artist, weaver, and musician. 

She is survived by: two sons, Paul (Kaaren) Reeder of Wellsville and Scot (Sarah) Zaffora-Reeder of Watertown, NY; a daughter-in-law, Christine Reeder of Auburn, NY; three grandchildren, Meridith (Nicolas) Jourdain of Sycamore, IL, Rebecca (Sean) DePue of Belmont, Liam Zaffora-Reeder of Watertown, NY; six great-grandchildren, Josephine, Charlotte, Emmeline, and Theodore DePue, Penelope and Lane Jourdain; a sister-in-law, Leone DeLong of Hyannis, MA; family friend, Elaine Page of Batavia, NY; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. In addition to her parents, and husband, she was predeceased by: two sons, Greg and Mark; and a brother, Kenneth E. DeLong.

A Memorial Service, followed by light refreshments, will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 2:00 PM at the Covenant United Methodist Church, 1124 Culver Road, Rochester, NY 14609. Please consider memorial donations to Covenant United Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Alan Andrew Forsberg, 78

Wellsville, NY – Alan Andrew Forsberg, 78, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, after a brief illness, with loving family by his side at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. 

December 27, 1943, started out as a snowy, blustery day when Charlie and Helen (nee Edgcomb) Forsberg left Knoxville, PA for the sixteen-mile trip to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital in Wellsboro, Pa but they made it without incident. After many hours of labor, the Doctor entered the waiting room and told Charlie he wasn’t going home with one child but two, twins. He was getting a buy one, get one free delivery and they only charged the Forsberg’s for one baby. Alan has been a bargain ever since.

He grew up in Knoxville, PA roaming the streets with cousins and friends or working at Luggs Grocery Store. Alan loved the valley and the people in it. He especially loved the sound of the train whistles as the engines traveled passed his boyhood home.

After graduation from Cowanesque Valley High School, class of 1961, Alan worked in and around the Knoxville area until he enlisted in the United States Army in July 1964.

Alan was an active volunteer Fireman while growing up. When the Methodist Church in Knoxville, PA caught fire, July 15, 1964, he entered the burning building and saved the cross, offering plates and candelabras before the building became fully engulfed in flame. He would foster a lifelong love for firetrucks and the fire service.

In March of 1965, as a member of the 720th Military Police Battalion, Ft. Hood, TX, Private Forsberg was assigned to the detail that protected Dr. Martin Luther King and other Civil Rights Leaders as they marched from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.

Later that year Alan was sent to Vietnam for a one-year tour of duty as a member of the 615 the Military Police Battalion in Saigon. His duties included security for MACV Headquarters in Saigon, patrolling the towns and villages around Saigon and the protection of convoys traveling in the Bien Hao and Ton Son Nut areas. He returned to the states where he was honorably discharged in July 1966 from Ft. Dix with the rank of Specialist 4 th Class.

After a hiatus to serve his county Alan received his Associates Degree in Accounting from Corning in June 1968. In January 1969, armed with a stellar recommendation (“he comes from a good family, and he likes peanut butter and jelly”) from friend, Mona Judd, Alan called on his Great Aunt Esther’s young and beautiful fellow teacher, Diane Powers. They started a courtship that would last eight months and end with their nuptials on August 16, 1969. The couple took a two-week trip through the New England states before settling in at the University of Indiana in Pennsylvania where Alan pursued his Bachelor of Science of Business Administration.

Upon graduation from IUP in 1971, Alan took a job with K-Mart corporation in Greentree, PA where their daughter Christine was born. While living in Greentree Alan and Diane attended Game 1 of the 1971 World Series which was a Pittsburgh Pirates win! A few years later Alan, Diane and Christy would be joined by baby daughter Rebecca and the family would be complete.

After receiving a phone call from friend Ivan Lehman letting him know of a job at Dresser Rand Steam Turbine Division in Wellsville, NY Alan began what would become a 32-year career in the Financial Group at Dresser Rand. He, Diane, and the kids would move to Wellsville in 1974 where they become members of the First United Methodist Church in Wellsville for the rest of his life. He was the co-chairman of the United Methodist Men’s Group for many years. He would serve the church community in a variety of offices and committees most recently as Chairman of the United Methodist Men’s Group.

While in Wellsville Alan was very active in the church and the community. He was a long-time member of the church choir where Alan very rarely missed choir practice on Thursday nights. He was very active in his daughters’ academics and could be seen driving the band bus to the away parades and competitions. Alan was a 20+ year member of the Woodlawn Cemetery Board of Directors and long-term member of the Thelma Rogers Genealogical and Historical Society. He would channel his love for baseball by coaching the FUMC Softball Team to back-to-back championships in the late 1980’s where he was famously quoted as saying “We had them all the way!” Later in life Forsberg took on the role of “Commissioner” of the ICS Spring Baseball Clinic where he was able to support the growth of Wellsville Little Leaguers, including his grandchildren.

After retirement Alan pursued many interests including traveling, model trains and he authored a book. Alan traveled to Alaska, the Holy Land, Ireland, Italy, Austria and wherever the Curls were stationed at the time. He loved to visit family and friends. He especially enjoyed the “Dresser Rand Lunch Crew” that met for lunch.

Alan took his love for trains to the next level by creating, with his loving wife Diane, a model of his hometown, Knoxville, PA, complete with 70 structures and a working model training, with every detail as close to original 1950’s as could be. The model is now on display at the Knoxville Public Library as a part of the “Rails to History “exhibit.

Alan is a published author, penning the railroad classic, Rail to History on the B&S, in 2021, his crowning opus and gift to us. Many railroad enthusiast have read and raved about Alan’s book citing information that they have learned and his easy writing style.

When Alan wasn’t creating models or writing important classics he enjoyed being around family or enjoying the night’s sounds on his back porch with his wife Diane. He loved visiting historic sites to marvel at the architecture and soak in the enormity of what happen at that location. He was a huge Bills fan and is convinced this is the BILLS year to win the Super Bowl. Let’s Go Buffalo! Alan despised the NY Yankees. His two favorite teams were the Pittsburgh Pirates and whoever played the Yankees that night!

He never missed one of his grandkids’ events if he could help it including chaperoning the Attica Railway excursions, baseball, softball, basketball, football, track and field, swimming, soccer, wrestling, dance recitals, concerts, musicals, honor assemblies, graduations, and commissioning.

Alan organized and chaired the Edgcomb Family Reunion to keep the members of the family together for generations to come. As family was very important to him.

He will be known for his genuine love for his Country, his Family, and his Friends. When you met Alan, you may have been strangers, but when you parted company, you had made a friend for life. He truly loved his neighbors and enjoyed snow blowing their sidewalks or visiting with them when he saw them.

Alan was preceded in death by his twin sister Judy Griggs (Haymarket, VA) and two brothers-in-law, John Williams (Elmira, NY) and Keith Cooper (Wellsboro, PA)

In addition to his loving wife of over 53 years Diane, Alan is survived by two sisters; Mary Williams (Elmira, NY) and Hilma Cooper (Wellsboro, PA) and a brother-in-law John Griggs (Haymarket, VA); two daughters, Christine (Joseph) Hart (Wellsville, NY) and Rebecca (Jason) Curl (Ft. Drum, NY) and seven grandchildren; Eoin Hart (Ft. Hood, Tx); Olivia Hart, Aidan Hart, and Isabelle Hart of Wellsville, as well as Adrienne Curl (Oakridge, TN); and Alex Curl and Allison Curl of Ft. Drum, NY. He is survived by many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly! He was so proud of all their accomplishments.

Alan had a deep sense of faith and was a role model for the younger generation on how to live your faith. He will best be known as a true and faithful servant of Our Lord and what more could anyone ask for.

Perhaps the life of Alan Forsberg could best be summed up by a quote on his Wikipedia listing created and submitted by his grandchildren; “Author, Activist, Singer, Philanthropist, and most importantly…. Papa.”

As we live our busy lives, please take a minute to listen to the night sounds, and as you do, when you hear the “peepers” think of the kind and gentle soul we all knew as Alan Andrew Forsberg, and smile. He “would be happy for you!”

Friend are invited to call on Saturday, November 12 from 1 – 2 PM, at the First United Methodist Church of Wellsville, 79 Madison Street. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 2 PM in the church. Please consider memorial donations to: The Camp at Finley, 2334 Sunnyside Road, Clymer, NY 14724; or the Hart Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.co.

Monday, November 7, 2022

M. Louise Beckwith, 91

Wellsville, NY – M. Louise Beckwith, 91, of 35 Farnum Street passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 6, 2022 at the Skilled Nursing Facility of Cuba Memorial Hospital. She was born August 11, 1931 in West Clarksville, the daughter of the late Clark Donald and Florence (Davidson) Beckwith. On December 10, 1949 in Cuba, she married Norman Cummings, who predeceased her in 2006.

Louise was a 1949 graduate of Richburg High School. She was employed as the Laboratory secretary at United Community Hospital in Grove City, PA for 25 years. She was a former member of the Friendship United Methodist Church, and enjoyed listening and dancing to country music.

She is survived by a son, Terry (Gloria Rapp) Cummings of Dansville, a daughter, Vickie Freeman of Wellsville, seven grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, a sister, Juanita Beckwith of McLeansboro, IL, as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased in addition to her parents, by a son, Larry Cummings, a great granddaughter, Cassie Cummings, two brothers, Herbert, and Harold Beckwith, and two sisters, Edna Toner and Frances Shiko 

A Memorial Service is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Skilled Nursing Facility of Cuba Memorial Hospital. To leave online condolences, please visitwww.embserfuneralhome.co.

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Edward C. Flurschutz, 96

Wellsville, NY – Edward C. Flurschutz, 96, of 49 Fassett Lane, passed away on Friday, November 4, 2022 at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. He was born September 2, 1926 in Rochester, the son of the late Glenn E. and Flossie (Langdon) Flurschutz. On November 15, 1946, in Wellsville, he married his high school sweetheart, and wife of 74 years, Lois Sweet, who predeceased him on July 3, 2021. 

Raised in Wellsville, Ed was a 1943 graduate of Wellsville High School. After graduation he enlisted with the United States Navy, initially serving in WWII, and then was recalled to serve in the Korean conflict. After service to his country, Ed was a part owner in Rockwell Brothers and Tuttle & Rockwell Department Stores for 40 years. He served as a board member with the Downtown Merchants of the Chamber of Commerce, and was a member of the Exchange Club for many years.

Ed was a member of First Trinity Lutheran Church in Wellsville where he held several volunteer positions, and was a member of Men’s Club and the church choir. His love of music was also expressed through his involvement in school band, orchestra and chorus. He sang in several minstrel shows, and weddings and was a tenor soloist in the Messiah at Alfred University. Ed was also a former member of the Apollo Club male chorus and the Genesee Valley Chorus.

Waiting two years for an opening into the Wellsville Fire Department, Ed became an active member of the McEwen Hose Company #4 in 1950, ultimately serving through the rank of Captain of the company and holding every office except Chief of the department. He served as secretary of the fire board and treasurer of both the hose company and the fire board. He had a genuine love of the fire department and all it represents in the community, as evidenced in his monthly attendance at the hose company meetings.

Ed was a school bus driver for Wellsville Central School for many years, retiring in 2006. He was a member of the American Legion and the Wellsville Rod & Gun Club where he excelled in trap shooting. Never willing to sit still, Ed also served others by delivering Meals on Wheels in the Wellsville area.

He is survived by: three children, John E. (Carol) Flurschutz, Kay M. (Michael) McCulloch, and Daniel C. (Cynthia) Flurschutz, all of Wellsville; seven grandchildren, Katie (Sam) Weir, Sarah (Josh) VanDyke, Eric (Ashley) Stuck, Gregory Flurschutz, Timothy (Jessie) Flurschutz, Kyle Flurschutz, and Ian (Logan) Flurschutz; 12 great-grandchildren; a brother, Ronald (Roxanne) Flurschutz of Rochester; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by an infant granddaughter, Stacie Flurschutz; a son-in-law, Glenn “Skip” Stuck; and a brother, Paul Flurschutz.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, November 11, 2022 from 6 – 8 PM at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville, 34 West State Street. Friends may also call on Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 10 -11 AM at First Trinity Lutheran Church, 470 North Main Street, Wellsville. His funeral will follow at 11 am in the church. Burial with full military honors will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to First Trinity Lutheran Church. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Thomas Eugene Simkins, 71

Wellsville, NY – Thomas Eugene Simkins, 71, of Stannards Road (formerly of Galeton, PA), entered Heaven’s gates on Saturday, October 29, 2022, unexpectedly at the Buffalo Veteran’s Hospital. He was born on June 6, 1951 the son of the late Billie E. and Mary (Drake) Simkins. On April 12, 1997 in Wellsville he married Kay Whitesell, who survives. 

Tom attended Galeton Area School, graduating in 1970. He served in the United State Navy from 1970 – 1983 specializing in Antisubmarine Air Controller, as well as a Naval Warfare Operations Specialist. After his honorable discharge, he worked as an Auto Mechanic for many years, retiring in 2013. Tom enjoyed spending time hunting, fishing, playing as Santa Claus, playing horseshoes, Monopoly, and Euchre. His ultimate goal was to spend time with his family and harassing his wife. He always made time to work on cars even after retirement. 

In addition to his wife of 25 years, Kay, he is survived by: his greatest legacy, his children, Billie, Shane, Casey, Tonya, Robin, Joey, David, Melissa, and Vickie (seven daughters, and two sons); 22 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Ivan and Susan; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by: a son, Roberto; a brother, Michael; and two sisters, Penny and Patty. 

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 1 – 3 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. His funeral with full military honors will follow in the funeral home at 3 pm with Reverend Brent Baker presiding. Please consider memorial donations to a charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Mary E. McMurry, 68

Wellsville, NY – Mary E. McMurray, 68, of 3285 Riverside Drive, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 28, 2022. She was born February 24, 1954 in St. Mary’s, PA the daughter of the late James H. and Rita C. (Mullaney) McMurray. 

Mary was raised in St. Mary’s, PA and was a 1972 graduate of Elk County Christian High School. That same year, she married John Samick and she had her first two daughters, Sharon Lee and Christy Lynn. In 1980, Mary moved to New York and later had a daughter, Rhiannon and a son, Nathan. Mary enrolled in the Nursing Program at Alfred State College, but due to a tragic car accident in 1990, that left her disabled, she spent the rest of her life taking care of her children and helped to raise her grandchildren. Mary cared deeply about the ones she loved. She enjoyed caring for those in need since an early age as a candy striper (what initially inspired her desire to become a nurse). She had a one of a kind laugh, enjoyed gatherings with friends, and loved music, and cats. She was loyal to her family and had a heart of gold. She often invited those without family to the Thanksgiving table to share a meal and a laugh. She was a devoted mother, proud grandmother and loving sister. 

She is survived by three daughters, Sharon Nye, Christy Samick, and Rhiannon (Robert) Babbitt, all of Wellsville; six grandchildren, Brandon M. (Brandon) Nye, Jacob T. Nye, Sage T. Bundy, Reese C. Babbitt, Raegan E. Babbitt, and Roslyn P. Babbitt; four siblings, Patrick McMurray of Pittsburgh, John (Paula) McMurray of St. Mary’s, Margie Lioce of Wellsville, and Donald Gilliland of Ellisburg, PA, three nieces, Missy, Michelle, and Melanie, one nephew, Justin, and a great niece, Cali. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by: her son, Nathan McMurray; and three brothers Mike, Joe, and Tom McMurray. 

Friends are invited to call on Friday, November 4, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 8:00 pm. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. 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.