Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Louise Beckwith, Service announcement

Wellsville, NY – The Friends and family of Louise Beckwith are invited to a Memorial Service on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 1 – 3 PM at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street, with Reverend Becky Worth presiding. Louise passed on November 6, 2022. To read the complete obituary, or to leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Monday, March 27, 2023

L. Carl Whitesell, 85

Wellsville, NY – L. Carl Whitesell, 85, of Carter Road, went to Heaven on Sunday, March 26, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Whitesville on January 5, 1938 the son of the late Norman and Florence (Jackson) Whitesell. On July 8, 1992 in Wellsville, he married Betsy Theoclitus, who survives. 

Carl was a machinist at Dresser-Rand for 27 years. Outside of his career he was a member of the Wellsville American Legion #702, Shinglehouse American Legion #530, and a member of the Wellsville Moose Lodge #601. He enjoyed an ice cold Miller Lite, Farmall tractors, country music, football, fireworks, bonfires, and sitting on the porch with friends and family while watching his “Mad German” (Buster) keep people in line. He was always tinkering and building random things, “Jack of all trades, master of none”. He was deeply loved, and will by dearly missed by his friends and family. 

In addition to his wife of 30 years, Betsy, he is survived by: two daughters, T. Laureen Perkins, and Carleen Whitesell; stepdaughter, Darla Williams; son, Ricky (Stacey) Rouse; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings, Laurel and Lewis Sinsabange; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by several half-siblings, and his beloved dog Buster. 

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 4 – 6 PM at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, Wellsville. The Funeral will follow at 6 PM in the funeral home. Burial will be in Yorks Corners Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to: the American Legion Post #702, 23 Jefferson Street, Wellsville, NY 14895; or to the Moose Lodge #601, 242 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Robert Sanders, 90

Wellsville, NY – Robert Sanders, 90, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the Hart Comfort House.  We are deeply grateful, as was he, for the excellent care, company and compassion he was given there.  He was born May 22, 1932 in Millfield, Ohio the son of the late Dr. Clarence and Lucille (Bradfield) Sanders.  He graduated from Chauncey-Dover High School in 1950.  On March 20, 1958 in Erie, PA, he married his wife of fifty-six years, Susan Boyle, who predeceased him on April 6, 2014. He missed her so deeply we suspect he waited the nine years to join her just to see the grandkids launched.

Bob has resided in Wellsville since 1966.  He served with the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956, one of the most trans-formative of his life decisions.  He graduated from the State University of New York. He was employed for a total of thirty-two years as a Technical and Vocational Instructor by the United States Air Force, Allegany County BOCES, and Alfred State College, from which he retired in September of 1995. His lifetime calling of teacher and mentor began, however, when he was recruited by the Boy Scouts of America to lead as a teenager.

For many years he was a member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors.  He was a charter and life member, Secretary and Trustee of the Pittsburgh, Shawmutt and Northern Railroad Historical Society.  For forty years he was active in its restoration, and a fixture of welcome and stories during the Allegany County Fair. Bob was an avid model airplane fan for over fifty years, and was a member of model organizations in several states.  Locally, he was a Secretary and Director of the Wellsville Area Small Plane Society (WASPS).  He was a lifelong member of the Christian Church of Millfield, Ohio.

Bob was a familiar figure at the David A. Howe Public Library as an enthusiastic patron of what he considered Wellsville's greatest asset. In addition to his book consumption, he fully enjoyed the performances, music and lectures offered there. Music was a great source of pleasure to him, as was working in his shop. Bob and Susie were of one mind: hobbies and continued learning throughout life are essential to growth and happiness. Bob was truly interested in people, and delighted in exploring the differences in how people viewed the world. He was the essential family man. He was also a mischievous practical joker and world class punster. In 1947, at the age of fifteen, he and his Uncle Barney perpetrated a UFO hoax in Millfield so successful that he feared arrest, but now, sixty-seven years later, no worries--the “UFO crash site” is commemorated by a plaque.

 

Bob is survived by a son, Steven (Yum) Sanders of Wellsville; a daughter, Shelly (Barry) Dunne of Wellsville; four grandchildren, Jasmine (Casey Maglier) Sanders of Wellsville, Matthew Sanders of Wellsville, Meredith Dunne of Norfolk, VA, her fianceé Greg Whalen, and James Dunne of Wellsville. He is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Kansas. He is also survived by his (foster) brother, Ronald Freeman of Columbus, Ohio. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by an infant sister, a brother, William Sanders, and a sister-in-law, Margaret Sanders.


Friends are invited to a celebration of this extraordinary life on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons funeral Home, 34 West State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will be Saturday, April 1, at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Rev. Bill Willson presiding. Please consider memorial donations to the David A. Howe Public Library, 155 N. Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

Norma Dennis, announcement

Wellsville, NY – The friends of Norma Dennis are invited to a Celebration of Life on Sunday, April 2, 2023, beginning at 2:00 pm at the Morrison Hayes Post 702 American Legion, 23 Jefferson Street in Wellsville. Norma passed away on January 18, 2023. To read the complete obituary or leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Joyce E. Wagoner, 75

Scio, NY – Joyce E. Wagoner, 75, of 4314 E. Sciota Street passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at the Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, following a lingering illness. She was born December 24, 1947 in Wellsville, the daughter of the late James and Gloria (Gleason) Broughton.

Joyce was a 1965 graduate of Wellsville High School. She was formerly employed at Mite-E-Lite in Wellsville before moving to Olympia, Washington where she was employed by the United States Postal Service for many years. She returned to the Wellsville area on March 8, 1997. A woman of faith, she enjoyed painting, singing, playing the guitar, and arts and crafts. She was a second mother to the friends of her children.

She is survived by two sons, Joshua V. Wagoner of Scio, and Matthew J. (Roxanne) Wagoner of Wellsville, two grandchildren, Dominik Wagoner and Madalynne Wagoner, two step-grandchildren, Darren Dickerson and Katelyn Dickerson, a sister, Jean Potter of Canisteo, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents by her former husband, Edward Wagoner, a son, Douglas Broughton, and a brother, Timothy Broughton.  

A celebration of life is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Please consider memorial donations to (a local charity) To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.


Sunday, March 19, 2023

JoAnn F. Brown, 88

Belmont, NY – JoAnn F. Brown, 88, of County Road 2B, passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Jones Memorial Hospital from complications of pancreatic cancer. She was born in Olean on June 2, 1934 the daughter of the late James and Inez (Cornelius) Marsh. On October 4, 1952 she married her husband of 70 years, Donald Brown, who survives. 

JoAnn was a 1952 graduate from Andover Central Schools, where she was the valedictorian of her class. JoAnn had a full work history, her first job was at Newberry’s, then Bausch and Lomb, before moving on to the Olean Tile Plant. During her time as an Army wife, she discovered the beginning of her career as a home care worker, and then Foster Mother. She owned and operated, out of her own home, proprietary home “Brown’s Nursing Home” for 25 years. Beyond her career, she rode with Don to deliver Meals on Wheels for eight years. They were foster parents to many children, and while sometimes considered stoic, she was firm and fair to all. She was a longtime and faithful member of the Belmont First Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School, being member of both the Ladies Missionary Group and The XYZers. 

In addition to her husband Donald, she is survived by: two sons, Philip (Annette) Brown and Daniel (Kara) Brown; five grandchildren, Stacy Brown, Michele Riera, Joshua (Nancy) Brown, Kenneth (Tara) Brown, and Xander Brown; 11 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Harvey Rose; daughter-in-law, Ann Cote; and brothers, David Marsh and Cort (Irma) Marsh. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by: son, Steven A. Brown; daughter, Rebecca M. Rose; grandson, Lance Corporal Donald S. Brown; and siblings, Barbara Wagner, Ila Ferne, and Robert Marsh. 

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 1 – 3 PM at the First Baptist Church of Belmont. Her Memorial Service will follow at 3 with Erich Brooks presiding. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the: Meals on Wheels c/o Allegany County Office for the Aging, 6085 NY-19 North, Belmont, NY 14813; or the First Baptist Church of Belmont, 9 Willets Avenue, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Susan E. Wightman, 62

Wellsville, NY – Susan E. Wightman, 62, of O’Connor Street, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at Jones Memorial Hospital with her family by her side. She was born in Wellsville on September 7, 1960 the daughter of the late Frederick G. and Delphine “Della” (Moyer) Wightman. 

Susie was a lifelong resident of Wellsville. She was a lively member of the O’Connor Street Residence of the ARC. She enjoyed outings with her family, especially to the Buffalo Zoo, shopping, going out to eat, and watching TV Shows like the Price is Right. 

She is survived by her sister Ann Clark of Hornell, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister Judy Austin, and her brother Dennis Wightman. 

A private funeral was held on Friday, March 10. Burial took place in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to a charity of your choosing. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Monday, March 13, 2023

Mary C. Scheeder, Service announcements

Wellsville, NY – The friends of Mary C. Scheeder, are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 12 noon, in the St. Joseph’s Oratory, 3912 Cottage Bridge Road, of Scio, with Father Dennis Mancuso as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Mary passed on Wednesday, February 22, 2023. To read the complete obituary, or to leave online condolences please visitwww.embserfuneralhome.com.

Clair Eugene Heysham, Service announcement

Wellsville, NY – The Friends of Clair Eugene Heysham, are invited to a Graveside Service with full military honors on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 11 am, in Woodlawn Cemetery, of Wellsville, with Reverend Dr. Eric Ash Sr. of Trinity Lutheran Church presiding. Clair passed on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. To read the complete obituary, or to leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Friday, March 10, 2023

Steven P. Lowe, 72

Belmont, NY – Steven P. Lowe, 72, of 13 Schuyler Street passed away at home on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. He was born November 16, 1950 in Wellsville, the son of the late Harold and Doris (Sanford) Lewis. 

Steve was a 1968 graduate of Belmont Central School. He served with the U. S. Navy from 1968 to 1972. He was formerly employed by C. E. Air Preheater Company in Wellsville for 10 years, and was a self employed contractor for many years. He was a member of the Herbert DeLong Post 808, American Legion in Belmont. 

He is survived by two daughters, Tammy (Joel) Alent of Pinckney, MI, and Stacy (Jason) Linnecke of Scio, a son, Jeremy (Amanda) Lowe of Bossier City, LAnine grandchildren, Marek Alent, Alea Comstock, Ashlyn (Glenn) Proctor, Brendan (Peyton) Scott, Mason, Cole, Caden, Chandler, and Miles Lowetwo great-grandchildren, Mason, and Scarlette Proctor, a brother, David Lowe of Belmont, a sister, Deb Biancuzzo of Portville, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by a sister, Catherine Ingalls, and a nephew, Eric Lowe.

A graveside service with full military honors is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Darren C. Bigelow, 31

Belmont, NY – Darren C. Bigelow, 31, of County Road 31A passed away on March 6, 2023. He was born August 3, 1991 in Olean, the son of Max William Bigelow and Kimberly Anne Aylor. 

Darren was a 2010 graduate of Genesee Valley High School. He was formerly employed by Bigelow Excavating in Belmont, and Pike Construction Services in Rochester. He was currently employed as a Heavy Equipment Operator and Foreman by Zoladz Construction Company, Inc. of Alden, NY. He was a former member of the Amity Rescue Squad. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding side by sides, and snowmobiles. He was a proud uncle to his two beautiful nieces, who he called “his munchkins” and “his girls” He was a beloved big brother who loved his four sisters. He was a member of the New York State Horseshoe Pitchers Association, the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 808, and Off Duty in Belmont.

He is survived by his father Bill Bigelow of Belmont, four sisters, Darien (Cory) Fanton, Kayci Bigelow, and Kendra Bigelow all of Belmont, and Raelynn Bigelow of Richburg, two nieces, Quinn and Sawyer Fanton, his maternal grandparents, Darrell and Jan Aylor, his paternal grandparents, Marlene and Steve Cartwright, and Max and Deborah Bigelow, as well as several Aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Kimberly in 1999.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 11:00 am to 12 noon at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. The burial will be at the discretion of the family. Please consider memorial donations, to the Amity Rescue Squad. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Colleen M. Jefferds, 88

Belmont, NY  Colleen M. Jefferds, 88, of Cemetery Hill, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at Hart Comfort House. She was born in Alfred on June 24, 1934 the daughter of the late Leo and Eleanor (Lippert) McAndrews. 

Colleen was a longtime resident of the Belmont Area, she graduated from Andover Central High School. She found her career in Bookkeeping after having worked as a telephone operator in Wellsville. Initially she was employed as Laidlaws bookkeeper and then later for East Side Garage, both of Belmont. Outside of work she loved to garden and taking care of her dog “Brownie”. 

She is survived by: a son, David L. Jefferds of Belmont; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a sister, Ellen (Mike) Baker of Almond, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by: four children, William Jefferds, Charles Jefferds, Robert Jefferds, and Stephanie Jefferds-Dorrentwo sisters, Mary and Joan; a brother, Leoand grandmothers, Elizabeth McAndrews, and Clara Lippert. 

Friends are invited to a Graveside service, Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 11 AM in Woodlawn Cemetery of Almond with Deacon Dave Harvey presiding. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House of Allegany County, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Friday, March 3, 2023

Michael L. Whitney, 58

Angelica, NY - 
Michael L. Whitney, 58, of Angelica passed away on Wednesday March 2, 2023 at the Highland 

Health Care Center. He was born on December 2, 1964 in Cuba to the late Victor L. and Dolores G. [Goth] Whitney.

Mike was a 1983 graduate of Belmont High School and later he graduated from Alfred State College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services Management. He was employed as a chef for 42 years at various restaurants in Allegany County. He also managed the sound and light production as well as vending Tie-Dyes at several festivals over the years. Mike was a former member of the Amity Rescue and was the President of the Angelica Farmers Market Board.

He is survived by several cousins as well as special friends, Andrew Dotzel and family and Greg Hardy and family.

A private service is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.