Betty L. Baldwin, 76

Wellsville NY – Betty L. Baldwin, 76, of 160 Seneca Street, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She was born in Bradford, PA on March 16, 1947, the daughter of the late Washington and Violet Nelly (Shugers) Riley. On May 4, 1987, in Westminster, MD she married Marty B. Baldwin, who survives. 

Betty was a graduate of Bradford High School. She enjoyed animals, parades, bingo, plants, going to eat at Ponderosa, and loved visiting with neighbors on her pouch.

In addition to her husband, Marty, she is survived by a daughter, Angel Larson of Pittsburgh, PA; two sons, William “Bill” Slater of Buffalo, and David (Rose) Slater of Wellsville; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; a former daughter-in-law, Mary Conley of Wellsville; a sister, Shirley (Frank) Irwin and a brother, Chuck (Karen) Riley both of DuBois, PA, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Christopher Slater, and brother, Carl Riley. 

Friends are invited to call on Friday, May 5, 2023, from 12 noon to 2:00 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A graveside service will follow at 2:15 pm in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Activities Department of Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 160 Seneca Street, Wellsville, NY 14895; or to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Nancy A. Baker, 83

Cuba, NY – Nancy A. Baker, 83, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Cuba Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. She was born May 19, 1939, in Denver, Colorado, the daughter of the late John H. and Lillian G. (Custer) Pleiman.

Nancy has resided in Evans, CO, Belmont, NY, Belfast, NY, and most recently, Cuba, NY. She was formerly employed as an accounting manager for BarenbrugColorado Inc. of Greeley, CO, a bookkeeper for Fred Roberts Auto Parts and Cooks Tire and Auto Center in Wellsville, and a bookkeeper and salesclerk for Collins Building Supplies in Belfast and Wellsville. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Belfast and Wellsville, a member of the Amity Rescue Squad in Belmont, and a loving mother and grandmother.

She is survived by three daughters, Tami Pinney of Cuba, Cheri White of Canandaigua, and Deborah (Harry) McNinch of Fort Payne, Alabama, a son, William J. (Angie) Baker of Cuba, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased, in addition to her parents, by a daughter, Annette Hall, and two husbands, Jack W. Lewis, and Paul W. Baker.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, May 1, 2023, from 12 noon to 2:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. The funeral will follow at 2 PM in the funeral home. The burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery. Please consider memorial donation to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences, please visit wwww.embserfuneralhome.com.

Jon F. Ebeling, 82

Wellsville, NY – Jon F. Ebeling, 82, of North Highland Avenue passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at St. James Hospital in Hornell with his family at his side. He was born February 17, 1941, in Wellsville, the son of the late Frederick“Ted” and Elizabeth “Minnie” (Lampe) Ebeling. In 1976 at Trinity Lutheran Church, he married Linda A. Transki who survives.

Jon served with the United States Marine Corps from 1960 to 1974, his service included two tours in Vietnam. In 1980, Jon and his father purchased Umiker’sMonument Works in Wellsville; he expanded services to include special design work and took pride in providing comfort to his customers and treating them with respect. Later, pursuing his passion for “All things food”, he co-owned and operated Wellsville’s Modern Diner, and for the past several years he was the Caretaker of Woodlawn Cemetery. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, where he served on several committees, including being a past president of the Council. 

Surviving in addition to his wife Linda, is a daughter, Susan (Dan Helveston) Ebeling of Wellsville, three grandchildren, Benjamin, Matthew, and Allison Helveston, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by a sister, Necia Ebeling. Jon will be greatly missed; he was a good husband and loving father and grandfather. 

Friends are invited to a graveside service with military honors on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 11:00 am in Woodlawn Cemetery, 276 S. Main Street in Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations to Trinity Lutheran Church 470 N. Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Edwin Eugene Smith, 94

Wellsville, NY – Edwin Eugene Smith, 94, of Seneca Street, passed away on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center with his family by his side. He was born May 19, 1928, in Coudersport, PA the son of the late Richard William and Eva Mae (Rogers) Smith. 

Eddy was raised in Coudersport. He began his adult life in Scranton, PA before moving to Wellsville to be closer to his family. While living in Pennsylvania he worked in the kitchen of Mount Airy Casino and Resort in the Poconos Mountains. Outside of his career, he loved the Cubs (and would give anyone who disagreed the silent treatment). His faith mattered very much to him, and he was a member of the Knight’s Creek Church of Scio. He didn’t have a mean bone in him and never met a stranger. 

He is survived by: Sister, Ella Mae Haxton of Wellsville, brothers, Irvin Smith of Wellsville, and Robert Smith of Pennsylvania, and several nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to a memorial service on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 1 PM at the Knights Creek Church, 2987 County Road 9, Scio, NY 14880, with Reverend Carl Kemp presiding. Please consider memorial donations to St. Jude’s (St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105). To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Patricia K. Winterhalter Sweeney, 74

West Almond, NY – Patricia K. Winterhalter Sweeney, 74, of County Road 2A, peacefully passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at her home surrounded by family. She was born on May 14, 1948, in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Ernest D. and Mildred “Mitzi” C. (Osgood) Winterhalter. On May 13, 1989, in Belmont, she married Bernard Sweeney, who predeceased her.

Patti was a long-time resident of Allegany County. She graduated from Belmont Central Schools. She attended Alfred State and earned her Associate’s Degree. She retired from Alfred State College after several years of service as the Executive Administrative Secretary to the president. Patty also served as Town Clerk for West Almond for many years. She was very active in the Democratic Party and American Legion Post 808 Auxiliary 29of Belmont. She loved spending time with her dogs. 

She is survived by: siblings, Michael Winterhalter of Rochester, Judy Bliven of Belmont, Anne Winterhalter and Lynda Jones, both of New Jersey, and Teresa Winterhalter of Georgia; close friends, Annette Harding, Suzie “Pizza” Thomas, Mark & Jackie Bainbridge, and Amy Wetherby; and several nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to extend special thanks to Amy Wetherby and other care givers for all they did for Patty and the family. 

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 11 am to 1 pm, at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Belmont, 17 Schuyler Street. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to The Herbert DeLong American Legion Post #808 Auxiliary, 29 Schuyler Street, Belmont, NY 14813; or to the Allegany County Cancer Services, 100 SouthHighland, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Gertrude Margaret (Shine) O'Brien, 97

Wellsville, NY -- Gertrude Margaret (Shine) O'Brien, 97, passed away on Good Friday, April 7, 2023, at the Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Gertrude was born on November 7, 1925, in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Jeremiah and Catherine (Kane) Shine. On August 18, 1948, in Wellsville she married Matthew O’Brien who predeceased her on August 18, 1988.

Gertrude was a graduate of Wellsville High School and was employed as a Utility Billing Machine Operator for the Water and Light Department in Wellsville from March 1, 1965, until her retirement on December 15, 1987. She met Matt in 1947 and they had three children, John, Sharon and Sheila.

After retirement Gertrude spent many years attending daily mass at Immaculate Conception Church. She was a member of Lady Elks. She loved watching Georgetown basketball, the Atlanta Braves and the Oakland Raiders. She and her friends enjoyed playing Canasta.

Gertrude is survived by her son John (Lisa) of Ruidoso, New Mexico., five grandchildren: Kelly Greene (Jerry), Greg Greene (Angie), Jeremy Greene (Carmen), Katherine O'Brien and Matthew O'Brien, as well as 5 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband she was predeceased by two daughters Sheila and Sharon; and her siblings Joseph (Veva), Paul, William (Ruth), Margaret, Kathryn, Walter (Irene), Bernard (Jeanne), Elizabeth (Leo), Dorothy (James), Helen, (George).

Gertrude resided for 12 years at Highland nursing home. She made many friends.  Our family is grateful to all the staff of Highland for their exceptional love and care of Gertrude.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, April 21, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The Rosary will be recited Saturday, at 10:00 am in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 22, at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. The burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to Comfort House of Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Gayle Marie Bernard, 85

Lakewood, NY – Gayle Marie Bernard, 85, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care in Lakewood, NY.  She was born June 5, 1937, in Wellsville, NY the daughter of the late Glenn and Mildred (Etsler) Hazzard. On June 1, 1963, she married Eugene “Gene” Barnard who predeceased her on January 25, 1979.

Gayle was a graduate of the Immaculate Conception School, Wellsville High School, and Mercy Hospital, School of Nursing in South Buffalo. She was employed as a registered nurse at Jones Memorial Hospital for 30 years, retiring in 1999. She worked in the operating room, the emergency room, outpatient surgery and lastly in the oncology clinic associated with the University of Rochester.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Scio where she served on the parish council, was a member of the Altar Society, and taught Church School. She was a volunteer for the Office for the Aging Meals on Wheels and the Allegany County Blind Association. She was a devoted Buffalo Bills fan; often taking grandkids and others to the Bills training camps in the summer. She loved dogs of all types, enjoyed yard work, walking her dogs, reading and crossword puzzles.  Following her retirement, she was always willing and happy to help out with the elderly or sick. She enjoyed playing games and spending time with neighbors and family. She especially enjoyed the regular get-togethers with her treasured nursing colleagues.

She is survived by three daughters; Elizabeth and her husband Gerard Linnecke of Ashville, NY, Susan and her husband Dr. Darrell Singer of Rockville, MD, and Sheila and her husband Dr. Jeremy Hilburn of Wilmington, NC, seven grandchildren; Christine, and her husband Patrick Maloney, Cortney and her husband Tyler Beaton, Ryan Linnecke, Daniel Singer, Sean Singer, Haley Hilburn, and Evan Hilburn, a great-granddaughter, Lucy Mae Maloney, as well as several beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents and husband by two sisters, Sally Day and Carole Carlin, and many dogs throughout her lifetime.

Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church, 36 Maple Avenue in Wellsville. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Scio. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County or the American Cancer Society. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Nina C. Mitchell, 98

Wellsville, NY – Nina C. Mitchell, 98, of 4394 Fords Brook Road passed away on Saturday April 8, 2023, at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She was born December 7, 1924, in Syracuse, the daughter of the late Nicola and Filomena (Pisacreta) DiTondo. On August 1, 1953, in Rochester, she married Ernest F. Mitchell who predeceased her in 2006. 

Nina was a former resident of Rochester and attended School No. 30 and was a graduate of Jefferson High School. She was formerly employed at Bond Clothing and was an assembly line employee at Generals Motors Corporation for 16 years. She was a member of the Woman of the Moose Lodge #248, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 702 and the VFW Auxiliary 2530.

She is survived by two daughters, Luanne (Henry) DeCaire, and Filomena Amedeo, a son, Edward (Jill) Mitchell, two granddaughters, Alexis and Lauren, abrother, James (Judy) DiTondo, two sisters, Ellen Loew, and Grace McKinney, several nieces and nephews, a loving “daughter” Sandra Drexel, and caring friends, Gayle and Glen Krotje. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a granddaughter, Cassandra Mitchell, a brother, Joseph DiTondo, and a sister, Marguerite Nicosia.

A private graveside service is being planned for a later date in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County or the Activities Department at Highland Park. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Robert Allen Haas, 87

Bolivar, NY – Robert Allen Haas, 87, passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Hart Comfort House in Wellsville. He was born December 29, 1935, in Kane, PA, the son of the late Vincent L. and Mary (Royer) Haas. He was the beloved husband of Teresa (Pluta) Haas, who survives.

Bob was a police officer with the City of Buffalo Police Department and served in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville, the Knights of Columbus Council #919, and was a charter member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Bob was the head usher at the Immaculate Conception Church Saturday evening Masses for several years.  He will be remembered as a kind, good-natured, and gentle man with a winning smile.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by a brother, Vincent L. (Lorraine) Haas of Florida; a sister-in-law, Diane Colgan of Vermont; a brother-in-law Stefan (Michelle) Pluta of South Dakota; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Shirley (John) Anderson and Patricia Kennedy.

Special thanks is given to Maureen & Jim Edmonston for their friendship and loving support throughout Bob’s illness, and to the staff & volunteers of the Hart Comfort House for their care and compassion given to Bob during his final days.

Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church, 36 Maple Avenue in Wellsville. The Rosary will be recited on Thursday at 10:30 am in church prior to the Mass, and the AOH memorial service will be offered following the Rosary. Burial be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.  Please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895; or the SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Robert James Lehman, 92

Wellsville, NY – Robert James Lehman, 92, of 3262 Proctor Road passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. He was born May 31, 1930, in Wellsville, the son of the late William C. and Lena R. (Strong) Lehman. On September 18, 1953, in Wellsville he married Winifred “Winnie” Simar. 

Bob was raised in Wellsville and served with the U. S. Navy from 1948 to 1953, aboard the USS CVB Franklin D. Roosevelt. He did his dental training at Great Lakes, and moved on to Paris Island, SC, where he served as a Dental Technician. He was employed by Empire Gas Corporation from 1953 to 1966, and Dresser-Rand Corporation from 1966 until his retirement in June of 1992. He was a life member of the Dyke Street Engine Company #2, a life member of the Allegany County Historical Society, and a member of the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post 702. He was an avid bowler, and loved hunting, fishing, traveling to Florida, Black Lake, Virginia Beach, and spending time with his “very large” family. 

He is survived by his wife Winnie, five daughters, Jacalyn Clemons of Olean, Susette (Dennis) Ordiway of Andover, Linda (Frank) Hammond, of Wellsville, Camille (Larry) Fuentes of Avon, and Amy (Tim) Fanton of Andover, two sons, Michael Lehman of Wellsville, and Timothy Lehman of Rochester, severalgrandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, as well as manynieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by a son, Stephen Lehman, and four brothers, William, Edward, Donald, and Terry Lehman,  a sister, Nancy Kiefer, and a granddaughter, Elisha Clemons.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, April 14, 2023, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 1:00 pm with Pastor William Sylor presiding. Burial with military honors will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Dyke Street Engine Company #2 or the Allegany County Historical Society. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Michael Marino, 77

Wellsville, NY – Michael Marino, 77, of Brooklyn Avenue passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday March 28, 2023 in the Town of Wellsville. He was born on July 21, 1945 in New York City and moved to Wellsville in 1987.

Mike was a character who kept to himself and could be seen walking throughout the village. He is survived by several cousins and a good friend Jim Knapp.

There will be no services. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Mark R. Norton, 59

Belmont, NY – Mark R. Norton, 59, of 9 South Street passed away on Monday, April 3, 2023, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a brief illness. He was born August 17, 1963, in Rome, NY, the son of Richard C. and Nancy J. (Culbert) Norton.

Mark was a 1982 graduate of Scio High School. He was first employed by the JoPo and Maybee Farms in Scio. He later was a Bus driver for the Genesee Valley Central School and the Alfred-Almond Central School. He loved taking children to and from school and making them laugh. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, playing Golf, trying new restaurants, new recipes, and spending time with his beloved nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his mother, Nancy Norton of Whitesville, two sisters, Karen (Louie) Norton of Whitesville, and Kathleen (Luke) Norton of Wilmington, NC, a brother, Timothy Norton of Belmont, and several nieces and nephews including, Camille, Dustin, Colin, Jennifer, Ian, and Chloe, three great nieces and nephews, Adriana, Noah, and Khali, and many cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Richard, maternal grandparents, Joseph and Clara Culbert, and paternal grandparents, Robert and Leah Feller, as well as several aunts and uncles.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 6:00 pm with Deacon David Harvey presiding. Please consider memorial donations to the Wellsville Montessori School, 125 School Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Gail M. Funk, 73

Belmont, NY – Gail M. Funk, 73, of Belmont passed away on Tuesday, April 4,2023, at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, with her family at her side. She was born August 14, 1949, in Wellsville, the daughter of Kenneth A. and Virginia I. (White) Johnson. On December 17, 1966, in Belmont, she married Victor L. Funk who survives.

Gail was a 1967 graduate of Belmont High School. She was a very successful and driven salesperson and entrepreneur with a strong work ethic. Selling for a water purification company in the early years, she later owned and operated Funker’s in Belmont for many years, and Mother’s Pickin’ Chickin’; a campground that featured Blue Grass and Barbeque also in Belmont. She played the banjo for the band Reunion in the 1980’s and was a member of the Herbert DeLong American Legion Auxiliary Unit 808. An avid collector of many antiquities, she was an expert on marbles, and contributed to a book on marbles. She enjoyed putting old wooden puzzles together and loved to travel to Las Vegas. She was very charismatic, and outgoing, loved to socialize, and was extremely charitable.     

Surviving in addition to her husband Vic, is a daughter, Kimberley Jones of Belmont, a son, Craig Funk of Canandaigua, a grandson, Jared Granger, a granddaughter, Karlee Jones, her mother, Virginia Johnson of Erin, TN, a sister, Deborah Varney of Belmont, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Ken, and infant daughter, Heather, a brother, Thomas Johnson, and a sister, Karen Johnson.

A Celebration of Life is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Amity Rescue Squad, or the Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.