Joshua M. Bierman, 30

Wellsville, NY – Joshua M. Bierman, 30, of West State Street, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at home. He was born in Hornell on June 27, 1992 the son of Mark A Bierman Jr. and Kelly (Madden) Cumpston. 

Josh was a life long resident of Allegany County, graduating from Scio Central School in 2011. He graduated from the Finger Lakes Community College Wildlands Fire Fighting School. He worked for True Cut Tree Service, then Timiny R.R. Construction, before moving on to pipelines in West Virginia. Upon returning to the area, he started Good Fellows Residential Tree Removal. Outside of work, he was a past member of the Scio Fire Department, and later the Genesee Hose Company #5. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, snow mobiling, and four wheeling. He was a fan of the Buffalo Bills and the Boston Red Sox. 

Josh is survived by: his parents, Mark A. (Renee DiMartin) Bierman Jr. of Seminole, FL, and Kelly (Chad) Cumpston of Scio; brothers, Brent Bierman of Wellsville, Brady (Maggie Cornell) Cumpston of Wellsville, and Kristopher (karrie Button) Bierman of Whitesville; two sisters, Kylie Bierman of Wellsville, and Morgan (Chase Enders) Cumpston of Belmont; a niece, Maisie Cornell; a nephew, Theodore Bierman; maternal grandmothers, Deirdre Roeske of Wellsville and Nancy Hosmer of Belmont; paternal grandparents, Linda (Jay Greene) of Genesee, PA and Mark A. (Sarah) Bierman Sr. of Ormand Beach, FL; paternal Great-grandmother, Ruth Osgood of Wellsville; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by: a sister, Chelsea Bierman; grandfathers, Edward Madden, Rocket Roeske, Lenny Osgood, and William Hosmer; and uncle Buz Psathas. 

Friends are invited to call on Friday, June 2, 2023 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at the J.W. EmbserSons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. His funeral will follow on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 11 am in the funeral home. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery of Wellsville.Please consider memorial donations to the Scio Fire Department, 4359 County Road 10, Scio, NY 14880, or to the Hart Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Leslie D. Balch Sr., 75

Willing, NY – Leslie D. Balch Sr., 75, of Stonedam Road passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 31, 1947, in Lackawanna, the son of the late Jack and Bernice (Jordan) Balch. On June 22, 1968, in Wellsville, he married Sharon Coy, who survives. 

Les was raised in Niagara Falls and attended High School there. He continued his education in Genesee, PA in Welding School, and later Trucking School in Niagara. Between welding and trucking he met Sharon at a birthday party. He proposed while bowling one night by trying to hand off his ring, leading to minor confusion. He found his career in manufacturing at Air Preheater of Wellsville as a welder, and later MK of Hornell. Outside of work he was a self-proclaimed stand-up comedian, stunt car driver who enjoyed fishing, hunting, working on cars, motorcycles, and loved animals. He was a volunteer firefighter, life-long church member, and Odd Fellow. 

In addition to his wife of 54 years, Sharon Balch, he is survived by: two sons, Dean (Vanessa) Balch, and Robert (Brenda) Balch; three daughters, Candy (Mark) Williams, Nikki Wilbur, and Alie Balch; 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings Larry, Danny, and Sharon; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Dawn Balch on March 17, 2023. 

Friends are invited to call on Monday, June 12, 2023, from 12 noon to 1 pm at the Yorks Corners Mennonite Church, 3350 County Road 29, Wellsville, NY 14895. A memorial service for both Leslie and Dawn will follow at 1 pm. Burial will be in Yorks Corners Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to Allegany County Cancer Services, PO Box 534, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Joan Marie Cady, nee McGuirl, 86

Wellsville, NY – Joan Marie Cady, nee McGuirl, 86, of Wellsville, passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at the Hart Comfort House surrounded by family. She was born August 4, 1936, in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Paul J. and Mary Abbie (Babbitt) McGuirl. On June 21, 1958, she married FrankE. Cady who predeceased her on February 13, 2017, after 58 years of marriage. 

Joan was raised in the Town of Ward, the oldest of 7 siblings. She was the Valedictorian of the 1955 graduating class of Scio High School. She began her career at First Trust Union Bank as an Administrative Assistant. She stepped away from working while raising her three children. Upon her return to the workforce, she was employed as the Administrative Assistant for the Law Office of W. Joseph Embser. Outside of work she was a member of the Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Gamma PI Chapter, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, the Immaculate Conception Church (where she served as a Eucharistic minister) and was an Election Day Pole Volunteer.  She was an avid card player, who enjoyed Bridge Club and was a winner of tournaments playing duplicate bridge. She also had quite a green thumb with a large garden and numerous house plants. She was a dedicated coach’s wife, as well as a listener and watcher of sports, especially Wellsville teams, Saint Bonaventure men’s basketball, tennis and Yankee baseball. Joan and Frank brought her large extended family together to celebrate many Thanksgiving holidays in their home. Joan’s greatest love of all was her family, especially her grandchildren

She is survived by: three children, Michael E. (Carol) Cady of Elmira, Sheila C. (Anthony, Jr.) Delmonte of Clarence Center, and Julie Anne (Dr. Douglas) Cady-Reh of Reisterstown, MD; 7 Grandchildren, Luke Cady, Eli Cady, Abbigail Delmonte, Dominick Delmonte, Isabel Reh, Elayna Reh, and Samuel Reh;siblings, Shirley (Richard) Ryan of Ft. Myers, FL, Pauline (Daniel) Ross of Chandler, AZ, Linda (Richard) Warfield of Glen Burnie, MD; sister-in-law, Marcia McGuirl of Valparaiso, IN; brother-in-law, Dana McDill of Minneapolis, MN; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by siblings, Raymond P. McGuirl, Ruth (Marvin) Tarpley, Mary Esther McDill. 

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am following visitation. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Belmont. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895 or to the David A. Howe PublicLibrary, 155 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Gary and Nancy Petrichick, Service announcement

Belmont, NY – The friends of Gary and Nancy Petrichick are invited to a memorial luncheon on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at 12 noon at the Herbert DeLong American Legion Post 808, 29 Schuyler Street, Belmont, NY. Their graveside service will follow at 3 PM in Forest Hills Cemetery with full military honors for Gary’s service with the United States Army. Gary passed on September 25, 2022, followed by Nancy on November 30, 2022. To read their complete obituaries, or to leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

Steven P. Lowe, Service Announcement

Belmont, NY – The friends of Steven P. Lowe are invited to a graveside service with full military honors, on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 11:30 am in Forest Hills Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Herbert DeLong American Legion Post 808, 29 Schuyler Street, in Belmont. To read the complete obituary, or to leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Dorothy Mae Herke, nee Goldthwait, 97

Butler, PA – Dorothy Mae Herke, nee Goldthwait, 97, passed away Friday, May 12, 2023, at Concordia at the Orchard Personal Care Facility in Butler, PA. She was born May 6, 1926, in Nunda, NY the daughter of the late William Norton and Elsie La Rose (Couchman) Goldthwait. On February 19, 1949, in Nunda, she married Howard Donald Herke of Scio, who predeceased her on September 20, 2004.

Dorothy attended Nunda Central School, graduating in June 1943, she continued her education at Geneseo State Teacher’s College, graduating in June 1947 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. That fall she began her teaching career at the Martin Street School of Wellsville, NY. She taught in the Wellsville School System for 32 years, retiring in June of 1982. In her retirement, she and Howard spent many winters in Florida. They enjoyed camping and belonged to the Allegany County Chapter #46 of the Holiday Ramblers Travel Trailer Club. Beyond her career and traveling, Dorothy was a member of the First Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she was a member of the Altar Guild, Concordia Ladies Aid Society, and Dorcas Guild. She was also a member of the Allegany County Retired Teachers Association.  She enjoyed spending time with all the children in her life including her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her students.

She is survived by: a daughter, Janet A. (Terry) Vossler of Butler, PA; seven grandchildren, Bradley Ball of Wellsville, Elizabeth Stearns of Almond, Christopher Schroeder of Pittsburgh, PA, Heather (Maxwell) Muska of Shelbyville, IN, Matthew (Sarah) Schroeder of Flintstone, MD, Katrina Vossler of Pittsburgh, PA, and Michael Vossler of Valencia, PA; eleven great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Stephen Ball; and two sisters-in-law, Maxine Herke Latham and Marilyn Richmond Herke. In addition to her parents, and husband of 55 years, she was predeceased by a daughter, Joan Ball. 

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from 10 am to 12 noon at the First Trinity Lutheran Church, 470 North Main Street, Wellsville. Her funeral will follow at 12 pm with Reverend Dr. Eric Ash Sr. presiding. The burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery of Scio. Please consider memorial donations to Trinity Lutheran Church, the David A. Howe Library, 155 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895, or Good Samaritan Hospice 116 Browns Hill Road, Valencia, PA 16059. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Joan M. Anderton, 95

Wellsville, NY – Joan M. Anderton, 95, a former resident of 102 Early Street passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Highland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She was born April 29, 1928, in Johnstown, PA the daughter of the late John T. and Mary Margaret (Priest) Barclay. On June 9, 1951, in Oil City, PA,she married her high school sweetheart, Alfred D. “Al” Anderton, who predeceased her on October 13, 2013. 

Joan was raised in Oil City, where she attended St. Joseph Catholic High School. In 1962 Joan and Al moved their family to Wellsville. After their move, she was first employed by Davie’s, Rockwell’s before beginning her career at First Trust Union Bank. She enjoyed playing Bridge with her friends, cribbage with her brother Mike, and loved wintering in Delray Beach, FL. 

She is survived by two sons, Christopher Anderton, and Jeff (Nancy Alt) Anderton, both of Wellsville; a daughter, Jane Anderton Sigler of Boynton Beach, FL; fivegrandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, and husband of 62 years, she was predeceased by her brother, Mike Barclay in 2018. 

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, May 11, 2023, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The 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.

Steven A. Bishop, 46

Wellsville, NY – Steven A. Bishop, 46, passed away on Monday, May 1, 2023, at Elderwood of Lakeside in Brockport, NY from complications after suffering traumatic brain injuries in an accident 10 years prior. Steven fought valiantly each day in attempts at recovery. He was born July 22, 1976, in Wellsville, the son of Robert E. and Linda D. (Cole) Bishop. 

Steve was raised in Wellsville and Andover. He was formerly employed as a crane operator in Panama City, FL, and later was a truck driver in Moundsville, WV. He was a “free spirit” who loved to play the guitar, to discuss science and philosophy, and to spend time outdoors hiking and fishing.

He is survived by his father Robert of Andover, three sisters Katrina Nelson of Wellsville, Alisha Bishop of Hazel Hurst, PA, and Jacqueline Jerla of Chili, NY, a brother Daniel Bishop from Hungary, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Linda and a brother Robert Bishop Jr.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, May 12, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A memorial service will follow visitation at 6:00 pm on Friday. The graveside service will be Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 11:00 am in Woodlawn Cemetery, 276 S. Main Street in Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations to Gil’s Hills Inc. 2526 Brown Road Wellsville, NY 14895 or Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD – http://madd.org). To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Patricia K. Sweeney, service announcement

 

West Almond – The friends of Patricia K. Sweeney are invited to call on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 11 – 1 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Belmont, 17 Schuyler Street. The family would like to offer an open invitation for a luncheon in Patricia’s memory that will follow that day at 2 PM at the American Legion Post 808, 29 Schuyler Street. Patricia passed peacefully at home on Sunday, April 16, 2023, with family by her side. Please consider memorial donations to the American Legion Post 808 Auxiliary. To leave online condolences, or to read the complete obituary, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Michael L. McKinley, 78

Scio, NY – Michael L. McKinley, 78, of Back River Road, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023, in his home, surrounded by family. He was born on May 23, 1944, in Hornell, NY, the son of the late Francis and Mary Ellen (Gavin) McKinley. 

Mike worked for the City of Hornell and later for Hollands Lumber before joining the Hornell Local 87 Bricklayers Union. In 1972 he was employed by the Wellsville Central School District as Superintendent of Building and Grounds, retiring in 2001. Mike was a skilled mason and enjoyed helping others complete their masonry projects. After his retirement, he returned to the bricklayer’s union and continued working in the masonry field. He loved spending time with his family and his beloved Toy Australian Shepherd, “Mr. Pickles”. He also enjoyed being outside, hunting, fishing, and 4-wheeling at his camp. 

He is survived by two sons, Shannon (Cristy, Ed.D.) McKinley of Belmont and Shane (Michelle) McKinley of Andover; three daughters, Michele McKinley of Elmira, Colleen McKinley-Walls of Hornell, and Patti Jo McKinley of Rochester; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Ann (Kurt) Hoyer of Oneonta, NY; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Shawn McKinley in 1964; four brothers, Joseph McKinley, James McKinley, Thomas McKinley, and John McKinley, and a sister, Sheila McKinley. 

Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 11:00 am in the Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover. The burial will be in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Andover Rod & Gun Club or Greenwood American Legion Post 1425. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Mary-Lou Estelle Miller, 62

Wellsville, NY – Mary-Lou Estelle Miller, 62, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Jones Memorial Hospital, with her family by her side. She was born on February 5, 1961, in Rochester, the daughter of Howard Duane and Irma Marilyn (Armstrong) Brown. In August of 1996 she met Dennis Greene, with whom she spent the rest of her life. 

Mary-Lou lived in several places all over New York State, and spent 18 years in Arizona, her favorite place to reside. She found her career in Food Service and primarily was a waitress, last working for The Landmark Café in Sierra Vista, Arizona; she was also employed as a cook for Keuka College in Penn Yan. Outside of her work, she loved to knit and crochet, and enjoyed gardening. She was an avid member of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Cancer Walk. Most important of all was her grandchild, Sasha, who was her everything. 

In addition to her partner of 27 years, Dennis, she is survived by: two sons, Jason (Andy) Sorg of Rochester, and Gary (Danielle) Miller of Wetstone, Arizona; her granddaughter, Sasha Lynn Miller; siblings, Pat, Tina, Eugene, Kathy, Larry, and Sandy; and several nieces and nephews. 

Following the family’s wishes, there are no services planned at this time. Please consider memorial donations to: Relay for Life, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741; or to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN, 38105. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Hartrick James “Butch” Brownell Jr.,75

Wellsville, NY – Hartrick James “Butch” Brownell Jr.,75, passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023, at home following a brief illness. He was born February 24, 1948, in Wellsville the son of the late Hartrick J. “Bud” and Virginia (Empson) Brownell Sr. 

Butch was a long-time resident of the 106 Road in Wellsville. He served in the United States Army as a Forward Surveyor from 1968-1970. After his service he was employed at MITE-E-LITE Corporation and the Wellsville Button Factory. He later worked as Roughneck for several local oil producers. Butch then expanded his career as a logger for several logging companies including, Brownell’s Logging, and Baldwin’s Forest Products, retiring in 2004He was a life member of the Alma Rod and Gun Club and the Frank B. Church Post 2530 VFW Auxiliary. He was an avid outdoorsman and Euchre player. He enjoyed hunting especially the elicited Wild Turkey and the Great Whitetail. Otherwise, you could find him on Alma Pond or the mighty Genesee fishing during the winter months or running a trap line. One of his great accomplishments was harvesting the first River Otter in Western NY, on the South Branch of Fords brook. This magnificent animal is on display at the Region 9 Office of the DEC in Allegany NY. 

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Patty Lewis-Brownell of Wellsville, six children, Bridget (John) Carey of Elkland Md, Nicole Brownell Flowers of Morganton, NC. Hartrick “Buddy” (Kristal) Brownell III of Wellsville, Jennifer (Gary) Hoagland of Woodstock GA, Brandon Brownell of Wellsville, and Stacy Chapman of Wellsville, several stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, a brother, Mike (Sherree) Brownell of Winter Haven, FL, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his Parents by two brothers, Gary E. Brownell, and Larry D. Brownell. 

Hartrick was a man of great wisdom and wasn't shy to share it. He enjoyed life to the fullest and enjoyed teaching the skill of fishing to his grandchildren and many other youngsters at the Bud Brownell Fishing Derby. Hartrick will be missed by many.  

Please join his family and friends for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 6, 2023, beginning at 1:00 pm at the Alma Rod & Gun Club, 724 Petrolia Road (County Road 18) Wellsville. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Alma Rod and Gun Club, PO Box 181 Wellsville NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.