Mary Ellen Moll, 83

Rochester, NY – Mary Ellen Moll, 83, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024. She was born May 5, 1940, in Wellsville, NY the daughter of the late Authur J. And Carlotta (Coogan) Gordon. 

Mary was raised in Wellsville and was a 1958 graduate of Wellsville High School. She was a former long-time employee of Kodak. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, Keuka Lake, playing games, playing golf, bowling, going out for breakfast with her friends, and watching the New York Yankees. She loved being a mother and grandmother.

She is survived by a daughter, Laurie A. Fabi, two grandchildren, Jeffrey Williams and Olivia Fabi, a sister-in-law, Barbara Gordon, three nieces, Peg Peet (Jerry), Tracy (Bob) Insley, Katherine “Kitty” Gordon and her family, three nephews, Dan Gordon, Damon Davis, and Timothy Gordon as well as several great nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. She was predeceased in addition to her parents by infant twins, a son James “CJ” Gordon Moll, three brothers, Authur E. Gordon (Margaret), James Gordon (Dorothy), and William Gordon.

Friends are invited to a graveside service on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 2:00 pm in Sacred Heart Cemetery, 276 S. Main Street in Wellsville, NY. The service will be streamed on J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. Facebook. A reception will follow at the Beef Haus in Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations to Pluta Cancer Foundation, 125 Red Creek Drive, Rochester, NY 14623(PlutaCancerFoundation.org) To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Ernest “Whiskers” Truax, service announcement

Belfast, NY—Friends of Ernest “Whiskers” Truax are invited to call on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 11 am to 12 noon at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY. A memorial service will follow at noon in the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be in Bath National Cemetery. Ernie passed away on November 17, 2023. To read the complete obituary, or to leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

George Dean Witter, 68

Wellsville, NY – George Dean Witter, 68, of 70 Williams Avenue passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo. He was born May 26, 1955, in Buffalo, the son of the late Levere and Margaret (Trowbridge) Witter.

George was a 1974 graduate of Scio Central School, and a graduate of Alfred University. He was a long-time employee of Piece Work Industries in Wellsville.He was a 30-year member of Grant Duke Hose Company # 1 in Wellsville, where he served as Chaplain, and was a member of the Fire Police. He was also a proud member of the Silver Wheels Basketball Club and was the first person in Western New York to graduate from high school with his disability.

He is survived by a sister, Virginia (Robert) Pelc Sr. of Eden, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by three brothers, Kenneth, Leland, and Richard Witter and a sister, Cynthia Witter.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, April 13, 2024, 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 in the funeral home. The burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Grant Duke Hose Company # 1, 80 Stevens Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Kay L. Dennis, 82

Greece/Rochester, NY – Kay L. Dennis, 82, a former resident of Wellsville, NY, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2024, surrounded by her family.She was born January 18, 1942, in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Felix and Anita (Austin) Lippman. On August 25, 1960, in Gaffney, NC she married Raymond Dennis who predeceased her on May 31, 2016.

Kay was employed at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, where she worked as a supervisor in data processing in building 23. She was a member of the Red Hat Society of Rochester. She is survived by her son, Kevin E. (Dianna) Dennis of Rochester, a daughter, Kelly (Ken) Kozlowski of Rochester, a brother and sister-In-law, Walter (Phyllis) Dennis of Brockport, grandchildren, Robert (Tara) Visca, Jill Visca, Trevor Dennis,and Celia Dennis, Great-Grandsons, Tommy and Patrick Visca.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 10:30 to 11:30 am at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The burial will follow at 12:00 noon inWoodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations in Kay's memory to the Aurora House, 2495 South Union Street, Spencerport, NY 14559. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Jeffrey Christian “Chris” Rositzke, age 38

Wellsville, NY – Jeffrey Christian “Chris” Rositzke, age 38, passed away unexpectedly on April 2, 2024. He was born on March 3, 1986, in Wellsville the son Ernest and Lynn Rositzke who survive.

Chris attended Scio Central School and Houghton Academy, where he graduated from in 2004. He attended Wellsville Full Gospel Church as a youth.

Chris was a hard-working man who had many talents. He was mechanical and enjoyed working and creating with his hands and watching things grow.

He is survived by his parents Ernie and Lynn Rositzke; a brother Matt Rositzke; his daughter, Grace; 2 sons, Spencer and Silas, all of them he loved dearly. Aunts and uncles include Marshall [Carolyn]Picken, Kent [Maryjane]Picken, Barbara [Tom]MacLeod, Jeffrey [Dianne]Picken, Lee [Brett]Roberts, Christine[Lou]DeAngelo, Karen [David]Fink along with many cousins.

He will be missed daily and will dwell in our hearts forever.

I’ve learned that love not time heals all wounds, and that sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand” A. Rooney.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, April 9, from 4 until 6 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville. A Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 10, at 11am in the Funeral Home with Reverend David Williams presiding. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery and memorial contributions in Chris’s name may be made to either Well Spring Ministries in Angelica or to the David A. Home Library in Wellsville. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Darren Fleeger, 60

Wellsville, NY – Darren Fleeger, 60, life-long resident of Wellsville, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Highland on Michigan Ave of Buffalo following a battle with cancer. He was born on December 31, 1963, in San Francisco, CA the son of the late Ann Fleeger. 

Darren was a 1982 graduate of Wellsville High School; and he received his B.A. with a major in History from the University at Albany in 1985.

Darren was well known for owning and loving cats, and it was a favorite topic of his social media posts. In addition, Darren was an enthusiastic fan of the New York Yankees and enjoyed movies and reading and collecting books. Darren was a history buff regarding Wellsville and the surrounding communities in Allegany County and his further interests included science fiction, space exploitation, and trains.

Darren was an advocate for those afflicted with mental health issues and in recognition of his many contributions, Darren was inducted into the Allegany County Mental Health Hall of Fame in 2023. Darren was an active member of the Baha’i faith community and followed its teachings and precepts.

Darren is survived by his sister Adina Fleeger of Orlando, Florida and his niece and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday April 2, 2024, from 11am to 12 noon at the JW Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, Wellsville. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the David A. Howe Public Library or to the Allegany County SPCA. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Marjorie “Margie” Christine Little, nee Armstrong, 75

Wellsville, NY – Marjorie “Margie” Christine Little, nee Armstrong, 75, of Valencia Avenue passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. She began her earthly journey, on August 12, 1948, in Wellsville, NY, the daughter of the late Robert Howard and Marjorie Grace (McFadden) Armstrong. On August 16, 1969, in Weston Mills, she was united in marriage with Alan Richard Little, who survives.

Margie grew up in Willing, NY, on the family farm. She attended Wellsville School, graduating in 1967. She attended the Continental Beauty School of Olean, earning a Cosmetology certificate in 1968. After receiving her Beauticians License, she worked at a beauty salon, till she married. As her children were born, Margie eventually gave up her beautician’s license, and continued to enjoy cutting family and friends hair for special occasions.

Over the years Margie was a Browne Scout Leader, Child Advocate for the Wellsville school, ACCORD volunteer, babysitter, driver for families attending day care, church calls and helping at various activities. Margie’s focus in life was always on her family and offering a helping hand, meal, shoulder, or caring hug to all in need. One of Margie’s greatest gifts was her spirit of love. Seeing a little child crying, with her sweet little smile and sweet little voice, always brought tears to sweet little smiles. Throughout her life, many children ‘adopted’ Margie as a special friend, if not a special grandma. She was a self-taught seamstress, having a passion for sewing children’s cloths, dolls and their clothing, care bears, stuff animals, Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, quilting and whatever else caught her eye and heart. She loved embroidering, cross stitching, reading, and crossword puzzles. She loved sharing her skills with family and friends.

For over 45 years, one of the greatest joys Margie shared with her family was making several thousand blankets for hospitals, fund raisers, and those in need. ‘Oh what fun’ her family had, planning, shopping, matching fronts and backs, pinning, trimming, sewing and giving. Margie was always excited to see a little one cuddling one of her special baby blankets.

In addition to her husband of fifty four years, Alan, she is survived by: four daughters Lisa Marie Brown of Corning; Jennifer Lyn (Paul) Gardner, Janine Christine Mosher and Tara Michelle Little, all of Wellsville; one son, Jon Little of Wellsville; several grandchildren, Connor Little, Ashlyn and Brody Mosher, and Jacob Whitesell of Wellsville, Emily Little of Rochester, Kaylynn Brown of Scio, Logan and Zachary Brown of Corning; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and by children who had adopted her as their honorary grandma. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by: a daughter, Racheal Ann Little in 1984; andsiblings, Robert Eugene Armstrong, Richard C. Armstrong, Roland H. “Ronny”Armstrong, James W. Armstrong, Vina Lee Armstrong and Roger Howard Armstrong.

Friends are invited to a graveside service on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 12 noon in Yorks Corners Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to: St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105;or the Hart Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Darold L. “Buddy” Getman Jr., 60

Hartsville, NY – It is with heavy hearts that we share that Darold L. “Buddy” Getman Jr., 60, of 5602 Crosby Creek Road passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born February 12, 1964, in Hornell, the son of the late Darold L. and Barbara Ann (Morey) Getman Sr. On October 12, 1985, in Canaseraga he married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia E. Renwand who survives.

Buddy was a 1983 graduate of Canaseraga High School and served with the National Guard. He was a long-time employee of Southern Tier Concrete of Alfred Station. He served six years as the Highway Superintendent for the Town of Hartsville. He was a member of the American Legion Post 846 in Canisteo. He was greatly loved by his extended family and many in the community. He took great pride in his two sons, enjoyed hunting, farming, spending time at his shopwith friends, family, especially his little grandson.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Cindy, are two sons, Jeffrey (Jenevera) Embser-Getman, and Matthew (Courtney) Getman, a grandson, Niklaus, a sister, Kellie (John) Lockwood, a brother, Douglas (Delilah) Getman, a sister-in-law, Carla (Gerry) Brzezinski, a brother-in-law, Jim (Wendy) Renwand and several beloved nieces, nephew, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by, a brother, Thomas Getman, a nephew, Casey Getman, two brothers-in-law, Joe and Jerry Renwand, and a sister-in-law, Carol Carpenter.  

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, April 2, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Wednesday, April 3, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. 34 W. State Street in Wellsville, NY. A time of sharing will be begin at 6:00 pm Wednesday in the funeral home. A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the American Stroke Association(stroke.org) To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

James J. Connor, 86

Wellsville, NY – James J. Connor, 86, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Ocala, Florida with his family at his side. He was born March 7, 1937, in Andover, NY, the son of the late John A. and Monica R. (Padden) Connor. On April 22, 1961, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville he married Marlene Schettine who survives.

Jim was raised in Andover and was a 1955 graduate of Andover High School. He was a veteran of the U. S. Marine Corps, enlisting in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1959. He was a graduate of Alfred State College. He was first employed as a Supervisor at the Rochester Button Company in Wellsville for over 20 years and continued his career as a Window Clerk for the United States Postal Service in Wellsville for 30 years. He was a member of the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post 702, Elks Lodge #1495, Wellsville Moose Lodge # 601, and the Wellsville Rod & Gun Club. 

Jim enjoyed collecting Hot Wheels and reading historical novels. He was a true fan of the Buffalo Bills. He had a great sense of humor and was always ready with a fun story to share. He was happiest when surrounded by family, especially his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Since his retirement he and Marlene enjoyedspending winters in Florida.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Marlene, two daughters, Karen C. (David)Ayoub of Manlius, and Kelley A. Phillips (Steven Morasse) of Vista, CA, a son, James J. Connor Jr. of Ocala, FL, nine grandchildren, Nicole L. Phillips, Megan W. (Matthew) O’Carroll, Hannah R. Phillips, Kileigh G. Phillips (Daniela Larranaga Hetz), David A. Ayoub Jr., Grace A. Ayoub, Gretchen M. Ayoub, Elle K. Connor and James J. Connor III, two great grandchildren, Jordan R. O’Carroll and Faye P. O’Carroll. And numerous other extended family members that he loved wholeheartedly. Nothing was more important than his family. 

He was predeceased in addition to his parents by, two brothers, John L. Connor and Michael P. Connor, and a sister, Mary Ellen Hart.

A Mass of Christian Burial and a celebration of life is being planned for a later date in Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations to Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Ronald J. Tomah, 94

Wellsville, NY -- Ronald J. Tomah, 94, of Wellsville, NY passed away on March 2, 2024. Ron, fondly known as Tomah and Hawk, was born in 1929 on a reservation in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada. He was a member of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians. Anyone that was close to Ron was surely entertained by his stories of growing up on the reservation. He came from a big family. His grandparents, mother, father, five siblings, aunties, uncles, and cousins created a strong family bond. Although there were some challenging times, their close-knit family was what mattered most. Ron lived by this sentiment his whole life. Family was always very important to him.

The Tomah family left the reservation in 1941 and crossed the border into Maine. They resided in Winthrop, Maine where his dad worked in a textile mill. He enjoyed playing ball in high school and continued with his love of sport throughout his life. He was a die-hard fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Buffalo Bills. Ron could spend an entire day at the Wellsville Country Club, in which he excelled on and off the course. Many will remember the antics surrounding the Indian Open named after Ron.

He married his high school sweetheart, Trudy Hopkinson. Together, with their two young daughters, they moved to Wellsville, NY in 1958. Ron was self-employed as an interior decorator and later worked for John and Doris Rigas. Divorced from Trudy, Ron married Katie Whitney. He was now dad to four other children that he treated as his own. Eventually, Janet Hungerford came into his life and was his partner for over 36 years. She was by his side and was relentless in her love and commitment to do right by him, true to the end.

Ron, an army veteran, and was incredibly proud to become a United States citizen. He flew the American flag every day at his home. He was a life member of the VFW, Elks, Moose, and he was a commander of the American Legion Post #702 in 1972. He was so grateful for the help and support he received from the VA Services. He would often say “I don’t know what I would do without them.”

He is survived by his lifelong partner Janet; daughters Karen Tomah, Kim (Nick) Ramharter; stepchildren Dawn Reniff, Lenny Whitney, Kelly Schmidt; grandchildren Gracey McKenny, Josh (Becky) Ramharter, Kyle Tomah, Makala Gay, Jordan (Cooper) Quenneville; great grandchildren Aksel Tanguay, Charlotte O’Leary, Tate Quenneville, Declan O’Leary; siblings Faye (Don) Whitten, Harry Tomah, and Mona (Merritt) Welch. Ron was predeceased by his sister Audrey, his brother Richard, and his grandson Jesse (Bayard) Tullar.

Friends and family are invited to call on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, to the J.W. Embser Funeral Home, 34 West State Street,from 6-8 pm. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 7th at 12:oo noon at the Elks club, 77 East Pearl Street,for a celebration of his life. At noon, the American Legion will present the military honors followed by the Elks Veteran Service. There will be a luncheon and a time for sharing. Please consider memorial donations to The Band of Maliseet Indians Youth Club, 88 Bell Road, Littleton, ME 04730. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com 

So, whenever you think of fiddleheads, or take a swig of Pabst Blue Ribbon, or crave a Tomah Dog give a nod to that sweet, proud Indian guy!

Woliwon (Thank you, Maliseet language)

Jovanna (Joanne) C. Molin, 93

Wellsville, NY – Jovanna (Joanne) C. Molin, 93, of River Road Wellsville, NY passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Highland Park Rehabilitation Center after a brief illness. Born August 31, 1930, she was the daughter of Bort and Mary (Corte Colo) Molin.

Joanne was raised in Wellsville and was a 1950 graduate of Wellsville High School.  She was formerly employed at Alfred State College Food Service, Giant Food Mart, Bolivar Road Rehabilitation, Air Pre-Heater (Alstom) Wellsville, and National Fuel Gas.  She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church and in early days taught CCD (Religious Education) classes. Joanne was also a member of the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, Mercy Associates, and BPOE #1495 (Elks Club).

She was known for her cooking and catering. Thru the years, she catered numerous dinners,weddings, Knights of Columbus monthly dinners, Father Bill Brown Mission Club dinners, for his mission in Peru, and countless pies, cakes, and pasta for friends and family. Joanne was a strong, independent woman with a heart of gold and proud of her Italian heritage. She became the matriarch of the family and had a loving and emotional bond with her many nieces and nephews after her many siblings passed.  In the last few years, her nieces and nephews were of great assistant to her, and she loved her time with them.  

She is survived by a sister, Mary (Gene) Wilson, and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by four sisters, Helena Geracci, Virginia Blasdell, Flora Molin, and Rosa (Rose) Trask; and four brothers, Leo, Florio, Orlando (Peter), and Bruno Molin. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, 6 Maple Avenue in Wellsville. There will be no prior visitation.Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to BPOE Elks Scholarship Fund, the Hart Comfort House. or any charity of the donor’s choice.  To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Smith Haskins, 95

Our mother Barbara Smith Haskins passed away in Spring Hill, FL on February 3, 2024, one month before her 96th birthday. She will be greatly missed by her 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Barbara was devoted to her entire extended family, blessing all with her love, support, and wise counsel.

Barbara was born on March 2, 1928, in Newton Falls, NY to Margaret Gordon Smith and Samuel Smith who had emigrated from Scotland and England respectively. She was the eldest of five children. When she was 16, her family moved to Wellsville, NY. After graduating at age 17 from Wellsville HighSchool, Barbara went to work in Bradford, PA, giving up her scholarship to Nursing School to help support her family when her father became ill. For the rest of her life, she was a guiding force in the lives of her four siblings as well as to her own family of seven.Barbara returned to Wellsville in 1947 to work as bookkeeper in Hamilton’s Shoe Store and in 1948 married David Haskins, to whom she was married for 71 years before his death in February 2020. Their marriage was a loving partnership centered on their five children, in whom they instilled the values of family, respect, gratitude and generosity while embracing the joys of life. Barbara managed thelarge active family, guiding and supporting each child’s individual talents and pursuits. Winters were spent skiing on the slopes of New York and Pennsylvania, and idyllic summers spent swimming, sailing, and waterskiing on Conesus Lake while Barbara drove the ski boat for her 5 kids. For all this and more her children are forever grateful.

Barb and Dave were members of First Methodist Church in Wellsville, and later they joined the Spring Life Methodist Church in Spring Hill, FL. In 1993 they retired to Spring Hill to continue their active lifestyle, living in the Timber Pines Community where they enjoyed golf and made new and lasting friendships. Barbara continued to be the gracious hostess she had always been and family and friends were always welcome in her beautiful home. Travel was an integral part of each year, and family reunions including all the children, spouses, and grandchildren were regularly organized by Barbara and Dave.

Barbara was a devoted caregiver to her husband for the last years of his life as he battled cancer. Her life was spent in the care and nurturing of family and her absence will be felt by all she leaves behind.

Surviving are her children, Nancy Lazar (Jay) of Bethlehem, Pa; Thomas Haskins (Kris) of Richmond, Va; William Haskins (Robin) of Port St. Lucie, Fl; Anne Schettine of Bemus Point, NY and Mark T. Haskins of Wellsville, NY. In addition are her 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Judy Smith of Denton, TX; brother-in-law John Kozlowski of Cortland, NY; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; her brothers George and James Smith; and her sisters Nanette Kozlowski and Erna Richardson.

The family is truly grateful to the wonderful caregivers who were with our mother in her last years.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date in Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations in Barbara’s name to a hospice facility of one’s choosing . To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.