Bradley J. Gena, 48

Andover, NY – Bradley J. Gena, 48, of Fulmer Valley Road, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at his residence. He was born October 20, 1975, in Wellsville, the son of John and Pamela (Bianco) Gena. On September 15, 2001, he married Rebekah A. Gainey in Charleston, SC. She survives him.

Raised in Wellsville, Brad graduated from Wellsville High School in 1994 and pursued further education at Alfred University. He established a distinguished career in the restaurant industry, serving as the operating partner of Hyman’s Seafood Company in Charleston, SC, for over 20 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brad returned to Wellsville with his family and founded The Wellsville General Store & Grill, contributing to the local community.

Beyond his professional achievements, Brad was strong in his faith and attended Abundant Life Ministries in Weston Mills with his family. He enjoyed outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting and was passionate about vintage trucks. Above all, he was a devoted husband and father, whose love for his wife and four children knew no bounds. They were his greatest joy and the true purpose of his life.

In addition to his wife of 23 years, Rebekah, and his parents, John and Pam, he is survived by: his four children, Jael (Evan) Kurtz of Houghton, Daniel Gena, Micah Gena and Canaan Gena, all residing at home; parents-in-law, Sylvia and Aaron Hyman, and his father-in-law, Charles Gainey; an aunt, Penny Bianco; sister-in-law, Joy Johnson; and nephew, Paxton Johnson. He was predeceased by an infant brother, Jamie Gena, and  maternal grandparents, Connie and Louie Bianco.

Friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 276 South Main Street, Wellsville, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Allegany County Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Robert G. Reilly D.D.S., 67

Wellsville, NY – Robert G. Reilly D.D.S., 67, of 1 South Brooklyn Avenue, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 16, 2024, in his home. He was born May 31, 1957, in Poughkeepsie, NY, the son of the late Warren and Mary Helen (Gardiaz) Reilly. 

Robert was raised in Poughkeepsie. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Rutger’s University. He was co-owner and operator of Hancher and Reilly Family Dental Practice in Wellsville. Outside of work he was a member of the Wellsville Rod and Gun Club and enjoyed fishing and shooting sports. 

He is survived by his wife, Dawn Reilly; a son, Ethan (Cheyenne Layman) Reilly of Alfred Station; grandson, Oliver Reilly; a brother Warren Reilly; and several nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Allegany County Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Herman P. Rouse Jr., 71

Wellsville, NY – Herman P. Rouse Jr., 71, of 340 South Main Street, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at home, following a long illness. He was born May 28, 1953, in Belmont on his family’s farm, the son of the late Herman P. Sr. and Margaret (Starks) Rouse.

Herman was raised in Andover by his mother and Stepfather, Donald Clemons. He was a Jack-of-all-trades, finding his career in painting homes and gardening for many years. He enjoyed his coffee and western movies. He was well known for his Donald Duck impression. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren, always greeting them with a piece of gum. He showered them with gifts, love, his time, and advice. He never said Goodbye, always “Love yalater”.

He is survived by: four children, Dale (Lisa) Rouse of Round Rock, TX, Michael (Samie) Deming of Almond, Cherish Deming of Bradford, PA, and Margaret (David) Duell of Shinglehouse, PA; nine grandchildren, Brianna, Hunter, Payeton, Abigail, Skyelar, William, Nevaeh, Colten, and Kinsley; Siblings, Bonnie Glass of Illinois, Joyce (Steve “Doc”) Burns of Wellsville, Beverly Sanchez of Wellsville, Debra Kunselman of Pennsylvania, Rick (Cindy) Rouse of Wellsville, and Donny (Kelly) Clemons of Andover; special bond with Sheri, Alex, Mikayla (his gift) and Makinley. He is predeceased by: three siblings, Ronald Rouse, Barbara Armstrong and Jerry Breeding; one nephew Jason Rouse.

Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 5, 2024, beginning at 2 pm, at the Grant Duke Hose Firehouse, 80 Stevens Street, Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations to the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department, 40 South Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Michael F. Presutti, 71

Belmont, NY – Michael F. Presutti, 71, of 48 South Street passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. He was born February 4, 1953, in Wellsville, the son of Leonard V. and Waneta W. (Winchell) Presutti. On May 29, 1982, in Belmont, he married Barbara M. Zimmer, who survives.

Mike was raised in Belmont and was a 1971 graduate of Belmont High School. He received a B.S. at Cornell University's New York Hospital School of Nursing in 1975, then worked as a Registered Nurse at the University of Rochester and Strong Memorial Hospital's Intensive Care unit. He received a M.S. as Physician Assistant at New York University at Stony Brook and was certified in 1981 by the National Commission for the Certification of Physician Assistants before working six months as a Registered Physician Assistant in the Department of Surgery at the former Genesee Hospital in Rochester, New York.

Starting in July 1982, he worked as a Registered Physician Assistant at the Amity Medical Center Family Medicine office.  He started at the Olean Medical Group in 1993 where he lovingly cared for his patients for more than 30 years. Toward the end of his career, he also cared for patients at UR Medicine Wilmot Cancer Institute in Olean and Wellsville.

He was a proud Eagle Scout and a member of the Belvidere Beekeepers Association. He was active with the Stony Brook Alumni Association. He was the Town of Amity Supervisor for many years and enjoyed spending time at the Presutti Cabin.

In addition to his wife of 42 years, Barbara, he is survived by: his daughter, Zoie Presutti, her fiancé, Robert Slifkin; siblings, Mary Kay Presutti of Belmont, Steven (Patricia) Presutti of Belmont, Luanne (TJ) Mead of Morris, Oklahoma, Mark (Linda) Presutti of Belmont, Alan (Sharon) Presutti of Angelica; sister-in-law, Debora Presutti of Odessa; everyone's Aunt Terri Ross; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased, in addition to his parents, by his brother, Dana Lynn Presutti.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, September 23, 2024, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and on Tuesday, the 24th from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 25, at 11:00 am with Father Zachariah Presutti SJ, his nephew, as celebrant at Holy Family of Jesus-Mary and Joseph located at 5 Milton St. in Belmont. The burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In Lieu of Flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Michael F. Presutti Scholarship c/o Genesee Valley Central School, 1 Jaguar Drive, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Joyce S. Wheaton, Service Announcement

Wellsville, NY – The friends of Joyce S. Wheaton are invited to attend a memorial service on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Grace United Church, 289 North Main Street in Wellsville. 

Joyce passed away on June 2, 2024. To read the complete obituary, or leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

Roberta M. Baker, 89

Friendship, NY – Roberta M. Baker, 89, of NY-275, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024, at Highland Park Nursing Center. She was born June 22, 1935, in the Town of Ward, the daughter of the late Herman and Doris (Austin) Snyder. On June 15, 1957, in Andover, she married Richard E. Baker, who survives. 

Roberta was raised in the Town of Ward and was a 1954 graduate of Alfred-Almond School. She continued her education at Buffalo State, earning her bachelor’s degree, and then her master’s degree from Alfred University. Upon completing her education, she began her career teaching Home Economics at Belmont Central School, was a 4-H Agent for Allegany County, and Lay Pastor for Allentown United Methodist Church. Throughout the years she held several positions within the United Methodist Church Women. She was the caregiver for her mother, a quilter, and hosted bible study in her home, for several years. 

In addition to her husband of 67 years, Dick, she is survived by: a daughter, Charlotte (Steven) Lind of Seneca Falls; a son Richard “Scott” (Kathy) Baker of Hendersonville, NC; a daughter-in-law, Vicki Baker of Scio; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Jeffrey Baker, and a brother, Robert Snyder. 

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 1 – 4 pm at J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. A Private burial will be held in Maple Grove Cemetery in Friendship. Please consider memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York(www.alz.org/wny), or to a charity of donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

David S. Sootheran, 72

Andover, NY – David S. Sootheran, 72, entered the presence of the Lord on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Hart House of Wellsville. He was born June 1, 1952, in Coudersport, PA, the son of the late Reginald J. and Mildred V. (May) Sootheran. On September 16, 1972, in Wellsville he married the former Linda M. Ordway, who survives. 

David was reared in Andover and Alfred, attending both school districts, and graduating from Alfred-Almond High School in 1970. He continued his education at Alfred State College, earning his associates degree in 1972. He immediately entered the work force, starting at Air Preheater as a draftsman before returning to Alfred Cable Systems, for whom he worked in High School. He found his career in Cable and Internet Services, being employed by Alfred Cable Systems and Hornell TV Cable until they were purchased by Time Warner. For his last few working years, he was self-employed, pursuing yard-care maintenance. Additionally, during the ‘90’s he helped part-time at The Andover House. Outside of his employment, David was an active member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Andover. His passion was sharing his God-given talents with others, he was naturally talented with speakers and sound system technology. He volunteered at his church where he ran the sound, and set-up the technology for Pulpit in the Park, ran the sound equipment for Delta Lake Bible Conference Center’s annual Family Camp every summer for over 20 years, and installed sound systems for several local churches and businesses. Twice he designed and built speakers for an amateur speaker competition in Ohio. Outside of building speakers from scratch, he enjoyed Camping (especially at Deer Run), sailing at Foster’s Lake, was a dog (Heidi and Emma) lover, and enjoyed Science Fiction like Doctor Who and Stargate series. 

His family would like to extend a special thank you to the Hart House for the comfort they provided in his final hours. 

In addition to his wife of almost 52 years, Linda, he is survived by: children, John (Karen Dunham-) Sootheran of Newburg, OR, Janet (Peter) McClain of Alfred, and Jeffrey (Bethany) Sootheran of Chiang Mai, Thailand; grandchildren, Justin McClain, Micah McClain, Rebecca Sootheran, Elizabeth Sootheran, and Benjamin Sootheran; siblings Mary Beth (John Dolan) Sootheran of Wellsville, and Margaret Lynne (Kent Simmonds) Sootheran of Decorah, IA; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two siblings, Beatrice Joan Lester, and John Edward Sootheran. 

Following David’s wishes, there will be a private family graveside service. Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life and dinner on Saturday, September 21, 2024, starting at 5 pm in the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 5 Rochambeau Avenue, Andover, NY 14806. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery of Andover. Please consider memorial donations to Delta Lake Bible Conference Center, 6420 Pillmore Drive, Rome, NY 13440. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Emmojean C. Sturdevant, 96

Allentown, NY – Emmojean C. Sturdevant, 96, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Jones Memorial Hospital with her family at her side. She was born July 10, 1928, in Ridgeway, PA, the daughter of the late Charles and Ruby (Pann) Clark. On August 26, 1948, in Scio she married Harley L. Sturdevant who predeceased her in 2003.

Emmojean was a lifelong resident of Allentown before moving to Manor Hills in 2019. She was a graduate of Allentown Union High School. Before marriage, she was employed by Daystrom Corporation in Wellsville. When all her children were in school, she started working in the cafeteria at the Allentown School, and later for Longview Restaurant, Acme Electric in Cuba, and lastly, she owned and operated a saw sharping shop in Allentown. She was a longtime member of the Allentown United Methodist Church, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 702, VFW Post 2530 Auxiliary, a former member of the Alma Rod and Gun Club, and the Scio Sunshine Club. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, crossword puzzles, reading, and painting with oil and watercolors.

She is survived by three daughters, Amelia Jean (Robert) Barndt of Coudersport, Pa., Rose Cozzi of Wellsville, Gay (Randy) Weaver of Dundee, and Craig (Donna) Sturdevant of Wellsville, nine grandchildren, Alexander James Captain, Bly James Captain, Aaron Potter, Nathan (Heather) Kruger, Calvin (Bridget) Weaver, Elliot (Katelyn) Weaver, Maura Weaver, Joshua Sturdevant, and Amanda Webster, as well as several great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased in addition to her parents, her husband and brother, Robert W. Clark.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, September 20, 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 at 1:00 pm in the funeral home. The burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Bolivar. There will be a reception at the Moose Club in Wellsville following the burial.Please consider memorial donations to the Allentown United Methodist Church, PO Box 273, Allentown, NY 14707, or the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Vincent Ryan Martinelli, 36

Alfred, NY – Vincent Ryan Martinelli, 36, of Glen Street, died unexpectedly on Thursday, September 12, 2024, shortly after arrival, at F.F. Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua. He was born on March 22, 1988, in Blacksburg, VA, the son of Steven J. and Joyce A. (Furey) Martinelli. 

Vincent was a 2006 graduate of Wellsville High School; he continued his education, first earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Alfred State College, and then his master’s degree in communication from St. Bonaventure University. He was previously employed by Allegany Arc, and wrote articles for the Wellsville Sun. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 919 and was affiliated with the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. 

He is survived by his parents, Steven and Mary Martinelli of Andover, and Joyce A. Furey of Olean; a brother, Steven R. Blaske of Allegany; a sister, Crystal Blaske-Cooneyof Allegany; step-siblings, Nikki Pensyl and Richard Pensyl, both of Wellsville; maternal grandfather, John Furey of San Diego; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother Matthew Martinelli in 2011; paternal grandparents, John and Margaret Martinelli; and maternal grandmother, Peggy Furey. 

Friends are invited to call, in casual dress, on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 11:00am to 1:00 pm at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, 202 South Union Street, Olean, NY. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 1:00 pm in the Basilica. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Donna Marie Ford Celebration planned

Scio, NY – The friends of Donna Ford are invited to a celebration of life on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post 702, 23 Jefferson Street in Wellsville.

Donna passed away on September 1, 2024, to read the complete obituary or leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Frances L. Mascho, 85

Wellsville, NY – Frances L. Mascho, 85, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. She was born September 12, 1938, the daughter of the late Russell and Lena (Stuck) Mascho. 

Frances was a long-time resident of Angelica, receiving her Diploma of Attendance from Angelica High School in 1958. She more recently resided at the Colony Park Apartments in Wellsville before moving to the Wellsville Manor. In the early years, Frances and her sister Lucile were well known as they walked along the streets of Angelica visiting with their friends and neighbors.

She was predeceased, in addition to her parents, by two sisters, Alberta (Donald) Morris and Lucile Mascho, and a brother, Paul Mascho. 

Friends are invited to a graveside service on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 11 am in Until the Day Dawn Cemetery in Angelica. Please consider memorial donations to the Activities Fund at Wellsville Manor Care Center, 4192A Bolivar Road, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Donna Marie Ford, 84

Scio, NY – Donna Marie Ford, 84, of 5718 Wolf Spring Road passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024, following a long battle with Dementia and other illnesses. She was born December 10, 1939, in Olean, the daughter of the lateFrank W. and Marie M. (Pierce) Barnhart. On August 20, 1960, in Allentown she married David A. Ford who survives.

Donna was raised in Andover and was a 1959 graduate of Andover High School. She was first employed by the Marion Rohr Corporation in Hornell. She then began her career in education at Wellsville Middle School, Allentown ElementarySchool, and for many years at Scio Central School as a librarian. She was a member of the Allentown Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, and the Wellsville Woman’s Monday Bowling League. She enjoyed camping and “Happy Hour” at “The Hole in the Woods” and loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Most of all Donna loved her family more than anything!

She is survived in addition to her husband, by two sons, David “Crockett” (Michelle) Ford of Shinglehouse PA, and Daniel “Boone” Ford of Allentown, a daughter, Debby Ford of Ossian, seven grandchildren, Matthew, Branden, Ashley, Brittney, Anthony, Dustin, and Nathan, nine great-grandchildren, two sisters, Alice Howland of Andover and Barbara Hoagland of Wellsville, two stepbrothers, Leslie and Lowell Behn, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents by a sister, Doris Baker, a brother Robert Barnhart and a stepbrother, Kenny Behn.

A celebration of life is being planned and will be announced at a later date. The burial will be in Knights Creek Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Allentown Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 82, Allentown, NY 14707. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.