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.
Thoughts and prayers to Brad’s family, friends and employees. Find childhood memories of hitting and fielding baseballs in his yard to riding around town in his Ram Charger blaring music from the big kicker in the back. He always invited me to come to Charleston to Hymans and regretfully I never made it but he did host many colleagues of mine including Kyle Busch and would send swag back with them to me. As he looked to move back home one day i was home and in my driveway and he pulled into chat. After discovering that my Dad’s building was for sale and he wasn’t having much luck looking for places in the area to start a restaurant talks of him buying the shop and turning it into a restaurant began and later would come to fruition. My dad would’ve thought it was so cool that one of my friends turned the building into a restaraunt. Reading all the comments on Facebook about how whether it was Hymans or the General Store how he treated people is just how Brad and his family always did it. He will be dearly missed.
ReplyDeleteBrad was a great kid, always had a friendly word. He's one that we'll miss, Kathryn Ross
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to have known Brad. He was humble, friendly, and easy to admire. He always had a positive vibe and seemed to care about people. It was nice to see him have success with his restaurant. May he rest in peace. - Kyle Wightman
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers go out to the family who loss a truly great guy. Remembering Brad back in school with his Ram Charger riding the streets of Wellsville. Loss touch with him when he moved south but seen him many days when he came back for a visit over at the play grounds watch the kids play. It was great seeing him move back and turn a garage into a successful restaurant where the food was excellent and everyone that worked there were so kind. It was great talking with him when he had a second to say hi he definitely will be missed my everyone. Until we meet again bud.
ReplyDeleteI had the opportunity to meet Brad and become very good friends while he lived here in Charleston. Brad will be missed by so many people in the Lowcountry and the New York area. Prayers to Miss Pam, Mr. John and Miss Rebecca and all the kids we love you Brad fly high.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of the loss of Brad. The world truly lost a great person. Rebekah, many prayers to you and the family. Love you guys my friend.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Brad. Sending prayers to Pam and John and all of the family. -Karen Sweeney
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. He was such a kind, strong man. He was so encouraging to Buddy. We knew his family came first and he loved the Lord. You & your family are in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteTony, janet, & Buddy Elder