Mary Louise Koller Orians, 88

Clarksville, TN - Mary Louise Koller Orians, age 88, died peacefully in her home in Clarksville Tennessee on December 19, 2024, following a brief illness. Mary was born September 20, 1936, in Elyria Ohio to the late Rudolph Michael Koller, Sr. & Yolanda Urban Koller. 

Mary graduated from Vermilion High School and obtained a teaching degree in elementary education at Bowling Green State University, where she met her future husband, Armand Anthony Orians, and the two were wed September 10, 1955, in Vermilion. 

Mary was preceded in death in December 2013 by Armand, her husband of 58 years; her parents; sister Pat Hartman; brothers Rudy and John Koller; grandson Matthew Orians; and nephew Johnny Hartman. 

Survivors include her children: Gregory (Wendy Peebles) Orians of Ypsilanti MI; Michelle Thompson of Clarksville TN; Scott (Wendy) Orians of Kingsport TN; Chris (Jim) Emery of Ashburn VA; Julie (Joel) Smith of Naples NY; Rebecca (Steve McCaig) Packard of Naples NY; and Cathleen (Robert Bair) Faykosh of Perrysburg OH; 14 grandchildren: Natalie (James) Kresta; Anthony Orians; Bridgette (Josh) Glass; Rachael (Jimmy) Grebe; Kelly (Ben Quasney) Kirk; Amanda (Matt) Marino; Diane Smith; Joelle (Matthew) Sterner; Brandon (Caitlin) Smith; Ashley (Tom) Orians-Crowley; Robert Packard (Alanna Dalba); Justin, Jacob & Jordan Faykosh; 24 great-grandchildren; brother Adelbert “Del” (Carleen) Koller of Santa Maria CA; sisters-in-law Martha Lashells of Findlay OH, Carol Fleming of Lorain OH and Mary Anne (Tim) Burley of Port St. Lucie FL; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

After teaching in Ohio, Mary moved to Allegany County NY in 1962, and taught 4th grade at Cuba Central School, after which her growing family led her to devote her efforts to raising her family, housekeeping, and participating in church life. Mary was active in Republican Women in Belmont, New York, including an unprecedented women's run for State Legislature in 1972; was a member of the Belmont Central School Board of Education; and past President of Allegheny Home Care. Mary attended Holy Family Catholic Church in Belmont (formerly St. Mary’s), serving as President of Altar & Rosary Society and as a member of the choir. Following Armand's retirement, the couple moved to Mt. Dora FL in 1990, at which time they joined St. Patrick's Catholic Church and Mary became very active in choir and as a member of the Bereavement Community. Mary and Armand both enjoyed golf and walking for exercise and taking boat rides on Lake Dora with their children and grandchildren in search of gators and the beautiful waterfowl. 

At Mary’s request, there be no funeral nor church services. A private interment will follow at Larkspur Conservation in Westmoreland TN on a date suitable for the family. In lieu of flowers, the Orians Family would be honored with a donation in Mary’s name to one of her favorite charities:

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital:www.stjude.org

St. Joseph’s Indian School Website: www.give.stjo.org/donate

To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .

Gregory A. Greenman, 61

Friendship, NY – Gregory A. Greenman, 61, of 107 W. Main Street passed awayon Thursday, December 26, 2024, in his home. He was born November 14, 1963,in Salamanca, the son of Merle A. and Sandra J. (Calhoun) Greenman.

Greg was a 1982 graduate of Wellsville High School and graduated in 1984 from Alfred State College with a degree in manufacturing and machining. He began his career as a machinist at Air Preheater Company in Wellsville and was a roustabout in the oil fields of Texas. Throughout his life he worked as a carpenter in Florida, Georgia, and New York. He enjoyed Hunting, NASCAR, watching football, woodworking and cookouts with family.

He is survived by three children, Terra Greenman, Niko Greenman, Tesla (Karson Wallace) Greenman, three grandchildren, Kiara Greenman, Haven Greenman, andHarpyr Wallace, his parents, Merle A. and Sandra (Calhoun) Greenman, five siblings, Merle C. “Dino” Greenman, Tina Greenman, Randy (Brandi) Greenman, Doug (Jennifer) Greenman, and Malena (David) Dunham, and entrusted friend, Marla Greenman, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Above all, Greg cherished the many friendships he made throughout his life. He was a loyal and devoted friend. His life was enriched by the love and comradery of those he held dear. He was predeceased by a sister Corina Gaylord in 2018, his paternal and maternal grandparents, and a bonus son, Nathan McMurray.

Friends are invited to a celebration of life on Saturday, January 4, 2025, beginning at 2:00 pm at the Scio Fire Hall, 4355 County Road 10 in Scio, NY. Please consider memorial donations to the family for final expenses, c/o Chelsie James, 39 Nelson Avenue Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .

Tina Marie Horton, 68

Wellsville, NY – Tina Marie Horton, 68, of 237 O’Connor Street passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Jones Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. She was born May 12, 1956, in Wellsville, the daughter of the late Frank L. and Thelma A. (Norton) Horton.

She resided at the Arc Belmont Community Residence from 1983 until she moved to the O’Connor Community Residence in 2018. She enjoyed painting, coloring,going to concerts, listening to music, and watching movies. She loved being outdoors and in the kitchen with the staff. She will be missed by everyone in the Arc family.

She is survived by six siblings, Kathleen Rulison of Belmont, Jerry (Jan) Horton of Endicott, Vicki (John) Hall of Penn Yan, Honor Kinney of Nashville, Kenneth (Mary) Horton of Cuba, and Christopher (Margaret) Horton of Belmont, as well as several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased in addition to her parents by, two bothers-in-law, Dick Rulison and Tim Kinney, a nephew, Christian Horton, and a niece, Jennifer Crouch.

The family would like to thank all the Arc staff for their dedication and care for Tina over the years. Especially the staff at both the BCR and OCR group homes, that loved and cared for her and made sure she had the best quality of care possible.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, December 31, 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 with Pastor David Williams presiding.The burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery in Scio. Please consider memorial donations to Allegany-Steuben Arc, 240 O’Connor Street Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .

Juan F. Escalante, 88

Jamestown, NY – Juan F. Escalante, 88, of Loxley Court, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at home with family by his side. He was born October 17, 1936, in Springfield, MA, the son of the late Feliciano J. and L. Mary (Gore) Escalante. On July 9, 1960, in Bristol, CT he married Jean Segretario, who predeceased him in 2013. 

Juan was raised in Holyoke, MA and attended Pulaski High School. With special permissions, he enlisted in the US Army at the age of 17 and served from 1954 – 1957. After his honorable discharge he returned to New England and found his career as a Spring Shipping Clerk at Associated Spring in Bristol, CT, retiring in 1996. Outside of work he was a member of the Bristol Fish and Game Club, the Bristol VFW, member and chaplain for the Bristol American Legion Post 994, and member of St. Anthony’s Church. After his wife’s passing, he left Bristol to be near his children, living in Jacksonville, FL for seven years, and then relocating to Jamestown two years ago with his daughter. 

He is survived by: his children, Leslie (Donna Gappa) Escalante of Jamestown and John Escalante of Plainville, CT; brother, Joseph (Betty) Escalante of Palm Coast, FL; brother-in-law, Anthony (Donna) Segretario of Portland, ME; as well as acquired grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. In addition to his parents and wife of 53 years, he was predeceased by: a sister, Virgina Roskosky. 

A graveside service is being planned for the Spring in Bristol, CT. Burial will be with Jean. Please consider memorial donations to the Humane Society , 2825Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY 14701. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .

Felecia F. Biancuzzo, 83

Belmont, NY – Felecia F. Biancuzzo, 83, of 24 Norton Street passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 22, 2024. She was born September 19, 1941, in Belmont, the daughter of the late Carlo P. and Violet V. (Lewis) Biancuzzo.

Felecia was a 1959 graduate of Belmont Central School and a 1961 graduate of Alfred State College with an associate degree in Secretarial Science. She was first employed at the law office of Nicholas Changose until 1975, she continued her career at the Allegany County Department of Motor Vehicles until 1981, and finally she became a legal secretary at the Allegany County Attorney’s Office, retiring in 2002. She was a member of Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Church in Belmont.

She is survived by: a sister, Josephine J. Biancuzzo of Belmont; sister-in-law,Deborah Biancuzzo of Olean; a niece, Catherine (KJ) Spinks of Fillmore; three nephews, Stephen (Lynn) Biancuzzo of Belmont, Daniel Biancuzzo and Andrew(Adriane) Biancuzzo both of Portville; two great nieces, Andrea (Jeremy) Niece of Smethport, PA, and Alyssa (Brent) Cox of Batavia; four great nephews, Tobias Spinks of Fillmore, Joshua Spinks of Canandaigua, Vinson Biancuzzo currently stationed at Bahrain, while serving with the U.S. Coast Guard, and Parker Biancuzzo of Portville; two great-great nephews, three great-great nieces, and her beloved cat, Sassy. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by threesiblings, Theresa Biancuzzo, Rosesanna Tait, and John Biancuzzo, a brother-in-law, Lawrence Tait, and a sister-in-law, Andrea (Stephens) Biancuzzo.

The family would like to thank Doctor Pasquale Picco, Pharmacist Mark Hunter, and her Home Healthcare Aides Jamie, Lisa, Cathy, and Kristen.

At her request, there will be no prior visitation. Friends are invited to a graveside service on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 11:30 am in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Belmont. 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 .

Ralph E. Vaughn Sr., 88

Wellsville, NY – Ralph E. Vaughn Sr., 88, of Madison Hill, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Highland Park in Wellsville, following a fall. He was born April 15, 1936, in Wellsville, the son of the late Herbert M. and Mary(Clark) Vaughn. On March 16, 1956, in Jacksonville, FL, he married Katherine J. Buttner, who predeceased him on September 24, 2022. 

Ralph was raised in Wellsville and was a 1954 graduate of Wellsville High School. He enlisted with the United States Navy and served from 1956 to 1959, achieving the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, and was stationed in several locations, including Hawaii. Upon his honorable discharge in 1959, he and Katherine moved to Wellsville. In 1964 they bought a farm and built their home on Sprague Road in Scio before returning to Madison Hill in 2020. He was a member of The American Legion Post 702, former member of the F&AM Lodge #230, and attended the Alfred-Almond Bible Church. 

He is survived by: a son, Ralph E. Vaughn Jr. of Wellsville; two grandchildren, Derek Vaughn of Wellsville and Britni Vaughn of Rochester; a sister, Patricia Mickle of Wellsville; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, and wife of 66 years, he was predeceased by: a daughter, Sharon Joy Vaughn and brother Herbert Vaughn.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 11 am to 1 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. A graveside service with full military honors in Woodlawn Cemetery will follow at 1:15 pm. Please consider memorial donations to Homecare and Hospice, 194 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .

Gerald L. Keech Jr., 50

Allentown, NY – Gerald L. Keech Jr., 50, of 417, passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024, in his home. He was born June 21, 1974, in Wellsville, the son of the late Gerald Sr. and Deborah (Slocum) Keech. 

Gerry was a Jack of all trades and was a handyman for various families in the Allentown Area. 

He is survived by a son, Gerald L. “JJ” Keech III of Attica, three siblings, Glenda(Alan) Miller of Franklinville, Erik Keech of Franklinville, and David Keech of Olean; several aunts, uncles, and cousins, including, Harold (Stephanie) Keech of Friendship, Luella Robbins of Bath, and Darlene (Mike) Metatos of Angelica; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Lana M. Joseph. 

A memorial is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .

Ralph A. Eastlack, 82

Wellsville, NY – Ralph A. Eastlack, 82, of Schrader Road, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024, in his home surrounded by family. He was born April 30, 1942, in Salem, NJ, the son of the late John A. and Florence (Seymour) Eastlack. On August 16, 1969, in Wellsville, he married Christine E. Tompkins, who survives. 

Ralph was raised in New Jersey and was a graduate of Penns Grove High School. He continued his education at Houghton College, earning his bachelors in 1965. He was a service minded individual and was very active in the faith ministries in Allegany County: he was the first executive director of Allegany County Youth for Christ (YFC) where he served for 45 years, eventually transitioning to Southern Tier YFC. With his family, he would lead the annual YFC trip to the Ocean City Conference, and for over 20 years lead the YFC mission trips to Haiti, with as many as 35 children. Additionally, he established the YFC Skate Park and Drop InCenter in the Rockwell building. Outside of YFC, his ministry included a close relationship with Gill’s Hills to help troubled children, interim pastor for the Christian Temple, the Congregational Church, and the Hallsport Community Church. Extending his service, he was a chairman of the County Youth Board for many years, a Chaplin for Jones Memorial Hospital, volunteer counselor at Wellsville Central School, a member of the Wellsville Exchange Club, was a bus driver for Wellsville Central Schools for over 40 years, and was a very involved member of his home church, Brookside Wesleyan. He also enjoyed vintage cars. 

In addition to his wife of 55 years, Chris, he is survived by: two children, Matt (Adriana) Eastlack of Hamlin, NY and Josh Eastlack of Slidell, LA; grandchildren, Maddy, Colin, Adyn, Jayden, and Hailey; and son-in-law, Doug Ryan of Walworth, NY; brothers, Karl (Anita) Eastlack of Allentown, PA and Lawrence (Nancy) Eastlack of Virginia; a sister, Bonnie (Jack) Eastlack-Suter of North Carolina; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Julie Ryan; and two brothers, Wayne Eastlack and Casper Farrow. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00 am in the Brookside Wesleyan Church, 3469 Andover Road, Wellsville, NY. Please consider memorial donations to Family Life, 7634 County Road 14, Bath, NY 14810. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .

Shirley J. Mericle, 89

Wellsville, NY – Shirley J. Mericle, 89, of Rauber Street, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Jones Memorial Hospital, with family at her side. She was born July 20, 1935, in Willing, the daughter of the late Elmer L. and Lucy (Jackson) Raub. On December 7, 1991, in Wellsville, she married Reverend Lewis Mericle, who predeceased her in 2016

Shirley was raised in Wellsville and was a 1953 graduate of Wellsville High School. Shelater earned an LPN degree from Alfred State College. She resided in Watkins Glen for 38 years. She began working as a chef in Watkins Glen, before entering Public Health Service for 11 years. After moving back to Wellsville, she was employed as an LPN for Jan and Bev’s for 26 years. She was a member of the Shongo Country Chapel, she enjoyed going to the Wellsville Senior Citizens Center, and bowling throughout her life.

She is survived by: four daughters, Evelyn Fletcher of Wellsville, Janice (Frank) Konier of Lanexa, VA, Michelle (Michael) Anderson of Jacksonville, NC, and Stephanie (William) Paschall of Rudy, AR; three stepchildren, Barbara (Sam) Gunter of Phillipsburg, PA, Anne (Rich) Jenkins of Wellsville, and James Mericle of Dunkirk; a daughter-in-law, Ida Cunningham of McKinney, TX, 20 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; two siblings, Barb Morabito of Alma, and Steve Raub of Belmont; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, and husband, she was predeceased by a son, Robert Charles Cunninghams II, a sister, Myrna Schreiner, a son-in-law, Richard Fletcher, and a brother-in-law, Frank Morabito.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, December 16, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will follow at 1:00 pm in the funeral home. The Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Shongo Country Chapel, c/o 2881 Sheridan Avenue Wellsville, NY 14895; or to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 37 S. Main StreetWellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .

Matthew J. Wagoner, 42

Wellsville, NY - Matthew J. Wagoner, 42, of Bolivar Road, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born March 2, 1982, in Corning, the son of the late Edward and Joyce (Broughton) Wagoner. On August 4, 2012, in Wellsville, he married Roxanne Brundage, who survives.

Matt attended school in Olympia, WA, and in Wellsville. Once he entered the workforce, he was employed by several local businesses such as A-Plus, Northern Lights, and Current Controls for over 10 years; he found his career at Great Lakes Cheese in Cuba. Outside of work, he was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, camping, and collecting and using firearms. He loved heavy metal, especially Slayer, Machine Head, and Amon Amarath, and played guitar in two local bands, Years in the Woods and Traxippi. Additionally, he was a fan of his Nissan Truck, and Norse history, especially the Vikings. Most of all, he was a self-described ‘unique character’ who loved his family and joking around with them, including his dogs Chief and Loki.

In addition to his wife of 12 years, Roxanne, he is survived by: two children, Darren Dickerson of Wellsville, and  Katelyn (Tyler McPhilomy) Dickerson of Cuba; a biological brother, Josh (Christina Chapman) Wagoner of Scio; a brother-from-another-mother, Greg Robinson of Andover; brothers-in-law, Paul Brundage of Niagara Falls, and John Brundage Jr. of Belmont; an aunt, Jean Potter of Canisteo; a niece, Maddy Wagoner; a nephew, Dominik Wagoner; as well as several cousins. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a brother, Doug Broughton.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date, in the spring, at his home. 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 . 

Robert (Bob) F. Decker , 66

Belmont, NY – Robert F. Decker (affectionately known as Bob), 66, of Belmont, NY, passed away at Strong Memorial Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer. His loving wife Gena was by his side. He was born on September 24, 1958, in Hornell, NY to parents Robert H. Decker and Lois (Gary) Decker.

Bob’s early childhood was spent in Almond, NY with his sister Connie where they made life-long friends and accidentally set the hill on fire.  They soon moved to Wellsville, NY, where he would graduate from Wellsville Central School in 1976. He was a member of the high school basketball team, earning the nickname “Killer” from his teammates.  After graduation, he attended SUNY Morrisville for Environmental Science, completing his schooling in 1979. He went on to work at the Wellsville Wastewater Treatment plant from 1981-2002.

 In 1999, the stars aligned when Bob did his first musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, and met his soul mate, Gena (Simon) Decker.  They were married on November 25, 2000, where they joined their families together; Gena gaining two amazing stepchildren, Katie and Jordan Decker, and Bob adopting Azure (McCumiskey) as his own.  Soon after, they moved to their forever home on the hill in Belmont.  Bob was so proud of the home that he built for his family.  Bob went back to school in 2002 at Alfred University where he earned his master’s degree in School Psychology. In 2009, Bob joined the Allegany Limestone Central School family working as their psychologist in middle and high school. While there, he made a positive impact on countless students, teachers, and staff who admired him for his calm and grounding presence. Even after reluctantly retiring in 2021 he remained close with his ALCS family, meeting for breakfast, shared love of music, and occasional golf outings. In his last outing with friends, he and his golf partner finally won.

 

Bob was best known for his musical talent. He and Gena hosted Open Mic Night at two places that became very near and dear to their hearts; Black Eyed Susan in Angelica and The Palmer Opera House in Cuba. The duo played at farmers markets, and many other venues throughout Allegany County. They were also members of the band Sound Foundation. In his lifetime, Bob learned to play the mandolin, banjo, ukulele, bass, and the drums. His love, however, was the acoustic guitar. He loved James Taylor, and was proud to have learned Frozen Man, a song that he considered to be difficult to learn, but you would never know from watching him play. 

 

Bob was a man with many interests. He found solace in running, even completing two marathons. He took up yoga with Gena and enjoyed hunting, hiking in the woods, and desired to be a better fisherman. Bob was an amazing cook and soup was his specialty. “Always start with an onion” he would say. He never met a dog that he didn't like. Every dog he owned held a special place in his heart, especially his most recent pup, Winston Pug. Every July found Bob and Gena dancing at The Great Blue Heron Music Festival.  Bob enjoyed the simple life on the hill, and found comfort splitting wood, working on the tractor, gardening, and sitting around a campfire with his guitar and family. 

 

Bob made friends easily with everyone he met. People were drawn to his gentle, calming presence and grounding energy. He maintained 50 plus year friendships, gathering for stories, laughs, drinks, and music. Those friendships meant so much to Bob. His impact on those close to him was made evident with the countless phone calls, cards, impromptu musical gatherings, and visits in his last few weeks.

 

The most important thing to Bob was his family. He had a special relationship with all of his children, each having unique memories, inside jokes, and a deep love for their dad. Bob had three grandchildren Gramm (10), Quinn (6), and Faye (2) who loved their Papa dearly. He loved to host his family for birthdays, holidays, or “just for fun” dinners where he ensured everyone was fed and cared for. Bob’s greatest love in life was his wife of 24 years, Gena. The two shared a love of just being together, but often filled their time with hiking, gardening, music, and grandbabies. 

 

Bob is survived by: his wife Gena (Simon) Decker, his three children, Katie Decker, Jordan Decker, and Azure (Ashton) McCumiskey; his sister Connie (Cort) Dunham, nieces and nephews: Dan, Dara, and Deena, Uncle Roger (Shirley) Gary, his sister-in-law Erin Simon, brother-in-law, Chris Mortimer, and niece Kaisa Simon; in-laws Naysim and Jae Simon, and three grandchildren: Gramm, Quinn, and Faye McCumiskey; as well as many, many close friends that he considered to be like family.  He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Lois Decker.

 

Friends and family are invited to call on Friday December 13, 2024, from 4 to 7 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, NY, 34 West State Street. A funeral service will be held on Saturday December 14, 2024, at 11:00 am in the Funeral Home. Following the service, ALL are welcome to celebrate Bob’s life, share memories, food and drink, and enjoy time together, at The Palmer Opera House, 12 West Main Street, in Cuba, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Palmer Opera House, the SPCA, or your charity or small business of choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .