Daniel J. Kemp, 62

Albany, NY - Daniel J. Kemp, 62, of Albany, NY, passed away suddenly on December 17, 2020. Dan was born on May 17, 1958 in Hornell, NY and was raised in Wellsville, NY. He graduated from Wellsville High School, Corning Community College, and Buffalo State, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He served as a police officer in Wellsville, a corrections officer at Danbury CT Federal Correctional Institution, and as a U.S. Marshall. After Dan left law enforcement, he co-founded the real estate firm of Kemp and Gallagher in Albany, NY, and later had successful careers in sales and property management. 

“Danny” will be fondly remembered as a man that loved to laugh, with a personality as big as his smile. It was absolute and infectious. Dan was a kind and gentle person, who loved to tell funny stories – of which, he had many! Whether he was reflecting on time spent with family and friends (particularly in Wellsville and on Loon Lake) or making new memories in the moment, Dan held a distinctly special way of connecting with people.

More than anything else, he spent his time talking – to anyone who’d listen – about his two sons, Tim & Bill, whom he loved fiercely. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his boys, especially during the holidays. He most notably spent that time discussing his (alleged) scratch handicap, his most recent take on the Buffalo Bills and without fail, how “unbelievably proud” he was of each of them. 

Dan was predeceased by his father, Kenneth D. “Bud” Kemp; stepfather, John Robarts; brother-in-law, Damon Lawrence; sister-in-law, Karen Kemp. He is survived by his children, Timothy Kemp; William (Rachel) Kemp. He is also survived by his mother, Martha Robarts. Dan is survived by his siblings, Ken Kemp; Liz Lawrence; Cathy (Chris) Weinman. He also leaves behind the many members of the “Goober Club,” including nieces Sadie Dexter, Abby Lawrence, and Jehna Kemp; nephews Brandon Lawrence and Matt Kemp.

Dan will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville, NY in the spring of 2021, which will be arranged by Embser’s Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers or donations, his family asks those reading to reach out to your family, friends, or even a lost connection, simply to say hello. During a time where so many are searching for hope or joy, a phone call or letter may be exactly what they need. 

Cheers, Danny. You will be forever in our hearts. To leave online condolences, please visit  www.embserfuneralhome.com.

David R. Williams, 81

Wellsville, NY - David R. Williams, 81, passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital with his family by his side. He was born in Wellsville, NY, on October 8, 1939 the son of the late Roger and Gertrude (Yeager) Williams. On August 22, 1959 he married his High School Sweetheart Janet Root, who survives.

David was a graduate of Allentown School. Through the years, he owned and operated Williams Lumber Company, Wellsville Travel Service Inc., Williams Inn, Williams Wines & Spirits, and Big Guy's Party Store. While a longtime resident of Riverview Heights, he and Janet also spent many of their winters in Sebring, FL and, Summers in the cottage they built at Rushford Lake. Wherever they happened to be, all the neighborhoods knew their little dog, Buddy (who misses his and David's daily walk). David believed in the Wellsville Community, supporting local businesses and was fondly known as “Big Guy” by so many. He was the coach of the Wellsville Little League Baseball Exchange team for sixteen years, a member of the Exchange Club, a member of the Wellsville Travel Service Tuesday night bowling team for years, a member of the Wellsville Country Club and Highland's Ridge Country Club where he proudly got a hole-in-one twice! David loved watching most sports, but perhaps was the biggest fan of the Boston Red Sox, when he wasn't busy rooting for the Buffalo Bills, or utilizing his season tickets for the Bonnie's Basketball season. David will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him for those fun times of laughter, a night of cards, a rousing verse of God Bless America, or just a visit with a kind and gentle man who loved his wife, family, and friends. 

David is survived by: his wife of sixty one years, Janet; four children, Bradley Williams, Connie (Tom) Green, Cindy (Keith) Slep, and Christine (Paul) Clark; seventeen grandchildren (of which he was very proud), Melissa, Heather, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Danielle, Ashley, David, Robbie, Nicholas, Jessica, Cailtlin, Kara, Jordan, Madison, Ashton, Paige, and Bryson. He adored little kids, all of whom seemed to sense something special and instantly warmed up to him, including numerous great grandchildren. David is also survived by his sister, Grace Young; and many brother and sister in-laws, nieces, and nephews. In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by: a sister, Judith Williams; and a nephew, James Young.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 17, 2020 from 4-7pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville (34 West State Street). A private family service will be held on Friday at 11am but will be available to the public via live stream on the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Facebook page, with a burial to follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorials in David's name may be made to the Wellsville Little League and the ASPCA. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Roger Neely, 67

Wellsville, NY - Roger Neely, 67, of Wellsville, NY, passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2020, at home after a brief illness. He was born in Wellsville, on January 10, 1953 the son of the late Richard and Velma (Gleason) Neely.

Roger graduated from Wellsville High School, and SUNY Alfred. He served his country proudly and honorably in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. A long-time resident of Wellsville, he was a member of the B.P.O.E Lodge 1495, American Legion Post 702, and a past Captain of the McEwen Hose Company. Roger worked for several local area businesses and retired from Lowe's in Hornell, NY. He will be remembered as a loving family member, loyal friend, and a kind and helpful soul, with a great sense of humor.

He is survived by: a son, Kevin Neely of Maine; siblings, Jerry (Linda) Neely of San Antonio, TX, and Lynne (Kevin) Burke of Mount Dora, FL; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased, in addition to his parents, by: a sister, Karen Harkenrider of Wellsville.

At this time, a memorial service, with full military honors, is being planned for a later date. Memorials in Roger's name should be made to the Wellsville Elks Lodge Scholarship Fund, American Legion Post 702, or the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Karen Stocking, 76

Wellsville, NY - Karen Stocking, age 76, of  Rail Road Avenue passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at the Highland Health Care Center. She was born on January 15, 1944 in Wellsville to the late Frank B. and Pansy Keech Stocking.

Karen was a life long resident of this area who had graduated from Andover Central High School. She loved the United States and honored our veterans by being a life member and past president of the Frank B. Church VFW Post 2530 Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed collecting bells with her mom and her “favorite” sister Helen; she also enjoyed a good joke and a good laugh. Karen loved her family, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include: a son, Dana (Debi) Stocking of Woodbury, TN.; 2 daughters, Darla Stocking of West Schuyler and Hope (James Lynch) McPharlin of Brighton, MI.; 3 grandchildren, Ashley (Mathew) Jacobs , Chandler Dannheim, and Jacob Dannheim; a great grandson, Mason Jacobs;  a brother Lester Stocking; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Karen was predeceased by: her parents, 2 brothers Richard and Ronald Stocking, and her sister Helen Foster.

There will be no prior services and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Please consider memorial contributions in Karen's name to be given to the Frank B. Church Post 2530 Ladies Auxiliary. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Gertrude H. Stuck, 95

Wellsville, NY -  Gertrude H. Stuck, 95, a resident of Manor Hills, passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Jones Memorial Hospital from Covid. She was born March 30, 1925 in Wellsville, the daughter of the late DuWayne and Vera (Terwilliger) Wilson. On September 6, 1947 in Wellsville she married Theron Stuck who predeceased her on June 27, 1994.

Gertrude was a graduate of Wellsville High School, and was a veteran of WW II serving with the U. S. Coast Guard. She was formerly employed at Loblaws and the Giant Food Mart. She was a long time member of the Christian Temple, and currently a member of Grace United Church. She was a member of the Morrison Hayes Post 702, American Legion, the Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Jones Memorial Hospital Evergreen Twig, and volunteered at the Wellsville Community Center. Her greatest joy was serving others.

She is survived by a daughter, Gayle (Mark) Dorrett of Friendship, three grandsons, Jeremy (Leah) Stuck of Belmont, Eric (Ashley) Stuck of Wellsville, and Matthew (Aubrey) Dorrett of Parish, NY, nine great-grandchildren, a sister Shirley Arington of North Olmsted, Ohio, a daughter-in-law, Kay McCulloch of Wellsville as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents by a son, Glenn “Skip” Stuck, a grandson, Bryan Dorrett, two sisters, Ruby Palmer, and Vera Grillo, and six brothers, William, Chester, Charles, DuWayne, James, and Jack Wilson.

Gertrude's family deeply appreciates the staff at Manor Hills; for the wonderful care they gave her over the past seven years. 

A celebration of her life will be planned for a later date. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont, Please consider memorial donations to any charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit embserfuneralhome.com.

Roy W. Hackett, 64

Wellsville, NY - Roy W. Hackett, 64 of 2692 Beech Hill Road passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born May 26, 1956 in Wellsville, the son of Thomas and Elaine (Fanton) Hackett.

Roy was raised in the Yorks Corners area and attended Wellsville Central School. He was a long time employee of Buffalo Crushed Stone in Alfred. He enjoyed hunting, shooting, and flying drones.

He is survived by two daughters, Danielle Hackett of Bath, and Emily Hackett of Wellsville, three grandsons, Xavier Baroody, Brayden Ballengee, and Gunner Hodge, three brothers, Rick, Randy, Timothy Hackett, several nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Randy Billings. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Hackett and Elaine Smith, an infant daughter, and a granddaughter, Kambrian Phillips.

Following NYS Covid guidelines; friends are invited to call on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. On Wednesday, December 9, there will be a public graveside service at 11:00 am in Yorks Corners Cemetery with Rev. Eugene Miller presiding. Please consider memorial donations to the Willing Volunteer Fire Department. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Catherine Ellen Callaro, age 79

Wellsville, NY - Catherine Ellen Callaro, age 79, of Seneca Street passed away on Friday, November 27, at the Wellsville Highland Health Care Center. She was born on July 13, 1941 in Hemlock to the late William and Dorothy Carpenter.

Catherine was a former resident of Lakeville who moved to Wellsville to be near her family. She was devoted to her her daughter, Karyn and enjoyed crocheting, Sudoku and word search.

Survivors include two sons, Randy T. Bratcher of Belmont and Eric J. Bratcher of Dansville; 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, her daughter Karyn and her brothers Leon, Freddie, and Charlie Harder; her sister Mary Harder.

There will a private service and burial in the Harder Family Cemetery in Hemlock at a later date. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.