Robert N. Burdick Sr. 87

Belmont, NY — Robert N. Burdick Sr. 87, of 5 Wells Lane, passed away at home on Thursday, December 16, 2021, with his family at his side. He was born July 4, 1934 in Angelica the son of the late E. Burdette and Frances L. (Kemp) Burdick. On December 12, 1953 in the Belmont First Baptist Church, he married the former Carol Ann Peterson, who predeceased him on March 6, 1997. 

Bob was raised in Alfred and was a 1953 graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United State Marine Corps, and served from 1954 to 1956. He lived in many towns until settling on the Vandermark Road in Scio in the summer 1975; he remained on the Vandermark until October of 1997 when he moved to West Virginia. He married Phyllis Beatty in September of 1998, she predeceased him on March 5, 2018, he then moved back to Allegany County and settled in Belmont. 

He was a jack of all trades. In his fifty-seven years of working he was employed as a factory worker, a farmer, truck driver, Highway Superintendent for the Town of Ward, Security Guard for Burns Security at Dresser Rand in Wellsville, and finally an employee at Walmart until his retirement. Bob loved working on crafts during his retirement, especially latch hook projects. He attended the Alfred-Almond Bible Church; and he loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by: three sons, Raymond D. (Mary Ellen) Burdick of Belmont, Robert N. (Donna) Burdick Jr. of Fayetteville, NC, and Bryan H. (Joanne) Burdick of Belmont; two daughters, Rhonda E. (Roy) Bryan of Richlands, NC and Marcy J. (Doug) Crawford of Belmont; five step-children, Bonnie, Brenda, Kenneth, Douglas & Jeffery; twelve grandchildren, Nicole (Scott) Leo, Corina Greer, Shannon Burdick, Amanda (David) Marshburn, Hannah Burdick, Veronica Davis, Sarah Burdick, Jessica (Bruce) Kear, William (Laura) Hancock, Aaron (Shirlena) Burdick, Bryan Burdick Jr., and Elijah Burdick; fifteen great-grandchildren, Reagan & Riley Greer, Addison & Kennedy Marshburn, Kylee Ann , Bryan, & Jacob Kear, Salia & Adam Burdick, Bryce, Zachary & Damon Davis, Ryan Leo, and Toby & Alex Hancock; a brothers-in-law, Bill Retorick; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, and wives, he was predeceased by: a daughter, Robyn C. Burdick; a daughter-in-law, Diane K. Burdick; two grandsons, Dustin J. Burdick & Wayne R. Hancock; two brothers, Frank & Raymond Burdick; a sister, Jeanette Retorick; four brothers-in-law, Carl Peterson, Herbert Harrington, James Bassinger; and Donald Peterson; and five sisters-in law, June Harrington, Sally Bassinger, Marilyn Peterson, Joanne Burdick, and Janice Burdick.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, December 20, 2021 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, Inc. in Belmont (17 Schuyler St.). The funeral will follow at 6:30 pm with Pastor Ken Shutt presiding. Burial will be in Alfred Rural Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Allegany County Cancer Services, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Alfred-Almond Bible Church, or any charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Edward Daniel Linnecke Jr. 30

Scio, NY - , of 3420 Riverside Drive died on Monday, December 13, 2021 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born February 18, 1991 in Olean, the son of Edward Sr. and Hortensia (Rodriquez) Linnecke.

Ed was raised in Belmont and was a 2009 graduate of Genesee Valley High School. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Houghton College, and a Jurisprudence Doctorate from William & Mary Law School in Virginia. Throughout his life, and especially within the last year, he battled with his mental health. Despite his struggles he was still a kind soul who accomplished many things. In high school he played Tennis, Soccer, and Basketball (in which he was awarded MVP), participated in the music programs, and was very interested in photography. He was briefly employed by the ACLU in Portland, Oregon; and then by the Spectator in Hornell. He was a man of faith, RIP. 

He is survived by: his mother, Hortensia Linnecke; a sister, Mary Lou (Larry) Linnecke-Blocho of Belfast; nephews, Larry Blocho, Reiley (Brooke) Blocho, Ethan Blocho, and Andrew Blocho; grandparents, Frank and Cathleen Linnecke of Scio; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Edward D. Linnecke Sr. on November 3, 2021. 

A private graveside service is being planned at St. Joseph’s Cemetery of Scio. Please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Victoria Ann Cooney, 79

Wellsville, NY - Victoria Ann Cooney, 79, of Meriam Heights, passed away on Sunday, December 12, 2021 in Garden Gates Nursing Home of Cheektowaga. She was born on February 6, 1942 in Buffalo, New York, the daughter of the late Charles and Alice (McAlier) Hunt.

Vicky was a graduate of Riverside High School and General School of Nursing, both of Buffalo. Once she made her way to Belmont, she resided there for the rest of her life. She was the owner/cook of the Coffee Mill restaurant for thirty-nine years, serving Belmont and the surrounding communities. She was a member of the Belmont Legion Auxiliary, Wellsville Moose Lodge, Wellsville VFW Auxiliary, and the Cuba AMVETS.

She is survived by: a son, Jeffrey Lapp of Talladega, AL; grandchildren, Sarah Lapp and Kelsey Ousley; great-grandchildren, Gabe and Tucker Ousley; sister, Sally Scholes of Belmont; niece, Allison Martin; and nephew, Sam Hess. She was predeceased by her parents.

At this time, following the wishes of the family, there are no services planned. The family asks that in lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to Amity Rescue Squad or Belmont American Legion Auxiliary. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Shirley A. Whitesell, 71

Wellsville, NY—Shirley A. Whitesell, 71, of 1995 Schrader Road went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, December 11, 2021. She was born December 13, 1949 in Olean, the daughter of the late Joseph and Rose (Burrows) O’Brien. On March 30, 1990 in Stannards she married Richard “Dick” Whitesell who survives.

Shirley attended school in Allegany, NY. In 1968 she moved to Wellsville, married Ron Nye, and started her family. She was formerly employed at Big N, and K-Mart in Wellsville. She then worked as a Direct Support Professional for Allegany Arc. She was a former member of the Hallsport Christian Church for many years. She enjoyed crocheting, ceramics, scrapbooking, collecting angles, and loved her dogs.

Surviving in addition to her husband, are two sons, Ronald Nye Jr., and Thomas (Jill) Nye, both of Wellsville, three stepsons, Richard (Kathy) Whitesell of Wellsville, Steven (Doris) Whitesell, and Paul Whitesell, both of Florida, two grandsons, Jacob and Brandon, several step grandchildren, and a brother, Joe (Mary) O’Brien of Olean. 

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 16, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. Citing Covid concerns, the funeral will be private. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to Behold Israel https://beholdisrael.org/donate/

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

Ronald L. Freeman, 82

Ward, NY - Ronald L. Freeman, 82, of 2161 Baker Road, passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 in the Hornell Gardens Nursing Home, after a brief illness. He was born in Wellsville on January 7, 1939 the son of the late Louis O. and Velma (Davis) Freeman. On August 23, 1958 in Andover he married the former June Burch, who survives.

Ron was a 1957 graduate of Wellsville High School. While in school he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve, with which he would serve from 1956 – 1964. He began his farming career on his grandfather’s dairy farm on Fords Brook Road (North Branch) in Wellsville. In 1966 he bought his farm on Baker Road in the Town of Ward which he operated until 1982. While farming, he was also employed in several capacities, including: ACES at Alfred State College, The Feed Mill in Belmont, the Oil Leases for Otis-Eastern Corp., a driver for Allegany ARC, and as a bus driver for Wellsville Central Schools (where he was especially loved by the Wellsville Marching Lions) retiring in 2002. In 1982, he and his son Terrance, purchased their own oil leases on Noble Road in Belmont, and Davis Hill Road in Scio. Beyond his careers, he was involved with several organizations and events including: the FFA, which he first joined during High School; the leader of 4H, starting in 1966 until his death; Former vice president and long time member of the Allegany County Fair Board; member of the Wellsville Moose Lodge #601; member of the Chautauqua Moose-Legion #73; member of the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702; the first in New York State to offer a Snowmobile Safety Course (est. 1971); coaching for the Alfred-Almond Little League; a member of the First Trinity Lutheran Church of Wellsville; former president and founding member of the Jericho Hill Snowmobile Club; and life-long member of the Grange. His life was highlighted by his zeal and dedication to volunteering.

In addition to his wife of sixty-three years, June, he is survived by: two sons, Ricky (Angela) Freeman of Wellsville, and Terrence (Anna Mae) Freeman of Alma; three daughters, Yvonne (Gary) Davis of Friendship, Zelda (Larry) Watson of Andover, and Yvette Freeman of Andover; thirteen grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; a niece, and several cousins. He was predeceased by: his parents; three sisters, Shirley Hamilton, Cleo Ruby Anderson, and Bonita Freeman; a brother, Douglas Freeman; and a daughter-in-law, Twila Freeman.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, December 10, 2021 from 7-9 PM and Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 2 -4 PM at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville (34 West State Street). A memorial service will follow on Saturday at 4 PM in the funeral home with Deacon Frank Pasquale presiding. Please consider memorial donations to the Almond Grange, 799 Sibleys Road, Alfred Station, NY, 14803. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Laura Ann Franklin-Willson

Elmira, NY - Laura Ann Franklin-Willson, 35, of 1055 College Avenue, died on Friday, December 3, 2021 at the Arnot-Ogden Medical Center following a brief illness. She was born May 21, 1986, in Wellsville, the daughter of Walter L. and Constance A. (Lawrence) Franklin. 

Laura attended school in both Wellsville and Hornell. She was formerly employed by Ashley Home Furniture in Olean, and the Men’s Warehouse in Horseheads. She was a former attendee of the Full Gospel Church in Wellsville. She enjoyed the latest fashion trends, shopping, and was a born salesperson. 

She is survived by: a daughter, Justine Willson of Belmont; a son, Arlo Klein of Elmira; her fiance` Tim Edwards of Elmira; her mother, Constance A. (Paul) DeCarolis of  Lancaster; three brothers, Kenny Franklin of Wellsville, and Darren (Nichole) Franklin of Hornell; and Scott (Jennifer) Wojtaszczyk of Sandusky, three sisters, Carol Franklin of Eldred, PA, Michele (Christopher) Franklin-France of Hornell; and Anne Marie (David) Gross of Grand Island; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her father, Walter Franklin. 

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, December 9, 2021, from 12 noon to 2PM at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville, NY (34 West State Street). The funeral will follow visitation at 2:00 PM in the funeral home. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Allen N. Mohilewsky, 74

Belmont, NY - Allen N. Mohilewsky, 74 of 15 Willets Avenue passed away on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 following a brief illness. He was born June 6, 1947 in Buffalo the son of the late Nathan and Velma (Beck) Mohilewsky. On January 25, 1969 in Friendship he married Carole A. Reed who survives. 

Allen was a 1965 graduate of Friendship High School, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the State University of New York at Fredonia. He was employed as a substitute teacher until he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force in 1970. He attended Navigator Training School in California, and served as a navigator on C-130's at Forbes AFB in Topeka, KS, the Philippines, and Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. He served with the U. S. Air Force Reserve in Niagara Falls form 1977 until he retired with the rank of Major in 1990. Allen loved serving his country, and flew literally around the world. He initiated a “Baby Lift” flying babies from Viet Nam to the Phillipines, and was a member of the All Air Force Softball Team.

Al and Carole owned and operated the G. LaRue Sears Insurance Agency Inc. in Belmont from 1986 until 2007. He also operated Al's Trees and Wreaths for several years. He was a former member of the Belmont First United Methodist Church, and a member of the Cuba First Baptist Church. He was an active parent of the Immaculate Conception School in Wellsville, serving as chairman of the Monte Carlo Night, and was active with Archbishop Walsh High School, where he served as the Girls Soccer coach for four years. He was a charter member of the Keynote Chorus in Portville, an umpire for High School Baseball, he played in the Wellsville Softball League, and loved to play golf.

Surviving in addition to his wife Carole, is a daughter, Robin N. Mohilewsky of Tampa, Fl, two granddaughters, Anastasia Rose and Arianna Reed Mohilewsky, two aunts, Belva Burch of Oswego, and Esther Hakes of Williamsport, PA, and several cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Reed N. Mohilewsky on June 11, 2014.

Friends are invited to a “Time of Remembrance” on Sunday, December 5, 2021, beginning at 2:00 pm at the Cuba First Baptist Church. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington DC, Please consider memorial donations to the Cuba First Baptist Church, 17 South Street, Cuba, NY 14727. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.