Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Anthony “Tony” Lagoda, 80

Wellsville, NY – Anthony “Tony” Lagoda, 80, of Jones Street, passed away on Monday, July 18, 2022 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Wilkesbarre, PA on November 14, 1941 the son of the late Anthony and Josephine (Tomchalc) Lagoda. On September 15, 1964 in Buffalo he married his wife of 57 years, Judith Shaw, who survives. 

Tony was a longtime resident of Wellsville. He honorably served with the United State Air Force from 1960 to 1966. Tony moved to Wellsville due to his employment with Dresser-Rand, for whom he loyally worked his entire career (where he began in 1964), he retired as project manager in 2010. He was an active member of the Immaculate conception Church, where he was part of the Holy Name Society, served as a Lector, and was member of the Bereavement Committee; he was also a Past Exalted Ruler of the Wellsville Elks Lodge 1495, and a member of the Andover Lions Club. 

In addition to his wife, Judith, he is survived by: a son, Mark E. (Rebecca) Lagoda of Bridgton, ME; grandchildren, Ruby & Blue Lagoda; a brother-in-law, Tom Wisniewski; a sister-in-law Kathleen Butler; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Ted; and a sister, Christine Wisniewski. 

Friends are invited on Friday, July 22, 2022 at 10:30 AM to the Immaculate Conception Church for a Mass of Christian Burial with Father Robert Agbo presiding. 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.

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Robert E. Gordon, 77

Richburg, NY – Robert E. Gordon, 77, of 175 Griffith Street, passed away on Friday, July 15, 2022, at the Highland Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Wellsville.  Robert was born in Wayland, NY on August 9, 1944, the son of the late Edwin and Dorothea (Baley) Gordon.

Bob was a life-time member of the New York State Fireman’s Association and the a life member of the Bolivar Fire Department.  He worked as a carpenter in Bolivar for many years. He loved to collect trains and visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Malcom Davison.

Bob is survived by five sons Robert Gordon of South Dakota and William (Barbie) Gordon of Richburg, Larry (Cindy) Gordon of Castile, Eric Gordon of Cuba, Andrew (Krystal) of South Dakota; three daughters Melissa (Mike) Tilton of Olean, Susan (Danny) White of Bath, and Angelic (Matt) Jeitz of South Dakota;  a brother Jack Gordon of Florida, as well as 25 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.  In addition to his parents, Edwin and Dorothea, he was predeceased by a son Michael Gordon and a brother Jim Gordon. 

A private graveside service is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.


Monday, July 18, 2022

David Earl Cline, 79

Wellsville, NY – David Earl Cline, 79,  passed away on Monday, July 11, 2022; after a few months of declining health, David died peacefully, at home, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Wellsville in 1942, to father Oristus “Rit” Cline and mother Florence “Flossie” Munger-Cline. David’s family was often entertained with detailed stories of his youth growing up in a small town. It was amazing what he could remember and he’d get a twinkle in his eye as he talked about the stories that made him laugh.

After graduating from Wellsville High School, David enlisted in the Navy and was trained to be an aviation electrician. Deployed to Newfoundland, he was attached to a squadron as a flight electrician that flew the DEW Line (Distant Early Warning Line). Here they monitored a series of radar stations across the arctic from Alaska through Canada over Greenland to Iceland.

Dresser-Rand hired David shortly after his discharge from the Navy where he got a job working as a sheet metal-smith, welder, layout person, and electrician. Over the years he specialized in the electrical field and repaired computer-controlled and conventional machines, oversaw the installation and repair of the computer network and phone systems, plus general maintenance of the facility. He retired in 2005, after 42 years of employment.

One of his favorite hobbies was woodworking. There wasn’t a project he wasn’t willing to tackle and was always making special gifts for those he loved or appreciated. He was a member of the Wellsville Rod and Gun Club and was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to ‘watch and learn’. He would tell his kids: “There is always something to be learned from each day if you just slow down and watch.” He could often be found in one of his favorite parking spots around town to see what gifts nature gave him that day.

David is survived by a daughter Lisa (Michael) Lindsay and a son, Daniel Cline; a brother, Dale Cline; granddaughters Amanda (Michael) Sandlin, Lauren and Megan Lindsay, Heather (Alex) Whitt; great-grandchildren Erin Tuttle and Elijah, Evangeline, and Anastasia Whitt; nieces Tracey Loughlin-Young, Heather Pettit; and nephew Jeff Cline. He is predeceased by his parents and a sister, Diana Sandle.

A private graveside service with military honors in Stannards Cemetery, is being planned for a later date.

A special thank you to Jeannie Mead for her kindness and conversation during her daily visits of Meals-on-Wheels; and to Sara and Donna with our local Hospice agency for their weekly visits and compassionate support during his final weeks. Memorial donations in David’s memory can be made to the Genesee River Wilds or the Wellsville Rod & Gun Club. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.


Frederick T. Burrell, 82

Rotonda FL - Frederick T. Burrell, 82, of Rotonda West, FL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 10, 2022, surrounded by his family at the Tidewell Hospice House in Port Charlotte, FL. Fred was born July 22, 1939, in Port Allegany, PA the son of the late Clyde and Louise (Lunn) Burrell.  

Fred graduated from Northern Potter High School and earned a BBA Degree from St. Bonaventure in 1970. He continued his studies at Syracuse University and receiving a MBA in 1974.

Fred was an Engineering Systems Manager at CE Air Preheater in Wellsville from 1957-1983. In 1983, he transferred to CE Elgin Electronics in Erie, PA. In 1989 he founded Burrell Enterprises in McKean, PA, and maintained an active role in the company into retirement. Fred served his community as President of the Wellsville Little League, he was a member of the Wellsville Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps, and performed in the Wellsville Lions Minstrel Show. He was a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee, for the Town of Wellsville, and served on the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Village of Wellsville.

On June 14, 1958 he married his first love Agnes Kish who predeceased him on May 12, 1976. On June 18, 1977, he married Nila (Toni) Marshall who predeceased him on May 25, 2017.

He is survived by a daughter, Tammy (Scott) Cooper of Englewood, FL, three sons, Scott (Regina) Burrell of Rotonda West, FL, Terry (Kathy) Burrell of Weeki Wachee, FL, and Kevin (Terri) Burrell of Waterford, PA, three step children, Voni (Bob) Walker of Wellsville, Jill (Roger) Peterson of Wellsville, and Mick (Michele) Marshall of Bradford, PA, three brothers, Gary Burrell, Stanley Burrell, and Russell Burrell, a sister, Marilyn “Dollie” Thompson, 22 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his companion, Wendy Windus who was his caregiver during this difficult time.

Fred lived an extraordinary life filled with so much love from friends and family. He enjoyed traveling throughout the US with his Cavapoo, Sophie, taking countless photos, and enjoying his retirement in sunny Florida.

A time of visitation and funeral in Florida was held on Saturday, July 16, 2022. A funeral and visitation in Wellsville is being planned and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.


Thursday, July 14, 2022

Christian P. Robinson, 44

Wellsville, NY - Christian P. Robinson, 44, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2022 in Wellsville. He was born July 7, 1978 in Warsaw, NY, the son of Brian K. and Susan M. (Deschler) Robinson.

Chris was a 1996 graduate of Warsaw High School, and attended Niagara University. He was formerly employed at the Kwik Fill in Wellsville for many years. Chris loved to read,  and spent many hours at the library. He was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his friends.

Surviving in addition to his parents are two brothers, Aaron (Jennifer) Robinson, and Andrew Robinson, a sister, Brieanna (Sam) Sarcia, as well as five nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation, burial with his grandparents will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House or the David A. Howe Public Library. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Bruce R. Lombard, 75

Ft. Myers, FL – Bruce R. Lombard, 75, passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 in Fort Myers, Florida. He was born May 10, 1946 in Windsor, VT the son of the late Robert and Dorothy Lombard.

Bruce was a 1964 graduate of Windsor High School, he was a talented athlete who played football, basketball, and baseball for Windsor High. He went on to play basketball, baseball, and golf for the University of Vermont. He taught math and coached at Wellsville High School for over 32 years. Bruce enjoyed a special retirement full of travel, golf, tennis, singing in community shows, and loving his grandchildren.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 54 years Marley (Martin) Lombard, a daughter, Lori (John) Lombard Collinger of Indiana, PA, a son, Bruce M. Lombard of State College, PA, two grandchildren, Mark and Natalie Collinger, a sister Nancy (Spencer) Baker of Burlington, VT and 6 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents, by a brother, Richard Lombard. 

A celebration of life was held in Indiana, Pennsylvania. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Monday, July 11, 2022

Becky Lyn Beebe, 40

Wellsville, NY – Becky Lyn Beebe, 40, of 133 N. Highland Avenue, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital. She was born October 3, 1981 in Wellsville the daughter of Earl D. and Jeanette (Densmore) Stonemetz. 

Becky was a 2000 graduate of Wellsville High School. She began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Highland Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and Wellsville Manor Care Center for many years. Most recently she was employed by Saputo Inc. of Friendship. She was a member of the Morrison Hayes American Legion Auxiliary Unit #702, and the Frank B. Church Post #2530 VFW Auxiliary. 

In addition to her parents, Earl and Jeanette, she is survived by: four children, Blakelyann Stonemetz, Zoey Beebe, Zack Beebe, and Bryce Wood; three brothers, Wayne (Stacy Roberts) Stonemetz, Drew Stonemetz and his fiance, Lillian Beach, and Brock (Niki) Stonemetz; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by an infant sister, Whitney Stonemetz. 

Friends are invited to call on Friday, July 15, 2022 from 11 am to 1 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. Burial will be in Hallsport Cemetery. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.