Clair Eugene Heysham, 78

Hilton, NY – Clair Eugene Heysham, 78, of Hilton, passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born on February 3, 1944 in Wellsville, the son of the late Harold and Doris (Stillman) Heysham. 

“Heysh” was a 1963 graduate of Wellsville High School. Upon graduating, he enlisted with the United State Air Force. After his honorable discharge in 1968, he worked for Kodak, in Rochester for many years before moving his career to Harris Seed in Chili, NY. He was a former member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Wellsville. He very much enjoyed attending the Wellsville Balloon Rally each year; however, he tended to keep mostly to himself. 

He is survived by: three nieces, Michele Whitesides, Cindy Ray, and Lorrie Smith, as well as several great-nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Nancy Greene. 

Friends will be invited to a Graveside Service with full military honors at a later date with Reverend Dr. Eric Ash Sr. presiding. Please consider memorial donations to a charity of your choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

William George Hendrick, 86.

Wellsville, NY – William George Hendrick, 86, died peacefully surrounded with prayer at the Hart House of Wellsville on Sunday, November 22, 2022. He was born in Rochester the son of the late Basil and Ruth Hendrick and Isabel Pécor. In 1982 he married his wife of 40 years, Ann Searle, who survives. 

He was a lifelong resident of Wellsville and a devoted community leader. He graduated from Wellsville High School Class of 1955. Bill joined the US Army, serving in Korea from 1957 to 1959 with Honorable Discharge. Upon returning from the service, Bill was employed at Loblaws Grocery Store and Dresser Rand before purchasing the Arco Gas Station on the corner of State and Main Street in Wellsville. He converted it to the first Convenience Gas Store in the area. Owned and operated for 26 years, Bill was awarded “Store of the Year” for the North East Division of Area AM PM convenience stores in 1981 and was elected and served on the Sunoco Company Dealer Advisory Board in Philadelphia, PA for two years and elected Chairman of this board in his second year of his term, prior to selling Hendrick’s A Plus in 1996. In addition, he founded “Annie’s Ice” and Hendrick’s Plowing Businesses. Bill worked at Fassett Lane Home Building Center for a number of years as well as a salesman for Kubota Tractor Sales. 

Bill was a life member of the Emerald Hook and Ladder Fire Company. He was a member for many years of the Wellsville Lions club, serving as a past President. He was elected and served 20 consecutive years a dedicated Village Trustee. As a member of the elks club of Wellsville, Bill contributed to many of their charitable events and was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. Bill will be best remembered by many as a Servant leader to the community of Wellsville. Whether it was his known or unknown acts of kindness, Bill took great pride in just helping others. He was a member of the Wellsville country club for several years, enjoying the game of golf with many friends and family. He was a skilled carpenter and enjoyed many years of building and sharing his craftsmanship. He really enjoyed gardening every year and always shared the reap with neighbors and family. Bill was an avid fan of the NY Yankees and Buffalo Bills. 

Surviving, in addition to his loving wife, Ann, are: children, Lori, Linda, Jim, Brian, and Bridgette; grandchildren; brothers and sisters in law, Jeanne and Kevin Harris, Judy and Doug Lynch, and Patrick and Jacqueline Searle; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Basil and Ruth, he was predeceased by: a son, Donald; a brother, James B. Hendrick; and his parents-in-law, James and Elizabeth Searle. He was blessed with a loving family, many many close friends and neighbors who will always remember him for his recollection of years gone by of people, places, and events of the Wellsville area and his giving spirit of friendship to all. 

Ann wishes to express sincere gratitude of the compassionate and continuous care of Bill during the last two years of his struggling health, especially to Dr. Picco and Nurses, and to all the Healthcare Teams during the hospitalizations at Jones Memorial Hospital. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11 am in the Immaculate Conception Church of Wellsville, 36 Maple Avenue. Per Bill’s wishes, please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort House, the Elks Club Scholarship Fund, and the Immaculate Conception School “Tuition Angels” Fund. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Nancy H. Petrichick, 83,

Belmont, NY – Nancy H. Petrichick, 83, of Willets Avenue passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at home surrounded by her family. She was born on September 24, 1939, in Buffalo, the daughter of, the late Lawrence E. and Mary (Hengerer) Hawkins. On September 5, 1958, in Hamburg, she married Gary M. Petrichick, who predeceased her on September 25, 2022. 

Nancy attended grade school in both Buffalo and Olean, however she was a 1957 graduate of Hamburg High School graduating with a Regents Diploma. She continued her education at Alfred State College, graduating in 1977 with her associates; she then attended Alfred University graduating in 1980 Cum Laude with her Bachelors in Biology. Upon graduation, she began her banking career, first in First Trust Union (Fleet) Bank’s Trust Department, in 1984 she transferred to Key Trust Bank in Olean, where she worked as a Trust Officer and AVP until 1993. Upon retiring from banking, she was self-employed and ran Amity Accounting, providing trust and estate accounting services to area attorneys and accountants. 

In 1969 she and Gary had moved to Belmont, where she was very active in the community and surrounding areas. She was a past member of: the village of Blasdell Planning Board, the Allegany county Republican Women, Wellsville’s branch of the American Association of University Women (for whom she was president in 1973), the Olean Area Industrial Management Council (serving as president from 1993-1994), the Kiwanis Club of Olean, the C&O Canal Association, and the Belmont American Legion Post #808 Auxiliary. Outside of her career and dedication, she was a wonderful mother and grandmother. 

She is survived by: five children, Kevin (Cari) Petrichick of Rochester, Glenn Petrichick of Henderson, NV, Seth Petrichick of Belmont, Kirsten (Dean) Salyer of Angelica, and Roy (Tracy) Petrichick of Pittsford; ten grandchildren, Sarah Petrichick, Evan Petrichick, Jett Brewer, Elise Petrichick, Emma Petrichick, Adam (Marah) Salyer, Alan (Antonio Menchaca) Salyer, Jared Petrichick, Riley Petrichick, and Thomas Petrichick; one great-granddaughter, Kira Salyer; a brother, Arthur Hawkins; a sister, Wendy Ryan; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a brother-in-law, William Ryan. 

Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life for both Nancy and Gary Petrichick on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at the Herbert W. DeLong American Legion Post 808 of Belmont. Please consider memorial donations to a charity of your choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Jason Thomas Lane, 47

Allentown, NY – Jason Thomas Lane, 47, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 26, 2022, while visiting family in Allentown. He was born August 17, 1975 in Tucson, Arizona the son of Charles T. and Rose M. (Vigil) Lane. On August 10, 2008, in Ridley, PA he married Emily Virginia Butts who survives.

Jason was raised in Tucson, and was a 1993 graduate of Amphi High School. He received a Bachelors Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the Northern Arizona University, and a Masters Degree in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix. While in Flagstaff he worked as a manager at Busters Restaurant. After moving to Philadelphia in 2005, he was employed as the Assistant Manager of Food Service for Philadelphia University and Arcadia University. Later he became Site Operations Technician and Enterprise Operating Center Manager for TierPoint - Valley Forge, PA. Since 2020 he has been a Systems Administrator for La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA. He also served his community as a Minority Inspector of Election for Delaware County, PA.

Jason was a family man and loved spending time with his wife, kids, and dogs. He loved to cook, fish, camp, and go canoeing. Jason was a die-hard Eagles fan and will be missed whenfriends and loved ones celebrate the Eagles victory in the Superbowl. 

Surviving, in addition to his wife Emily, are three children, Lilyana R. Lane, Milo T. Lane, and Aubriel D. Lane, his mother, Rose M. Lane of Tucson, AZ, a sister, Monica Lane-Bundrant of Tucson, AZ, father and mother-in-law, Marvin and Donna Butts of Allentown, brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Sarah Manzo of Allentown, five beloved nieces and nephews, Aiden Bundrant, Creigh, Avin, Nia, and  Kallen Manzo, several aunts, uncles, cousins, and his loving canine companions, Steve and Shongo.

Friends are invited to call Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 2-3 PM at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville, NY. The funeral will follow visitation at 3 PM in the Funeral Home. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 State Route 19, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Leila F. Slocum, 89

Eldred, PA – Leila F. Slocum, 89, formerly of 63 Evens Road passed away peacefully on  Thursday, November 24, 2022 at Sweden Valley Manor in Coudersport, PA. She was born September 27, 1933 in Bolivar the daughter of the late George and Marjorie (Marsh) Fanton. In 1955 she married Douglas Slocum, who predeceased her on March 28, 1990.

Leila was a 1952 graduate of Bolivar High School. She was employed at the Little Genesee Library and taught Quilting Classes, (which were her passion) for several years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 97, in Portville.  

She is survived by two sons, William (Rhonda) Slocum of Wellsville, and Edward Slocum of Johnson City, TN, two daughters, Mary (Steve) Langworthy of Eldred, and Carolyn (James) Shields of Shinglehouse, PA, eight grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by an infant brother, Buster Fanton, and a sister, Ruth Kenyon. 

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 from 12 noon to 2 PM at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will follow at 2 PM in the funeral home with Rev. Marilyn Hale presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations to the Little Genesee Library, or the ALS Association. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Mary Jane Wells, 89

Belmont, NY – Mary Jane Wells, 89, of County Route 31A, passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at the home of her daughter in Hammondsport. She was born February 9, 1933 in Pike Township, PA the daughter of the late James and Emma (Cochran) Empson. On August 18, 1947 in Carrollton, KY she married her husband of fifty-years, Norman Wells Jr., who predeceased her January 13, 1998. 

Mary was a life long resident of Allegany County. She attended both Scio and Greenwood Schools. She was previously employed by Westinghouse in Bath, and later as a Home Health Aid for many years, retiring in 1995. She was a member of the Scio Senior Sunshine Club, the Belmont First Baptist Church, and she loved travel. 

She is survived by: four daughters, Cheryl (Mike Hunt) Scott of Friendship, Karen (Don) Beckwith of Angelica, Kathy (Jim) Miller of Hornell, and Karol (Jay) Palmer of Hammondsport; three sons, Marvin Wells of Scio,  and Martin (Linzie) Wells of Friendship, and Jerry (Janice) Wells of Belmont, 14 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, a very special friend, Betty Nichols of North Chili. In addition to her parents and husband she was predeceased by: a son, Mark Wells; and two sisters, Nancy Empson and Virginia Brownell.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Thursday, December 1, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Belmont, 17 Schuyler Street. A celebration will follow visitation Thursday, at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Phil Brown presiding. Burial will be in Oramel Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Belmont First Baptist Church. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Richard L. Livergood, 90

Belmont, NY – Richard L. Livergood, 90, of County Road 48, passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Cuba Memorial Hospital. He was born in Belmont on March 30, 1932 the son of the late Clifford and Gertrude (Mattison) Livergood. On December 9, 1954 in Friendship, he married his wife of 59 years, Helen Sherwood, who predeceased him on March 1, 2014. 

Dick was raised in the Belmont-Friendship area. He found his career at Dresser-Rand Corporation in Olean, as a Crane Operator. He was a member of the Knight’s Creek Evangelical Methodist Church. He enjoyed wood crafts. 

He is survived by: three children, Lorrie (Charles) Hickey of Cincinnati, OH, Rebecca (Jeffrey) Voss of Fillmore, and David Livergood of Cincinnati, OH; Six Grandchildren; Seven Great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by: a son, Brian Livergood; five siblings, Lawrence Livergood, Barbara Cummins, Ruth Tuttle, Jack Livergood, and Paul Livergood. 

Family and Friends are invited to attend a Graveside service on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 2 PM in Forest Hills Cemetery of Belmont, with Reverend Carl Kemp 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.