Stephen Richard Cornelius, 57

Alger, OH – Stephen Richard Cornelius, 57, formerly of Wellsville, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024, in his home. He was born June 28, 1967, in Wellsville, the son of Edward and Ruth (Sherman) Cornelius. 

Steve was raised in Wellsville and was a 1986 graduate of Wellsville High School. Upongraduation, he enlisted with the United States Navy and served from 1986 to 1994. He was a community minded individual who was very active with the County Line Church of Harod, OH. He enjoyed baking bread and pies for church bake sales, entering his blue-ribbon chili in cooking competitions, and always wanted to help neighbors in need. He loved animals and was affectionately known as The Chicken Man for his 100+ heard of hens.

In addition to his mother, Ruth, he is survived by: seven siblings, Sheryl “Sherry”Lafferty, Roger Cornelius, Terry (Kimberly) Cornelius, Randy Cornelius, Robert (Janett) Cornelius, Ron (Valerie) Cornelius, and Don (Magdalena) Cornelius. He was predeceased by his father. 

Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 12 noon, in the Willing Town Hall, 1431 NY-19, Wellsville, NY, with full military honors at that time. Burial will be in Yorks Corners Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the funeral expenses, c/o Embser Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .

Weston B. Rogers, 66

Wellsville, NY – Weston B. Rogers, 66, of Johnson Street, passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Olean General Hospital. He was born May 15, 1958, in Gowanda, NY, the son of the late Weston H. and Elaine (Carrow) Rogers. 

Wes was a 1977 graduate of Wellsville High School. He worked a multitude of jobs but found his career at Dresser-Rand Corporation in Wellsville. Outside of his employment, he played drums in several local bands and was an avid 49ers fan. He was a member of the Wellsville VFW Post 2530, the Wellsville Moose Lodge 601, and the American Legion Post 702. 

He is survived by his sister, Sylvia (John Hasnay) Rogers of Batavia; two nieces, Christy (Richard) Fleig and Nicole Cook; and a great-nephew, Tanner Cook. 

Friends are invited to a graveside service with military honors on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 1:30 pm in Woodlawn Cemetery, 276 S. Main Street in Wellsville. A memorial celebration will follow at 2:00 pm at the American Legion Post 702, 23 Jefferson Street in Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations to the American Legion Post 702, or the VFW Post 2530, 250 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Bradley J. Gena, 48

Andover, NY – Bradley J. Gena, 48, of Fulmer Valley Road, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at his residence. He was born October 20, 1975, in Wellsville, the son of John and Pamela (Bianco) Gena. On September 15, 2001, he married Rebekah A. Gainey in Charleston, SC. She survives him.

Raised in Wellsville, Brad graduated from Wellsville High School in 1994 and pursued further education at Alfred University. He established a distinguished career in the restaurant industry, serving as the operating partner of Hyman’s Seafood Company in Charleston, SC, for over 20 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brad returned to Wellsville with his family and founded The Wellsville General Store & Grill, contributing to the local community.

Beyond his professional achievements, Brad was strong in his faith and attended Abundant Life Ministries in Weston Mills with his family. He enjoyed outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting and was passionate about vintage trucks. Above all, he was a devoted husband and father, whose love for his wife and four children knew no bounds. They were his greatest joy and the true purpose of his life.

In addition to his wife of 23 years, Rebekah, and his parents, John and Pam, he is survived by: his four children, Jael (Evan) Kurtz of Houghton, Daniel Gena, Micah Gena and Canaan Gena, all residing at home; parents-in-law, Sylvia and Aaron Hyman, and his father-in-law, Charles Gainey; an aunt, Penny Bianco; sister-in-law, Joy Johnson; and nephew, Paxton Johnson. He was predeceased by an infant brother, Jamie Gena, and  maternal grandparents, Connie and Louie Bianco.

Friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 276 South Main Street, Wellsville, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Allegany County Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Robert G. Reilly D.D.S., 67

Wellsville, NY – Robert G. Reilly D.D.S., 67, of 1 South Brooklyn Avenue, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 16, 2024, in his home. He was born May 31, 1957, in Poughkeepsie, NY, the son of the late Warren and Mary Helen (Gardiaz) Reilly. 

Robert was raised in Poughkeepsie. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Rutger’s University. He was co-owner and operator of Hancher and Reilly Family Dental Practice in Wellsville. Outside of work he was a member of the Wellsville Rod and Gun Club and enjoyed fishing and shooting sports. 

He is survived by his wife, Dawn Reilly; a son, Ethan (Cheyenne Layman) Reilly of Alfred Station; grandson, Oliver Reilly; a brother Warren Reilly; and several nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Allegany County Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Herman P. Rouse Jr., 71

Wellsville, NY – Herman P. Rouse Jr., 71, of 340 South Main Street, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at home, following a long illness. He was born May 28, 1953, in Belmont on his family’s farm, the son of the late Herman P. Sr. and Margaret (Starks) Rouse.

Herman was raised in Andover by his mother and Stepfather, Donald Clemons. He was a Jack-of-all-trades, finding his career in painting homes and gardening for many years. He enjoyed his coffee and western movies. He was well known for his Donald Duck impression. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren, always greeting them with a piece of gum. He showered them with gifts, love, his time, and advice. He never said Goodbye, always “Love yalater”.

He is survived by: four children, Dale (Lisa) Rouse of Round Rock, TX, Michael (Samie) Deming of Almond, Cherish Deming of Bradford, PA, and Margaret (David) Duell of Shinglehouse, PA; nine grandchildren, Brianna, Hunter, Payeton, Abigail, Skyelar, William, Nevaeh, Colten, and Kinsley; Siblings, Bonnie Glass of Illinois, Joyce (Steve “Doc”) Burns of Wellsville, Beverly Sanchez of Wellsville, Debra Kunselman of Pennsylvania, Rick (Cindy) Rouse of Wellsville, and Donny (Kelly) Clemons of Andover; special bond with Sheri, Alex, Mikayla (his gift) and Makinley. He is predeceased by: three siblings, Ronald Rouse, Barbara Armstrong and Jerry Breeding; one nephew Jason Rouse.

Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 5, 2024, beginning at 2 pm, at the Grant Duke Hose Firehouse, 80 Stevens Street, Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations to the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department, 40 South Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Michael F. Presutti, 71

Belmont, NY – Michael F. Presutti, 71, of 48 South Street passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. He was born February 4, 1953, in Wellsville, the son of Leonard V. and Waneta W. (Winchell) Presutti. On May 29, 1982, in Belmont, he married Barbara M. Zimmer, who survives.

Mike was raised in Belmont and was a 1971 graduate of Belmont High School. He received a B.S. at Cornell University's New York Hospital School of Nursing in 1975, then worked as a Registered Nurse at the University of Rochester and Strong Memorial Hospital's Intensive Care unit. He received a M.S. as Physician Assistant at New York University at Stony Brook and was certified in 1981 by the National Commission for the Certification of Physician Assistants before working six months as a Registered Physician Assistant in the Department of Surgery at the former Genesee Hospital in Rochester, New York.

Starting in July 1982, he worked as a Registered Physician Assistant at the Amity Medical Center Family Medicine office.  He started at the Olean Medical Group in 1993 where he lovingly cared for his patients for more than 30 years. Toward the end of his career, he also cared for patients at UR Medicine Wilmot Cancer Institute in Olean and Wellsville.

He was a proud Eagle Scout and a member of the Belvidere Beekeepers Association. He was active with the Stony Brook Alumni Association. He was the Town of Amity Supervisor for many years and enjoyed spending time at the Presutti Cabin.

In addition to his wife of 42 years, Barbara, he is survived by: his daughter, Zoie Presutti, her fiancé, Robert Slifkin; siblings, Mary Kay Presutti of Belmont, Steven (Patricia) Presutti of Belmont, Luanne (TJ) Mead of Morris, Oklahoma, Mark (Linda) Presutti of Belmont, Alan (Sharon) Presutti of Angelica; sister-in-law, Debora Presutti of Odessa; everyone's Aunt Terri Ross; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased, in addition to his parents, by his brother, Dana Lynn Presutti.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, September 23, 2024, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and on Tuesday, the 24th from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 25, at 11:00 am with Father Zachariah Presutti SJ, his nephew, as celebrant at Holy Family of Jesus-Mary and Joseph located at 5 Milton St. in Belmont. The burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In Lieu of Flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Michael F. Presutti Scholarship c/o Genesee Valley Central School, 1 Jaguar Drive, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Joyce S. Wheaton, Service Announcement

Wellsville, NY – The friends of Joyce S. Wheaton are invited to attend a memorial service on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Grace United Church, 289 North Main Street in Wellsville. 

Joyce passed away on June 2, 2024. To read the complete obituary, or leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com