Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Sharon L. Cummings, 75

Belmont, NY – Sharon L. Cummings, 75, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Absolut Care of Salamanca. She was born September 27, 1949, in Coudersport, the daughter of the late Clayton and Alice (Buchanan) Toombs. She married Larry Cummings, who predeceased her in 2009. 

Sharon was a graduate of Richburg High School. She continued her education at Alfred State College, earning her associates degree. A long-time resident of Belmont, she resided in Bolivar for the last two years. She was a member of the Belmont American Legion Auxiliary Unit 808. She enjoyed raising horses. 

She is survived bytwo son, David Cummings of Englewood, TN, and Dennis (Georgia) Cummings of Belmont; two sisters, Janice (Terry) Sanford of Kingston, TN, and Mary (Ray) Shinebarger of Arkport; two grandchildren, Casey Reynold and Payton Cummings; two sisters-in-law, Doll Toombs of Pennsylvania, and Vickie Cummings of Wellsville; and one brother in law, Terry (Gloria) Cummings of Dansville. In addition to her parents, and husband, she was predeceased by:brother, Terry Toombs; grandson, Matthew Cummings; and granddaughter, Cassie Cummings. 

Following Sharon’s wishes, there are no services being planned at this time. Please consider memorial donations to Allegany County Cancer Services, 17 Maple Avenue, Box 534, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .

Charlotte H. Zajicek, 86

Belmont, NY – Charlotte H. Zajicek, 86, of Whitney Avenue, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in her home with family by her side. She was born January 11, 1938, in New Milford, Connecticut, the daughter of the late Francis Warren and Ethel (Farrington) Hall. On January 4, 1958, in New Milford, she married Joseph C. Zajicek, who survives. 

“Tink” was raised in New Milford and was a New Milford High School graduate. She entered the workforce with Nestle Company while in New Milford. After relocating to Belmont, she owned and operated Hannigan’s Greenhouse with her husband. She was a founding member of the Amity Rescue Squad Auxiliary, and served for many years. 

In addition to her husband of 66 years, Joseph, she is survived by: four sons, Joseph W. (Christy) Zajicek of Wellsville, Robert (Sherry) Zajicek of Cuba, Thomas (Christine) Zajicek of Big Flats, and Donald (Kimberly) Zajicek of Belmont; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by: a daughter, Tammi Linnbrother, Robert Hall; and five sisters, Ethel Jennings, Frances Yarochowicz, Dorothy Kindilien, Jane Palmer, and Mildred Danabaum. 

Following Tink’s wishes, a private graveside is being planned for a later date. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery next to Tammi Linn. Please consider memorial donations to the Amity Rescue Squad, 5184 State Route 244, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Monday, October 21, 2024

Jake C. Mattison, 39

Wellsville, NY – Jake C. Mattison, 39, of 86 Farnum Street passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Hart Comfort House with his family at his side. He was born July 19, 1985, in Wellsville, the son of Mark D. and Stacey (Smith) Mattison.

Jake was raised in Wellsville and attended Wellsville High School. He was employed by various businesses throughout the area. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 702 and was a social member of the VFW Post 2530. He had an entertaining personality and enjoyed deer hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his father, Mark (Jo Anne Fenske) Mattison, his mother, Stacey Herring, three brothers, Mark Mattison, Wesley (Carla Fanton) Mattison, and Chase (Liz) Mattison, all of Wellsville, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousinsand two fur babies, Bailey and Molly. He will be missed by his many friends in the community, especially a special friend, Katie Harris. He was predeceased by an infant brother, Travis Mattison. 

At Jake’s request, no service is being planned. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County or the Comfort House of Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit embserfuneralhome.com.

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Dan Delos Marsh, 71

Scio, NY -- Dan Delos Marsh, 71, entered into peaceful rest surrounded by family on Saturday, October 19, 2024, following a brief illness. Incidentally the same day his mother-in-law, Joyce Kelly, entered into rest 42 years earlier. Dan was born September 26, 1953, in Wellsville, the son of Donald F. and Ruth S. (Buckhout) Marsh.  

He married Annette Joy Kelly at the Christian Temple on June 21, 1980, by the Rev Peter Moon.  They welcomed their daughter, Kelly Joy, on August 8, 1981.  

He graduated from Wellsville High School in the Class of 1971.  He attended Canisius College in Buffalo, NY.  He transferred to Alfred University.  He graduated from the Police Academy in 1981, becoming a Sworn Police Officer.  He had a life-long love of learning, especially History, and travel.  We were so blessed to have traveled to Hawaii in September 2024.  

He worked as a teenager at Giant Food Mart, thru college.  After college he continued to work at the Giant Food Mart, working his way to Assistant Manager.  He left the Giant in 1978 to work at the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department as a Corrections Officer.  He left the Sheriff’s Department in 1980.  He was employed as a Police Officer in Willing, Whitesville and the Wellsville Police Departments.  He worked for theWellsville Police Department for 28 years part time while operating Medical Transport Service.  

He began the first commercial Ambulance Service in Allegany County, Medical Transport Service, along with his wife, Annette, and his mother, Ruth S. Marsh, on September 1, 1979.  Medical Transport Service was started with one vehicle that was a van converted to an ambulance.  Dan, Annette and a few other people did the calls.  The business was sold to Scott Lanphier on July 1, 2024.  At the time it was sold, MTS has 75 employees and 12 vehicles.

He was a life-time member of the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corp.  He belonged to the United NY Ambulance Network (UNYAN); a founding member of AIM; member and former treasurer of the Southwestern Regional EMS Council; Participated in numerous parades around the county.  He was one of the first members of the Wellsville Rescue Squad.  He joined to play in the Rescue Squad Band playing the trombone as a teenager.  He was a Critical Care Technician.  He became a staunch advocate for the Critical Care Technician at the state and local level. He received the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems, 2023 EMS Agency for Recruitment & Retention Innovation award. He coached Kelly’s Town League Summer Softball, supporting the teams without seeking recognition.  He attended every soccer, volleyball and softball game Kelly played, plus band and choir concerts.  He was a Ham Radio Operator.  He was a long time member of the Christian Temple, serving as Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher and Deacon.  When Christian Temple merged with the United Church of Christ, Grace United became our home.  

He is survived by his wife, Annette, their daughter, Kelly of Slingerlands, NY, and his two fur babies, Josie & Shiloh. He is survived by his step mother, Freda Gardiner Kelly of Canisteo. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Jonathan (Robin) Kelly of Scio, and his sisters-in-law, Theresa Hand of Henrietta, and Sharon (Gary) Lamphear, of Dunkirk, NY.  He had especially close relationships with his niece and nephews:  Bob (Jenn) Hand of Dansville; Laura (Quentin Sutton) Hand of Henrietta; Joshua (Melanie) Marsh of Monroeville, PA; Christopher (Julia) Gardiner; Patrick (Magdelena) Gardiner, bonus daughter, Amanda (Jason) Chimics, and granddaughter, Trinity, Other surviving nieces and nephews are:  Jackie (Ed) Shea of Wellsville; Jeremy (Abby) Marsh of Belmont; Kristie (Bruce) Ames; Jodi Lynn (Joe) Hines; Joy (Randy) Brunn; Mathew Abbey; and Bethany (Heather) Abbey. He was blessed with incredibly special great nieces and nephews:  Joshua McFarland, Melanie Sutton, Quentin Broly Sutton, Maggie Tallman, Ethan Hines, and Drew Hines.  Joshua, Melanie and Broly are really our bonus grandchildren.  

He was predeceased by his parents, Don & Ruth; his father- & mother-in-law, Dean L and Joyce Kelly.  His brother, David Marsh, in June 2022. He was also predeceased by his life-long friend, James Cicirello.  

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, October 23, from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9 pm. at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The Funeral will be Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 10 am. at Grace United Church, 289 N. Main Street in Wellsville with the Rev Diane Cox presiding. Interment will follow at Heritage Hill Cemetery in Arkport.  

Annette and Kelly would like to express our deepest thanks to Scott Lanphier, Wendy Frungillo, and the employees of Medical Transport Service for their unwavering support during this difficult time and Home Care & Hospice, especially Melissa Deming.

In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County or the David A. Howe Public Library. To leave online condolences, please visit embserfuneralhome.com. 

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Rose A. Winans, 94

Wellsville, NY – Rose A. Winans, 94, of Seneca Street, passed away on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Highland Park. She was born August 4, 1930, in Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Samuel and Pauline (FrederickVansice. In Alma Church she married Louis Winans, who predeceased her. 

Rose was raised in Pennsylvania and moved to Allegany County in the 1950s with her husband Louis. She was employed by Gabriel’s (The Wellsville Motel) as a housekeeper for many years. She was a member of Brookside Wesleyan Church. She loved Halloween, watching television and taking care of her lawn until her health prevented it. 

She is survived by her son, Lewis “Hank” Winans of Wellsville. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by: her father, Samuel Vansice in 1950; mother and step-father, Pauline William Atkins in 1996 and 1975 respectively; and four brothers-in-law, George, Charles, Jimmy, and Raymond Winans. 

A private graveside service will be held later this week in Stannards Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to a charity of your choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

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 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 noonin 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 .

Saturday, October 5, 2024

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 2530the 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. 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.