Richard Michael "Rick" Kane, 61

WELLSVILLE—Richard Michael "Rick" Kane, 61, of Truax Road passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family and his dog, Maggie, after a year heroically battling the effects of an exceptionally large cancerous brain tumor removed at the Cleveland Clinic. 

Ever the stubborn optimist, Rick soon came to the realization after his initial diagnosis that he was the “luckiest man in the world” to get the chance to experience how loved he was by so many who had reached out to him. Few people ever get that opportunity, he said during last year’s Thanksgiving holiday. Jay Knapp, his best friend, particularly had been a blessing to Rick, helping with so many needs throughout his battle with the love and attention of a brother.

Rick said he was convinced this insurmountable health challenge could not be taken on by anyone who did not have his signature laid-back optimistic temperament. His library was full of books that preached hope, endurance and that implacable gift of the human spirit to overcome any challenge. Rick lived that belief, and to the very end, he maintained his cheerful demeanor and dry, witty sense of humor. When everyone thought he could no longer speak, his mother walked into his room asking what his father and brother were talking about all afternoon at his bedside. Rick quipped, “You.”

He was born on June 30, 1962, in Rochester, the son of Stephen M. and JoAnne (Gath) Kane. He was raised in Wellsville and graduated in 1981 from Wellsville High School. He continued his education at Alfred State College, St. Bonaventure University, and the University of Florida. Outside of his education, he began his career with Xerox in Boston, Massachusetts before moving back to his hometown to work for his family’s Wellsville Carpet Town, Inc. retail home furnishings business where he became a partner.  

Beyond work, he was a long-time member of the Scio Lions Club, the Wellsville Country Club, (where he enjoyed playing golf) and Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He was a proud parent volunteer at Immaculate Conception School for many years.

Rick is survived by the treasure of his heart, his daughter, Ella; his parents, JoAnne Kane Hutter of Wellsville, and Stephen M. (Jenny) Kane of Cuba; a brother, Thomas (Julie) Kane of Olean and their children Corey, Cameron and Delilah; a sister, Audra (Eric) Doering of East Aurora, and their children Stephen and Eloise.

Rick is reunited with his grandparents who predeceased him: Wayne and Georgia Kane and Ellis and Helen Gath, all of Wellsville. 

A private graveside service for the family will be held Wednesday, November 29 at Sacred Heart Cemetery at 11am officiated by Rev. John Cullen of Our Lady of the Angels Roman Catholic Church in Cuba. 

A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. 

Memorial donations can be made to CHAMP-1 Research Foundation benefitting Rick’s niece who suffers from a brain disorder  https://champ1foundation.org/rick/  or the SPCA of Allegany County https://spcaallegany.org. 

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

Steven Joseph Winans, 65

North Port, Florida— Steven Joseph Winans, 65, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born September 17th, 1958, in Wellsville, he was the son of Lloyd D. and Dolores J. (Walsh) Winans, who predeceased him. A 1977 graduate of Wellsville Central School, he continued his education at St. James School of Radiologic Technology in Hornell, New York and earned a degree in Radiologic Technology. After completing his education, he joined the United States Air Force in May of 1981 where he served his country honorably.

On May 1st, 1982, he married the love of his life Francine (Leone) Winans. Steve and his family traveled and lived in many unique parts of the world during his service. He retired from the Air Force in 2004 after serving for 22 years.

After he retired from the Air Force, he worked and served thousands of patients in hospitals in New York, Virginia, Washington DC, and Florida. He was an active member of the San Pedro Catholic Church in North Port, Florida. Steve always had music playing and loved attending concerts with his wife.

Steve had a passion for helping people, whether it was painting a house or assisting a loved one in their final days, Steve was always first to be there without being asked. His commitment to family was remarkable. He was a doting Grandfather who loved and cherished his grandchildren: Xavier & Xendaya Winans; Meghan, Max, & Moira Winans; and Harley, Stella & Violet Garcia.

Known for his quick wit and perpetual sense of humor, even in his final days Steve could always find something to make whoever was near break out in laughter. He had the gift of finding humor in any situation, to the appreciation of his family, friends, and co-workers. 

He is survived by his wife Francine, sons Christopher (Nathalie) Winans of North Brunswick, New Jersey, Matthew (Michelle) Winans of Dallas, Georgia, and daughter Stevie (Johnathan) Garcia of North Port, Florida. Also surviving are a sister Vaughnda Winans of Sebastian, Florida, brothers Patrick (Zuleika) Winans of Gainesville, Florida, Alan Winans of Syracuse, New York, and Neil (Diane) Winans of Wellsville, New York,; his “Gach Sisters” Robin, Shelley, and Heidi along with several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and his grandchildren. He is also survived by his very loving special extended family of in-laws, Raymond Leone, Darlene (Leone) Gerardi, Todd Leone, John Leone, Zuleika Winans, Diane Winans, Sherry Winans, and Tony Kuras. His special dog “Lucy” still survives.

Steve was predeceased by his parents, sister Margaret (Tony) Kuras, brothers Michael Winans, and Lloyd (Sherry) Winans, Jr., and several aunts and Uncles. He has forever missed his furry family that passed before him, Rocky, Aerial, & Bruno. 

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, November 30, at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, 36 Maple Avenue in Wellsville. Burial with military honors will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741 or online at Cancer.Org/Donate. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Douglas W. Serra, 65

Belmont, NY – Douglas W. Serra, 65, of 57 Whitney Avenue passed away onMonday, November 20, 2023, following a brief illness. He was born April 23,1958, in Rochester, and was the son of the late William W. and Rita E. (Forquer)Serra. On July 10, 2004, in Almond he married Michelle K. Ormsby who survives.

Doug was raised in Belmont and Scio and while he considered himself a memberof the class of 1976 of both Belmont and Wellsville, he actually graduated from Schuylerville Preparatory High School. He later received an associate’s degree from Alfred State College and a bachelor’s degree from Alfred University. He was formerly employed by the Allegany County Soil and Water Conservation District and had taught Natural Resources and Heavy Equipment at Cattaraugus – Allegany BOCES in Belmont. He was currently the chair of the Town of Amity Planning Board. He was a proud breeder of six generations of Labrador Retrievers. He enjoyed playing soccer and golf and telling stories. He loved the great outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being with his dogs on his farm property.

He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife Michelle, several “fur kids,” his mother-in-law, Emily Ormsby of Alfred Station, Michelle’s brothers and sister, several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and was an especially beloved uncle of Jacob and Paige.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, November 27, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 pmat the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. The funeral will be Tuesday, November 28, at 1:00 pm in the funeral home with Rev.Bruce Incze presiding. The burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Nature Conservancy or Tunnels to Towers. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Maurice James "Sonny" Gilman, 85

Weatherford, TX -- Maurice James "Sonny" Gilman departed this world November 13, 2023. He was born in Dansville, New York on Oct 6,1938 to James and Luella Milliman Gilman. He graduated from Wellsville High School in 1957 where he excelled in sports but particularly as a baseball pitcher, often pitching both games of a doubleheader. He was signed by the Milwaukee Braves and went to spring training in Waycross, Georgia. While he was there, he suffered a serious arm injury and had to return to Wellsville. On June 28th, 1958, he married Beverly Lessard of Scio.

Sonny worked his entire professional career with Air Preheater in the Sales Department, moving to Houston in 1980. He retired in Dallas in 1993 and then moved to Ocala, Florida and then to Seabeck Washington, before finally settling in Weatherford, Texas. Sonny enjoyed bowling, golf, hunting, attending Aggie and Longhorn football games, and playing Town Team ball with his brothers-in-law Paul and Larry. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and telling stories. Right up until his death Sonny always thought he was good for "one more inning".

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Beverly of Weatherford Texas; four sons and their wives Christopher (Susan) of Hudson, New Hampshire, Tobin (Mary) of Arlington, Texas, Gregory (Debbie) of Weatherford, Texas, and Mark (Debbie) of Seabeck, Washington; one sister CeCe Morris of Silverdale, Washington, sister-in-law Edna Lessard of Jamestown New York; his grandchildren Nick, Jon, Kim, Candace, Andrew, Thomas, Cole, Bryce, Kayce, Vienna, and Cameron; two step-grandchildren Rachel and John; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Father and Mother-in-law Larry and Ida Lessard, sister Marlene Felson. brothers-in-law Larry and Paul Lessard, sister-in-law Juel Lessard, and great grandson George Gilman.

Memorials may be made to Tunnels to Towers. Services will be held at a future date. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Ernest E. “Whiskers” Truax, 91

Belfast, NY – Ernest E. “Whiskers” Truax, 91, of Sherman Street, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 17, 2023, in his home with his family by his side. He was born at home on October 26, 1932, in Ulyssess, PA, the son of the late James C. and Margaret E. (Stanley) Truax. On June 5, 1957, during Wellsville’s Centennial celebration he married the love of his life (whom he met in September of 1955), Mary E. Keller, who predeceased him on April 8, 2010.

Ernie was raised on Beech Hill in Wellsville and attended school in the Town of Ward through the 6 th grade. He was pivotal on his family’s farm and would continue farm work throughout much of his adult life, having a dedicated work ethic to always provide for his family. In March of 1956 he enlisted with the United States Navy, serving until his honorable discharge in November of that year. After his time in the armed forces, he became a self-taught welder and was hired by Bulk Tainers of Belmont, for whom he worked for over thirty years before retiring in his early seventies; during his time with Bulk Tainers, he was also employed to work on the owner’s horse farm, while simultaneously maintaining his own farm. Outside of his employment, Ernie had a robust, yet simple life, he was an avid fisherman and hunter, was often mistaken as Gabby Hayes, loved to Square Dance every Saturday night at Four Lakes, was a ‘roadie’ for Big Dan the Music Man every Saturday as well. He had an ear for music, enjoyed yodeling, clogging, and learned to play both the Banjo and Accordion by ear, with Red River Valley as his favorite song to play. He was an avid collector, especially of coins, with more buckwheat pennies than anyone would know what to do with. He was active in his community, participating with his children in almost every parade held in Belfast, dressed as a ‘hill billy’ with his tractor; he would help anyone who asked, and would give the shirt off his own back to anyone in need, he never met a stranger he wouldn’t be willing to help. Most of all he loved his family, every Sunday he would prepare a breakfast that bordered being a banquet.

He is survived by: four children, Mike Cockle of Arizona, Norm F. (Dawn) Truax of Silversprings, NY, Clayton A. (Colleen) Truax of Alfred, and Tammy L. (Jim) Witt of Statesville, NC; twelve grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris) Schole, Michael Truax, Bill Truax, Lois Truax, Stacy (Rick) Longdue, Norm Truax Jr., Charise Truax, Thomas (Morgan) Truax, Randy Truax, Clayton Witt, Jon Witt, and Marcus Witt; siblings, Fran (Art) Storey, Milford Truax, Duane (Shirley) Truax, and Winston (Barb) Truax; siblings-in-law, Ros Truax, Dorothy Truax, Katie Truax, and Bob Caldwell; as well as several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. In addition to his parents, and wife of 52 years, he was predeceased by: a son, Herman E. Truax in 2016; siblings, James “Jim” Truax, Theron Truax, Buster “Ralph” Truax, and Lorraine Caldwell; and sister-in-law, Pamela Truax.

Following Ernie’s wishes, friends will be invited to a memorial service being planned for a later date. Burial will be in Bath National Cemetery with full military honors. Please consider memorial donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516 Topeka, KS 66675-8516. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Patricia Couto, 54

Scio, NY – Patricia Couto, 54, of Wolf Spring Road passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville.

She was the beloved wife of Anthony C. Couto; loving mother of Dean (Ashley) Couto, and Brian Couto; loving grandmother to Jason and Wesley Couto; caring daughter-in-law to Roseanne Couto; sister-in-law to Randy (Melissa) Couto; also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Dearest daughter of the late Emil and Martha (nee Payton) Williams.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff for the loving care they provided. 

Friends are invited to a celebration of life on Saturday December 2, 2023, between 2:00 to 5:00 pm at L’Italia, 105 N. Main Street, in Wellsville, NY. Please consider memorial donations to the Comfort House of Allegany County, 141 E. State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Jonathan Raymond Acker, 51

Wellsville, NY – Jonathan Raymond Acker, 51, of Andover Road, passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Wellsville Manor Care Center with his family by his side. He was born on April 24, 1972, in Wellsville the son of Raymond Henry and Margaret J. (Sherwood) Acker. On September 26, 2009, in Wellsville, he married Lori Coats, who survives.

Jon was born in Wellsville and resided until 1978, when he moved with his family to Massachusetts during the ‘78 blizzard. While growing up, and throughout his adult life and career, he was a Jack of All trades, but was primarily employed as a contractor. He returned to Wellsville in 2008. He adored his grandchildren, was an avid NASCAR fan (especially of #3 Dale Endheart Sr.), and was an animal lover, especially of his many pet dogs and cats.

In addition to his mother, Margaret J. Morissette, and his wife, Lori Acker, he is survived by: two sons, Dane T. (Xandra) Coats, and Darrin T. (Coreen) Coats; fourteen grandchildren, Nola Turner, Levi Coats, Havyn Coats, Mikaela Miller, Trayvin Coats, Xavian Coats, Jack Coats, Rose Coats, Darrin Coats Jr., Tobin Coats, Liam Coats, Nicolas Coats, Anna Marie Mumper, and Christopher Hall; brother, Jason Acker; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and siblings-in-law, especially Dan Coats. In addition to his father, he was predeceased by: two grandchildren, Madilyn Grace Coats and Wesley Coats; maternal grandmother, Florence Sherwood; and mother-in-law, Eleanor Coats.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 11 am to 1 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. A memorial service will follow at 1 pm in the funeral home. Burial will be in Stannards Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to Allegany County Cancer Services, PO Box 534, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.