John G. Baldwin, 59

Wellsville, NY – John G. Baldwin, 59, of Scott Avenue, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023, at the Hart Comfort House with his sisters by his side. He was born June 15, 1964, in Wellsville, the son of the late John R. and Patricia A. (Dennis) Baldwin. 

John was a graduate of Immaculate Conception School, and a 1982 graduate of Wellsville High School. He earned his associate degrees from Hilbert College in Hamburg, NY, and Alfred State College. Following his education, he began his career with John R. Baldwin Plumbing and Heating, until his father’s retirement; then transitioned to the 2nd shift at Dresser-Rand as a pipe fitter. He was a member of the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers, Local 1580, “The Power Behind the Power”. Outside of his employment he was heavily involved in the Wellsville Community, being a long-time member of the Emerald Hook and Ladder Company #3, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #1495, Sons of the American Legion Squadron #702. John was a previous coach and assistant coach for both J.V. and Varsity Softball at Wellsville High School, leading teams to winning several Section V Championships.He was committed to the girls that he coached - these were his ‘glory days’. He was a loyal fan of the New York Mets and the Buffalo Bills.

He is survived by two sisters, Mary Ann (George) Newark of Andover, and Margaret Pinney of Wellsville; niece and nephews, Padden Newark, Kayla (Ridge Mack) Pinney, and Michael (Rosina Walsh) Pinney; a plethora of beloved cousins; and many special friends, including Kelly Elliott, Gary Pinney, and strong core of life-long childhood friends. 

Friends are invited to A Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 11 am. The burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to: The Allegany County Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895; the Emerald Hook and Ladder Company, 40 South Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895; or the Elks Scholarship Fund, 77 East Pearl Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

“Fly High Coach! Mr. Cady has the score book waiting for you!”

Robert J. Shuryn, 21

Rochester, NY – Robert J. Shuryn, 21, of 139 East Avenue passed away on Monday, December 18, 2023, from complications of Type 1 Diabetes. He was born July 15, 2002, in Buffalo, the son of Andrew J. Shuryn and Lyndsey D. Allen.

Robert was raised in Wellsville, and was a 2020 graduate of Wellsville Secondary School, and attended Onondaga Community College for two years.

Robert was employed at a variety of organizations including the YMCA in Wellsville as a childcare provider, substitute teacher and teacher’s aide for Wellsville Central School, the packaging department of Northern Lights in Wellsville, and was a head cashier at Giant Food Mart in Wellsville. After moving to Rochester in 2022, he worked in food service as a host at Amore’ and Nosh, and a barista at Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks.

While in High School he was a member of the Wellsville Lions Volleyball Team, the choir, WAVE, and played “Bert” in Mary Poppins. He was a camp counselor at Camp Aspire in Avon, a camp he attended in his youth, and was sponsored by the Wellsville Lions Club. He very much enjoyed drawing and painting, music, spending time with family and friends, and was active with the LGBTQ+ community. 

He is survived by his mother and step-father, Lyndsey and Christopher Dahill of Wellsville, his father and step-mother, Andrew and Trijya Singh Shuryn, of Rochester, sister, Cheyenne Dahill of Orono, ME, brother, Riley Dahill at home, maternalgrandparents, Dwight and Gail Allen of Wellsville, paternal grandparents, Joe and Debbie Shuryn of Palmyra, paternal grandparents, Michael and Cynthia Dahill of Frankfort, KY, an aunt, Courtney (Chad) Wright, an uncle, Michael (Christine) Dahill Jr., and two cousins, Bryson and Gabrial Wright.

Friends are invited to (as Robert would say) “come as are” to visit with the family onThursday, December 28, 2023, from 2-4 pm and 6-7 pm, followed by time to share from 7 -8 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to: The Juvenile DiabetesFoundation, or Camp Aspire, 809 Five Points Road, Rush, NY 14543. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Richard J. Common Jr., 75

Belmont, NY – Richard J. Common Jr., 75, of Whitcomb Road, passed away with his family by his side on Monday, December 18, 2023, after a long illness. He was born April 10, 1948, in Buffalo, NY, the son of the late Richard J. Sr. and Clara (Milgate) Common. On July 1, 1988, he married Pamela M. Pitman, who survives. 

Richard was a former resident of Cheektowaga, graduating from Lancaster High School in 1966. He was a United States Army Veteran, who served from 1968 to 1971, including a tour in Vietnam and time in Germany. After his service, he found his career in truck driving, having learned his trade in the service. His first job was driving for Sebiel Manufacturing, and he later retired from Roadway Express. In 2001 he and Pam moved their family to Belmont; he was a member of the Frank B. Church Post 2530 VFW, of Wellsville, and volunteered at Jones Memorial in Admissions. Besides his love of riding motorcycles, he collected and refurbished Crown Victoria Police Interceptors, acquiring a small fleet of them. Richard also enjoyed riding his golf cart on his property with his grandchildren and loved all music. 

In addition to his wife of 35 years, Pam, he is survived by: two daughters, Kimberly Common Black and Natalie Common; four sons, Richard J. Common III, Erik (Santania) Buehler, Justin Common and Joel Common; 11 grandchildren, Aiden and Allison Geffers, Corbin Billings, Brandon Common, Lilianna, Abigail, Elaina, Hunter and Greyson Buehler, and Krischan and Andrew Pietrantoni; two sisters, Jane Morgan and Barbara (Leo) Reynolds; a niece and three nephews; lifelong best friend, Dennis Byrne of Cicero; and a baby boy kitty named Coal. 

Friends are invited to the American Legion Post 702, 23 Jefferson Street in Wellsville, on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 1 pm for a Veteran’s Service followed by a Celebration of Life. Please consider memorial donations to the Office for the Aging, 6085 State Route 19, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Nancy A. Williams, 81

Wellsville, NY – Nancy A. Williams, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, December 16, 2023, at the Hart Comfort House, with family by her side. She was born in Birmingham, AL on January 19, 1942, to the late James & Virginia (Shepard) Williams.  They moved to Wellsville during her childhood years.  Nancy graduated from Wellsville High school with honors in 1960.  While in High School, she was a member of the choir and participated as a high soprano soloist in All-County and All-State Choirs. She also sang at several family weddings. 

After high school, Nancy began her career as a secretary at WKBW in Buffalo, NY and worked at various jobs, including Ellis Hopkins, Esq., Dr. Vandine, McCulloch Mite-E-Lite and finishing her career working as an executive secretary to the President of Air Pre-Heater, retiring in 1995. 

Nancy enjoyed reading, creative writing, crossword puzzles, jeopardy, wheel of fortune and playing board games with family.

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Virginia (John) Hart and 2 sons, James E. Ewart Jr (Tom Burl) from Albany, and Michael (Lynn) Ewart from NC., son-in-law, Patrick O’Connor, grandchildren, Megan (Nick) Freeman, Chris (Teresa) O’Connor, Heather (late Scott) Nicholas, and great grandchildren, Madelyn, Hazel, Keenen, Talia, Iris, Connor and Alyse, and her beloved grand dogs.

She is also survived by her sisters, Ann (Ron) Rowley and Deborah (Doug) Bleier, sister-in-law, Peggy Williams, brother-in-law, Donald Mayer, along with many special nieces, nephews,and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was pre-deceased by her daughter, Vickie O’Connor, sisters, Jane Mayer and Dixie Uhler, brother, Jim Williams, brother-in-law, Jay Hasbrouck, niece, Lisa Wilusz, nephews, Pete Stannard, Donald E. Mayer, and Bob Rowley.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, December 22, 2023, from 1-3pm at the J. W. Ember Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers please consider memorialdonations to the Hart Comfort House, 141 E. State Street,Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Lois M. Stevens, 80

Kodak, Tennessee – Lois M. Stevens, 80, passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at the home of her nephew in Allentown, NY with her family at her side. She was born March 6, 1943, in Wellsville, NY, the daughter of the late William and Elsie (Fontaine) Manion. On May 9, 1964, in Wellsville she married Robert L. “Bob” Stevens who predeceased her June 16, 2004.

Lois was raised in Wellsville and was a 1961 graduate of Wellsville High School.She was employed by Stetson University in DeLand, Florida from April 1977 until her retirement in June of 2000.

She is survived by a granddaughter, Hannah Stevens of Tennessee, nieces and nephews, Jon and Cindy Winchell of Allentown, Jamie and Michelle Winchell of Hornell, NY and Jerry Winchell of Hamburg, NY, as well as five great nieces and nephews, Katelyn (Cory) Waters, Coty (Kelsea) Winchell, Matthew “Little Angel” Winchell, Taylor Winchell, and Dylan Winchell. She was predeceased in addition to her parents and husband, by her son, Robert L. “Robbie” Stevens II on October 6, 2018, and her sister, Katherine L. Winchell on January 31, 2022.

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

Vivian “Pepper” Pinizzotto, 81

Friendship, NY – Vivian “Pepper” Pinizzotto, 81, of State Route 275, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, in her home surrounded by her family. She was born on February 19, 1942, the daughter of the late Frank and Beatrice (Bidwell) Sanford. 

Pepper was raised in Watertown and spent much of her early adulthood there. She moved to Allegany County when her eldest son moved to the area; overtime, most of her family followed. She found her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and spent many years in the healthcare industry around Allegany County. Outside of her employment, she loved dogs and music, would dance whenever she could, and enjoyed walks. 

She is survived by: three sons, Fred (Amy) Ely of Oramel, NY, Mike Ely of Boonville, NY and Jeff (Janine) Ely of Scio, NY; three daughters, Kelley (Malcolm) Sortore of Friendship, NY, Holly (Virgil) Miller of Vinemont, AL, and Polly (Ken) Casper of Swain, NY; 20 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; brother, William Sanford; sister, Barbara Hulsizer; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by: two sons, Robert Kiblin and Tony Kiblin; as well as brothers, Charles Sanford and Ross Sanford.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 11 am to 1 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Belmont, 17 Schuyler Street. Her funeral will follow at 1 pm in the funeral home. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to: The SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14895; or to Jones Memorial Hospital 191 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Gordon M. Grantier, 89

Wellsville, NY – Gordon M. Grantier, 89, of State Route 248, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Jones Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. He was born July 20, 1934, in the Town of Willing, the son of the late Gordon S. and Edna (Gavitt) Grantier. On November 27, 1958, in Stannards he married Beverly Molner who predeceased him on November 24, 2013.

Gordon was a 1951 graduate of Wellsville High School, a graduate of the State University of New York at Alfred, and Alfred University with a master’s degree in education. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving from 1954 to 1956. He was employed at Dresser-Rand Corporation for 30 years, retiring in 1997. Gordon then embarked on a second career in counseling for several more years.  Throughout his life, he was dedicated to service in the community.  He served as a member of the Wellsville School Board of Education from 1983 to 1992 and was a former member of both the Wellsville Lions Club and the Wellsville Rotary Club. Gordon and Beverly were dedicated supporters of The Office for the Aging. During retirement, they undertook the renovation of the home where he was born making it the center of joyful family gatherings.  Gordon was an avid gardener and reader.  When the growing season ended, he thoroughly enjoyed spending winters in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Gordon will forever be remembered for his compassion for others, his wisdom in addition to his keen sense of humor.

He is survived by a brother, Guy (Kathy) Grantier of Danville, Virginia, daughter, Denise (Mark) Wilmot of Horseheads, two sons, Garth Grantier of Wellsville, and Scott (Erica) Grantier of Belmont, seven grandchildren, Marie Sherwood, Naomi (Eric) Johnston, Vanessa Sherwood, Owen (Caroline) Sherwood, Payton Grantier, Derick Grantier, and Elizabeth Grantier, one great-grandson, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents and wife by sisters, Gail A. Novak, and Gwen Casey Johnson.

A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. The burial will be in Stannards Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.