1958 » WnyHSAA

We are sad to announce that on March 29, 2021 we had to say goodbye to Donald E. Temple of Whitesville, New York, born in Wellsville, New York. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. You may also light a candle in honor of Donald E. Temple. He was predeceased by : his parents, H. Lyle Temple and Ednamae Temple (McHenry); his wife Mary Ann Ellison; and his siblings, David Temple and Sylvia Marsh. He is survived by : his children, Bernie Seligman (Edie Jo) of Genesee, PA, Bradley Seligman (Julie) of Monroe, NC and Rhonda Seligman-Salchow (Peter) of Sarasota, FL; his grandson Aidan Seligman; and his sisters, Brenda Gill (Dan) and Diane Jones (Jim). He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Please consider memorial donations to the American Cancer Society.

Corinne Spencer-Miele

Corinne Miele, long a resident of West Milford, N.J., and a beloved kindergarten teacher, died peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2020. She was 80 years old. She was the daughter of Dr. Maurine Martin and Dr. Harvey Spencer of Wellsville, N.Y. She was a 1958 graduate of Wellsville High School. Corinne graduated from Grove City College in Pennsylvania where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1962. She was a Sigma Theta Chi sorority sister and was on the synchronizing swimming team. She dedicated her life teaching in West Milford for 30 years, touching the lives of many children, until she retired in 1999. Corinne lived life to the fullest through her children and grandchildren, through traveling, sailing and scuba diving. She enjoyed fitness and nutrition, bird watching, musical theater, beautiful sunsets and singing in the choir at the United Methodist Church. She was a devoted mother, loving grandmother, warm-hearted sister and aunt, and loyal friend. She loved helping people and was a huge donor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. She was a passionate reader and was concerned with global warming and polar bear extinction. She will be remembered for her kind gentle soul along with her caring selfless character. Her beautiful blue eyes and contagious smile lit up the room wherever she went. Corinne was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Terri Lynn Beitel of San Diego, Calif., and Stacey Conklin and her husband, Robert Conklin, of Vernon, N.J.; grandchildren, Jonathan and Taylor Conklin; and sister, Susan Ford and husband David Ford of Delaware. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of cards or flowers, memorial donations may be made to WorldWildlife.org or to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org.

Russell Knowles

Russell D. Knowles, 79, of 4192 Bolivar Road passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at Jones Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born January 17, 1940 in Wellsville, the son of the late Alfred R. and Alice M. (Edwards) Knowles Sr. Russ was 1957 graduate of Wellsville High School. He was formerly employed by the Scoville Brown Company and later by Dresser-Rand Corporation, retiring in 2002. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #919, the Olean Assembly Forth Degree Knights of Columbus, the Mercy Associates, and a founding member and President of the Father Brown Mission Club for many years. He is survived by two sisters, Helen Hubbard of Oklahoma City, OK; and Noreen (Robert) Williams of Copperas Cove, TX; a sister-in-law, Marjorie Knowles of Wellsville, several nieces and nephews; and a dear friend and caregiver, Maureen Cooper of Wellsville. He was predeceased addition to his parents by two brothers, Alfred Knowles Jr. and Richard Knowles, three sisters and brothers-in-law, Beverly and Richard Abbott, Shirley and Wilbur Geer and Edith and Frank Morgan, and a brother-in-law, Frank Hubbard. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 23, 2019 at 10:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Immaculate Conception Church, the Father Brown Mission Club, both % 17 Maple Avenue Wellsville, NY 14895, or the Kelley M. Cooper Scholarship Fund, % of the Immaculate Conception School, 24 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895.

Harold Eugene Murray

Harold Eugene Murray was born October 24th, 1939 in Wellsville, NY. Harold passed peacefully Thursday morning September 26th, 2019 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. His final days were spent joking and laughing surrounded by his family and pastor. He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Carol Murray; his daughter Heather Gordon; his son, Grady Murray, his daughter-in-law, Major Erica Murray, M.D.; his five grandchildren, Collin and Zachary Gordon, Carly Gordon-Hines, Jacob and Aubrey Murray, and many other close family and friends. To those who knew him well he went by Hal. His favorite past time was spent playing golf at Jacksonville Beach Golf Course with his best friend Sarj. His claim to fame was his hole in one which became a permanent shrine in his living room. Hal wore so many hats during his life that you cannot put them into just one category. Just a few, he was a bat boy for a minor league team, and Manager of Woolworths in Puerto Rico. He taught dance at the Fred Astaire and Arthur Murray dance studios, and was a D.J. for WHBI radio station in NYC. He sold cars and became a dealership business manager. He retired as owner and broker of Murray Realty plus oversaw many divisions within a multi-million dollar company. He was also acknowledged by the Guilderland, NY Chamber of Commerce for his contributions to the community. He was an amazing husband and father who adored his grandchildren. He was a member of Crossroad United Methodist Church. Hal had an infectious sense of humor and would tease and joke around with just about anyone. His kind and generous spirit made people gravitate toward him. He played Santa Claus for the children in our community through his church and family. He was a good role model to his children, and grandchildren, and a strong supportive husband and provider to his family. Many family friends have called him “Dad” because he opened his heart to them. As he would say each night as a D.J.,” this is Hal Murray signing off for WHBI.”

Mary Ann Gray

Mary Ann Gray, 79, of Zephyrhills, Florida, died peacefully in her home on Saturday, September 12, 2020. She was born on May 7th, 1941 in Wellsville, New York to George A. and Mary F. Gray. Mary Ann lived in Minnesota, Massachusetts and then again in New York before finally moving to Florida permanently after retirement. She raised 3 boys before adopting a daughter from New York’s foster care system after more than a decade of hosting dozens of foster children in her home throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s. She retired from the US Post Office at Truxton, NY. Mary Ann traveled the United States in her formative years competing in roller skating contests at several locations throughout the country. She graduated from Wellsville High (NY) School in 1958. Anyone who knew Mary Ann understood she loved the games, puzzles, the American Flag, everything Red, White, and Blue, spending time outside and mostly baseball. In the mornings, she was known to read the entire newspaper and, in the evenings, turn on whatever baseball game she could find on television. A great day for Mary Ann was whenever there was a daytime game being broadcast followed by a night game in the evening. Above all, she loved her four children; her brother and sisters Carolyn Gray (Wilbur) McDowell of Wellsville, NY, Shirley Gray (Steve) Lupis of Fort Collins, CO, Brian A. (Ursula) Gray of Wellsville, NY and Bernie Francis Barnes (Robert) Hyde of Leesburg, Florida and her grandchildren. Mary Ann is further survived by her sons Donald Margeson, Ronald Margeson, Joseph Barbarito and his wife Krystal, and her daughter Anne Marie Barbarito; granddaughters Kim, Katie, Becky, and Kyla and grandson Thomas. She had 5 great grandchildren who she adored. There will be a memorial held at a later, yet to be determined date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to the Brain Injury Association of America (h), the National Baseball Hall of Fame (h) or to a charity of your choice.

Arthur Frederick Reinking Jr.

Arthur Frederick Reinking, Jr., 77, of York, SC, formerly of Wellsville, NY passed away peacefully at Wellmore of Tega Cay surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, August 13, 2017; also, where he was cared for by Hospice & Palliative Care Palmetto Region, Charlotte, NC. A memorial service will be held Sunday, August 20, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel with Rev. David Dickerson officiating. Visitation will follow the service. Arthur was born February 5, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. He was the eldest of two sons of the late Arthur Sr. and Helen Paine Reinking. Arthur graduated from Wellsville Central School in 1958. He attended Rose Polytechnic Institute in Terre-Haute, IN his freshman year and transferred to Alfred University in Alfred, NY earning his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. He furthered his education in pursuit of a Master’s degree in Business Administration at St. Bonaventure University; Allegory, NY and Winthrop College. He was one of the first male students to be admitted to night classes (they were called “The Fairest Flowers”). In 1966, Arthur met his future wife through a close family relative and they were married October 19, 1968. They moved to Rock Hill, SC to start his 30-year career at the Celanese Corp. where he started in the QC Lab and worked his way to Production Manager at the Rock Hill plant and also worked from 1980-85 at the Celco plant in Pearisburg, VA as a Cigarette Tow superintendent. Arthur was a member of the America Society for Quality Control, the Rock Hill Jaycees and spent many hours volunteering for the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and served on the Board of Directors of the Rock Hill Boys Home and also helped the Catawba Indian Nation in obtaining grants for building projects on the reservation. Arthur was a skilled and avid fisherman and was a founding member of the Rock Hill Catawba Bassmaster’s Fishing Club serving as treasurer. He looked forward to the monthly tournaments and the close friendship with the members. Arthur is survived by his wife of 49 years, Susan Stephens Reinking of Allentown, NY; his two sons, Eric David (Dana) and Bradley Scott (Melissa) and four grandchildren, Brayden Tyler, Bryce Nathaniel, Bailey Marie, and Kinley Stephens; a nephew, James Arthur Reinking of San Diego, CA and a niece, Ann Reinking of Chapel Hill, NC; sisters-in-law, Patricia Reinking of Wilmington, NC; Nancy Jarmuz (James) of Wellsville, NY and Mary Ehrman of Genesee, PA. He was preceded in death by his brother, Scott Christian Reinking (Patricia) of Wilmington, NC and his loved step-mother, Katherine Fay Reinking. Memorials may be made in Arthur’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association of SC, 4124 Clemson Boulevard, #L, Anderson, SC 29621 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

Judy Ann Perry-Gibbons

Linda Lee Miller-Hinton

Linda L. Miller Hinton, 76 of Lancaster, OH joined the love of her life, her husband of 56 years, Michael F. Hinton on April 14, 2016 in Heaven. Linda is survived her daughters whom she adored and loved to travel the world, shop and zip line with, Cara Jo and Kate. Her baby brother, Richard Miller and his family Joan, Leigh and Andrew will miss her laughter, sage advice and weekly phone calls. Through marriage she gained three sisters; Jean, Nancy and Patty and brothers Doug and Jim along with numerous nieces and nephews. Linda was born on March 15, 1940 to Tina and Ken Miller. Her joyful childhood in Wellsville, NY was full with large family gatherings with the Tarantine family, laughter and competitive card games. Her father surprised her with a 1949 Red Chevy Convertible (as all father’s should!) which always brought a sweet smile to her face. She was a member of the National Honor Society, a student at Alfred State. She worked at Sibly’s Department store where she was spotted by Michael Hinton who instantly told his sister Jean “I’m going to marry her”. The two lived in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas and Houston before settling in Lancaster for the past 41 years. Linda was a woman, who loved to decorate her home’s, shop a good sale, always needed another pair of shoes, well known to QVC, and a collector of jewelry which her daughters will find great joy in wearing. Her best companions were her husband, her DVR and the second love of her life – her dog Bailey. For 31 years, Linda found great joy working in the classroom at Forest Rose School. There she became part of a tight knit group of friends she often referred to as her Forest Rose Family. She developed a special relationship with all the children in her care and referred to them as “her kids”. Her mission in Heaven will be to welcome “her kids” who pass before their family. Family and friends will miss her ever present smile, laughter and genuine interest in everyone she spoke to. Please join her family for a celebration of life at the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 405 N. COLUMBUS ST., LANCASTER, OHIO 43130. Visitation with the family will be on Friday, April 22, 2016 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. with a vigil service at 7 p.m. on Friday. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2016 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church on Wheeling Road with Father Thomas Kessler as Celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Lancaster, OH. Memorial gifts may be given to either Forest Rose School, 1592 Grandville Pike, Lancaster, OH 43130 and in check memo, indicate for sensory trail in Linda’s name or St. Thomas Humane Society c/o Cara Hinton at 6501 Red Hook Plaza, PMB 140 Suite 201, St Thomas, VI 00802.

Joan Orman-Strassner

Joan Orman Strassner, a longtime resident of both Scio and Kendall, N.Y., passed away peacefully on November 10, 2019 from complications of Parkinson’s Disease in Port Charlotte, Fla. Survived by her four children, Lori, Eric, Doug and Jon (Tracey) Rath and two daughters, Rose Strassner (De) and Deborah (Ted) Walczak; Sisters Gail Orman and Beverly Armstrong; brother Richard (Mary) Orman; 2 Grandsons; 4 great-grandchildren; Several Nieces and Nephews. Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Robert John Strassner, her parents, Walter and Lois Orman and daughter, Kathleen Strassner. Calling hours will be Friday, May 14th, 2021 from 3pm to 7pm at Fowler Funeral Home Inc. 340 West Ave., Brockport, NY, 14420 where masks are required, and social distancing protocol will be followed. Gravesite Burial at Lakeside Cemetery, Hamlin, NY, Saturday, May 15th, 2021 at 10:30am. A Celebration of Life immediately following Gravesite burial will be held at the VFW Hamlin, NY.

Darlene Marie Prince-Mills

Dora Cook-Stocking

Dora “Red” A. Cook (Stocking), age 79, of Cohocton, NY passed away peacefully Sunday, October 28, 2018 after a brief battle with cancer. Dora was born April 13, 1939 in Scio, NY, the daughter of Alfred and Edith Ellsworth. She attended Wellsville High School and was married to William C. Cook on September 3, 1955. She was an active member of the Wallace Wesleyan Church in Wallace, NY. She loved spending her time crocheting, growing plants, reading, and spending time with her family. Dora was predeceased by her parents, Alfred and Edith Ellsworth and her beloved mother-in-law, Lilah Waydelis and father-in-law, William C. Cook Sr.; also by her 3 infant children, Patti Ann, Joel Robert and Thomas Maurice. She is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 63 years, William C. Cook of Cohocton, NY.; her children, Bill (Kim) Cook, Steve (Lorraine) Cook and Cheryl Cook; her grandchildren, Beth (Mike) Adams, Billy (Jill) Cook, Sarah (Caleb) Zeh, Cody, Jason, Maisy and Emily Cook; also her 10 great-grandchildren, Kyle, Kenyon and Kaitlynn Adams, Alex, Lilah, and Billy Cook, and Beau, Luke, Hawk and Jemma Zeh; also by her brother, Robert Ellsworth. Her family invites you to a celebration of her life, 11 am, Friday, November 2, 2018 at the Wallace Wesleyan Church, 9079 Church Street Wallace, NY 14809. A dinner to follow directly after the service.

Sandy Stewart-Sweet

Sandra “Sandy” E. Sweet, 77, of 32 Chestnut St., passed away Friday (March 10, 2018) at the Hart Comfort House of Allegany County. She was born June 7, 1940, in Manhattan and was the daughter of Ernest and Helen Hornburg Stewart. On May 9, 1970, in Wellsville, she married Oliver C. Sweet Jr. who predeceased her Jan. 12, 2014. Sandra was a life-long resident of Wellsville. She was a secretary at Alfred University until she became a stay-at-home mom to raise her children. She was a member of the Cross Town Alliance Church of Wellsville who enjoyed senior bus trips, senior luncheons, reading, word games, reading the Bible and socializing with people. Sandra liked to play the piano and had substituted at several local churches and last played at the Hart House a week before she passed away. After her children had grown, she worked for the Green Thumb/Traveling Teachers and later worked at McDonalds on the Bolivar Road. She loved her family and, above all, the Lord. Survivors include a daughter, Ellen Sweet of Wellsville; two sons, Charles “Chuck” (Marilou) Sweet of Olean and Edward “Eddie” Sweet of Belmont; one grandchild on the way; her stepmother, Betty Stewart of Williamsport, Pa.; two stepsisters, Denise and Diane; and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Friends are welcome to call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday (March 14, 2018) at the Crosstown Alliance Church in Wellsville. Her funeral service will be held at the conclusion of the calling at 1 p.m. with Pastor Jeremy Gorham and campus Pastor Jon Schink presiding. Burial will take place in Stannards Cemetery and memorials may be made to the Cross Town Alliance Church.

Regina Butler-Conklin

Laurence Fanton

Norma Clark-Stocum

Norma E. Stocum, 77, of 18 West Water St., Friendship, passed away unexpectedly January 17, 2018 at her home. Born July 1, 1940 in Bolivar, NY, she was the daughter of Roland and Lucetta Havens Clark. On December 28, 1958 in Whitesville, she married Ira E. Stocum Jr. who predeceased her June 24, 2009. Norma grew up in Wellsville, attended Wellsville High School and after her marriage to Ira, moved to Friendship and there her and her husband began to raise their family. During that period of time she was employed at the Wellsville Manor Nursing home for several years. Later she was caretaker for many people in Friendship and the surrounding area, retiring in 2016. She loved birds, doing puzzles, gardening, collecting recipe books, reading and going to the Seneca Casino. Most of all she loved her family and spending time with them. She was a member of the Friendship and Richburg Senior Citizens Club and enjoyed the outings with her friends. Surviving are two sons, Mike (Michelle Carlin) Stocum of Corning, NY and Dennis (Amber Carlin) Stocum of Friendship; three daughters, Denise Stocum, Lori (Tim) Bowker and Barbara (Jason) Davis all of Friendship; 20 grandchildren and 56 great grandchildren; three sisters, Roseanna (Chester) McCasslin of Woodhull, NY, Grace Kay Duell of Wellsville and Janet Thurston of Wellsville; and several nieces and nephews. Norma was predeceased by a brother James Clark Sr. Friends may call at the Treusdell Funeral Home, Friendship on Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. where funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on January 27, 2018. The Rev. Robert Mackmer of Belfast will officiate and burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Friendship. A memorial service will be held by the family at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Friendship Free Library.

Betty Bierman-Layfield

Vernon “Eugene” Cornelius

Vernon “Eugene” Cornelius, 71, of 92 Clark Street died on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center following a brief illness. He was born December 16, 1938 on Beech Hill in the Town of Willing, the son of the late Richard and Mildred (Latten) Cornelius. On June 25, 1966 in Wellsville he married the former Marilyn J. Abbott who survives. Eugene was a former resident of the Town of Willing; he was a 1958 graduate of Wellsville High School and served with the U. S. Army from 1961 to 1963. He was formerly employed by the M & W Tire Company in Wellsville and for the Dresser-Rand Corporation in Wellsville. He retired from Dresser in 2000 after 35 years of service. He was a member of the Morrison-Hayes Post 702 American Legion, attended Brookside Wesleyan Church in Wellsville and enjoyed hunting. Memorial suggestions include to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Surviving in addition to his wife are two children, Kathleen (Marc) Morehouse of Wellsville and Kevin (Jessica) Cornelius of Coudersport, PA, three grandchildren, Adam and Grace Morehouse and Nathan Cornelius, one sister, Anita (Henry) Graham of Tioga, PA and several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Fred, Gerald and Edward Cornelius. Friends are invited to call from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will be at 10:30 am Thursday, July 9th in the funeral home with Pastor Robin George presiding. Burial with military honors will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville. Memorial suggestions include the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Joyce Wood Lehman

Donald Lehman

Diana Helm Wilcox

Gretchen Clemons-Jones

Gretchen Clemons Jones, 73, passed away Wednesday (Jan. 22, 2014) at her home in Tampa, Fla., surrounded by family. She was born in Wellsville, N.Y., on April 3, 1940, the daughter of Frank and Eleanor Clemons. Gretchen was a graduate of the Wellsville Central School. She is survived by two sons, Thomas Kinder of Tuscon Ariz., and Michael Kinder of Tampa Fla. In addition, she is survived by one sister, Joyce Roeske of Tampa, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. Gretchen was previously married to Richard Kinder and Robert Jones. Gretchen was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Eleanor Clemons, and a very dear friend, John Greene. She was a former member of the Women of the Moose and the American Legion Auxiliary, both of Wellsville. In addition, she was an avid Bingo player and an excellent seamstress. At Gretchen’s request, there will be no visitation. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society , P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or LifePath Hospice, 3010 W. Azeele Street, Tampa, FL 33609. Donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice .

John Raymond White

Lawrence Browning

Lawrence W. “Larry” BROWNING, 80, of Wellsville, NY, died Tuesday, January 26, 2021 in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester. Born June 14, 1940, in Wellsville, he was the son of William and Louise Wesche Browning. A graduate of Wellsville Central School, he was employed by Wellsville Lumber and then retired from Dresser Rand in Wellsville as a machinist after many years. Larry was a very active member of the First Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wellsville and Thelma Rogers Genealogical and Historical Society, Wellsville. He was a carpenter by trade, a lover of photography, a world traveler, and enjoyed spending time with his friends telling stories and drinking coffee. Surviving are: his friend and former wife, Beverly Susan “Sue” Browning of Wellsville; a son, Brendon L. (Wendy) Browning of Leesburg, GA; two grandsons, Luke and Logan; a stepson, Michael Plummer of San Diego, CA; and many cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a stepdaughter, Michelle Plummer. Friends may call at First Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 470 North Main St., Wellsville on Monday, February 1, 2021 from 12:00 – 1:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 1:00 PM. The Rev. Dr. Eric D. Ash will officiate. CDC and NYS Department of Health guidelines apply. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville. Memorials may be made to First Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 470 North Main St., Wellsville, NY 14895 or Thelma Rogers Genealogical and Historical Society, Wellsville.

Robert Lloyd Macauley Jr.

Sharon L. Pohl-Lentz

Susan Saunders

Virgil N. Buchholz

Robert Joseph Rapan

James R. Faber Sr.

Donald Thompson

Alan Christian Kruger

Donald Louis Wesche

Loretta Brown-McKeehan

Nathala M. Houghtling-Pitts

Patricia Carter-McDermott

Robert Louie Bower

Jan Dayton

Ralph Edwin Truax

Dale Sprague

Linda Gay Stanton-Hill

Terry George Klinger

Betty Canfield-Armison

William Frank Cole

Frank Roger Meyers

Daniel Grant Duke

Richard Roche Jr.

Richard M. “Rick” Roche Jr., 74, of 4904 State Route 36, passed away Tuesday (Oct. 28, 2014) at St James Mercy Hospital. Born in Wellsville, Feb. 1, 1940, the son of Richard M. Roche Sr. and Edna Biehler Roche, he had resided in Wellsville during his early life and was a graduate of Wellsville High School, Class of 1958. Rick later attended Paul Smith College and Alfred University. He moved to Canisteo in 1958 and had owned and operated the “Kill Buck Inn” for over twenty years until selling the business in 1987. Rick then began working for the Canisteo-Greenwood School District, and retired in 2008 as a copy technician in the elementary school. Rick served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1960 until 1963, and later served in the New York Army National Guard for six years. He was a devout Catholic, a member of Our Lady Of The Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell. Rick enjoyed gardening and had discovered the true meaning of life and displayed that through his relationship with his family, friends and especially his grandchildren. He will be especially remembered for his great sense of humor. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Jon Patrick Roche, in 1969. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Roche, to whom he was married Sept. 24, 1978; two daughters, Jacquelyn (Jerry) Updyke of Greenwood, and Brinette (Harold) Steffey of Hartsville; his two sons, William (Renee) Roche of Hornell, and Jon Roche of Canisteo; seven grandchildren, Colene Roche, Edward McMichael, Alicia Twichell, Cassandra Hilligus, Trinity Gonzalez, Nicholas Gonzalez and Gabrielle Steffey. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Verda Miller of Canisteo; and his former wife and good friend, Bonnie Gielen of Canisteo. There will be no public visitation. Family and friends are invited to meet the family at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Canisteo. Friends may make memorial contributions to: The Canisteo Valley Scholastic Enrichment Foundation, Canisteo-Greenwood Central School, 84 Greenwood Street, Canisteo, NY 14823.