1972

James W. Armstrong

July 7, 1951 ~ May 11, 2020

James W. Armstrong, 68, of 160 Seneca Street, passed away Monday, May 11, 2020 shortly after arrival at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born July 7, 1951, in Wellsville, the son of the late Robert and Marjorie (Ross) Armstrong. He formerly resided at 108 Farnum Street and was raised by Don and Anna Armstrong. Jim was a 1972 graduate of Wellsville High School. He was formerly employed by Dresser-Rand Corporation in Wellsville, the Wellsville Police Department, and the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department. He was a former member of the Wellsville F&AM Lodge #230, and the Wellsville Ambulance Corps. He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, and a social member of the Wellsville VFW Post #2530. He is survived by two sons, James “Matthew” Armstrong, and Brian Donald Armstrong both of Wellsville, a stepson, Ryan Tripp of Rochester, a grandson, two sisters, Marjorie (Alan) Little of Wellsville and Joyce Derx of Andover; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents, and step-parents, by three brothers, Roger, Brian, and Donald Armstrong, and a sister, Dolores Armstrong. A private graveside service and burial will be in the York’s Corners Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps or the Activities Department of Highland Park Healthcare Center.

John Clair Caldwell

September 1, 1954 ~ October 14, 2020

John Clair Caldwell passed away unexpectedly Wednesday (Oct. 14, 2020) at his home. Born on Sept. 1, 1954, in Wellsville, he was the son of the late Robert C. and Marian Zangare Caldwell Jr. On June 26, 1999, at St. Bonaventure Parish, in Allegany, he married Pamela J. Grego, who survives. John was a graduate of Wellsville High School, Class of 1972. He graduated from Alfred State College, in 1974 with a degree in engineering. He worked at Air Preheater in Wellsville for a year, then went to work at AVX Ceramics (Olean Advanced Products) in 1976. He worked for two years at Dresser Rand, and then returned to AVX. He worked proudly as a principal engineering, environmental, safety, security and facilities specialist, until the business closed on Sept. 30 of this year. He also worked as manager of the company’s machine shop, for a total career with them of 42 years. Even after AVX closed, John was helping out as the building was recently being torn down. John was one of the founding members of the Custom Express Car Club, in Wellsville, where he helped raise money for charities for 20 years, and he owned a 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle. He was an avid NASCAR fan, and his favorite racers were Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. He enjoyed going to Watkins Glen, McKean County and Little Valley raceways with his son Chris. He was also a devoted Buffalo Bills fan. He loved his family and especially his five grandchildren, Chase Caldwell of Portville, Marchele Day and Obidah Ramadhan Jr., both of Kentucky, and James Wolf and Natalie Wolf, both of Allegany. In addition to his loving grandchildren, he is survived by his wife, Pamela; two sons, Chad (Kristin) Caldwell of Portville and Christopher Caldwell of Portville; his stepson, Anthony (Connie) Wolf of Allegany; his stepdaughter, Michele (Obi) Ramadhan of Kentucky; his brother, Robert C. (Lorraine) Caldwell III of Wellsville; his niece, Tami (Jim) McCarthy of North Hornell; his nephew, Rob (Nicole) Caldwell of Wellsville; multiple great nieces, nephews and several cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; and several aunts and uncles. Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday (Oct. 18, 2020) at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road, Olean. Funeral services will be held beginning with a prayer service at 9:30 a.m. Monday (Oct. 19, 2020) in the funeral home. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 10 a.m. at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

Roberta Ann Corcoran-Andrasik

August 16, 1934 ~August 28, 2020

Roberta Ann Corcoran-Andrasik, 66, of Fredonia passed away on Friday, August 28, 2020 at Buffalo General Hospital due to complications from a long and valiant battle with lymphoma. Roberta, known as Bobbie to family and friends, and Mrs. Corcoran or “Corc” to her students, was born on August 16, 1954 to Edward John and Roberta Helen Bartlett Corcoran, and was raised in Allegany County, primarily Wellsville. The second oldest of five children, she is remembered for always having the biggest voice in the room, a trait she maintained throughout her life. A graduate of Wellsville High School, she then graduated from the State University of New York at Fredonia. Before her teaching career began, she worked at labor relations, employed by the Private Industry Council (PIC). After earning a Master’s degree in secondary education and attaining her teacher’s certificate, she taught 8th grade English at Fredonia Middle School, starting in 1992. She then moved to the high school in 2000 following a wave of retirements, taking over as head of the English Department. There, she taught 9th and 11th grade, academic intervention (AIS), and an advanced section for seniors that was approved for college credit by SUNY Fredonia. She retired regretfully in 2014 following her lymphoma diagnosis in order to focus on her health. Bobbie’s true passion for teaching started at a young age, and her philosophy can be seen in a quote given in an interview by a former student in 2007. She was quoted as saying, “I think that almost everybody that becomes a teacher, certainly on a secondary level, is really in love with their subject matter…but if you’re going to be a decent teacher, if you’re got to be an inspired teacher, hopefully an inspiring teacher, the kids have to be more important than the [subject matter].” What Bobbie enjoyed most was being with her husband of 38 years, reading books, building their lives together, and raising their children. Bobbie is survived by her husband, Joe; two sons, Steven Lawrence McKelvin (Melissa) of Lynnwood, WA and Alexander Corcoran Andrasik (Ronald Webb) of Penn Yan; one grandson, Dylan Alexander McKelvin; younger sister, Kathleen Marie Corcoran of Seattle, WA; along with several aunts, uncles, nephews, a niece and their spouses, and a sister-in-law. She is predeceased by her parents and by three of her siblings: older brother, Edward John Corcoran, Jr.; younger sister, Theresa Rae Corcoran; and her brother, James Joseph Corcoran IV. In the days following her passing, tributes flowed in from friends colleagues, and students. Not a few of those students expressed that Bobbie’s example inspired them to pursue careers in education themselves, a fact which will ensure that her legacy endures for generations to come. A memorial service will be announced at a later date, possibly next spring, in hopes the current global pandemic will abate, allowing for loved ones to gather without fear for their health.

Julia M. Fanton-Hinkle

May 1, 1953 ~ April 29, 2020

Julia M. Hinkle, 66, of Scio, died Wednesday (April 29, 2020) in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville. Born May 1, 1953, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Burrell A. and Dorothy H. Oakeson Fanton. In November of 1999, in Stannards, she married Howard L. Hinkle, who survives. A graduate of Wellsville Central School, she earned her LPN degree from St. Francis School of Nursing, in Olean. Julia was employed by Highland Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Wellsville. She was a life member of the former Stannards United Methodist Church.Surviving besides her husband, Howard, are three children, Ashley Curry of Scio, Howard L. Hinkle Jr. of Wellsville and Rebecca (Gary) Veley of Friendship; eight grandchildren; a brother, Thomas Fanton, Salvation Army major retired of Scio; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents; and an infant son. The immediate family will hold a private viewing and service at Mulholland-Crowell Funeral Home, Wellsville. The Rev. Marc Chamberlain will officiate. Burial will be in Stannards Cemetery. A live webcast for the public will be available 11 a.m. Tuesday (May 5, 2020) on wellsvillefuneralhome.com at the bottom of Julia’s obituary page. Memorials may be made to Visiting Nursing Association of WNY, 650 Airborne Parkway, Cheektowaga, NY 14225 or the Salvation Army, 25 E. Pearl St., Wellsville, NY 14895.

Joan Herke-Ball

December 12, 1953 ~ September 7, 2020

Joan M. Ball, 66, died on Monday, September 7, 2020, shortly after arrival at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born December 12, in Wellsville NY. She was the daughter of Howard and Dorothy (Goldthwait) Herke. On September 2, 1978 in Wellsville she married Stephen T. Ball who survives.Joan was raised in Scio and was a 1972 graduate of Wellsville High School. She graduated from Alfred State College with an Associate Degree, and Houghton College with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. She began her career at Key Bank in Wellsville, followed by a position in Accounts Receivable at Dresser-Rand. She then went to Five Star Bank in Warsaw as an auditor, and completed her career at Dresser-Rand Corporation as a buyer, retiring in April of 2020. She was a member of the Mayflower Society, the Old Crows Quilting Group, and the Dresser-Rand Management Club. She was a Premier Award Quilt maker. She loved to travel, camp, host gatherings for family and friends, quilt retreats, and especially spend time with her grandchildren. She hand sewed over 1000 Covid 19 face masks over the last few months. Surviving, in addition to her husband of 42 years is a son, Bradley H. Ball of Florida, a daughter, Elizabeth A. (Jeremy) Stearns of Alfred Station, five grandchildren, Taylor Hurd, Lucas Stearns, Morgan Ball, Dashel Ball, and Landis Stearns, her mother, Dorothy Herke of Wellsville, a sister, Janet (Terry) Vossler of Butler, PA, a brother-in-law, R. Michael (April) Ball, two sisters-in-law, Barbara (Ball) and Ed Teter, and Teresa (Ball) and Ron Vida, an aunt, Maxine Latham of Belmont, several nieces and nephews, and her beloved dogs Duddley and Lucy. In addition to her to her father, she was predeceased by her father and mother-in-law, Richard and Patricia Ball, a brother-in-law, Tom Ball, and a nephew, James M. Taylor. Friends are invited to call on Thursday, September 10, 2020 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville, and on Friday, September 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 470 N. Main Street in Wellsville. The funeral (Which will be limited to the NYS COVID protocol.) will follow visitation at noon on Friday in church with Rev. Dr. Eric D. Ash, Sr. presiding. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery in Scio. Please consider memorial donations to the Ladies Aid of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Nancy Marie Mosher-Bledsoe

August 1, 1953 ~ February 5, 2020

Mrs. Nancy Marie Bledsoe, 66, of Wellsville, N.Y., passed away on Feb. 5, 2020 at Frederick Memorial Hospital in Frederick, Maryland. She was the wife of the late Charles L. Bledsoe, who passed in 2015. Born Aug. 1, 1953 in Wellsville, Nancy was the daughter of the late Richard Mosher and Florence S. Allen-Mosher. Nancy loved animals, watching TV and movies, and being outdoors. She was a member of VFW Post 2530 Auxiliary in Wellsville. Mrs. Bledsoe is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Hartmann of Frederick, Md., whom she loved and adored greatly; stepdaughter, Charlene McComb of Henderson, NV; stepson, Bradley Bledsoe of Andover, N.Y.; sisters, Carol L. (Joe) Szymkowiak of Buffalo, N.Y., Barbara J. Kelleher of Wellsville and Margaret “Kathy” Baker of Kerrville, Texas; a brother, Dick Mosher of Wellsville; four nieces, to include a very special niece, Jessica Buchholz of Rexville, N.Y.; four nephews; two very special cousins, Shelly Wesolowski of Georgia and Marci Tronetti of Bellmont, N.Y.; several great-nieces and great-nephews; dear friends, Doris and Greg Gates; and many other friends and relatives. In addition to her loving husband, Mrs. Bledsoe was preceded in death by a sister, Ronica M. Mosher, a brother-in-law, Gary Kelleher; and by a nephew, Brandon. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s name to The Cat Corner, 85 Fulton St., Hampton, VA 23663

David Helmer

June 24, 1954 ~ October 27, 2019

David W. Helmer, Sr. was unexpectedly called home by the Lord on Sunday, October 27, 2019. David was born in Wellsville, NY on June 24, 1954, son of Gilbert W. and C. June Brandes Helmer. David graduated from Wellsville High School in 1972, and from Alfred State College with a degree in HVAC Technology in 1974. After college, David worked alongside his Uncle, George E. Lehman at George’s business, K&L Appliance Repair Service in Wellsville. Following George’s death in 1999, David went on to work for higher end appliance companies, such as Sub Zero, Dacor and Kuppersbusch. His work relocated him to Rochester, Delaware, and the New Jersey Shore, before coming back home to settle in Wellsville. David followed in the footsteps of his father, Gib, joining the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department, McEwen Hose Company #4 in June of 1972. David was quickly put to work as Hurricane Agnes brought heavy flooding to the area. He joined in on rescue efforts and filling sandbags, working tirelessly through the days alongside his brother firefighters. During his 47 years in the Fire Department, David held the office of Captain and was most recently the department representative to the Allegany County Fire Advisory Board. David was also a long-time member of the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps., where he loved to drive ambulance. David was also an avid lover of antique vehicles. He loved to attend car shows, and eventually acquired two classics of his own. First, a 1961 Corvair Rampside, and then a 1957 Willy’s Jeep. David took these vehicles to car shows in New Jersey, and various other shows in the Allegany County area, where the two classics won multiple awards. More recently, one of his favorite shows to attend was Cruise Night in Angelica. As often as he could, he and his son, David Helmer, Jr. would take one and sometimes both vehicles to these cruise nights. David loved getting together with friends anytime he could. He enjoyed gathering together, knocking a few back, while entertaining others with his stories about his work, the Fire Department and Ambulance Corps., and his participation in Drum and Bugle Corps. Previously having been a member of the Blue Devils, the Mighty St. Joe’s, and the Yankee Rebels. David is survived by his mother, C. June Helmer of Wellsville, a daughter, Nicole (Jeffrey Ormsby) Helmer of Wellsville, a son, David “DJ” W. (Becky Sutton) Helmer, Jr. of Wellsville and Allison (Jeffrey) Culbertson, also of Wellsville. David was predeceased by his father, Gilbert W. Helmer, his Aunt Edna (George) Lehman, and Uncle Kenneth “Kenny” (Barbara) Brandes. Friends are invited to call on Thursday, October 31, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at J. W. Embser Funeral Home in Wellsville. Friends are also invited to call on Friday, November 1, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 470 N. Main St., Wellsville, NY, from11a.m. to 12p.m., with the funeral service to follow at noon. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Wellsville Fire Company, Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps., or Trinity Lutheran Church.

Steven Allen

February 4, 1953 ~ September 17, 2019

On Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Steven C. Allen, of Alfred Station was called home to be with his Heavenly Father after a long battle with illness, he was only 66 years old. Born in Wellsville on February 4th, 1953 to the late Lawrence ”Mike” and Barbara (Barnes) Allen. Baptized at John’s Episcopal in Wellsville, where he served as an alter boy. Steve was also a founder of LAB, LAB rules!! A 1972 graduate of Wellsville High School, and a 1974 graduate of Alfred State College with an associates degree in Applied Electronics. On the 17th of July 1976 he married the love of his life, Nan Hennard, at the Christian Temple in Wellsville. During and after college he worked his way up to partner with his late mentor, EJ Brown, at Jericho Audio. In 1982, after the death of his mentor, and while he Nan were expecting their son, Sean, he partnered with college friends to open The Sound Track of Alfred. After 9 years the decision was made to close the Sound Track, and started Early Security and Electronics, working closely with his wife and then with his son. After closing the store, Steve went to work at Dresser Rand in multiple capacities in the Wellsville and Olean offices until he retired early do to his ill health. As a life long Boy Scout and Scout leader, Steve earned many awards and accolades, and helped many young men to earn their Eagle Scout award, including his son, Sean. He worked tirelessly as a district commissioner to train leaders in the Boy Scouts to better the scouting program in our rural area. As a Mason, among other offices, Steve served as master of the University Lodge in Almond, the District Deputy Grand Master, the Commander of, the now closed, Knights Templar DeMolay Commandry in Hornell. Through Steve’s service to God and his community his legacy will live on for many generations to come. Steve is survived by: the love of his life, best friend, and wife of 43 wonderful years Nan; His son, whom he was so proud, Sean (Stacy) Allen of Scio; many “adopted” sons and daughters; his two dogs Fargo and Lucas; his two brothers James (Mary Ann) Allen of Pennsylvania and David (Debbie) Allen of Florida; and 8 nieces. The family will receive visitors at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville on Tuesday, September 24th at 4 pm with Masonic and Christian services to follow at 6 pm. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for memorials in Steve’s name to the New York State Vapor Association (www.nysva.org) , or to Elk Lick Scout Reserve general maintenance fund, Allegany Highlands Council, 50 Hough Hill Road, Falconer, NY. 14733.

Patrick Steven Lester

September 20, 1952 ~ February 7, 2019

Patrick Steven Lester, age 64, of 95 East Pearl Street passed away on Thursday, February 7, 2019, at the Comfort House of Allegany County in Wellsville. He was born on September 20, 1954 in Wellsville to Donald and Nancy White Lester. On January 27, 1979 in Hanover, New Hampshire he married Nancy Alt who survives. Pat grew up in Wellsville and graduated from Wellsville High School in 1972. He graduated from Alfred State College and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Northwood Institute in Midland, MI. In 1979 he joined his father at Don Lester Chevrolet in Wellsville as a salesman and later he became a long time employee of Wellsville Ford were he currently worked. He loved the game of golf and was a long standing member of the Wellsville Country Club. He was a 43 year member of the Wellsville Elks Lodge, and was a member of the Sons Of the American Legion in Wellsville. Pat grew up attending St. John’s Episcopal Church where attended services faithfully with his friend Billy Geoppner. He will be remembered for his love of cars, as a Green Bay Packers fan, and his love of Dean Martin music. Pat is survived by his mother Nancy of Ellicott, MD; his two sons, Kyle Lester of Seattle, WA., and Ryan Lester of Austin, TX.; his life partner Judy Winterhalter of Wellsville; his brother Michael Lester[Anne Marie] of Flat Rock,NC; his sisters, Sue Fahy of the Villages,FL., and Chris O’Brien [Richard] of Ellicott, MD.; his cousins, Paul Lester Jr., and Shelly Delaney; several nieces and nephews; and his best pal Ceaser. Pat was predeceased by his father Donald and his Uncle Paul Lester Sr. Friends are invited to attend an Elks Lodge of Sorrow on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at 1 pm in the Wellsville Elks Lodge followed by a Celebration of his life until 4 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to either the Comfort House of Allegany County or to the Wellsville Elks Lodge 1495.

Lou Ann Klein-Emerson

~ December 15, 2017

Lou Anne Klein, of Buffalo, NY, passed away Friday, Dec. 15, 2017. Dearest mother of Thomas T. Vroman (Kerri D. Osgood) and Bret A. Lounsberry; grandmother of Kyra, Bret Jr. and Blake Lounsberry; daughter of the late Thomas A. and Ardath B. (Phillipson) Klein; sister of Deanna A. Reddy; also survived by nephews. There will be no prior visitation. A Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Erie County. Arrangements made by Erie County Cremation Service, 873 Abbott Road in Buffalo.

Stanley R. Weinhauer

April 23, 1954 ~ August 14, 2017

Stanley R. “Stan” Weinhauer, age 63, of Vanness Lane passed away on Monday, August 14, 2017, at Highland Hospital in Rochester. He was born in Wellsville on April 23, 1954 in Wellsville to Frank and Rose Payne Weinhauer. On September 22, 1990 in Las Vegas, Nevada he married his soul mate, Karen Matteson, who survives. Stan was a lifelong resident of Wellsville who graduated from Wellsville High School in 1972. He had worked for the former Harris Supply Company and for 18 years he drove truck for Shorts Oil Company. In 2010 Stan became an owner operator of his own trucking company retiring in 2015 due to ill health. He will be remembered as a hardworking man who was a loving husband.

Survivors include his wife Karen; a sister, Susan (Keith) Knight of Andover; his in laws, Marion and Mary Matteson; brother in laws, Brian (Tammy) Matteson and Alan (Bonnie) Matteson all of Wellsville; several nieces and nephews; and his constant companion, Abby. Stan was predeceased by his parents and a brother in law, Scott Matteson. Friends are invited to call at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville on Saturday, August 19, 2017, from 12 noon to 2pm for celebration of his life. Memorials in Stan’s name may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

James Michael Hennessy

February 28, 1954 ~ July 1, 2016

James Michael Hennessy, 62, of Rowlett, TX, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2016 following a long illness. He was born February 28, 1954, in Wellsville, NY, the eldest (and bossiest) son of James M. and Mary Ellen (Driscoll) Hennessy. After growing tired of the frigid western New York winters, Jim moved south to Rowlett, TX. For several years he worked as a hospital administrator where he put his assertive nature and loud voice to good use. Later in life, he greatly helped his wife by managing her medical practice. He was a wonderful and caring father, always making sure to watch after his daughter so that he would never miss an opportunity to embarrass her in front of her friends. Jim was an avid reader of non-fiction and enjoyed annoying his wife and daughter with his repeated viewings of World War II programs on the History Channel. Despite his brash personality, Jim was a very caring soul. He was always the first one to lend a hand, offer a ride, or cook a meal when needed. His thoughtfulness will be greatly missed. James is survived by his wife: Suzanne Smith of Rowlett, TX; daughter: Kathryn Hennessy of Irving, TX; brothers: Joseph (Laurie) Hennessy, Timothy (Patti) Hennessy and Michael (Ann Marie) Hennessy all of Wellsville, and Daniel (Kathleen) Hennessy of Jamestown, NY, as well as various nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, and aunts. He was preceded in death by his parents and Brother, Patrick Hennessy. Friends are invited to visit with the family on Saturday, July 9, 2016 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, 36 Maple Avenue in Wellsville. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am Saturday, following the visitation. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Immaculate Conception School or the Hart Comfort House.

Dorothy Jean “Dotsie” Wyckoff Lewis Guinnip, 61, of 5936 Fish Road gave up her fight with ALS at home on Thursday, November 20, 2014. She was born on April 18, 1953 in Wellsville, the daughter of Edward and Esther (Jackson) Wyckoff. On August 20, 1977 in Petrolia she married Bruce D. Guinnip who survives.
Dotsie was employed as a production coordinator for the Nutrition Department of Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville until her diagnosis with ALS in 2011.
Surviving in addition to her husband are two beautiful daughters, Tara-Jean Guinnip of Scioand Sandy (Dan) Friday of Rochester, two grandchildren, Evan and Taylor-Grace Friday, her mother, Esther Moultrup of Scio, three sisters, Betty (Rick) Moultrup of Allentown, Patty (Bob) Standard of Scio and Gina Elliott of Wellsville, two brothers, Edward H.Wyckoff Jr. of Bolivar and Jason (Ashley) Moultrup of Scio as well as several nieces & nephews. She was also affectionately known as “Grandma Dots” to Carly and Emma Moultrup. She was predeceased by her father, her step father, Norman Moultrup and her first husband, Richard Lewis.
Friends are invited to call on Saturday, November 22, 2014 from 12 noon to 2:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 2:00 pm Saturday in the funeral home with her nephew, David Greene presiding. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Hearts for ALS NY % 1899 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620. For more information on ALS, please visit als.net. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.