1975

Victor S. Grover Jr.

May 29, 1955 ~ October 20, 2020

Victor S. Grover, Jr., 65, of Alfred, NY, died Tuesday, October 20, 2020 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville. Born May 29, 1955, in Shreveport, LA, he was the son of Victor S. and Margaret Lathrop Grover. A graduate of Wellsville High School, he was employed by AVI Food Service in Alfred for about 24 years, a job which he loved to do. Victor had a kind heart and generous spirit; he was always willing to help anyone in need. He had a strong sense of right and wrong and was very loyal. Victor was always true to his word and was well thought of in his community and will be missed by many. He was also a member of the Willing Volunteer Fire Department. Surviving are: a sister, Denise Matos of Orlando, FL; a niece, Sandra Martin; two nephews, Daniel Hall and Andrew Woolgar; aunts and uncles, Esther Stebbins, Bill and Pearl Chapman, Edward and Deanna Lathrop, and Lois Dolan; and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents. Cremation was at Olney-Foust Crematory. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Stannards Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Willing Volunteer Fire Company, 1995 SR 19, Wellsville, NY 14895 or the A.E. Crandall Hook & Ladder, P.O. Box 582, Alfred, NY 14802.

Roy W. Hackett

May 26, 1956 ~ December 3, 2020

Roy W. Hackett, 64, of 2692 Beech Hill Road passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born May 26, 1956 in Wellsville, the son of Thomas and Elaine (Fanton) Hackett. Roy was raised in the Yorks Corners area and attended Wellsville Central School. He was a long time employee of Buffalo Crushed Stone in Alfred. He enjoyed hunting, shooting, and flying drones. He is survived by two daughters, Danielle Hackett of Bath, and Emily Hackett of Wellsville, three grandsons, Xavier Baroody, Brayden Ballengee, and Gunner Hodge, three brothers, Rick, Randy, Timothy Hackett, several nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Randy Billings. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Hackett and Elaine Smith, an infant daughter, and a granddaughter, Kambrian Phillips. Following NYS Covid guidelines; friends are invited to call on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. On Wednesday, December 9, there will be a public graveside service at 11:00 am in Yorks Corners Cemetery with Rev. Eugene Miller presiding. Please consider memorial donations to the Willing Volunteer Fire Department.

Kathy Lynn Trowbridge-Madded

October 21, 1956 ~ November 13, 2020

Kathy Lynn Madden, 64, passed away peacefully Friday (Nov. 13, 2020) at Wellsville Manor Care Center after a courageous four-year battle with a rare form of ovarian cancer. Kathy was born on Oct. 21, 1956 in Lackawanna to Harold B. and Teresa L. (Cline) Trowbridge, Sr. She was a 1975 graduate of Wellsville Central School. On Sept. 4, 1976 she married Martin J. “Marty” Madden, who survives. Kathy invested many years as a homemaker. In her younger years, she attended classes at BOCES and worked as an aide (also known as a “candy striper”) for Jones Memorial Hospital. For many years she was the circulation manager for Wellsville Daily News. Kathy more recently worked in the Protection Center for ACCORD Corporation in Belmont before she started providing private elderly care. In addition to her husband of 44 years, Kathy is survived by seven siblings, Harold Bruce (Susan) Trowbridge, Jr. of Coudersport, Pa., Barbara E. Acocello of Irmo, S.C., Sharon K. (David) Olter of Johannesburg, Mich., Scott (Dawn) Trowbridge of Wellsville, Randy Nudd of Austinburg, Pa., Melissa (Jeff) Rosengarten of Havertown, Pa., Kelly (Ellery) Stonementz of New Oxford, Pa.; three special nieces, Lesli Dahlke of Lutz Fla., Carrie Carpenter of Shinglehouse, Pa. and Ashley Olter of Central Lake, Mich.; two very close cousins, Diane Quaintance of Belmont and Judy Cline Smith of Kinston, N.C.; her cat, Cashmere; and several other nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a nephew, Derek Trowbridge and great nephew, Gabriel Acocello. Kathy loved people. She was known for striking up conversations with total strangers and often played the role of a good Samaritan, helping anyone in need. She was a devoted animal lover who often provided a safe home for a stray cat or dog. Kathy possessed a giving heart and faithfully supported many charitable organizations over the years. But more than all these, she loved her family deeply and will be greatly missed. Per Kathy’s wishes, there will be no prior visitation. A memorial service will be held at Restoration Church of Christ in Scio with Rev. Glen Layfield officiating, at a time and date to be determined. Memorial contributions in Kathy’s name may be made to SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813.

Debra K. Jones

December 10, 1957 ~ May 2, 2019

Debra K. Jones, 61, of Wellsville, NY, died Friday, May 3, 2019 in her home. Born December 10, 1957, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of Elmer and Hazel Jackson Jones. A graduate of Wellsville Central School, she was employed by the Bolivar Money Saver and the Wellsville School District. Debra was a member of the Wellsville Firemen’s Auxiliary. Surviving are: her mother, Hazel Jones of Bradford, PA; a son, Leslie (Mindy) Jones of Bolivar; a grandson, Teyton Olejinczak; a granddaughter, Patricia Jones; two brothers, Mike Jones and William Jones, both of Bradford, PA; a sister, Jeanine (Frank) Pierce of Eldred, PA; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Elmer Jones; and a sister, Tracy Jones. A Memorial Service will be held on a later date at the Bolivar Fire Department. Memorials may be made to the Wellsville Fireman’s Auxiliary, 40 South Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.

Nancy Raykovitz-Counterman

November 13, 1956 ~ June 30, 2019

Nancy Marie Raykovitz Counterman, loving mother, wife, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, June 30, 2019 at the age of 62. Born November 13, 1956 and raised in Wellsville NY, she is the daughter of Betty and the late Frank Raykovitz. Nancy leaves behind her husband of 32 years, Wayne whom she fell madly in love with at first site, and sons David and Damon who were her pride and joy. In addition she is survived by her mother, Betty Raykovitz (Silkman), sister and best friend Sally (William) Acker, five brothers: Jim, Frank (Candy), Dan (Heather), Tony (Mary Jo), and Chris (Marion); sister-in-laws Carolyn Mahone (Robert), Allison Raykovitz, and Judy Counterman; Brother-in-laws Paul Counterman (Barbara) Ray Counterman, and Craig Counterman, and all of her nieces and nephews and their babies whom she cared for very deeply and loved to hug on. Growing up, Nancy attended the Wellsville Immaculate Conception School and then went on to Wellsville High School graduating with the Class of 1975, forming many lifelong bonds along the way. She later went on to earn an associate’s degree in computer programming/accounting from Alfred State, all while raising her first child Damon at the same time. Being a single mother Nancy did everything in her power to make it work and provide for her family. Over the years she has worked for numerous accounting offices all over Allegany County including Jim Maxwell’s and the County Clerk’s office in Belmont, in December of 1987 Nancy married the love of her life Wayne and in 1990 stopped working for a number of years in order to give birth to her second son David and spend more time raising her family which meant the world to her. After a number of years she went back to work with Chisholms Tax Service’s in Wellsville where she worked for about 15 years; serving her final day last Tuesday, as the hard-working dedicated worker that she was. It wasn’t just a job for her it was a duty, not as a paid employee but as a hometown friend, though she had many clients, to her it was more than just a job or a paycheck. She loved the people she worked with and for and would go above and beyond to get the job done and done right! From start to finish Nancy was a family woman. She met and fell in love with Wayne around 1981, and knew from the moment she met him that he was the one that she wanted to be the father of her son, and husband to grow a family with. Her relentless pursuit paid off and she never looked back. This was the man that made all her dreams come true and she loved him dearly for close to 40 years. More than ever Nancy loved her two boy’s Damon and David, and took much pride in watching their achievements. She never missed an event and was always their number one fan, whether on the field, on the court, or on the stage; if her boys were playing, she was there and they didn’t have to look for them to know. More times than not she left the event without a voice because she loved to cheer on the team and rally the troops. “KSA, Lets Go Lions, Good Work Boys” we’re just a few of her favorite cheers. Nancy loved people, talking, and had a great big beautiful illuminating smile! If you had a story, she had the time. Throughout her life she formed many special bonds (Queee!), Anyone who met her was a friend for life. She was the type of person that would hang out and talk to anyone about anything for extended lengths of time just to talk. With her outgoing personality it’s no surprise that aside from family she had hundreds of close friends that she cared for deeply. Her 2nd home was seasonal camping, with 17 years at Highbanks Campgrounds and the previous 14 years at Homestead Campgrounds where she earned her nickname “The NightCrawler.” She loved socializing and standing next to a nice fire, getting her legs warmed up. She knew all the campers by name and really enjoyed her time with her friends especially loved watching the kids play. Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, July 3, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. A service for Nancy will be held at the conclusion of calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Or by enjoying your time with friends, warming up next to a fire, talking for hours, while spreading love to the people around you.

Daniel Martelle

January 1, 1957 ~ October 18, 2019

It took a long time – more than 18 years, in fact – but cancer finally got the best of Daniel T. “Dan” Martelle, who died October 18 at the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville, N.Y., surrounded by his family. He was 62. It’s hard to briefly summarize such a full life. Dan, who was born in Scarborough, Me., and relocated with his family to Wellsville in 1965, was for decades a fixture among Wellsville’s brigades of first responders. He began with the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps at age 16 and remained involved with volunteer services until 2018. Among his roles: President and first assistant rescue chief of the WVAC, member of the Genesee Hose Company/Wellsville Fire Company, trainer of emergency responders in rescue, and more recently a trainer for police departments in how to handle encounters with autistic people and others who may not be able to respond to their questions. He was joined in many of those volunteer efforts by his wife Karen (Curtis), making them a potent combination of selfless help to others. Dan also served a term on the Wellsville Central School District board of education and was a former member of the village zoning board. But Dan’s most enjoyable volunteer role was as co-founder and CEO of Race Services Inc., which provided the rescue team and other volunteers at the Watkins Glen International race track, where he, Karen and a shifting posse of relatives and friends spent nearly every summer weekend camping at night – bonfire, anyone? – and directing all emergency services for race teams and fans during the day. Dan also traveled around the country to work as a firefighter/medic on Rescue 91 with the Sports Car Club of America’s pro series. Of course, the nature of volunteer work means those passions went unpaid, at least in dollars, so Dan made his living through a series of jobs including a stint as a Wellsville village police officer, running his own business inspecting and charging fire extinguishers, working with his father, Mickey Martelle, at the family’s Right Now Printing on Wellsville’s Main Street, and, since 1993, as a cell-site technician, most recently for AT&T, a job that had him scrambling across hillsides in all manner of weather to keep cell towers alive. But it was volunteer work that invigorated Dan, a manifestation of his defining spirit of generosity. A case in point: When he and Karen took guardianship of their autistic grandson, Ryan, they converted their backyard into a playscape which they made available to other families with special needs children. In fact, Dan and Ryan developed an unusually deep bond despite the generational, and communications, divide, and in many ways each helped the other expand their worlds. Over the years, Dan assembled an extensive collection of tools in the workshop he built in the family’s backyard, and readily granted access to friends and neighbors who happened to have a little project that needed a router or a belt sander or a small drill press. He and Karen also hosted regular barbecues and informal gatherings around their backyard fire pit through which they fed and entertained a revolving group of family, neighbors and friends. It was around the firepit, in fact, where firepit buff J.R. Rummel (Dan’s doctor, neighbor and fellow woodworker) teamed up with Dan to create the Martelle Marshmallow Institute, an uncredentialed school of lesser learning designed to craft exotic, and occasionally, high-octane S’mores.

Dan for a time also was a semi-avid deer hunter, venturing out in the woods each fall with Mickey and his friends. But Dan and Mick were more interested in the camaraderie than in the hunting. In fact, Dan only dropped one deer during all those excursions – a small buck that ran right at him. “I shot it in self-defense,” he said.

Over time, Dan and Mickey realized their favorite part of the outings was lunch afterward, so they dropped the hunting and just went to lunch. They reached the same conclusion about golf, eventually skipping the nature walks in search of lost balls to proceed directly to beef on weck. Dan enjoyed a wide circle of friends, including – in addition to the Rummel family – Jim, Susan, Scott and Jamie Cicirello; Sylvia Masin, Tom Kristoffersen and family, and far too many others to list. Dan is survived by his wife, Karen, whom he married August 20, 1976, and their children Becky of Horseheads, and Katie and Chris (Jeana) of Wellsville; grandchildren Ryan, Matthew, Tripp and Harlee, all of Wellsville; his mother, Dorothy Martelle of Wellsville; siblings Scott (Margaret) of Irvine, Ca., Lisa (Joe Harvey) of Pasadena, Md., Craig (Tammy) of Conestoga, Pa., and Jen (Steve) Heicklin of Medford Lakes, N.J.; sister-in-law Carol Howard of Virginia and Chuck (Joan) of Perkiomenville, Pa.; and a small village of nieces, nephews, and extended family in Maine. Dan was predeceased by his father, Mickey, in 2015, and a brother, Michael, in 1956.

Visiting hours will be from 6-9 p.m. Friday (Oct. 25) at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home at 34 West State Street, Wellsville. The funeral will begin with visiting hours from 11 a.m.-noon Saturday (Oct. 26) at The Presbyterian Church of Wellsville, 68 North Main Street, followed by a memorial service at noon and then a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wilmot Cancer Center in Rochester, the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville, the Allegany Arc, or to an organization of the donor’s choice.

Thomas C. Lee

September 11, 1956 ~ December 2, 2005

Kay Marie Baumgarten-Fisk

October 29, 1956 ~ November 2, 2017

Kay Marie Fisk, 61, of 102 2nd Street passed away on Thursday, November 02, 2017 at Olean General Hospital following a lengthy illness. She was born October 29, 1956 in Wellsville, the daughter of the Frederick and Loretta (Aldrich) Baumgarten. On November 8, 1987 she married Greg Fisk who survives. Kay was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who loved spending time with grandkids and family. She had a VERY special love for her dog “LUCY”!! She was employed at Heritage Cutlery in Bolivar for 23 years. Surviving in addition to her husband Greg, are two sons, Coddie (Meredith) Bissell and Dusty Bissell both of Bolivar, two daughters, Bambi (Shawn) Perry of Bolivar, and Heather (Richard) Clark of Virginia, 11 beloved grandkids, three sisters, Connie Zeager of Cuba, Nancy Baldwin of Richburg, Billie Jo Brownell of Bolivar, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Frederick Baumgarten Jr. Family and Friends are welcome to join us for a celebration of life, on Sunday, November 5, 2017, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Bolivar Legion.

Mari Lou Brown-Lall

November 5, 1956 ~ September 29, 2017

Mari Lou Lall, 60, of 2609 Hallsport Road, passed away unexpectedly in Jones Memorial Hospital on Friday (Sept. 29, 2017). She was born in Wellsville on Nov. 5, 1956, the daughter of Roy R. and Anna I. Fanton Brown, Jr. A lifelong resident of the Wellsville area, she was a graduate of the Wellsville High School. She enjoyed her cats, being on the computer and her Native Indian Festive studies. She is survived by a daughter, Dr. Shelly C. (Jonathan C. Pawlak) Lall of Sutton Bay, MI; her mother, Anna F. Brown of Wellsville; and a sister, Joann Ives of Wellsville. She was predeceased by her father, Roy Brown, Jr.; brother, Rev. Roy Brown, III. Friends called at the Mulholland-Crowell Funeral Home on Monday (Oct. 2, 2017) from 10 until noon, when services were held. Pastor Gene Miller of the Yorks Corners Mennonite Church officiated. Burial followed in the Hallsport Union Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the SPCA Serving Allegany County or to a local charity of the donor’s choice.

Dixie Graves Hyer, 56, of 116 Early Street passed away peacefully on Friday, May 03, 2013 at home following long illness. She was born January 26, 1957 in Tampa, Florida the daughter of the late Richard A. and Elaine (Bennett) Graves Jr. On August 1, 1981 in Wellsville she married Phillip Hyer who survives. Dixie was a 1975 graduate of Wellsville High School. She was formerly employed at WLSV Radio as a disk jockey, Shaner’s Jewelry Store in Wellsville, Certified Traffic Controllers of Andover, Skibecks Pipeline Company Inc. of Randolph, Better Days in Wellsville and at the Wellsville Elementary School cafeteria. She was a member of the Ladies of the Moose Chapter 248, the Frank B. Church VFW Post # 2530 Auxiliary, past president of the Allegany County Players, and was a former coach for Wellsville Girls Softball Community League. She also enjoyed playing golf and loved gardening. Surviving in addition to her husband are four children, Jeremy Hyer of Wellsville, Kristen Hyer of Fayetteville, Erika (Shane) Hyer-Scott of Wellsville and Matthew Hyer of Buffalo, four grandchildren, Wyatt and Quinten Hyer and Pacey and Hendrick Scott, two sisters, Karen (Jeff) Briggs of New York City, Beth (Kris) Carlin of Scio, two brothers, Dan (Wanda) Graves of Wellsville and Dean (Saundra) Graves of Cumberland, MD as well as aunts, uncles, nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Richard A. Graves III. Friends are invited to call on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will be Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 11:00 am in the First Congregation Church, 289 N. Main Street in Wellsville with Rev. Patricia Bancroft presiding. Burial will be in Stannards Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the SPCA Serving Allegany Count

Mark J. Schoenherr, 57, of 8 Meadowbrook Court passed away on Monday, July 14, 2014 at the Hart Comfort House following a battle with cancer. He was born October 28, 1956 in Wellsville, the son of the late Karl J. and Patricia (Wall) Schoenherr.
Mark was a 1971graduate of the Immaculate Conception School and a 1975 graduate of Archbishop Walsh High School in Olean. He attended Herkimer County Community College and was a 1987 graduate of Buffalo State College. He was employed at a number of restaurants in Wellsville and Olean, beginning with Pizza Hut and most recently for many years, at the Texas Hot in Wellsville. Mark was an avid Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan and loved watching NASCAR and Notre Dame Football. He was a life member of the NRA, the Sons of the American Legion Post 702, and the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Rescue Squad. He was a former member of the Emerald Hook & Ladder Company # 3 and the Willing Volunteer Fire Department.
He is survived by three stepchildren, Ben Grover of Scio, Kelly Ertell of Cuba and Heather Bennett of Allegany, 12 grandchildren and a host of close friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a grandson, Cameron Fenti in 2012 and several aunts & uncles.
Friends are invited to a graveside service on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 4:00 pm in Sacred Heart Cemetery, 300 South Main Street in Wellsville. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Hart Comfort House or Lollypop Farm – Humane Society of Greater Rochester, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.