U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
JEAN M. HAWLEY
Wellsville, NY
JEAN M. HAWLEY, 76, of 60 North Brooklyn Avenue passed away July 28, 2004 after a lengthy illness. She was born February 5, 1928 in Wellsville, the daughter of Frederick and Edith (Smith) Graves. On August 27, 1953 in Wellsville she married Wilber Hawley who predeceased her December 13, 1998.
She graduated from Wellsville High School in 1946. She was a member of the Christian Temple Church in Wellsville. Jean enjoyed walking, reading, crossword puzzles and cooking. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend who also loved her dog, Tex.
Jean is survived by 2 sons: David (Tracie) Hawley of Wellsville, Brian (Kristi) Hawley of Arkport, 2 daughters: Cassandra Hawley of Wellsville, Marianne (Steve) Haltom of Houston, TX, 3 granddaughters: Alyssa, Cassidy, and Taylor, and 5 nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a brother: Frederick Graves.
Friends are invited to call on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial suggestions include the Leukemia Society.
JOANNE B. RAUBER
Wellsville, NY
JOANNE B. RAUBER, 67, passed away Saturday, August 14, 2004 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. She was born on February 24, 1937 in Wellsville the daughter of Richard and Margaret “Louise” (O’Keefe) Donovan. On June 8, 1963 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville, she married Richard B. Rauber who survives.
Joanne was a lifelong resident of Wellsville, except for 13 years that she lived in Croghan, NY. She was a graduate of Immaculate Conception School 10th grade and Elmira Catholic High School. She was a sister of St. Joseph and taught in Rochester for 5 years. She was employed as a nurse’s aid at several area nursing homes. She was also a homemaker and a member of the Immaculate Conception Church.
In addition to her husband, Joanne is survived by 2 sons: Rick Rauber of Friendship, and Thomas Rauber of Wellsville; 2 Daughters: Katherine Rauber of Derby, NY and Teresa Rauber of Friendship; 5 grandchildren; a brother: Richard (Kitty) Donovan; a sister in-law: Joyce Donovan, and several nieces and nephews. In 1976 she was predeceased by her brother, John C. Donovan.
Friends are invited to call Tuesday, August 17 from 9:30 to 10:30 am at J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. There will be a prayer service at 10:30 am at the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with Father Rupert Aruvalan as celebrant. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Wellsville. Memorial suggestions include the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
John F. ”Whiff” Sobek
Wellsville, NY
John F. ”Whiff” Sobek, of 4192B Bolivar Road, passed away on Tuesday May 4, 2004. He was born on November 7, 1943 in Wellsville to Steven and Christine DeVore Sobek. He was a life long resident of Wellsville where he graduated from High School. Whiff worked for many years at Dresser Rand in Wellsville and ran the Purple Penguin Sports Card Shop. He was a member of the Brookside Wesleyan Church and a former member of the Moose Lodge.
Whiff’s hobbies included cooking, horse shoes, bowling, billiards and card games. His true love was sports. He enjoyed youth, high school, college and pro sports. Whiff volunteered his time for many years as the official score keeper for many youth, high school and community teams. Because of dedicated friends, the season nor weather mattered he was always at the game. His knowledge of sports was vast, but his favorite was the games of the Wellsville PONY League teams at Tullar Field.
Survivors include a brother James [Carol] Sobek of Indianapolis, Indiana; aunts, uncles and cousins;
Besides his parents he predeceased by his brother Joel Sobek.
Friends may call on Thursday May 6, 2004 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm in the J.W. Embser & Sons Funeral in Wellsville where a Funeral Service will be held on Friday at 11 am with Rev. Robin George presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery and memorials may be made to the Wellsville Little League or any Wellsville youth sports program.
John H. Costello Sr.
Wellsville, NY
John H. Costello Sr., age 77, of 12 Franklin Street, Wellsville, died Tuesday august 12 at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born March 21, 1926 in the Town of Willing to Matthew and Daisy Jordan Costello. John was married to Dorothy Sugden who predeceased him in 1978 and in 1984 he married Barbara Allen who survives. John was a veteran of the US Navy during WWII serving in the Pacific. In 1986 he retired from Dresser Rand after 41 years of service. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church and life member of the VFW Post 2530 both of Wellsville. He enjoyed golfing and was a member of Serenity Hills Golf Course in Friendship.
Surviving besides his wife are 4 sons, John H. [Judy] Costello Jr. of Genesee, PA, Dale Costello of Alma, Richard Costello of Williamsport, PA and Rodney Costello of Genesee, PA; 3 daughters, Doris Emerson of Genesee, PA, Carol Costello of Wellsville and Donna Costello of Bradford, PA; 2 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; 3 stepsons, Terry [Catherine] Allen of New Hampshire, Gary [Frankie] Allen of South Carolina and Larry [Deana] Allen of Georgia; 2 sisters Katherine Costello of Wellsville and Barbara [Paul] Michalegko of Genesee, PA as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by 2 sons Jim Costello and Carl Costello, a son-in-law Lee Emerson, and 10 brothers and sisters.
Friends are invited to call on Thursday August 14 from 7-9pm only in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral home in Wellsville. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday August 15 at 11am in the Funeral Home with Rev.Gene Ulrich presiding. Burial with full Military Honors will in Genesee Cemetery. Memorials maybe made to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps or to the donor’s choice.
John “Jack” Neugent
Wellsville, NY
John “Jack” Neugent, 82, of 1710 Alma Hill Road, passed away on Wednesday January 7, 2004 at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. He was born April 5, 1921 in Bolivar, the son of John and Rose (Nunn) Neugent. On November 13, 1947 in Wellsville he married Mary O’Leary, who survives.
Jack was a 1937 graduate of Bolivar High School and served with the U.S. Army in the European Theater of Operation during WW II. He was employed for many years at Worthington Corporation in Wellsville and was Superintendent when he retired in 1981. After retirement he taught a machinist class for Worthington at BOCES in Belmont for 2 years. He was a member of the Morrison-Hayes American Legion Post 702 in Wellsville and the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville.
Surviving in addition to his wife Mary are 1 daughter, Nancy (Gary) Mattison of Wellsville, 1 son, Thomas (Catherine) Neugent of Wellsville, 7 Grandchildren, 6 Great Grandchildren, 4 sisters, Betty Chapel of Buffalo, Dorothy Rhoades of East Aurora, Lillian (Leslie) Robinson of Richburg and Barbara Neugent of New Jersey, and several nieces & nephews.
Friends are invited to call on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm. at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A military service will be Saturday January 10, 2004 at 10:15 am in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church, Wellsville. Rev. John Cullen will be celebrant. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Wellsville. Memorial suggestions include the Jones Memorial Hospital Memorial Fund or the Morrison-Hayes American Legion Post # 702 in Wellsville.
Joseph J. Congelli Sr.
Wellsville, NY
Joseph J. Congelli Sr., 95, of 51 Elm Street passed away on Sunday February 22, 2004 at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. He was born February 14, 1909 in Wellsville the son of Carmen and Elisabetta (Serio) Congelli. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dena E. (D’Orazio) Congelli; and three children: James C. (Elizabeth) Congelli of Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, NY; Joseph J. (Terri) Congelli Jr. of Medina, WA; and Anita L. (Larry) Drake of Fishkill, NY. He has five grandchildren: Joelle M. Aguilar of Cornwall, NY; Raymond R. Drake of Virginia Beach, VA; Jason J. Drake of Suffolk, VA; Kelli L. Congelli of Seattle, WA; and Nicola J. Congelli of Wappingers Falls, NY. Additionally, Mr. Congelli is survived by two great-grandchildren: Veronica R. Drake of Virginia Beach, VA and Carson J. Aguilar of Cornwall, NY, one brother, Henry (Julie) Congelli of Belmont, and several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by 5 brothers, Raymond, John, Anthony, Felix and Michael Congelli and one sister Mary Ward.
Although Joe was small in stature, his enormous presence in his community earned him the nickname “Big Joe.” His unprecedented leadership and dedication to helping others took many forms. He graduated from high school in 1925 as president of his class, speaking as salutatorian at the commencement. Joe built his career at Worthington Steam Turbine Corp., retiring as a Production Manager in 1974. He was a lifetime member and trustee of the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. On April 29, 1990, the church honored him with the Saint Joseph Lay Worker Award, a celebration of his phenomenal commitment and service. For nearly 50 years, he worked to support the mission of St. Vincent DePaul, retiring as its President just before his recent 95th birthday. Joe also spent 60 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Dyke Street Engine Company, attaining the rank of Captain. For 15 years he was an active member of the Apollo Club, which was part of the Male Chorus of America. As part of the Apollo Club, Joe helped light up the stages of Broadway in New York City. He was also a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of the Elks Lodge # 1495 from 1937 to 1958.
Those who knew Joe Congelli, Sr. had the privilege of witnessing his limitless grace, soul and integrity. When looking into his sparkling eyes and reacting to his contagious joyful smile, people could not help but understand that they were in the presence of a rare, distinguished greatness. For leading the way so selflessly, for his warm heart and endless elegance, and for a life that was lived fully, intentionally and honorably, he will be held eternally in loving memory.
Friends are invited to call on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A scriptural wake will take place at 8:30 pm Thursday in the Funeral Home. Services will begin Friday February 27th at 11:00 am with a prayer at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville, with Monsignor Leo McCarthy and Rev. Dennis Wolf, concelebrating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wellsville and memorial gift suggestions include donations to the St. Vincent DePaul Society c/o Lynn Voorhees Immaculate Conception Church, 6 Maple Avenue Wellsville, NY 14895 or The American Heart Association.
