SILVER CREEK: James A. Shevlin, Sr., 74, of Old Hanford Road, Silver Creek, died Tuesday, January 24th, at TLC/HN-Lake Shore Hospital, Irving, following a short illness. He was born in Buffalo, on May 28, 1937, the son of the late George A. and Bernice “Babe” A. (Pim) Shevlin.
Mr. Shevlin was a graduate of Forestville Central School, Class of 1954 and attended Erie Community College for Business. He owned & operated the former Shevlin’s Sunoco, Irving, for 35 years. Mr. Shevlin was the longest active member of Cherry Creek Sno-Goers Snowmobile Club and a member of Sunset Drifters Snowmobile Club. He was the Chautauqua County Director for the former New York Snowmobile Coordinating Group and continued when they became the New York State Snowmobile Association and was also a key factor in restarting the Chautauqua County Federation Snowmobile Association. Mr. Shevlin was also a member of both the former Forestville & Jamestown Old-Timers Baseball Teams, was a member of First United Presbyterian Church, Silver Creek, where he was a Deacon & on the property committee and was a past member of the former Hanover Grange #595, Forestville. He was an avid groomer of snowmobile trails, loved collecting Turtle Rocks and was a former avid bowler.
Survivors include his wife Sally A. (Ehmke) Shevlin of Silver Creek, whom he married May 16, 1992, in Silver Creek, two daughters, Deborah (Danny) Threlkeld, of Silver Creek, Denise L. Shevlin, of Forestville, two sons James A. (Shirley) Shevlin, Jr., of Silver Creek, Jeffrey A. Shevlin, of Dunkirk, a step son, Jay Patterson, of Orlando, FL, three brothers, Kenneth (Sandy) Shevlin, of Zephryhills, FL, Gerald (Dianne) Shevlin, of Hamburg, Charles Shevlin, Sr., of Orlando, FL and sister-in-law Sandra Shevlin of Silver Creek. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren Timothy, Robert, Sheri, Anna, Kathleen, Christopher, Jeffrey, Jr., and Michael, 1 great grandson James Mikhail, was a special grandpa to Chartae & Tiffany and several nieces, nephews & cousins.
Friends are welcome to call at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Thursday evening from 7-9 pm and on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. Funeral Services will be held Saturday morning at 11 o’clock, from the First United Presbyterian Church, 35 Park Place, Silver Creek, with Rev. Thomas Burian, pastor officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Lawn Cemetery, Town of Hanover.
The family suggests memorial donations may be made either to the First United Presbyterian Church, 35 Park Place, Silver Creek, NY 14136 or to the Charity of one’s choice. To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
FREDONIA: Evelyn “Betty” E. Case, 93, of Holmes Place, Fredonia, passed away at her niece’s residence, South Roberts Road, Forestville, Sunday, January 22nd, following a short illness.
She was born in Dunkirk on October 4, 1918, the daughter of the late Allen and Evelyn (King) Putnam. Mrs. Case was a member of First United Methodist Church, Dunkirk and a former member of Shorewood Country Club, Dunkirk.
Surviving are several nieces & nephews. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband William Case, who died in January 2000 and by a sister Beatrice Frey, who died January 13, 2003.
There will be no visitation observed. Private Graveside Services will be at the convenience of family at Willowbrook Park Cemetery, Dunkirk, with Rev. Carolyn Stow, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Dunkirk, officiating.
Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
FREDONIA: John A. DeFries, Sr., 94, of Gardner Street, Fredonia, formerly of Forestville, died Saturday, January 7th, at Brooks Memorial Hospital, Dunkirk. He was born in Bayonne, NJ on November 19, 1917, the son of the late Henry and Grace (O’Connell) DeFries.
Mr. DeFries was a graduate of Cleveland Heights High School, Class of 1935 and graduated from the former Case School of Applied Science, Cleveland Ohio, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Metallurgy in 1939. In 1940, he started with the former Allegany Ludlum Steel, Dunkirk as a Wire Mill Metallurgist, then became Chief Plant Metallurgist, Manager of Quality Control and Division Technical Specialist. In 1970 he became Plant Manager for the former Al-Tech Specialty Steel, Dunkirk, where he retired from in 1980. He returned as Plant Manager in 1985 and retired again in 1986. Then, in 2003 he became Director of Metallurgical Technology for Dunkirk Specialty Steel, LLC. He was a devoted member of Remnant of Christ’s Ecclesia, Fredonia.
Survivors include a daughter, Martha White, of Portland, a son, John A. DeFries, Jr., of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, two sisters, Barbara DeFries and Grace DeFries, both of Albany and a brother, Robert M. (Esther) DeFries, of Frederick, MD. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his wife Naomi (Carter) DeFries, whom he married June 26, 1943 in Buffalo and who died June 25, 2002, by a son Andrew J. DeFries, who died June 16, 1982 and by 3 brothers William, Richard & Henry DeFries.
There will be no visitation observed. Private Graveside Services will be at the convenience of family in Forestville Cemetery, with Milton C. Steiger, of Remnent of Christ’s Ecclasia, Fredonia officiating. Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
IRVING: Douglass H. Braun, 75, of Cayuga Drive, Irving, formerly of East Aurora, died Thursday, December 29th, at TLC/HN-Nursing Facility, following a lengthy illness. He was born in Gowanda, on May 9, 1936, the son of the late Joseph and Eva (Thompson) Braun.
Mr. Braun was a graduate of the former South Dayton High School, Class of 1954 and was a graduate of Clarkson University with a Bachelor Degree in Engineering. He was the owner of the former Stetson Chemical Buffalo, for 30 years and he previously worked for Pittsburgh Plate Glass as a Salesman for 15 years. Mr. Braun enjoyed fishing, going on cruises and watching the stock market. He was an avid Buffalo Sabres & Bills fan.
Survivors include his wife, of 10 years, Sally (Apthorp) Nopper Braun of Irving, two sons Thomas Braun, of West Seneca, Douglass Braun, Jr., of East Amherst, a step son, Zachary Jackson, of Lexington, KY and four daughters, Julie (Mohamad Abul-Kahoudoud) Nopper, of Flatwoods, KY, Kristen (fiance Dwight Petersen) Mulhern, of Buffalo, Susan (John) Shoemaker, of Lockport and Kathryn Nopper, of Buffalo. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his 2nd wife Sue Jackson Braun and by an infant son Joseph F. Braun.
Friends are welcome to call at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Monday morning from 11- 1 o’clock, from where Funeral Services will follow at 1 o’clock, with Rev. James D. Hankey, pastor of the Forestville United Methodist Church, officiating. The family suggests memorial donations may be made either to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 2680 North Canton, OH 44720 or to Lakeshore Humane Society, PO Box 12, Fredonia, NY 14063. To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
DUNKIRK: Violet G. Town, 87, a resident of the Chautauqua County Home, Dunkirk, formerly of Forestville, died Tuesday, November 29th, after a lengthy illness.
She was born in Weedville, PA on August 4, 1924, the daughter of the late George and Beatrice (Champion) Kear. Mrs. Town was a graduate of the former Weedville High School, Class of 1942 and worked as a Sales Clerk for the former Ludeman’s Dept. Store, Silver Creek. She was a member of the Forestville United Methodist Church, since 1946, where she was a former Sunday School Teacher. She also was a member & officer of the J. Carter Knapp American Legion Post #953, Ladies Auxiliary, Forestville and served as Past President of the Chautauqua County American Legion Auxiliary. She also was a Past member and Past Noble Grand of the former Grapevine Rebekah Lodge, Forestville. Violet was a devoted wife, mother and grandma who enjoyed traveling, sewing & crafts.
Survivors include her loving husband of 65 years, Earl G. Town of Dunkirk, whom she married in Weedville, PA on June 1, 1946, two sons Carter (Mary Ann) Town, of Dunkirk, Dr. Donald (Nancy Bergstrom) Town, of El Segundo, CA, a daughter, Debra (Roy) Seyferth, of Warrenton, VA, three brothers, Herbert (Peg) Kear, of Astor, FL, Arthur (Arbutus) Kear, Vernon (Jan) Kear and two sisters, Martha Kear and Connie (Burton) Kunes, all of Weedville, PA. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Amy (Michael) Dyczewski of Pittsburgh, PA & Shawn Town of Jacksonville, FL, three great grandchildren Genevieve Morales, Chloe & Lia Dyczewski and several nieces & nephews.
In addition to her parents she was predeceased by three brothers, George Kear, Fred Kear & Barry Kear and by a sister Priscilla Scusa.
There will be no visitation observed. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday morning at 11 o’clock from the Forestville United Methodist Church, 3 Park Street, Forestville, with Rev. James D. Hankey, officiating. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Forestville Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials be made either to Forestville United Methodist Church, 3 Park Street, Forestville, NY 14062 or HOSPICE Chautauqua County, Inc. 20 W. Fairmount Avenue Lakewood, NY 14750. A special and heartfelt thank you is extended by the family to all the caring individuals and staff of the Chautauqua County Home and HOSPICE for their continuous care and support. Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. Condolences may be expressed at: www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
DUNKIRK: Frances J. Palmer Fancher, 99, a resident of the Chautauqua County Home, Temple Road Dunkirk, formerly of Creek Road, Forestville, died peacefully, Friday, November 25th, at her residence. She was born in Dunkirk on October 7, 1912, the daughter of the late Steve and Pauline (Bartkowski) Sikorski.
Mrs. Fancher worked as a Sewing Instructor for the former VanRaalte, Inc. Silver Creek, for 16 1/2 years. She was a member of Forestville United Methodist Church and the Lakeside Rebekah Lodge #381, Cassadaga. At one time she served on the Board of Elections for the Town of Arkwright. Mrs. Fancher was a homemaker & enjoyed crocheting.
Survivors include a son, Lester (Virginia) Palmer, of Forestville, a step daughter, Donna (Carl) Kuhlman, of Dunkirk, three step sons Robert Fancher, of Forestville, Rollin Fancher, of Dunkirk, David Fancher, of San Juan Capistrano, CA, a sister, Hildegard Polvino, of St. Vincent’s Home, Dunkirk and a half sister, Ruby Krautsack, of Griffin, GA. Also surviving are 2 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, step grandchildren, step great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her 1st husband Myrl Palmer, by her 2nd husband Albert Fancher, by a sister Florence Bernett and by 3 brothers Frank Geabon, Richard Ball & Ralph Ball.
Friends are welcome to call at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Monday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm, from where Funeral Services will be held Tuesday morning at 11 o’clock, with Rev. James D. Hankey, pastor of the Forestville United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Arkwright Summit Cemetery, Town of Arkwright.
The family suggests memorial donations may be made either to the Forestville Fire Dept. Emergency & Rescue Squad, Chestnut Street, Forestville, NY 14062 or to the Forestville United Methodist Church, 3 Park Street Forestville, NY 14062. To send condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
Lafayette, TN: Robert A. Hauri, 81, of Baker Drive, Lafayette, TN, formerly of Rt. 39 Forestville, died Monday, November 21st, at University Medical Center, Lebanon, TN, following a lengthy illness. He was born in Gowanda on January 19, 1930, the son of the late Arthur F. and Hattie (Tatchell) Hauri.
He worked most of his life as a Farmer. Mr. Hauri was a member of the Lions Club in Lafayette, TN, loved going to Senior Citizens and going to the Casino.
Survivors include his wife Beverly (Benton) Hauri, whom he married on February 2, 1949, in Forestville, three sons Charles (Donna) Hauri, of Lafayette, TN, Richard (Susan) Hauri, of Red Boiling Springs, TN, Douglas Hauri, of Forestville, two daughters, Susan (Charles) Trippe, of Fredonia, Patricia Reed, of Forestville and two sisters, Dorothy Hedley, of Florida and Karen Fox, of North East, PA. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by 2 daughters Judith Ann Zimbardi and Lucille Hauri and a granddaughter Angell Hauri.
Friends are welcome to call at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Friday morning from 9 to 11 o’clock, from where Funeral Services will follow at 11 o’clock with Rev. Michael Pollock, pastor of Gage Chapel Community Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Villenova Cemetery, South Dayton. To send condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
WESTFIELD: Robert W. Frontuto, 56, of Central Avenue, Westfield, died Monday, November 21st, at his residence, following a lengthy illness. He was born in Dunkirk, on October 19, 1955, the son of Robert Frontuto, of Forestville and the late Frances (Clark) Frontuto.
He was a graduate of Forestville Central School, Class of 1973 and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a Dental Specialist. Mr. Frontuto worked as a Lab Technician for Welch Foods, Inc. Westfield, for approximately 20 years. He was a member of the Westfield Moose Lodge #118 and he enjoyed singing Karaoke, hunting, walking on the beach and being a parent & grandparent.
Survivors include a son, Robert W. (Nicole) Frontuto, Jr., of Brocton, a brother, Brian K. Frontuto, of Gowanda and a sister, Dorie Mead, of Fredonia. Also surviving is 1 grandson Anthony Joseph Frontuto. Besides his mother he was predeceased by a brother Joseph D. Frontuto.
Friends are welcome to call at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. from where Funeral Services will be held Saturday morning at 11 o’clock, with Pastor Molly Golando, of the Sheridan United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will follow in Forestville Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 101 John J. Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY 14228-1198. To send condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
DUNKIRK: Alvin C. Martin, 85, of Middle Road, Dunkirk, died peacefully at his residence Wednesday, October 26th, surrounded by his family, friends & caretakers. He was born in Silver Creek, on December 10, 1925, the son of the late Clifford Lee and Olive Grace (Maines) Martin.
Mr. Martin was a graduate of Silver Creek Central School, Class of 1943 and served in the U.S. Navy during WW II. He was a devoted Dairy & Grape Farmer in the Town of Sheridan, for most of his life. Mr. Martin was a member of Upstate Milk Cooperative, Growers Co-op, Welch’s Co-op and New York Farm Bureau. He was also a member of the former Sheridan Grange #235 and was currently a member of Fredonia Grange #1. Mr. Martin loved dancing & square dancing, and enjoyed snowmobiling & traveling. His whole life centered around the farm, his wife, children and family.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Loretta) Pierce and Madonna Martin, both of Sheridan, a son, Mark (Candice) Light-Martin, of Silver Creek and a sister, Althea Sweet, of Silver Creek. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren; Brian Pierce, Jeff Pierce, Daniel Struzynski, Kevin (Heather) Martin, Christiana Martin & Elliott Martin, 4 great grandchildren Austin, Kaleigh, Dylan and Lauryn Pierce. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his wife, Frances (Faulkner) Martin who died in March 1993 and by 2 grandsons Robbie Pierce, III, who died in 1992 & Joshua Martin Struzynski, who died in 2004.
Friends are welcome to call at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm, from where Funeral Services will be held Saturday morning, at 11 o’clock. Interment will follow in Sheridan Center Cemetery, Town of Sheridan, where Graveside Military Services will be conducted by members of the Dunkirk Joint Veteran’s Council.
The family suggests memorial donations may be made either to the Sheridan Fire Department, PO Box 122, Sheridan, NY 14135 or to HOSPICE Chautauqua County, Inc. 20 W. Fairmount Avenue Lakewood, NY 14750. To send condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com
FORESTVILLE: William D. Reed, 55, of King Road, Forestville, died Tuesday, September 13th, at his residence, following a battle with brain cancer. He was born in Buffalo on November 10, 1955, the son of the late James and Virginia (Mannaro) Reed.
Mr. Reed worked in Sanitation for Petri Baking Products, Silver Creek, for 29 years, retiring in 2010. He was a member of the Kosciuszko Club, Dunkirk, was a fan of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. Mr. Reed enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports, never missing a game, and enjoyed his family animals.
Survivors include his wife Patricia M. (Hauri) Reed, of Forestville, two step daughters, Cheryl Priest and Tammy Valentine, both of Forestville, two sisters, Carol McCune and Jean (Wiers) Aeschbacher, both of Forestville and a brother, Mike Reed. Also surviving are 2 grandchildren Michael and Robert Priest and close friend Gary Jock, Sr. Friends are welcome to call at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Thursday evening from 7-9 pm, from where Funeral Services will be held Friday morning, at 11 o’clock, with Rev. Michael Pollock, pastor of Gage Chapel Community Church, officiating. The family suggests memorial donations may be made either to the HOSPICE Chautauqua County, Inc. 20 W. Fairmount Avenue Lakewood, NY 14750 or to Forestville Fire Dept. Emergency & Rescue Squad, Chestnut Street, Forestville, NY 14062. To send condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
