Obituary Notice – Justin Henry “Judd” Niebel

Sheridan: Justin Henry “Judd” Niebel, 96, a lifelong resident of Sheridan, died Sunday, November 30, 2025 at Chautauqua Nursing & Rehab, Dunkirk. He was born in the Town of Sheridan on April 24, 1929, the son of the late Henry and Glenna (Cook) Niebel. Judd attended District School No. 7 in Sheridan and was a graduate of Dunkirk High School, Class of 1946.

  He served in the US Navy from 1950-1954 during the Korean War and spent two years in Boston, MA aboard the Constellation IX20. Judd was then assigned to heavy cruiser, U.S.S. Columbus. During his sea duty he was on a cruise of the Mediterranean for 6 months.

  Judd worked as a Lineman for the former Dunkirk-Fredonia Telephone Company for 35 years, from 1956-1991 when he retired. He previously worked for General Electric in Erie, PA and Dunkirk Ice Cream. After his retirement, Judd worked on his grape farm in Sheridan and drove truck for Barnes Greenhouse & Fruit Farms in Sheridan during the spring and fall.

  He was a member of the Hanover Masonic Lodge #152 F & AM in Forestville, the Westfield Moose Lodge #118, the Sheridan VFW Post #6390 and the Fredonia American Legion Post #59. Judd was one of the longest living members of the Sheridan United Methodist Church, having over 50 years of membership. He was a life member & past chief of the Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department.

  He was a Boston Red Sox & Buffalo Sabres fan and a die-hard Bills fan, even having season tickets from the time they started playing at the “Rock Pile” and being there for their opening game. He never gave up, hoping to see them win a Super Bowl. As many will remember, the Buffalo Bills (bears) were out on the front lawn of his home during football season; if the Bills won their game they would be facing out, but if they lost, they were turned around towards the house until they were lucky enough to win again.

  Judd was a former avid turkey and deer hunter for many years. In his later years, he liked keeping his yard mowed and well groomed. He and Nancy enjoyed going to the Daytona 500 races in Florida for many years to cheer for his favorite racer Mark Martin. Judd was a loving husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather to his family & extended family. He will be missed by so many.

  Survivors include his wife of 33 years Nancy (LoGuidice) Bunge Niebel of Sheridan, whom he married on June 27, 1992 in Sheridan United Methodist Church, daughter Donna (Dana) Gibbon of Sheridan, son Terry A. Niebel of Sheridan, two step-daughters Judi A. (Mark Young) Bunge of Amherst, Susanne M. Valentine of Dunkirk and step-son Douglas T. (Teresa) Bunge of Fredonia.  Also surviving are five grandchildren; Justin J. (Erin) & Lesley (Justin Lee) Niebel, Tracy Rice, Louie Aliquo, and Stacy Weber, three step-grandchildren; Nicholas (Michelle) Valentine, Zachary (Jessica) & Jamison Bunge, seven great grandchildren; Ella & Louie Aliquo, Jackson, Aubrey & Ben Niebel, and Tre & Damian Lee, two great step-grandchildren; Gaberiel Valentine & Conrad Justin Bunge, several cousins and his two cats; Willa & Tessa.  Besides his parents he was predeceased by his first wife Beverly (Wilbur) Niebel who died in 1986, sisters Alice Walton & infant Irma Niebel and a daughter-in-law JoAnn Niebel who died November 1, 2024.

  Funeral services will be held at the Sheridan United Methodist Church, Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 11 o’clock with Rev. David Watson officiating. Private interment will be in Sheridan Center Cemetery.

  The family suggests memorials may be made either to Sheridan United Methodist Church, Main Road, Sheridan, NY 14135 or the Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 122, Sheridan, NY 14135. To post condolences or memories go to https://rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.