Bruce D. KEAR

Bruce D. KEAR, 92, of Whitesville, NY, died Monday, October 6, 2025 in Wellsville Manor Care Center. 

Born August 5, 1933, in Whitesville, he was the son of Cleon Arthur and Marie A. Hall Kear. On February 12, 1955, in Wayland, he married M. Myrtle Payne, who predeceased him on November 30, 2023. 

A 1951 graduate of Whitesville Central School, he continued his education at Alfred Technical for two years. He was employed by Fred Bell in Wellsville, Whelpley Implements in Wellsville, and retired from Dresser Rand in 1995. 

Bruce was a member of Whitesville Volunteer Fire Department and a founding member of the Independence Rescue Squad. 

Surviving are: four children, Donald Kear of Scio, Debra (Jeffrey) Cornell of Wellsville, Linda (Brett) Mallory of Whitesville, and Teresa Hoefte of Woodbridge, VA; 11 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by two children, Lewis Arthur Kear and Michael Douglas Kear; five siblings, Allan C. Kear, Dean H. Kear, Dale E. Kear, Helen C. Clark, and Irene M. Kear; and a son-in-law, Jefre Hoefte. 

Services will be private. 

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.