John J. Robarts

Wellsville, NY - John J. Robarts, 79, of 85 Early Street died at home on Wednesday, December 28, 2011surrounded by his family. He was born May 10, 1932 in Wellsville the son of the late Harrison Ross and Gay (Holder) Robarts. On August 19, 1978 at the Christian Temple in Wellsville he married Martha Kemp who survives.
John was a graduate of Wellsville High School and attended Alfred University. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army during the Korean War; attaining the rank of Sergeant 1st Class. He was employed at the former Empire Gas Company, Cannon's Clothing Store and Wellsville Realty. He later purchased Wellsville Realty and after a name change, he operated Robarts Realty for many years until his recent retirement. For many years he was also employed as a gas station attendant and sold tickets at Tuller Field for the Pony League baseball games. He was a former high school basketball referee and a member a member of the I.A.A.B.O. Board of Basketball Officials. He was a past president of the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce, former director of the Wellsville United Fund and had served on the Wellsville Water and Light Board. He was a member of the Elks Lodge # 1495, the Morrison Hayes Post 702 American Legion, Frank B. Church Post # 2530 VFW and the Western Steuben-Allegany Association of Realtors.
Surviving in addition to his wife, is a son, Ross (Brenda) Robarts of Wellsville, a daughter, Barbara Ceglia of Houston, TX, four step-children, Elizabeth (Damon) Lawrence, Cathy (Chris) Weinman, Kenneth Kemp and Daniel Kemp, five grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, a sister, Roxanne Harris of Glen Mills, PA, his former wife Bette Robarts of Wellsville as well as several several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two half -brothers, Gene Robarts and Harrison "Bud" Robarts.
Friends are invited to call on Monday, January 2, 2012 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A memorial service will follow visitation on Monday at 7:30 pm in the Funeral Home with Rev. Ralph Eastlack presiding. Interment with Military honors will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the David A. Howe Public Library. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.