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Richard Emley Obituary
PORTVILLE - Richard Deane Emley, 81, of Steam Valley Road, Portville, passed away Thursday (Sept. 29, 2022) after a lengthy illness.
Born Jan. 30, 1941, in Batavia, he was the son of the late Deane and Clara Bauer Emley. In 1961, he married Shirley J. Hartwig, who survives.
Dick was a graduate of Portville Central School, Class of 1959. He joined the U.S. Army in 1961 and was stationed in Fort Sill, Okla. Later, he was employed for Dresser Rand in Olean, until his retirement.
Dick was an amazing guitarist, playing in several popular bands in the Olean area for decades. His big moment as a musician came in 1970, when his local band "Milk and Cookies" produced and recorded a record which took the band to California to promote it. The record had two hit songs "Pushin" and "Time Has Come."
In addition to being an accomplished musician, he was a very talented machinist and cabinet maker; rebuilding everything from motorcycles to go-carts as well as designing and constructing several pieces of wooden works of art for his family and friends. Dick also built model airplanes from scratch.
He loved his John Deere lawn mower and enjoyed mowing lawn. He coached local youth football and baseball in the late 1970's for several years, coaching many local athletes on all-star teams as well.
There was never a dull moment in the Emley household, and his children will always cherish the memories made. From sports to fishing, walking the riverbanks of the Allegany River to hunt carp, and to high level barn basketball with friends, Dick was truly a devoted dad in all aspects.
Besides his wife of 61 years, Dick is survived by five children, Michael (Marylynn) Emley of Portville, Kelly Emley-Foster of Portville, Timothy (Kim) Emley of Portville, Gary (Jarvie) Emley of Las Vegas, Nev. and Rick Emley of Portville; his grandchildren, Brandon (Leann) Emley, Ryan (Mahli) Emley, Tyler Foster, Collan Emley, Zachary Foster, Brady Iliev, Grace Emley and Olivia and Hayden Emley; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Donald (Wendy) Emley of San Deigo, Calif.; and a nephew, Derek Emley.
Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 2, 2022) at Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean. Burial will be at a later date and at the convenience of the family.
Memorials if desired, may be made to the Portville Fire Department, PO Box 781, Portville NY 14770 or to Westons Mills Fire Department, PO Box 601, Westons Mills, NY 14788.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Emley
Sponsored by Guenther Funeral Home Inc - Olean.
3 Entries
Dick Allen
January 30, 2024
I missed seeing his passing. Dick and I were close friends in grade school (Olean School 10). While the rest the class was studying we were drawing picutres of WWII fighter aircraft and writing jokes. He had a great sense of humor. He was a founding member of Boy Scout Troop 13 in Olean. Lots of good memories of our scouting days. We reconnected by phone several years ago. I will miss him.
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John Hyde Barnard
October 3, 2022
It was always a pleasure being in a band with Dick. His guitar playing took us all up several notches and made the band "professional." With Buzz on keys, Don on bass and myself on drums, we had the best of times making music. And the fact that we became friends was even better. I have always held the greatest respect for Dick, not only as a musician, but as a person with integrity. His love for Shirley, his great work ethic, patience and wonderful sense of humor, always ready to laugh, made the music and the friendship all the better. The last time I saw Dick was when he stopped by the place in Olean some years back. He brought his guitar and we passed the afternoon playing old tunes, laughing at old times. He hadn´t lost a step and was as good as ever. I was truly fortunate to have shared a stage with Dick and will always treasure the music we made. Rest in peace brother.
Stephanie Lampack-Rajski
October 1, 2022
Sending love from Maine to the Emily family ... Dick was a great neighbor and always a pleasure to talk with and see that smile. Sorry to hear of his passing much love to you all Stephanie Lampack Rajski
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