Joseph R Higley

Joseph R. Higley

“Have a good rest of your day and a good day tomorrow.”

 Olean – Joseph R. Higley of Olean passed away Saturday,  June 13, 2026.

Born Nov. 15, 1948, in Port Allegany, he was the son of Lillian and Robert Higley.

Joseph was a graduate of Olean High School. He was a long-time custodian for Hinsdale Central School.

Joseph loved talking on the phone, sitting outside, taking trips to get fish fries, and spending time with his family and friends. He loved his fireballs and gifting family and friends with them.  Joseph enjoyed hunting and fishing and spent many years volunteering for the St. John’s Italian Festival.

Joseph is survived by two sisters, Genevieve (Douglas) Kohl and Debra Wineberg; sisters-in-law, Liz Higley and Margaret Higley; nieces and nephews, Stacey (PJ) Blehar, Erik Wineberg, Trisha Wineberg, Jane (Mike) Wineberg, Kyle Higley, Amy (Josh) Briggs, Jeffrey (Casey) Higley, Chris Kohl, Kevin Kohl, Michael (Carrie) Higley, Becky (John) Louser, Tina Higley, Bambi (Dan) Vidonish; great nieces and nephews, several cousins and a great aunt.

Joseph was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Dean Higley, Robert Higley, and Mike Higley; brother-in-law, Bill Wineberg; a niece, Grace Higley; and nephews, Robert Higley, Jr., and Mark Higley.

Family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday (June 25, 2026) at Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean.  Funeral Services will be held at Guenther’s on Friday, June  26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

A celebration of life for Joseph and Dean will be held Saturday, June 27, from 2 – 6 at the John Ash Community Center, Olean.

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

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home, 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.