Richard D. Emley

Richard D. Emley “Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather”

Portville- Richard Deane Emley, 81, of Steam Valley Road, Portville, passed away Thursday (September 29, 2022) after a lengthy illness.

Born January 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 United States Army in 1961 and was stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  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, NV, and Rick Emley of Portville; his grandchildren, Brandon (Leann) Emley, Ryan (Mahli) Emley, Tyler Foster, Collan Emley, Zachary Foster, Brady Iliev, Grace Emley, Olivia and Hayden Emley; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Donald (Wendy) Emley of San Deigo, CA; and one nephew, Derek Emley.

Friends will be received at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street, Olean on Sunday (October 2, 2022) from 4-7pm.  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.