W. Massey Booth

Shinglehouse, PA- W. Massey Booth, Jr. passed away on June 7, 2022, after a lengthy illness at Glenview Farms, on Kings Run Road in Ceres, the place he loved most in the world.

He was born on June 17, 1943, in Olean to Wellington Massey Booth and Carmen America Booth. After growing up in Arlington, Virginia, he returned to Portville and graduated from Portville Central School in 1961. During high school, he worked with his revered mentor and uncle, Dr. Bing Hackett, at Glenview Farms.   

Massey attended the University of Buffalo, where he majored in history and played football. He also came home on weekends and breaks to help at the Farm.  After graduation from UB, he returned to Portville Central School, where he taught history and coached football.  On June 3, 1968, he married Kathleen Grover Booth.  His teaching career lasted for more than 40 years, straddling a short break when he was drafted into the Army reserves. He was primarily a history teacher, but also taught driver’s education, and in the later years of his career, economics, psychology and business law. His love for teaching was only outweighed by his greatly cherished relationships with his fellow teachers, some of whom were recruited to work at the Farm over breaks.

Massey dearly loved all those who survived him including his wife Kathy, and their daughter Kelly Moore (Philip) and grandchildren Captain Jake Hoster (Madison), Alex Hoster and Isabella Moore. He is also survived by their son Curt (Brynja) and grandchildren Henry and Katherine.  He was predeceased by his brother Jim, but is survived by his nephew Justin (Meghan) and their children. He is survived by his sister Barbara Jennings (Paul) and their children Bruce (Cassandra), Carol (Jim), Chris and Allison (Todd) as well as many of their children. He is also survived by many members of his “Team” that worked at the Farm over the years, including friend and 30-year employee, Wayde Savidge, and by loyal friends and caregivers, Chris Payne and Sadie Enty.

Massey’s passion in life was Glenview Farms, where he raised registered Polled Hereford beef cattle. The farming operation has been in existence for over 70 years, and the property has been in the family since the 1860s. When he took over the farm in the mid 1980s, he became very active in the cattle circuit.  He enjoyed traveling to all parts of the country and to Canada for events, leaving many fond and lasting relationships. He was recognized in several states by multiple organizations for his contributions to the breed. Massey’s cattle won awards in shows throughout the country and in Canada.

Massey’s favorite thing of all was to talk. He never found anyone with whom he could not carry on a conversation—and there was never a short conversation with him, nor even a short message on an answering machine or voice mail.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Massey’s Honor to the Milton Plesur Scholarship Fund at the University of Buffalo https://ubfoundation.buffalo.edu/giving/?gift_allocation=01-1-1-02262, the Portville Historical Society http://www.portvillehistory.org or UPMC Cole Hospice.  There will be no visitation or service immediately, but a celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family.   

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 51 S. Main Street, Portville. Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.