Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc.

Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc. I’m committed to providing compassionate, respectful, and personalized care to the families I serve. In 1891 Floyd and Amanda Loop established the F.A.

It’s both an honor and a responsibility to support my community during life’s most difficult moments, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me. ~Mark Loop and Son Undertakers & Furniture Store on Main Street in Bolivar, New York. In the early days, funeral visitation in the family's home was the norm. As customs changed the use of a funeral home gained in popularity. So they purchased the 66

Friendship Street property as their funeral home. In the 1930's Floyd and Amanda's son Harley joined the family business. Following his service in WWII, in the US Army Air Corp, Roy Schaffner graduated from the Cleveland School of Embalming in 1939. Roy joined Harley and Lois Loop in the operation of the funeral home and furniture store. In 1956 Roy purchased the business from Harley Loop and moved the funeral home to its current location at 554 South Main Street. Roy was an active member of the Bolivar Community who felt that the funeral home should be a place where every family he served would feel at home. That philosophy is at the heart of what we believe to this day. Roy's son Joseph graduated from Bolivar Central School in 1972 and SUNY Canton in 1974, with a degree in Mortuary Science. Following a one year residency program, Joe joined his father in October 1975. Joe became the Manager of the funeral home upon Roy's retirement in 1976. Along with his wife Eileen, Joe purchased the funeral home in 1990 and continues as owner/manager. Today we are the oldest established funeral home in Allegany County and one of the oldest in western New York.

Serving the family of Barbara A. Ward. Barbara A. Ward: Loving Mother and Grandmother Barbara A. Ward, 77, of 4067 Times...
08/30/2026

Serving the family of Barbara A. Ward.

Barbara A. Ward: Loving Mother and Grandmother

Barbara A. Ward, 77, of 4067 Times Square, Friendship, passed away after a brief and unexpected battle with cancer on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at her daughter’s home surrounded by family.

Born on February 27, 1949, in Cuba, she was a daughter of the late Glenda McGraw and Andrew J. "Mike" Cummins, but was raised by her father, Mike, and his second wife, Norma Wood. On December 23, 1972, in Friendship, she married Jerry E. Ward who predeceased her on March 12, 2025.

She was a graduate of Friendship Central School Class of 1967.

Barb was employed at the Friendship Foundry and later as an assembler at Prestolite Electric Corp. in Arcade for 23 years retiring in 2016.

She was a member of the Friendship American Legion Post 1168 Auxiliary and enjoyed cooking, loved vacationing and traveling, but most of all spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children, Jodi (Patrick) Clark, Dustin Ward, Douglas (Monica) Ward, Ross (Marjory) Ward, Megan (Tony) Solomon, Amanda Ward all of Friendship, and Becky (Brian) Hicks of Richburg; her grandchildren, Maranda, Cole, Austin, Rafe, MacKenzie, Jarret, Trent, Jeremy, Joseph, Mark Jr., Zane, Claire, Piper, McKayla, Shakira, Kirsten, Kiley, Brock, and Karlee; 14 great grandchildren; a brother David (Annette) Cummins of Statesville, NC and a sister Linda (John) Austin of Fayetteville, NC; several nieces and nephews, and many foster children throughout the years.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a grandson Clayson Pangburn.

Friends may call at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Saturday, September 5, 2026 from Noon until 2:00 P.M. A Celebration of Life will be held after visitation at the Friendship American Legion, 29 Depot Street, Friendship, NY 14739.

Memorials may be made to the Friendship American Legion Post 1168 or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Barbara touched many children’s lives throughout her life and meant a lot to many people and will be deeply missed.

Serving the family of Manley A. Clark. Manley A. Clark: Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather Manley A. Clark, 86, of Bla...
08/30/2026

Serving the family of Manley A. Clark.

Manley A. Clark: Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather

Manley A. Clark, 86, of Black Creek, passed away Saturday, August 29, 2026, at home, after a long hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born on January 11, 1940, in Cuba, he was a son of the late Leslie and Ruth (Barber) Clark. On January 4, 1997, he married the former Shirley Holley Thompson, who survives.

Manley was a graduate of Cuba Central Schools Class of 1958.

He worked for Deming Electroplating for 17 years, Ungerman Excavating for 20 years, but retired as the Town of New Hudson Highway Superintendent.

Manley was dedicated to serving his community and was deeply involved in numerous local and fraternal organizations. He was a lifetime member of the New Hudson Fire Company, a dedicated member and past president of the NYS Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, and a member of Cuba-Friendship Masonic Lodge #306 F&AM. His commitment to brotherhood extended through the Corning and Rochester Consistory, the Allegany County Shriners, and the Ismaila Shriners Kart Corps, where he proudly served as past president during his 40-year tenure. Manley was also a member of the Wellsville Moose Lodge #601 and the Rushford Conservation Club.

Beyond his civic service, Manley had a lifelong passion for anything built for speed. He was an avid collector of antique cars and trucks, John Deere tractors, and rarely missed a NASCAR race. Simply put, if it went fast, Manley was a fan.

In addition to his wife, Shirley, he is survived his children Michelle Clark of Tonawanda and Belinda (Larry) Knight of Franklinville, Craig Thompson of Black Creek, Chris (Don Glover) Hewitt of Tennessee, and Cheryl (Brad) Wood of Portville; 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; a sister Janice (Warren) Rogers of Barton; several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 from 4-7 P.M. Rev. Russell “Rusty” Horning, will officiate.

Burial will be in Black Creek Cemetery, Town of New Hudson.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners or Wounded Warriors Project.

Serving the family of Albert Ross Greene. A. Ross Greene, 58, of Friendship, NY and formerly of Crete, IL and Couderspo...
08/20/2026

Serving the family of Albert Ross Greene.

A. Ross Greene, 58, of Friendship, NY and formerly of Crete, IL and Coudersport, PA passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Born on April 22, 1968, he was a son of Albert R. Greene Sr. and Margery Glassmire. On April 18, 1998, in Crete, Illinois, he married the love of his life Billie Greene who predeceased him several years ago.

Ross was a truck driver for 30 years. He enjoyed woodworking, reading, metal detecting, and antiques. The life of the party.

He is survived by his mother Margery of Jacksonville, Florida; his step children Allen (Sheila) McGrew of Missouri, Timothy (Debbie) McGrew and Sandy McGrew (Mike Hibbler) both of Illinois; his siblings Lori Greene (Ken Button) of Friendship, Sam Glassmire of Wellsville, Kate (Steve) Roth of Mt. Jewett, Pennsylvania, and Chris Glassmire of Jacksonville, Florida; his grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba.

Serving the family of Harry W. LongHarry W. Long, 84, of Black Creek, New York, formerly of Lewiston, passed away Sunday...
08/20/2026

Serving the family of Harry W. Long

Harry W. Long, 84, of Black Creek, New York, formerly of Lewiston, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2026, at home.

Born September 10, 1941, in Niagara Falls, he was the son of Harry C. and M. Fredericka (Potts) Long. He graduated from Lewiston-Porter High School and went on to attend Erie County Technical Institute. From 1964 to 1966 he served in the United States Army, including a tour overseas in Vietnam. He was a longtime member of the Shawn M. Clemens Memorial AMVETS Post 1 of Cuba.

Harry built a lifelong career in construction and was a founding partner of Nichols, Long and Moore Construction Company, where he worked until his retirement in 2003. He and his wife, Kit, wintered happily in Florida for many seasons until Kit's health no longer allowed them to travel. He took care of her for many years before her passing in 2016.

Harry hunted for decades, though eventually he stopped bringing a rifle along on opening day, choosing to hold down the cabin instead, where the stories and the company were better anyway. He loved classic cars and the heavy equipment he'd spent his working life around, and could talk about either for hours. In recent years, his pride was a 1978 Ford F-150 Ranger that he enjoyed driving around Cuba.

Harry was easy company — the kind of man people looked forward to seeing. Anyone who knew him knew the smile and the laugh, and how freely he shared them.

He is survived by his daughter, Nancy (Sergio) Cruz; his grandchildren, Mateo and Gianna; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Catherine ("Kit"); his brother, John Long, Sr.; his sister, Nancy Long; and his son, Daniel Long.

There will be no services.

Burial will be in North Ridge Cemetery, Cambria, New York.

Serving the family of Leonard Gavett. Leonard Gavett, born in Edison, New Jersey in 1962, passed away in Harvard, Illino...
08/19/2026

Serving the family of Leonard Gavett.

Leonard Gavett, born in Edison, New Jersey in 1962, passed away in Harvard, Illinois on September 28, 2025. Len was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Lillian Gavett, whose values and spirit shaped the foundation of his life. He is survived by his beloved children-Elizabeth, Sarah, and Esau-whom he valued. Len often credited their mother, Yvonne, with the grace and strength of their upbringing, and he remained proud of the people they've become.

His joy multiplied with the arrival of his grandchildren: Gavin, Alaric, Donald “Chance”, Archer, Lex, and Titan. Each one brought light and laughter into Len's life, and he enjoyed their unique personalities and milestones.

Len served in the United States Air Force for 12 years, completing tours of duty including Operation Desert Storm, where he was part of a combat supply team. During his service, he became a skilled mechanic and proudly advanced to the role of Technical Trainer, mentoring others with the same precision and dedication he brought to every task. After his military career, Len continued his "wrenching" career as a Maintenance Mechanic. Always driven by a passion for fixing, building, and improving, a constant tinkerer, Len was known for his catchphrase "Steel is Real," a nod to his love of craftsmanship and mechanical integrity. He found adventure in skydiving, and freedom on the open road riding and repairing his Harley. Whether in the garage or under the stars, Len lived with curiosity and pride.

He is also survived by his siblings: Anna (Mike) Hom, Dr. Christine Gavett (Brian Weatherell), Edie Standley (Mark), and Neil Gavett, as well as his loving fiancée, Susan Bartos, who stood by him with unwavering support. His extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins will remember him for his warmth and wit.

Whether sharing stories, offering guidance, or simply showing up, Len's presence was a steady and comforting force. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and his loving family.

A memorial visitation will be held the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. until Noon. Graveside Services with military honors will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery, Friendship, New York beginning at 12:15 P.M.

Memorials may made to the Headstrong Headquarters, P.O. Box 412572, Boston, MA 02241 or to American Prevention for Su***de Prevention, 199 Water St., 11 Floor, New York, New York 10038.

Serving the family of Timothy J. Vogel.Timothy J. Vogel: Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather Timothy J. Vogel, 68, of 61...
08/17/2026

Serving the family of Timothy J. Vogel.

Timothy J. Vogel: Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather

Timothy J. Vogel, 68, of 6116 County Road 17, Friendship, passed away Friday, August 14, 2026 at Strong Memorial Hospital from injuries sustained in a farming accident.

Born on May 15, 1958, he was a son of Millard N. and Norma L. (Becker) Vogel. He had been married to Donna E. Vogel who predeceased him on June 7, 2014. On July 13, 2017, he married the former Barbara A. Borden who survives.

Tim was a graduate of Cuba Central School Class of 1977. While in high school he played football and basketball.

After high school, Tim moved to North Carolina, where he worked as a structural steel ironworker. After several years, he returned home to be closer to family and to start a family of his own.

A man of strong work ethic, Tim spent many years in the logging industry, owning his own log trucks and sawmill, all while running a small farm at home. He later worked as a heavy equipment operator before retiring from Kellogg’s Excavating Services.

Tim was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and the Miami Dolphins. He could watch live basketball all day, taking pride in calling fouls just a second before the referee’s whistle blew. Later in life, he learned to enjoy baseball and his love for the game grew with age. He cherished watching his grandchildren participate in their events and sports, and when he wasn’t at an auction, he may have been seen attending a dance recital. Tim was happiest spending quality time with his family.

In addition to his wife, Barb, he is survived by his children Shane (Heather) Vogel of Wellsville, Jessie (Lindsey) Vogel of Hornell, Joshua Vogel of Wellsville, and David and Teddy Adams, both of Black Creek; 13 grandchildren; two sisters, Glenda Stocking of Scio and Carleen Murphy of Fillmore; two brothers-in-law, Paul Prentice of Rushford and Edward Broshar of Cuba; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Donna, he was predeceased by a sister, Brenda Prentice, and a brother-in-law, Duane Stocking.

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Friday, August 21, 2026 from Noon until 3:00 P.M. at which time a Funeral Service will begin in the Funeral Home. The Rev. Marc Chamberlain will officiate.

Serving the family of William F. “Bill” Allis. William F. “Bill” Allis: Conservative, Honest, Opinionated and Outspoken...
08/14/2026

Serving the family of William F. “Bill” Allis.

William F. “Bill” Allis: Conservative, Honest, Opinionated and Outspoken

William F. “Bill” Allis, 87, passed unexpectedly and peacefully on August 13, 2026, after a courageous battle with life.

He was born in Wellsville, NY, on June 14, 1939, to Fred A. and Zelda Brungard Allis. A lifelong resident of Cuba, NY, Bill graduated from Cuba Central School in 1957 and attended Alfred State College. On August 14, 1960 he married Sandra Lee Hedden, his wife and very best friend of 66 years.

He served in the United States Army in Metz and Orleans, France and was a Life Member of Cuba American Legion Post 655. He worked 37 years at the Cuba Post Office, retiring in 1992.

Bill raced cars in the early 60’s and truly loved “the little blue car”. After his discharge from the Army, he and Sandra established Enterprise Kennels and Farms. They raised and trained birddogs and experimented with Whitetail Deer winter forage. He bred, owned, trained and handled the 1970 Gordon Setter National Puppy of the Year and field trialed and judged birddogs in the northeast for many years.

Active in the community, Mr. Allis served on the Cuba Central School Board and was a member of the Cuba Board of Assessment Review. He was the first President of the Cuba Driftbusters Snowmobile Club and was a 25-year NYS Hunter Safety Instructor. Bill was a lifelong hunter and an avid shooter and was a Life Member of the Cuba Rod and Gun Club where he served all official capacities and was the longtime Field Marshall. He helped initiate the annual Sportsfest and the youth trap shooting program. Bill also chaired or co-chaired all of the annual trapshooting fund raisers for Senator Cathy Young. He was a proud NRA Endowment Member and served as a member and facilitator on the New York State Friends of NRA Foundation Grant Review Board. He was instrumental in the Ruffed Grouse Society and the NYSDEC project at Hanging Bog State Game Lands.

After retiring, Bill and Sandy wintered in south Alabama where they worked with the US Forest Service on the Conecuh National Forest establishing Northern Bobwhite Quail habitat. He was the Habitat Chairman for the Conecuh Quail Forever Chapter. He wrote a paper on the Effect of Growing Season Burns on Bobwhite Quail in Alabama.

William is survived by his wife Sandra, two sons William Robert (Ellen) Allis of Wallkill, NY and David M (Sandy) Allis of Cuba, NY, a brother-in-law, David Hedden of Cherry Creek, NY, 6 grandchildren and 4 Great grandchildren. He was predeceased by both parents.

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 3-5 P.M. with a short service to follow at 5PM in the Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Cuba Rod and Gun Club, PO Box 122, Cuba, NY or Cuba Circulating Library, 39 East Main St., Cuba, New York 14727.

Serving the family of Earletta M. “Harv” Swift. Earletta M. “Harv” Swift, of Friendship, NY, passed away Tuesday, Augus...
08/13/2026

Serving the family of Earletta M. “Harv” Swift.

Earletta M. “Harv” Swift, of Friendship, NY, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Born in Susquehanna, PA, on Sept. 19, 1941, she was a daughter of Earl K. Hobbs and Mildred (Teribury) Hobbs. On April 7, 1962, she married Jerry R. Swift who predeceased her on November 5, 2019.

Earletta graduated from Friendship Central School in 1959. She then attended Robert Packer Hospital School of Nursing in Sayre, PA graduating in 1962. She also attended Alfred University graduating in 1986. She later received the National Certification in
Nursing Administration through the American Nurses Association.

She spent her entire working career in Nursing retiring from Cuba Memorial Hospital in 1996 after 20 years as Assistant Administrator for Patient Services.

She was a past member of the Allegany County Nurses Association, the Western New York Organization of Nurse Executives, the New York State Nurses Association-District 1, the American Nurses Association, and the American Organization of Nurse Executives.

She is survived by; her son Sam [Rebecca Dunham] Swift; three granddaughters Danielle, Michelle [Gregg] Donica and Stacey; Six great grandchildren Luke, Lily, Samantha, Greg, Jackson, and Zacher; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband, a sister Eleanor Hobbs Sevilis.

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10-11:00 A.M. at which time a Memorial Service will begin in the funeral home. Pastor Mark Mutton will officiate.

Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Friendship, New York.

Memorials in Earletta’s name should be made to the Allegany County Area Foundation, Crossroads Center, 6087 State Route 19N, Belmont, New York 14813.

Serving the family of Cynthia R. Pierce. Cynthia R. Pierce: Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother Cynthia R. Pierce, 71, of...
08/12/2026

Serving the family of Cynthia R. Pierce.

Cynthia R. Pierce: Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother

Cynthia R. Pierce, 71, of Belmont, passed away unexpectedly at home Sunday, August 9, 2026.

Born on July 9, 1955, in Cuba, she was a daughter of the late Gerald and Mary (Unfus) Jones. On July 20, 1974, in Friendship, she married Kenneth I. Pierce who survives.

Cindy was a graduate of Friendship Central Schools Class of 1973.

She spent her entire career as a secretary in public education, working at Friendship Central School and later at Belmont/Genesee Valley Central School, where she ultimately retired as Secretary to the Superintendent.

Music brought great joy to her life. After playing the flute in her high school years, she discovered her lifelong love for the piano. She faithfully served families across the county for many years, providing music for countless funerals, weddings, and special occasions. Above all, her greatest devotion was always to her family.

Cindy was a member of the Friendship United Methodist Church and was their organist for 50 years.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by four sons; Jason (Michelle) Pierce of Warnersville, Pennsylvania, Jeremy Pierce of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Jonathan (Michelle) Pierce of Sykesville, Maryland, and Justin (Betsy) Pierce of Wellsville; four beloved grandchildren Rainaa, Seth, Miller, and Averlie; two brothers David (Jenny) Jones of Beaver Falls, New York and Donald (Lori) Jones of Olean; a sister Diane Jones of Friendship; several nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 11:00 until 1:00 P.M. A Memorial Service will begin in the Funeral Home at 1:00 P.M. Pastor Bob Schooley will officiate.

Serving the family of Kathleen A. “Kathy” Burt. Kathleen A. “Kathy” Burt: The Luckiest Girl in the World Kathleen A. “K...
07/31/2026

Serving the family of Kathleen A. “Kathy” Burt.

Kathleen A. “Kathy” Burt: The Luckiest Girl in the World

Kathleen A. “Kathy” Burt, 70, of 24 Stevens Ave., Cuba, passed away at home on Thursday, July 30, 2026, surrounded by family and friends after a lengthy illness.

Born on May 23, 1956, in Rochester, she was a daughter of John “Bud” and Mary “Maude” (Snyder) Davis. On May 13, 1978, at Our Lady of Angels Church, she married Thomas Burt, who survives.

Kathy was a graduate of Cuba Central School’s Class of 1974 and was proud to have been the Class President. She then attended SUNY Geneseo and St. Bonaventure University.

Kathy was a happy employee of the Cuba Market Basket. She worked in the plant and offices at Cuba Cheese, but then was Office Manager for Dr. Williard Simons, DDS for 26 years, prior to her retirement.

Kathy was an avid walker who loved greeting neighbors and friends along her daily routes. For over 30 years, she was a dedicated member of her local aerobics group—an experience she always described as “a wonderful social outing with a good workout thrown in.” Deeply committed to her community, Kathy served on the Cuba Beautification Committee, the CRCS Alumni Association, Cuba Tree Board, and was a proud participant in Wreaths Across America. She was also a selfless blood donor, generously giving 170 units throughout her lifetime. A passionate sports and music enthusiast, she was a lifelong fan of Bonaventure Basketball, the Buffalo Bills, and the Rolling Stones.

At home, Kathy found joy in her indoor and outdoor gardens. Above all, her favorite place to be was with her family, and she treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren.

She is survived by, her husband, Tom; two sons Ian (Amanda) Burt of Clayton and Adam (Sara) Burt of Black Creek; her beloved grandchildren Olivia, Owen, and twins Henry and Wells; her siblings Diane (Steve) Robertson and Bill (Carolyn) Davis, both of Cuba; several nieces and nephews, and a large circle of friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother Michael Reitz who passed away while serving in the Vietnam War and a niece Quinn Davis who passed away in 1997.

Friends and family may gather at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 2026, from 10:00AM until Noon, at which time a Memorial Service will begin in the Funeral Home. Claudia Little will officiate.

A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held at the Cuba VFW Post 2721, 5425 Route 305, Cuba, following the service at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Cuba Food Pantry, 17 South Street, Cuba, New York 14727 or to the Cuba Beautification Committee, 5 W. Main Street, Cuba, New York 14727.

Address

9 Bull Street Cuba NY & 554 S Main Street Bolivar NY 14715
Cuba, NY
14727

Telephone

+15859282840

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