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Bolivar New York Fan Page, Bolivar, NY (2026)

04/15/2026

James F. Richter, Bolivar Central School, Class of 1975

James F. Richter, 70, passed away on April 11, 2026, surrounded by loved ones — likely cracking one last corny dad joke on his way out. He leaves behind a legacy defined by humor, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to his family. A beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Jim built his life around the people he cherished most, always ready with a helping hand, a mischievous grin, his habitual whistle and a heart that welcomed everyone in.

Born in Buffalo, NY, on March 13, 1956, Jim grew up with a deep appreciation for family, wildlife, and working with his hands. He carried those values throughout his life, shaping a career in patternmaking and superior craftsmanship, where he was known for his ingenuity, dedication, and uncanny “MacGyver-like” ability to fix or create anything he set his mind to. He was an avid outdoorsman, a proud NRA supporter, and a lifelong advocate of responsible stewardship of the land he loved.

Jim found joy in life’s simple, meaningful moments — sharing stories around a campfire, cheering on his children and grandchildren, and spending time outdoors, preferably with a fishing pole in hand. He proudly participated in National Invitational Fishing Tournaments, was a humble natural athlete, and secretly a fiercely competitive pool shark and pond hockey skater. His green thumb was legendary — though he’d never admit it, claiming “it’s just luck and fertilizer.”

He is survived by his daughters Jennifer (Eric Everetts) Richter, Jamie (Eddie) Eastep, Lacie (Johnny) Dodge, and son Cameron (Emmalea) Richter; grandchildren Adam Clarke, Ethan Clarke, Hailey (Christian) Hoffman, Eric Vattes, Dylan Ricker, Michael Richter, and a soon-to-arrive grandson — each of whom carries forward his warmth, humor, and the lessons he taught through quiet example rather than words. He deeply adored his siblings Billie (Steve) Price and Edward (Diane) Richter, and lifelong friend Dave (Rena) Nease. He was predeceased by his parents Ed and Betty Richter, son Colton, and granddaughter Jessica.

Jim’s life was guided by a gentle hand and a belief in treating others with kindness — unless you were playing cards, in which case all bets were off. Those who knew him will remember his steady encouragement, his easy laughter, and the way he made every person feel valued, loved, and occasionally the target of a good-natured prank.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a future date to be determined by family. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes honoring his lifelong commitment to preserving and enjoying the natural world he loved so deeply — perhaps by casting a line, planting something green, or telling a joke that would’ve made him chuckle.

04/14/2026

Zane Grabow Obituary
Zane Scott Grabow

Zane Scott Grabow, Let your FAITH be STRONGER than your fear.
BOLIVAR - Zane Scott Grabow passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Strong Memorial Hospital, surrounded by loved ones, after weathering an inspiring storm of cancer.
Zane was born in Olean on July 30, 1963, the son of Wendell and Joyce McAvoy Grabow. On May 22, 1987, he married his high school sweetheart, Melody Auman, who survives.
A 1981 graduate of Portville Central School, Zane joined the US Army and served honorably from 1983 to 1986. He then worked for Arvos Ljungstrom in Wellsville as a welder, machinist, and manager for 35 years.
Zane loved the Lord and shared his faith. He was a mentor to many, and felt no matter your walk in life, Zane would be there to say, "What if I'm the guy God sent to turn your life around?". He enjoyed cooking, hosting, camping, and hunting with his son. He was President of the Bolivar Trailblazers, a snowmobile club, and reluctantly became a member of the Bills Mafia through marriage. His favorite places were home, Disney-the happiest place on earth, and camp sites at the Allegany Mt. Resort.
Zane is survived by his loving wife, Melody; his mother, Joyce, his children, Justin of Olean, Abby (Billy) of Olean, Aimee of Orchard Park, and Joel (Billi) of Bolivar, and Alexis of Hamburg; his grandchildren, Jagger the blessing, Lyric the little princess, Milan the helper, Nova the tough nut, Zane his Mohawk buddy, Bo the entertainer, Nash the flower waterer, Noxx the knuckles, and Navy the comforter; and his sister, Dixie Grabow of Olean, and a special brother, Claude McAvoy of Fredonia.
He was predeceased by his father, Wendel, and a sister, Wendy Ferry.
Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at The Faith Bible Church, 8137 Main, Little Genesee, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral will be held at the church on Thursday, April 16, 2026,at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon, with a graveside service afterwards at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Portville.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Ann and Carl Myers Cancer Center, 111 Clara Barton St, Dansville, NY 14437, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/give, or to the Bolivar Trailblazers Snowmobile Club C/O 7860 Rt 417 W, Bolivar, NY 14715
Zane's last words were, "Good night, and I love you all".
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean. Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Olean Times Herald on Apr. 13, 2026.

04/04/2026

Daniel S. Dempsey, Jr. of Coldenham, NY passed away at home on April 3, 2026 with his wife and family at his side. He was 78 years old.
Dan was born in Olean, NY, on January 24,1948, the son of Daniel S. Dempsey Sr. and M.Patricia Anger Dempsey. After seven years in Bolivar, NY, Dan moved with his family to Coldenham in 1955. Growing up in the family homestead just behind his dad’s business, Dan helped out in the pipe yard every chance he could, developing an affinity for the pipe business at an early age. When he wasn’t in school, he was at the pipe yard. He graduated from Valley Central High School, a proud member of the Class of 1966. Following graduation from Alfred Ag Tech in 1968, Dan served with NMCB5 in the U.S. Navy Seabees, including a tour of duty in Da Nang, Vietnam in 1969.
Upon his return to Coldenham in 1970, Dan joined his parents in the family business, Dempsey Steel Pipe Co., Inc. Dan and his dad worked side by side and shoulder to shoulder for many years. The pipe business was Dan’s life work, and he was admired for his business acumen, integrity, likeable personality, and lighthearted sense of humor. He worked tirelessly at the business, filling thousands of orders and driving over a million miles delivering pipe over the years. Dan was the personification of the company motto coined by his great grandfather, “We like to work.”
In 1976, Dan married Judi Mulligan, his “Little P*e Wee", of Newburgh, NY. For fifty blessed years, they were devoted partners, first in raising their family and later in working together for many years at the pipe business. Dedicated to his community, Dan proudly served 28 years as a Councilman for the Town of Montgomery and was an active member of the Coldenham Fire Department for 60 years. He was also a Life Member of BPOE Elks 1097 Middletown, American Legion Post 521 Montgomery, and VFW 2064 Maybrook. On a personal level, Dan was a loyal friend and always found time to offer a helping hand.
After 71 years, the threader was turned off, and the doors were closed shortly after Dan was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body Dementia in 2025. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who helped during these very difficult years. The VA staff at Castle Point and Hospice of Orange and Sullivan for their support and kindness to Dan and to all of the family. To our local EMS teams who answered many late-night calls for help. To our dear friends whose support throughout Dan’s illness has been unwavering, especially Elliot Arnott, Bobby Tersillo, and Kristen Sorice.
Dan is survived by Judi, his wife of 50 years; five daughters, Patricia (Bryan) Dempsey, and Mary Anne (Jake) Dempsey, Linda Parrella, Jill Parrella, and Jennifer (Jason) Vogt; and their eight grandchildren, Jake, Nicole, and Rowan Parrella Vaughn, Sarah, Jax, and Riley Lister, Nejma Hamdi, and Joshua Lyons. He is also survived by his brother Timothy (AeSim) Dempsey, MaryEllen (Doug) Glorie, and eight nieces and nephews, including goddaughters Erin Leybourn and Helen Dempsey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Town of Montgomery Food Pantry, the Coldenham Fire Department, or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Services will take place on April 11, 2026 at Goodwill Church on Rt. 208 in Montgomery, NY. Visiting hours will be 9-11am with a memorial service from 11-12pm

03/31/2026

Dennis E. Farwell graduated from Hinsdale Central School in 1969. With a draft card number of 70, knowing he would soon be drafted, he opted to enlist in the U.S. Army. After completing basic training at Fort Dix, NJ, he was sent to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Knox, KY, to become an Armor Recon Specialist.
From there he deployed to Vietnam, arriving August 29, 1970. He was a member Echo Troop, 1/1 Cavalry 23rd Infantry Division. He was a driver of an armored personnel carrier first and then a machine gunner. Assigned to I Corp (the northern portion of Vietnam), he was involved in actions ranging from the demilitarized zone to the border of Laos. He participated in Dewey Canyon II when the South Vietnamese went into Laos to cut off the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Dennis left Vietnam August 28, 1971; he served the remainder of his service at Fort Hood, Texas.
For his 365 days of service in Vietnam, Dennis was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, the Combat Infantryman Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal w/ one oak leaf cluster.
Dennis is married to Melodie Milliman Farwell, Bolivar Central School class of 1975. Melodie is the daughter of Wayne and the late Jean Milliman.

03/27/2026

This is a photo of the class of 1967 when they were juniors. In the fourth row back, the first person in the row from the left says, D. Waterman. Does anyone recall who she is?

03/26/2026

Daniel P. Hollister

Daniel P. Hollister, 79, of Wellsville, New York passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Born on May 21, 1946, in Olean, he was the son of Alfred and Lucy (Closser) Hollister. Danny was a graduate of Bolivar Central School, Class of 1965, and excelled in football, baseball, basketball, and track. While in high school, he worked at his father’s service station, Hollister’s Sterling Service, (Quaker State), in the center of Bolivar.

Immediately after high school, he was drafted into the United States Army. He served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967 as a medic, earning him the nickname “Doc”, still used by friends and family today. He was seriously injured twice during his service, for which he received the Purple Heart. For his service and heroism, he was awarded two Bronze Stars, (one for Valor), the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Combat Medical Badge.

Danny subsequently graduated from Florissant Valley Community College in Ferguson, Missouri with a degree in Chemistry. He worked for the St. Louis County government as an environmental science field technician for ten years. Upon returning to New York State, he settled in Olean and worked as a lab technician for AVX for 23 years prior to his retirement.

Danny avidly enjoyed golfing at St. Bonaventure, and watching all types of sporting events on television. His favorite teams were the Buffalo Bills and Sabres, the Chicago Cubs, and St. Bonaventure Men’s Basketball.

Danny is survived by his sister Nancy Lewis of Wellsville; his nieces and nephews Scott Lewis of Alfred Station, Lori (Karl) Vossler of Virginia, Craig (Sarah) Lewis of Webster, Kimberly (Daniel) Johnson of Wellsville; and great-nephew and great-nieces Sam Lewis, Megan Lewis, and Elizabeth Vossler. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Sheila and brother Wayne, both of Bolivar.

The family requests that donations in Danny’s memory be made to the Allegany County Area Foundation, (alleganycountyareafoundation.org), to support scholarships for college-bound students from Bolivar-Richburg Central School.

The funeral service will be under the direction of Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home, 554 South Main Street, Bolivar, on Saturday, March 28th. Visitation hours will be held from 12 pm – 2 pm, with the funeral at 2 pm. Following the service, interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Belfast, with military honors.

03/24/2026

Phyllis Jean Cowles Sexton
Wife, Mother, Granny

Phyllis Jean Cowles Sexton, age 96, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026 in the San Jose, California hospital, with family by her side, due to natural causes. She was born March 5, 1930 in Bolivar, NY to Charles W. Cowles and Mary L. Eaton Smith. She married her loving husband, Allan D. Sexton on June 21, 1965, who preceded her death on November 16, 1999. She was previously married to Lyle L. Sullivan.

Jean attended Bolivar Central School in Bolivar, NY and graduated in 1949. In her younger years she worked at a basketweave company, Grant’s Restaurant and Campbell’s Diner in Olean. Later she worked at the Bolivar Central School in the Laundry Room and Cafeteria, retiring in 1994, but also worked at the Cere’s Skating Rink along side of her husband, Allan Sexton.

She was a member of the Eastern Star organization – Star of the East #109.

She was an avid book reader, then she would share those books with other. She loved sewing and making crafts, and then giving the items away to everyone. Her family is sure that many of you have received a kitchen towel! Her favorite pastime was to send everyone she knew; all of her children and their spouses, all grandchildren (their spouses too if married), brothers, sisters, many other family members, and many friends – cards. She mailed all of them birthday, every holiday and anniversary cards, every year. She didn’t miss anyone. This was very important to her. When she would travel back East to see family, she made it a point to see everyone she knew, if possible, during her visits. She also liked to cook and was a great baker. Many received her and her daughter, Stephanie’s, cookies in the mail.

Jean will be remembered for her generosity and kindness and love to everyone she knew. She was a wonderful mother, wife, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to so many. She loved all of her grandchildren and thy called her Granny as many others besides the grandchildren called her “Granny”! She loved meeting new people and getting to know them…and of course, were added to her yearly card list.

Jean was from the Western New York area, Bolivar, and then moved in 1994 to reside most of the year at her daughter’s home in San Jose, California and would take many trips back home to visit everyone.

She is survived by her family and friends, in both San Jose, California and Western New York. She leaves behind her children: Stephanie (Joseph) Totter, San Jose, CA, Becky (Donny) Greene, Olean, NY, Jim (Dawn) Sullivan, Hazel, KY, Dale (Chris) Sullivan, Limestone, NY, Michel Sexton, Winston Salem, NC, step-children: Sandra (Ralph) Butler, Carolina Shores, NC and Robert (Sue) Sexton, Bruceton, TN, and a step-sister Shirl Nelson, Sequim, WA. Granny, had 19 Grandchildren – Amanda, Logan, Aaron, Daryl, Jennifer, Andria, Joseph, Jeffrey, Melissa, Nicole, Ashleigh, Lacey, Greyson, Michelle, Heather, Stacey, Jessica, Ashley, and Bradley, 33 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great Great Grandchildren. She wants to also remember the numerous nieces and nephews she had and loved very much.

Besides her husband, Allan, she was predeceased by her parents, Charles W. Cowles and Mary Leona Smith, Aunt Edna Eaton, sisters – Doris Mitchell and Evelyn “Lois” Lambert, brother – George W. Cowles, step-brothers Robert and Burt Harrington, and 3 great grandchildren – Desiree and Destiny Sullivan and Caleb Sexton.

In keeping with Jean’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral services. She will be laid to rest with her husband in the Maple Lawn Cemetery in Bolivar, NY at a later date this summer with her family and friends.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Bolivar Public Library, 390 Main Street, Bolivar, NY 14715, the Pioneer Oil Museum of NY, P.O. Box 332, Bolivar, NY 14715 or online to the American Heart Association, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc. 554 S. Main St., Bolivar, NY.

03/17/2026

Saluting the Irish with us and in us ~~ On this St. Patrick's Day we'll do that by getting out our "Benny Lyons & the Old Irish Cemetery" album with its story. The focus is on some early-1800s Irish immigrants in Allegany County, the sort of men - supported and kept going by their good women - who helped excavate and navigate the Genesee Valley Canal, and build the first railroads into Western New York and make the trains run - like Benny later did on the Erie / Erie-Lackawanna Railroad.

03/17/2026

Theo E. Bullock Crane
Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Teacher and Friend

Theo E. Bullock Crane, of 47 Pennsylvania Avenue, Friendship, and formerly of Richburg, passed away March 15, 2026, after a courageous battle with illness, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on August 13, 1952, in Olean, New York, she was the daughter of the late Jack and Ora Jean (Saunders) Bullock. On June 26, 2021, in Friendship, she married her beloved husband, Randy Crane, who survives. Together they shared a deep love and companionship, bringing joy and happiness to one another’s lives.

Theo was a graduate of Richburg Central School. She attended Alfred State College for undergraduate studies before earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Secondary Education from St. Bonaventure University.

Teaching was more than a career for Theo—it was her passion and her calling. She devoted 30 years to her students as a High School Biology & Chemistry teacher at Belmont Central School (now Genesee Valley Central School). Known for her dedication, patience, and ability to make even the most challenging subjects understandable, Theo touched the lives of countless students. Over the years, many fondly remembered her as their favorite teacher, grateful not only for what she taught in the classroom, but for the encouragement and care she showed to each of them.

Theo was a faithful member of the Cuba Methodist Church. She found great joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments—especially time spent with her family and dear friends. Above all, she treasured her role as a grandmother. Her granddaughters, who affectionately called her “Gaga,” were truly the light of her life, and she delighted in every moment spent with them. She was also ‘Gaga’ to many in Amy’s family, her warmth and love extending to Amy’s parents, siblings, and their children, creating cherished relationships. Theo also enjoyed braiding rugs, often sharing laughter and conversation with friends while working on her craft.

In addition to her loving husband, Randy, she is survived by her son, James, and his wife, Amy Bullock, of Indianapolis, Indiana; her two beloved granddaughters, Addison and Ayla Bullock, also of Indianapolis; her brother, John, and his wife, Marcia Bullock, of Asheville, North Carolina; her niece and nephews, Cristin, Ryan, and Sean, and their families; and her husband Randy’s daughters, Jennifer (Joe) Matta, Michelle (Tim) Hall, and Angela (Rick Emerson) Holland, and their families, who loved Theo dearly. She also shared many years with Garry Reynolds, and they remained lifelong friends. Theo cherished her many cousins and other close family members, with whom she shared countless special bonds and memories with each of them.

Friends may call at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 554 S. Main Street, Bolivar, on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 2-4 and 7–9 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Cuba Methodist Church, 49 E. Main Street, Cuba, at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Rebecca Worth will officiate.

Theo will be remembered for her kindness, her gentle spirit, and the love she freely gave to her family, friends, and students. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she had a deep love for Jesus that guided the way she lived and cared for others. During her illness and in her final days, Theo was lovingly assisted by the caring hands of her cousin, Kathy Saunders, and Cynthia Norman of T.L. Care Homehealth Services. While she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, her family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of the Lord she loved so dearly.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

Her love for Jesus and her family will forever live on in our hearts.

03/07/2026

ATTENTION, CLASS! Here's an advance notice re: 6-27-2026:
Still celebrating their graduation sixty years ago, the boys and girls of the BCS Class of 1966 are hoping for something a bit special for the Alumni Reception at the Bolivar Golf Club. The tentative plan is to have a separate outside space, next to the clubhouse, where they will reunite to share a lifetime of memories, especially those from the years 1953 through 1966. "BULLDOG SENIORS of '66 - meet up with your classmates in June!" (June of 2036 is too distant to plan for!)

Watch for posts to this Fan Page album as June approaches and the details fall into place.

The "6-27-26 Class of '66 60th!" album begins with FRED COLE painting the tank again. He's doing it somewhat "incognito," wearing his shades and Bulldog cap, assisted only by Mr. Whiplash who, since 1964, has spied on Class of '65 members to detect any plot to paint their "65" over a "66" that was painted over a "65."

Class of '66 girls and boys, shoot for a grade of 'A' (for 'Attending') on June's last Saturday and keep an eye out for updates via the Fan Page and other channels.

03/04/2026

You can't beat this deal while supporting your local American Legion.
This Saturday—-16 varieties of soups and chili for your selection. We have containers, or bring your own quart jars. There will be lottery board ticket raffles available—— 3 chances for $5, 2 winners drawn at 2:00.

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