Alton "Jess" Westfall, 84, of 9068 West Branch Rd., passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Olean General Hospital. Born December 14, 1931 in Arcade, he was the son of Clarence G. and Helen Fleming Westfall. He was previously married to Virginia Westfall who survives.
Jess grew up in Rushford and graduated from Rushford Central School, class of 1950. Following graduation, Jess served in the Navy as a Metalsmith 2nd class until 1954. Upon returning home he was employed at Tadder's Sawmill in Rushford for several years. For many years he was a welder for Aronson Steel in Arcade, retiring from there.
He enjoyed hunting, bottle collecting, music, collecting Native American arrowheads and artifacts, and was a civil war and local history enthusiast. Throughout his life he played lead guitar in several country bands.
He was the oldest member of the Raiders Motorcycle Club.
Surviving are five sons, Tony (Cheryl) Westfall of Fredericksburg, VA, Toby Westfall of Buffalo, NY, Todd Westfall of Rushford, NY, Thane Westfall of Arcade, NY, and Tait Westfall of Belfast, NY; three daughters, Terri Osburn of Arcade, NY, Tammy Westfall of Rushford, NY, and Tanya (Michael) Perks of Arcade, NY;
several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Larry Westfall of Wellsville, NY; and two sisters, F. June Conley of Olean, NY, and Linda Ellis of Hume, NY.
Jess was predeceased by a daughter, Tori Lynn Westfall; and three brothers, Gerald, Bernard (Tim), and William (Bill) Westfall.
Friends may call at the Treusdell Funeral Home in Belfast from 2-4 and 7-9 pm, Sunday April 24, 2016. Funeral Services will be held Monday, April 25, 2016 at 1:00 pm. The Rev. John Asquith pastor of the Black Creek Baptist Church will officiate and burial will be in Belleville Cemetery, Town of New Hudson. Memorials may be made to the Rushford Rescue Squad and Allegheny County SPCA.
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