Stephen J Wells

Stephen J. Wells, 58, of 59 Waite Avenue, Salamanca, New York died Sunday morning (January 27, 2008) at the Olean General Hospital, Olean, New York following a courageous battle with renal cancer.

Born August 20, 1949 in Emporium, PA he was the son of the late Clyde and Virginia Akers Wells. He was married to Pamela Cochran-Wells who survives.

Mr. Wells was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving as an airplane mechanic during the Vietnam Conflict. He was stationed at several air bases in Vietnam and the Ching Chaun Kang Air Base in Taiwan. A decorated veteran, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the AFLSA, AFGCM and the 73/AFM 900-3.

Mr Wells was employed at Haleys Auto Shop in Salamanca, New York.

He was a member of the American Legion Bucktail Post # 138, Smethport PA and was an avid hunter, fisherman and camper.

Surviving besides his wife are: six children: Shawn Wells, Tabitha Hoag, both of Great Valley, New York, Jennifer (Michael) Spears, Christopher Wells, Sarah (Steven) Stepp, all of Glocester, Va., and Preston Cochran of Salamanca, New York; 9 grandchildren Ellen Siperek, Indigo Wells, of Salamanca, New York, MacKenzie Hoag, Mikaela Hoag, Carson Hoag all of Great Valley, New York,Naiomi Ullman, Salamanca New York Tristin Porter, Kailee Porter and Meadow Spears all of Glocester, Va; one brother Arnold (Norma) Wells, Bradford, Pa; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday (February 9, 2008) at 2:00 PM in the administration building at Allegany State Park (Red House) with the Rev. Michael Trenchard, pastor of the Napoli Methodist Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, specifically Kidney Cancer Research or Olean General Hospital Memorial Fund.

Funeral arrangement are under the direction of the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York

e-condolences may be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com