Obituary of Emmett Shirey

Olean, NY Emmett L. Shirey of 912 Osgood Avenue died Thursday (May 12, 2011) in the Olean General Hospital. Born October 25, 1920 in Hazel Hurst, PA he was the son of Evan and Viola Olson Shirey. On September 7, 1943 in Olean he married DonnaRaye Manley who survives. They had been married sixty seven years. Mr. Shirey was a graduate of Olean High School and had resided in Olean most of his life. He enlisted in the US Army where he served from 1942 until 1946. He was a skilled mechanic who first worked for Marra Bros. for nine years and later for the City of Olean for twenty nine years, retiring in 1984. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church. He enjoyed fixing things around the house as well as building cabinetry and remodeling. He and his wife also enjoyed traveling to visit family. He was especially fond of his two miniature schnauzers "Nickie" and "Chipper". Surviving besides his wife are two daughters Rev. Carol (Bob) Thayer of Olean and Michelle (Patrick) Crean of Benton Harbor, MI; three grandchildren Laurie Firth of Olean, Thomas (Elizabeth) Thayer of Olean and Robyne (Justin) Rockwell of Copperas Cove, TX; six great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig &amp; Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Tuesday from 6-8pm. A memorial service will be held Wednesday (May 18, 2011) at 11:00am in the funeral home. Rev. Robert Goode will officiate. Family encourages those who attend to wear red in recognition of Mr. Shirey's favorite color. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the SPCA of Cattaraugus County 2944 Olean-Hinsdale Rd. Olean, NY 14760 or to the Chautauqua Blind Association, Inc. 510 W. Fifth St. Jamestown, NY 14701. <h3>Visitation</h3> Family and friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Tuesday May 17th from 6-8pm <h3>Services</h3> Memorial Service 11:00am Wednesday May 18, 2011 in the funeral home.