Obituary of Joseph Pearson

Joseph Pearson, Jr. of 647 Linwood Drive, Cuba, NY passed away Sat. Nov. 12, 2016 at his home after a battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family. Joseph was born Oct. 8, 1921 in Titusville, PA and was a son of Joseph and Mona Gregory Pearson, Sr. On Dec. 7, 1979 at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Buffalo, he married his wife of nearly 37 years, Kathleen V. Gortke, who survives. Joe attended East High School in Buffalo. After High School, he enlisted in the US Army, serving with the 101st Airborne, during the Battle of Bastogne, and in the European and African Theatre, from Sept. 26, 1942 to Sept. 20, 1945. Joe earned the Bronze Star at the Battle of Bastogne. After his service, he worked at Harrison Radiator in Buffalo, retiring in 1984 after 30 years. He was a member of the St. Mary of the Angels church and the UAW Union. Joe loved sports and was a Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and a College Basketball fan. He enjoyed playing baseball and classic cars. He loved horses and was an avid Western Equestrian rider. Joe loved summers with his family at Cape Cod, but he truly loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandson. Along with his loving wife, Joe is survived by two children, Elizabeth (Shane) McElheny of Naples, and Jennifer Pearson of Olean; one grandson, Tyler Joseph Pearson of Olean; two brothers-in-law, James (Lori) Grotke of Hamburg, and Eric (Letizia) Grotke of Wheatfield; one sister-in-law, Judith (James) Eagan of West Seneca; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Jim Frietag, & Brenda & Roger Olmstead. Joe was predeceased by a brother & sister-in-law, Daniel & Audrey Pearson; and a sister, Barbara Morsheimer. Friends will be received at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., #646 E. State St., Olean, on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM, at which time a Prayer Service will be held. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 2:00 PM at the St. Mary of the Angels Church. The Rev. Gregory J. Dobson, Pastor, will celebrate. A Service with Full Military Honors will be accorded by the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post #892 Ritual Team. Online condolences may be made by clicking the button above.