Clarence G. Merow and Emma J. (Hotchkiss) Merow
Two lives came together that provided the frame of almost 75 years of marriage and together they added many threads to weave a rich, colorful tapestry. The threads were weaved with a loving God, their beloved family, precious church family, friends and neighbors. Interwoven was their care for many, creative talents, and love of travel.
Clarence G Merow died Aug. 25, 2020, at Heritage Park Nursing Home. He was born in Cattaraugus, N.Y. on July 3, 1925. His wife of almost 75 years, Emma J (Hotchkiss) Merow died Sept.13, 2020. Emma was born in Endicott, N.Y., on April 15, 1925. They resided in Cassadaga, N.Y., for 65 years. In 2018, they moved to Fredonia Place Assisted Living.
They are survived by two children; Dale (Lorraine) Merow, Coraopolis, Pa., and Darlene Fleming, Waterdown, Ontario. They dearly loved their six grandchildren; Curtis (Lisa) Merow, Coraopolis, Pa., Corry (Thom) Joyce, Sewickley, Pa., William (Dina) Merow, Coraopolis, Pa., Johanne Saraceno, Nanaimo, BC, Christine (David) Saraceno-Ast, Toronto, ON and David (Sara) Fleming, Vancouver, BC. They were also blessed with and cherished 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Clarence’s career in tele communications spanned 42 years. His first job was a lineman with Jamestown Telephone Co. Eight. In 1953, he joined Cassadaga Telephone Company. When Dunkirk Fredonia Telephone bought Cassadaga Tel, Clarence worked for that company until he retired in 1987 as their Senior Central Office Switchman. He then worked on a part time basis for Cassadaga Shurfine for about 20 years. Clarence’s volunteer service included working with Scout Troop 219 for several years, serving as mayor for the Village of Cassadaga for two terms as well as being active on the village board. He was a member of the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department and/or ambulance squad for approximately 12 years. He was active in many capacities at the Cassadaga Community Baptist Church which included helping at the food bank.
Emma was employed by a number of companies including Marlin Rockwell in Falconer, Sidey’s Department Store in Dunkirk, and then as a buyer for Bigelow’s Department Store in Jamestown from which she retired. She was an active bridge player with a passion for painting. She took tole painting courses and became an accomplished painter. She was also an avid quilter and seamstress. She created a beautiful legacy for her family because God gifted her with a vision of what each grandchild or great-grandchild would appreciate when she sewed, quilted or painted something for them. These treasures will live on in their homes for years to come.
They loved to travel and enjoyed camping with family and friends including trips with their Hi-Lo camping group. For the past 20 years, they were members of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church
The family extends a special thank you to Debbie Johnson for her love and care of their parents in their last years in Cassadaga and a special thank you for the love and care they received from the staff at Fredonia Place.
A memorial with family and friends will be held at a later date with arrangements to be announced.
Jordan Funeral Home of Sinclairville, N.Y., professionally and respectfully made arrangements for cremation and burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department or Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care.