Harold W. Tooley
Harold Wayne Tooley, 78, of Silver Creek-South Dayton Road, Forestville, died Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 at Brooks Memorial Hospital, Dunkirk. He was born in Greenville, KY on June 12, 1947, the son of the late Carlus and Camilla “Moody” (Allen) Tooley. Harold was a graduate of Forestville Central School, Class of 1967. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War and received a Purple Heart. Wayne was a graduate of Clark College in Mississippi, Houghton College and Fredonia State. Wayne was a pastor in the Albany area before he moved back to this area and taught at the former Christian Academy in Forestville. He also worked at the former St. Joseph’s for the handicapped on Rt. 60 in Fredonia. Wayne was a volunteer with the prison system for 20 years and many nursing homes for 25 years, sharing the Lord with others. He worked as a Labeler for the former Cliffstar Corporation in Dunkirk for 3 years. Wayne was a former member of Gage Chapel Community Church in Smith Mills and a current member of Christ Chapel Wesleyan Church in Silver Creek. He enjoyed reading and spending time with his grandson, who accompanied him on an Honor Flight.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Dorothea (Stafford) Tooley of Forestville, whom he married on July 25, 1970 in Gage Chapel Community Church, Smith Mills; a son, Stephen (RaeAnn) Tooley of Forestville; a sister, Jane (Kenneth) Thomas of Cherry Creek; two brothers, Claude (Jackie) Tooley of Forestville; & Kenneth (Katherine) Tooley of Fredonia; sister-in-law, Randee Tooley; and a brother-in-law, James Burau of Silver Creek. Also surviving are “The Grandson” , Hayden Tooley and several nieces & nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Christopher Tooley who died Aug. 2, 2005, a sister, Michele Burau, a brother, Johnny Ray Tooley and a brother-in-law, Eric Larson.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Smith Mills Cemetery. The family suggests memorials may be made either to Forestville Fire Department, Inc. PO Box 299, Forestville, NY 14062 or to Christ Chapel Wesleyan Church, 60 Buffalo Street, Silver Creek, NY 14136. Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolences or memories go to https://rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.