Obituary of Joseph Bear

Joseph M. "Joe" Bear Olean, NY-Joseph M. "Joe" Bear, 96, passed away Thursday (January 22, 2009) at The Pines Health and Rehabilitation Center in Olean. Born May 4, 1912 at his parent's home at the present location of Drs. Proto's office on West State St., he was the son of Leopold and Tessie Cohen Bear. Mr. Bear was the beloved husband of Jeanette Miller who predeceased him April 6, 1982. Mr. Bear was a graduate of Olean High School, later entering the US Army where he served during WWII in the African Theatre. In 1948 he began employment with the City of Olean as the Principal Account Clerk for the Public Works Department where he became known as "Mr. Public Works." As a municipal servant, he had a reputation for eloquently speaking his mind and was also well known for writing letters to express his feelings about a situation to the city fathers. Mr. Bear was elected alderman of Ward 6 where he served for two terms. He will be remembered as a fixture of this community who was always a dapper dresser, conscientious and patriotic, and wore the best looking hats in town while walking proudly through the city he loved. A lifelong member of the Temple B'Nai Israel in Olean, he and his wife provided hospitality for many rabbis, and taught religious school to many children in the Jewish community. Although times changed, he remained true to his faith, his observances, and his community. Services will be held at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Sunday (January 25, 2009) at 11:00am. Visitation will begin at 10:00am. Burial will be in B'Nai Israel Cemetery, Olean. Friends are invited to a reception at Temple B'Nai Israel, 127 S. Barry St. in Olean following the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Temple B'Nai Israel, PO Box 224, Olean, NY 14760.