Obituary of William J. Weidner

William John Weidner Allegany, NY William John Weidner of Valley View Drive died Sunday (May 26, 2024) at Olean General Hospital with his loving family by his side. Born March 24, 1938 in Dallas, PA, he was the son of the late Earl and Mildred (Higgins) Weidner. He was a graduate of Penn State University, and he served in the U.S. Army which as an engineer he was tasked with testing vehicles and equipment in extreme conditions (summers in Arizona and winters in Alaska). After serving his country, he settled down in Olean as an employee for Dresser Clark (later Dresser Rand) where he met Ellen Marie Mahar, and on November 18, 1967 they were married (she was the love of his life for more than 56 years). With engineering skill, hard work, and the patience of his new bride, a wonderful house was built (and, in time, a beautiful home). With Dresser Clark/Dresser Rand, he traveled the world (Japan, Germany, and England to name a few), but none of that compared to the love of his family and the beautiful mountains and pastures of both his original home and his adopted home. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed listening to and singing in the local barbershop chorus and quartets, square dancing, participating in local plays, and playing the cornet with the Twin Tiers Community Band and the Bent Brass at numerous venues as well as before the lighting of Santa Claus Lane in Olean. Trekking back to Dallas, PA to reconnect with family and for the Weidner reunions was a most special time for him as well as spending time with the Mahar family, and hosting holiday parties and pool parties. He loved coaching baseball and being a Cub Scout leader for his sons, rooting on the Buffalo Bills/St. Bonaventure Bonnies/Penn State Nittany Lions, attending meetings and trips with the 60 Plus Club, designing/building/running his train board for all to see, and many other countless joys. He is survived by his loving wife Ellen and his children William James Weidner of Smithfield, VA, Michael Patrick Weidner and wife Tanya (nee Bosilkovski) Weidner of West Seneca, and Timothy James Weidner of Woodstock, GA. In addition, he is survived by brothers and sisters-in-law – Willard Lansberry, James Mahar, Sr., Lorie Mahar, Paul and Judy Mahar, Richard and Mary (nee Mahar) Montgomery, Joseph and Roberta Mahar, Thomas and Kathy Mahar; his many loving nieces, nephews ; his family-by-marriage Lazar, Milka, and Christina Bosilkovski, and his many dear friends. His wife and children are eternally grateful for the great comfort they provided them during this difficult time. He was predeceased by his brothers Richard and Donald Weidner, twin sister Wilma Lansberry, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Francis and Roberta Mahar Jr., Margaret Mahar, John Mahar, Daniel Mahar, Shirley Weidner, Betty Weidner and nephew J.J. Mahar; nieces Linda (nee Weidner) Bricek, Tracy Ann Mahar; grand-nephews Kenny Weidner and David Kozick; and Christopher Bosilkovski. Friends are invited to call from 9–11am on Friday, May 31, 2024 at St. Bonaventure Parish, at 95 E. Main Street, Allegany, where a funeral mass will begin at 11am. Rev. Peter Bassey will be the celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Bonaventure Cemetery with full military honors being accorded by the Allegany American Legion Ritual Team. In lieu of flowers, and in William’s honor, please consider making a memorial donation to the St. Bonaventure Parish, the Allegany Rescue and EMS Inc., 10 N. 1st St., Allegany, NY 14706, or the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, 6400 Sheridan Dr., #320, Buffalo, NY 14221. Arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean.