Joseph N. Stayer

Olean – Joseph Norman “Bud” Stayer “Loving Husband, Father & Grandfather” Joseph N. Stayer of 431 Fourth Ave. passed away on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, in the Cuba Memorial Skilled Nursing Facility following a long illness. Joe was born on April 11, 1930, in Duke Center, PA and was the son of Joseph G. & Elvira Warters Stayer. On April 16, 1955, in St. Bonaventure Church, he married Helen L. Rose Ripley Stayer, who survives. Joe attended Allegany High School. He served in the US Army for two years from Nov. 16, 1955, to Oct. 25, 1957. Joe began working at Clark Brothers later known as Dresser-Rand right out of high school. He worked there as a pipe fitter on and off throughout his life until his retirement Oct. 1, 1995. During the times he was laid off from Clarks he would work construction, which took him to many places throughout the country. Joe’s one love was pigeons. He was fondly known as “The Pigeon Man”. Joe had even written a book about pigeons called “Wings On Wheels”. Joe raised and breed roller pigeons, fantail and homing pigeons and Joe had built 5 pigeon coops. He worked with his pigeons up until about 7 years ago when he had to give them up due to his ill health. Joe was a member of St. Bonaventure Parish in Allegany. He loved to travel and work around his home. In addition to his loving wife of 66 years, Joseph is survived by a daughter Roberta A. (Joseph) Mahar of Olean and a son Harry B. (Linda) Stayer of Rapid City SD. Five grandchildren Amy (Phil Sweet) Mahar, Stephen (Sandi) Mahar, Elizabeth Mahar, Eric (Laura) Stayer and Greg (Celeste) Stayer. Eight great grandchildren and a special cousin Duane Karl. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a date and time to be announced in the future. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to St. Bonaventure Parish 95 East Main Street, Allegany, NY 14706. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com