$2000 Reward posted by American Legion
Read names from victimized gravesites
“This is way too much!”
By Andrew Harris, photos by Michael T. Baldwin
The recent spat of larceny and vandalism on South Main Street has the locals quite restless. First, the Shane Colligan Memorial Park flowers were stolen, and then thirteen bronze plaques were pried off veteran tombstones in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
Wellsville Chief of Police Tim O’Grady recently released the names of the gravesites which were disrespected:
Richard Brunell
Chester Kensek
Edward Curtis
Donald Aiken
Theodore Jedinak
Merle Shay
William Hennessy
John Hennessy
Dennis Shea
Howard Englebaugh
Robert Healey
James or Patrick Hennessy
Richard Deschler
Residents, former residents, families, the military community, and the Wellsville Police Department are anxious for answers, and consequences. Many families have been impacted, several locals chimed in on our Facebook page:
“My father was also a victim 
. Scum of the earth do these kinds of things.”
“What a shame ! Why would anyone do such things to people that fought for America? In fact why do that to anyone? Would you want it done to you , your family, anyone? It just wrong! RIP….”
“So WRONG! May these thieves be punished to the fullest “
The American Legion Commander made a statement and a $2000 reward, in CAPS:
FROM: BRENT ROBERTS, COMMANDER, WELLSVILLE AMERICAN LEGION POST 702.
WITH APPROVAL FROM THE OFFICERS OF WELLSVILLE AMERICAN LEGION, A $2000.00 REWARD FOR INFORMATION AND CONVICTION OF THE INDIVIDAULS REMOVING VETERANS BRONZE MARKERS FROM THE BACK OF VETERANS HEADSTONES. ANY0NE WITH INFORMATION TO THIS CRIME, PLEASE CONTACT
WELLSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 585-593-5600.
Michael T. Baldwin visited the scene this morning and had this report with photos:
“Officials at the scene just now said several nonprofits have offered to help. Many family members arrived today to review the head stones. One woman called the act “just disgusting.” Police continue to investigate.”
