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Snowdrops, by Cindy Schreiner

Roy D. Alden, 90, Wellsville

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Roy D. Alden, 90, passed away peacefully on Friday (July 1, 2022) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

            Mr. Alden was born on October 23, 1931 in Bolivar to John Clinton and Sadie Marie (Ost) Alden. He graduated from Wellsville Central School in 1949.

            Roy had a varied and illustrious career. He had a brief tenure at Corning Glass and later enlisted in the United States Army where he served from 1952 to 1954. He spent over a year in Korea during the Korean War, achieving the rank of sergeant. After his service, Roy earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacology from the University at Buffalo. He soon purchased Sanborn Pharmacy in Wellsville and expanded into Alden Walgreen Agency Drugs which grew to become one of the largest pharmacies in Allegany County. He also became a hypnotist which helped hundreds of people with nicotine addiction to stop smoking.

            Roy is survived by his children, Nancy (Alfred) Cetrulo of Albany, Ore., Eileen Alden of Wellsville, Michael (Karen) Alden of Salem, Ore. And Roy D. Alden, Jr. of Buffalo; a nephew, Robert (Ann) Alden of Webster; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two great-great grandsons; and a niece and several nephews and cousins.

            In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his former wife, Reta (Goodridge) Alden Holinko; and two brothers, Willmott John Alden and Everett Eugene Alden.

            Roy had a deep interest in science, the arts, history and philanthropy. He was an accomplished guitarist, a life-long dog lover, a pilot, fluent in Spanish, an avid reader and enjoyed different styles of dance. He also worked as a professional musician, even producing a record in Nashville. Roy owned a Taylorcraft and a 2-passenger Ercoupe airplane; with which he introduced family and friends to the joy of flying. He also used his airplane for emergency prescription deliveries and to provide needed supplies during the 1972 Hurricane Agnes flood.

            People would often hear Roy say, “I have had a great life!” He will be deeply missed.

            Roy’s family would like to express a sincere thank you to all the many doctors, nurses and hospital staff at the Buffalo VA Medical Center, Bath VA Medical Center, Wellsville VA Clinic and Strong Memorial Hospital ICU in Rochester for their kind and compassionate care during dad’s declining years.

            Roy’s ashes will be laid to rest at a graveside service on Saturday (July 23) at 1:00 p.m. at Knight’s Creek Cemetery in Scio. Full military honors will be rendered. Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Wellsville/Scio. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.

      Memorial contributions in Roy’s name may be made to SPCA Serving Allegany County, PO Box 181, Belmont, NY 14813. © 2022 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.

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