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GOWANDA, N.Y. - Terry W. Mentley, 61, of Vail Road, passed away Nov. 9, 2009, suddenly at home.

He was born Nov. 26, 1947, in Gowanda, N.Y., the son of the late Arthur and Mildred (Heron) Mentley.

On Nov. 9, 1968, in Jamestown, N.Y., he married the former Linda Johnson, who survives.

Mr. Mentley was owner and operator of Mentley Funeral Home Inc., with locations in Gowanda and Little Valley. He took over the business from his father, Arthur Mentley in 1969 and was active there until the time of his death.

Mr. Mentley was very active in local civic activities. He was an exempt member of the Gowanda Volunteer Fire Department and its Rescue 3 Squad, past president of the Kiwanis Club in Gowanda, member of the Slovenian Club, the Gowanda Moose, Hanover Rod and Gun Club, NRA, the Phoenix Lodge of F&AM, Ismalia Temple. He was also a member of the Gowanda Shrine Club #1, a social member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, a member of the Cattaraugus County Funeral Directors Association, an original coach of the Gowanda Packers Little League football team and a past member of the Holimont Ski Safety Patrol. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman.

Besides his loving wife of 41 years, he is survived by two sons: Timothy (Jessica) Mentley of Cattaraugus, and Bryan (JoAnn) Mentley of Gowanda, N.Y.; two daughters: Kimberley Mentley and Stephanie (Matthew) Tadt, both of Gowanda; 13 grandchildren: Danny, Chelsea, Erica, Hanna, Lucas, Nathan, Zach, Abbey, Zach, Makenzie, Jocelyn, Brenna and baby Tadt on the way. He is also survived by a brother, Thomas (Sheila) Mentley of Cattaraugus.

Friends may call at the Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 105 East Main St., Gowanda on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

The funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. from the funeral home with the Rev. Kenneth Snyder officiating. Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery in Gowanda.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gowanda Area Youth Football League or the Collins Volunteer Fire Department.