Michael J. ‘Bubba’ Sherburne, loving brother, uncle, good friend to many

OLEAN — Michael J. “Bubba” Sherburne, of Olean, passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2025, after a short illness at The Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center of Olean, with loving family by his side.

Bubba was born in Olean on May 24, 1961, the son of the late Ronald and Kathleen Cummins Sherburne.

He graduated from Olean High School in 1979 and attended the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. At OHS he received the Hookey Frey award from the 41-42 Club. This was for his unwavering commitment to OHS football and his teammates. Later in life Bubba would emcee their annual banquet.

Bubba spent many years as a bartender at many local watering holes. This was followed by 25 years in hotel management with the last 15 at the Wingate Hotel in Ellicottville, where he retired in November 2020.

Realizing he was not very good at being retired, he went to work as a hospitality aide at the Pines of Olean. A job he truly enjoyed going to every day, cherishing the relationships he built with the residents and his coworkers. Bubba was known to many as ‘the cookie man’. He passionately enjoyed bringing cookies, smiles, hugs, and fist bumps to the residents.

Every year since 1989, Bubba and a very close group of friends would travel to the Indy 500. He referred to the trips as his “spiritual retreat.”

Bubba is survived by his brother, Robert (Amy); sister, Linda (Sherrise); brother-in-law, William (Sandy) Peterson; six nieces and nephews; nine great-nieces and great-nephews; five great-great-nieces and nephews; and numerous close friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ronald and Kathleen; and a sister, Terri Peterson.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 16, 2025) at the Guenther Funeral Home, 1303 E. State St., Olean, with a memorial service at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Allegany Cemetery.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Friends of the Pines, 2245 W. State St., Olean, NY 14760; or to the IPDA Scholarship Fund.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.